Oh My GOSH!!

I got so into training and the rest of life I forgot to POST!

Okay so last week I finished out my running schedule a little late. I ran on Sunday afternoon, for fun at an easy pace. 4 miles... felt unusally tired.

Note: since the cleanse my hypothyroidism/pituitary issues have kicked up and I am seriously battling fatigue along with the other symptoms involved. grrr. But hopeful that I will be able to resolve this by Friday with SOME direction to go in.

Monday I ran an easy 2 1/5... crunched for time. DH had to go get firewood... and daylight dies quick now. It was a nice run though. Despite the muscle fatigue that is kicking up. grrrr. The extra sleep in the morning is not helping... so I'm not sleeping extra in the am anymore... it doesn't help and it cetainly doesn't help my schedule.

Tuesday... was the last sleep in day. ANd folks, I'm the mom of 7... so sleeping in for me may not constitute as sleeping in for others - but that ain't the point. I am usually an early bird!

So tomorrow running in the pm and yoga in the am is the plan!

Sorry I was so late posting. Silly me, life kind of got in the way. I will do better!

Sweat on! And have a terrific day!

Friday!

Day off from running - it's a great day to try something new!! I've mentioned before my interest in learning more about Belly Dancing... well, I found out a friend of mine is a closet belly dancer... with DVDS!!! So She lent me the introduction dvd to the GoddessWorkout! Whooo!

I've been thinking about the belly dance because it is a great cardio workout - once you get the moves - but also it is a terrific target workout for the abs!!! There is soooo much control and strength involved in belly dancing it's not funny. So... I did the intro dvd this am! It was tough... It's gonna take me a while to get the moves down. Although I was rather pleased with myself and the Shimi... I remembered how to do that from my single/childless days. I need to build up endurance with it but I know how to do it. YAY me.

No running today, but I did learn something new, and get a little sweat flowing, and had a little fun! Try a little something new, right? Loving life!!

Sweat on!

Introspection...

I believe the cleanse is doing something for my mind as well as my body. Day 7 today of the cleanse... Day 5 and 6 were a little emotional. Nothing over the top, but things were a little more touching than usual. Those were the days of dealing with the runner's knees as well, which BTW is now much better - so the run today is ON.

Day 7 - well I'm just feeling like I'd like some quiet time to look at a lake, stare at an ocean or sunset and let things just settle in my mind. Everything is go go go all the time here... I mean have you ever heard "outta bed your feet hit the floor running"? Well, that's what it's like - and you run and run and run till your head hits the pillow... which means I'm snuck awakes for a while after because my brain doesn't just switch off. I know people who have minds like that! Not me.

I'd like to take some time and lay in the grass and watch the clouds in some quiet atmosphere... not a house with 7 children, ha ha ha. So today the girls helped me try a few new cookie recipes (Gluten Free)- gotta see which ones worked before the Holidays hit... and yes, I'm into fitness that means everything is made from scratch and is very healthy... but I'm not into deprivation. Baking with your daughters is a joy... but not if it's something they don't actually want to eat. We can make cookies for others - but they better taste good before we inflict them on someone else.

So we have been in the kitchen makes lots of stuff - enjoying the time and company. But now it's time to stop - put certain little ones down for a nap so mom can milk the cow - so mom can go run tonight. so so so... Looking for that time when I can just sit, and decompress. May not happen today. But I think it will. Maybe it's today's run. Maybe I'll study the stars tonight. I don't know. But I feel more peaceful today for whatever reason and I find myself liking it. I'd like to learn to meditate if that is what it takes to have this feeling more often... what do you think?

Wednesday!

Tuesday was an extra day of rest due to newly developed runner's knee. I ran "hurt" - I was still drained, and too sore for the full out run I did Monday... and paid for it. "Hurt" means unready to run again and running anyway... sometimes it's a good thing - like for a race, or competition when you are not going to do yourself permanent damage... but for practice it was just ignorance (dumb if I do it again). So live and learn. Been to the chiro, because running like that caused my hip to go out and my meck again - until that point all was great! So now I'm aligned again and ready for my run today. 3-4 miles... Then this Saturday I think there is a race in town, that I may participate in, it's not longer than 10K. It would be nice to get the feel of running in an organized gig again before my real 1/2 marathon. So I'm looking for more info.

This am Yoga, and stretching with my 6 yr old daughter - who taught me the ballet stretching they do. She forgot the "smelly toes one", but we did the Frog stretch, dipping toes in the water, and all the others. The kiss your knees ones niether of us understand the purpose of - so I intend to ask nxt class time. Yoga was a lot of Sun Salutes, plank, dolphin, etc.

A little weight lifting in the arms and back. All the running is great for my legs and rear, but it doesn't do anything for the upper body. So I need to pay more attention to that. Twice to three times a week I will make sure I do the weights/strength training.

Looking forward to my run!! Thanks for reading!! Sweat on!!

Tuesday!!

I am learning valuable lessons in recovery. Last Sat when I ran the 12.4 m I took an icy shower, ate, then napped for 45 minutes - eactly what you're supposed to do after a much longer run than usual, or a race. But this week I am still feeling sore, and my leg muscles are a little fatigued still. SO - Yesterday I ran my 3 miles. I ran too fast... when I got home I ws hurting... so icy BATH for 15-20 minutes, then quick hot shower. ATE. This morning I needed to ice my knees before really getting up... which has messed with the schedule, but I'll survive.

Ths morning, after icing the knees and taking a little pain med, Free Flow Yoga!! Not too much, though. I worked out for roughly an hour, maybe a little less. STRETCHED a lot in this workout. I am so aware of my legs right now - it's very empowering, actually. As I pull in my banhdas I can feel their increased strength... NICE.

Not losing any weight right now. Not surprising with the intense training that I'm doing. But increasing in strength, and I am still getting smaller even though the scale doesn't show it. After the 1/2 I plan on taking a week or two off training to recoop. Not stop running, just knock it back a bit to get a feel for where I really am. Then get back into it. I think I have found a marathon in Jan nearby to participate in. Very exciting stuff. So I'll make an effort to align my training with that date. And there are obstacles with this... winter... loads of snow and ice where I live... problem solving. hmmmm.

Great day ahead! Looking forward to tomorrow when I run again. YAY!

Sweat on!!

Monday!

Yesterday rested up and watched conference! YAY!

This morning - Free Flow Yoga! Focussing more on stretching than strength - BUT did a little ab work with pilates, and some weights with the arms. So a little of everything, but not pushing myself too hard... legs still fatigues after last Sat's run... but feeling good!

Sweat on!!

Wednesday's afternoon run was record time for me!! YAY me. Felt terrific too, especially on the last stretch - so fast and free feeling!

Thursday was 3 miles, tiny bit of a challenge. Maybe I pushed a little too hard on the fiver than I meant to. I get to see all kinds of wildlife when I run almost every day. And the scenery is a picture. So all in all it was lovely.

Thursday I also began a 10 day cleanse. Biotics 10-Day Cleanse. I was advised to begin on Monday, but when I looked at the calendar and found that I would be cleansing into my pre-race week, I said NO WAY! I felt that would not be in my best interest - so I began early. The "shake" mixes taste like sandy, gritty water - I won't lie - they are gross. But I got used to them by Saturday am. Taking the supplements is sometimes filling as there are so many! But since I'm training I was advised NOT tp go off my proteins completely, and not avoid carbs totally. However, I am not interested in carbs very often anymore for whatever reason. I seem to eat a bowl of cereal or a piece of toast every other day or so. Protein, fruit, and veggies has been my main diet for a little while now... so according to the instructions I was given I didn't need to change a whole lot. The Dr. said that I shouldn't do the cleanse over more than one weekend, as most people alter their diet on weekends. Apparently, I don't. I don't eat most of what I cook for the fam anyway. I can't eat tons of carbs - they set my hypoglycemia off, I don't like ham, or a lot of what they do like, I stay away from potatoes (they just don't appeal to me), etc. So my diet is really very stable.

The cleanse goes like this: 1 shake and bag of supplements for breakfast. 1 "Clean" lunch, there's a list of clean foods you can choose from like eggs and fish, etc, plus a bag of supplements. Late afternoon another shake. Then dinner Clean foods as per list and a bag of supplements. Since it's not a fasting cleanse it's not a real challenge to the body/self control, so it's been very easy to follow and stick to.

Friday - REST!!! - I NEEDED it too. Baby Shower Friends over - nice day!

Saturday- Okay I set out this am intending to run my prescribed (per training schedule) 10 miles. Due to some scheduling changes and my own miscalculation, the race comes one week early in my training schedule... so what did I feel it necessary to do this am? Run all the way out main road (6.2 miles) and back. So today instead of running a little bit over the 10% everyone says you should increase distance by, I felt I should go ALL THE WAY and run 12.4 miles. I'm being completely honest when I say the last 3 miles were ROUGH. Last night, because of company and fun, was VERY late. So I was tired to begin with! Then I get on the road and decide WHAT?? The last mile and a half were the HARDEST I have EVER run!! I was growling and sometimes even crying a little. And when I jogged into the drive and kept moving, walking, because it HURT NOT TO MOVE! I was just in shock really. I shocked the heck out of my muscles, and my body was NOT happy about it. Ultimately I knew if I made my body go out the 6.2, it would just carry me back... it always happens. But my body was not particularly happy with the plan to begin with, let alone when I was approaching the homestead, uphill. So I walked a bit in the yard, almost crying in relief, and seriously UNCOMFORTABLE! Came in and stretched while I heated up some leftover chicken. I just kept circling in the kitchen, kind of scared to stop moving completely. Finally my chicken was done, so I added some salad and an apple. I ate, and kept fidgeting, and began icing my right foot. So then I get into a COLD shower - not fun, but necessary... then by the time I'm dressed again I was sooo tired. So I took the ice to bed, and laid down thinking just a few minutes... well the minutes turned into almost an hour, WHILE I had ice encircling my foot. Then I was sort of nervous that I would be stiffer than imaginable bc of the long stillness... But I crept out of bed finding myself rather surprisingly limber! Mini miracle for me!!

Now I am re cooping for the rest of the day... fueling up with loads of water, continuing my cleanse - I am not interested in eating anything extra really. I'm interested in eating LESS at this point. But I will get a protein shake down if nothing else tonight. And now I feel like I'm still in a little shock... I went 12.4 miles. I did. I did. That means nxt Sat I run 10 or 11 miles, then the nxt wkend is the 1/2 Marathon, which would be less than a mile longer than what I ran this week. huh. If I can run an extra 2 1/2 miles on top of the 10% increase, SURELY running the 1/2 marathon will be a piece of cake!

So, I'm tired, a bit sore, and a little run down (pardon the pun) - but HOPEFUL! and a little excited!

