Day 57 & 58 - I'm getting lazy...

putting two days in one post :)

Day 57 (Monday): Painting, painting and more painting!
Day 58: Level 2 Shred

We are currently in the midst of renovating our downstairs bathroom. It's hell...well, not really, but to be frank, I'm tired of renovating. We moved into this house almost 2 years ago, and we are still working on it. It's tough, and I'd rather be spending time doing fun things with the girls rather than working on the house and ignoring the kiddos. The house is beautiful now...and I am proud to say we have done it all ourselves, but on the downturn, it's been tough.

This morning, Kevin and I had big plans to tile the bathroom. I told Kevin I didn't want to go two days without exercising, so we didn't waste time and did the Shred first thing this morning. I definitely wasn't "feeling it" this morning, but I stuck through it and finished. I also was on my knees (up and down) tiling and grouting the floor, that has to count for something, right???

Day 56 - Two weeks from today.....

Day 56 - Running

Weather: Sunny 56 and light winds - absolutely perfect!

Duration: 37:58
Distance: 3.78 miles (personal best)
Pace: 10:01 mins/mile

Two weeks from today I will be running in my very first offical 5K race. It's hard to believe the time has come to actually run! I never thought I would actually feel ready, but I do! I feel I am fairly well prepared for running 3.1 miles afterall, I am now feeling good about running more than 3 miles, too! Honestly, I never thought I would actually be able to run 3 miles let alone almost 4 miles (and still feel like I could run further!). Absolutely amazing.

Today was probably one of my top days running ever. It was absolutely beautiful. The first 12 minutes sucked as they always do, and then around minute 20, I get a burst of energy. I wanted to do at least 3.4 miles today, but as I was on the final stretch home, I decided to keep going. I felt good, why go home? I was in amazement at how good I actually felt - lots of energy, my legs weren't killing me and I didn't feel as though I was going to die. Wow. I love days like this

Day 55: 3-2 = 1

Day 55: No More Trouble Zones (full DVD version)

If you're wondering what the 3-2=1 means.....it means that we have three, but two of the girls are with my parents for the night, which leave us with only ONE child! Wow. You forget how easy (and quiet) life was with just one child. Dont' get me wrong though...I am in now way shape or form undermining those who only have one child because kids are BUSY, no matter how many you got :)

Anyways, once Clara went down for a nap, I did a work out. It was uneventful today. I used 3lbs weights, and it went well. My wrists are really bad, so doing push-ups and plank work really bite....hopefully with some aleve, they'll get better soon.

Day 54: Running with a friend

Day 54: Running

Weather: Cloudy, 51 with mild-moderate winds

Duration: 35:33
Distance: 3.14 miles
Pace: 11:18 mins/mile

Fridays are the days I get a break. I usually have a sitter here in the morning for a few hours, or she comes in the evening so Kevin and I can have a break together! This morning, my girlfriend, Kim, was off from work, so she asked if I wanted to run. Even though I had run yesterday, I wanted to run again. Like I have mentioned before, I am not doing this just to get in shape, I am doing this for myself. So, I figured, even if I didn't do well, or run a good distance, it was still time for myself, with an added bonus of exercising with a friend!

Kim & I set off on our run. The first 10 minutes hurt as they always do with me, but then I got into more of a groove, plus, having a friend always helps pass the time. Kim's calf was bothering her pretty badly, so we had to stop and walk a few times. She kept telling me to go ahead, but I wouldn't do that. I was just happy to be getting some girlfriend time in with an added bonus of burning a few calories! Our time/distance wasn't that bad! I always compare my pace to what it was when I first started off, and an 11 minute mile isn't that bad, not to mention we walked a fair amount.

Day 53: Can I have a redo???

Day 53: Running

Duration: 26:02 min
Distance: 2.53 miles
Pace: 10:52 mins/mile

After feeling so great on Tuesday, I was actually excited to run today. I looked forward to running. ME. The anti-runner. We were dog sitting Kevin's co-workers dog, and well, I'll just say I will never have three dogs. It's a lot. Anyways, the dog kept running off, and I couldn't understand why. Then, I realized the electronic collar fell off. Did I mention we live around acres and acres and acres of WOODS? Kevin and I spent hours in the woods searching for this collar...oh, and it's black. Not easy to find.

