24 Day Challenge Results

A few weeks ago, I wrote about starting a new Advocare 21 day challenge. So here I am, 3 weeks later updating with results.  I will admit, I did not follow the meal plan 100% (um thank you Easter candy and lots of parties) but I did stick to it as best I could with a few tweeks.  I failed to take real measurements before I started but I did drop a few pounds and I know a few inches in my belly because I wore some shorts this week that would not even button a month or so ago so...

 The biggest improvement though is by far in my overall health.  I went for a health screening today for our insurance and was told that my results were "frameable" and the best one she had seen in "quite some time" so I was pretty pumped about that.  I have also really stuck to my exercise plans and can tell a huge difference in my strength and endurance.  I am not sure that is all 100% due to the challenge and probably more due to my committments but the challenge definitely gave me the boost to get it done.

I took a friend with me to my circuit training class this week for her first time.  She claimed she about died and I totally felt her pain... but it also made me realize how far I have come in the last few weeks.  I was so like her my first few days but now I can do for real pushups and even plank for more than 2 seconds!  I have a couple of 5K races coming up next week and a 10K at the end of the month so I really can't wait to see if I have any improvement there as well. 

I am still not where I want to be with my body but I am so much closer than I was before!  But more importantly, I am fit and healthy and that is what matters most!

My Favorite Running Apps

I have been fairly consistantly running over the last three years or so.  I've had good times and tough times and my times and paces have been all over the place.  I've gone through spurts of being super committed and knocking out miles every day, hardcore training for half marathons, to struggling to make it through a mile or two.  And I have tried lots of running apps.  I tend to find a new plan or a new app when I need some new motivation.  And if it isn't just like I want then I tend to give up on it pretty quickly.  So with all that being said, here is my review on some of my favorite apps that I have tried.

Clipart courtesy of clker

C25K
Couch to 5K by Zen Labs was my first ever running app I downloaded.  When I first started running, I literally struggled to go more than a couple of minutes at a time.  This app slowly builds you up from starting at running for like a minute and then builds you up to a full 30 minutes over the course of several weeks.  It is super user friendly and doesn't require a huge time committment from you to stick to the plan.  It also has options to link to your social media and easily share your progress.  If you are new to running or want to be new to running, this one is a great way to go!  Bonus points that the free version offers everything you really need.

Jeff Galloway 13.1
I first downloaded this app when I signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  Jeff Galloway coaches a run/walk method that helps you build up to the total half marathon distance. I really like the instruction and encouragement that Jeff speaks to you while you run and I love the detailed training schedule that is easy to navigate and tailor.  It has a really nice screen display that shows you your time, pace, and distance and allows you to sync the beat of your music to your pace.  It is also available in smaller distance plans but I have not personally tried those.  The down side though is that it costs a few dollars and is pretty much just a training app (I personally don't use it for races and such).

Nike+ Run Club
This is my current favorite running app.  It is super easy to use, offers training plans that adapt as you go, has lots of different guided runs and workouts you can do, connects to other Nike training apps, and offers challenges that you can join.  You can also hook up with friends who use the app.  I love the clear display, analysis of my runs, and that it easily connects to my Apple watch.  I use it often for both training and races.  You can also pull it up on your desktop computer or ipad plus the best bonus is that it is totally free!


MapMyRun
I used this app for a really long time before I got my Apple watch. It connected really well to my Magellan running watch I used to have but I didn't care as much for the way it synced and displayed on my new watch.  I did like that you could make and save routes with it and it would audibly tell you your stats every mile.  It also connects really well with MyFitnessPal if you use that and offers lots of challenges that you can join.  Without paying for the MVP version, you do not get a lot of the features that it offers but if you are just looking for something to track your routes and your times, this is a great app to have.   


Strava
I really like this app but not so much for the run tracking.  It does offer workout tracking for running and biking but I use this one more for the community.  You can "follow" friends and join clubs to see where everyone else is running or chatting.  It is kind of like Facebook for runners.  Cons are that you have to join the paid membership version to unlock the goals and training plans and I could never get it to connect right to my watch (that could possibly just be user error though-- however I am usually pretty tech savy so if it is difficult for me to figure out then it is probably too difficult). I personally like using this on my desktop more than on my phone.