Sweat on!

PS- oh yes, I MUST note here... I peed behind a hay bail on the run. Bladder was going to explode! Ya do what cha gotta, right ? hee hee!

Wednesday!!

This am did some Free Flow Yoga to that terrific yoga music I found on YouTube. Not so much strength or anything like that today. TOday I warmed up enough to stretch - DownDog, Triangle, Tree, UpDog, Pigeon... lots of Shavasana. Relaxing my leg muscles was the top priority. Lately they feel so thick kneeling is a challenge.

Felt great! This afternoon? 5 miles in the sunshine! YAY! looking forward to it~

Have a great day, everyone! Sweat on!

Monday and Tuesday!

Due to the sunrise timing my schedule has changed to where I now run in the evening. Yes, I have to juggle quite a few things to get this done BUT - it's working!!

Monday- the fastest 3 miles EVER! My route, having changed, now incorporates 1 MONSTER hill in the first mile, and half a monster right up to the house on the way back. When I run further there is at least 1 more MOSTER hill. But it's ok - cuz yesterday was my fastest ever!

Tuesday, due to scheduling, no running. But I got in over 60 minutes of Free Flow Yoga, where I completed 40 ,count them FOURTY, Sun Salutations! WOW! Are they challenging. I was dripping before 15. And yes I paused in Downward Dog for a breathe of two when I needed to catch my breathe - as is acceptable in Yoga! Lots of stretching poses today to stretch out my legs and work toward those splits I want for myself.

My Half Marathon is 3 weeks away! I don't know what made me stop last time I trained for this!! It's gonna be a BREEZE!! It's gonna be just a terrific run! THe route has 2 gradual hills, and LOADS of flat running stretches! Copared to running out here on these Monsters, it's gonna be soooo EASY! I'm so excited! Yes, I'm tired. Yes, my legs and fanny burn almost constantly. And yes I have to stay ahead of my adjustments at the chiro or I end up in pain. But what's a little fatigue, burning, or a little pain in view of one's dream? Nah- a half marathon is NOT my dream. But it's a step in the right direction. My first little dream is a marathon! THen I build on that. But this year I'm conquering half of it!!

2 Year Plan- Oct 2011 I run a half marathon; Spring 2012 I run another half marathon, Summer/Fall 2012 I do a FULL marathon!; Spring 2013 Marathon again; then in SUmmer or Fall of 2013 I do a marathon and a half!!! - which STILL isn't my ultimate dream, but a step in the direction I am headed!!

So - I've spilled my dreams and put them out there for you to see! I'm doing this!! I get so excited when I think about it! What are your dreams? What do you want to accomplish with your body? How do you push your fitness envelope?

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!!

Saturday!

Did 4 miles last pm on the new route. I like the new route despite the killer hills. This am I did the 9 miles on my training schedule. TERRIFIC RUN!

Got fatigued a few hours afterwards... I think because I did two runs so close together. Oh well. I'll live.

Felt like 6 miles instead of 9 really, was surprised.

Sweat on!!

HEY!!

NEW SHOES!! Asics, naturally! When ya find one you LOVE?? WHat else is there? Well, yes I hope to get a second pair in the near future but for now these are my babies!

I've done Free FLow yoga - working on my goal of 100 sun salutations. Gotten up to 32 plus a little more workout and stretching. ANd running this week - yes I've been good - I've been running.

Run into a few snags though. It's become darker and with no full moon running early has been a challenge and darn near impossible... so I'm running this afternoon. I did yoga this morning and running this afternoon.

MAN! Do I need a good treadmill or what??? Oh - well it'll just be something else that goes on the "Save $$ for" list.

Great week has gone by!! It's already Friday and tomorrow morning is NINE miles!!! WHOOOOHOOOOO. New route too. I'm running a little bit of it today. SIKED! New shoes, new route! COOOOOOL! SWeat on!!

Sat-Mon

Out of town this weekend... so I ran 5 miles in Nauvoo. Every 3 weeks in my training program I get one Saturday where I run fewer miles before the nxt weekend where I add miles to my Saturday run. Last Sat was 8, this Sat was 5 then nxt Sat is 9, then 10, then 7 and so on. So We plotted a course on google maps and I ran! Most of it was flat!!! It was wonderful and wonderfully fast. I'm no speed demon but it was faster than all these hills. I had forgotten how much harder my legs work on these hills!! Great run - felt terrific! Was a glorious day too.

Monday! This morning, about an hour of Free Flow Yoga. 27 Sun Salutations, triangle, boat, plank, side plank, pigeon... lots of stretching!! I am building up to 100 Sun Salutations! Every week I get a few more in before I run out of steam. It's a journey!

Don't forget to enjoy your workouts, friends! Enjoy your day! Enjoy life!! It's a great gift! Namaste!!

Monday-Wednesday!!

Monday - REST!

Tuesday! - FAST 3 miles run. didn't time it... just felt darned fast :)

Wednesday - Free Flow Yoga on like 5 hrs of sleep. Running in the morning! YAY!!! Looking into shooes... I over postrate my feet especially my right. Hmmmm need two pairs, would like a trail pair, becuase I will be running trails soon... thinking thinking.

Sweat on!

Saturday...

Call me an overachiever... I ran 8 miles instead of the planned 7 :) YEAH BABY!!!

Got so much to do today - short entry! Have a terrific weekend, everyone!! SWEAT ON!!!

Goal thoughts...

I did a 10K last year in the summer during the first trimester of our last pregnancy. I threw up a few times during the race (in the bathroom and on the side). But it was a great run! I am getting geared up for a 1/2 marathon nearby (which around here is a relative term).

SO October 15th is the big race day! My first 1/2 marathon!! ooh oooh oooh! I'm already excited!

I can't seem to find a marathon that fits my training schedule. And I don't race on Sundays... so finding one is proving to be a challenge.

I may just have to run my own till next spring. I don't know many people in the area who run that type of distance who might do it with me... but that's a thought as well.

Ideas??

Thank you all for your encouragement!!! I really need it and appreciate it!

WEdnesday! - Friday!

Wed- Free Flow Yoga!

Thursday - 3 mile run run run.

Friday - Deni Preston Yoga, balancing focus!! It really stretched out those sore muscles!

Saturday is a 7 mile run! Am excited!!

Sweat on, friends! It's sooooooooooo good for you!

Tuesday! Tuesday! Tuesday!!

3 mile run plus some Free Flow Yoga. 10 Sun Salutations (Vinyasanas/Flow) and some balancing and grounding poses.

Feel great! Feel alive! Am looking forward to getting some new shoes too! Fun fun fun!!

Sweat on!!

Goal:

Marathon. Not a half marathon. But a full blown marathon!! Now I know I shot for a half marathon before and gave up (stupidly) when I was 3/4 of the way there. BUT - this is the real deal. I will run a marathon or DIE in the attempt!! So of course, I'll run it.

This is my new goal!! My next goal is a weight. My ideal weight, according to ME - not some silly calculator, is 110 lbs. That is my goal weight. When? Christmas! Christmas Day I am going to step on the scale and weight 110.4 lbs. Why? Because that is what I want, and it's just going to happen that way.

I need to get new shoes... my old ones are shot... so am gonna get that done shortly. I need to decide if I'm going run my own personal marathon or an official one. What do you think?? And then I need to set a date for the run! Date ideas??

Thanks for reading - I am STOKED!!! Sweat on!!

This week...

Naughty me... too busy to type? Sorry.

Okay this week has been a blurr, BUT I worked out!! Running 3 miles 3 days this week, with LOADS of Yoga in between. Some Free Flow, and a lot of Deni Preston!

Then Saturday - 6 miles. Whew! Yay me! Lemme tell ya the EMV helped keep me clear headed thruoghout the rest of the day. NICE!

Sunday - this morning Basic Flow Yoga, with Deni Preston with a short interuption from the baby, who SURPRISE slep through the night!!! Finished up yoga and ready to get the kids started on breakfast and morning chores, while Mom takes a shower.

Later today I promise to let you in on my new goal and such!! YAY!!

Sat-Monday morning...

Family over like I said before so I've been a bit busy...

Saturday - 3 miles of running and Restorative Yoga!! I love you, Deni Preston!

Sunday- Yoga with Deni Preston... such a peacful workout!!

Monday- 3 miles run before the Sun came up - VERY invigortaing!! Fabulous workout. Planinng a run for tomorrow and Yoga with Deni. I LOVE the Double Duty Days in my schedule !

Got kiddies in the bath and a very busy errand day planned so here I go to start my day! Hope you are beginnning your day with a ZEST for life and living, enjoying your everyday adventures!!

Namaste'!

Friday and Saturday!!

Have some family out for a visit- been a bit busy :)

Friday- 3 miles run. GRRRRREAT!! Them later mowed some of the lawn... this is work if your mower is a push and not self propelled... so this is also exercise for me!!

Saturday! - RESTORATIVE YOGA! Deni Preston, I love you!! I wish yor second season would come out soon on dvd!! Restful and rejuvinating!!

Wonderful way to start your day!

"Don't be afraid of sweat!" Sweat on!!!

Thursday!!

Jogged 3 miles the did 40 minutes Free Flow Yoga! Lots of Sun Salutations and Pigeon, oh and every Warrior Pose I know!

Felt terrific!!! I feel so much better when I just get my bum outta bed between 5 and 5:30 am!! This way I get sometimes 2 whole hours to myself... Hubby and I get morning prayer together before he leaves, and I get some time for just ME!!!

I have a semi crushed arch which is causing some foot pain (right). The chiro works on it for me once a week right now - since my back/neck are doing more of what they are designed too. And it'll be fixed in due time. Right now? I run anyway.

Somehow I had forgotten how much FUN this was!! Somehow I had, for a short time, forgotten my fitness goals? New baby, fatigue, 7 children, busted cars, limited finances... in other words "broke thinking"! Well, let's face it there will always be Life happening... and I got over it, and now I'm getting on with it! So can you! Life will alway be throwing things at us that, if we let them, they will distract us from our goals!! My dream is bigger than my challenges!! I hope yours is too... if it isn'tGET A BIGGER DREAM!!!

Sweat on!!!

Wednesday!!

Ran 3 Miles, milked to goat and the cow (hunny's been working a lot lately)... by the time I was done I didn't have anymore time left to do any yoga :(

Try again tomorrow.

Sweat on!!

Tuesday!!

Deni Preston's Aerobics Total Body workout!!! YAY! Deni!!!

Thinking about getting on the bike tonite... see if I can weasel it in. Also running in the morning! WHOOO HOOOO! Will tell you more about that later - still doing research *wink*

Sweat on!!

Monday!!

Looks like my runs are going to take plave very very early in the morning. Got in a quick on this am, in the rain and dark. Was a good run. I'm proud of myself.

