No Pain. NO GAIN.

Ouch. Like I promised myself... I'm finishing my last week 4 days STRONG! I had to take 2 motrins last night to ease my pain. 

Day 19 (Work-out mode!)

-jogged 9 flights of stairs during break @ work

-3 mile run at Mckliny Park after work

-1 hour INSANITY Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Explains the 2 motrins.

After all the workout madness, I still had the energy to make a chicken pesto sandwich. Could have been made healthier.. but I figured, I deserved it. 

-sourdough wheat grain bread
-chick breast
-lettuce
-tomatoes
-pesto 
-mayo (mistake)
-mozzarella cheese
-sunchips

 Day 20

- 40 minutes: Cardio Power & Resistance 

I can't believe I'm ONE day from completed my challenge. There's no part of me that is glad it's over, I'm actually just happy I completed it! I'm still going! Of course I'll take a rest day, but I absolutely love getting in my 30-45 minute of activity done daily. I'll save my analysis for tomorrow =)

I just completed Day 3 of my INSANITY workout. Boy! Was it intense! One part is running in place with high knees. I was running in place so hard (so I thought), and I had 15 more seconds to go. So I closed my eyes, pushed myself, let out some screams, and all of a sudden I literally RUN into my TV! If only someone could have seen... embarrassing!

Ok, well I know I should rest since my back is killing me right now. But... I'm going for my normal 3-mile run at the park right now. It's not hot outside, it's not thunder storming like promised, so it's a sign to be outside! Luckily at 5pm I have a massage! Get those knots out! Cory gave me a gift card to Massage Envy for my birthday LAST year! What better time to use it?

Update: I just got back from my run, and it was sooo nice! It loosened me up a little, and it was CAKE today! I was able to pace myself and keep going. I didn't one time feel the need to stop! I'm usually huffing and puffing by the second mile, but I was fine! My stamina has increased, how do I know? I can feel it!

Update 2:  My massage was great! I let them know where my back was hurting, so she was able to concentrate on that area. My lower back has been killing me, it might be from Insanity. She used hot towels during my massage, hot oils, and an icy coolent at the end. My back wa still chilli an hour after my massage.

For dinner, I was going to skip it because I was so tired. Then I realized all I ate today was a salad from Paesanos. I remembered seeing in health and nuritious magazine to ask for sushi with brown rice. I remembered I had the sushi tools and brown rice, so I thought...why not?!

Look at my salmon sushi roll with brown rice. MmmM! It taste even better knowing it's healthy!

INSANITY!

Day 18


1 hour of Insanity- Fit Test & Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Fit Test 1
Switch Kicks  25
Power Jacks  55
Power Knees 83
Power Jumps  24
Globe Jumps  6
Suicide Jumps 9
Push-Up Jacks  5
Low Plank Obliques  15


I started INSANITY today, a 60-day program before my 21-Day Challenge is even complete! But, I couldn't wait! I'm so proud of myself that I have NO doubt that I am not going to complete this, my challenge. There are 5 Fit Tests, and I will be posting my results along the way, to see how much I improve. 


I was sweating after 10 minutes of the sweat test. Don't believe me? Well, look at me here! Gross, but ooh.. it feels soo good ;)

I can't explain how much I was sweating. Compared to all my other workouts, this one was intense. Of course after my 1-hour workout, I had to refuel my body. So Cory made me a deee-li-cious smoothie! It was super healthy, with NO milk or juice.

Thanks, fukalove! (if you ever read this!)


-strawberries
-blueberries
-pineapples
-banana
-water





Before all the INSANITY, I made a trip to Trader Joes. I'm not a huge snacker, but since my Skinny Girls always send me picture messages of yummy snacks, of course I had to get some of my own. It's better than snacking on hot cheetos or a bag of doritos, right? 


The hummus was soo yummy, along with the pita chips and edamame. I haven't had chocolate (my absolute fav) for about 3 weeks now, so I had one dark chocolate covered pretzel.

For dinner, Cory made albacore with asparagus, veggies, and a glass of red pomegranate wine he has been looking for forever! We finally found it at the liquor store. I skipped out on a glass since I knew my workout still had to be done. 