Runner's World
This is a really good app that I really loved but I just could not justify paying the money for it.  It is only offered through a paid membership but offers lots of great features.  It has lots of training plans that adapt to you personally as you go.  You can also easily log your past races and plan for upcoming races.  It has lots of ways to set goals and creates personal plans to help you train specifically for those goal races.  It also offers some great coaching videos, detailed workouts, and sends it all directly to your email each day. You can also connect to real life coaches for help and advice.  If you don't mind paying a little bit of money or need a little extra encouragement and accountability, this app is the way to go!

So Long Scales

Last night at my circuit training class, our instructor was discussing ways to measure success without the scales.  And apparently I just had a big "aha moment" and had to share. 

I am a sucker for the scales.  I have always tended to put a lot of importance on that number which in turn, sadly, has led me to a lot of frustration and disappointment at times.  I work hard.  I try to eat right 90% of the time and exercise several times a week.  I have really been focused on my health and nutrition over the last couple of months but have continued to get frustrated when I stepped on the scale each time.  My weight has constantly fluctuated and I honestly felt like every time I took one step in the right direction, I took two steps back when I stepped on that scale every day.

Is it all the scales fault?  Well no... but it is my fault for measuring my success solely by what that number has told me.  However, last night I got to thinking about all my "non-scale" successes...

I have gotten stronger.  I can now do a few pushups without dying.  I ran a 5K race faster than I have in months without feeling completely dead when I finished.  I upped my weights on some of my reps.  I mastered a few PiYo moves withouth busting my tail.   I have a little bit of definition in my arms.  I have fueled my body with more nutritious food than non.  I have said no to fast food and sodas lots of times.

Honestly, I have not set a good example for my girls when it comes to my body image and I am really working on changing that.  I try to show them and teach them the importance of being healthy and not skinny but I am not so sure that I have done the best in teaching myself those same things.  I am trying to stay positive and focused on taking care of my body on the inside instead of so much of what is reflected on the outside.  I have a long ways to go but I am getting there.  But.... today I picked up my scale today and stuffed it in the cabinet.  I said so long to "my number" and said hello to a happier healthier me!   

Currently - April

Linking up with Anne over at In Residence for the monthly currently link up today...

showering: myself in caffeine!  I knew this busy season was coming up on us but man, I feel like I am running in circles.  Between the girls doing different activities on different days with dance, gymnastics, tball, soccer, and church, we have something going on just about every single day.  I love that my girls enjoy being involved in things but I believe we are going to have to pick and choose our favorites and try to do a little less next year.  Not to mention, Jarrod and I have new Disciple Life groups at church and I am training for a few races and attending some circuit training classes that I LOVE as well!  Praise the Lord for Spark and Coffee!!

cultivating:  our porches.  We have a big front porch and a huge back patio that I am just dying to get ready for spring and summer.  I've tried to hold off to make sure the weather is actually going to stay warm but I see lots of ferns, potted flowers, and new porch decor in the near future!

expecting: to finally make some progress physically.  I have been so yoyo on my health and fitness in the past several months (or year) but I have been working super hard trying to eat right and exercise more and I am expecting to really start seeing some results from all my hard work.  I splurged at the beach a couple of weeks ago and ate all the food but I have been back on track with a new Advocare 24 Day Challange round and really focused lately.  I feel better and can tell a difference in my strength and endurance for sure.  I try not to really weigh much or even take measurements but I can feel the change a coming!

making: changes.  Like I just said, I have really made some changes to my diet and exercise but I have also worked on making some changes to my routines and habits.  April always seems like a "fresh" month for me so I did some spring cleaning on our budget and spending habits as well as working on some new daily routines to try to stay on top of it all and not feel like I am drowning so much in my "to do's".

buying: stuff from Aldi!  I have dabbled in Aldi on and off but for the past few weeks I have really focused my grocery shopping there. They have soooooo many healthy options for the BEST prices.  Plus I secretly love bagging my own groceries.  If you have an Aldi close by, I highly recommend giving it a try.  It took me several visits before I was really comfortable with it but it is now my go to grocery store!

