Exercising myself... and my right to vote :)

Well, election day is FINALLY here! That means, the numerous political flyers, phone calls, commercials, etc... will come to an end. What will life be like?! I'm so ready. So excited. So hopeful that Obama will be OUT, but if he is reelected, I'll continue to put my faith in God and HIS plan. No matter what, it will be okay. This week starts my 'official' start to marathon training again! I felt that it was really on my heart to run the Fargo Marathon in May, so- after some encouragement from a friend and fellow marathoner (she has ran 14, I think!)- I registered! And, not only do I want to do Fargo, I also want to run the Montana Marathon in September. It will be great having someone to train with! In addition to running the marathons, I am raising money for St. Jude and the American Cancer Society during my training. I'm very excited about this!

Season's change... people change....

It's been almost a year since I've updated this thing?!?! Holy smokes! I've thought a lot about "blogging" lately, just as a way to get things off my chest. I'm determined to do it more often and, now that I've actually logged on with my laptop-rather than the computer in Ainslee's room, I might do it more often! Oh, life. It is a daily blessing. I've learned a lot over the past year. A lot about God. A lot about family, friends, and how those two change when God is moved to the center of my life- rather than the outskirts. What's the deal with that? What scares so many people about having a relationship with God? I remember clearly when a good friend told me about 10 years ago that God had become a big part of her life. My first thought, seriously, was, "Oh, great. She's not going to be ANY fun now." Of course, my views have since changed. She is actually so fun to be around. Now, though, I wonder if people are thinking that about me. Are they thinking that I am constantly judging them while I sit at home and read my bible, while watching Highway to Heaven? :) That one just gave me a chuckle. The truth is, NO! I'm much more interested in helping people build a relationship with God then I am in judging their actions. Don't get me wrong, nobody is perfect and there are times when I catch myself judging. It's ok, though. I'm working on that, daily. I guess what I am trying to get at is this... being a Christian doesn't mean a person is no fun, or constantly judging others, or thinking of themselves as being perfect. It means that they are willing to admit that they are NOT perfect and they need help- a savior. Jesus Christ is my Savior and I have no problem saying that. There is my update. I'll try to do it more frequently :)

What a year!!

Wow! What a year it has been! I just realized I haven't updated my 'blog' ALL summer!! Must've been because I was so busy with family, kiddos, and RUNNING!! So, I took 3rd place in the Isabody Challenge- which was absolutely fantastic! Hubby and I went to California, where I had a professional photo shoot done- by Isagenix. Then, in September, I ran my first marathon! After running it, I said I would never do it again- but I'm ready to find another to train for :) This year has been amazing. I've realized my true potential is more than I ever dreamed it was. I'm still working to lose the last 15lbs, but I know I'll get there! ...the year's not over yet ;)

Feelin' Good!

Well, I'm obviously NOT one of those people who can religiously sit down every day or two and 'blog'. I think it might be the kids... or life in general, I guess :)

Things are going fantastic! Actually, the exercise is fantastic and the weight loss is kind of at a stand still but about to be going downward again! I have about 3 1/2weeks until I take my final 'maintenance' picture for the Isabody Challenge. I am so extremely proud of myself at this point in my life. I'm getting healthy, exercising regularly, and eating well (for the most part :)). I guess I didn't realize how much I DIDN'T do until I started this whole challenge. I almost NEVER exercised! Now, I feel like crap if there are even 2 days in between my workouts. I've finally started giving myself some attention and it feels great! It took a while for me to realize that it is alright to leave the kids so that I can go workout. I am always feeling guilty about putting myself first and it pisses me off!! It has taken me a lot of self talk to stop that insanity!! And, I still do it occasionally! I'm not sure where the hell that came from, but it is changing. I'm realizing that the kids are fine at their grandparents house while I go to the gym and that daddy is perfectly capable of handling the kids on his own :) I also firmly believe that my children are going to learn from my actions. If they see me eating healthy and exercising, that is going to teach them to do the same. I actually think that it might be helping the hubby, too. Don't tell him that, though! Hopefully I am right, because it would be really nice to have him as a running partner.

