Mamavation Detox and Weight Loss Boot Camp January Campaign

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Hidy-Ho, Folks! I hope you all have had a wonderful Holiday and are looking forward to a new year, with new hope and excitement. I know I am! And to kick it all off, I've applied for the Mamavation Detox and Weight Loss Boot Camp. Yep, that's right, I'm entrusting this mind and body to the good people over at Mamavation.

 

Hazing has begun and even though my body shakes and drips with sweat, I feel strong. I've always enjoyed a challenge but even more so simply completely the challenge. It's that old runner's saying, "on your first race, just enjoy the accomplishment of finishing. Don't ever worry about the time, that can come later, just bask in the simple act of doing...." And that's what I'm concentrating on here.

There will only be three women chosen during this campaign and yet, I want to focus more on the journey and the friendships that I hope to build, rather than on that one decision. In my mind, we are all a part of the Mamavation Family, with every little burpee, encouragement, and drip of sweat we enjoy. So, join me on my journey, sweat along side with me, and we'll bask in simple act of doing....

 



  

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Mamavation Monday: I'm Back!

My life has been extremely hectic for what seems like close to the past year and yet recently I found my way back to the Sisterhood, the Mamavation Sisterhood that is!

 

In case you aren't aware of this awesome community, Mamavation™ is a online docudrama and weight loss support group for moms in social media. It’s both a campaign and Virtual Sorority™ in one.

 

I've met some wonderful people through this group and have seen some amazing success stories. And if you're looking for a butt load of great information on weight loss, detox, and/or general health, you really should click on the badge and visit the site!

 

Now, we've all read you gotta have a plan to achieve your goals. So, this is where I type out my weekly workout and nutrition goals. I'll post back on them next week, same place, same time.

 

October 14th - October 20th:

Fitness Goal -

• Monday: Week 2 Day 3 (running) #halfmarathontrainer #c13
• Tuesday: Week 2 Day 4 (running) #halfmarathontrainer #c13
• Wednesday: Week 2 Day 5 (circuit training) #halfmarathontrainer #c13
• Thursday: Week 2 Day 6 (running) #halfmarathontrainer #c13 October 17th - #Yeson522 Twitter Party 9:00 pm ET
• Friday: Week 2 Day7 REST!
• Saturday: Belly Dancing!!!! Birthday Party!!
• Sunday: Week 3 Day 1 (running) #HalfMarathonTrainer #c13

 

Nutritional Goal -

• Keep calories at 1200/day
• Drink 64 ounces of water/day
• Salads for dinner

Mamavation Goal -

• Check FB page daily
• Link up Mamavation post
• Read 5 posts from other Sistas
• Attend Twitter Party!

I hope you are all doing well, Sistas!!

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Mamavation Monday: Horrified and Ready For Change

This probably wont be the most positive Mamavation post I'll write, but at least it's sobering. 
I received an email last night in regards to the professional pictures that were taken during my last 5k, April 20. I clicked the link, typed in my last name, and was then shocked at what I saw. Myself. Running.
I quietly closed the laptop and walked into the kitchen and picked up the book I'd been reading, Eat To Live. I decided at that moment that I was doing it. No excuses. Nothing. Nothing left but change. 
I am too ashamed to show that picture today. I hope, in time, I'll be able to use it as a comparative picture for all the progress I plan to make in the next couple of months.
I am very grateful for the picture. I didn't realized how large my body had gotten. I guess I've been living in denial. It's time to open my eyes.
I plan to write a daily entry during this transformation. Join me, if you'd like. I'd love to hear stories of other's who live the Eat To Live way. It's basically large amounts of raw, cooked vegetables, fruits, and beans. No dairy. No meats. 
I gotta do something. And this is what I'm doing.
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Mamavation Monday: Oh The Love!

