Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Day 31: Camel

Day 31: Yoga: Meltdown & Shred, level 1

I really can't express how much I enjoy Jillian Michaels, Yoga: Meltdown. It is so good and so challenging! Each time I do it, I see progress. Since I started, the Camel pose always got me. This is when you stand on your knees, and reach backwards with your hands to hold your heels (like a back bend). In the beginning, I could barely touch my heels with one hand, now today, I could reach back with both hands and hold the pose. I couldn't hold it for the full 15 seconds, but I could do it for about 10 seconds. The last time I did it, I could barely hold it for 5.

Seeing progress like that, only makes me want to continue!

Mairead also has taken an interest in exercising with me! It's so important to teach our kids what healthy eating and exercise does to our bodies.

I've decided to work out for an hour as much as I can find time for - even if that means two 30 minute periods. I may not be able to do it every day, but I my goal is 2-3 days per week.

Tomorrow I will be running!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Day 30! "Mommy, are you burning?"

Day 30: Shred with Jillian Michaels, level 2

Today, I actually did level 1 and 2 of the shred. Because I knew level 2 would kick my ass, I didn't push myself in the first level. I just really pushed cardio and abs. I am really trying to get about an hour of exercise in per day, whether or not it is one hour straight, or two 30 minute sessions. During rainy days, it's pretty easy to do that.

Mairead really has enjoyed exercising beside me, it is so cute! She knows Jillian's face, and she has been using words that she has heard on her videos! As we were doing the shred together, she asks "mommy, are you burning?" - ha ha! All I could do was laugh! "Yes!" I said


Today was the 3rd day of level 2. It was the first time I could really say that I didn't want to cry or feel as though I was in labor. I can't say it didn't hurt, but it definitely is getting easier! I felt as though I really had to push today as I ate an entire sleeve of thin mint cookies! We calculated it out to be about 600 calories! Hot damn, mamma! I don't feel too bad though...I've been really good about my snacking, so it shouldn't hurt too much :)

Monday, March 29, 2010

Day 29: Rainy days and Mondays...

......always get me down! or Moving!

Day 29: Jillian Michaels: Shred, Level TWO..........And.......Last Chance Workout

Agh....8'' of rain this month, and it's still not stopping. This is enough to make anyone not want to do anything!

This afternoon, I did the 'Last Chance Workout' with the girls - not at full blast knowing I would be getting my ass kicked with the Shred when Kevin got home from work.

Once Kevin got home, we did Level 2 - WOW! That is TOUGH. We had done it yesterday after running, and it was like giving me a death sentence. I felt pretty good this morning, so I would do it again. There was no way I'd be running in this downpour today.

Level 2 is definitely a challenge! I like it. It's amazing how far I've come since I first started. I thought level 1 was pretty tough, but this is much more. The strength portion of the DVD is very tough. By the end of the workout, I am breathing like I am in labor pushing out a kid! No joke :)

I have to admit, I like this feeling now. I think of myself fitting into my summer clothes.....wearing a real bikini this summer, and actually feeling good about myself. It is totally worth it! I am also glad Kevin has been working out with me! Definitely more motivation to work harder!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Day 28: Running high my fat arss!

Day 28: Week 5 of the Couch to 5K - but, I just ran today because I forgot to look at what I was supposed to do.... :)

Weather: Cloudy, 40 and WINDY.......like a hurricane! Not really, but it felt like it!

I ran the same trail as I ran yesterday, so no need to post the map - isn't that a cool tool! I love imapmyrun! I also downloaded the PLUS version, which has some cool other features. For $5, it's worth it! 

Duration: 27:59
Distance: 2.49 miles
Pace: 11:22 mins/mile
Calories burned: 263

I hear runners talk about a "running high" they get when they run.....Are they for real? Seriously! I do not get any kind of high when I run. I just want to finish. Somedays, around minute 20, I do start to feel strong, and want to keep running. Though, I think this is because I know I am almost home, and if I keep running, I'll get there faster!

Today was tough. The wind was whipping hard, and when it was a head wind, I wanted to just stop. It was hard. I pray that it isn't windy like this when I have to run the 5K. That will not be fun. I also have decided that running in the cold is not fun either. I am really needing some warm(er) weather. It was also tough because I ran yesterday, too. The next few days are going to be a rainy mess, and if I didn't run today, I would have had to run Thursday, Friday AND Saturday. No thanks! So, today it was!