When I got around to running, I was tired. Mentally tired. I started running and I hurt. My quads were tired from yesterdays Trouble Zones, then I got side stitches. It was all over. I shouldn't have run so close to eating, but I did, and I paid for it. I think the only good I got out of my run is that I actually got my heart rate up, but the entire thing sucked. My distance sucked. My pace sucked. My time sucked. Oh well, it can't always be perfect, right?

Tomorrow is another day.

Day 52: Not quite motivated today!

Day 52: No More Trouble Zones - full version

Ooooh! That work out is tough! It definitely leaves me sweating pretty good afterwards. It was so hard to get motivated today. After I put the girls down (who have all been napping SO well - except Mairead), I came downstairs and had a snack. I sat down outside in the sun for a little break, and ooooh it felt oh soo good! I didn't want to get up. I kept putting exercising off, the sun felt so goood. Then, I looked at the clock....if I wanted to do Trouble Zones, I had to start now since the girls would start to be getting up. So, I motivated and got moving.

I did the work out with 3lb weights today - the plank work on that video are killers...seriously. The ab work outs make me want to cry at the end, but they feel so good! Since I had kids, I've had issues with my wrists, particularly my right wrist. Doing plankwork, especially push ups are sometimes impossible. Lately, I have not been able to do pushups because of my wrist pain. Hopefully it goes away :(

Whatcha' Doin' Wednesday

It's Wednesday again! If you are new to Whatcha Doin' Wednesdays, click HERE  to read about it!

If you visit, please join in or at least leave a comment (below)! :)

1. What was your goal for the past week? Did you meet the goal?

2. What was your biggest accomplishment for the week?

3. Did you try anything new? If so, did you like it?

4. Are you just exercising or doing something new with your diet/nutrition?

5. Do you have kids? If so, how do you schedule in work outs? What works for you? What doesn't?


Here are my answers:

1. My goal for the past week was to start increasing my distances in my runs. I had been able to run 3.1 miles twice. Unfortunately, the weather didn't quite cooperate with me to reach that goal, but I did run 3.4 miles yesterday, so I guess I did reach my goal of increasing distance.

2. Hmmm...I don't know! I would have to say continuing to run. I have been running faster times, and was able to complete a 5K in just over 30 minutes.

3. Yes. I tried Level 3 of the Shred, and I have to say it is very challenging! It is much different than the first two levels. She has you doing a lot of plank work, and using weights during the cardio circuit. Definitely a challenge, but it felt great when I finished. Oh, and I also tried doing level 1 AND 2 together. I couldn't run because of weather (we don't have a treadmill) and I wanted a GOOD cardio workout along with strength training. It was an AWESOME work out and I highly recommend it!!!

4. I am trying to eat healthier with not as much snacking. Since I am still exclusively breastfeeding (with the exception of one small meal for Clara), I have to be very careful. I found myself last week probably not meeting my caloric needs and I am pretty sure my milk supply was starting to drop a wee bit, so I have backed off. I am eating what I want, just trying to make healthier decisions.

5. Yes. I have 3 kids almost 4 and under...so I am ALL about time restricted exercise.......or interrupted exercises! It's not uncommon for me to have to stop in between exercises to wipe a butt or referree an argument! :)

If I am not running, I work out during their nap time in the afternoons. This usually works out well. The days I am running, I wait until Kevin gets home, and then we take turns running. If the kids are awake, I may do a quick Shred, and they will join in with me. They'll get a mat, and do the exercises. It works out really well. By the time they are bored, the workout is generally just about over! 20 minutes is very, very doable for me.

Day 51 - The next step

Day 51 - Running

Weather: Sunny & 62 degrees with a fairly hefty wind

Duration: 35:55
Distance: 3.41 miles (longest I've ever run!)
Pace: 10:32 (not the greatest, but it was hilly & windy)

The beach is approximately 2.5 miles away from our house. My new goal is to be able to run to the beach. The problem? I have to run back! That means, I will have to be able to run/walk at least 5 miles.....tough. Today, was the first step.

