Why hello again :)
I'm sitting here, writing out my goals, looking at what I've accomplished so far this year, and making plans for where I will be in a year.
I always like to reflect back on what you'd like to do next, but I also really wanted to spend a little time looking at what I can do NOW to improve myself later. To be clear, when I say improve, I am not just talking weight loss/size goals, I focus on my whole "person" so mental, spiritual, and emotional parts.
When I say "in a year" I'm not talking "new years resolutions" because lets be honest, those NEVER stick.
So instead, I am saying this... and really give it some though....
What are FIVE things you are going to accomplish between now and December 2016 that will help you to become the "new and improved you"
Here are my five
1. Get back into horseback riding
2. Finish my book to raise funds for Collie Rescue Network
3. Drop 4 sizes (because weight is great, but new clothing is even better) and log my food every day, even on the cheat days!
4. Spend more time each day focusing on me, and what I need to do that day to be better than the day before
5. Remember to be grateful every single day (see http://www.coremagnificence.com/blog/spirit/what-are-you-grateful-for/ if you'd like more guidance on how to put your thoughts to paper)
So I ask again... what are five things you are going to gift yourself with for the next 360+ days????
If you're looking for a Monday morning motivation, head over to http://www.coremagnificence.com/ and sign up for her weekly motivational message. It always helps me feel motivated after a weekend!
Good luck, and please post below if you feel confident that you'd like to join in my 360 days to a New and Improved You :)
Looking forward to hearing some great goals
P.S. I use www.myfitnesspal.com to track my food, so if you're looking for a friend on there, its under maddiebabe :)
Cheers
Monday, 7 December 2015
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Be understanding, be motivated, be grateful
Wow....only 4 days between posts--> already a win in my books
I am feeling pretty pumped tonight for a plethora of reasons (25 cent word of the day)
Here are just a few of them:
1. I had an AMAZING and motivating chat last night with someone who has encouraged me for the last year to face my fears and own my future, and I finally clicked with it
2. I got up and got a work out in this morning, something I have not been motivated to do in MONTHS, and to top it all off, I did NOT stop even when I wanted to.
3. I have dropped 2 pounds in the last 6 days by sticking to my food and the 30 day challenge
4. I have restarted my grateful log, sharing 5 things/day that I am grateful for
It is freeing and energizing to be able to find motivation in the small things again. To wake up early and NOT be tired, to look at the scale and see movement, and not expect huge leaps, to write out every day something that I am blessed to have in my life. All these things truly help me to grow stronger mentally and physically every single day!
I had someone ask me "what was it that got you through your darkest days this time" so while I'm here, I might as well share that "thing" with you too.
Actually, there are a few things (or rather people) who have helped me in the last few months
Jason- My amazing, wonderful, supportive and often sarcastic and teasing husband. Always there, always attentive, and always encouraging me to step up to the challenge There really is not enough words to describe how I feel about this man
Shannon- Wow, I don't even know what to say about this one. She has been an amazing friend, supporter, shoulder to cry and vent on, and most recently, and magician. She helped me to leave a horrible toxic work environment, and find something I love that I did not even know I was searching for!
Angela- AKA Core Magnificence, aka my rock, and the support I have needed that I didn't even know I had asked for. Always lending an ear, and always looking for the next challenge to do with me!
Hayley- My very dear friend who has been there throughout a lot of ups and downs in my life the past few years, and this time was no different. She offered me a job in 2008, and she was there and offering a new challenge I did not even know I needed a few months ago.
Jackie- Well my feelings are mixed on this one. She is this amazing, wonderful, kind, encouraging, and supportive friend. She is always there to listen when I'm stressing, shares with me when I'm happy and excited, and the funniest part, I feel I've known her forever. In actuality though...I've never even met her!!! But man oh man she is a firecracker. The only reason my feelings are "mixed" on her is because I cant decide if shes my soul sister from a different province, or a heaven-sent angel there to offer unbiased guidance when I don't know how to ask for it.
Debbie and Jer- These friends of mine. They encourage and support Jason and I on our journey to a newer healthier happier"us". They offer humour, entertaining updates on their progress (check out the hashtag #GetFitWithJer) and they are always ready and willing to listen when we need a different perspective. Plus Deb lets me spend time with her horse so that's always a win, emotionally and physically haha)
All in all, there are a TON more people who have contributed to where I am now, but these are just the ones who have made the most significant impact in the last few weeks.
So there you have it for tonight
4 things I am excited about, and 6 (well 7 if you count Jer) of the most significant pieces of the puzzle that have pushed me and helped me to stay motivated!
xoxo see you all soon!
I am feeling pretty pumped tonight for a plethora of reasons (25 cent word of the day)
Here are just a few of them:
1. I had an AMAZING and motivating chat last night with someone who has encouraged me for the last year to face my fears and own my future, and I finally clicked with it
2. I got up and got a work out in this morning, something I have not been motivated to do in MONTHS, and to top it all off, I did NOT stop even when I wanted to.
3. I have dropped 2 pounds in the last 6 days by sticking to my food and the 30 day challenge
4. I have restarted my grateful log, sharing 5 things/day that I am grateful for
It is freeing and energizing to be able to find motivation in the small things again. To wake up early and NOT be tired, to look at the scale and see movement, and not expect huge leaps, to write out every day something that I am blessed to have in my life. All these things truly help me to grow stronger mentally and physically every single day!
I had someone ask me "what was it that got you through your darkest days this time" so while I'm here, I might as well share that "thing" with you too.