 
Today has been a wonderful start to my week. Tomorrow, I'm going to attempt to do 20 flights of stairs with some coworkers. Then after work I have a date with my newest recruitment to the runners world, Myreca. I'm looking forward to it! It has been one day since my feet have hit the trail, but it won't be too far until I get to race with myself again =)

Motivation Tips

Motivation Tips

1. Sign up for a race as soon as you feel up to it. -5K Women Nike Run
2. Find a committed running partner. It is much harder to skip a run when you have someone else depending on you. -Ash, Mel and Meg so far!
3. Remember that you will have plateaus in your progress and tough days along the way. <--I needed to read this.
4. It gets easier.
5. Accept and appreciate the fact that not every single run can be a good one. -Ok, ok, ok..
6. Be prepared to remove the words “can’t” and “never” from your vocabulary. -CHECK!
7. “Do not compare yourself to others. Run within yourself and for yourself first.
8. Don’t expect every run to be better than the last one; some of them will hurt. -like yesterdays.
9. Don’t think too much about it or you won’t do it.
10. Even a bad run is better then no run at all. -Amen!
11. If you normally run with music try skipping it and listening to your feet to hear your pace and your gait.
12. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t experience weight loss immediately. -this is directed to me!
13. Start a running blog and read other running blogs regularly. -CHECK!
14. Running is not an excuse to triple your intake of doughnuts because runners gain weight too.

I'm feelin' GURR-EAT!

Day 17

Just like Tony the Tiger would say, guuu-reeat! (ok, corny.. shout out to my sistah James)

I just completed my Sunday morning run, 3.31 mile/8.48 pace/29.14 time (not to mention, I forgot to press stop, so let's cut that time to 28.35!)

Yesterday, I stopped by the Nike Outlet and bought 2 Nike Dri-Fit Tanks, 1 pair of Nike tempo shorts, 3 pairs of Nike socks, and a hat! I'm going back today to return the white hat for a black one because I sweat like CRAZY!

Friday, Day 15

Hit the gym for a quick 1 mile run on the treadmill

4 sets of 25 biceps

4 sets of 12 triceps

Saturday, Day 16

Ran @ Mcklinley Park 3.18 mile/10.29 pace/32.52 time

Abs, Arms, and Booty ;) (I did ground work outs at home)

Cory and Buddy came with me this morning. I ran the first and third mile alone, Cory and Buddy ran with me the second mile. Boy, they are in shape! I was tagging behind them!! But, it helped me move faster to catch up. So many times I want to stop... but I tell myself, "Jennifer, this isn't new to you. You've done this many times now..so I can do it now!" or if I really want to be harsh on myself, "yea, you feel like you are going to throw up, a little throw up won't hurt. I'm not going to die from this!" Hey, it works =)

I can't believe I didn't stop this morning. Of course I stopped for my 30 sec water break in between miles, but once I hit my Nike band, I was on a go! I didn't stop until I hit the finish line.

Well, off to San Francisco now to buy another gecko lizard. Maybe I'll hit the gym tonight, or do some yoga (Ash inspired).

1 Week Away!

Day 14 (ONE week away!!!)

Mickliny Park Run- 3.24 miles (30.41 min.)

Although the run seemed harder today, my time decreased by 2 minutes. Rain or shine, I ran! And, I loved it =). I noticed my thighs started cramping, but it wasn't cramping enough to stop me. My new Nike band is set up to track how many calories I lost now. Today I burned off 294 calories.


To reward myself, Cory and I cooked a HUGE steak, with onions, mushrooms, southern style corn (spicy), and asparagus. I ate a few pieces of beef, but.. I'm stuffed! I'm thinking about hitting the gym again, to just lift some weights.
I can't believe I am only a week away. I'm leaving for Napa for one night, so I am trying to plan out my workouts for tomorrow and Saturday. Starting Sunday (Day 17), I'm going to finish HARD (including my diet, no Steak Rewards!)

-----3 hours later: INSANTIY.

The Insanity Fit Test is no joke! I did MOST of the video, and 8 minutes later I am sweating!

Runner's High...

Day 13

McKlinley Park Run- 3.32 Miles (32.18 min)

Who would have thought this 21-Day Challenge would lead me to loving the outdoors? The warmth of the sun on my skin, the chilled breeze, the trees surrounding me, and the trail ahead of me. I am on a runner's high. I began this journey with one main factor-- to lose weight. The tables have turned, and now I am dertermined to be, well.. a runner. As corny as this sounds, I always wished I was a runner. My definition was the people I see while sitting in my car, running outside with their ipods, running gear and a dertermined face to get to their destination. (Hey! That defintion seems to match ME today.)

I just signed up for the "Fleet Feet Sport's Women's Fitness Festival" on June 6, 2010. It is a 5K race. I am running 3 miles now, so my goal by June 6th is to increase my pace, and run straight without stopping.