Better get on with my day. The girls are at Grandma and Papa's house and hubby is working... time to focus on me ;)

One and a half months later....

So, in the past month and a half, I have only lost a couple of pounds... BUT, my exercise has skyrocketed!!! I think I can officially call myself a 'runner' now! :) I have started training for the Governor's Cup Marathon in September and I am doing awesome! I absolutely LOVE running and how I feel when I do it. Yesterday was my long run for the week, and my longest one ever- in my entire life! 5 miles!! I completed it in 1:01:50, which averages out to 11:40/mile. That is amazing, considering the fact that not even 3 months ago, I could hardly run for 1 minute straight. I have found a new love... and several muscles that I never knew existed :)

Who's that Hot Mama??? It's me, It's me! :)

Well, after a ton of hard work and weekly cleansing (that I only skipped ONCE!), today was my final day of my 24 week challenge! My final weight was 169, which means I have lost a total of 47 pounds!! That's almost my two kids combined! I'll put all the before and after stats below. So, although my 24 weeks is over, the Challenge continues until June- when I will take my maintenance shots. My goal is to get to 140 by that time. That is only 29 more pounds, pretty do-able if I say!

What an amazing accomplishment. I find myself going back at times and telling myself "If only I would have exercised more or eaten EVEN healthier...." But then I have to kick myself in the butt! 47 pounds is FANTASTIC! I feel like a whole new person!

Now, it is time to start training. I have my first 5K next month. Then a 5 mile and a 10K. After those, and any other races I can find, it's on to the Governor's Cup Marathon on September 18th! Whoo Hoo! Watch out world! :)


Before Weight: 216lbs After Weight: 169lbs
Before BMI: 35.9 After BMI: 28.1
Before Body Fat: 43.68% After Body Fat: 39.69%
Before Fat Weight: 94.4lbs After Fat Weight: 67.1lbs
Before Lean Weight: 121.6lba After Lean Weight: 101.9lbs

Where has the time gone?!?!?

Ok, now I know why I am not a big 'blogger'- I get sidetracked very easily and before I know it, it's been a month and a half since my last update!! Whoops :)

So, my weight loss is now at 44lbs!! I've been stuck here for 2 weeks and I'm ready for Wednesday's weigh in. Although the weight hasn't dropped, the last 2 weeks have been wonderful! I have a huge secret that I have to share- I have been a closet smoker :( What started as an occasional thing quickly turned into a huge habit! Two weeks ago, I went on a trip to Chicago and decided that that would be my time to quit smoking AND... it worked! I've been smoke free since Chicago and it feels FANTASTIC!

Last Sunday, I went to the gym and told myself that I was going to finish off my workout by running a mile. I haven't *ran* a mile since high school and even then, I think I walked most of the way. While running, I kept telling myself something I heard in Chicago about accomplishing your goals... "Have Fun, Focus, and Follow Through." Eleven minutes later, I had ran a mile! Of course, I had to kick it up a notch during my next workout- so I did 3 miles in 36 minutes!

The last 23 weeks have been challenging but so very rewarding. I feel like I have found myself again. My confidence is coming back, along with my love of dancing. I used to always be able to tell when I was gaining weight, because I wouldn't dance :) Along with finding 'myself', I have acquired a love for exercise. It is amazing how a little sweat can make a person feel so good! What a wonderful stress reliever! It isn't often that I choose exercise over shopping- but I actually did last night, on a Saturday even! Although my 24 weeks for the Isabody Challenge ends in a little over a week, I still have maintenance to do! I will be taking my after pictures on Feb 1st, and then I will take more pictures in June. So, the challenge is actually far from being over! And I am sooo ready to keep going!

7 weeks left!

Just a quick update... As of Wednesday, I have lost a total of 38lbs!!! According to my BMI, I am no longer "Obese" but instead "Overweight". I am still going strong and striving to take that 38 up to 50 before the challenge ends. It is definately do-able, as long as I keep my head in the game!!