Saturday I did some serious manly mowing around a pasture and my muscles haven't forgiven me yet. Hee Hee. But I determined to see this through.

So remember think thin thoughts, or fit thoughts or whatever your goal is thoughts. We are magnets and if we thing happily about what we want while working towards it - it MUST come to pass ! ! !

Sweat on!!

Saturday!!

3 miles... walked a little but that was so I could RUN ALL OUT when I was running. Time to pick up the speed, baby!

Stay tuned!! And sweat on!!!

Diets, Tools, and goals!!!

MonaVie RVL = Diet

Recumbent Bike = Tool

Marathon = Goal

I will create an individual post for each topic! Stay tuned!!!

Friday!

Wow!! Is it Friday already?? Well, this morning I workout out with Deni and the Gang!! Strength Training!! Fewer interruptions this morning as the only one up was the baby!

So I've decided and COMMITTED myself to getting up early NO MATTER WHAT! The baby wakes up 50 times in the time, little ones have bad dreams of need drinks of water - whatever! I am JUMPING out of that bed!!

Okay this morning I dragged myself... but it's a work in progress, folks!

So how are you feeling this morning?? Good? GREAT? Just hanging in? Well, I promise you no matter your morning status, if you get some exercise in it'll be even better!

Namaste'!

Thursday!

Super Slim Down and 15 mins recumbent bike...

Traded in my rundown treadmill for a recombent bike I got locally and cheap!!! So! Great stuff!

Setting new goals soon!! Understanding new things about my body!! So stay tuned!!

Sweat on!

Monday-Wednesday!

Monday- EXCELLENT workout with Deni Preston!! Our internet has been giving us fits... so I'm late posting.

Tuesday- took a day off... it was what our kids call a "Squish Day".

Wednesday!!! This morning... Flow Yoga with Deni!!!

Thursday!

Thursday - TREADMILL, 50 minutes, lots of stretching....

Chiro yesterday said a disc in my neck is trying to bulge... we are trying to prevent it. And Prevent it we will!

But today my neck pain and consequential headache has increasingly gotten worse. I had to actually lay down and apply hot and cold to my neck for a couple of hours. Oh and take some pain meds. Over hydrating today (for the past few days truthfully) trying to get my spine/neck to heal. Last night sleep was elusive because of the neck and head pain... but I ran anyway! AND I'm going to do it tomorrow!

And later go back to the chiro. Must keep moving! The only way to regain movement and flexibility is to move! So I'm movin... when I can tolerate it.

On a Happy note, the chiro's wife had her baby last night :) Baby girl. Lovely daughter for a lovely family.

I will feel better soon! I will feel better than before! It will only get better and better and better! Lovin life!

Sweat on!

Wednesday!

Super Slim Down!! As I did the Cat Stretch my neck, which went out of alignment again at 10:30 the night before, suddenly pinched the heck out of my shoulder! And so far I haven't been able to put it back. Every twist of my heck or arm is uncomfy. But I have an appt woth the chiro this afternoon. So Ibuprofen is my friend and then the Good Doctor will take care of it for me when I see him! God Bless all great Chiros!

AND I am getting on that treadmill today! This evening I am jogging my little heart out! It's movie night so I can do that while the movie's on! YAY!

And I am GETTING UP IN THE MORNING! I am tired of not getting that run in every single day! I don't care how many times the baby wakes me up... I getting up and getting my running shoes on! And making it fun again!

Sweat on, my friends! Find what drives you and jump on that wagon!!

Tuesday!

EXTREMELY late night! But I did some Free Flow Yoga!! Nice easy practice. Pulled up some good music to help me focus on youtube. Warmed up with many Sun Salutations. Did some Big Toe pose, chair, etc.

I am learning to be forgiving and accepting of myself. THe more I am forgiving and accpeting of myself, where I am now, the more I find I am forgiving and accepting of others.

Yoga helps me broaden my mind... how it does this I am not sure. In yoga I focus on the here and now, staying in the moment as much as possible... and yet through this I am learning so much more than just how to do Triangle and Crane.

I LOVE Yoga!

I hope you found something you love that helps you pursue the person you are wanting to become. If you haven't yet, keep looking!

Sweat on!!

Healthier Living Tip for this week!

This week... we've increased our H2O intake. We've upped the greens. We've taken extra steps in out day.

This week: Give yourself a compliment. Take this seriously, folks! Notice a small thing about yourself, your appearance if that's your focus, your strength, etc... and compliment yourself OUTLOUD!

Say, "Self (yourname), you are weghing 1/2 a pound less than last week. Way to go!"
Say, "Self, your calves are looking good!"
Say, "Self, your abs are getting stronger! Keep it up!"

Get in as many of these everyday as you can. I don't care if it's "My toenails look nice after that manicure", so long as you say something positive about your self every day!! You will find yourself not only feeling better emotionally and confident, but you will also find yourself feeling healthier and stronger.

That's this weeks Tip: Go to! Sweat on!

Saturday and Monday!!

Saturday! Deni Preston Yoga, 106, I think. Basic Flow. Was terrific!!

Monday!! Super SLim Down! My abs are showing improvements!! Gotta go back to the chiro though - my hips are not staying aligned :( Still a good workout! Felt great!!

Sweat on!!

Friday!

Friday!! Who else out there is THRILLED it's Friday??

Okay, I enjoyed Deni Preston's Yoga Flow 101 this morning. Lot's of flow, lots of concentration, lots of good stuff in that!

Late night business meeting last night... did you think I wasn't a busy person?? Ha Ha! Had you fooled!! So up REALLY late last night! Great meeting! Stoked and excited, don't get me wrong... but ummm sleepy this morning now. So I didn't go all out in my Yoga Practice this morning. I did what was comfy and let myself be without judgement or criticism or irritation in myself. YAY me!! That, in itself, is an accomplishment!

I'm drinking TONS of water, getting more greens in my diet!, moving as much as possible!, and just enjoying life more and more! Note: Found myself getting a headache the other day... drank 2 glasses of water and 15-20 minutes later headache disappeared. I was DEHYDRATED!! Water is soooo important! Pop does NOT count!

Lost a couple more pounds! It's just gonna start falling off now, I just know it! So yesterday I fit into a smaller size pants. My goal is to lose about 40 pounds... well, 38 since weighing in this morning. So 38 pounds and sereval dress sizes! I wanna get down around 110 lbs. I know I know, I've never disclosed the ammount or weights, ect before for fear of making some one else feel bad for whatever reason. But This is MY goal, not yours... so do NOT compare! You have your goals, I have mine. I'm just gonna share on this blog about my journey towards what I consider the ideal physical me! I have a picture of what I look like in my head and I'm gonna get the mirror to reflect it. Nope - not starving myself. Doing the same thing I've been doing... maybe utilizing some tools I didn't have before... but I'm not going anorexic, or bulemic, or anything crazy. Just comtniuing to eat healthier and healthier, increasing my fitness levels, and visualizing my achievement. So nothing kooky happening... just being more open here on my blog :)

Thursday!

Super SLim Down!! I LOVE what this is doing for my core!! Yeah at the end I add a few of my own lifts, weights, whatever I feel like that day. But I LOVE what this is doing for my flexibility and core strength!!

My strads are wider already!! I am more limber, when I don't need to see the chiro - which incedentally right now I do. Seeing him this afternoon. Aparently I have hyper-something hips right now... they're not accostomed to not being prego, so they go out of wack often. My tail bone gets turned and twisted... doing all I can to keep this from happening, but how can a Mom of 7 not carry of pick up children? Ha Ha!! But all other things I can do I am doing as often as possible!

So... Today is gonna be a busy one - I am soooo glad I exercised this morning! Gonna need that energy! Also, don't forget - if you need more energy in your day- check out that Emv from MonaVie... We've got a few friends who have also discovered the benefits of the Acai berry. One friend is even losing weight - though this is not a normal side effect :) He said it has just helped him remember to make wiser meal choices...

Anyway! GREAT Day ahead! Hope your's is sunny too!

Sweat on!

Wednesday!

Power Yoga!! Taught by a lady named Joy. Fast paced breathing and movement. Heated up really well. Nice perspiration. I need to do this one again and next time repeat the segments a few times each. It's give me a good hour long workout.

They don't mentioned that they work the arms, but there are a lot of pushups in this! Good core workout. Good lower body workout as well. Excellent cardio workout.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you get something out of it. Bringing our bodies to a higher level of healthiness is always great! We need to remember them for the gifts that they are. Our bodies do so much for us and NEVER complain or whine. Our bodies NEVER yell at us for treating it poorly and yet they always do their absolute best to fill our needs and wants! Let's treat them well! Clean them out once in a while. Fuel them up with great stuff! And give them the strength and endurance they need to keep up with our demands!

Sweat on!

Tuesday!!

Long weekend... visit the lake with the children, and so forth. No "exercise" but lots of movement this weekend.

Tuesday! Super Slim Down... yup. If you haven't noticed I really like this one! I'm making a list of the workouts I wanna get when I find them and have the $$. And this one, along with other Ellen Barrett workouts, is on the list.

This is great for the abs - ALL abs! Great leg/buns workout too. I really enjoy the sweating in the one... as it all feels like it's doing good stuff for my muscles and body!

Keep drinking that water!! Gonna remain hot for a while longer! But it has cooled off a little. So this week's Get Fit suggestion is - add a little more movement to you day where you can. Park a little farther from the entrance to work, WalMart, wherever you go. Instead of ready a book in your car this week during lunch break, take a stroll with your MP3 player. Take the stairs for a flight or more instead of the elevator. Just add one tiny thing every day or every other day. Start slow if you are overwhelmed. But make the time for yourself. Give your self a few extra minutes of quiet to think as you move. Movement helps free of the mind for more thought flow. So appreciate the movement for it's own sake and enjoy the thoughtful time as well.

Enjoy your day, everyone!! Find a tiny piece of Heaven in it. It's there to be found. A child's smile, and older couple holding hands, a flower in bloom, and teenage that holds the door for you, a newly painted sign, a bumblebee... Find those joyful moments and enjoy your day!

Sweat on!

Thursday! - and This week's Extra Health Idea

4:30-5:30 pm I did what I like to call "Free Flow Yoga". This is when I put "yoga" music on and just do my own thing. It's wonderful. It allows me to observe my practice and push myself less. It's like a check in with myself - see my progress and weaknesses and or strengths.

So I popped on so Yoga Music and when all out. What I noticed was: I am naturally correcting my positions - tucking the tailbone, hugging all the muscles together, pulling in those bandhas - going deeper into the positions gradually without thought or focus on my part. My Traingle is really good, and felt great after all the ab work I've done this week so far. Lots of Sun Salutations and flow. Very nice. When I started to tired I slowed it down a little and took it to the floor. Wrapped it all up with a lovely deadman pose... then that darn phone rang next to my head!