Actually, there are a few things (or rather people) who have helped me in the last few months
Jason- My amazing, wonderful, supportive and often sarcastic and teasing husband. Always there, always attentive, and always encouraging me to step up to the challenge There really is not enough words to describe how I feel about this man
Shannon- Wow, I don't even know what to say about this one. She has been an amazing friend, supporter, shoulder to cry and vent on, and most recently, and magician. She helped me to leave a horrible toxic work environment, and find something I love that I did not even know I was searching for!
Angela- AKA Core Magnificence, aka my rock, and the support I have needed that I didn't even know I had asked for. Always lending an ear, and always looking for the next challenge to do with me!
Hayley- My very dear friend who has been there throughout a lot of ups and downs in my life the past few years, and this time was no different. She offered me a job in 2008, and she was there and offering a new challenge I did not even know I needed a few months ago.
Jackie- Well my feelings are mixed on this one. She is this amazing, wonderful, kind, encouraging, and supportive friend. She is always there to listen when I'm stressing, shares with me when I'm happy and excited, and the funniest part, I feel I've known her forever. In actuality though...I've never even met her!!! But man oh man she is a firecracker. The only reason my feelings are "mixed" on her is because I cant decide if shes my soul sister from a different province, or a heaven-sent angel there to offer unbiased guidance when I don't know how to ask for it.
Debbie and Jer- These friends of mine. They encourage and support Jason and I on our journey to a newer healthier happier"us". They offer humour, entertaining updates on their progress (check out the hashtag #GetFitWithJer) and they are always ready and willing to listen when we need a different perspective. Plus Deb lets me spend time with her horse so that's always a win, emotionally and physically haha)
All in all, there are a TON more people who have contributed to where I am now, but these are just the ones who have made the most significant impact in the last few weeks.
So there you have it for tonight
4 things I am excited about, and 6 (well 7 if you count Jer) of the most significant pieces of the puzzle that have pushed me and helped me to stay motivated!
xoxo see you all soon!
Monday, 16 November 2015
Lack of Energy and Loss of Motivation
Well Hello There
Long time no see.... or perhaps that is what YOU should be saying to ME!
Its been over TWO MONTHS since I last posted and I feel terrible. I was so gung-ho to get going on this blog, to share my challenges and successes, and instead I disappeared, so for that I am sorry!
So lets start over, let me tell you where I have been the last two months.... although I'm not 100% sure you will want to know, so please read on with caution
Lets begin shall we....
In August I was super excited, I was happy, I had a new job and all was going great. Then I hurt my back. Not badly, but bad enough that my running was slowed down significantly (as in I was barely getting out for the runs that I was supposed to be doing)
Finally I started feeling a little better and got moving along again towards that 5 km race I was doing with my amazing friend Angela (Core Magnificence <-- don't forget to check her out) and then slap in the face # 2 happens
Enter September.... working away towards that 5km, doing my early morning runs, feeling motivated and suddenly Im sidelined....WITH THE FLU. I mean really, who gets the flu before the cold even sets in. Not only was it the flu though, it was the first time in over 10 years that I was so laid up that I could not even move from my bed except to the couch, the loo, and the kitchen for tea. Nothing was staying down, and nothing was staying in me.
Lucky for me though, I recovered one day before the 5km. What does this mean exactally... well it means that I had not eaten more than a couple of saltine crackers and some Peanut butter on the day of the race. Thankfully though, the race was at the Toronto Zoo so it helped to keep me distracted once my stomach started reminding me that it required some feeding. It was all fine and good until I looked over at the Rhino standing to the left of the finish line and thought "hmmmmm you look tasty". Needless to say I headed right over to the snack table as soon as we crossed the finish line (in 47 minutes I might add)
Now normally I would be disappointed in 47 minutes, but this time...HELL NO. That was amazing considering I was "running" (aka alternating between walking and running) on next to no food, no strength, and sheer determination to cross the finish line in the hardest 5km I've ever completed. I did NOT know that it was full of hills, and I crested every one of them (even though it was a little slower than I would have originally expected)
Needless to say, I will be attempting another race next year.... I'm just not 100% sure which one I am thinking of.
So that leads me to October (and into November) = Carrie feeling overwhelmed, under-appreciated, and alone.
Now I know that's not the REALISTIC picture of what my life has been like, but it is what it FELT like. I suffer from depression and for the first time in a LONG time, it came back and slapped me in the face hard. I was feeling like nothing I did was resulting in any success, that everything I was trying was failing, and I was worth nothing.
I know in my head that is not true at all, but it was how I was feeling. Then I slowly started to lose all motivation. I started sleeping later, having no energy, and counting down the hours to the weekend. Not because it was the weekend and I could have fun, but because the weekend meant I could stay in bed longer, and have to be "on" for shorter periods of time. Essentially due to money issues, family dramas, and lack of energy, I felt I had zero control in my life and lost all connection to the positivity I was used to sharing with others in my life.
Its now November, and I still feel tired in the mornings, but I'm slowly starting to find that motivation again and my new goal is to push through the negative feelings weighing me down and find myself again.
I'll keep you posted, but for now, here's what you need to know.
1. I'm half way into a 30 day cleanse (and feeling better each day)
2. I and working my way back up to the gym (its been almost 5 months since I was going consistently)
3. I WILL succeed in my goals (which right now are to drop 1.5lbs/week)
BONUS #4- I currently am weighing in at 247lbs and I never want to see that number again!
Long time no see.... or perhaps that is what YOU should be saying to ME!
Its been over TWO MONTHS since I last posted and I feel terrible. I was so gung-ho to get going on this blog, to share my challenges and successes, and instead I disappeared, so for that I am sorry!
