Day 15: Ohhhh we're half way there! Woahhhh living on a prayer!

It's day 15 yo!

Whole 30 is going great! Of course, I have my ups and downs.
Here is a quick recap.

Day 7: My brain is an asshole. I woke up in a weird mood. I just felt off. At work I read something that made me more emotional than I should have been… I was to the point of tears for no real apparent reason. I was just overcome with sadness. My mind slipped for a moment and my thought was, "Gosh, some chocolate would make me feel better…" Then it hit me. I was not really sad, I was having a sugar craving from hell! My brain was basically being an asshole, making me sad in hopes of getting sugar! Talk about scumbag brain.
I used this moment as a real learning tool. I clearly have an unhealthy relationship with food. I didn't really realize it until that very moment. Now that I do know this I feel very empowered! You can't fool me scumbag brain!

Day 10 & 11: The website calls these days the hardest days. Knowing these days were when the majority of people quit the program just added fuel to my fire! I pretty much charged through these 2 days with my eyes set on the prize.

Day 12: First time eating out! My mom, sister, and I went out to eat after we went wedding dress shopping for my sis! At first glance of the menu it was very disheartening. Seeing all the things that I couldn't eat was very hard. I ordered shrimp cocktail for an appetizer. I settled with broiled catfish, cabbage, and a double salad. At first bite the catfish was extremely BLAH. Of course my emotions got the better of me… There's nothing quite as awkward as bursting into tears in the middle of a restaurant. I was also upset that I was being dumb and didn't order the crab legs because "they don't taste good without butter!" My mom sweetly ordered me a side of crab legs and I also decided to try to jazz up my fish with some salt. So, salt is amazing. It made my blah fish really delicious! And crab legs are actually DELICIOUS without butter! I really tasted the actual crab! So good! I survived my first meal out and I'd say it was a success!

Since I've started my workouts have been insanely fantastic. I can't really think of the last time that I felt this good or had this much energy.

I have had a really fun time cooking/learning how to cook and trying new recipes! Tonight for dinner I had buffalo turkey meatloaf and roasted broccoli! Who knew roasted broccoli was so freaking delicious!

Well, there is a pile of dishes calling my name that I must attend to…

Have a great week!

Has it really been 3 months since my last post? Dang...

        So, apparently I have fallen down on the job of blogging. Sorry y'all. But not to fear, I'm back now! And boy have I got some crazy developments to share.

#1. Literally just 3 minutes ago I registered for my first half marathon! Gahhhhh!

Now, I have never in my life ran further than 5 miles at once... So yeah. GO BIG OR GO HOME.

#2. I'm doing Whole30!

I'm currently on day 6 and going strong! If you don't know what Whole30 is I highly suggest you check it out!

http://www.whole9life.com

Basically it's no grains, no dairy, no legumes, no sugar. A paleo program on steroids. Lots of meat and veggies!

This is basically the exact opposite of how I had been eating. It has been some what of a shock to my system. I had one hell of a food hangover on days 2 and 3. It really made me realize just how crappy I had been eating. This is also the most cooking I have ever done in my life. And one thing I didn't realize what happens when you cook a lot... SO MANY DISHES! I feel like all I do is cook and do dishes.

Me a year ago would think that the me now has gone completely bonkers... And I'm sure some people I know now may think I've lost it.

Haters gonna hate and Taters gonna tate!

All I can say is that I am determined and feeling good. Watch out world, I am ready to dominate!

Tears at the gym.

If you know me, you know that I am a crier. Happy, sad, mad, whatever the occasion, I'll probably cry. I have been this way my whole life. Once I hit middle school I pretty much got a grip on the water works, but there are still times I lose control. Like today... Today was my reassessment at the gym. That means tape measures, scales, nifty BMI readers, and physically lifting to see if I've improved. Along with all this great fun, my trainer went over my food journal with me (last weeks homework). So, after all the measuring and food critiquing it was time to lift. My tear ducts had other plans... I broke down right in the middle of the gym. It was like the weight of the past few months were crushing me and I had had enough. To be working so, so hard and still be so far away from where I'd like to be just got the best of me. So there I am, crying like a baby in the gym... Feeling so defeated. Then realizing that I AM THAT GIRL CRYING AT THE GYM. I started to cry harder, out of embarrassment. It's a really vicious cycle. My trainer sweetly calmed me down. He assured me he'd help me get to where I want to be. I cried it out and moved on. After my workout I realized I'm only defeated when I say I am. And right now, I am no where close to throwing in the towel. Today was a mere bump in the road. A bump I was bound to hit sooner or later. If anything, I have realized just how much this whole journey means to me and how damn bad I want it. So, if you are reading this and have hit that bump, cry it out and move on. The road gets smoother, I promise. 