I've been doing the 5 minute warm up of No Trouble Zones before my run, and I have to say, it has really, really helped get through those first 10 minutes. I feel so much better, and more energized. It doesn't hurt so much. Today, the first mile, I ran in 9 minutes, and it felt really, really good. dare I say it.....easy??? 

Today I ran 1.5 miles down towards the beach. I crossed a marsh and ran up a big ass hill - NOT FUN. Hills really take a lot out of you, but it was great training. On the way home, it was so windy, and up hill, so my pace really slowed down to 10-11 minute miles. Overall, it felt good. I've officially passed the 3.1 mile mark, and I cannot be happier.

Day 50 - Reflections...

Day 50 - Level 1 & 2 of Shred!

I so needed to run today, but we had plans to bring the girls to the Portland Sea Dogs baseball game this afternoon, so we were a bit pressed for time.....okay, okay....I'll admit, it was windy as hell outside, and I just couldn't do it today. Tomorrow, I will run. I promise :)

After eating like crazy all weekend, and then like crap today (baseball game food - steak & cheese, fried dough, etc etc), I had to make sure I had a GOOD, quality work out today! I thought about doing No More Trouble Zones - nah.........I had an even better idea! Let's do Level 1 AND 2 of the Shred - I wanted to get some decent cardio in, and this was the way. I have to admit, it was a KICK ASS workout! Seriously! It felt great, and it was challenging, but not too bad. It is amazing how I can complete level 2 now without much of a hitch - when I started, I couldn't finish some of the strength circuits! My right wrist is killing me - I've had issues with it since after Mairead was born, so today, push-ups were virtually impossible.

So, today is day 50 of my 90 day challenge. I am more than halfway into my challenge, and I can't say anything negative about my experiences thus far. I have noticed such a change in my overall composition, mood and just self worth. Not only was this challenge an excuse to get fit, but it was an excuse to take time out for myself...something I hadn't done in a very, very long time. I am starting to fit into clothes I hadn't worn since before I had Lilah, and not feel nasty in others. I bought a size 2 dress at Ann Taylor Loft over the weekend, and it fit. Amazing. I've run a 5K in 30 minutes. It's just great, and I really hope this new "lifestyle" will continue far after I am done with the 90 days.

Just a few weeks until my first 5K race, and I am actually looking forward to it! I KNOW I will be able to FINISH it! How great is that?

Day 49 - Clara's baptism

Today, we baptised our youngest, Clara, who is just about 7 months old. When everyone left, I had every intention of running, but I just didn't have the energy. I guess I deserve a day off, right? :)

Day 48: That hurt.

Day 48: 30 Day Shred - Level 3

Ohhhhhhhhhh My ......that was tough. I really felt like running today. Got out of bed, threw on some clothes, warmed up and just as I went to leave, it was raining. Again. Ugh. The radar said it was  finished raining for a bit, but it lied. I was all dressed up with no where to go. I was so mad!

Clara's baptism is tomorrow so we had a lot to do to prepare, so I was limited on time. I had this grandiose idea to try Level 3 of the Shred. We had done level 2 enough, so we thought we'd give us a challenge....and a challenge it was! Holy smokes! It was TOUGH.

If you are tired of jumping jacks......well, level 3 is jumping jacks on steriods! You do jumping jacks....punching jabs, running in place............all with WEIGHTS. You love plank work? Good, because a GREAT deal of the workout is on planks! Good gracious! You like to jump? You like squats? Good! Because you do jumping squats! Ohhhhhhhh MY QUADS.

Definitely a tough work out!!! She definitely didn't disappoint yet again. Wow.

Day 47 - Mixin' it up a bit.....

Day 47: Last Chance Workout

I've heard so many times that it is easy to get into a "workout rut" and it's better for your body to mix up your work outs. So, today.....I did something I hadn't done in a while. I tried Last Chance Work out (which is on OnDemand). It's a 25 minute workout that includes strength training and various cardio - it's pretty good. I wouldn't call it challenging, but it's definitely a good workout.

I used 5lb weights throughout the entire workout.

Day 46 - It wasn't a fluke!