All and all a very nice practice today! Lots of sweat too!

This week's idea for an easy increase in health: Now that we've increased our H2O intake - Let's add a few drops of lemon juice to that water! What does it do? Well, for one it adds some zest, which in my opinion is always great! But it also detoxes your liver and other organs in a very very gentle fashion. Nothing too shocking to the system. But add some Lemon juice to that H2O for some zest and cleansing this week and enjoy the benefits!

Sweat on!

Wednesday!

Super Slim Down.... I got 4 consecutive hours of sleep this morning/last night. YAY!! But had an early appt so missed the morning workout and had to do it this afternoon again. :( But I got 'er done!!

Love this workout - squeezes a lot of great stuff in to a short time period!! I am more flexy than last time I did it. My Triangle is kickin!! And the Sweat is pourin!

Fab workout! But I have been wanting to get that running into my sched... But hubby's out of town this week again on business... so if I get running in it's gonna be IN - doors.

Man, working out in the afternoon gives me a great excuse to take a cool shower in this heat and humidity! Silverlinings, everyone! Look for them.

Sweat on!

Tuesday!

Let me begin by stating: I am going on 4 hours of sleep and a can of EMV... and I think 400 calories of actual food so far today and it's almost 3 pm.

That said - I wish to also state : I LOVE YOU, DENI PRESTON!!! Yoga Basic Flow 122 episode I think. Flow Flow Flow all the way through. I was so THERE! In the MOMENT! Triangle you are MINE! I OWN that pose! Yeah, Baby!

How can I be this upbeat today? I'ts all about attitude! I decided I was gonna have a terrific day! And... That's what I am having. Mountains of laundry being folding and everything- my day is grrrreat! - as Tony would put it.

Don't let anything get in the way of your workout! - barring emergency and illness - be human! but don't let anything else stop your workout! Be Brave! Be Bold! Visualize the body you want and become! Don;t let old thinking stand in your way!

You are Beautiful! Shine!!

Sweat on!

Sunday and Monday!

Sunday- Pick your spot Pilates! I think it was about 45 mins, plus stretching. Hubby came in during asked if I was having fun - said, "yeah". He went away shaking his head.

Monday! Trim and Tone with Ellen Barrett. Pilates/Yoga mix. Both days were hardcore tummy workouts. Tomorrow hoping to get away from the abs and into other spots. Pilates, no matter the workout is HARD on those abs!!

Cooling off this week? Yes it will!! YAY!!! Maybe by next week, those of us who have stayed indoors will get to jog a little!!

Sweat on!!

Thursday!

Late night with baby!!! Would NOt let it keep me from working out!!! Super Slim DOwn with Ellen Barrett ~~ As I have said before it is a FABULOUS workout!

Sweat sweat SWEAT! Fantastic Core workout!! My abs are getting kicked when I do this one. BUt they are also getting stronger!! My flexibility is s-l-o-w-l-y increasing, but it IS increasing!! YAY!!

I get this wonderful undertheskin shaky feeling after a great workout!! I LOVE it!! Even after stretching this lovely feeling sticks around. It is a feeling that says, "You did well! You pushed yourself!! It is making a difference!". LOVE IT!

So, don't forget that water this week - AND next week it looks like if you're in this super HOT zones, like me. Increase the water intake and decrease the outside labor, if possible!

So workout Smart! Work out FUN! Sweat on!!

Thursday! - Results and Recipe!

Kickboxing w/ Deni!! Inspirational Deni Preston! Read her story, she's amazing!!

Workout interrupted by baby who got hungry early! But great workout anyway!! The sweat is just dripping off!

I skipped the arms and abs... I did arms yesterday and I am planning on doing abs tomorrow. Don't overwork your areas!! They don't get time to recoop!

We're experiencing a heat wave right now - but don't let it hold you back from your workout!! Just be wise about the timing, if your AC isn't Super, like ours. Try morning or evening when it's cooler! Or if you usually workout outdoors, try some workouts in doors This week! Try the step, or a video to follow, the treadmill, or free weights, bells, yoga, whathaveyou! There are so many options! SO you really don't get to use the excuse that it is too hot to workout!

Are you still drinking that water? Even more important this week! Are you eating more greens? Are any of you having trouble getting those greens in?? Try a green smoothy! If you're not a fan of spinach or collards, throw a couple of servings in the blender with some fruit, maybe even a little honey (My fav way!), a little soy milk, or water, etc - and blend it up!! YUMMY!!! It's a little trick I lay on our kids sometimes!! Get those greens in!!

This week's tip? Cut a few calories in your day. Instead of the whole milk, skim the cream off before drinking some. It's makes great butter anyway. Or purchase Skim. Instead of full fledged soy milk, try the light. Instead of potato chips, try a few rice cakes. Instead of that candy bar grab an apple, pear, banana, etc. Instead of that bagel and cream cheese, try a yogurt smoothy for breakfast. Just try to cut back a few calories - not a ton... just a few. Don't allow yourself to feel deprived. Pick one thing and trade up. Remind yourself you're trading it in for something just as yummy, just a bit better for your body! Don't be obsessive about it. Don't beat yourself if you give in to the slice of chocolate cake... just try to keep it down to ONE slice, and not half the tray. Remember, like everything else in life- what you eat, how much you eat - it's all a choice. That bag of cookies may in fact be calling your name! But you can say NO!

Rice cake recipe - caramel rice cake (or your choice of flavor), topped with 1-2 Tablespoons of fat free whipped cream (or even add a dash of cocoa to the whipped cream and have choc whipped cream!), toss a couple slices of strawberries on top and YUM!! A tasty snack that is under 100 calories!!

This is just a tiny step towards freeing yourself from the bondage of food. Food is GREAT! Don't get me wrong. And yeah, I slip like everyone else. But we should not be victims of our appetite. We need to gain control, so we our appetites and bodies can benefit from our wise choices in healthy, YUMMY food!

Result!! I am becoming more flexible already!! It's FANTASTIC!! You can do it too!

YAY! What a Day! Live it! Love it!! It's your life! Sweat on!

Tuesday and Wednesday!

Tuesday - Super SLim DOwn!

Wednesday - I did Fabulously Fit Moms!! and I added some arms to this routine. I'll tell you more about it later - Promise!

Energy... Movin and Groovin Mama ! !- updated

Where do I get it? Some people have been inquiring where I get all my energy... I don't think I suffer from too much energy, I would love more. But to answer the question ... Let me just say beforehand - I am NOT someone who thinks they are ALL THAT and then some. I am only doing my best to explain this because people have asked sincerely wanting an answer. Please don't think I'm super conceited!!! I'm really not. So here's the explanation I have.

Part of it has to do with personality. Has anyone here read Personality Plus? Very illuminating book for those of you who have ANYONE in your lives who makes you think to yourself, "What is wrong with them???", or "Why do they do that?". Personality Plus makes so much clear for you! Helps you understand that these people are not challenged mentally, they are just different and that's a good thing!! Anyway, I'm a Dominant personality, everyone is a mix of all 4 types, but we all have one type that is strongest in our day to day lives. And I'm a D. This means that I can be a bit bossy, very decisive, and a number of others things PLUS I get a lot done in a day... because I'm task oriented. So when I get a ton done in my day, as some of you may see in my FB page, some of that comes from my personality type. Yes, I like to sit quietly for a tiny bit, but I can't do it for long or I get bored, ansy, and irritated with myself. Except when ready or working... I just can't sit and do nothing.

A LOT of this has to do with the fact that I workout almost everyday!! Can't say it enough!! You have to spend energy to have MORE energy!!! YA gotta move to lose? Well, you gotta burn to earn! Burn some energy to earn more ebergy! It just works this way!! You body starts to CRAVE movement after you make it a habit!!!

So most of the time I am a very self motivated movin and groovin mama. But there are times, like this morning, when I get too little sleep I tend to be a little sluggish. Lately I have found an AMAZING product that has helped with this. Have any of you tried one of those energy drinks on the market? Full of additives, tons of caffeine? Those drinks that give you a high of energy then you come crashing down as they wear off? That stuff that makes you jittery and jumpy? Makes your mental capcities a kinda crazy? Well, this product doesn't do that!! If consumed all at once, this gives you 5 hours of steady energy and extra mental clarity. No super high. No crash at the end. Just a nice easy steady energy. And it clears up that fatigue brain fog that comes from too few hours sleep. You can even still fall asleep if you get a chance to nap in your day with this in your system.

This wonder product is based on the Acai berry. Pronounced AH-SAH-EE. Yes, there are others ingredients to this juice drink. Reversed osmosis carbonated water. A dash of Yerba Mate'. Fruit Blend (acai, moqui, apple, pear, grape). Acerola extract (that's a fruit). Citric acid. Xanthan gum. Pectin. Panax ginseng extract. Maca extract (that's a root). You can read the label - but you get the picture. All good stuff. Not anything like those energy drinks you get at the gas station.

I drank about 2 ounces this morning before working out. Felt MUCH better within 30 minutes. There are 8.4 ounces in a can. And this juice is called Emv. From the MonoVie company. Now do the research if you're like me and super careful about what you put in your body. I mean, I'm nursing a sweet little baby!! I am REALY careful!! There are athletes who drink this and the other products put out by MonaVie. And movie Stars too, for those of you interested in that sort of thing. Google it - you'll find a list of names.

Because of my night's sleep, or lack thereof, I will probably nurse this can of juice all day... to make it last and enjoy the benefits. But let's be honest- I would not drink it if it tasted AWEFUL. It doesn't! It tastes GREAT! Yummy Healthy fruit juices all mixed together with a little carbonation and I'm a fan! But add the taste to the terrific benefits of consumtion and I am SOLD!

I am not the only one missing out on sleep... sometimes, I beg hubby to help in the middle of the night - like when I'm nursing the baby and need him to take care of the 2 yr old. Or he'll pull an all nighter at work then stay all day - So he's been known to drink the Emv and love it too!!

So if you find you're short on energy and need a pick-me-up to finish your day out, or like me even start it right... instead of grabbing one of those energy drinks that give all those nasty side effects, look up the Emv by MonaVie and check it out!! It really is great stuff!

Monday!!

This Morning's Challenge was Pilates with Ellen Barrett. Now I really like Ellen. You just know she's a cheerful person when you listen to her. Not fake or overly praising - just really optimistic! I love that about the trainers I watch.