24 Day Challenge

I have been an Advocare user on and off for the past few years and have a few favorites that are some of my go to health and wellness products.

I am starting a new 24 Day Challenge round and am looking forward to it really boosting my health and weight loss before summer hits in a few short weeks!  The Challenge consists of a 10 day Cleanse Phase followed by a 14 day Max Phase and consists of a combination of products to fuel my metabolism and increase energy.  I am committing to a clean eating meal plan (full of protein, complex carbs, and lots of fruits and veggies) and getting in at least 5 good workouts (running and circuit training) each week.

April is a busy busy month for us so I want to be sure to try and stick with some good habits to stay on course as much as possible.  The 24 Day Challenge gives me a simple and easy plan to follow that adapts to whatever we may have going on. Between my daily dose of Spark and Advocare supplements, I will have the fuel I need to feel healthy and energized! I always end the challenge feeling super refreshed and renewed with my health.

I have a couple of races scheduled in a few weeks and I can't wait to see if my training pays off.  I have a few time goals in mind and I really believe with solid nutrition coupled with a great training plan, I can really get there!

Making progress...

Because it is Wednesday and I am feeling a little extra chatty, you get a double dose of posts from me today ;)

I am super excited to share that I am down almost 10 pounds from when I started really trying to get back with it earlier this year.  This is huge for me.  I have somewhat been stuck on a plateau for quite some time now and am just thrilled to finally see things moving in the right direction.  I really try not to get caught up in a certain weight or a number but it is definitely encouraging to have my pants fit a little looser and seeing some results.

I have really been sticking to my running plan for the most part and have also added in some weight training.  A friend of mine introduced me to a really great circuit training class that our local rec center provides and I have attended it a few times now.  It is a great full body workout and I could really use some help in improving my strength (considering I have like none). The class doesn't start until 8:45 at night which makes it a little late getting home but it works really well with my schedule since the girls are already asleep by then and I don't have to feel guilty for taking time away from them. 

I am the world's worst critic with my body and I am really trying to improve on that.  I am constantly having to remind myself that God created me and everything about me and who am I to criticize His wonderful work?  I definitiely think it is important that we take care of the bodies He gave us and treat them with the utmost respect but that little reminder helps me to give myself a little more grace from time to time.







 

Closing Circles

It's Wednesday again so let's talk a little wellness why don't we?

I am happy to share that I accomplished a huge task for me this week...  I closed every one of my activity circles on my Apple watch every single day!  To some that the norm and you are probably rolling your eyes right now but for me, this is huge... as in it has never happened before.... ever!  And I earned all kinds of new badges that I was super excited about!

And one final note I want to mention today...  I am not sure if you noticed in my pictures from last weekend but my arms are not in the best shape (meaning their current shape is basically round and smushy).  Considering warmer days full of tank tops and swimsuits are quickly approaching, I figured it was time to start trying to get a little definition to those things.  I really love the 10 minute upper body and ab workouts that I found on my Beachbody on demand.  They are short and simple and I feel like I am actually getting something out of them.

Happy Wednesday my friends!

Running Plans

So it's been awhile since I have blogged about running or wellness or really anything other than our daily happenings but I wanted to document some of my running goals for this year.

At the beginning of the year, I sat down and made a long list of all of the races that I wanted to run this year.  That list consisted of several half marathons with a few 5Ks sprinkled in along the way.  However, after trudging through the Carnival Frolic a few weeks ago, I decided to focus more on short runs this year instead of the longer runs.

I enjoy the long runs.  I like the mental aspect that I gain from pushing my body to run numerous miles for hours at a time.  However, I do not like that I am mediocre (at best) at it.  Even though I know finishing these races is a great accomplishment in itself, I get really frustrated that I constantly feel like it is a slow struggle for me.  I do not feel like I have improved on my long runs since I ran my first half almost two years ago.  And I know why I am not as successful as I would like to be.  In fact, there are many reasons for that.

