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Rest Day and the Rundown…

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Yesterday was an unplanned rest day. I just couldn’t get my Friday going. Yes, I planned on working legs heavy at the gym but a) my hamstrings were tight.. b) It was cold, and that made my hamstrings feel tighter, and c) I didn’t feel like walking around with tight hamstrings.. I just didn’t.

So, I got up early this morning and did 45 minutes of Step Aerobics.. before the rooster crowed coffee! Fasted cardio. Sweat equity for real!!

Ran a few errands, which included taking my girls to the library to get books for Thanksgiving Break next week – so their brains don’t completely turn to mush playing Minecraft all week.

Later, went to gym. Way later. Also found out the center is closed Thur-Sat (sucks, right?) and that slams our plans because my husband is off all week and we’d planned to work out every day in some capacity. But, maybe its a good thing! I have been missing my running, and this is the perfect way to get a few runs in without being too fatigued to do a strength workout. The weather outlook is really nice next week! Win? No, because I am gonna miss lifting this week.. we’ll just call it a draw.

Well, my husband brought home almost an entire birthday cake from work. So, of course that meant I had to dive right in make me a sweet, yet healthy treat and fast before I caved. So, I made a quick, yet exquisite Mango Nice Cream 🙂

Mango Nice Cream:
• 2 cups frozen mango
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Blend, serve and enjoy your Saturday night 🙂

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Soap Box 1.0

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Good morning! I’m more of a post workout blogger, but I wanted to stop the world and thank ALL of you incredible people that have read my posts, liked my posts, commented on a post, and followed my blog! This is for you and me! I feel the more I share my journey to help you, the better I become at becoming better. It’s all very becoming exciting!!
I have only one expectation for this blog, to help somebody! Even if that someone is me! There are a flood of blogs that talk about weight loss, health, exercise, crude memes and crazy crossstrikes and living a healthy life in general. Even some where the blogger has the body of a demi-god fitness model and even i’m like, we can just stop making blogs, she takes the cake what am I doing here again?
But see, I didn’t lose weight because I saw a fabulous model and wanted to be her. Or some out of this world weight loss story and wanted those results. I lost weight because I simply needed to, for me. I didn’t follow blogs, or journeys.. I laced up, and got out. However, when I was ready for my body to change, I followed a blog. When I was ready to become a runner, I followed a blog. Those blogs became my workout partners… I was doing what they did because I wanted that change.
And it works! It really does. That’s why I am here! Somebody is ready to change in a big way, and if you have chosen, even silently, to allow my blog to help in that journey– you have made a wise decision given this blog life and purpose, and I thank you for that!

So, that’s my spiel. I’m off to go throw around heavy things! Friday’s post will be up soon! Thank You, Hip Huggers!!!!!!

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Rain, Run.. and Romance

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This weather. Cold front coming through so wanted to get my last outdoor run in for the week. I was warming up for my run (it was a little misty) then BAM! Straight up pouring rain!! So the run was over before it began which totally threw off my whole morning. I came home and was just lost. My husband mentioned he was leaving the office early (I heard him say 2), so I didn’t want to wait around that long before getting a workout in. So, I headed to the gym.

I got there and the gym was totally empty. Refreshing since it’s been so many people there lately..

I warmed up with a quick 2 mile run in the Cardio Zone! Had a chat with a guy on the eliptical about the Ranger’s trade. I like Kinsler, but Fielder is a slugger! Go Rangers!

Worked arms lighter – about 15 lbs less weight for machines, 5 less on free weights, and increased reps to 12.. What a pump!

Home to recover and stretch!! I am always gonna impose encourage this because it is so important!!

My husband got off super early (like 10 am!) which I wish I had known because I really would have loved a gym buddy today was excited about! Mainly because I was hungry and wanted to be treated to lunch. I missed him a little too, lol 🙂
Look, he came bearing gifts! I totally married up.

Went to Saltgrass steakhouse for lunch. Food absolutely hit the spot after that workout! I hope I didn’t totally undo it all.. Eek!!

Vaquero tacos.. Just 2. I can live with that!