Pilates? Well, it's a yoga based workout, very dance influenced, if my info is correct. And I have a dvd from the pro - but I never liked her style... very boring I thought. But I love the way Ellen presents these workouts in her video Pick Your Spot. We worked buns, abs and thighs. I am still hoping to get in a run on the treadmill later... but that's later :) Right now I am enjoying the feeling having worked hard, my core is energized and I feel really good... even though various children woke me up last night let's see over 6 times... I dunno what the problems is... growing or something - but WOW!! 6 am came way to quick!! So I stayed in bed till 7, to be honest.

Enjoy your morning and the rest of your day! Sweat on!!

Friday and Saturday!

Friday... late in the day I got Total Body Workout with Deni Preston!! Strength Training.

Saturday LATE in the day I got in Restorative Yoga with our Yoga Queen, Deni Preston. Again, anyone wanting to try out a workout with her PLEASE go to BYUTV.com She's got a regular program there that you can turn on anytime. Just search Total Body Workout, and pick one to try! She's AWESOME!!

Wonderful Wonderful!! Lion Pose! Love the twists!! And restful Shavasina... does anyone NOT like that pose? I dont think so. Such a restful session tonight. Loved every moment. So needed it! Yummy!

Sweat on!!

Thursday!

YOGA!! Basic Flow Yoga!! YUMMMM! And half an hour on the treadmill.

Remember have fun with your exercise! Tell your body you LOVE it!! The sweat! The burn!! The stretch! Ahhhh! Love exercise! Love your body! Love to move! And one day your body will wake up excited to start!!

Sweat on!

Wednesday!

Last night got on the treadmill quick before running to a meeting- YAY!

This morning - 20 minutes treadmil and free weight workout for arms, back, and chest. Tommorrow? Well, hoping to get in more abs and tushy!

Sweat on!!

Tuesday!

Crunch: Super Slim Down, with Ellen Barrett. So I really like this one- it works the cores really hard, focuses on muscle groups that are often forgotten. No arms to speak of, and no legs. But great core/bum workout.

Hope to get a short run in later- we'll see if my kids let me do that. I have 2 REALLY cranky girls today... so we'll see. Maybe I can con them into naps... hmmmm.

Well, am I satisfied with my results? Big Fat NO! BUT I am visualizing what I want, I am working hard, being consious of my foods, and getting sleep (as much as possible anyway). I KNOW I will see the results I am looking for in the next 4-6 months. The results I'll get in the next 2 months will not satisfy me... and I will NOT be done in 6 months. I want to weigh a particular ammount, and look a certain way...

I want a tight rear view, I want chiseled arms, I want a super strong midsection, I want to run forever and not drop like a stone at the end. All of these things I want for 1- To KNOW I will keep up with our children and maybe even push our children's energy levels. 2- Feel GREAT about myself. 3-Sleep well, Eat well, and Feel Well all the time. It takes time to create a habit. I want this to be such a strong habit that I go through the ENTIRE next pregnancy working out. Have less weight to lose next time. And maybe even show others that this CAN BE DONE! You can give birth to many children and NOT sacrifice your health for it. As a parent you NEED that good health to raise those special people you helped bring into the world.

So I am going for that tight rear view, chiseled arms, and a super strong midsection. Is it selfish? NO!! This is HEALTHY!!! Be healthy! Find a workout that you like! Keep at it! Make it a part of your lifestyle, not just some short term diet to drop a few pounds, when losing more would feel better, having a high level of fitness will feel better. Don't short change yourself. You deserve a healthy strong body! Go for it!! It's yours!!

Sweat on!

Monday!

An hour and a half of treadmill!!

Friday!!

This morning- 45 minutes of treadmill time plus 20 minutes stretch.

This afternoon- Total Body Sculpt... with Kendall, the Chisel Guy!! He growls- it's cool. Fun workout.

Sweat pooring off, focusing on technique and squeezing those muscles. This works the upper body MUCH more than the lower... need to do abs soon, but for my motherhood abs it works fairly well. My arms are showing changes... I got me some muscles!! Ok they're little, but I have them!! I have decided I want AWESOME arms!! SO I;m gonna get 'em.

My bum... well let's just say I have an AMAZING shrinking Hippo! Very cool. Being so soon after baby- 4 mths now? and nursing OFTEN - I am holding onto weight... But my body is changing.

Picked up a shirt at Goodwill, asked hubby what he thought he said, "It makes your boobs look huge." Me- *after glancing down, "Nah, they just are... um if it makes my boobs look huge does it makes the rest look smaller?" Hubby- Thoughtfull look, "yeah." Thinking to self- I guess it was worth the $3 then. Can ya tell I'm losing a little bit of patience here? Human beings are so flawed, me especially. This is the FASTEST recovering EVER~! It usually takes 8-9 mths for me to get to this point, and I'm here in FOUR!!! ... and I'm losing patience with myself?? Crazy!!

Trying to keep my perspective in check here. Gonna miss NEtflicks... oh well.

Thanks for reading. Stay energized! Keep it fun!! Sweat on!!

This week...

Okay got two days to update you with. Wednesday I ran on the treadmill for about 2 hours - felt sooo good.

Thursday- today! This morning I ran on the treadmill for 2 hours- felt great! This afternoon I did Your Best Butt Fast!! I love that Ausie Chick! YEAH!!

Something I am adding to my To-Do list is increasing my flexibility... it is a source of frustration for me. So, I'm gonna fix it! I'm adding on 20 minutes of stretching to each workout! I wanna be able to do splits!!

Again, I have gone out a joegged occassionally just not on a reg basis yet.

I LOVE to workout!! I bet you do too!! Or if you don't remember: You gotta keep it up - because at some point your body WILL WANT TO!! And THEN you'll love it!!

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!!

Tuesday!

Crunch: Super SLim Down/. Remember that one is Yoga and Pilates!! Fantastic workout!!

Busy busy!!

Sweat on!!

Monday!

Restorative Yoga!! WIth Deni Preston, of course!! I love Restorative yoga!! I think everyone does!!

I need to do it again... as Pigeon just about killed me! Apparently my quads are not wanting to release that stress!! Ouch. So I plan on getting Restorative Yoga into my exercise habits more often than I have been.

I have only a few more days of Netflix left, so I intend to make use of them. I will be revisiting Best Butt Fast, Total Sculpt, and a few others. I really loved them and believe I will be looking for a way to get them. Self puts out a great series of workouts. Crunch has a lot of good workouts, but I wouldn't say all of them are great!

Great start to my 4th of July! Happy 4th everyone! Sweat on!

Friday!!

I did SELF: Slim and Sleek Fast. Okay hardest 40 minute workout ever! The moves were simple even fun... but it was hard work!! Felt great! Fantastic cardio and good strength training too. I added a few arm moves because I am trying to get super arms and I wanna hit all those muscle groups and not just one. This video hits bis but not tris... so some adding was needed.

Good workout for beginners to... you would just need to take a few more attempts at the moves before getting them perfect. I really like Ellen Barrett. Bikini Body fast, and two of the Crunch episodes were also taught by her. I like her coaching style.

Great day!! Did some weeding - super fast weeding! Kids and I heading out to the beach today - so more body movement will happen!! Planning a Fab day!

Thanks for reading, everyone! Sweat on!!

Thursday!

All sweaty and worked out from the Crunch: Fat Burning Dance Party. No, I didn't like it much. But it was a good workout anyway. Why didn't I like it? Just not my kind of dancing.

Worked the waist really well- that I liked. I was going for more cardio than a real strength building workout. I'm thinking tomorrow Pilates or Yoga.

I really am trying to work in more running on top of my workouts... but the timing has not happened yet. With midnight feedings I just haven't been able to drag myself out of bed at 5:30 am. I mean I get up to nurse the baby, but then I think "if I get up now, I'll be exhausted before 2 o'clock!". That just isn't fair to the kids... so it just hasn't happened yet on a regular basis. I go out occassionally and jog around, but it's not a regular schedule yet- which my body is craving.

So tried this - didn't like it... not doing it again. But I tried it out. So maybe I'll try another new one next week, while the Netflix trial period runs- cuz we're canceling before they charge us :)

Don't forget that water - telling myself as much as anyone... yesterday I forgot to drink enough... and because of this I felt a little run down. Couldn't figure out why either - ha! More water!!!

Thanks for reading! Sweat on!

Monday and Tuesday!!

Monday- too busy to type up an entry. oops. So yesterday I did the Best Butt Fast and the arms from the toning video... not completely happy with the arm routine, but it's not bad... still looking for better. great workout no less.

Tuesday! 40 minutes of Crunch: Super Slim Down. I add lots of stretching to the end, I don't think she lets you stretch enough afterward. Now I count this as my yoga too, because it integrates Yoga with Pilates with a dash of ballet. There's a TON of Triangle pose!!! I LIKE it!! Surprise, surprise! I feel the pose getting easier. This video seriously strengthens the core, abs. Terrific workout of my flabby abs. They are getting stronger and firmer!! Having 7 children really does take a toll on this midsection, but I'm slowly getting it to where I want it.

Another thing I am slowly improving, despite nursing all the time, is my posture!! WONDERFUL!! I am really working on posture! And it is paying off. Strengthening my abs and back is decreasing my back pain - which when you're pregnant is almost inevitable. And many many people suffer from back pain. Exercise - Yoga, Pilates, etc can really improve that!!

I am still "looking" for improvements, but I guess I'm just not there yet... my arms don't really look any better, but they FEEL stronger. My bum doesn't look any leaner, but it feels that way. So I'm still waiting for the Mirror to show me what I want to see, but I'll have to wait longer and keep working at it. I have 32 pounds I want to lose. And I know that when I increase in muscle the pounds are slower to come off. That's okay! Slow and Steady said the turtle.

Great workout!! Are you drinking more water?? Great!! The next super easy step to becoming a little more healthy and losing some extra weight is: Replace that extra helping of bread at dinner with another helping of veggies! Salad, fresh green beans, broccoli, something GREEN! Yes, go ahead and have a roll with your dinner. But instead of reaching for a second, put another spoon of peas on your plate. Try this, added to your extra water intake, and see if this decreases what your scale has to say.

Sweat on!!

Friday!!!

Double workout AGAIN! Yesterday if you recall I did That overall body workout, but it REALLY seemed to focus on abs, chest, with a little leg thrown in.

Today I did the SELF: Best Butt Fast again. Such a GREAT workout out for the rearview. And I topped that off with 10 Minute Solution: Target Toning. She has a 10 minute segment on arms and upper back. I stretched it to 20 minutes, and skipped the pushups, cuz I did sooo many yesterday morning. Gotta remember you should NOT work the same muscle groups two days in a row!! Alternating is key.

But all of it, excepting the arm workout is also aerobic. The jumping squats killed my hiney! Whooo! I am sitting here typing this up while STILL feeling the burn. Feels soooo good!