I did a little shopping today at Fleet Feet, here's what I bought!

Sports bottle and Energy Gels =)

My new Nike Band =)

A pink pouch for my nike chip.

Mmmm...Smoothie!

Day 12 (I'm more than halfway to completing my 21 days!!)

I just completed an Ab workout I found on an amazing blog, Bobbi Mccormik, aka NherShoes. The workout is to be done 3x, I almost stopped after 2. But... I pushed myself! Here's a look at the workout- http://www.bobbimccormick.com/?p=2691

After my ab workout, I tried out my new blender!
-Strawberries
-Blueberries
-Non-fat yogurt
-Broccoli
-Carrots
-Non fat milk

Here's the finished product! (Don't mind the Vodka in the back, haha.)

Ahhhh, Shiiiins!

Day 11

"Believe it or not, you can sculpt a tighter, sexier body by doing nada. Let us explain: when it comes to reaching your fitness goals, rest and recovery are just as important as all those sweat sessions. When you exercise, you break down fibers; as the fibers heal they come back stronger. It's that healing process that reshapes your body--but it happens only when you give your muscles a break. So do your body good by taking a workout breather" (via Women's Health).

Why couldn't I just listen? I skipped out on my 3-mile challenge at Mckliney Park today...because it was "too dangerous" to be running alone. No one to blame but myself, I was lazy. I felt so guilty for not making it out that I did a late night gym session at 9:00pm (late for me!) and once I hit 1 mile on the treadmill, my shins were killing me! I could have went longer, but of course I listened to my body telling me to stop. Instead, I worked out other parts of my body. I won't be able to run on pavement until Thursday... *siiiigh

Treadmill- 1 mile (9 minutes)
Triceps- 4 set of 20
Biceps- 3 sets of 12
Lunges- 10 (boo, but those hurt!)
"Imaginary chair"- 15 seconds (boo, again!)

I'm hoping to wake up early tomorrow to "play some cards," I'll explain details when I do it.

Blabbing.

I sucked.
I skipped the gym today for snowboarding. I was so excited to go knowing that I would be good on the slopes... but to my surprise, oh gosh.. I sucked! I like to tell myself that it was due to all the working out I did the past 9 days. I'm sure my legs are tired... *ahem. Boy, my thighs and calves were burning! I will probably be sore tomorrow, but that won't stop me from getting my workout in. At least the boyfriend hung in there with me. "Wow, I never knew someone could get worse from never being bad." True love.

Day 10

Snowboarding- 3 hours

I am at Day 10.. but for some reason I am not feeling as "dazzled" tonight. It feels like I have done all this work, but no results. I know that I definetly have improved in running, but my body is still, well... the same. I don't know what my problem is. I guess I just can't get over the fact that my body isn't the same as my "skinny" days. Especially when I wore a pencil skirt for work yesterday and a coworker says,

"Jennifer, don't take this the wrong way...but that skirt makes you look bigger."

How am I not going to take that the wrong way?! It has been 9 days of working out and eating better, and my hips are bigger?! I'm blabbing now..

Confession #34892021

I snacked like crazy last night and had a huge Chipotle salad bowl today.. yeah "salad" with beans, sour cream, cheese, barbacoa, chips. Will I ever learn my lesson! I do remember someone saying at our late night dinner the other night "you know that if you splurge the weekend is like gaining everything you worked for the prior week?" That is how I feel right now.

Beautiful Run around Land Park

I accomplished 3 miles around Land Park yesterday after work.


This time I brought my ipod so I can focus more while I ran (Tip from Ash), and it worked! I was still at the end of the string running with Ash and Meg, but it's great to know I can keep up. I thought we were done once we got back to where we parked, but Ash said "c'mon, just a short 1 mile!" So... that was my push. It was so good to know that I was able to push myself. After the run me and some friends watched the band "Tainted Love" it was so much fun! But.. we ended up at Plum Blossom after the performance. I probably consumed more that 1000 calories in that one sitting =( It was good, but was it worth it?!


Day 9
I just finished my mini workout. Everyone is telling me to rest a day, but I just can't!

4 sets of 20- Arm curls
1 mile run on treadmill (I perfer outside now!)

It was not a workout like the rest, but I don't want to be sore for tomorrow, since I'll be on the slopes!

I Confess...

I overate. I scarfed down my first serving of left over pasta so fast, that I got up and ate again!

Note to self: I. Feel. Sick.

Cory hid the weighing scale today. I keep on weighing myself and I get so discouraged after seeing the numbers decrease then increase. I have to keep in mind that I am gaining muscle since I have been incorporating weights in my workout, something I haven't done before.

