Spring Storms

So I had the best of intentions to go to the gym Wed night after the zoo, but then the weather decided to change all that. We had to leave the zoo early and we just made it home before the storm hit. I don't think it would've done me any good to show up to the gym during a Tornado Warning, so there went my best laid plans. Thurs night, Elijah and I had our first appt with Heather and that went really well. It lasted till almost 7pm and was way across the south side of town, so no real time or motivation for the gym after that. Elijah and Wes think they want to go to Mahoney State Park tomorrow to swim and partake in other activities (paddle boating maybe), so now I feel the pressure to be bikini ready...aaahhh!!! At least I made to the gym tonight to tan, hit the weights, and ran for 22 mins straight! (Yeah!!! I was able to run 2.3 mi in that time...I am slowly training for whatever race is next.) Tomorrow I will get up early to jump rope and do some other exercises at home. Then its off to the zoo at 9am, followed by some gym time before it's swim time. One more tanning session wouldn't hurt either :) Both boys love me the way I am , soon I will too!

Another visit after a brief "vacation"

Ok, so I've taken a slight break from blogging and from any kind of exercise. Don't ask me what that heck was going on because I can't even begin to say. Well, maybe I can at least begin to say why. Work has been kicking my butt and keeping my stress level high. (You'd think that'd be motivation enough to get my butt in gear, but sadly, no.) Then of course E has been having some difficulty adjusting to his summer schedule at daycare and it is a little bit of a struggle. Also he was having t ball practice twice a week and games weekly. They have cut down to one practice a week now, so that means I can get back to Thurs Body Pump if I don't have any dinner dates at work.
Also my BF has been trying his best to be a good guy and he does a good job, I just wish he'd do a great job. We're working on that, although he didn't come through this past Saturday for the Havelock Run and I had to skip it! But I have moved on from that...mostly. ;)
I did manage an hour of gym time Friday, a 45 min bike ride Sat, Body Combat Mon, and an hour gym time last night. Tonight I have plans to take E and my recent high school graduate sis to the zoo. They will supply dinner and a behind the scenes tour! I am hoping my sister will agree to hang out with Elijah after that so I can go to the gym.
My current motivators right now are my Nashville trip with Wes over the 4th and then the big 10yr HS reunion in Aug. So everyday I remind myself of my goals everytime I eat and every time I get myself to the gym.
This week I won't be able to make it to Body Pump because I have commitments the rest of the week. But I will still fit in my gym time and will hit BP next week!
I'll keep you p0sted!

Where to Begin?

I don't everyone to think I've been slacking on doing anything active. We've a had a busy week and I am doing my best to fit in true workouts. I know it only benefits me overall. I wish life didn't get in the way of everything. Time to get some priorities straight I guess. But here's where my times been going lately.
Thursday of last week I made it skating with E and Wes. Although E still has a LONG way to go, I could tell he was having fun just being there with his friends. It was a lot of fun being brought back to that old school kind of fun again. I only fell once after Elijah pulled me down from behind. I am proud to say that I avoided landing on him, although causing more pain to myself. Ahh, the mother's way of living.
After soccer practice Friday we went to church for game night. Elijah had a blast! I think he played maybe 2 games total, before all the kids were involved in a game of tag. It wore him out, so I'll go with it!
Saturday morning Elijah and I ran his first mile together. We participated for the 2nd year in a row at the Zoo's Fun Run/Walk. Last year we walked it, much to Elijah's dismay who did not want to be there at all. This year he wanted to be the fastest! That did not happen, but he did run the whole time with much coaxing from his mama. Then after that brief but good run, I was up for more punishment and went to the gym for another 3 mile run. My goal is to steadily run 5miles with an occasional 7mile run thrown in there. My brother claims he would like a running partner, so we may have to work something out. I am not sure how that will work, because half the time he is my sitter so I can run. Hmmmm?....
Then Sunday I probably had the best Mother's Day I've had in a long time. Jake went to church with the family early so we could head out for breakfast. (Where I ate too much and entirely bad for me.) But it was my day, so who cares right? Then Elijah took my mom to the zoo, while Wes took me to Husker baseball where I even got a bit of sun. Then we picked up E and went to Pioneers Park. We played baseball and soccer before heading over to the playground. Then we went for a nice walk and did the whole "family" thing. Then after playing hard we went to Applebee's where I was able to make good food chocies. Although I did wash my good food choice down with a Sangria. (Again, a much deserved Sangria!)
Monday I had every intention of going to Body Combat, but Elijah's soccer practice had been rescheduled to that night and tonight I have a meeting at church. (I hope to hit the gym for some cardio after that. I am hoping Jake will stick around long enough for that.) I guess that leaves Wednesday morning Body Pump on my calendar. YIKES!!! I know I can do it, I know I can do it!
So I know I took a break after the half marathon, but I am back. It's just a little slower going than I originally planned. Plus work has really been draining any extra energy out of me. Being outdoors Sunday felt so good! I can't wait for more days like that!!!!