So lets start over, let me tell you where I have been the last two months.... although I'm not 100% sure you will want to know, so please read on with caution
Lets begin shall we....
In August I was super excited, I was happy, I had a new job and all was going great. Then I hurt my back. Not badly, but bad enough that my running was slowed down significantly (as in I was barely getting out for the runs that I was supposed to be doing)
Finally I started feeling a little better and got moving along again towards that 5 km race I was doing with my amazing friend Angela (Core Magnificence <-- don't forget to check her out) and then slap in the face # 2 happens
Enter September.... working away towards that 5km, doing my early morning runs, feeling motivated and suddenly Im sidelined....WITH THE FLU. I mean really, who gets the flu before the cold even sets in. Not only was it the flu though, it was the first time in over 10 years that I was so laid up that I could not even move from my bed except to the couch, the loo, and the kitchen for tea. Nothing was staying down, and nothing was staying in me.
Lucky for me though, I recovered one day before the 5km. What does this mean exactally... well it means that I had not eaten more than a couple of saltine crackers and some Peanut butter on the day of the race. Thankfully though, the race was at the Toronto Zoo so it helped to keep me distracted once my stomach started reminding me that it required some feeding. It was all fine and good until I looked over at the Rhino standing to the left of the finish line and thought "hmmmmm you look tasty". Needless to say I headed right over to the snack table as soon as we crossed the finish line (in 47 minutes I might add)
Now normally I would be disappointed in 47 minutes, but this time...HELL NO. That was amazing considering I was "running" (aka alternating between walking and running) on next to no food, no strength, and sheer determination to cross the finish line in the hardest 5km I've ever completed. I did NOT know that it was full of hills, and I crested every one of them (even though it was a little slower than I would have originally expected)
Needless to say, I will be attempting another race next year.... I'm just not 100% sure which one I am thinking of.
So that leads me to October (and into November) = Carrie feeling overwhelmed, under-appreciated, and alone.
Now I know that's not the REALISTIC picture of what my life has been like, but it is what it FELT like. I suffer from depression and for the first time in a LONG time, it came back and slapped me in the face hard. I was feeling like nothing I did was resulting in any success, that everything I was trying was failing, and I was worth nothing.
I know in my head that is not true at all, but it was how I was feeling. Then I slowly started to lose all motivation. I started sleeping later, having no energy, and counting down the hours to the weekend. Not because it was the weekend and I could have fun, but because the weekend meant I could stay in bed longer, and have to be "on" for shorter periods of time. Essentially due to money issues, family dramas, and lack of energy, I felt I had zero control in my life and lost all connection to the positivity I was used to sharing with others in my life.
Its now November, and I still feel tired in the mornings, but I'm slowly starting to find that motivation again and my new goal is to push through the negative feelings weighing me down and find myself again.
I'll keep you posted, but for now, here's what you need to know.
1. I'm half way into a 30 day cleanse (and feeling better each day)
2. I and working my way back up to the gym (its been almost 5 months since I was going consistently)
3. I WILL succeed in my goals (which right now are to drop 1.5lbs/week)
BONUS #4- I currently am weighing in at 247lbs and I never want to see that number again!
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
Sunrise, Sunset, Sunburn????
YUP... the title of this post pretty much sums up my last three days of hell!!!!
It started out innocently enough (I think all good stores start that way right?) but my husband and I had gone up north a couple of hours to visit friends. I had never been to Sauble Beach (http://saublebeach.com/) so I was doubly excited. Friends and new adventures...sounds pretty great right!
IT TOTALLY WAS..... but I'll break it down a little more for you
I woke up later on Saturday morning, and made the choice that instead of running Week 5 Day 2, I would run on Sunday morning (If I timed it right, I'd be able to see the sunrise). We were not planning on staying over, or drinking to much, so I figured it would make more sense. That way I could run in the colder temperature earlier in the morning.
So off we went to Sauble. It was about a two hour drive, so it gave hubbie and I a chance to chat and catch up a little bit. We arrived in Sauble at 11:30..... just in time for lunch. Our friends took us to a local burrito joint and it was FANTASTIC. I had the chicken burrito, and hubbie had the pulled pork quesadilla. Both were spectacular. I was very impressed.
After our lunch, they took hubbie and I on a tour of the main street. We checked out a few shops, and went to the "tourist part" of the beach (aka where any non-locals would go). It was beyond packed, so I was pretty excited when they told us we were going farther down the beach to the local spots. We packed up our cars, and went to the local area. I have to say....BEST BEACH IN ONTARIO. It was beautiful water, sandy beach, and friendly people. I was so impressed with how clean it was, and how you could walk out so far on all the sand bars. Pretty neat!
Hubbie and I went for a nice swim for a while, and then came back and visited with our friends on the beach. we spread out our towels, I applied sunscreen (for the 3rd time that afternoon), and we got to relaxing. It was a very nice change to be able to just sit around with friends, no expectations, and plenty of good company.
After about 2 hours, my friend noticed that my legs were a little red. I slathered on some more sunscreen, and placed a sarong over them. I should mention, throughout the afternoon, hubbie had been placing sand on top of my feet and legs and I would kick it off, like a silly little game.
About 30 minutes later, we decided to pack up and head back towards their house for some dinner. In the 10 minutes it took us to get back to our cars, my legs had started to turn lobster red. By the time we got dinner at a chip truck, and got back to their house, my legs had become extremely red, and getting tender.
