Thursday, May 20, 2010

Day 81 - 6

Day 81: Running

Duration: 1:06:33
Distance: 6.00 miles
Pace: 11:05 mins/mile
Calories burned: 710

Today, I ran with my neighbor again....and you know what that means....no sissy running. We ran 6 miles today. 6 miles. 6 miles? Really....this is getting insane? Since when can I run 6 miles without stopping? I still am in denial about how long I am running. It was hot today, but since we ran early enough, it wasn't too bad. My body felt pretty good. I can't complain. We have been increasing our distance by about a quarter mile each run, and it is workout out well. The only complaint I have is our pace seems to be slipping behind. I think I really need to work on bettering my pace. My body is working pretty hard though. My average heart rate was 168, and my max was 181 - I can't get my heart rate too much higher than that, so I am working hard.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I extended my commitment!

My 90 day challenge is 10 days from being "over" - and do you know what? I am not stopping!

Yesterday, I signed up for my (or our) very first Maine Marathon Relay race in October! We will be running under the team name of Post Kids Psychosis. We (me and my husband, Kevin) are running with our good friends, Kim and Mike. Thankfully, Mike is a good distance runner, so he will be doing the 9 mile leg, while the rest of us will run between 5-6 miles each. It should be fun. In the meantime, I am hoping to run in a few more races..........and get this!

.......even a 10K.

So, the anti-runner......the girl who could barely run 60 seconds 80 days ago without wanting to cry or die is wanting to run 5+ miles......Seriously - for all of you wondering if you should try running, or if you hate running, I really think you should try it - you  could be like me and realize it is something great for yourself. I do not love running. I actually hate it while I am doing it, but it's how I feel afterwards that keeps me coming back for more. It's amazing....and I think you should try it, too! :)

Day 80: 4

......is the size pants I wore today!

Day 80: Shred, level 3

Several weeks ago when I tried level 3 of the shred, I thought it was hell, but after doing it a second time, it really isn't that bad. Don't get me wrong, I was wanting to cry halfway between some of the circuits, but it just wasn't as challenging as level 2 is. I burned about 200 calories, which I was somewhat surprised with! I thought I would have burned more during a shred, but I guess not. The downtime with the ab portion really lowers heart rate...

Tomorrow, I am running with my neighbor, and you know what that means! A good ole ass whoooping :)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Day 79: I'm there!

For the last few days, I've stepped on the scale to see if what I have been seeing was real. This morning, I stepped on the scale, and saw..........119.5 pounds. Seriously!?! I guess the 120-121 numbers I had been seeing previously were actually real. I think I am attributing my "accelerated" weight loss of 2-3 pounds in under 3 weeks is from the increased running I have been doing. I surely have been eating like a horse, and really making sure I eat enough. Yes. enough. Since I am still nursing around the clock, with the exception of one solid meal per day, I have to make sure I eat enough calories to maintain my milk supply for my sweet Clara! About a month back, I had noticed a dip in supply, and once I upped my intake and paid attention to eating without restriction, it bounced back up again.

It is such an amazing feeling to be able to fit into my clothes again. I am now almost too small for my size 6 pants, which I barely fit into when I started this challenge. I am wearing a pair of size 4 petite pants from Ann Taylor Loft Kevin had bought me for Christmas. It feels great. Even though I am at my goal weight, I still have a lot of "toning" I would like to do.....and of course, maintenance. I don't care if I lose any more weight - if I do....bonus....if I don't, I'm okay with that too as long as my body changes - for the better.

Today, I tried Boost Metabolism from Jillian Michaels. It is another 40+ minute cardio workout. It is also on OnDemand, but like Trouble Zones, it is only a portion of the entire work out. Kevin had bought me the full version for Mother's Day, and today was the first day I tried it. It's a very good workout. I burned 410 calories with it today - not too shabby! It's all cardio - kick boxing, plank work - you know, her typical kick ass work out. It's definitely not my favorite, I felt a bit bored by the end, but it is a great work out when you feel like you need to mix it up a bit. I think I'd rather do two shreds than one of these, but that's my opinion. I don't really feel the "kick box" vibe like some do, and that's okay.

Overall, it was a good workout that had me sweating. Now, that I am feeling better after my cold, I am ready to get back into it again........just a few weeks until beach season is here! I will be sporting a bikini this summer, so I must continue! :) ha ha

Monday, May 17, 2010

Day 75-78: I'm Alive!

Phew! This month has been insane! I am ready to get back into a "routine" again and ready for summer! My husbands parents were up from Florida for the weekend to visit and see my oldest daughters first dance recital. Those two things alone made for quite a busy weekend, not to mention, I had a nasty cold that kept me feeling not so hot...