Day 8
My friend, Ash (my running Coach) is meeting me after work today. Since we did 3 miles on Monday, she is pushing us to 3.5 today. I hope I do well!

Healthy Eats.

Day #7

1.5 mile brisk walk/jog
1 hour Pilates Class

Today, my workout was light. I'm on this workout high that part of me wants to go to the gym again. But, I guess I should allow my body to rest.

I been eating good proportions during this challenge. I never miss breakfast, I limit snacking to 2 times a day (between breakfast and lunch, then between lunch and dinner), then a light dinner.

This morning I cooked my boyfriend breakfast...the kind of breakfast, well... I would have ate 7 days ago! Bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast. Yum! I figured I would satisfy the craving by smelling it while I cooked! As for me, I ate toast with almond butter. Then for lunch, I had a salad. Greens, regatta cheese, peanuts, and left over maple apple chicken I made the other night.

For dinner I made a pasta, without that creamy fattening sauce! My friend, Mel gave me the recipe she found from http://recipes.womenshealthmag.com/. They didn't have all the ingredients at Safeway, so I had to alter it a bit.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 water
Shrimp
Salt and Pepper for taste
Asparagus
Tomatoes
Fresh basil

Running to the missed men of my life.

"Running As fast As We Can
I Really Hope We Make It
Do You Think Well Make It?
Were Running As fast As We Can
I Really Hope We Make It
Were Running Keep Holding My Hand
So We Don't Get Separated"

Everyone has their own way of analyzing songs, poems, and/or books. This is my take on No Doubts, "Running" lyrics. As I'm running, I have this vision that my Grandpa "Papa" (RIP 1/27/10) and my Uncle Mario (RIP 10/12/09) are at the very end of my run. I keep getting closer to them, but every time I feel like I'm almost there... my visions of them get cloudy. I am running for them.. towards them.. I am using the strength that they are giving me daily. Would you really stop running towards the people you love most? The answer to my motivation.

6 Days.

I have worked out in the past and got down to my goal weight, but more importantly, feeling comfortable in my own skin. BUT. I finally admitted to myself that I was binge dieting. I worked out, but starved myself at the same time. Six months later, I was back to feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. Now, I am working out, incorporating light weights, running, and HEALTHY EATING!

A week ago, my days consisted of work, school, couch, food, couch, bed, couch. The past 6 days have been amazing!

Here are my past 6 days:

3/12 Day 1
Sit ups- 2 sets of 20
Leg Curls-4 sets of 10
Arm curls- 4 sets of 25
Lunges- 4 sets of 20
Obliques- 4 sets of 25
Treadmill- 1 miles at 4.8 speed (15 minutes)

3/13 Day 2
Arm curls- 3 sets of 20
Elliptical- 15 minutes
Treadmill- Jog/Brisk Walking (10 minutes)
Leg curls- 2 sets of 10

3/14 Day 3
Treadmill- 30 minutes (AM)
Bicycle- 30 minutes (PM)

3/15 Day 4 (Beginning to my "runners high")
3 mile run on the trail

15 minutes Ab Ripper X

3/16 Day 5
1.5 mile walk/jog on the trial
1 hours Pilate
Treadmill- 2 miles (24 min.)


3/17 Day 6
Elliptical- 15 minutes (level 7)
Treadmill- 1 mile (12 min)

My 21-Day Challenge

Do you ever have those mornings when you wake up and feel absolutely uncomfortable in your own skin? Well, that was me. My younger sister mentioned, "Did you know that if you do something consistently for 21 days it becomes routine?" Like brushing your teeth, yes! It was March 12, 2010, exactly two months from my 25th birthday. I was tired of complaining daily about my weight, laziness, while constantly waiting for something to "dazzle" me. I came up with a 21-Day Challenge.

The rules are simple: for 21 days, exercise at least 30 minutes a day. No matter what.

I am on Day #7, and already I feel "dazzled." Exercising for at least 30 minutes came with its perks! I am eating healthy, exercising more than 30 minutes a day, and feeling good in my own skin. I am loving this new transformation and looking forward to my results.

I have been having conflict at my work, letting it mess with my stress levels. Yesterday, a coworker said to me, "wow, you're actually smiling today!" I guess it's true, exercise does decrease stress levels.

People ask, "why 21 days?" It was a statistic thrown to me from my sister, and it stuck to me. Any challenge, 10 days-100 days-37 days... As long as it is completed, it is an accomplishment you can add to the books!