My girlfirend had me apply coconut oil mixed with essential oils (Peppermint and Lavender) by DoTerra and man that totally helped to sooth the ache right away. After visiting for a couple hours, we drove home.
Sadly, by the time I got home it was dark (but we got to see the sunset while we were driving), my legs had turned crispy and the pain was borderline awful! I could not touch them, and I could not stand to have anything pressing on them. I hoped that by the next morning, the pain would be gone, and just the redness would remain.
I was wrong again! I woke up to even more pain, and could not even walk without pain. I did not realize how much pain your skin could cause when it is burned. Don't get me wrong, I have been sunburned before (many many times) and I know the pain goes with the territory, but this was different.
What was my first thought while stumbling to the bathroom to brush my teeth..... there is NO WAY I can run today.... I should have run yesterday!
I was so sad, thinking that I was falling behind in my running, that I had made a mistake, that I was failing....you know, all the negative things that you say when something doesnt go the way you are hoping for.
After I got a little pep talk from Angela, I realized three things
1. I was not failing, there is always another day to run
2. I have already come so far in the last two months
3. Hindsight is 20/20 (so you can always fix something when looking backwards not forwards)
So....what does all this mean...
1. I am still a success, regardless of a small setback
2. I have second degree burns on my shins, thats why it hurt so much and for so long
3. I am still eating healthy, so things are still moving forward!
The great news though, I am starting to slowly feel better, and today I was able to walk around more with significantly less pain. I still cant stand anything touching my legs (I never thought I'd appreciate dresses so much) but the walking in getting easier. This means.....I am thinking I can complete W5D2 by the end of the week!!!!
Until then, have a great week and keep pushing towards your goals!!!!
It started out innocently enough (I think all good stores start that way right?) but my husband and I had gone up north a couple of hours to visit friends. I had never been to Sauble Beach (http://saublebeach.com/) so I was doubly excited. Friends and new adventures...sounds pretty great right!
IT TOTALLY WAS..... but I'll break it down a little more for you
I woke up later on Saturday morning, and made the choice that instead of running Week 5 Day 2, I would run on Sunday morning (If I timed it right, I'd be able to see the sunrise). We were not planning on staying over, or drinking to much, so I figured it would make more sense. That way I could run in the colder temperature earlier in the morning.
So off we went to Sauble. It was about a two hour drive, so it gave hubbie and I a chance to chat and catch up a little bit. We arrived in Sauble at 11:30..... just in time for lunch. Our friends took us to a local burrito joint and it was FANTASTIC. I had the chicken burrito, and hubbie had the pulled pork quesadilla. Both were spectacular. I was very impressed.
After our lunch, they took hubbie and I on a tour of the main street. We checked out a few shops, and went to the "tourist part" of the beach (aka where any non-locals would go). It was beyond packed, so I was pretty excited when they told us we were going farther down the beach to the local spots. We packed up our cars, and went to the local area. I have to say....BEST BEACH IN ONTARIO. It was beautiful water, sandy beach, and friendly people. I was so impressed with how clean it was, and how you could walk out so far on all the sand bars. Pretty neat!
Hubbie and I went for a nice swim for a while, and then came back and visited with our friends on the beach. we spread out our towels, I applied sunscreen (for the 3rd time that afternoon), and we got to relaxing. It was a very nice change to be able to just sit around with friends, no expectations, and plenty of good company.
After about 2 hours, my friend noticed that my legs were a little red. I slathered on some more sunscreen, and placed a sarong over them. I should mention, throughout the afternoon, hubbie had been placing sand on top of my feet and legs and I would kick it off, like a silly little game.
About 30 minutes later, we decided to pack up and head back towards their house for some dinner. In the 10 minutes it took us to get back to our cars, my legs had started to turn lobster red. By the time we got dinner at a chip truck, and got back to their house, my legs had become extremely red, and getting tender.
My girlfirend had me apply coconut oil mixed with essential oils (Peppermint and Lavender) by DoTerra and man that totally helped to sooth the ache right away. After visiting for a couple hours, we drove home.
Sadly, by the time I got home it was dark (but we got to see the sunset while we were driving), my legs had turned crispy and the pain was borderline awful! I could not touch them, and I could not stand to have anything pressing on them. I hoped that by the next morning, the pain would be gone, and just the redness would remain.
I was wrong again! I woke up to even more pain, and could not even walk without pain. I did not realize how much pain your skin could cause when it is burned. Don't get me wrong, I have been sunburned before (many many times) and I know the pain goes with the territory, but this was different.
What was my first thought while stumbling to the bathroom to brush my teeth..... there is NO WAY I can run today.... I should have run yesterday!
I was so sad, thinking that I was falling behind in my running, that I had made a mistake, that I was failing....you know, all the negative things that you say when something doesnt go the way you are hoping for.
After I got a little pep talk from Angela, I realized three things
1. I was not failing, there is always another day to run
2. I have already come so far in the last two months
3. Hindsight is 20/20 (so you can always fix something when looking backwards not forwards)
So....what does all this mean...
1. I am still a success, regardless of a small setback
2. I have second degree burns on my shins, thats why it hurt so much and for so long
3. I am still eating healthy, so things are still moving forward!
The great news though, I am starting to slowly feel better, and today I was able to walk around more with significantly less pain. I still cant stand anything touching my legs (I never thought I'd appreciate dresses so much) but the walking in getting easier. This means.....I am thinking I can complete W5D2 by the end of the week!!!!
Until then, have a great week and keep pushing towards your goals!!!!
Monday, 17 August 2015
so.... the heat wave came back in full force this weekend.