Hopeing to run Sunday morning, since tomorrow morning is out. Maybe Restorative yoga tomorrow? depends, as DH is gonn be gone. We'll see. I am on a roll and don't wanna stop!

You're FABULOUS! Visualize the results you are going for! Keep it up! You're AMAZING!!

Sweat on!

Thursday!

What a great day!! Okay this morning I did Yoga For Health with Jenny Cornero... a little restorative and I felt it working. BUT it was so difficult and uncomfortable... I decided to reqard myself for completing it by doing Crunch: Super SLim Down afterwards!!!

I could FEEL Jenny Cornero's positions working within my body... but they were so foreign and uncomfortable I was very proud of myself for finishing the thing!!! Not sure if I'll repeat that. Maybe I'll try it again just to make sure I don't really like it. ha!

But the Crunch episode was really good. A beautiful mix of Yoga and Pilates with a little ballet thrown in. This one I want!! My core worked soooooo hard. MUCH harder than in the "Ab Blaster" from yesterday. I REALLY feel like I strengthened my core today.

By then end of the second workout I was nice and warm. I am thinking it might improve my opinion if I did the Yoga for Health AFTER I did a workout that warmed me up. Those position may not be so uncomfortable IF my body is warmed up for them... I'll think on that.

Didn't feel good last night, and this morning was a feel good wake up either... but now I feel quite a bit better. YAY for exercise!

Energy - you gotta spend it to get it... a lot like $$. So SWEAT ON!!

Results... and Step One

Real Quick... If you begin working out about 6 weeks after you have your baby will will experience an energy increase. Take it easy at first, a walk around the block, etc. Some recover faster, some slower. Do what you can, when you can make the time and you will feel better. Works for me EVERY time.

Also you get a mood lift!! YAY! Endorphins!

Since baby I have lost 15 lbs, and amazingly about 15 inches. The pounds, for me, are slow to go after a baby. But I fit better into my clothing, and my bigger sizes are falling off now. AND, even though I work out almost everyday, I am still nursing the baby without any problems. The key there is drinking!!

Yes, exercise is important but for just a minute lets talk about water. If you do NO exercise whatsoever yet trying just drinking more water. Drink drink drink. If you have trouble drinking enough water, nursing or not, I woud suggest keeping your bottle of water in your hand as much as possible. You're more inclined to take sips here and there if you're holding it. It's an easy thing to do, and great first step towards weight loss. Just drink more water. However much you drink, drink more. It will help you shed those pounds while detoxing and cleaning out your body.

Start out slow and start out with water!! If you're drinking more water then you are on your way to a slimmer you. You can still drink the pop or juice or whatever, but that does not count towards your water intake. So grab a bottle of water and keep sipping. Refill and keep sipping. Try that for a week. Sweat on!

Wednesday!!!

Self: Best Butt Fast. Okay- I want this dvd!!! WOW!!! That worked my legs in so many new ways and pointed out so many weak areas I think I need to do this workout for months. She also garanteed that if you do this workout 3 or more times a week you will see results in 4 weeks or less. So? I'm gonna try it!!

Ben trying lots of different workouts lately, but this is the first my body could seriously benefit from doing many more times. Felt the bigtime BURNNN.

Great workout... I dunno if I'd recommend this one to people just starting out. The kick boxing stuff was fast paced - fun - but fast. If you're just starting out - watch it first. Then you won't feel like you're stubling so much.

I want this dvd!!! I think I want the other one the Self: Bikini Body Fast. I plan on repeating that one as well. But that was a whole lot slower paced!! This one was F-A-S-T !!

Well, wanna start your day out right?? First get enough sleep! ha ha. We had a REALLY late night last night. Then get up and MOVE into whatever workout works for you!!

Sweat on!!

Monday!

Trainer's Edge: Integrated STrength Training... This dude kicked my booty! I could NOT do one more leg lift, or squat to save my life!! My bum is gonna hurt tomorrow, if not this afternoon!! WHAT A BURNNNNNN!!!! I emptied my bottle of water and need more!! What does all that mean? Great workout!!! I would suggest this 45 minute workout to anyone who wants to get as much work done in 45 mins as possible.

I added a few minutes to the beginning and end. He didn't really warmup so much as jump right into the workout. I like a little slower warm-up, where my body can actually get warmed before lifting weights or doing squats thank you. And I aded some stretches, because honestly, his stretches were lame.

He also tried to add some Yoga into his workout, and while I'd recommend trying that at home, I din't like the fact that he was teaches or showing moves he obviously didn't know anything about. But that's a persona criticism and really makes no difference to the overall effectiveness of the workout... which I already mentioned was Fantastic!

Sweat, sweat, sweat! I lifted weights all over my body, did a ton of intergrated squats, and strengthened my abs!! My abs were crying!! It was great!

Also my hubby told me the other day- "hunny, you're lookin' pretty thin." Need I say that it felt so good to hear??? Didn't think so.

So I feel as though I'm really making progress. As the guy in this workout said, "The goal is progress, not perfection"! Sweat on!!

Friday!!!

I wanted to do an aerobic workout this morning cuz I've been pushing my muscles pretty hard so far this week. I wanted a good sweat and to push my lungs, but lay off most muscles groups today. Something easy for my body to do. So the plan was to get on the treadmill. But our 2 yr old is sick and in our bed. Treadmill will wake her... going to the dr later (which I don't normally do) However I did find something!!!

So much fun this morning... first off let me just say I have always wanted to learn how to dance, and have never had a natural talent for it. I am one of those goofy girls on the dance floor who dances alone for fear of hurting someone but can't stay off the dance floor altogether. Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam was this morning's workout. The video itself is a 36 minute routine... but I PROMISE I worked out for at least an hour as I needed to repeat several sections over and over again.

What I got hung up on was the box step. She doesn't explain how to do that one- just jumps in like EVERYONE knows it. Well, now I can box step... most of the time. When they reverse it I get a little off kilter. They covered some basic stuff, then Latin steps, then some jazz. I did pretty good (I thought) till the jazzy stuff. I even had to goosle how to SLOWLY get the box step. But other than that I thought I did pretty well! YaY! me!!

I did add some stretching to the end. AND I know I wanted to lay off most muscle groups and did, but this workout challenged my abs. All that controlled hip movement! Fantastic!! When our Netflix free month runs out I may have to buy this one. My only issue is when I master it the 36 minutes is not enough. I prefer to workout an hour or more, unless crunched for time. So we'll see. Maybe I'll find an even better one. But i'll repeat this one for fun I'm sure till I nail all those moves.

Great sweat!!! Just pooring off me. LOVE IT!!

One of the things I'd like to mention is that I've lost another pound!!! I can feel them just melting away now that my muscles are back to a good start. I fit better into my "bigger" jeans... and according to the Dentist secretary I look really good for 7 kids -BEFORE she knew I JUST had the last... so that's encouraging as well. I think one of the key things to losing weight and feeling good while you do it is focussing on all the good comments over and over. Every good thought needed to be replayed in the mind. Mudhamed Ali said that he HATED his workouts, but he wouldn't stopp because in the end he'd live a champion. He succeeded.

Been thinking a lot about dreams - what are your dreams for yourself? Been reading the Magic of Thinking Big... It's really sinking into my skull too. My workout dreams are: be lean, fit, strong, and have loads of energy throughout my days every day! Curves aren't bad, but I want mine a little smaller (built like an hourglass here). I want long lean muscles with lots of strength! I want to be able to run FOREVER! I mean I want to run to town and back if I feel like it (live out in the boonies). And I want to have the energy and exercise and STAY fit all through the rest of my pregnancies. I haven't been able to do this yet. But I want it- and I want it BAD!! I want kicking abs! I don't care if you can see that they're strong, I don't wear revealing clothing. But I want them strong for ME! I want to be able to go out and do ANYTHING I want and not be held back by lack of strength or stamina. So I've had 7 children. Well I plan on having more. But that does NOT mean that I cannot be a STRONG Momma! It does not mean that I have to be soft lie a pillow for the rest of my life. I am strong inside! I want my outside to reflect my inside. I wanna be able to toss these wonderful kids around all the time! I wanna run kites with them ALL The time!! I want to feel light and lean! I also want to teach my girls that Mom's should be healthy anf fit! The average size of a woman in the US is 14-16. The clothing industry has even changed their sizes to make women feel better about their extra weight! A size one from 5 yrs ago is now a a teen size 10!!
I have no desire to be underweight or look like an anoxic model. But I want to look like I feel inside!

So I am thinking this way: I am thin! I AM light! I am Lean! I am strong! I LOVE sweat! I love the burn! It's not pain! It's sensation! It's work! I love work! And I have great posture!

Yeah I just threw that last one in :) But I want that too!

So what are your fitness dreams? Come on!! I used to weight 190 lbs at 5 foot! I have been (in between babies) 120lbs of nice muscle! I can do it- so can you! What do you want for yourself? Flatter abs? Stronger back? Leaner thighs? You CAN have all that and more!! You have to want it bad enough! Then you have to change your thinking. You deserve all this! You deserve to feel great everyday! You deserve to have fun in moving your body!

So move it! And lose it!! Sweat on!!

Thursday!

The Trainer's Edge, Baron Baptiste. Well, It's a lot like Deni Preston's. I enjoyed the flow, although Baron took it faster. I have to slow it down a bit to keep the bahndas, and the form correct sometimes, but no biggie. My abs worked really hard.

Yep, last week all yoga, this week lots of new stuff. I've got some new stuff to try out a bit - so I'm taking advantage.

This one made me feel like I working hard, but not actually straining. Baron put enough lower key poses in between the tougher ones that I felt a slight cool down, and restoration of breath so I could continue with the practice without loosing that very important breathing technique. Although my pc messed up a few times and that broke consentration. It's ok.

Overall, you wanna do a Deni Preston video first, because she goes more slowly over the flow poses than Baron. He just jumps in. It was different enough from Deni's workouts to be intriguing. And like Deni always says- Shock those muscles!!

I would love to be able to vary my workouts more often, but I don't usually have the means. But if you dont' you can get kind of bored with the same stuff over and over.

Good workout. Great start to my day!! Sweat on!

Wednesday!!

I tried a new workout! Self: Bikini Ready fast!! Fun and different. The moves are based on ballet positions and movements. So I did a lot of pliets. Fun. The warm up was fast, less than 5 minutes long. I liked that. The workout was high intensity. so if you're new to exercise I wouldn't recommend it. But I really enjoyed it. Lots of cardio with some weights.

This workout is geared towards toning, not building muscle. But the different positioning of the feet shocked my muscles! whooo!

It's great to change up your workouts occasionally. Shock the muscles. Try new things!

Sweat on!!!

Tuesday!!

