Mixed Bag Of Rant

I was having a conversation with my close friend the other day about my insane workout schedule, and he said to me, “I need to catch your workout bug!” To which I replied, “It’s not a bug, it’s a lifestyle.”

While I continue to struggle in the nutrition department, I am proud that I have made fitness such a necessary and regular part of my routine. When I contracted walking pneumonia in December, it put me down for a month. As in NO exercise. None. At all. I cannot believe how much I missed it and craved it. I suppose it is entirely possible I am overcompensating right now for that month away in trying to do both a 10K training program and the 30 Day Shred at the same time (yes, it is possible that I am also certifiably insane). However, I feel like I have a lot to make up for in missing those 4-5 weeks of pretty much zero activity.

I also gained about 7 pounds thank you to the ridiculous amount of Christmas cookies and alcohol I consumed over the holidays. Holy shit. Did I mention my Super Bowl Sunday sins? It wasn’t pretty friends. Not pretty at all. Between the wings, the chips, the dip and the beer (to mention just a few) I gained an additional 2 pounds this week putting me officially 7 pounds over my goal weight threshold.

I have a lot to make up for. Losing 7-10 pounds may not seem like a big deal for most people, but for me? I may as well try to climb a mountain. Losing weight does not come easy for me. I can’t just “give up” something and the pounds magically come off. My body does not work that way. It took me 2 years to lose 50 pounds. Yikes.

Despite the fact that I am sore on a daily basis because of my buddy Jillian, I am strangely enjoying the torture. Sore means I do not use those muscles enough. Sore means I need to work harder. Sore means I should probably be drinking more water (as I run to the kitchen to fill up another bottle). I don’t intend to keep this workout pace forever. Getting up before 5:00 in the morning really, really sucks. So why on earth am I putting myself and my body through this agony? I’ll tell you why: to prove that I can. To prove to myself that I can set a 30 day goal and stick to it without wavering. If I am truly “shredded” at the end of this, that will just be the icing on the cake. It will also serve as proof that her program works.

Even though I started out pretty sore with the Shred, my body has been growing stronger. I found that I don’t have to do the modified versions. My run pace has increased from 11 min/mile to 10:45 min/mile (which may not seem like a big deal for the very seasoned runners, but this is huge for me- I have been trying to break 11 minutes for over a year now). If there are any takeaways from doing the Shred over the last 15 days, it is showing me the importance of cross training and strength training and how much it can make a difference in running.

For someone like me, who very easily stumbles off the wagon when it comes to diet and exercise, it is extremely important for me to constantly be making very specific goals to stay motivated. I don’t think motivation to exercise is my problem. I’ve got that part down. However my nutrition… it is the monkey on my back… the bane of my existence… the reason for all of my weight management issues.

What I need is to find a way to incorporate my motivation that I had towards Medifast towards REAL food. Why is it that I was able to follow Medifast meticulously, but when I switched to eating real food I have absolutely zero willpower? I have been tracking points on WeightWatchers and it has done zero for me in terms of losing these extra pounds- hell, I actually GAINED weight since I re-started my WW online tools. I’ve tried SparkPeople, I’ve tried My Fitness Pal. I signed up for a free week on JillianMichaels.com but really hated the site (compared to the WW site, it is like it was built by a college grad out of someone’s basement) but I did get a free copy of Ripped in 30 out of the deal which I will do post-surgery, probably starting in May or June.

So, now what??? I need a meal plan, but do not want to do anything expensive like Medifast, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig or Seattle Sutton (etc etc etc). So,  I decided to try SpecialK.com. No, I’m not doing the Special K Challenge (i.e. eating cereal for every meal like a college kid). They actually have a really nice meal plan with simplified, healthy recipes for busy people like myself. What I like about it is that it is specific. I think where I get in trouble with Weight Watchers is that it is so wide open to interpretation and with that much flexibility, I get a little too relaxed and that is when I start to cheat. I literally make justifications for my shitty choices. It is amazing. With a very specific and set plan, I am much more likely to stick to it. Of course I need to stay mindful of the insane amount of calories I am burning while running and doing the Shred; however, the “plan” will at least keep me in check. Just like with Medifast, if you stick to the plan, it works.

If you stick to the plan. It works.

If you stick to the plan. It works.

If I say this mantra a million times over, will it stick?

P.S. I just chose an apple over a Girl Scout cookie. Progress has been made. As for the wine I am about to consume one hour from now… that is another issue altogether.