 This post is sponsored by Lifesize Portions and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway ”
Last week I posted about the 20 pounds I'd put on from moving. Well, it turns out my scale enjoys torturing me and is actually weighing 10 pounds heavy. Yeah. Not a funny joke!
So anyway, instead of 20 it's really 10, which seems a bit more reasonable. But, I have to say, the comment love I received on that post was amazing. I checked my blog days later after writing it and there were comments from all my Mamavation Sistas encouraging me, offering me advice, and sharing their stories. Truly, I felt as if I was actually capable of making weight loss happen. I then understood the importance of the Sisterhood and that I need to be sending out more love and encouragement.
So, goals for this week: ~5 day workouts: 3 run days, 2 weight days, 2 bike days, and morning walks with a friend. ~Stay within my calorie range. ~Drink a small pond. ~And read and comment on 5 Mamavation Monday posts!
There it is, Ladies. I hope those of you who ran/walked the Mamavation 5K had a blast! You are all heros to me!!!! Like this post? Vote for me!

Mamavation Monday: Wow, Really? 20 Pounds You Say???

“This post is sponsored by Radiantly You and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”
So, we are pretty much moved into our new home! We've been here a week and the living room, play room, and kitchen are pretty much all unpacked and lived in. The bedrooms seem to have several boxes just piled up around them...I'm still questioning whether we need that stuff since after a week I still haven't pulled anything out of them. :)
But anyway, I hoped on a scale the other day and noticed I've gained a lovely 20 pounds. Yeah. Really. How in the world can I gain 20 pounds in 3 months? I'd love to blame my thyroid but it's not. Cortisol? Maybe.
So, this is where I sit, in my lovely home, able to breath now, but carrying even more extra weight. I need help. I did a great walk yesterday, 5.45 miles, and I plan to get back into running Monday, but it's the food that really get's me. I'm an emotional eater. I love the way food tastes and how I feel while I'm eating it. :) I love how it crunches. I do not love the way starvation feels. 
I'm trying new smoothies and they are delicious. I just need to get back on track and relax. :) Any suggestions, advice, or simple encouragement is welcome! And, I hope You are enjoying your fitness journey. Share with me!!!

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Mamavation Monday: Belly Dancing

I'm excited to share that I've started taking a belly dancing class! I love it!!! 
My first class was very productive. We began by doing what many women do best, shopping. After checking out the merchandise we then grabbed our yoga mats and introduced ourselves. I'm taking the class with two other friends and overall there were 7 of us in class. 
The wall in front of us was all mirror so it took me a moment to get use to watching myself dance. Actually, I'm not really a dancer. I've never felt comfortable moving my body in public so when this opportunity came up, I was a bit surprised by myself that I jumped on it so quickly, but I'm so glad I did.
The class will last 5 to 6 sessions and then I'll probably move on to the next level. The class does participate in shows but it's not mandatory, just an option I may take on later.  Another great aspect of the class is the focus on this feminine strength and ownership of inner peace and stability. The idea that taking time for yourself is important and helps to build calmness and strength into your daily life. That, I like. :)
And, in regards to my running...I did a 6 mile walk this weekend, that brings me up to 29 miles for this month. My goal is to run/walk 40 miles this month..and, I think I just might get it done!
I hope all my Sistas are enjoying their week! 
We could possibly close on our house this Friday which is super exciting but I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high in case it takes a bit longer. It's not about what happens to you in life, it's about how you respond to it all....that's what I'm trying to work on. :)
Make it a great week!!!!
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Mamavation Monday: Just Keep Swimming....

Buying a house and moving is stressful! Oh and then changing jobs as well. Just a bit more stress. And, usually when I'm stressed I stop moving. This time, though, I've at least kept up with my running. And I've enjoyed doing so with the Nike+ app. It tracks your mileage and actually ranks you among your friends. I'd love to have more friends if anyone is using the app. I'm a pretty competitive soul so I love challenging myself against someone else's runs. 
Other than that, I've thrown out the scale and yet I'm starting to feel a small different in the way my close are fitting. I'm also focusing on drinking more water this week, it's the small steps that keep you moving forward. And...I'm gonna start belly dancing classes. I know...fun times!!!! :)
That's it, short and sweet this week. Make it a great one!!!!
 