I haven't forgotten about you!

Well, once again I have slacked off on the whole blogging thing. So I shall fill you in on my journey since we last saw each other. 

My workouts with my trainer are going great. I can tell that I'm getting stronger, which is awesome. Yesterday actually, I was bench pressing more than some of the guys there! What can I say? I was in beast mode! 

My trainer did leave me with some homework though... I have to track every bite of food I eat. Because, I'm "working too hard not to be losing any weight". I had been really good with what I was eating. Then, all of a sudden I wasn't. I got busy with work and life and got lazy. At one point last week I ate cereal three times in one day... No bueno. 

So, no more cereal (bummer). 

Now, I'm not the best cook. Honestly, I'm no cook. Tonight I had to call for help baking chicken. So, with cereal and fast food definitely out of the picture I need some help on food ideas. I plan to use my day off tomorrow loading up my healthy recipe arsenal on Pinterest. Which I find kind of exciting, because I love trying and discovering new things! If I have any luck and don't burn my kitchen down I will share my food success stories with you! Let's be honest, I'll probably share the epic fails with you as well. 

According to my clock it is officially Sunday Funday Runday! I have a lovely little run planned in park I recently discovered.  The trail is around a lake, it's absolutely heavenly. Have a great day! I shall report back with foodie things soon! 

Hello There!

It has been a busy 2 and a half weeks! I've been keeping up with my trainer twice a week. My running... well... It's been a little hit or miss, thanks to a busy work schedule and really gross weather.
My last session with my trainer was a reassessment  workout again, goodness a month goes by fast!
Seeing results really makes all the hard work worth it. I can hold a plank for 12 seconds longer and bench press 10 more lbs and squat 30 lbs more!!!

And yesterday I ran my second 5k. Now, this race wasn't exactly planned. It was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I signed up a little over a week ago. I was bored and decided I needed something to do. Like I said before, my running has been a little hit or miss, so I just decided to wing it! The morning of the race I had a battle with my alarm. At one point I actually decided to just sleep in and forget the race... It was raining and 5:30 in the morning. I was in no mood to leave the comfort of my bed. Thankfully I talked myself into being awesome and running! It was definitely worth it! I did get rained on and I didn't exactly run fast, but it was a good time and I felt great afterwards! Had I slept in I would be regretting it right now.
The beginning of this race was definitely intimidating. There were people everywhere. I think there were like 2000 something people in the race and the street where the starting line was was small. My claustorphobia was getting a workout. People were everywhere stretching and warming up like crazy. Most had like fancy running clothes on, I was there in gym shorts and a t shirt just like hanging out. Once the race started... holy cow. I got clipped by at least 2 crazies with strollers and had to jump out of the way of half a dozen more. So annoying! The race went really well. It was a bit disheartening when I finally reached the 2 mile marker THERE WERE RUNNERS ALREADY RUNNING BACK TO THE START LINE! Overachievers. But I'm sorry, if you are so fast and crazy enough to run all 3.1 miles back to the start line, please, please take another route. Like really. C'mon! But overall it was a great run, so great in fact that I passed up the free ice cream at the finish line!

p.s. I also got a cool finisher medal! I'm all about the hardware!

My friend Ralph

 Today has just been one of those days. It's my first day off in over a week. I was super excited to start it off with a good workout and then see a movie and maybe do a little shopping. Well, that did not happen. Instead I ended up spending my afternoon in the veterinary clinic with my dog. Luckily she's fine, just not the day off I imagined.

  And my workout...