Good Intentions

I had every good intention geared towards goping to BP tonight. I arranged for my bro to watch E so I could go in peace. Plus my son is grounded from the TV and won't be watching it the gym either! Well, my brosef sttod me up for dinner with some girl. I haven't met her yet, but he talks an awful lot about her. I guess I'll let it slide. That just means he owes me tomorrow! Hopefully soon E will earn back his TV priveledges and then I can drag him along to the gym with me. If it isn't down pouring tomorrow, I'll go for a walk over my lunch break. I always find that refreshing and rejuvenating. Spring is here and I need to kick it in gear! Thursday night E's school is having a skate party and that's how I plan to get my work out done! (Now as long as I don't break my butt doing it, we're all good!)

2 hrs 23 mins well spent!

Who knew it was truly possible? I was a doubter myself until the very end. I set a goal for the Half Marathon of 2 and 1/2 hours. I DID IT!!!!! That's right folks, I ran it in 2 hrs and 23 mins. The highlight of it all, besides crossing the finish line in one piece, was having my son and brother there to greet me at the end. Wesley even made it there before I crossed the finish line to cheer me on. Jake told me he was proud of me with the greatest amount of sincerity. That made my day! I recommend to anyone else out there who wants to run in a marathon, full or half, truly train for it.
It's a lot like having a baby in my mind. As you go through your pregnancy you do what everyone tells you to do and follow the experts advise. You are just trying to be as prepared as possible without really knowing what to expect. Then as you start the actual process of labor, it's not totally unbearable, although you still aren't sure what you got yourself into. By the time you get to the point where you want to quit or go back, it's too late for that, you've got to keep going. Before you know it, the pain and misery is over and you made! You have a sense of accomplish and wonder. You still aren't sure how it all happened and how you survived but you did! Then you take some time to rest and recupe. Granted, you aren't ready to go out and do it all over again the next day, but you know you'll be up for it again in the future. This time around you'll know how to really prepare and truly know what to expect.
I was out there to show myself that I really could do it. I had the best of intentions to train appropriately and I will next time. It was also for all my friends who work hard everyday and meet their goals one step at a time. Nothing is too great or too small not to be proud of it. Keep up the good work and we've got to continue to be there for one another. Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word. Sometimes all it takes is someone saying you can do it and they'll be right there with you. I've got a renewed sense of motivation and I'm going to start taking my fitness more seriously. I've got to enjoy it while I can! If you don't use it you lose it!

The BLAHS!!!

I did not make it to the gym last night, as I didn't get out of work till 5:20. (Thankfully E's 5:30pm soccer practice was canceled due to the cold.) I just didn't think I could manage a workout and be destinktified by dinner time. Red Lobster was very good and I don't feel at all guilty about my choices. After we got home, I couldn't sleep very well though. E thought he was going to get me out of bed at 7am this morning, boy was he wrong! I did get out of bed shortly after 8am. I made it to Body Pump and stayed for 30mins of cardio. I was glad to see Karrie and Jennifer show up for their cardio work as well. I don't know if I am starting to come down with something or what, but my throat hurts a little and I feel it in my chest. I am still looking forward to BP tomorrow after work, as that will be my 3rd class for the week! We have plans with Wes to go to Chili's for dinner to celebrate E's bday a little early. So I may have to fit my cardio in before I go to work, otherwise I may have to skip it. Decisions, decisions. I guess I'll let my body direct me. While I am at work E will be with his uncles trying on tuxes for Daniel's wedding. I think he'll be the cutest groom's man ever!!!! I wish I could be there to to help. Wonder if I can get any of my brothers to take pictures of the fitting? Hmmm......