Day 46: Running & Level 1 Shred

Weather: Sunny, 50 degrees with moderate wind

Duration: 30:39
Distance: 3.11 miles
Pace: 9:50 mins/mile

It wasn't a fluke! I did my 2nd 5K ever and this time, I did not walk one single stride. I ran the ENTIRE thing! I can't believe it. I did a different course today just to mix it up a bit - it was fun! I listened to one of my dads mixes, and it actually helped a lot. I definitely struggle from like minute 6-15 and then by minute 20, I am feeling amazingly good! I felt 46 days ago like my 30 minute goal of running a 5K was SO over the top, and thought there was no way I would be able to run 3+ miles in 30 minutes! Now, I am thinking I may be able to do it in under 30 minutes.

When I got home, I felt great as I usually do after working out. I went on a quick walk with the girls, and came home. I put on level 1 of the shred and went to town! Wow. It felt really, really, really good. I am trying to fit in 45-60 minutes of exercise a few days a week.

It's going to rain here for the next few days. I am praying I'll be able to get in a day of running either tomorrow or Saturday; it's not looking promising though.

Day 45 - Time

Day 45: Full version - No More Trouble Zones & Quick, Boost: Metabolism

It isn't every day where I have time to do the full No More Trouble Zones (40 min in length), so when I do, I jump on it. Let's be real...40 minutes is a LONG workout when you are juggling a household and three small babes under 4. Most days, my girls will nap/rest about 2 hours. If I am not running, this is my time to exercise. Some days, I will forego doing laundry, or cleaning up after lunch to exercise. Some days, nap times are spent fighting with one of the girls to actually take a nap, and by the time I am successful, it is too late to exercise because one of the other girls is up from rest/nap. Days like today are what I call "picture perfect" days. All three girls went down easily and quickly. I came downstairs to silence. I had a snack outside in the sun while reading Oprah. Yeah. there was laundry that needed folding, but I needed some time, too. Today, I come before laundry. After spending 20 minutes in silence listening to the sea gulls, I got down to business.

No More Trouble Zones isn't a joke. It is a really great, challenging work out...and Katie! Stop beating yourself up - you are more than able to do this workout! It isn't that hard! It's an awesome challenge that feels like a great accomplishment in the end.

The "I Surrenders" really get me. Holding 3 or 5lb weights above my head while getting onto my knees and getting back up again without letting those weights down. It's definitely a challenge, but honestly, I feel strong after I do them. The ab workout is just amazing. If these don't rid me of my muffin top, I don't know what will. Two circuits of crazy ab work that leaves your abs "screaming" as Jillian describes.

Once I finished that DVD. All was still quiet in my house. I feel so good after I work out....so, I put on the quick version of Boost: Metabolism and got a little bit of cardio in. I think I am going to buy this. I like it - it's different, and certainly a challenge!

I feel like I accomplished a lot today....personally. Not around the house, but that's okay. I took the time yesterday to clean the downstairs. I matter, too....and if laundry has to wait, then so be it....we will all survive.

You say "I don't have time.........." - just remember - you always have time for yourself...

Whatcha Doin' Wednesday

We started Whatcha doin' Wednesdays last week:

Hope everyone had a successful week meeting their goals

1. What was your biggest accomplishment last week?

2. What do you think your BIGGEST hurdle is right now?

3. What is your favorite work out/exercise/activity?

4. What do you hope to achieve from exercising?

Anything else????

Here are my answers:

1. My biggest accomplishment was running my very first 5K! Even in the best shape of my life in college, I never ran. So, this was huge for me! I still don't care for running :)

2. Time - with three kids almost 4 and under, it's tough, but I make sure I make time. If I have very little time, I will do the shred, which is only 20 minutes. Everyone has 20 minutes - at least that is what I keep telling myself. The other hurdle is eating - I am trying to eat a lot healthier, with a lot less snacks. Since I am still nursing exclusively (with one solid meal per day for Clara), I have to be very careful in eating, exercising and hydration. 

3.  My favorite work out right now is No More Trouble Zones....it really is challenging, and I love a good challenge. I love anything Abs - need to tame this muffin top!

4.  I hope to learn to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into our household. I want exercise and healthy living to be the "norm" in our house. I never want my girls to think exercise is a CHORE. I want it to be enjoyable for everyone....and exercise doesn't have to be "working out" - it can be a family walk or a hike like Jen does. There is so much to do. I also want to feel better about myself in all sorts of ways, and I have really started to feel better about things lately.