What did you treat yourself to this week?

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Sore Success!

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Whoa, I woke up sore. Good thing it was all upper body from Monday’s workout, because it was light Leg Day!

Went about 10:30am. Gym completely empty, so I hurried to the squat rack. I threw up 3 sets of 10 @ 135# easy.. confirming my husband’s theory that I can lift more… even on light days:-)

I am really proud today! I have always sat on the sidelines and watched other women squat with such intensity and wondered, “what is wrong with me!” Squats have always been intimidating to me — that is until last week. My husband pushed me and showed me it is all mental. I want my body to change and now I know I have the physical power to do it! I just had to get my mental there. Finally — I ❤️ squats!

Leg Day Done! Came home, grabbed my new Prevention magazine, brewed some ginger tea, and started stretching. I really began stretching after my runs over the summer and it has helped substantially with my recovery. I have been doing the same with weight training, and I have been much less sore than anticipated for such heavy lifting. My legs thank me!

Maybe this article explains why I am not curled up in a ball after 2 days of intense weight training.. I love my java!!

What exercise do you need to work on to gain confidence in? Do you stretch post workout? Are you a coffee lover?

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I Care.. and I Cheat.

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And that is precisely why I am up and at ’em this morning!
I needed to run 3 miles today. My neighbor has been running with me, but today, running behind, lol. So, being the awesome sauce I am I told her take her time and we’d go about 7:45. That gave me 30 extra minutes to run, so I got it in!Run Done!!

We then walked to the park, and ran 2 miles. That makes 5 miles today, all fasted cardio, so I am officially starving!! Showered and cooked up some eggs and turkey bacon… brewed some ginger tea too!

Found this cool quote about running on Instagram. Its so much more than just exercise, I swear.

No lifting today, so I ran errands. Was out and about shopping and found Red Mill cheap!!

Here’s the winner!

We had to decide on what to eat for lunch since we were out. She wanted El Chico’s, so
since I had no ideas to bring to the table mexican it was. I toiled between ordering a soup/salad or really ordering something I’d like. I have been eating so well, and didn’t want to break the streak just yet. But, I gave in. I was hungry and wanted food!! Of course I felt a little guilt because I care about my weight am working hard at eating clean — but I recovered quickly. Best.burrito.bowl ever!! I enjoyed every bite!

3 mile run and leg day in the morning! Brushing my shoulders off… I’m already over you, cheat meal!

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What have you indulged in this week so far?

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5 Miles… Nuts!!

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I am suffering from one of the 3 agonies below… ugh, nuts.

As much as I wanted to cry myself a river lie on the floor and do nothing, I had a run planned today!
Peeled myself away from my big tin of salted nuts, and got dressed. These little guys came and watched… nuts!

This weather is nutty! Hottest 37 degrees ever! And. Just. Beautiful.

Run Done! 5 miles complete!

Came home for a quick shower and recovery before running out to do some errands. Flipped through some glossy pages as I rested, too…before I go nuts.

I’m not a vegetarian, however I do make meatless meals often. My family has been real good sports about trying new foods, thank God! I eat plenty of lean meats, but I still supplement with protein drinks and protein rich foods. Protein is the best recovery after a good run or workout for me!
A cup of Greek yogurt (which is packed with protein by the way) and some granola for good measure is the best nightcap when my late night cravings hit! Try it! Go nuts!!!

What has put a snag in your running/workout plans? What do you think about meatless food options?

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Easy Runnin’ + Coolin’

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Hello Readers! Happy Hump Day!!

Wednesdays are my best run days (says NikeRunning, lol) so I geared up for an easy run.Had a queen’s breakfast today, so I am good and fueled up! I did want a little something sweet, so I grabbed a small handful of dried cranberries. Strapped on my Garmin, and I hit the road…

 

Cold…yes! Sunny, blue, and beautiful.. yes, yes, and yes!!!