Just in time for me to try and complete the other two runs of week 4. On Thursday morning, I got up and was able to go for a run before it got to hot. Saturday however, I was silly and slept a little to late. By 7:30am the heat was up close to 30 degrees and to hot to try and run.
This weekend also marked the 98th birthday of a man very near and dear to my heart, my Grandpa Tom. He is such an inspiration to me. He has overcome so much in his life, from going to war in 1939, to barely making ends meet with a family, to watching the love of his life pass away in September 2014. Every time I am around him, I feel so inspired and focused on the things I am working towards. His smile makes it seem that everything is alright in the world. I always feel so at peace and as though my heart is smiling when I leave a visit with him.
Luckily for me, I was able to spend Saturday afternoon and evening visiting with him and my family, celebrating his birthday. This also meant that I was able to spend the night at my parents house with my husband. I love family time, so it was such a blessing to be able to fill over 24 hours with them.
Now my parents house does NOT have air conditioning, which means in the 35 degree weather, it feels more like 45 when you're trying to sleep. The bonus to this..... I was wide awake at 6:30am and decided to make up for that run I missed the day before.
Its been quite a while since I went for a walk in the village I grew up in. It was a very nice change to get out and go for a run while checking out all the new houses that have gone up, the store that has changed, and the park that has been upgraded.
The five minutes of hell I mentioned last week.... well its still here and my burning calves can attest to that. The good news though, I was able to push through that five minute run I had to walk through on Day 1.
I came back home, had a quick shower, and came downstairs to a wonderful breakfast (french toast, bacon, and maple syrup) made by my mom with love. Not the healthiest choice, but definitely the one I made yesterday morning. I will NEVER turn down my mom's gourmet french toast haha
Overall, a very successful week 4, despite the heat, the events happening, and the food being provided.
However, it's now Monday, and I have fueled my body with healthy food and am looking forward to pushing through Week 5, Day 1 tomorrow morning.
Just to give you a little preview, here is what my morning will be looking like....
5:30 - get up and grab a bite to eat
6:00- go running W5D1 (5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 3 min walk, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute cool down)
6:45- start getting ready for work
7:30- head out to work with a delicious protein shake for the drive
I hope you all enjoy your Tuesday morning, and I look forward to chatting again soon!
Just in time for me to try and complete the other two runs of week 4. On Thursday morning, I got up and was able to go for a run before it got to hot. Saturday however, I was silly and slept a little to late. By 7:30am the heat was up close to 30 degrees and to hot to try and run.
This weekend also marked the 98th birthday of a man very near and dear to my heart, my Grandpa Tom. He is such an inspiration to me. He has overcome so much in his life, from going to war in 1939, to barely making ends meet with a family, to watching the love of his life pass away in September 2014. Every time I am around him, I feel so inspired and focused on the things I am working towards. His smile makes it seem that everything is alright in the world. I always feel so at peace and as though my heart is smiling when I leave a visit with him.
Luckily for me, I was able to spend Saturday afternoon and evening visiting with him and my family, celebrating his birthday. This also meant that I was able to spend the night at my parents house with my husband. I love family time, so it was such a blessing to be able to fill over 24 hours with them.
Now my parents house does NOT have air conditioning, which means in the 35 degree weather, it feels more like 45 when you're trying to sleep. The bonus to this..... I was wide awake at 6:30am and decided to make up for that run I missed the day before.
Its been quite a while since I went for a walk in the village I grew up in. It was a very nice change to get out and go for a run while checking out all the new houses that have gone up, the store that has changed, and the park that has been upgraded.
The five minutes of hell I mentioned last week.... well its still here and my burning calves can attest to that. The good news though, I was able to push through that five minute run I had to walk through on Day 1.
I came back home, had a quick shower, and came downstairs to a wonderful breakfast (french toast, bacon, and maple syrup) made by my mom with love. Not the healthiest choice, but definitely the one I made yesterday morning. I will NEVER turn down my mom's gourmet french toast haha
Overall, a very successful week 4, despite the heat, the events happening, and the food being provided.
However, it's now Monday, and I have fueled my body with healthy food and am looking forward to pushing through Week 5, Day 1 tomorrow morning.
Just to give you a little preview, here is what my morning will be looking like....
5:30 - get up and grab a bite to eat
6:00- go running W5D1 (5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 3 min walk, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute cool down)
6:45- start getting ready for work
7:30- head out to work with a delicious protein shake for the drive
I hope you all enjoy your Tuesday morning, and I look forward to chatting again soon!
Sunday, 9 August 2015
5 Minutes of Fame..... More like 5 Minutes of HELL!!!
Well, I finished W3D3 and moved on to W4D1 this morning. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning and instead of laying in bed, (ideally still sleeping), I got up, shut off my alarm, and went downstairs.
I decided that because it was going to be a change in run lengths, I would attempt a run at the track down the road. It was a good AND bad choice. Good because it meant there were no hills to run up, bad because there were not hills to run down!
Now in case you don't know yet, I struggle to find a win (something good) out of most situations. Well that's not entirely true either. 12 months ago I struggled to find ANYTHING that I could say positive about myself. Things have definitely changed for the better, and today is the perfect example!
I drove to the track, got out, turned on the C25K app, turned up my music, and started to do the W4D1 workout. I managed to get through my first three minute run, enjoyed the 90 second walk (half of what the week 3 had us doing), and then was told to run for FIVE MINUTES! I have not run that long in over five years, but I started to run. About 3.5 minutes in, I had to walk. I timed it for 20 seconds, and then finished the rest of the 5 minutes at a run. I was \SO |ANGRY at myself. I kept talking to myself as I repeated the set of runs a second time over. Sure enough, same point in the second 5 minute run, I stopped and walked for 20 seconds and then finished the run.