I will admit, when I get home after a run, I feel awesome. Like right now, I could do another workout. I think I am going to do the shred next...I need to burn some extra calories so I can really enjoy some girl scout cookies! I think about looking good in a bikini and having little to  no muffin top this summer.....Yes, I will work out.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Day 27: Dedication

Day 27: Week 4 of the Couch to 5K

Weather: Sunny, 25 degrees........too damn cold.

Duration: 28:29 (my longest run time yet)
Distance: 2.45 miles (longest distance yet)
Pace: 11:36 mins/mile

I thought I'd add a little something to my blog - here is my morning run! 



I always told myself, I'd never be that idiot running in the dead of winter. Those people are crazy. I turned into 'one of those people' this morning.

I had plans to run with my good friend, Kim, this morning, but when Kevin told me how bloody cold it was outside, I said NO WAY! I called Kim up and asked if she'd want to run this afternoon. She said "I was just getting dressed to go..."..............ah..........OK, I'll go.

When Kevin heard I was actually going to run, he was a bit shocked. I dug out my winter hat, gloves, and a fleece. And I ran. And. It. Was. Tough.

It was great running alongside of a friend. Talk about great motivation. I look forward to running with her again! The run hurt though. It was so cold. The most difficult part of the run was trying to talk and breathe at the same time! How do people do that without dying??? :)

By the end, I was actually feeling pretty good, and I decided to throw an extra few tenths of a mile in!

I am very close to 2.5 miles.....now, I need to surpass that mark, and start working on getting up to 2.75 miles!

Day 26: Double trouble

Day 26: Jillian Michaels Shred, Level 1 & Jillian Michaels Trouble Zones (quick version on OnDemand)

Today Kevin came home with girl scout cookies. My favorites - peanut butter & chocolate. I ate 5. Two cookies equal 130 calories!?!? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Not to mention, we had plans for a date night, so restaurant eating....

I need to do an hour of exercise to help offset the FIVE cookies I ate after lunch and the big dinner I was about to embark on later that evening!

I did The Shred, level 1 - I finally got around to buying weights, so I did it the right way. I am pretty sure the next time I will do the Shred, I will try out level 2. My mom says it will kick my ass. I'm sure it will...

After finishing that workout, I still felt motivated, so I tried out Jillian Michaels: Trouble Zones or something like that...it was pretty good! I really, really like the ab workout. Unfortunately, OnDemand cuts it short without warning. How stupid.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Day 25: Not in the mood

Day 25: Week 4: Couch to 5K

Weather: 50 and cloudy with light winds

Duration: 26:33
Distance: 2.36 miles
Pace: 11:13 min/mile

I thought I was in the mood today. Then, I started running, and it hurt. I wasn't feelin' it today. I brought Emmie along with me today, and I think she enjoyed it! I started running after my warm up, and I kept going. I thought "I can run longer than 3 minutes".....so I just ran, until I felt like I needed a break. That was 7 minutes. Not too shabby considering 2 weeks ago, it killed me to run 3 minutes!

Overall, it was a decent run. I guess it always sucks to start, but once you get moving, it feels pretty decent!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Day 24: Things have changed.

Day 24: Jillian Michaels, Boost: Metabolism

This morning, I stepped on the scale. I was a bit surprised. The scale read: 125.5lbs - if you have been reading my blog, you may have read I started this journey off at 128.5lbs. I hope the scale isn't wrong! Three pounds lost in just under 4 weeks!

This really got me thinking about how much has changed for me in the last few weeks. Before March 1st, I used to cherish my 1-2 hours to myself in the afternoon. It was quiet time for me, too. I would make my lunch, sit on the couch, read some email, surf the net, call friends and just relax. I didn't have the motivation to exercise at this time. I just wanted some quiet time, too. Honestly, I didn't even think about it (exercising). Now, on the days I don't run, I actually use this "quiet" time for bettering myself. I don't just make lunch and hang on the couch. I now try to eat lunch with my girls, so I have time to exercise during naps. It's amazing that if all goes according to plan, I can exercise and have quiet time!

Some people have commented on they don't know how I do all of this. How do I make time? Yes. I am busy. Yes. I have three small children who demand A LOT of my attention. but...I am important, too. The latter one has definitely hit me in the face the last few weeks. This 90 day challenge is more about losing weight. It's about bettering myself...feeling better about myself as a whole.