What a Guy!

I was feeling pretty down last night after the monthly meeting at work yesterday. All week I had plans to go to the gym, but after the meeting my new plan became eating ice cream and curling up on the couch. (That didn't end up happening either.) After talking to Wes, he remembered I asked him to drag my butt to the gym even when I acted like I didn't want to go. The boy is always remembering silly things like that. So he diligently picked me up last night and got me to the gym where we elipitisized? and walked/barely ran on the treadmill. It was a nice hour's worth of cardio and just enough of a visit with Wes. Now I am looking forward to our date on Sunday. (Actually Wes is taking E out for his B-Day and I think I just get the priviledge of joining them.) Tonight I won't make it to the gym because I have dinner plans with Karrie and Jennifer. But we all deserve a day off right? I'll be there Sat and Sun and have been there the entire week. Friday is a good day to take off and I think I've earned it. I've even made good eating choices this week, which may also be blown tonight. But we all deserve that occasionally too, right?

Can't Push It!

I made it to the gym last night and this morning. I was able to do 40 mins on the treadmill last night. I remember when there was a time that 3miles straight wouldn't kill me. I think I need to make sure I drink plenty of water throughout the day. I've been getting a little more protein in my diet, maybe I need to start carbo-loading or something. :) Then I was back this morning for 35 mins on the treamill and had to stop running after a mile. I continued to walk at an incline for a steady pace after that. I stuck around for Body Pump at 6am. It was great to see Karrie and Erin there. They may not have been fully awak when they got there, but it really is a great way to start the day! I think when I go to the gym tomorrow night I am going to skip the treadmill altogether. It's not going to do me any good to push it too hard anyway, right? I think I'll do the bikes for a change of pace, maybe I'll even tough it out on the stairmaster. Then I'll give running a shot either Friday or Saturday. I have the Novartis 10k on Saturday the 19th and I want to be ready for that. I am working on finding a happy medium so I can be prepared but not overworked. The half marathon is still something I can accomplish, it's going to be a struggle but I think it'll be worth it!
I am starting to feel a little bit better about my life this week. I've been to the gym with my friends, have my girls night tonight, and a date with my son and Karrie and Jennifer set for Friday. If the weather isn't too bad E will have his 3rd soccer game on Saturday and Sunday I work, which is fine because Ill see Karrie at the gym after that. So all in all things seem to be going somewhat better. I think by Sunday I may even be ready to hang out with Wes again. Poor guy, I can barely handle I how I feel, I don't know how he does it. I guess there really is something to be said about this whole working out thing :) Now if we could just get the sun to really hang around so we could get outside in the warmth I think we'll all be doing better then!

I might just make it!

Since I am officially registered to run in the half marathon, I developed a new training plan to help accomplish that goal. Since I have gone to the gym now 4 days in a row! and plan on going tonight after my meeting, my plan may just work. I will run one mile more each day than the day before. So Sunday I ran one mile straight and then continued on the treadmill with hills. Last night I ran 2 miles straight and then continued with hills and the elipitical. So that means tonight I will run 3 miles and I may do that again tomorrow before I go up to 4 miles. They say as long as you can do 9 ot 10 miles comfortably, you can do run the half marathon fine. I have set a goal of 2 1/2 hours for the half marathon, I figure that is more than enough time. I know it may be a little cheap to set the time longer than I really feel I need, but I don't want to be disappointed with my first attempt at the half marathon. So here's to my new plan and to sticking to it!

Slowly...Slowly...