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Mamavation Monday: Honey, You Better Run That Butt Off.

Saturday I ran the Chickamauga Chase 5K and loved it! To make a super long story short, it had rained Friday so we couldn't park at the...park. We hitched a ride on some school buses and the race was delayed by about 30 minutes. I peed in a coffee cup because well, I had to pee soooooooo bad and there were no bathrooms around so I snuck off and did my thing. Seriously, I think ever runner has a story like that.  :)
So, anyway, I get there, I'm all nostalgic and everything since this was my first 5k, three years ago. I was so excited to be back, and I was looking to beat my run time of 38 minutes. We started off and I had planned to run 3 minuets and walk 2. Oh yeah, do you recall that my Hubs was also suppose to join me on this run? Yep, come to find out his Mom, which was to be our babysitter, ended up going into the hospital early that morning so he stayed home with the kids. 
So, I'm running and I hit 3 minutes but I'm feeling so good that I want to continue. I see several friends and we wave and smile. I then look up to see the hill that kicked my butt the last time around. I kept telling myself I'd walk it. I'd run to it and then walk it. But, as I approached it I was still feeling so good that my legs just kept on and up, up, up I went. I let out a loud, "Yeah!," arms raised and all as I topped that hill. CONQUERED!  I was happy. 
So we were just about to hit the 1.5 mile mark and the wonderful volunteers were handing out water. I remembered last time that coughing fit I had while trying to drink and run so this time around I grab my cup, ran till I was out of the crowd, and then slowed to a walk for a couple of sips. I looked forward to see the photographer who snaps your pic during the race. I knew I wanted a good one so I threw down my cup and  got back into my run. Again, thumbs up, with a nice war cry as I ran passed him. I can't wait to see that shot!
Oh, and I forgot to mention, I was sporting my Red Faced Runners' Wonder Woman run socks. They're pretty much the socks I wear during each race and I love the little cape that flies from the back of them. After the race a woman approached me and congratulated me on a good run. She said she had been following my "flags" on my socks, and that it kept her moving to keep an eye on me. I was so touched. I explained that I'd done the same thing. I was happy to know my socks had made a difference in someone else's run as well as mine. :)
So, {back to the race story} when I hit the turn and began pushing it to the finish line I looked up and saw the clock sitting at 39 minutes. I was a little disappointed that when I actually crossed the line it had just hit 40 minutes. I kept telling myself to check the results time and not to get stuck on the 40, I had just finished a race and should feel good about that. 
A couple hours later the results were up. Three years ago, after training for several months with road running, I placed 29th in my age group with 38 minutes. This year, with only a couple road runs under my belt, I placed 30th in my age group with 38 minutes. :) I was excited, though, that I was able to keep my speed between 10 and 12 minute miles. I did stop a few times for short walk breaks but overall, my legs felt great, my breathing was nice, and the race was really a fun moment. I can't wait to do it again next year!

This post is sponsored by Doctor G and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway 
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Mamavation Monday: And I Almost Tried To Do It Without Coffee!