Then as I was doing my cool-down, I realized that I had only consumed 1 liter of water over the whole course of Saturday. That would explain why I was feeling so much pain while I was running. I have pushed through running cramps before, but this was different. This was a blinding, burning sensation I usually only feel after a heavy weight workout.
As I was contemplating this, I realized something else, this was the longest run I had done in 5 years. On top of that, it was almost double what I had run 2 days before. I know it seems crazy, and to some (including me 1 year ago) it would be considered a failure that I didn't complete the whole run. Instead, I am chosing to embrace the fact that I ran more than the run before, and I managed to get up and go running on a Sunday morning while others were still in bed sleeping on a night of partying.
I felt so motivated that when I attended a family function a few hours later, I was able to say no to the chips, the cheesecake, and the copious amounts of alcohol that were being offered.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of a 30 day cleanse to help me drop some weight, cut out some refined sugars, and overall improve my health just that little bit extra! I can't wait to see where this all leads.
All I know for right now is.... Tomorrow is Monday, and I'll be making it back to the gym for some weights!
Happy running friends!
I decided that because it was going to be a change in run lengths, I would attempt a run at the track down the road. It was a good AND bad choice. Good because it meant there were no hills to run up, bad because there were not hills to run down!
Now in case you don't know yet, I struggle to find a win (something good) out of most situations. Well that's not entirely true either. 12 months ago I struggled to find ANYTHING that I could say positive about myself. Things have definitely changed for the better, and today is the perfect example!
I drove to the track, got out, turned on the C25K app, turned up my music, and started to do the W4D1 workout. I managed to get through my first three minute run, enjoyed the 90 second walk (half of what the week 3 had us doing), and then was told to run for FIVE MINUTES! I have not run that long in over five years, but I started to run. About 3.5 minutes in, I had to walk. I timed it for 20 seconds, and then finished the rest of the 5 minutes at a run. I was \SO |ANGRY at myself. I kept talking to myself as I repeated the set of runs a second time over. Sure enough, same point in the second 5 minute run, I stopped and walked for 20 seconds and then finished the run.
Then as I was doing my cool-down, I realized that I had only consumed 1 liter of water over the whole course of Saturday. That would explain why I was feeling so much pain while I was running. I have pushed through running cramps before, but this was different. This was a blinding, burning sensation I usually only feel after a heavy weight workout.
As I was contemplating this, I realized something else, this was the longest run I had done in 5 years. On top of that, it was almost double what I had run 2 days before. I know it seems crazy, and to some (including me 1 year ago) it would be considered a failure that I didn't complete the whole run. Instead, I am chosing to embrace the fact that I ran more than the run before, and I managed to get up and go running on a Sunday morning while others were still in bed sleeping on a night of partying.
I felt so motivated that when I attended a family function a few hours later, I was able to say no to the chips, the cheesecake, and the copious amounts of alcohol that were being offered.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of a 30 day cleanse to help me drop some weight, cut out some refined sugars, and overall improve my health just that little bit extra! I can't wait to see where this all leads.
All I know for right now is.... Tomorrow is Monday, and I'll be making it back to the gym for some weights!
Happy running friends!
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
No Pain, No Gain.... The Truth HURTS!!!
Well here we are, its been 11 days since I last posted. Why you ask? Well let me paint you a picture
So..... I was right in the middle of my third week of training
Or as us C25K'ers like to call it W3R2 (week 3 run 2). I got up like a diligent little runner and got a massive slap in the face. Over the course of the night, the temperature had gone from 20 degrees Celsius to over 30! The humidity was through the roof, and there was no way I could run. It was so hot, so sticky, and so ridiculous that I couldn't even walk my doggies for more than 10 minutes. Just enough to let them stretch their legs and do their business.
As the week went on, the heat continued, and my motivation dropped. Then dropped again. Then dropped again. Before I knew it, I was 10 days past my last run.
You know that expression "no pain, no gain". Well surprise surprise.... that's 100% true. I did not feel any aches or pains, but I also did not see any gains. Rather, I did not see any weight loss or increased muscle tone or, well frankly anything else.
So where did that leave me? It left me feeling horrible, like I had failed at yet another thing in my life. Yup, I'm sure most of you who are reading this have felt the same way at one point or another. Almost like you know that you'll never be successful so why keep trying.
Normally that would be me too, but instead of buying into that negative self talk, I set the alarm on a weekend for 730am and got up and went running. Remember that 3 minutes I talked about 10 days ago, how it was so hard and I didn't know how I would get through it. Well guess what!!!!
IT WAS 10X HARDER WHEN IT WAS 10 DAYS BETWEEN RUNS.
Talk about overwhelmed and under-prepared. I cannot believe how quickly the small little bit of stamina I had built was gone!
But like I keep saying, its all about making it positive. So what does that look like I had to ask myself.
What I concluded was, I got up, got my butt in gear, and made the choice to run again. That in itself was a win. I am not one who likes to celebrate my own successes, but in all honesty this was a HUGE WIN for me!
Until tomorrow (because tomorrow is the last day of Week 3).
At least I am starting to fuel my body with better foods that make me feel full longer, and keep the hunger and cravings at bay....but more on that next time!