I was all set to go to the gym Friday morning for cardio and Body Pump, but imagine that, I talked myself out of it. I did manage to make it for 40mins of cardio that afternoon. I meant to leave work even earlier than I did to get in both weights and 60 mins of cardio. But for right not. getting my sorry self to the gym for ANYTHING is a huge accomplishment. I made it back Saturday morning for 25 mins of cardio and Body Pump. I thought I'd get in a bike ride or something, but with E's soccer game and my godson coming over at 5pm, it didn't work out. His mom won't be back till around 11am today, so at least I can go to the gym this afternoon. My plan today is to join Karrie for some cardio and Body Pump.
I am glad I've made it to the gym as much as I have this weekend, otherwise it'd been a complete bust! My plans for a girls night Thurs night didn't work out, although I still hung out with Nicole. I was home by 10pm which wasn't soon enough! Then Friday night's "Date Night" went horrible and I basically ended up canceling it all at 9pm and went to bed shortly after Wes left. Saturday morning was good, because it started with a work out. Then Wes joined us for E's game...they tied! But then I was stuck at home from 5pm on babysitting a handsome 10 month old. I tried to get him to work on crawling...don't think he has any interest yet.
At least today will include church, a workout, working on E's class art project, a birthday part for E's friend, and then Wes will come over and play some foosball with E.
I am bound to break out of whatever BLAHness I am feeling soon, right? Right!

I survived again!

I made it through my second 5k this morning. My brother was stronger than I and went the full 10miles. But I am just happy that I was able to run the whole time without walking. I think I even got close to the time of my first 5k last month. That was even with taking it somewhat easy. Talk about a huge motivator! Now I will spend the next 3 weeks getting ready for the Novartis Run. That may be a truer test as to whether or not I can make it through the half marathon. Jake has already registered, so now he knows that he has to do it-it was a commitment thing. I think that is what I am going to have to do. If I pay the $40, I will definitely get my butt out there. This is my year of becoming a runner, so I suppose I better go big or go home!, right? Plus I think eventually the sun will be out on a more regular basis and that will make it easier to get my body going, right? Right!

I Owe Karrie!

So if I had not already told Karrie I would do cardio with her on Thursday night, I probably wouldn't have made it last night. I almost thought about wimping out after 30mins, but Karrie stood by me (or sat by me rather) for another 30 mins on the bikes. I went today for Body Pump. My original plan, and what I usually do, is get there early and do some cardio. But E got in bed with me in the middle of night after wetting his bed. So with that disturbance of sleep, I only got in 15 mins on the eliptical. But I won't fault myself too much for that.
Tomorrow is the State Farm 5K and I am going to give it my all, whatever that may be! :) I'll be back to let you know how that went. I just wish the sun would show up, but I am NOT banking it!

Good Morning!!!!

I made it to the gym this morning for an hour of cardio work! I split the time between the treadmill and biking. I used the different style of bike near the stair steppers and that was a nice change. So all in all I got 8 miles in and burned 500 calories. My knee started to kill from the running, so I opted not to go to body pump this morning. I don't think I could take the lunges. I will be at Body Pump tomorrow night though. I've committed to the girls, so there's no backing out now. :-) But that's just what I need. I used to be able to hold yself accountable and that was enough and I'd get to the gym. Now I need that extra push and need the committment I've made to others. Whatever works, right? I have to admit I do feel better after I've worked out, but for some reason I can still talk myself out of it which isn't like me. Hurry up Spring! I need other options, rather than the same old boring gym routine. Although they have painted one of the walls yellow, I noticed. I am not sure what that is supposed to accomplish, but it didn't look bad. Now I almost want to get there to see what other changes transpire....almost ;)

Easter Resolution?

Ok, so I suck at going to the gym. I've been experiencing some incredible tiredness due to the lowest iron I've ever had. I am talking about being ready for bed by 6:30pm! But having the duties of fixing E dinner, homework, baths, and everything else I have to wait until at least 8pm. Let me tell you I am so ready by then!!! I've been taking a regular dose of iron as well as trying to have a better diet, it hasn't really helped at all. I am supposed to have a blood draw from the doctor to have it checked out, but I am not too keen on that right now. I did make it to the gym today..twice actually! I went to Body Pump and stayed for 20min of cardio. My family was doing the Easter meal today, so I had to be able to feel good about the junk I was going to eat. Then after eating, my cousin who is 16 and on her soccer team in St Louis, needed to get her run in. She was looking for volunteers to run with her, but it was too cold for any of us. So I invited her to my gym where we did an hour of cardio together. This included 40mins on the treadmill and 20min on the elipitical. I feel much better now. When we got back to my grandma's I was able to avoid eating anymore candy or pie. YEAH!!!!Tomorrow I think Val wants to go to the gym, so I hope to be there by 10:30. I have a stupid 5k to run in a week, so I need to get myself back in gear! So K and J, whenever you have a trip planned to the gym, you need to call me! I need all the extra help I can get. I wish my body would just cooperate with the goals I've set for it! Oh well, April and Spring is almost here, so it's like a fresh start is just waiting around the corner!