I have learned over the last few weeks to make time to exercise.

I have learned you don't need a whole lot of time to excercise.

I have learned you can exercise a little bit everyday for it to be effective.

I have learned that it actually feels good to exercise. I am happier. More energetic. 

Anyone can make an effort to exercise for 20-30 minutes each day. Of course, I never actually realized I could do it until I made the commitment to exercise/run for 90 days.

If Kevin isn't around to watch our girls, I will get the girls to exercise alongside of me. They think it's fun! Our girls are learning that exercising is good for our bodies.

I have never been so motivated to exercise and get myself in shape. I am ass deep in my challenge, and I am actually enjoying it.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Day 23: Shredded Yoga

Day 23: Yoga: Meltdown & 30 day Shred

I was feeling a little lazy today and needed some motivation! It was a rainy, miserable day today, and there was no way in hell I was going outside to run! It was a monsoon! This morning I motivated and did Yoga: Meltdown with Jillian Michaels. It felt good! It's amazing how much easier the poses are getting! I can actually start to hold the poses for 15 seconds, or close to it for the hard ones. It feels good to see the progress, it actually drives me to want to exercise more. 

Then... 

Me and the girls made homemade cookies. I can't stay away from eating the batter. Then, of course, I can't stay away from having a few warm, gooey cookies! OK, so I just cancelled out my yoga workout!

This afternoon, we were just hanging and I had some energy and guilt from eating all that batter and all those cookies. I put on Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, and got to it. I still haven't gotten around to buying hand weights, so I did it without. It was okay though, I did my workout this morning, too. I just felt like I needed to get that heartrate up a bit, and work on those flabby abbys (abs).

Ah, I am finally feeling like I am getting into the swing of things a bit.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Day 22 - Week 4!!!

Day 22: Week FOUR of the couch to 5K

Jog: 3min, Walk: 90sec, Jog: 5min, Walk: 2.5, Jog, 3min, Walk: 90sec, Jog 5min

Weather: 42 degrees with light showers

Duration: 25:07
Distance: 2.28 miles
Pace: 11:00 mins/mile

Have I mentioned I hate running in the rain? At first, I wasn't going to run. Then I got to thinking...what if it rains on the day of the race? I can't just not run, right? So, I texted my sitter, and she came over to babysit before the rain really got going.

Today was the first day of my 4th week of the couch to 5K. This week my runs increase to 5 minutes at a time. I have to say, the first day of this training did not hurt as bad as it hurt for my first 3 minute run. I thought for sure I would be dying after running 5 minutes, but I wasn't...Things are starting to feel like they are really coming together. I am not dying quite so bad. I know I am going to have highs and lows, and I guess lately, I have been in more of a "high" mood than anything.

I have completed 3 full weeks of my 90 day challenge. I am really starting to enjoy this new part of my life. I am hoping this challenge will start to be evident on my body soon :)

Day 21 - Day off

Today I decided to give my body a break. My hamstrings were a bit sore from yesterdays run, so an off day it was!

I actually missed not exercising!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Day 20: Personal best!

Day 20: Week 3: Day 3: Couch to 5K

Weather: Sunny, 58 degrees ..... just perfect!

Duration: 27:43
Distance: 2.39 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pace: 11:33 mins/mile

Holy crap! Dare I say it??!????? That actually felt great!

Today, I decided to try the run Kevin had been doing in our neighborhood. It is over a half mile longer than what I had been doing lately, but I figured I needed to start trying to go longer distances. I figured the worst that could happen was that I would have to walk more.

Not only did I decide to go a further distance today, I decided to bring our 18 month old lab, Emmie. She's got a ton of energy, and I thought she'd be a great companion to run with!

The first part of the run hurt. I wanted to go back home and take a day of rest, but I kept pushing, and it started to feel good. Emmie and I were running well together, and I was enjoying the perfect spring day.





Overall, this was my best run ever!

Here is my previous run stat:

Duration: 23:32
Distance: 1.98 miles
Pace: 11:51 mins/mile

Friday, March 19, 2010

Day 19: Something new

Day 19: Rollerblading while pushing double jogger

Today I thought I'd try something new. Since I haven't had the chance to buy hand weights, I didn't want to wimp it out and do a workout at home. I didn't feel like yoga. I didn't feel like running. What to do?