So..... I was right in the middle of my third week of training
Or as us C25K'ers like to call it W3R2 (week 3 run 2). I got up like a diligent little runner and got a massive slap in the face. Over the course of the night, the temperature had gone from 20 degrees Celsius to over 30! The humidity was through the roof, and there was no way I could run. It was so hot, so sticky, and so ridiculous that I couldn't even walk my doggies for more than 10 minutes. Just enough to let them stretch their legs and do their business.
As the week went on, the heat continued, and my motivation dropped. Then dropped again. Then dropped again. Before I knew it, I was 10 days past my last run.
You know that expression "no pain, no gain". Well surprise surprise.... that's 100% true. I did not feel any aches or pains, but I also did not see any gains. Rather, I did not see any weight loss or increased muscle tone or, well frankly anything else.
So where did that leave me? It left me feeling horrible, like I had failed at yet another thing in my life. Yup, I'm sure most of you who are reading this have felt the same way at one point or another. Almost like you know that you'll never be successful so why keep trying.
Normally that would be me too, but instead of buying into that negative self talk, I set the alarm on a weekend for 730am and got up and went running. Remember that 3 minutes I talked about 10 days ago, how it was so hard and I didn't know how I would get through it. Well guess what!!!!
IT WAS 10X HARDER WHEN IT WAS 10 DAYS BETWEEN RUNS.
Talk about overwhelmed and under-prepared. I cannot believe how quickly the small little bit of stamina I had built was gone!
But like I keep saying, its all about making it positive. So what does that look like I had to ask myself.
What I concluded was, I got up, got my butt in gear, and made the choice to run again. That in itself was a win. I am not one who likes to celebrate my own successes, but in all honesty this was a HUGE WIN for me!
Until tomorrow (because tomorrow is the last day of Week 3).
At least I am starting to fuel my body with better foods that make me feel full longer, and keep the hunger and cravings at bay....but more on that next time!
Thursday, 23 July 2015
3 Minutes.....
3 Minutes.....
Doesn't seem that long right?
3 sets of 1 minute
180 seconds
WRONG.... when you're close to 250 lbs trying to move at a RUN for 3 minutes, it feels a lot more like you're running for HOURS on the surface of the sun.
Sweat pouring in my eyes, breath huffing and puffing, clothing sticking to all the curves (even the ones I DON'T want to show).... praying that I'll make it through.
Then I finish the three minutes of hell and think "oh sweet jebus I'm done" then just as I settle into the glorious walk that follows the run, the little voice on my phone goes "you are at run 3/4, start running for 90 seconds". That seems like nothing at all..... until I realize that means that there is one more three-minute run left before I'm done.......
So, I settled in, finished the 90 second run, the next walk, and the dreaded second round of the 3 minute run. In the end....I felt pretty decent. I accomplished something I have not done in YEARS and I survived.
On top of it, I got to enjoy the morning sun and felt more focused on fueling my body with good food and lots of water.
#gotime
#winning
#Igotthis
Pretty decent win for a Thursday morning in Ontario.
Doesn't seem that long right?
3 sets of 1 minute
180 seconds
WRONG.... when you're close to 250 lbs trying to move at a RUN for 3 minutes, it feels a lot more like you're running for HOURS on the surface of the sun.
Sweat pouring in my eyes, breath huffing and puffing, clothing sticking to all the curves (even the ones I DON'T want to show).... praying that I'll make it through.
Then I finish the three minutes of hell and think "oh sweet jebus I'm done" then just as I settle into the glorious walk that follows the run, the little voice on my phone goes "you are at run 3/4, start running for 90 seconds". That seems like nothing at all..... until I realize that means that there is one more three-minute run left before I'm done.......
So, I settled in, finished the 90 second run, the next walk, and the dreaded second round of the 3 minute run. In the end....I felt pretty decent. I accomplished something I have not done in YEARS and I survived.
On top of it, I got to enjoy the morning sun and felt more focused on fueling my body with good food and lots of water.
#gotime
#winning
#Igotthis
Pretty decent win for a Thursday morning in Ontario.
Monday, 20 July 2015
Losing vs Letting Go....
Well, here we are.... week two is nearing its end
I have finished 2/3 of the runs for Week Two.- what does that look like you ask?
Simply put, its intervals of 90 seconds running broken up by 2 minutes of walking, oh and some huffing, puffing and panting too.
Which leads me to the thought that kept running through my head over and over and over while slugging away running the roads.
I need to lose weight, I will feel better if I just lose the weight.
But then I started thinking, what other things have I lost that I was happy about
Lost my cell phone- NOT happy
Lost my keys- NOPE not happy
Lost my kitty (RIP)- Definitely not happy
So then WHY would I think that Losing weight would make me happy. There is not one thing I can think of that I have Lost that I didn't want want back.
So then I really had to look at the goals I had been setting. Why would I set a goal that would in turn have me running in circles.
Think about it, really think about it- usually when you lose something, you want it back. More often than not, you end up finding it. In the case of my weight loss, I would gain back more than than I ever managed to lose
The next thing I had to think about was how do I set a goal that still involves getting myself to a healthier body while focusing on the positives..... then it came to me
I need to LET IT GO. All the things in my life that I have no more use for, I have let go of.
Clothing that no longer fits- Let it go and donate it
Ex's that were not "the one"- I let them go!
Friendships I struggled to work at when the effort was all one sided- I let them go
All those decisions were made for the benefit of me. I never once tried to get back one of those things on the second list. Whereas the ones on the first list, I would have given almost anything to have those things back.
So, where in the world does this leave me on my journey to finding my inner magnificence?
I am looking forward to continuing on my journey to my 5km, as well as LETTING GO of the unwanted baggage (aka 50lbs) that I have no need of any longer.