I'm back!!

Ok, so I admit I've been slacking on posting anything for almost a week. I think part of it is due to guilt. I have been experiencing real low motivation when it comes to the gym and especially my running. Tonight I am hoping Jake is home to hang out with Elijah so I can get some running in after Body Pump. I have to step it up a notch. Just any old cardio won't work, I need to get back to running. I think I've given myself enough time off and I need to start retraining my body slowly. I am still planning on running the State Farm 5k and I don't want to let myself down. I did so well last month, that I need to get my body prepared again. Who knows what will come of the half marathon, but that's not until May. So until then I will take it one day at a time and just focus on the next run!

Getting There

So I am at 83% for this month and we're not quite halfway through, I've gott keep this up! Karrie should remember that I wasn't at Pump last night because I had a meeting at church. (I know, I know it's always something.) But I did finally convince myself to go last night for some cardio before hitting the grocery store. So to make up for my missed evening of pump, I made it at 5:30 this morning for 30 min of cardio followed by Pump. Wednesday's 6am class has a pretty good following, it's not for me every week but it is handy for those occassional Tuesdays that I can't (or don't) make it. So at least I am still getting there. Although my amt of running is slacking and I've got to step it up a notch. When we get some decent weather on a weekend, I'll hit the trails running! (Let's hope!)

Getting by with Help From My Friends

I have to say thanks to Karrie and Jennifer for helping me get to the gym on Monday night. I didn't make it to the gym Sunday due to all the other stuff I had going on. In order to complete 85-90% attendance at the gym this month, it was important that I got there last night. Since Valerie bailed on me for Monday, it would've been easy for me to do the same thing. But I was determined to get there, but needed that something extra to hold me accountable. So girls, thanks for being that extra help I needed. Like I said, I get by with a little help from my friends!!!

So I made it!!!

I made it to Body Pump tonight along with Karrie and Erin. It's always good to see you girls! I am possibly going to attempt another 5am workout tomorrow. But it's movie night with Wes, so I don't kow if I'll get my tired butt up that early. If not maybe I'll be motivated enough to go after church on Friday. But I'll have just eaten so who knows....any more excuses I can think of?

5am Workouts

Man are they tough! The upside is the gym is almost completely empty at that time and I am truly energized afterwards. (I figure when it isn't 12 degrees at that time of day it will only be easier, right?) So I am trying to train myself to get there at 5am two to three times a week. (Maybe that should be my new plan for my currently nonexistant Monday workouts.) I made it there this morning and plan on going back for body pump tonight. I am on track for getting 3 body pump classes in this week. YEAH!!!
I also made it to the gym last night after Elijah was in bed and Jake was home from the gym. It was almost 9pm and I just about talked myself out of it, but I made it! So I am at 83% attendance for the month. WHOO HOO!!! Still having some difficulty with my knee, but I am doing my best to work through it.

75 Percent

I have gone 3 out 4 days of March and plan on being there again tonight. I think Jake and I are going to make Wednesday night Abs class our regular thing. Since I wasn't able to stay last night for cardio after body pump, I will do that before or after abs tonight. I've really been slacking on the whole running thing and I need to get back on track. So I will aim for 3.1 mi tonight in prep for the State Farm run at the end of the month. Jake says he plans on running that too, so my goal is to smoke him! :) Just some friendly competition there...which I am not sure he even knows about. ;) So after I go to the gym tonight I'll be at 80 percent for the month of March. That excites me and hopefully will keep me motivated!

So I Lied...

Ok, I didn't make it on a Monday, but is anyone really surprised by that? I guess good intentions only get you so far. It's hard because Elijah doesn't like having to go to the gym and usually he has the luxury of staying home. But Monday nights is when Jake has his late class and it's easier to stay home. (I know, more excuses, right?) I thought I would go when he got home, which is usually around 8:30, but he didn't get home till closer to 9:30 and by then all my motivation was gone! But I will be making it to Tuesday night body pump, even if that means Elijah will have to go and be bored at the daycare. I need my gym time! My boss goes over her lunch hour, I may have to consider that once a week or so, maybe on Mondays then I will have less of an excuse for skipping.
I can't wait for nice weather and then more things can be done outdoors. Until then, I will try to stay motivated and realize that the count down to summer is on! Plus it seems like we may actually have a 10 year HS Reunion and Lord knows I want to feel good about that!