Long distance running requires lots of training.  Lots and lots of miles and hours.  Consistent training is key to your endurance and I am not going to lie, I have not been very consistent in my training... like at all.  My training has basically consisted of me running a few miles a couple of days a week and getting in a long run a few times in the weeks before the race.  I really just don't have the time in my life to put in hours of running each week right now.  Haphazard training and inconsistent pace and distances are not good for my body, my endurance, or even my mentality.  Therefore, I get extremely frustrated at myself for not training like I should and get even more frustrated when I don't do as well as I want to.

So after all that rambling, let me get back to my point.  I have decided that right now in my life, lots of long races are just not in the cards for me.  I may attempt a half later in the year but right now I want to focus more on the shorter distances right now.  I want to get faster and actually be competitive in my local road races.  I am a super competitive person and I like to win.  It is not fun for me to finish at the back of the pack.  I know I have to be realistic and know that I will probably never be the "winner" but I can work and improve and be a little closer to the front.

Back in the day, I could run a 6:00 minute mile.(Back before babies and adulting when my "job" was to be a student athlete that is.) I am pretty sure I will never get there again but I can definitely push for an 8:00 minuteish one.  It may take me a while to get there but I feel like if I really stick to my training then I can do it... one day!  I have several 5Ks on my radar and I have set up a plan with Runners World to help me improve my current time.  The plan is realistic for me and incorporates running and cross training.  It adapts to both my schedule and my fitness level and adjusts over time as I complete more runs and workouts.  Plus I have a virtual coach to give me tips and encourage me along the way which is always a bonus!

I am hoping to start my Wellness Wednesdays post back to help keep me accountable and to document my progress so stay tuned!  They may not happen every week but we shall see...

A little wellness update

Well I completely missed my Wellness Wednesday post last week.  We were out of town on a mission trip with our church and well it just didn't happen.  Hopefully, soon I will get all of my pictures and such together to share more about our trip.  I am seriously behind in the blogging world right now but we have some big things coming up that I am trying to get prepared for so this little spot tends to fall a little bit to the wayside.

But anyways, back to my wellness post for today.  Yesterday was the first day of a new month so to me, that always means a fresh start on my nutrition and fitness!  Not going to lie, we had some really great home made goodies and fresh cooked biscuits and gravy every day last week on our trip so I may have eaten all the food.  But we were super busy running around at day camp and climbing about 9000 stairs to our cabin so I did still get a good bit of exercise in.  I also stuck to my running plan and am glad to say that I have graduated to week four of my plan even though my running partners may have abandoned me.  I am really loving the plan and can see my consistency really starting to pay off as I am getting to longer runs each week.  I have been trying to go mostly at night when it cools off a little but so I may have to change my schedule up a little bit once we get back to school next week. My Shift Shop workouts have kind of fallen to the wayside though but I am looking forward to really getting back on those this week as well.  I really just need more hours in the day!

On Sunday, I cooked up some chicken and baked potatoes and fixed a big batch of salads and prepped them all in lunch containers for the week.  I boiled up several eggs as well and have been eating those with half and English muffin and a little sprinkle of cheese for breakfast. I found some really delicious low calorie protein bars that I have been snacking on with some fruit.  I get really really burned out on salads and green veggies but I am trying to get as much as those in as I can tolerate with my meals.   Today, I have a pork tenderloin cooking in the crockpot and I plan to steam some asparagus to go with it for tonight.

I am still in my Beachbody challenge group and loving the motivation and encouragement that comes from that.  I am really trying to commit to do a little better each week and am already seeing some big benefits from it all.  Technically this is where I should share my stats for the week but I have been lazy and haven't made any this week but I promise to get back to that next week!

I am trying to get prepped and all planned out this week so I can stay on track once the real world of school and activities begins again in just a few days!

Shift Shop

Here I am at week four and I honestly feel like I have made zero progress.  Yes my pants still fit and yes I have been running and exercising pretty regularly, but my lack of commitment is pretty embarrassing and I am really having a hard time staying "on track" with my nutrition.  Summer is just so full of parties and get-togethers and I have ZERO discipline and will power when it comes to sweets.  Like I just cannot have them in my house or anywhere around me because I cannot resist.  It is so frustrating for me to do so well for several days and then totally blow all my hard work on the weekend.  I am so frustrated with myself right now and not happy where I am physically at all.