I'll let you know how run 3/3 for week two goes tomorrow!
Until next time :)
I have finished 2/3 of the runs for Week Two.- what does that look like you ask?
Simply put, its intervals of 90 seconds running broken up by 2 minutes of walking, oh and some huffing, puffing and panting too.
Which leads me to the thought that kept running through my head over and over and over while slugging away running the roads.
I need to lose weight, I will feel better if I just lose the weight.
But then I started thinking, what other things have I lost that I was happy about
Lost my cell phone- NOT happy
Lost my keys- NOPE not happy
Lost my kitty (RIP)- Definitely not happy
So then WHY would I think that Losing weight would make me happy. There is not one thing I can think of that I have Lost that I didn't want want back.
So then I really had to look at the goals I had been setting. Why would I set a goal that would in turn have me running in circles.
Think about it, really think about it- usually when you lose something, you want it back. More often than not, you end up finding it. In the case of my weight loss, I would gain back more than than I ever managed to lose
The next thing I had to think about was how do I set a goal that still involves getting myself to a healthier body while focusing on the positives..... then it came to me
I need to LET IT GO. All the things in my life that I have no more use for, I have let go of.
Clothing that no longer fits- Let it go and donate it
Ex's that were not "the one"- I let them go!
Friendships I struggled to work at when the effort was all one sided- I let them go
All those decisions were made for the benefit of me. I never once tried to get back one of those things on the second list. Whereas the ones on the first list, I would have given almost anything to have those things back.
So, where in the world does this leave me on my journey to finding my inner magnificence?
I am looking forward to continuing on my journey to my 5km, as well as LETTING GO of the unwanted baggage (aka 50lbs) that I have no need of any longer.
I'll let you know how run 3/3 for week two goes tomorrow!
Until next time :)
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Day One
So..... why am I here (or better yet, why are YOU here, reading about me)
Lets start with ME:
I've just finished a 12 month self-discovery journey and what I've realized at the end is.... I have a LOT of work to do before I completely get where I want to be. The GREAT part, I'm already a lot closer than I was before. In fact, each day I am one step closer!
What does this really mean? Well to me, it means I am taking action steps and embarking on the next phase in my life. This phase will find me happy, healthy, and embracing life instead of watching it fly by.
How am I going to do it:
Mentally- Restart my daily meditations. This allows me to dedicate 20 minutes/day to JUST FOCUSING ON ME.... something that I have put on the back burner most of my life. By taking the time to do this, I am making sure I keep my mind on the positive, and not the negative.
Emotionally- Taking the time to write down my personal goal each and every day so that I remain invested in it!
Physically- Well here comes the CRAZY part. I just signed myself up for a 5km run. This would be the first time I have done one of these in FIVE years. What was I thinking.... well that's the thing. I was not making this decision based on thought, I made it on my emotions. I have always loved the idea of running, and for a while I even enjoyed it years ago.
So where do I start. Its been five years now since I decided to run a race. Well I took a look and found a new and exciting app for my phone called the C25K. I had used the "couch to 5km" program in the past with good success so I thought I would try it again.
(see http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/ for full program)
I have now completed Week One, and have started on Week Two
What you can expect from this blog:
Lots of whining.... well maybe a little bit. In all honesty though, the HOPE is that this blog will document the journey from couch potato to 5km runner in 8 weeks. In addition, I'll be sharing some of the amazing food I'll be using to fuel my body (and help with the weight loss goal I have too....but more about that in the next post)
I'll also make sure to include some inspirational things, positive changes, and randomness!
Talk soon :)
oh, and for some extra motivation check out my girl Angela's website http://www.coremagnificence.com/ . Its filled with lots of great things to help you find your inner Magnificence!
Lets start with ME:
I've just finished a 12 month self-discovery journey and what I've realized at the end is.... I have a LOT of work to do before I completely get where I want to be. The GREAT part, I'm already a lot closer than I was before. In fact, each day I am one step closer!
What does this really mean? Well to me, it means I am taking action steps and embarking on the next phase in my life. This phase will find me happy, healthy, and embracing life instead of watching it fly by.
How am I going to do it:
Mentally- Restart my daily meditations. This allows me to dedicate 20 minutes/day to JUST FOCUSING ON ME.... something that I have put on the back burner most of my life. By taking the time to do this, I am making sure I keep my mind on the positive, and not the negative.
Emotionally- Taking the time to write down my personal goal each and every day so that I remain invested in it!
Physically- Well here comes the CRAZY part. I just signed myself up for a 5km run. This would be the first time I have done one of these in FIVE years. What was I thinking.... well that's the thing. I was not making this decision based on thought, I made it on my emotions. I have always loved the idea of running, and for a while I even enjoyed it years ago.
So where do I start. Its been five years now since I decided to run a race. Well I took a look and found a new and exciting app for my phone called the C25K. I had used the "couch to 5km" program in the past with good success so I thought I would try it again.
(see http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/ for full program)
I have now completed Week One, and have started on Week Two
What you can expect from this blog:
Lots of whining.... well maybe a little bit. In all honesty though, the HOPE is that this blog will document the journey from couch potato to 5km runner in 8 weeks. In addition, I'll be sharing some of the amazing food I'll be using to fuel my body (and help with the weight loss goal I have too....but more about that in the next post)
I'll also make sure to include some inspirational things, positive changes, and randomness!
Talk soon :)
oh, and for some extra motivation check out my girl Angela's website http://www.coremagnificence.com/ . Its filled with lots of great things to help you find your inner Magnificence!
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