I dusted off (literally) my rollerblades, and bribed Mairead & Lilah to come with. I hadn't rollerbladed for exercise since college. I used to rollerblade 7-10 miles almost daily in college. I was hardcore back then.

Pushing the stroller and skating on an unsmooth surface wasn't easy! I did do my typical route of just about 2 miles in the same amount of time. I had told Mairead I would go "fast" - so during my skate, she kept going "Go faster! Mom! Faster!" HA!!!!!!!!!! I'd then respond by saying: "Honey, that's as fast as I can go".......I guess it wasn't as fast as I thought I may be. I had these memories of going quite fast on skates. Either that memory was wrong, or I am in really, really bad shape...Oh well!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Day 18: 911

Day 18: Week 3: Couch to 5K

Weather: Partly cloudy, 62 degrees with light winds

Duration: 23:32
Distance: 1.98 miles
Pace: 11:51 mins/mile

I think the song on my iPod, "Somebody callllll 91111111, fire burnin' on the dance floor" or however it goes was perfect. When it came on, I laughed. Yeah! Someone please call 911 as I am huffin' and puffin' and wanting to die! Seriously, how the frick am I going to run for another mile to do this 5k???? This is insane!

Anyways, today I did the same as Sunday. Run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes and repeat. I definitely didn't feel quite as bad as I did on Sunday. Though, it could be because there weren't heavy winds blowing against me either :)

Overall, it was a decent workout. I just wonder how I am going to INCREASE my mileage!!!! Wow. It's so not easy. So. Not. Easy.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Day 17: Cardio

Day 17: Biggest Loser: 10 minute Cardio pump & Jillian Michaels trouble zone (30 min total)

I had planned on running today, but my plans kind of went down the tubes. I forgot the girls had swim school this evening, so that kind of put a damper on my running plans. I decided to exercise during the girls nap times. I did two work outs that consisted of fairly hefty cardio and weight circuits. I was dying. Yesterdays yoga session really got to me. I was feeling it pretty bad in my quads, but it felt good.

Tomorrow I am planning on running!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Day 16: Felt Better!

Day 16: Yoga: Meltdown with Jillian Michaels

I was torn this morning when I awoke......run or yoga. run or yoga. I ran on Sunday, and I was trying to "plan" my week as far as when I was going to run. I just didn't feel like running, and I felt like my body needed a little break, so yoga it was.

Now, if you know Jillian Michaels, you know she doesn't do anything "easy", and this Yoga is NOT easy. It is a true ass kicker, but it feels good in the end.

I hadn't done this yoga since my first week and I have to say I felt better. I didn't feel so wimpy. I could actually do things I couldn't do the first time. Now, there were times I had to stop, and start over, but it was better than before.

We traveled back to Maine this afternoon, so the rest of the weeks exercise will be done back home!

I hope everyone is doing great!?

Monday, March 15, 2010

Day 15: Does it count...?

Day 15: Last Chance Workout

I probably should have exercised this morning, but, the morning went entirely too fast. Clara refused to take a good nap, so I wrestled with her for a while and then spent some time with the girls in the pool. We decided to go out for lunch on the water. After 2 cocktails, I had a fairly good attitude adjustment going on. Obviously, I was not motivated to work out after lunch.

Then, we spent more time in the pool. Kevin's mom made some vodka and fresh grapefruit juice, and boy! were they yummmmmmmo. I had two. Once again, not feeling the motivation to work out.

Then, we ordered Chinese food take out. Yeah, I better work out today after eating out. Twice.

So, I did. Last Chance Workout it was...and it kicked my butt! I was surely feeling it, especially after yesterdays double trouble. It felt good though, and I'm glad I did it. I used the 3lb weights again, and surprisingly, it wasn't bad at all. It looks like I will have to buy some hand weights fairly quickly after we get back home. I don't think I can feel good about working out with hand weights :)

Tomorrow we head home to Maine.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Day 14: Twice is NOT nice.

Day 14: Week 3, Couch to 5K & Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred......yes, you read that right. I did both, not sure why :)

Weather: Sunny, 68 with fairly strong head/tail winds

Duration: 22:58
Distance: 1.95 miles
Pace: 11:45 mins/mile

This morning I started week 3 of the couch to 5K. It's hard to believe I have completed two full weeks of this program. I'm not sure what I think quite yet. Some days I like running and days like today, I despise it. The program today had me running for 90 seconds, walking for 90 seconds, running for 3 minutes, walking for 3 minutes. Repeat. Running for three minutes absolutely SUCKED. How the hell am I going to run for 30 minutes straight to complete the 5K?????? This running thing is for the birds! But, the important thing is I finished.