So the trainers at my gym got this new workout called "The Dirty Thirty". It's 30 exercises, 30 reps of each in 30 minutes (or as fast as possible). Since at the moment I'm no where close to actually surviving the whole "Dirty Thirty" I did a slight variation, only 15 reps of a majority of the workouts. Now, this may have been ok if a sane individual were doing it. But no, it was me...

 I don't think I have mentioned my competitive problem  before. Well, I am super competitive. Sometimes insanely so. Why? I have no clue. And most of the time it is with the weirdest stuff.  Well, as I was doing my little workout there were 2 trainers also doing the Dirty Thirty. And for whatever reason my mind was all like, "C'MON! YOU ARE JUST AS GOOD AS THEY ARE!!!! GO FASTERRRRRRRR! FASTERRRRR!" These were trainers... They get paid to be in shape! And me... I'm slowly getting in shape. Even though my trainer was telling me that it wasn't a race (my brain ignored this) and I could take me time ("Yeah right!") I did not listen. To make a long story not so long, I ended up having to "Call Ralph" in the middle of my workout. Now, having gone through some truly hellish workouts in my younger days, this was the first time I ever vommed while working out. Now, it was a hard workout and all, but I was not expecting the sudden call from Ralph. It has been a weird day...

On the bright side, I did get a good workout in, even if my competitive edge threw me off course a bit, and I did get to spend some quality time with my pup.

I did not wear the right bra for this...

   When is the last time you did a jumping jack? Me? It was at least 7 years ago, if not more. Well, jumping jacks were on my trainer's list for my monthly evaluation. My first thought when he told me was, "I did not wear the right bra for this." Which made him really nervous and embarrassed. I was half kidding, but my "girls" were not. I was never a member of the itty-bitty-titty-committee, I have always been large and in charge. And those of you out there who are blessed with "a rack" know that you have certain bras for certain activities. I was not wearing my heavy duty, secret service sports bra that is really necessary for jumping activities. After some internal debating on whether I would take BW up on postponing the jumping jacks I thought, "Screw it! Do I really care what anyone in here thinks about my jiggly boobies?" No, I did not care one bit. And it was only a minute's worth of jumping jacks, so right sports bra or not, it wasn't going to kill me...
Ok, so back to the actual jumping jacks. BW asked if I had done jumping jacks, I laugh, "Of course I have!" Then the moment came to do one... And I froze. It was like spelling a really simple word and getting all confused because it doesn't look right. I knew what to do it just seemed all wrong. It was a tad bit embarrassing. Oh well, if my life wasn't embarrassing I would have no good stories to tell you!

As I said it was an evaluation day with my trainer. This time I got to see what my max out weights were. I actually surprised myself quite a bit. Having not formally lifted weights in almost 5 years I was really unsure where I was at. Well, I benched 115 lbs, which is more than I ever did in high school, and squatted 145 lbs! Now that I know where I stand I am excited to beat my record next during next months evaluation!

Now the biggest area of improvement was my plank. On the first day I started 2 months ago I could only hold a plank for 24 seconds. And they were 24 seconds of pure hell.

TODAY I HELD A PLANK FOR 55 SECONDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I more than doubled my plank time! My trainer was super excited! It is so exhilarating finally being able to see and feel real change!

That first half mile...

That first half mile... Man is it a bitch.

If there is anything that keeps me from running it is usually that first half mile. It is terrible. My inner fat girl has plenty to say during that time. "You could be watching tv right now..." "This is no fun, just go home and lay on your comfy couch" or "Do you realize how ridiculous you look running" and "Let's just go eat some ice cream and call it a day."

If the first half mile is so terrible why do I keep running? I ask myself this every run. And the answer is simple: I run for that second half mile, and that second mile, and the third, and the fourth... Once I power past my inner fat girl, excuses, achey feet, and get into that second half mile I hit my groove. I feel like I could run forever. I love hitting my stride. It is one of the best feelings.

So whatever your first half mile may be, power through, the other side is beautiful!

COLOR ME RAD!

 I haven't forgotten about you! Since my 5k on the 27th life and work has be super busy. I've finally gotten a bit of free time to tell you about my first 5k!