On Friday, I decided to take it easy and not exercise, I didn't feel too guilty considering I had run over 14 miles this week already.

Saturday, Kevin and I woke up and did level 2 of the shred. That level is so great, and I have to admit, it's really a great workout. I didn't feel really great, so I didn't push myself. For a 20 minute workout, I burned about 225 calories. Not too bad considering!

Sunday, Kevin and I ran together. It was not a great run, but all that mattered was we got out there together and exercised.

Duration: 28:38
Distance: 2.73
Pace: 10:29 mins/mile
Calories: 352

Monday - I walked Mairead to and from school, which is about 0.5 miles each way, so overall, I did 2 miles total, pushing the double jogger.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Day 74: Even cleaning burns calories! :)

Day 74: Running

Weather: Sunny, 64 with slight winds.....beautiful.

Duration: 1:01:46
Distance: 5.77 miles
Pace: 10:43 mins/mile

Calories burned: 643
HR Max: 179
Average: 159

Today, I had a babysitter so I could clean...and run. Kevins' parents were coming into town, and I needed some time to get things cleaned up after last weeks birthday party. I ended up running with our neighbor again. After doing No More Trouble Zones yesterday, my quads were feeling it. The day was absolutely perfect for running. I also have a bit of a cold, so my energy just wasn't high, but overall, it felt good!

When I got home, it was time to start cleaning up. I kept the  heart rate monitor on to see how many calories I'd burn while cleaning. I cleaned for just about 2 hours (dusting, vacuum, mopping) and I burned 483 calories!!!! Whooooo HOOO! Maybe that's incentive to clean more :) My heart rate was averaging 105, and it even hit a max of 139 - I bet that was from mopping the floors.

So any time you are dreading to clean - think of it as a good work out that will burn some decent calories!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day 73: Speaking of interruptions...

Day 73: No More Trouble Zones

Duration: 30:55
Calories: 179
Average HR: 123
MAX: 158

If you read my Whatcha Doin' Wednesday post below, you'll see my biggest obstacle right now is Time. Today was the perfect example. Since I have done a lot of cardio the last few days, I figured I'd mix it up a bit and get a good ole ass whoopin' with No More Trouble Zones. About 20 minutes into the work out, I got a phone call from a friend who needed some help making a DVD for a memorial. This time, the interruption had nothing to do with my kids - which is usually the culprit! I got in about 30 minutes of work out time before I had to quit. Oh well.....30 minutes is better than nothing. 

The workout didn't seem too tough today as I used 3lb weights, next time I will use 5lbs. My right wrist is still causing some significant discomfort, and I am thinking I may have to end up making an appt. with a doc. I can't do any sort of push ups or plank which is tough when you're dealing with Jillian as all she does is plank/push ups in her workouts. Other than that - it felt good.

Whatcha doin Wednesday???

Today is Whatcha Doin' Wednesday............

If you read my blog, join in! We are always looking for advice, support and ideas from others! 

Hope everyone is doing great at meeting their goals!

1. What was your biggest accomplishment this week?

2. What is your favorite type of exercise? Least? Why?

3. What is your biggest hurdle?

4. How often are you exercising?

5. Since starting on your own challenge to get fit, lose weight, etc - what have you learned?

Here are my answers:

1. My biggest accomplishment was actually finishing the Mother's Day 5K. I never in a million years would have thought I'd actually agree to run in a 5K, let alone finish it! Yeah, it's just 3 miles, and that distance may not be a big deal to most people - and it wasn't about the miles, it was about setting a goal for myself and finishing it. Ok, my 90 day challenge isn't over yet, but I was just so proud of myself and my husband for completing our goal.

2. Lately, I really enjoy circuit training. I like the fast moving pace of it - I feel like I get the best results. I'd be lying if I said running was my favorite exercise :) --- My least favorite......planks - they are tough!

3. Time. Time is always my biggest hurdle. I always hate starting a workout and having to stop half way through because of some sort of interruption, so I always try to make sure I finish my work out. If I am ever short on time, I do the shred. It's only 20 minutes.

4. Lately, I have been really busy. It was my daughters birthday party last weekend, so it was hectic. My goal is to work out at least FIVE days per week. I prefer 6, but I can't always get what I want.

5. Never to give up. Push yourself. You always have time for yourself - even taking your children on a long walk is exercise - running around with them in the yard is exercise - never stop moving. I always used the excuse that I didn't have time to exercise, but I think that was just a front I was hiding behind because I really wasn't motivated. I haven't felt this good - mentally, physically in a long, long time, and I am so glad I pushed myself. Set a goal (an acheiveable one), and work your ass off to achieve it. Even if you don't get the results you wanted, finishing it is what makes it feel really good.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Day 72 - WOW!