Wow, what a couple of weeks I've had! 
We are currently in negotiations for a home as well as I'm getting all kinds of paper work together for my new job. I'm stressed, but, I'm also having alot of fun.
Last weekend I ran the Color Me Chattanooga. It was a local Color Me Rad run to benefit children and adults with special needs. My family joined me for the event but I ran the race alone. However, I did run it with a couple hundred other, very enthusiastic, young people. They all seemed to enjoy being covered in colorful cornstarch...me, not so much. My lungs were actually burning the rest of the day after inhaling all that "love". Anyway, I ran a good 12 minute mile and finished it in 29 minutes. It wasn't a complete 5k but close to it. And, after finishing the run my husband shared that he'll run the next race with me...I then informed him that the next race was coming up in 2 weeks! That's right, it's a week away now and I'm starting to get excited!!
The Chickamauga Chase was the first 5k I ever ran back in 2010. I'm totally thrilled to experience the race again, along with my husband, but I'm so secretly crossing my fingers that my run time will be a couple minutes quicker. I do have to admit, when I do a run/walk program while on my runs my time has moved up from a 12 minute mile to a 10 and 11 minute mile. It's great to see progress!
And, starting tomorrow {Monday} I begin the Fast Metabolism Diet. I received this book last week and have finished it already. That's a huge feat in itself, I usually don't make it to the end of a book. I know, heart breaking to some of you book lovers out there {including my Hubs}. Anyway, the idea of this book is to eat particular food types through out the week to confuse the metabolism but also to eat large enough quantities to get out of the starvation mode. No more counting calories but instead revving up the metabolism to burn fat. 
So, there it is, a quick glimpse into my life. Below is the workout plan I'd like to follow this week, but I always tend to back it down the week before a race so I may only focus on a 3 day workout week. I hope you all having fun and making it happen!!
Workout Schedule: Monday: Run Tuesday: Run Wednesday: Weight training Thursday: Weight Training Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Yoga
This schedule is based on the recommendations of the Fast Metabolism Diet.
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Mamavation Monday: A 10K? Why Not!

So, a couple of weeks ago I completed my first 5k of 2013 and I LOVED IT! I ran at my local track and even though running outside is so much harder than running on the treadmill, I loved the feel of being under the sunshine. So, it's time to take my running back outside and enjoy the benefits of road running. :)
I found a great app, the 5K to 10K app from Active.com. It actually offers four different types of trainers to run you through the program. It's 9 weeks and pretty much picks up with running for 20 minutes. It also teaches different running speeds to help build endurance and strength. I'm really excited about giving it a go and look forward to finishing it up in a couple of months.
Also, on the home front, we are currently looking into buying a house. The place we are in now belongs to my in laws, and even though we had initially intended to buy this house, 6 years later we realize it's time to move on and find our own place. 
And, speaking of new places, it looks as if I'll be calling a new school my home this coming August. I'm still waiting on some paper work to be completed, but after that, I should hear the official word on the position.
Right now is a very exciting time for my family and I. And, I almost lost touch with my workouts when this all began. I almost let the stress of moving {homes and job} to get me down, but rather than retreat as I've done in the past, I've made a pledge to workout until I move myself into our new home. The workouts will keep my mind and body busy while we wait for it all to go through.
Happy time, ya'll. Happy times!

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Mamavation Monday: Running The Race

So, this past Saturday was the Mamavation 5K...and it was AWESOME!

I decided to run my 5K at the local high school track Saturday morning. I had taken the week off from running, afraid I'd end up hurting myself in some freaky way, believe me, it's happened before. So, Saturday morning I was up, dressed, and ready to run. I used the MapMyRun app and really enjoyed it. I was able to see my distance, map, and speed all on the main page. I ran between 10 and 12 minute miles and really began to feel the difference in the paces.

Also, I relied on Chi Running to help toward the end. I actually got the whole lean running and just allowing your feet to follow behind your upper body. It was nice and I certainly plan on using it again.

So, overall, I ran my 3.12 miles in 37 minutes. I first had thought my timer said 36 minutes but upon rechecking my data, it was actually 37...still a minute quicker than my first 5k, almost three years ago. AND...I ran this one nonstop. This is the 1st race I can say that about! Yeah, I'm pretty excited about it. :)

I totally loved this virtual race, knowing there were others running the same day, all in different areas, challenging themselves and others. I plan on making my Saturday mornings my Get-Out-And-Run days. I loved being outside and the feel of road running versus treadmill just can't be beat. It's a whole new workout!