Time Flies!

I've been thinking about my blog lately, but didn't even realize that it had been over a month since I have last updated! I'm slacking here! So... I am currently at 29lbs lost. Yippee!! I took last week off, after going 2 1/2 months straight with cleansing 2 days a week. It was beneficial in the fact that today I was SOOO ready to get back with it. I have such an amazing amount of energy when I am cleansing and focusing 100% on my goals.

So, today was a cleanse day and it went fabulous :) I focused on how I was feeling throughout the day and made sure I drank plenty of water. I am ready for tomorrow and especially ready to weigh in on Wednesday! I'm half way through the Isabody Challenge... it's time to kick it up a notch and finish strong!

I will be updating my photos on Wednesday, too! My clothes are getting baggy!

If it's workin', don't change it!

So, I had this brilliant idea to stop drinking coffee on my cleanse days. I figured I wasn't REALLY cleansing if I was drinking my coffee with creamer in the morning. I let my coffee run out, and figured I would just go to the store and get more after I was done with my 2 day cleanse. Whoa momma! Did I have massive withdrawls or what?! I got such a horrible headache and decided to take an ibuprofen- without realizing that I had an empty stomach. Well, in addition to that headache, I got an upset stomach and thought I was going to lose my cookies. Oh, wait, I didn't have any cookies to lose :) So, change of plan... keep the coffee! My mother in law was nice enough to pick some up for me so I could chug away at 8:30 this evening. From now on, if it's not hurting anything or hindering my weight loss, I'm not going to worry about it! Bring on the coffee!!

My bright idea led to a not so bright cleanse day. I ended up eating a sandwich to just settle my stomach cramps. Atleast I didn't order a large stuffed crust supreme pizza with a side order of breadsticks though- right? :) Mmmmm.... now my mouth is watering and my thighs are growling... I'll pass on the pizza.

Goodbye 200's!

Well, I was striving for 4 pounds and I DID IT!!! Yay!! My weight today was 199! I had to actually step on the scale about 3 times, just to make sure I was seeing it right. This was such a huge step for me. My goal for the first month was to be under 200 and I was able to scratch that one off a day early :) So, on to the next goal... My new goal is to be to 175 by November 1st. That gives me about a month and a half to drop 24 more pounds. Think I can do it? Sure I can! I will bust my butt to make sure I do!

Current Weight: 199
Current BMI: 33.1

I've got a ways to go...

Yesterday, I weighed in at 13lbs lighter than when I started! Yippee! So, let's shoot out some numbers here. I was going to wait until I lost more, but why???

Starting weight: 216 (yikes!)
BMI: 35.9 (obese, obviously)
Current weight: 203
BMI: 33.8

I'll be so happy when my weight doesn't start with a '2'! Maybe next week I will hit the big milestone! I did my measurements, too, and I have lost over 14 inches! My goal right now is to be under 200 by the 17th of September. That means, I need to lose atleast 4 more pounds in the next 8 days. I can do it! Goals are meant to strive for, right? And what's a measily 4lbs?

How about some more numbers?

Weight on 2/4/08- 258 (the day before I had Syd)
Weight on 1/5/09- 214
Weight on 5/17/09- 167!!!
Weight on 2/15/10- 228 (the day I had Ainslee. That is a 61 pound weight gain during pregnancy, calls for another YIKES)

Seriously.....

I woke up this morning, so excited for my weigh in.... and I only lost 1 pound! It is frustrating, because I have been working my butt off! I know it's alright, though. I will work harder, stay focused, and stay away from the wine :) It brings my total to 9 pounds since August 17th- which I absolutely CANNOT complain about! I will be taking my measurements later today also, so we'll see if there is a change in numbers. Overall, I still kick butt!

I'm Kind of a Big Deal....