I mentioned yesterday as part of my exercise resolve, that I am doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred to start to do some strength training and toning. I had my concerns about committing to doing something every single day for 30 days. I have a regular workout routine of about 3-5 days a week, but rarely do I get a workout in on all 7 days. So, the only time I could be assured I can get it in is…

First thing in the morning. Fuuuuuu… 

I have never been a fan of working out in the morning. It always seems like a good idea, but my resolve always dies quickly after it starts. Let’s face it. As a mom? I freaking TREASURE my sleep.

Pros:
1) If I workout in the morning I am done for the day. YAY! Glass of wine at dinner tonight!

And… that’s all I can think of for pros.

Cons:
1) I am hungry as hell when I first wake up. If I eat before I workout, I’ll get cramps. If I wait, I don’t feel right either. I can’t win!
2) 4:50a is fucking early yo. Even the dog gave me her “fuck you” look, curled up and went back to sleep.
3) I am just non-functioning in the morning until I take a shower. Trying to do something that requires coordination at 4:50am? Not a good scenario for Jo.
4) It doesn’t wake me up or fire me up at all. In fact, I’m even more tired than ever.
5) If it is an awesome workout, I will feel sore and miserable the entire rest of the day.

I’m sure I can think of more cons, but those are my top 5.

Now, before you think I’m a pouty pants, this is all based on today being my first day of getting up before humans should ever be awake. If I am going to stick to the Shred, I have to get up before work to get it done. There is really no other option and I’m not going to give up my evening runs for this (and I don’t recommend trying to do the Shred and a 10K training program back to back. My body is really, really pissed off at me today for trying that approach).

I’m sure I will tell you more about the 30 Day Shred as the month goes on, but hear me now… it is not for the weak. After the first night, my cocky mouth called it a piece of cake. On day 3? I kind of want to punch Jillian in the face. My level of sore is absolutely astronomical. Please god. Tell me this gets better! My abs and ass better be fucking ripped by the end of 30 days or I may break down and cry. To give you an idea of how hardcore this program is, my husband threw out his back doing his day 3 today. I’m sure Jillian would not be please as she preaches throughout the entire 20 minutes about how to avoid injury.

I may have to fire up the jacuzzi later tonight to soothe my aching muscles! I wonder if it even works…

One of the most challenging parts of starting a new job is the loneliness. Yes, people are kind. Yes, people are friendly. But making friends at work doesn’t exactly happen overnight. As I head into my 6th month in my new world, things are finally starting to slip into place. My work is fun and challenging. I have some semblance of work/life balance shaping up. I work with people who are fun and smart.

One of the things I have had trouble with adjusting to in my new work world is my workout routine, especially now that it is dark so early in the evening, the motivation has been lagging. Thankfully, in a sidebar conversation with a colleague the other day, we decided that we need to start working out together over lunch! I have a gym membership and there is a location here in Downtown Mpls that I can visit. So what is my hold up? THERE ISN’T ONE. We decided that starting in January we will take Zumba together at least once a week as a minimum. I’m just SO excited that I found someone who appreciates fitness as much as I do! I felt like a teenager coming home from my first day of school screaming, “Mom, I made a new friend today!”

How are things going in the weight maintenance department you ask? I’m officially retired from Medifast and I am happy to say it isn’t because I was a quitter- it was because I ACTUALLY COMPLETED THE PROGRAM. Holy shit. After years of failure on making lifetime at Weight Watchers, it feels good to say that I made it. Yes, my weight has fluctuated as my body tries to figure out exactly what I’m trying to do to it. Yes, I gained a few over Halloween. I am officially tracking and maintaining via Weight Watchers Online and it has been invaluable in helping me stick with my healthy lifestyle. You know what is amazing? I am okay. I’m okay with gaining a few pounds and I’m glad for it because it means I am conscious of what is going on. I’m still surprised when people say I’m “skinny”. This week, I donated blood (and feel good about doing my part because the supply is heading to victims of Hurricane Sandy)- they had asked if I was eligible to donate platelets but besides being too short, I was also under the minimum weight requirement. I can’t say that has ever happened to me! It feels awesome that I can legitimately be done with the “weight loss” mode of my life and learn how to be this new me.