So... with that being said.... I have figured out that I do not do well without a plan.  I need rules and structure and accountability.  I have joined a few Facebook challenge groups hoping they would help give me a little more accountability but I think I need to stop trying to wing it so much and for real follow a meal plan and write down and share my measurements and goals to keep me on track a little better.  One of the groups I joined is following the Shift Shop as I mentioned earlier.  The Shift Shop follows a container system eating approach that is very similar to the 21 Day Fix I did several months back.  The Shift Shop comes with an easy to follow meal plan including recipes and shopping lists.  We were a bit out of whack this week because of several parties and are leaving for a mission trip this weekend for a few days so I am pushing off that particular meal plan until we get back BUT I am strictening things up here a little tighter until then.  I'm drinking my shakeology for breakfast, have my lunches prepped and ready, and have some simple clean and healthy dinner recipes ready.  I am a firm believer that high protein, low carb diets work best for me and I am making a cautious effort to try and get some more veggies in my days.

I am running T/TH/S and doing a Shift Shop workout M/W/F and taking "off" on Sundays.  I am really proud of myself for sticking to this as much as I can.  Those 30 minutes for myself each evening does wonders for my sanity.  I downloaded a new playlist and a few new podcasts to give me a little extra motivation to get moving each day.

And.... I decided to actually share my stats here.... it is so hard for me to do this.  I don't really know why I struggle with this but I am hoping it gives me a little more motivation!  I'm not confident enough to share my before pictures and probably will never get there but this is a big step for me to actually share "my stats." I am not happy with these and am really looking forward to watching them shrink over the coming weeks.

Today's Measurements

Weight : 150

Arms: 11 (R/L)

Chest: 36

Waist: 35

Hips: 38
Thighs: 23 (R/L) 

Wellness Update

Is it Wednesday again already?

After indulging a little too much on my girls beach trip, I am seriously ready to be back on track this week.   I am still loving the T25 workouts but I am also thinking about jumping on board the new Shift Shop program from Beachbody that released today or may even do a mix of several different plans.  I am mixing it in with my 5K training and am trying to be super committed to getting a workout in at least 5 days a week with a long(er) run on Saturday mornings. I have usually been trying to get them in at night since it is WAY too hot during the daytime.  It may be a little more difficult once school and activities start back in a few weeks but I am really trying to do my very best to stick to my plan right now.

As for my nutrition... I am having a hard time finding an eating plan that I can make myself to really commit to.  I have gotten way too lazy when it comes to tracking calories and points so I am really trying to just focus on eating a healthy balanced diet with few carbs and high protein.  I just know my body functions better that way but it is so hard to SAY NO TO CAKE!  Lately my daily diet usually consists of Shakeology, eggs, and protein for breakfast, salad with chicken for lunch, and some type of grilled protein and veggies for dinner.  I have been snacking on protein bars, fruit, PB and banana, and oatmeal.

I am slowly getting Jarrod to join me so that definitely helps to stay on track and we are finally going to have a little bit of normalcy and routine in our lives for the next few weeks.  Summer has been soooo busy!  I am looking forward to really staying focused and committed this week and helping a few people jump on board with me!

Wellness Update

Well this week has been pretty good wellness wise.  I worked out almost every single day #highfivetome.

I have really been enjoying the T25 workouts from Beachbody on Demand. Sean T totally kicks my butt and I still have to do some modifying on the upper body workouts (I have zero upper body strength) but I really feel like I get a good workout in just a few minutes.  It is so convenient to just turn on the app on my phone or ipad and set it up wherever I may be.  I have created me a nice little set up on my patio that is pretty shaded and has a slight breeze flowing through so it is not too hot.  I really enjoy working out at home but my living room just isn't the ideal set up.  It is so much nicer to take it outside even if it is a little bit warmer.