Well, as of today, I am officially 8 pounds lighter! That is quite the start, if I must say! I have done awesome with eating and exercising. And, my energy level has been OFF THE CHARTS!! As far as food, I have only been consuming food that if good for me- so no candy, chocolate bars, etc... Lots of fruits, veggies, and lean meats. I haven't even been craving the sugary stuff. In the past nine days, I have said no to apple pie, ice cream, reeses peanut butter cups, birthday cake, nachos... the list goes on :) Ok, now that I think about it, I DID have one bite of Steven's ice cream the other day. That just goes to show that you don't have to give up EVERYTHING to lose weight. I have been taking this very seriously, though. I have set out to conquer my weight and by golly- I'm gonna do it! :)

I'm cleansed....

Well, I made it through the first 2 days! It went very well. I surprised myself when I didn't feel the need to gorge on crap the day before I started. I was so ready for this.

Over the past two days, I have realized that a lot of my eating is out of boredom and there are times when I don't even realize that I am putting food into my mouth. It has almost become a habit to eat the rest of Sydney's meals or to take a bite out of her nutrigrain bar before giving it to her!

I took my before photos yesterday and boy, was that a wake up call! I'll wait awhile before posting them. They're pretty bad.

Well, tomorrow is a meal day and I'm amazed that I haven't been dreaming about what that meal will be. I feel energized and ready for a workout tomorrow!

Ready to say goodbye to my fat pants!

Well, the day has almost come! Actually, the day was today, but I decided to start on the 17th instead- so I could spend some much needed time with my family! I don't think I have ever been so excited to cleanse for 2 days. I think I am just ready to reach my goals and feel comfortable with myself. In the morning, I will be weighing in, taking measurements and before photos, and officially registering for the Isabody Challenge! This is the beginning of a huge change!

Change Begins With Choice

Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all.
Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge.
Any day we wish; we can start a new activity.
Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change.
We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

We can also do nothing.

We can pretend rather than perform.
And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are.
We can choose rest over labor,
entertainment over education,
elusion over truth,
and doubt over confidence.

The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth..

We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.
~Jim Rohn

Only 8 days to go!! The Isagenix has been ordered!

Waiting Patiently....

Only 3 weeks left before I get this party started!! I am soooo excited! I have already started planning my workouts and I have also put together a notebook of 'informational resources' to help me with meal ideas and getting through cleanse days.

I am ready to fit into my clothes again! I have very few outfits that actually fit, since I got rid of all my 'big girl' clothes before I got pregnant with Ainslee. The time will come, though. Part of me feels guilty for being excited, because it means no more nursing for Ainslee- but, I also know that 6 months is awesome and I did it all for my baby girl :)

I am ready to bring in the big 3-0 with a bang! It's going to be the best year yet! It's all about getting healthy, so that I can be the person I have always wanted to be. I will have the energy to keep up with my girlies and my great white hunter. I will also be able to encourage my children to eat healthy and exercise by being a positive role model for them.

Whoo Hoo!!

2 months left...

On August 15th, Ainslee will be 6 months old. I have made the decision to breastfeed until that time. I will then begin the Isabody Challenge with Isagenix. It is a 24 week challenge to completely transform your body and life. I am tired of the constant weight issue and I will not let it become a problem with my daughters.

Last year, I lost a total of 48lbs on Isagenix and I felt great! The pictures below show my success! Then, I got pregnant and gained 60lbs!!! I thought for sure I could only gain 15 or 20. Boy, was I wrong! On the bright side, though, I am still almost 50 lbs lighter then I was when I had Sydney. I can't believe that 4 months after having Sydney, I had to buy a size 18 jeans!

Enough with the past though, I am so excited for the future! For the next two months, I will enjoy my time nursing Ainslee. I will also be watching what I eat and continuing my gym workouts! On August 15th, watch out! I will step it up a couple of notches to win that $10,000 Grand Prize! Did I already mention that I WILL be winning??


HORRIBLE PICTURE!


With Isagenix, a healthy diet, and Jillian Michaels kicking my ass!