Two for Two!

I've decided this month rather than look at how many times per week I amke it to the gym, I am going to look at how many times I went the whole month overall. So far I am two for two!!!! My sister joined me in the weight room today and we stuck around for some cardio. We hadn't done the stair master yet, so we did 15mins there and I thought I'd be done for! But we managed to last for 15mins on the treadmill. I could only run .5 mi before my knee started hurting. But I'll be back at it tomorrow night. (Yes, I am finally going to make it on a Monday....really....I am...)

WAY Overdue!!!

Ok , so I've been told that I haven't been posting enough on my blog. I am sorry, but I experienced some down time towards the end of the week. (Which means lack of motivation!) So I missed the gym both Thurs and Fri, which also meant I felt too bad to post anything about that.
I managed to make it to body pump this morning as well as staying for some cardio with my sister. I thought maybe I'd even go on a bike ride this afternoon, as I was invited to last night. But I guess that was pushed to the back burner by the one I was invited by...how RUDE!!! Luckily I made it to gym as planned. Guys can be so unreliable, but anyway...

So I will definetely be at the gym once again tomorrow. I didn't run this week because my knee wa so sore. I was finally able to do lunges without pain, so I am due for a run tomorrow...wish me luck!

(There you go Karrie, there's my update!)

No More Excuses!

Ok, so I feel like I have some explaining to do. I made it through my first 5K and survived! I actually ran my best time thus far at 27:54. It amy not be the most impressive time, but I am satisfied! Sunday I made it to the gym with my sister for some weights and just 15min on the treadmill. I tried running, but it started to kill my knee! (I didn't make it to Body Step as originally planned, but i had gone out the night before-mistake on my part!)
I had all intentions of going to the gym on Monday, but I was still wore out and the weather was bad...blah!blah!blah! (Hence the no more excuses.) I also did not go to my regular Body Pump last night, which is not like me. But I had parent/teacher conferences and then had to feed Elijah when I got home and so on and so forth. I had thought about going after he was in bed and Jake was home but I did not. I want everyone to know (that means Karrie and Jennifer) that I got my lazy butt out of bed and did cardio at 5am, followed by the 6am Body Pump this morning. I am also going back tonight for 30min of cardio followed by the abs class with Jake. But the running and lunges hurt my right knee again this morning. I could only make it 3mi before having to walk ( which I at least did at an incline). So I guess I will step it back a notch, but have to keep going if I plan on keeping up with my goals. Please be wishing me better luck and no more knee problems. I will not slack and will not make any more excuses!

Am I pushing it?

So I went to Body Pump this morning and we had a great group show up. Good job girls! Then I stayed for some cardio work with my sister, as she has gym time to make up for high school. I am spending this afternoon trying to recoup some strength for the 5k Fundraiser I am running in today. Is it possible to be overlymotivated and do TOO much? I am sure it is, and I may be sorry tomorrow. But you know I'll be right back at the gym tomorrow doing my regular routine of Body Step. I think when my sister meets me after that I'll do some light weights so I can save some energy for my "long" run Monday night. THAT is going to take some REAL motivation. I don't typically do Mondays at the gym, but I have to go this week because I am over due by a long shot!Am I really going to be able to do this thing they call the Half Marathon? Let's hope so, because right now I am not working that hard towards it....

11 Weeks

So there are only 11 weeks until I attempt my first half marathon. I was able to get myself to the gym everyday this week, except for Monday which seems to be my regular "off" day. I can easily do 5k, but really need to start stepping it up a notch if I am gong to run the half marathon successfully and in an amount of time I'll be satisfied with. I keep telling myself once the warmer weather roll saround it won't be as hard to motivate myself to do the work that is necessary to accomplish my goals. I will keep taking it one day at a time and will truly start pushing myself to run my "long" days more regulary. In the mean time, I will continue to find motivation from Karrie. You go girl!!!