Disc 4 workout #119!! Deni Preston and her Aerobics! FABU!!! Love those V-sits, everyone. Don't ya? They KILL my abs everytime! But I know that one day, if I keep at it, they wil be easier!

I can feel that i'm getting stronger and slimmer. I lost another pound. I know, not much, but it is sooo much more encouraging that an ounce a week or so. I know I know. I'm 14 weeks postpartum... I can't lose it all at once after the baby. And I HAVE been petient... I'm just thrilled it is starting to look like my patience is paying off. I am slimmer, according to my pants.

I was at the dentist yesterday (14 weeks postpartum), and the secretary asked how many kids we have. I told her, "7". She almost gasped, eyebrows up and everything. Then she looked right at me over her paper work and said, "You look terrific!!" Awe, isn't that just the nicest compliment I could have gotten!! But then she said something that bothered me... "I've had only 3 and and..." as she motioned to her tummy.

Got me thinking. Yeah, at 14 weeks I have a waist! And it rocks! But this is the slimmest I've been right after a baby. I have recovered more quickly each time than the time before. I have gradually eaten better, and worked out better and more. It's a journey. As I find out more about health and my body I apply that information in my life, after prayer. This is Heavenly Father leading me in the direction I need to go in. Some people may say that exercise is benief Heavenly Father's concern... but is it? I don't think so. He wants us to be happy. He wants me to be happy and to take care of this wonder gift, my body. SO He's going to show me how. He will show everyone how if you look for the guidance He sends you, if you pray about it. If you feel it's worth a prayer, then it's worth The Almighty's attention!

So my pants are more lose, I have 2 that are getting baggy, I'll get to move down a size soon. I have a waist and I lost a pound. Results are happening and they can happen for you too!! Just remember to lose - you HAVE to move!!

I'm all sweaty and in need of a shower! Feels great!!! "Open yourself to the world, because you're soooo happy!" Sweat on!

Monday!

YOGA! Let's face it Yoga REALLY helped lasy week with releasing stress and tension. Terrific! I am beginning this week feeling less stress and much more postive. I feel great, frankly.

So I did Yoga Zona Abs, and both Power Yoga parts. The sebond wasn't intense enough (I felt the heat leaving) so I stepped it up to keep the heat up. Felt terrific.

Yes, I'm a little sore. I also have a pretty good sunburn from Saturday's run... but I feel great anyway!!

Fab way to start my day. Namaste!

Sweat on!

Saturday!

Easy 3 mile run... felt terrific!!! Man, I think eveyone should run. run for fun in the hot hot sun, as Dr. Seuss says.

Got a sunburn... but it was worth it. Best run I've had in a while! Felt great the entire time.

Fab! Sweat on, baby!!

Friday!

Easier workout. Gonna be a great day! Yoga Zone is awesome. Almost as awesome as Deni Preston! But not quite. I enjoy the new tidbits of info they share too.

Flexibility was the thing today. Very enjoyable.

Sweat on!!

Thursday!

Feeling GREAT!!! Yoga Zome's Fat burning double series. Vinyasa, or flow Yoga, similar to Deni Preston. So including the stretching at the end that I added about an hour of work. Sweaty, very warm, happy, heart soooo open. I LOVE YOGA!!

Hoping to go for a run this evening when DH comes home. I've been trying to get my tush out of bed at 5:30, but with midnight and later feedings with the baby I haven't been able to yet. I'm still hopedulf- it WILL happen.

Results? Well, it's coming of very very slowly. I low a few ounces a week. Losing too fast would not be good for nursing, so I am happy with this. My inches seem to be falling away faster that the pounds. I've lost another inch and a half. I've had a waist since 4 weeks postpartum, which is the faster ever. I still struggle to find clothes that fit every morning, I am wearing smaller stuff than I was a couple of weeks ago.

Losing just weight that you gain from lack of movement and over eating is a little different from losing baby weight right after having the baby. In that baby weight goes more slowly. But it does go. I'm not dieting at all. But I'm not a huge fat and sugar eater either. But if I feel like fried fish I have it, and if I feel like a piece of chocolate I have it. I don't believe in deprivation, just sensible eating. I do better on less red meat, more rabbit food, and PBJ's. I'm happy going veggie, or veggie plus a little white meat on the side. So for some a diet changes needs to take place, for others it's not an issue. Whateveryou do- make sure you're HAPPY with it!! If you're DYING for a candy bar, personally I don't think it'' kill anyone to have one. But if your issue is eating an entire box of candy bars I can see the problem. Maybe abstaining completely is better for some. I know when I skip the sugar every watermelon, pineapple, and pear tastes sweeter and more satisfying. Do't ya love summertime when these foods become more available?? YUM.

I am cravng watermelon now :)

Well, I feel a lot LESS stress. We'll see how the day goes and maybe I'll get that run. Looks like rain so probly the treadmill - but even that would be nice. Ever notice how stress makes you feel weighed down and tired? Well I'm feeling more energetic now. YAY! So open and free! LOVE IT!!

Namaste! and sweat a little in your day!!

Wednesday!

More YOGA!! Today 20 minutes of ab work and 20 minutes of Flexibility Focus. I enjoy Yoga Zone. I feels slower than what I usually do... and I think right now for that stress relief that's what I need. I felt my abs getting stronger, whooo. That's a workout on these flabby things. I also saw myself stretching a little more fully, going deeper into my poses - something I've been looking for since the baby.

So I am accomplishing bit by bit, and I think I may be slowly getting the stress relief I am looking for. Very nice way to start my day.

Sweat on!

Tuesday!

Yoga Zone- Total Body Conditioning 2. More challenging than yesterday's... but I think tomorrow I will put 2 of these shorter workouts together. I love the abs! SOOOO good for us mommies with weaker abs from having bebies.

So was it relaxing? Not so much- the baby wanted to nurse in the middle of it, even though I just fed her. So hadda stop in the middle. But I still LOVED deadman's pose.

Not gving up hope- perhaps more relaxation will happen with tomorrow's workout- am also contemplating making time for an evening Relations series before bed... hmmmm. If I remember :)


Sweat on!

Monday!

This is YOGA week!! I need to focus on RELAXING!!! I have been VERY stressed out lately and it is affecting my sleep, moods, overall progress, and work production. So we're gonna try something. Every Yoga teacher tells you that Yoga will help you to relax, as well as tighten your tushy, strengthen your body, and all the other things that appeal to your ear when hearing about an exercise. Yes, Yoga does all of those things... and yes, I have found Yoga to be relaxing. BUT this week we're gonna see just how relaxed I can get with daily Yoga.

This morning I needed something non stressful, and something that doesn't feel like it take tons of energy. And for some reason I have a stomache ache - having them often lately. Working on figuring this out. I also needed something that didn't take long. I feel tired all the time right now becasue of the stress I am carrying around, and these are what I looked for this morning in my workout.

So where did I go? youtube.com YogaZone- Total Body Conditioning. I've got a dvd of YOGA ZONE loaned out right now- so I'm familiar with their style, and like it. 20 minutes of relaxing poses that help slow the breathing, bring oxygen into every cell in your body, and she said it slowed the aging process (and we all know decreasing stress does this) and how breathing more effeciently will do these things. It worked on posture, abdominal strength, and oh my goodness I did Triangle and LIKED it. I dunno, maybe it was the way she talked me into the pose, but it felt more possible today, I felt my abs getting stronger, I felt the beauty of this challenging straight pose. I worked through the entire workout, but it did't feel like working. I'm warmed up but not exhausted. My mindis more focused and clear while I also feel more relaxed.

So this is the beginning of my Yoga week. Everyday Yoga. I am hoping to feel a lift in my mood, and less stress ( a LOT less) but then end of this week. Follow along and I will share each day's results, if any with you. THanks for reading. Sweat on!

Friday-

Errand day so no sweat. Well, except for carrying babies, grocerys, and so on. Maybe Saturday or Sunday I'll do some restorative- I NEED it! Have a great weekend!

Thursday!

Disc 2 Strength Training... I'm tired. But it was worth it.

Remember you need strength training to lose weight too!! building muscle increases your metabolism!!

Sweat on!!

Wednesday!

DVD 1 in the pack. Yoga- strength emphasis. Kicked my booty!! Was WONderful!! Enjoy your day! And remember to sweat a little!

Sweat on!!

Tuesday!

Hi-Lo with Deni Preston. It's on Disc 1, and I am going to have to do that again!!! That was fun AND challenging. That's a great one!! Lots of detox sweating going on. Just dripping off. FANTASTIC!

My abs are slowly getting back in shape. They split every pregnancy and they've healed together nicely. If your do that too- remember to take it very easy with those abs till the seal up, otherwise you end up widening the gap. I wrap mine for a few weeks after the baby- till they are almost completely together- then I just wrap them while working out till they feel firmly knitted. Wrapping them while working out keeps you from splitting them again and helps them remeber where they should be. I have a waist!! My hippo's WAY to large and in charge- those jumping jax are darned uncomfy with all that jiggle. But patience dearie, patience :) I can see it shrinking ever so slowly. It'll pick up in speed as I continue to work it.

I added some stretches, because I gotta get that back twist in there - mmmm. YUMMY!!

Remember, if you wanna lose you gotta move! Sensible diet - one size does NOT fit all!! So find one that suits your body's needs!! Then get that body moving!! Aerobics! Yoga! Dance! Step! Weights! Kick Box! Bells! There are so many choices. Try them all and see what you like. When you find one you like you're more likely to keep at it. Or like me you can switch it up. Whatever you do - MOVE!! And enjoy your body's movement abilities!! It's great!

And on with my day!! Here we go!

Sweat on!

Server down??

Wednesday I tried to post... dunno why I couldn't. But I did Strength training with Deni Preston!! Lots of fun.

Thursday I woke up sick... so by the time I was feeling better it was too late in the day to get it in :(

Friday- today!! Intergral training with Deni!! Loads of Fun!! She points out her son, Nate in class today - he blushes - very sweet. He's HUGE by the way!! Deni such a tiny little thing and "Nater" (guessing that's a childhood name) is just enormous in comparison.

With this work out I sweated like a piggy!! YAH!! I need a good sweat! LOVE IT!! The cool down was soooo appreciated, and the stretching is my FAVORITE!! Lots of jumping in this one- which made me feel huge with all this baby weight flabbing around. But!!!--

It's slowly coming off!! I have lost a total of 4 inches so far since I measured. YAY!! Yeah, I know it's baby weight, but it's still a challenge to A) Live with and B) Get rid of and C) Find clothes for. So we want to lose this as quickly as possible.

Due to DH being out of town lately and illness I have been unable to get outside and really run. I mean I am running around with the kids when I'm not carrying the baby, but still that's not REALLY running in my book.