It was honestly more fun than I could have hoped for. Everyone was in a fantastic mood, there was music blasting at the starting line and everyone taking pictures. And this was all with not so favorable weather conditions. That morning it was a bit on the cooler side with a 100% chance of rain. It actually did start to rain about half way into the race. The rain made for an interesting mix with the color. By the end of the race I had never been so colorful in my life! It was so much fun!

For my first 5k I am pretty darn proud of myself. My time actually surprised me and was better than I was expecting! And I ran the entire time! Finishing was honestly one of the best feelings in the world! I am all signed up and ready to go for my next Color Me Rad in July. By then I hope to shave at least 5 minutes off my time, if not more! In between that time I hope to find some smaller races to to run as well. Each day I can see and feel the progress I'm making. It's amazing and so worth all the time, sweat, and soreness!

Before the race.

Crossing the finish line!

I came, I ran, I conquered.

The finished product!

Welcome to the Gun Show.

We meet again!

After a weird day at work and several hours of debating on whether or not to reschedule my workout with BW, I got my booty to the gym. For whatever reason I just did not want to go to the gym. My bed was calling my name all day... In the end I'm glad a plucked up and went to the gym. I had a great workout!

BW even told me that before too long I won't be able to wear my cut off shirts out in public anymore... BECAUSE OF MY GUNS! He told me the cops would be after me.

He also said that he has set a goal for me, to do a few pull ups... Now, I have never done a true pull up in my life. The only pull up I could do was the first one, from the jump off the chair. So yeah. Watch out pull up bar, I'm coming for you!

I have also signed up for my second 5k!!!! It's the Color Me Rad 5k in St. Louis in July! If you want to join me let me know! It's sure to be a blast!

 I'm looking forward to getting a good run in tomorrow, hopefully before the nasty weather rolls in.

Have a great one!

One Month Down

Hello again!

It has been a little over a month since I started working out with BW. Yesterday was my reevaluation workout. It wasn't too terrible, considering I had not worked out in a week. The reevaluation also meant  checking my measurements and weight... It was rough when I found out I hadn't lost any weight. But apparently in this stage it's normal not to lose any weight. With some thought and realizing how far I've come this month and how great I feel I'm ok with not losing weight yet, I know I'll get there. And measurement wise, I lost a few inches from my chest and arms and gained an inch or so in my legs. My trainer laughed and said that's exactly what he thought would happen. So apparently all the squats are working!

My first 5k is in 10 days! I'm super pumped! Yesterday BW also showed me some exercises to help my stride while running. Holy hip flexors, these exercises are awkward! Two of the names of the exercises were Clamshell and Fire Hydrant... You don't have to use much imagination to figure them out. So awkward to do in a packed gym. But I can really tell how all of the leg exercises are helping my running. I grew up thinking I was just born a lousy runner. SO NOT TRUE! I may not be the fastest creature on 2 legs, but I'm at the point where running isn't torture!



And from one runner to everyone involved and affected, my thoughts and prayers go out to those in Boston.

Taking A Step Back

After such a fantastic day on Sunday, Monday had a mind of it's own. Monday morning I got the not-so-pleasant surprise of a lovely stomach virus straight from Hell. My hopes of a fabulous Monday workout after work went out straight out the window. Instead, I got to spend my whole Monday worshiping the porcelean gods. And yesterday I was forcing liquids down my very dehydrated throat. It was horrible. Over 48 hours I lost 10 lbs. Now, I'm all for losing weight, but not this way. No way. So, now for the week my workouts are on hold as I slowly try to regain strength and get back to my normal diet. A few steps back isn't the end of the world. If anything, this has helped me realize just how much I am enjoying this journey. I was really upset that I had to cancel my workout with BW on Monday. And now I can't wait to get back in the gym! So, I shall take it easy and see how the rest of this week turns out.

SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY!

Happy Sunday Funday Runday!

I decided to take advantage of this beautiful April day with a run along the river. I ran 4.5 miles rather easily and enjoyably. And with that I finished my homework for the week! Woo Hoooooo! 

It's amazing how each day it gets easier and easier and each morning I feel better and better. It is an incredible feeling. 