Since we had a "family" day, I felt like I ate like crap all day. Cheeseburgers, homemade mac n cheese, etc, and Kevin hadn't exercised today, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to put a little fire under our arsses and do a little workout. It really was pretty cool to see how much easier todays workout was in comparison to yesterdays. I didn't feel like my muscles were going to rip apart. Overall, that workout felt much, much better than my run earlier in the day.

Now, my quads feel like they are going to give out on me!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Day 13 - Shredded...literally.

Day 13: 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels, Level 1

Today I did my third "day" of the level 1 shred with Jillian Michaels. Since we are at Kevin's parents and they had hand weights, I decided to use 3lb weights along with it. The last two times I did this, I didn't use anything, and today it was time.

My arms were burning. OMG. It's amazing to think back in college I used to do the same exercises with 10-15 pound hand weights! I felt so wimpy! Oh well, gotta start from the beginning I guess...

I definitely felt progress in doing push-ups where I could barely do them when I started this program, and now, it didn't quite so bad! I really pushed the abs work out, because lets be honest, my abs are.....ummmmmm.....absent right now. My "beer" gut needs some serious work, and I am going to have to do a 90 day abs challenge just to get those in order.

So today, I felt progress in my endurance and strength. It felt better not to feel so weak, and I can't wait for what's to come.

Tomorrow starts week 3 of the Couch to 5K

Friday, March 12, 2010

Day 12 - Treadmills suck.

Day 12: Week 2 of the Couch to 5K

Ran inside on treadmill because of heavy rain outside :(

Duration: 25:54
Distance: 2.05 miles
Pace: 12:38 mins/mile
(I ran between 6-7mph and walked between 3-4mph)

Today I had to run on the treadmill inside because there was heavy rain forecast for the entire day. I hadn't run on a treadmill in a long, long, long, long time. I hated it then, and I hate it now. It is sooooo boring and incredibly difficult, at least for me. There isn't anything worse than looking at a wall, or even a TV. It just does absolutely nothing for me, but I did it. I hate having to enter a pace, it's so forced, and unnatural

Anyways, enough about my hatred for treadmills! Overall, I think I did decent. I didn't have any side stitches again. It was fun having the girls come in and out of the room watching me run!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Day 11 - Dare I say it?

Dare I say the run this morning actually felt good?

Day 11 - Week 2 of the Couch to 5K

Weather: Cloudy, 70 degrees with a very strong cross wind

Duration: 23:12
Distance: 1.98 miles
Pace: 11:41 mins/mile

Today was the first day I ran since Monday, and it actually felt good. I did week 2 of the couch to 5K, which entails 90 seconds of running followed by 120 seconds of walking. Since I had managed to screw up Monday, I knew I didn't need 2 minutes of walking after a 90 second jog. So, I did 90 seconds of jogging followed by a 90 second walk. I ran in the morning before I ate anything, and sure enough, I had no side stitches. This would make the second time in a row where I didn't have side stitches, and I didn't eat anything before I ran. I think I solved my problem.

Running when it is warm out felt great. It's amazing how much better it feels when your throat isn't burning from the cold winds!

Todays run did not hurt as much as I had anticipated! I actually feel good!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Day 10 - Slacker

Yeah, I guess you could call me a slacker! Today I had every intention of running, but, there wasn't enough time in the day. Well, I guess you could say I didn't make time, because everyone has time, right?

We got up this morning and had a leisurely breakfast. One may say I should have run before breakfast....but, I didn't. Then, we got ready to head to Sea World for the day!

Sea World entails a lot of walking! I wish I had a pedometer, but I am guessing I may have walked 3 miles? Many steps with a 13+ baby in tow, or pushing a double stroller. Does this count? I know, I guess I am trying to make excuses for myself.

When we got home, it was 6pm. I had a crabby baby and two hungry children. Oh yeah, and two kids and a mommy who wanted a dip in the hot tub with a glass of wine. Yeah, the story is going to the shitter. Am I digging myself into a trench or what??? 