So, with him back in town I plan on getting out there ASAP. I think my thyroid is acting up again - as I have been ill this week. I think I poisoned myself which set it off... I ate something that wasn't labeled well, and had hidden glutens in it. So I got well and truly sick Monday night. Which is why Tuesday was a nogo. But Thursday it was still hanging around.... I still don't feel quite right. But hopefully all this sweating will help me recover.

Sweat on!! There are so many benefits to working out anf sweating out those toxins!! Sweat on!!

Monday!!

LAst week was finished out with LOTS of gardening and animal work which was EXERCISE!!!

Today- 15 basic flows, Warrior (all variations), chair, etc, then some weight lifting with my upper body.

The sun is coming up at 5:30 am... you know what that means.... YAY!

Wednesday!

Strength Training with Deni!! The AWESOME leglifts! Wheew!!

I can tell I'm building and toning my muscles. They are beginning to sick out further than the fat. ha ha. my legs are stronger! My bum is smaller. My rear always gets so big when I'm preggo. Grrr. But's it's shrinking. THe amazing shrinking hippo!! That's me.

So running, yoga, and strength training. I'm gonna be adding something to just vary it a little more yet.

THe run I was planning- there is a problem with finances. Due to a deer collision, among other incedences that required $ for repairs, I doubt I'll have the funds to run the race. But I'll run is spirit, if nothing else. I hate to say this, but while my workouts takes priority, having tranportation is somewhat higher on my list. I am still trying to find a way to make it, maybe I'll only be able to afford the shorter run entry. We'll wait and see what I can come up with. But as it stands now... I think it's a standard side effect of having 7 kids :)

I'll have to plan saving up even earlier next time I find a race I wanna do. Planning Planning. It's a learning process, everyone.

Tuesday!

Yoga with DEni Preston, with an emphasis on back bending! Bow! HARD! Wheel! Tough! Every position soooo worth the effort. Thank you, Deni!!! I am going to get more into yoga again, backing off a little on the running. I have gained the confidence I was looking for with my running and I will be keeping it up, just at a more moderate pace. I even enjoyed Triangle a little bit today. Learning to have more patience with that pose.

Been reading that Journey into Power book some more. I'm been observing and subconsiously fixing things slowly. Very interesting to experience. The next step for me is to push just a little further. It's a big challenge for me as I am always thinking about the energy I need to carry me through the rest of my day, so I hold back a little each time. I'm going to observe this habit and hopefully like the last principle, I will begin to slowly push a teensy bit more. It's all a gradual process, because after all all of life is a journey. There are no destinations, just little pit stops along the way. We should enjoy the stops, but enjoy the journey as well. Each in its time and moment.

Namaste!!

Weights to add or take away...

In my efforts to follow the Fitness Queen's advice I have put my anklw weights together and looped them onto my waist!!! Such a simple thing and not nearly as expensive as buying a vest! YAY for engenuity!

I get the same work out without the joint issues. I also can use these weights for lifting. THey were cheaper than barbells. Go figure!

Monday!

Treadmill... not long. but enough :)

Monday-

Ran on the treadmill this am for about an hour. Took the weekend off- did tons of walking, on a two day trip with the Fam. It was terrif. But no running, or workouts this weekend.

Tomorrow I'm doing a strength training with Deni!! So stay tuned :)

Thursday and Decision!

Aerobics with Deni Preston!! Fabu!!

Decision: I am NOT having any fun with my training. Running is just about the only thing I do on a regular basis FOR fun!! SO I should be having fun! But I'm not. WHy? This training schedule is taking all the fun out of it!! I am not ready to push myself this hard. I'm 10 weeks post partum. I can run 7 miles if I work hard, and I can run 5 easy. That is an accomplishment. I enjoy running when I'm not quite killing myself. I will get to the 13.2 miles, at my own pace. Eventually I get to 26 plus. BUT right now, I need to back off the training. My Saturdays are all about my runs... we are going out of town this weekend for FUN! ANd I do not want to be thinking about my runs/workouts all the time. I want to have fun with our kids, instead of being too tired to run through the yard with them, because I used up all my energy running that morning. If I don't feel like eating, then I don't want that effecting me the next day because I pushed myself harder than I want to. So- the decision I am making is at this run coming up will be, for me, a 10 K. I will be able to run the 13 a month or more later. I am happy with this decision. I feel good about running again. YAY! And the next run will be FUN. Up until now I have only run one time for FUN! I am just not into training, I guess.

If I have disappointed anyone with this decision, tough toots. I have not lost any confidence in myself. I will accomplish my goals for running. Just on MY terms, and not some schedule's. Those of you who know me well, may wonder why I didn't figure this out sooner :)

I LOVED my workout this morning! The Aweful Leg Lifts have become the AWESOME Leg Lifts, as they are EASY now!!! WHoooo Hoooo. Man, I hope one day Triangle is like that. I LOVE the calf exercises!! And I do soooo many bicycles it's not funny!, trying to get my abs strong again. Not that I ever had a 4 pack... but they are very weak still.

Thanks for reading!!! SWEAT ON!!!

Tuesday-

Stregth Training!! With our friend, Deni Preston!! Squats are beginning to kill me!! I have a perpetual burning sensation in my legs that has lasted for at least two weeks now. It's becoming comfortable and it feels almost cool (temperature, not "kewl"). I don't know what it means and if you have any ideas please inform me of them !! I don't mind. It's not the ooohh, I worked out and am a little sore feeling - it's very different. But like I said I think I'm used to it now.

I am gaining muscle. I put on a few lbs, then lost them again a few weeks later. As you know muscles weighs more that fat- so when we gain muscle, even if we're burning fat, we gain a little weight before losing more. YEs, I weighed myself - I was curious. But I'm not beating myself up about it. It's baby weight. ANd late in pregnancy, aside from walking, I'm not comfortable enough to do anything much in the way of exercise. So I'm working of getting my fitness BACK! And my shape... I'm a dumpy little thing right now. Thick in the middle, extra up down and down low. But I'm working on it, and while its not melting away as quickly as I would like - I'm impatient - I'm trying to be patient anf forgiving of myself.

This morning's workout was with the baby, as others have been. Sometimes she's my weight, sometimes I'm rocking her chair with my foot while moving, etc. It brings an added bit of interest to the workout, unless she's screaming - then the workout halts for nursing. But hey! What can ya do?

Good workout - pushed myself - YAY! Need a shower and get my day started... it seems I'm always overbooked! Gotta run! Sweat on!!

Weekend catch up-

Thursday was what the kids call a "Squish Day"- have I mentioned this before?? Anyway- it was a long run and strength training. I was beat after wards.

Friday- Cross Training. I did some serious FLOW Yoga! Whew Wee! Friday was also a bummed out day - so I forgot to eat. Yes, it can be done. That said let me tell you about Saturday...

7 miles. The first 3 were fabtastic. Then suddenly I felt ravenous and amazingly thristy. Kept going. Hit my 3.5 mile marker (which is an old unsued mailbox on the side of the road), and turned around. At this point my MP3 player died. I forgot to charge the battery. And this is where a nice run turned into Hades. I had no music to distract from the discomfort at this point...

The hunger increased, then suddenly disappeared replaced with EXHAUSTION!!! So as I am forcing my body to keep going out of sheer stubborness, I am thinking to myself, "No matter what your weight you MUST eat if you're gonna run," followed by a few explicatives. Okay so here I am stumbling down the road with 2 1/2 miles to go, talking to my body now like it's a horse. "keep going, hunny. one foot after the other." until I feel too thristy and my throat gets so dry it begin to feel sore. But I keep THINKING thoughts at my body as we keep going.

The hills are killer!! SO I admit I walked not quite a half a mile on my way back. But I speed walked! I didn't laze it out... why? Cuz the sooner I got back the sooner I could stop moving.

When I did get back I DID stretch!!! But I could also barely move!! ANd the rest of the day my body sucked my brain power, and I was shy of several IQ points all day. But I got through it.

Important lesson learned: I MUST eat!! Also I increased the weight of my ankle weights!! I am SICK TO DEATH of those hills kicking my booty!! So....

Monday, today I ran on the treadmill for an hour and a half with an extra 2.5 lbs on each leg!!! And I will EAT !!! - except when I'm fasting naturally, which I'll talk more about later... but I am looking forward to a longer juice fast when the baby stops nursing!!

Moral- EAT! Increase weights. Do NOT work to exhaustion!!! Bad bad bad!

Sweat on, ya'll!!!

Wednesday/Thursday!

Wednesday is what the kids call "Squich Day" - because we squish so much into it :) I ran on the treadmill for an hour yesterday.

Thursday- Treadmill for an hour and a half! ANd weights!! And when you do the bi's ya gotta do the tri's!! Gonna stretch and get into the day!! I may start wearing the ankle weight around the house though- any thoughts on this??

Sweat on!!

Tuesday -

KICKBOXING!!! With Deni Preston. This particular episode is more challenging than the other because of its complicated routines. All of that Jab, cross, hook, upper stuff - I mean after your arms start to get tired they're just kind of flailing around. I watched the participants in the show - Even Nate's arms weren't following the pattern anymore! Ha Ha! So I didnn't feel so bad about it. But I'm still working on perfecting the moves... as my hips don'tgo the correct directions when the tempo jumps up. It's pretty funny to watch - IF anyone was here to watch really.

I've got the 2 yr old, who snuck into our bed this morning very early and usually sleep VERY lightly, watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks while I workout. The 3 yr old is coming out and going back to A- get dressed, girl! You don't wander around the house Nekked! B- Brush teeth C- Did you make your bed?? - and I'm coming to check!!! Oh and the baby needed attention here and there... so a few interuptions. But I completed the workout anyway. I'm really stubborn :)

So onto the rest of my day with newfound energy! I have discovered than when I don't do some serious sweating in the morning I get tired somewhere in the day. It's really annoying. So I'm not taking rest days except on Sundays anymore. I don't want to fight fatigue all day long!! So my workouts are energizers and mood lifters!! YAY!!

Oh, and as far as results I just haven't done a check yet- when I make the time I'll update ya'll. I'll just say my clothes aren't falling off yet... and I keep reminding myself that the baby's ONLY 9 weeks old this week. I need to be patient with myself.

Sweat on, lovelies! Sweat on!

Monday!

1 hour on the treadmill with 1.25 lbs on each ankle. The goal is to get where 2.5 lbs on each is comfy! This is my way of making up for running indoors when I can't go out and torture myself with hills!

I can't run while staring at the wall so I watched Sherlock Holmes, Episode of The Devil's Foot, with Jeremy Brett. LOVEd it. So it helped distract me from the extra poundage on my limbs.

Tomorrow - STRENGTH. Trying to decide between a strength episode with Deni or kickboxing? hmmmm.

Sweat on, girlies!!!