Day 72 - Running

Weather: Partly cloudy, 54 & mild-mod winds (head/tail)

Duration: 1:02:29
Distance: 5.76 miles (no stopping!)
Pace: 10:50 mins/mile (strong head wind)

Max HR: 181
Average: 156 (probably faster, but forgot to stop watch)
Calories burned: 629

Today, I ran with my neighbor. I like running with her because I know she will push me to run further than I would if I were running by myself! My arss hurt so bad today after doing Cardio Max yesterday that I was afraid to run, but it didn't bother me at all. The run today felt amazingly GOOD - I could actually sprint at the end. I think today was the best run for me ever!

It's amazing that I am running this far without stopping - I never in a million years would have thought I'd be able to run close to 6 miles without stopping!!!!! Seriously, do you all realize the anti-runner I was at the beginning of this?????

Before & After

10 Weeks Ago:


This morning:

Monday, May 10, 2010

DAY 71 - Changes...

Day 71 - Cardio Max (Biggest Loser)

Workout time: 38 minutes
Calories burned: 258
Average HR: 147
Max HR: 176

Nothing like getting right back into the swing of things! Today, I thought I'd mix it up a bit and try something new. My girlfriend had told me about Cardio Max from the Biggest Loser, so I bought it at Target. I'd have to say it's a pretty good work out. Unfortunately, I didn't get to finish it because I was interrupted by the girls - I guess that's to be expected! Overall, it was a pretty good workout, all cardio using some hand weights. I'll definitely use it when I feel like doing something different.

If you're wondering what the new info up there is all about, it is from my new Polar FT7 heartrate/calorie monitor Kevin bought me for Mother's Day. I've always wondered what I am doing exactly for my workouts as far as intensity is concerned, and this is exactly what I need. Of course, it isn't exact, but it will give me enough info just for an idea.

Yesterday and today, I stepped on the scale - 121! I started off at about 129lbs 71 days ago! For Christmas, Kevin bought me a pair of size 4 PETITE pants from Ann Taylor Loft. I just about laughed at him when I opened the gift - size 4!!!!! HA!!!! I hadn't fit into a size four in a long, long, long time. That day, I tried on the pants which I could BARELY pull up over my thighs, let alone button them. Today, I put them on....easily. Buttoned them......easily. And wore them. Comfortably!

Here are some progression photos from the last 71 days:

The first day of my challenge:


Several weeks in:


Two weeks ago

Those are the "infamous Christmas pants" :)

Day 70! The perfect gift....

..........and on Day 70, she ran in her first official 5k race!

Duration: 30:27
Distance: 5K!
Pace: 09:52 mins/mile

Well, ladies! I did it....I went from hardly being able to run for 60 seconds to running for 30+ minutes straight without stopping. Kevin and I ran in the Portland Sea Dogs Mothers Day 5K race! It was a chilly 43 degrees with stiff winds, but overall, it was a beautiful day...not because of the weather, but because my husband and I set a goal for our selves and finished it. We may not have come in first.....or even placed in any age group, but we made a commitment and finished it with flying colors. While my time wasn't as fast as I had hoped, I still finished it in my original goal when I started this 90 day challenge.



The race was a lot of fun! The first half of the race was up hill, which was a big surprise since everyone told me there weren't any hills in this course. Ummmm okay?! The worst part of the run was the fact that I had to pee at like the first mile.....and well, I'll be honest! After having 3 kids in a short amount of time, I was really worried I was going to pee myself! There is only so long I can hold it with all the running....but I survived. The last quarter of a mile was inside the Sea Dog stadium, and it was really great. All the spectators were in the stands cheering us on. I couldn't believe I was actually running  in a race. Just before the finish line were my parents with our sweet girls cheering us on - how special it was!











Kevin and I tried to sprint the last part, but there were so many people we were almost slowed down to an almost walking pace......that was disappointing!

But.....we did it! We reached our goals. Running in that race was almost emotional, I will admit. It was probably one of most amazing mothers day gifts I could have done for myself...

After the race, I snuggled in Mairead's bed with our youngest, Clara, and took a little nap with her! 

Day 68 & 69 - Busy, Busy....

Some days just don't give you enough time in the day to exercise! Our oldest, Mairead is turning 4 on Monday and we will be celebrating her birthday with family & friends on Saturday. We are having about 16, 2-4 year olds at our house, so we had lots to do to get prepared, which gave me NO time to work out.

Wait, that isn't entirely true. Since I ran 5 miles on Thursday, I was not planning to run again until our big "race" on Sunday, but I did want to do a shred or something.... oh well.

It is hard to believe the time is almost here to run in our first official 5K!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Day 67 - It wasn't a fluke!