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Mamavation Monday: Virtual 5k

Ok, so I'm a little more than excited about this upcoming Virtual Mamavation 5K. I have one week to finish up my Couch to 5K plan and I'll be running this coming Saturday! 
And what is a virtual race you ask? It's typically a large group of people, from over a large area, say the whole U.S., that come together on a particular day, use a running app {MapMyRun} and run a 5K. We will be posting on Twitter using the hashtag #Mamavation5K if you'd like to follow along. And, at the end we'll be sporting an awesome pic of ourselves after the run. I can't wait to post my smiling face! It will be a great accomplishment for me this year. I've struggled hard to get back into a workout routine, and even though I'm not where I'd like to be in many areas, I'm trying to make the most of it, and really appreciate the small milestones.
I think my only challenges will be: 1. running outside. I've been training on a treadmill and I so know the difference between running on a powered belt compared to moving my body on the ground. It is so different.  And 2. I'll need to find my pace. I've been doing great with running 3 minutes at a faster pace and then taking a breather with a 2 minute slower pace. It's really helped with my endurance on the long run. But, again, without the treadmill, I'm gonna have to remember what those speeds felt like. I know there are pace gadgets to help and the app I'm using will show speed so I'm hoping this will help. 
Overall, I'm ready. I've been visualizing the run as I run on my treadmill. It may sound odd, but you really have to be prepared mentally to make your body do something that it may want to call quits in the middle of doing. You gotta know how to shut the right brain down and run with your heart, and that's what I love about running...just pushing it and discovering my strength.
This week's workout schedule: Monday: C25K wk 8, d 3,  Tuesday: C25K wk 9, d 1 Wednesday: C25K wk9, d2 Thursday: bike Friday: bike Saturday: C25K wk 9, d 3. I'm gonna start with the running program and then keep going until I've finished my 5K!
What about You? How are You making it happen this week??
This post is sponsored by Roni Noone and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.


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Mamavation Monday: Steppin' It Up With A Run

This past week has been exciting! I truly enjoyed my daily salads and since I've cut out the coffee creamer, I've seen a huge difference in my cravings and calories. I also went to the doctor last week and was pleasantly surprised to see I'd gained 12 pounds in the past 4 months. What the hell!!!!! Seriously!!! Yes.

So, I shared my concerns with my doctor and he said I needed to cut my calories to 1200 a day and exercise more. Ok. I'm also going back in two months to see if anything has changed or to see if maybe we need to look at my thyroid. Honestly, I'd love to pop a pill and shrink in size {thyroid meds} but it's really not all that easy and who said life had to be easy or fair? You just gotta do it, right? Right.

So, I've spent the last past couple of days trying out the 1200 calories and I'm happy to say it's pretty do able. If I keep my sugar intake low, exercise, eat my salads, and drink my water I actually can handle it. I mean, this is what I want...I want to be healthy and strong and so these are the things I need to do to make that happen.

Also, {and I love this} I had a great run this past Saturday where I worked on interval running. I'm currently on week 7 of the Couch to 5K which is pretty much 25 minute runs now, but I was a little disappointed in my run time so I thought I'd try some speed training. For three minutes I run close to my max {I'm still having to pace myself} and then for 2 minutes I back it down to a slow jog. I alternate between these speeds for the 25 minutes and it seems it averages out to an 11 minute mile...not bad and with time I'll keep speeding up.

Ok, so for this week's workouts:

Monday: C25K, 30 minute bike ride

Tuesday: 30 minute bike ride, Shed 5 Fast

Wednesday: C25K, 30 minute bike ride

Thursday: 30 minute bike ride, Shed 5 Fast

Friday: C25K, 30 minute bike ride

Saturday and Sunday: Free to do as I please!

And lastly, I'm so looking forward to the Mamavation 5K. I've been running most of my time on the treadmill so running outside will be a bit of a challenge, but I'm up for it! :) I hope you all had wonderful week and I look forward to reading about your success!!

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