I also got a little preview of the latest BB workout coming out in a few weeks, Shift Shop, and I like I am really going to like it.  It was a 25 minute speed workout that I would say is pretty comparable to the Insanity workouts but a little less intense. The instructor does a really good job explaining the moves and sets and is really encouraging.  There are several other workouts in the series though so I am really looking forward to trying them out later this summer maybe with a challenge group.

I got some serious running motivation this week when Fleet Feet had a huge 4th of July sale.  I lucked up and got TWO new pair of running shoes for less than half price of what one pair would regularly cost.  I have never had Brooks but have wanted to try them so I just couldn't pass up on this huge deal.. plus I had some credits and gift certificates to use so I left there feeling like I was really doing something.  I could not wait to get them on as soon as I got home and have been testing them out all week long.... especially these super cute patriotic ones!  I am already making plans to wear these to all the patriotic themed races this year.

My sister came over Saturday morning and we finished up week 2 of the C25K plan.  I am really trying to get her and some other friends to join me for a 5K in early September so we are somewhat going through the C25K plan together.  I am amazed at how much quicker I am already getting from running small intervals and mixing it with the cross training from the T25 workouts.  I would LOVE to be able to get my 5K time under 25 minutes by this fall but that may be pushing it a little for me.  I have also put another Half Marathon on my radar for November!

On my food... I have to say that I have done fairly good on my nutrition this week considering it was a holiday week full of fun gatherings with lots of treats and HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!  But... I had a checkup with my general doctor on Monday and we are pretty sure I have some GI issues.  She prescribed me some meds and suggested making some diet adjustments and have a few more tests to do but I have a feeling my diet is going to really tighten up so I can finally feel better again!

I am headed to the beach this weekend with my girlfriends so the whole wellness area is going to be pretty tough (or more like non-existent) considering I plan to sit on my tail on the beach and do absolutely nothing but run my mouth but I hope to at least be somewhat cautious as not to ruin all the progress I have been making lately!

Wellness

If you know me at all, you know that I am all about living a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy working out and I try to eat fairly good but let's be honest... life happens and that doesn't always happen. So I wanted to start a little "series" here on my blog to help my stay accountable and motivated as well as maybe helping someone else along the way. I love sharing ideas and helping others so what's a better place to do that than here in my little spot of the internet.

I have been super inconsistent with running and exercising and I know how important it is to me to fit that in my life more.  I have always been pretty active and fitness and wellness have always been a huge part of my life.  It is something I enjoy working towards and I really want to focus on it to reach some BIG goals. I am in a few groups on Facebook that are really motivating and helpful but there is just something about documenting it that will make me try just a little bit harder.

I know I have said it before but I am a bit of a quitter… I often make plans and set goals and give up on them way too easily.  I struggle with self discipline and accountability to myself.  My overall goal is get back into the best shape of my life.  I will have to work hard but I know I can get there. I am not so much focused on a number on the scale but I am focused on feeling great and being fit and healthy.

You probably won't see many (as in any) posts of me here in my undergarments posed up in front of a camera or lots of stats about my weight and measurements.  I am the world’s worst critic when it comes to my body (not something that I am proud of) but I am just not comfortable sharing some of those details. Everything just doesn't belong on the internet right?  

I try not to critique and fuss about my body in front of my kids because I want them to understand that it is important that we take care of our bodies but I also want them to understand that there is more to beauty than being thin and skinny and sadly, I am not so sure I have done the best job of reflecting that with my actions. I am going to strive to be better about that. I have friends all the time that tell me how skinny and healthy I am and as much as I appreciate those compliments, I know that I am not where I want to be physically.  I know many people would kill to be my size or have my tall frame but I also know that my body is capable of being much more fitter and my health definitely has room for improvement.  I am doing this for me and I am starting NOW!

So please come join me every week for some Wellness posts where I will dish about my running, my workouts, my food, and just anything health and fitness related that's on my mind.

Sorry for the long wordy post but here are my goals for this week:
- T25 5 Days
- Run 3 Days
- 90/10 Clean Eating
- No more than one soda or sweet beverage per week.