Tomorrow I have a session with BW after work. I can't think of a better way to start the week!

Have a great day!

   

Why do I feel drunk when I step off the treadmill?

 Well, I finally started working on my homework... Not as soon as I would have liked, but sometimes life gets in the way. Tuesday I was busy running around town getting errands done, leaving no time for a run. And then yesterday... Yesterday was rough. After a fault in confidence and questioning if I was even going to be able to do this whole gym thing. I ended up eating a GIANT frozen yogurt and curling up into a burrito of grumpiness (my bed) and taking a 3 hour nap. But after some much needed sleep I was up and ready to go this morning! I actually went through work all day excited to go to the gym!

So, today I killed it. I ran over 3.5 miles and actually enjoyed it. In total I was on the treadmill for an hour. (And no judging my time... it's progress!) Anyways. When I stepped off the treadmill I had a little trouble adjusting to solid ground. This happens every time! Does anyone experience this phenomenon? Because I seriously feel drunk, really drunk.  And I looked around, it doesn't seem that anyone else has this big of a problem. Maybe this is just a curse I have to live with, post treadmill 30 seconds of drunk.

I meet with BW tomorrow. So you'll get to hear (or read?) how that goes. :)

Kermit the Frog Arms

Today was an arms, back, and chest day. And man am I feeling it. I literally have little control over my amazon arms right now they are so sore. Driving home from the gym... torture. Washing my hair... hysterically horrible. (I had to prop my arms on the side of the shower and just move my head around wildly, I can't make this stuff up.) So, I feel like Kermit the Frog with noodle arm syndrome.

It was a really great workout though! After a rough night and a frustrating morning my workout is what got me through the day. It completely turned it around, so thankfully I can end today on a very high note.

Now, when I say it was a great workout I don't mean it was easy. Because it was rough! I definitely had my ego busted a bit. Back in high school I was used to being a BEAST in the gym. Lifting the most weight was my thing, I prided myself on it. Well, I am basically starting from the ground up. When I was getting tired and struggling to lift the really light weights I got pretty upset. I've been in denial for a long time as to how far I've let myself go. But as BW said, we are building the foundation right now and the weight I'm lifting isn't the main point. I'm ready to get this foundation hella sturdy and ready to go!

BW also gave me homework.... I have to log 10 miles this week. Now, my track record with homework is not great. I put the PRO in procrastination. I have mastered the art of writing a 10 page paper in one night, but running 10 miles in one night, HELL NO! So I will be starting on this homework tomorrow!

-E

 Hello World!

I never thought I would be one to blog. But if I have learned anything in my 25 years of life, it is to never say never. So, I have decided to share my journey back to the land of fitness with you. I hope you enjoy.

A little bit about me...
I am 25 years old, just trying to survive this so called "adulthood". As for my fitness... Ummm. Yeah. Up until about a month ago it was virtually nonexistent. In high school I was involved in almost every sport offered. I played basketball, softball, and ran track. I played one year of college basketball, in which I was in the best shape of my life. When that run ended unexpectedly, so did my motivation to do anything physical. Throughout the rest of college I made half ass attempts to get back into shape. At one point I even bought a gym membership, which I used maybe 3 times. So, for the last 5 or so years exercise and fitness haven't been a part of my life. So what changed?

I have always enjoyed working out, sweating, and pushing my body to it's limits. I was just running very low on motivation and purpose. Well, I just got to the point where I miss being active, I hate being out of breath walking up a flight of stairs, and I absolutely refuse to buy clothes in a bigger size. It was time for a life change.

About a month ago I signed up for a 5k with some friends. I thought I would be able to train on my own for it. Hahahaha. No! After getting the catch phrase for a local gym stuck in my head I decided to check it out. I loved it and signed up. I also decided to sign up for a personal trainer. It was honestly one of the best decisions I've made in a long time.

As of now, I've worked out with my trainer, who we'll call BW, for 3 weeks. My first 5k is just under 4 weeks away. I feel great and am super excited to see just where this journey takes me.

I should also note that the last time I ran anywhere close to 3 miles my basketball coach was following me in a bus, honking at me...

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Thanks for reading!

-E