Easy run playlist fav! This song feels just as cool as the title reads, seriously! Good listen, if it’s your thing…

My easy runs really help me feel/fix my form. I pay attention to picking up my knees and not twisting my torso so much… I’ve improved! My greatest fear is getting injured trying to do too much or doing it improperly and not being able to run at all! Never worth it. I’m a work in progress, and happy with my 10 minute miles for now…

Run done! 3 chilly miles…

Rehydration. I’m a salty sweater 😁💦

My daughters had a Thanksgiving program at their school last night. So, between getting them ready, cooking dinner, and elbowing for pictures, I was spent. I did nothing. I woke up about 11pm and ironed school clothes.. but that was it! I now have many things to get tidy around here, today. I need hired help, or my mom to visit, lol! Until then, my family is on notice.

What does your midweek workout look like? Taking it easy, or going big?

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Second Time Around…

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I am a huge advocate for home workouts. When I first decided to become physically active, I walked and incorporated step aerobics into my life.

Backstory: I found a Step and 4 risers at a garage sale for $5 back in 2008. I bought a step DVD for plus size women online. Mind you, I had never stepped before in my life. I completed the workout 2 times, and then unapologetically retired all that stuff to the hall closet. Step is intense! I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was to get fit that way, or at all. I gave up…

Fast forward 3 years and THIS time, it was the beginning of a great relationship! When I couldn’t walk outside, I made no excuse for not working out. I pulled out that step, threw in that DVD and got moving! Even now, if I want to build up a good 45 minute sweat session, it’s my go to. So glad I held onto it all these years – I absolutely love all things Step. I am also a recent convert of all things Jillian Michaels. I have only watched her on ‘Biggest Loser and a few appearances she’s done, but I made up in my own mind that I really liked her (she may not be for everyone, but she’s for me!) and wanted to try her home workouts. If the opportunity (frugally) presented itself, I was in.
So, we were at a garage sale this summer and my husband spotted a couple JM DVDs: Yoga Meltdown and 30 Day Shred…He got them. And they sat on my shelf until last Monday. The weather was super cold out last week, so I was looking for something at home that would build up a good sweat and involve a little strength training… Voila!
After one week, I’m a fan! I love the intensity of 30 Day Shred. I did Level 1 Monday, Level 2 Wednesday, and Level 3 Friday. That workout is tough! Afterwards, I felt brand new, but it was a real challenge with each new circuit. I used 5 lb. weights for the strength segments… oh man!!

I shared my excitement on Instagram. My sister saw and remembered she had stuffed away her ‘Biggest Winner Collection after losing her baby weight. She saw my interest, and since she’ll never use them (she is an avid runner, I have drawn so much inspiration from her.. that’s another post), she sent them on down to me! With winter coming, these alternatives are perfect! New toys to try!Today’s workout: 30 Day Shred Level 3 (20 mins.) and a 3 mile run…
Done… and done.
Protein recovery… Open and shut.Crazy the mental transformation. I remember dreading putting that step DVD in after my first go. Made up in my mind I was modifying everything before I even started. Now, years later and a mind/body transformed, I go full out! I push it to the limits! I don’t like getting left behind, so I dig! I love working out!
What weightloss/fitness programs have worked better for you the second time around?

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Happy Monday!

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If there is ever a day I run or workout, Monday is that day. I have learned once I push myself to get out after a weekend filled with eats, rest, and fun… getting up and working out the rest of the week is easy peasy!

Ahh, and an added bonus, it’s such a beautiful November day outside! I really considered just running an easy 3 miler and soaking up the sun. But, I needed to lift some iron.

So, off to the sports center…

Todays workout: 2 mile run and heavy shoulders and back.

I ran it pretty quick! Which is a feat considering there is NO a/c here and it’s a sweat fest from the time your body gets warmed up! But, I won’t complain.. sweat is sweet!!

My favorite body part to work is shoulders because I am totally convinced I see instant results! The pump is no joke! It’s also a good confidence booster when I am trying to lean out and need to see that definition coming… Ahh, I love it!

With that check in the box, I had to stop and reload on chicken breast to prep some meals this week. I grabbed a quick recovery drink so I can multitask without starving once I get home. Workout complete!

What was your workout to kick off the new week? Did you run? Lift? Complete a DVD?

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