I did decide to run in one more 5K for the season: the Turkey Day 5K. I LOVE that my good friend Kathy is getting into running and that I have a buddy to do these events with! I have a feeling that she is going to start kicking my ass soon. I’m so proud of her. I’m really excited about doing this 5K though because at least I won’t feel quite as guilty about indulging on that Thanksgiving dinner. My husband and son are planning to join me that morning and I have an extra incentive to finish under 34 minutes- I want to watch my kiddo compete in the Kids K which is 1 lap around the track. He is SO excited to race like his mommy and I am so thrilled that I could even remotely be such a good fitness role model for him.

Overall, I am in a really good place. I am content with my weight. I am content with how I look. I’m content with my job. Stay tuned for a future blog post on the one thing that might be missing.

As a member SheSpeaks, I am often invited to participate in some fun and unique opportunities. The Cerra Be Aware, Act, Reflect™ program was one I didn’t want to miss out on because it is all about taking moments just for you. Yes, there are Cerra™ products to enhance the experience; however, at the heart of it is all about Be Aware ~ Act ~ Reflect™.

The Cerra™ experience is based on the Seven Intentions (Grounded, Creative Energy, Gratitude, Loving Kindness, Courage, Wisdom, Inspiration), universal human virtues that help you to be mindful of how you’re feeling and to act with purpose.

When I was accepted into the Cerra Be Aware, Act, Reflect™ program, I was excited about it as I was hoping to find inspiration to bring balance into my life. Want to know the hilarious part?

I DIDN’T HAVE TIME.

While I did try out all of the products I received in my kit including the Creative Energy Sensory Oil, Dissolving Notes & Pen, and the Tea Bags in Grounded, Creative Energy and Gratitude varieties none of them struck a chord with me in terms of making these meditation products a part of my daily existence. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with meditation or these products and I might even be a little jealous of people who are able to make it a part of their daily “musts”, but it is just not for me.

I found that trying to incorporate Cerra™ into my daily life was almost another thing to add to the “to do” list which is way too ridiculously long in the first place. Would I recommend it? Sure! I loved the Tea Bags and thought the flavor was amazing and the scent helped me relax. I appreciate the concept of the Dissolving Notes & Pen and used it to rid myself of the negative feelings towards my permanent infertility. I brought the Sample Size Lotion to work with me and love the scent and creative energy I get from it (not to mention it makes my hands silky smooth). The only product I wasn’t entirely a fan of was the Sensory Oil. I’m not a huge fan of oils in the first place and it took me a ton of scrubbing to fully get rid of the overpowering scent.

What I did learn through this program is the importance of finding time for myself. Doing things that I enjoy that are just for me. I have strangely started looking forward to my evening jogs. I have had to succumb to the treadmill for the winter and I desperately miss the beauty of running in my neighborhood; however, this time is JUST for me. 30 minutes (sometimes more, sometimes less) to work out my aggression, push my endurance levels, build my motivation and listen to some thumpin’ good tunes. When I am done working out I watch some mindless DVR, catch up on Facebook and Pinterest and maybe even play some Angry Birds. My ‘me time’ may look strange, but that is why it is mine. Everyone will have their own interpretation of how to relax, de-stress and unwind for the day.

Overall, I enjoyed my Cerra™ experience. I would encourage you to check out Cerra™ and learn more about the importance of having ‘me time’ in your life. Simply click the badge below to get started as well as take advantage of a 10% discount in the Cerra™ boutique.

How do you spend your ‘me time’?

I have mentioned my struggles to stay on plan lately.

I’ve been busy. Sick. Bored. Hungry.

Yes. I’m running a 5K in one week, but finding the motivation to train for it has been nearly impossible. Being so busy the past few weeks I have found my “me” time precious. Working out just feels like the last thing on my list.

So what do you do when life gets in the way? Shake things up.

Time to go back to my roots. Go back to the things that motivated me back in January when I started my weight loss journey: XBox Kinect. It seems kind of silly, but EA Sports Active and Dance Central are actually wicked good workouts and best of all? They are fun! So, instead of feeling like I’m being tortured by my 5K training, right now to stay on track I need to make it fun.

I’m sure there are many like me. You know who you are. You are bored of your workouts. You move on. Your motivation wanes. My advice to you is to keep it fun. If what you are doing is no longer fun for you, move on to something new.

I’m not giving up on being a runner. I may end up run/walking the 5K next Sunday but that’s okay. It is a good starting point. For now, I just need to keep finding ways to stay on track so I can reach my goal: to lose 60 lbs. I can’t get there by being tortured or bored. I can only get there by having fun and keeping it interesting.

Get out there and have some fun everyone!