Day 67 - Running

Weather: Sunny, 72 degrees and VERY windy!

Duration: 53:00
Distance: 5.23 miles (Oh yeah, baby!)
Pace: 9-10 min/mile - my mapmyrun messed up....

Today, I had plans to run with my neighbor, and you know what that means......a good ole ass whoopin. It's good though, because I need that. I obviously can do it, but I seem to have a much harder time doing it on my own.

I probably made a mistake by doing level 1/2 of the shred together yesterday. My legs were T.I.R.E.D today, but I managed to keep up and it felt really good! Amazing. Today was also the last day of running before my 5K on Sunday! Can you believe the day is here already!?!? I can't!

The wind also made it a lot tougher today, but with some encouragement, I kept going and made it through!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Day 65 & 66 - Lazy?

Day 65: Nada de nada......rest day
Day 66: Level 1 & 2 Shred

Yesterday, I had every intention of running 3 miles, but by the time Kevin got home, there were thunderstorms and it was raining fairly heavily. After making the decision not to run, all the energy I had mustered up to run had gone away.....a rest would do me good, so a rest day it was!

Today was a different day! I had to make up for my lack of exercise yesterday. Since I am planning on running 5 miles with my neighbor again tomorrow, I would do the shred times two :)

With Level 1, I used 5 pound weights, and overall, it went well. My wrist has REALLY been bothering me, so I cannot do anything plank related (push-ups), etc....so instead of push ups I just did extra jumping jacks.

With level 2, I switched to 3lb weights. I still find level 2 challenging with some of the exercises, especially in the 3rd circuit.

Once I get my wrist issues under control, I will venture off onto level 3, but there is just too much plank work to even go there and be successful.

Whatcha Doin' Wednesdays

Find out more about Whatcha' Doin' Wednesdays

1. What has been your biggest accomplishment in the last (two) weeks?

2. What has been your biggest hurdle? Have you been able to overcome it?

3. What is your goal for the next week?

4. Now that summer is approaching, are you planning on doing anything differently?

5. How do you manage your time with family, life, work, kids, etc?

Monday, May 3, 2010

Day 64 - It still hurts.

Day 64 - No More Trouble Zones

I can't remember when I started No More Trouble Zones, but it was a while ago. I did it today and boy did it still hurt. My least favorite strength training workout are lunges, and it seems as though all Jillian Michaels ever does are lunges - blech! Yesterday was also 80 degrees and super humid - did I mention working out in the hot humidity isn't fun???

I used 5lb weights today, and it wasn't so bad. I would say the biggest challenge was doing the hi reps of the tricep circuit with them, but I was able to finish it......with some tears :)

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Day 63 - Running with a friend

Day 63 - Running

Weather: 68, mostly cloudy with variable winds

Duration: 31:41
Distance: 3.1 miles
Pace: 10:12 mins/mile

Over the past 63 days, I have learned a lot! When I first started running with my friend Kim, it was tough. I'd want to hold a conversation, but if I did, I couldn't breath :) - now after running 5 miles with our neighbor and being able to have a conversation, I found that running alone today was rather boring. I had intended to run with Kim, but we had morning plans, and she had afternoon plans, so it didn't quite work out. When I set out to run this afternoon, I felt great, but I quickly found myself a bit bored. Wait! It's actually fun when you can run AND talk at the same time! Talk about the perfect social setting all while burning calories.....don't worry, I'd still rather eat food, drink wine and enjoy a ladies night! :)

Todays run was successful. However, it was also a bit of a letdown as I was really hoping to get my time below the 30 minute mark. Yeah, call me a bit crazy, but I figured if I can run for 5 miles straight while doing 10 minute miles, why can't I do sub 10 minute miles for 3 miles???? I don't know. I know running is  weird, and I guess I have to learn all those intricacies of running - fast runs, long runs, etc etc etc.

There is ONE week until my very first 5K race, and I am excited. I am excited because I know I will be able to finish. It will surely be interesting.

So, for any of you out there who don't really enjoy running - try running with a friend! It makes time go by so much faster, it's great motivation and best of all, the encouragement is fantastic!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Day 62 - I can walk!

Day 62 - Shred, level 2

I am surprised when I awoke this morning that I could walk. Without pain. My groin muscles are a bit tender, but other than that, I really cannot complain. I am still in shock that I actually ran 5 miles yesterday!

I thought about running this morning, but my girlfriend wasn't able to, so I will run tomorrow with her. Anyways, I did Level 2 of the shred this morning. There really isn't much to say about it except it is still a challenge on some parts still. I think the 3rd circuit is still the hardest, but it is getting easier.

Off to enjoy the day with my family!