I guess this means I am going to have to kick my own ass for the next 4 days to catch up for what I didn't do yesterday or today!

Tomorrow, watch out!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Day 9 - Day off

Today I am taking my first day off since starting my 90 day challenge. I didn't just sit on my arss though...we traveled down to Florida to spend the week with Kevin's parents.

Don't fret - I will be keeping up with my challenge here in the Sunshine state!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Day 8 - I am an idiot!

Week 2 of the Couch to 5K

Weather: Sunny 55 and slight winds

Duration: 24:28
Distance: 1.92 miles
Pace: 12:45 mins/mile

I can't believe I survived the first week of running and am back for more. I know it is only going to get harder, but I think I'm on the right track...for now. Today, I set out to start week 2 of the couch to 5K. I was running for 90 seconds and taking 30 second breaks. It was KILLING me...I wanted to die. By halfway, I was sucking wind and wanted to quit, but I kept going. I kept wondering if I was doing something wrong! I was struggling so much more than I was last week.

Since I was struggling so much to keep going, I came home and went right to the couch to 5K website to see if I messed up somehow....and what do you know! I did. Maybe I should have read the website before I left to see what I was REALLY supposed to do this week!

For week 2: Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Yeah! No wonder why I sucked so bad! I have no idea where I got that idea of walking for 30 seconds and running for 90! That 30 second break was soooooooo not long enough! What a dumb ass I am! 


Tomorrow, we will be traveling to Florida, so I will be giving my body a much needed break. I have exercised for 8 days straight, and I feel really good! I will be continuing my challenge there!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Day 7: 30 Day Shred...again!

It's hard to believe it's been just a week since I started my 90 day challenge. So far, it has been going well. It is amazing the extra energy working out gives you. I forgot about those little extras! Since I am still exclusively nursing little Clara, I have been sooo unbelievably hungry! I feel like I just can't get enough. I've been upping my protein intake, especially before exercising, and it really has helped a lot.

Today, it is day 7, and since I ran/walked 3 days this week, I decided to take a rest and just do a cardio/strength workout. I did my second day of Jillian Michaels Shred, Level 1. It is really amazing to see the progress I have made from day 1 to day 7. On day 1, I could barely make it through the workout without wanting to die, and climbing the stairs afterwards was horrid. I felt like I was just going to fall! My muscles were twitching and just angry! Today, it was definitely a tough workout, but afterwards, I felt much, much better! I am actually looking forward to week 2!

I also love how the girls try to work out along side of me. Mairead even tries to get her own mat so she can participate, too! It makes it even more fun for me! 

Tomorrow, starts week two of the Couch to 5K!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Day 6: Still not liking it...

Week 1: Day 3 of Couch to 5K (run 60 seconds/walk 90 seconds)


Weather: Sunny 44 degrees with slight winds

Duration: 27:14
Distance: 2.06 miles
Pace: 13:11 min/mile


I am still not enjoying it quite yet. If it weren't for these damn side stitches (left side), I'd feel really great, and I could actually run for longer. I tried to work on my breathing, but I couldn't get them to go away completely like I did yesterday. My pace was a bit slower today because of it, and I had to slow down my walking to try and rid the cramps. Once I get those under control, I think I will start to feel really good, but until then, it sucks...big time.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Day 5 - Reminded why I hate running...

Day 5: Day 2 of the Couch to 5K

Weather: Sunny, 35 degrees with a whipping wind

I ran/walked for 24:08 minutes
Distance: 1.74 miles
Pace: 13.47 min/mile

Today I was reminded at about minute 12 why I hated running. It was fairly chilly outside, and it was a bit difficult to breath through my nose when I had snot running down it. I then got a cramp in my left side, but I kept running and I would say around minute 18, I got a burst of energy. The cramp was gone, and I started to feel pretty good. I honestly was thinking around that halfway mark that there was no way I was going to be able to run for 3+ miles. I started to have flashbacks to high school.

I am glad I kept going because I really started to feel pretty good towards the end!

Overall, I'd say this was a good work out.

How is everyone else doing?

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Day 4 - Last Chance...

WORKOUT baby..... 

I had originally planned to "run" today, but it was super windy and snowy out, so I decided to do another On Demand work out since they've been working out rather well. Today, I chose the "Last Chance Workout" - and holy cow! It was another ass whoopin'...

It is a 30 minute workout mixed with cardio (jumping jacks, running in place, jump "rope", etc) and hand weights. I'm definitely going to have to buy some hand weights! Anyways, it went pretty well. Some of the exercises kicked my ass, and others made me feel like I may not be in such bad shape!

I'll admit, towards the end, I was definitely sweating and wanting it to end!

The girls were very interested in what I was doing, and they even tried to participate a bit!

Tomorrow: "Run" - do you notice how I write "run" with quotes? It's because I am not really running :)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Day 3 - Just got my ass kicked

Since I've done two days of working out, I figured today would be a "down" day. I didn't want to do nothing, so I thought a nice, relaxing yoga work out would suit me well.

HA! 

I obviously don't know a lot about yoga because what I just did whooped my ass. I went back onto our Time Warner On Demand and looked to see what Jillian Michaels Yoga exercises they had. Well, there was one called "Jillian Michaels: yoga Meltdown" - I thought I was going to meltdown. Holy crap.

It was NOT easy! It was 30 minutes in length, and I really enjoyed it. I thought I got a great workout. I don't think it was too hard, it just made me realize again how much my body needs this.

Tomorrow I will be back at running for day 2 of 3 for the week.

Hope everyone is doing great! Just think how great we'll look for swimsuit season :)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Day 2 - Starting the Couch to 5K

Day 2 - I ran!

Weather was sunny and about 40 degrees with minimal wind.

I just got back from my very first run of the couch to 5K program! I used my imapmyrun application for my iPhone, but it messed up :( - I guess once you exit out of the app, it stops, so I screwed that part up.

Here are my stats:

I excercised for about 30 minutes (once again exact time is unknown because of the application problem, but I know it was between 25-30min).
5 minute warm up walk followed by 30 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking.
I walked/ran .89 miles  (though I think it is inaccurate, it should be about 1.5 miles)

I actually felt pretty good doing this. Running for 30 seconds wasn't too bad, though I did start to feel it towards the end of my work out. It definitely gives you a lot of confidence when you can actually complete the task and not feel as though you are killing yourself! In the beginning/middle of the work out, there were times where I felt I could keep running, but I didn't. I want to do this the right way and condition myself.

Kevin ran after me today, too! I'm sure he did a whole lot better than I did :)

Anyone else run today? How did you do?

During my workout I listened to: Kings of Leon, Black Eyed Peas, Lady GaGa and Ingrid Michaelson (warm up).

Monday, March 1, 2010

Day 1 - Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred

Since tomorrow is going to be a better "running" day, I chose to start off with a work out while the girls napped.

If you have Time Warner or Comcast, you can tune into On Demand and choose a free workout. We have Time Warner and there are TONS of them! There really isn't any need to buy any workout videos because there are some really great ones on here.

Today I chose to do the "30 Day Shred" with Jillian Michaels from 'Biggest Loser' - I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced so there wasn't any time to get boring. I found her to be rather motivating, which is good because I don't feel motivated to take things serious when it is just me and the TV.

Doing her cardio (jumping jacks, running in place, etc) made me realize just how out of shape I am. Not only that, but I really feel so much more motivated to run tomorrow! My thighs are burning now. I just walked upstairs to get Mairead and I thought I was going to fall down. haha.

It is a workout that combines cardio bursts (30 seconds) with muscle toning - I really liked it! I also had a work out buddy! Our 18 month old pup  Emmie was very interested in what I was doing. If I got onto the floor to do abs, she'd get on the floor with me! She'd even roll on her back :) - too cute.

Showing it all...

Happy March 1st everyone!

Today is the start of my 90 day challenge! I am so excited to see what the next 90 days brings to my life! I will be planning on doing my couch to 5K this week for week 1, and I am unsure if I will be starting today or tomorrow - it depends on the weather! I will admit, I am a little tender from our ski adventures on Saturday! If I don't run, I will be doing a Yoga segment on my Biggest Loser Wii.


I wanted to share a few "stats" with you so I can document my progress or digression into this 90 day challenge :)

Today, I am starting at 128lbs with a goal weight of 120 pounds (115 after I stop nursing). My 90 day challenge is more about losing weight though...it is more about getting my body in shape so I can feel better about myself. I try not to get discouraged about my body because it is the way it is because I have carried three beautiful babies inside of me. My body has grown three healthy babies inside of me.

Here is what my "muffin top" looks like today: