A New Goal

Today I committed to run the 10k part of the Mud Run, happening in October.  I am going to do this with Misti, and whoever else wants to join us. 

Last year Misti ran the 5k with me and I am so thankful that she did.  I can honestly say I would have walked more than I ran/jogged had she not been there to keep me going.  You see, Misti is an experienced marathon runner and me, well let's just say at that point, I was still in the interval stage of running. HA! 

Let me tell you that the mud run was the hardest thing I have done but so rewarding at the same time.  I was estatic that I could walk after I crossed the finish line.  Seriously.

So this year, Misti suggested we do the 10k and I said 'OK'. eeek!  I took running/jogging consistently out of my workouts a while ago.  Guess I better add it back in and add it in quickly, like tonight.  I've got three and a half months to be in the 10k - not the slowest time having - shape. Know what I mean?

I CAN do this :: My goal is to work my patootie off to be 10k ready by October. I AM going to do this and I AM going to share what I do with all of you by adding progress to my posts.  I have decided to add what I did at the end of each post for two reasons; 1) maybe I can motivate a friend or two and 2) this holds be accountable to keep doing it.

So, here we go! Check back tomorrow for an update.  Weeeee! 

Click here to see how last year's event went.

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Body & Soul Week :: The Booty

Welcome to Body & Soul week. I thought this would be a perfect time to start a new feature, being pre-summer (if we ever see summer) and all. This is the other time, besides New Years, that we start thinking of ways to get our bodies looking great. Part of looking great is feeling great which means you must also adjust your diet. It’s a big deal people. We all need a little encouragement and/or motivation to get our booties back to the rhythm, no matter how in shape we [think] we are, right? Right!

Day 4 :: The Booty {EEK! Yep we're going there today.}

Ok ladies let's be real. How many of us have stood in front of the mirror flexing our booty cheeks to see how many dimples appear? ME! Well folks, I'm tired of looking at those large golf balls attached to my backside, so I'm doing something about it.  You know what, it has been easy too.

I have started with lunges and squats - 2 reps of 15 right now, with a 7lb weight in each hand the entire time, 5 days a week.  I even do squats while I am blowdrying my hair (without the weights of course).  

Now I am ready to add more to my routine and I have found & learned so much while researching for this week's posts.  Check out this 15 minute Bootylicious Butt Workout. I picked this one because I love the name and a few of the moves could pose a challenge.  Bring it!

 

Body & Soul Week :: Tone Those Arms

Welcome to Body & Soul week. I thought this would be a perfect time to start a new feature, being pre-summer (if we ever see summer) and all. This is the other time, besides New Years, that we start thinking of ways to get our bodies looking great. Part of looking great is feeling great which means you must also adjust your diet. It’s a big deal people. We all need a little encouragement and/or motivation to get our booties back to the rhythm, no matter how in shape we [think] we are, right? Right!

Day 2 :: Tone Those Arms

Alright Peeps, how often have you grabbed the pepper shaker or spice container and while sprinkling that little kick on your food you notice that your arm fat is shaking more then the container you are holding? Oh too often I'm sure.  I will grab said shaker and make the motion just to see how my arms are toning.  Seriously.  It works.

One of my insecurities lately has been my arms.  I had been focusing on my core, legs and butt for a while that I forgot about my arms.  Until I saw a picture of me in a tank top that is.  'WHOA! Where's the muscle?', is what immediately crossed my mind.  At first I tried to tell myself the camera does add 5lbs. BLAH! Really? Momma needed to step it up a notch ... like yesterday.  So I got to it ...

Arm circles: I stand with my core tight, my legs spread shoulder length apart and my arms extended like an airplane and holding my little dumbells.  Then I rotate my arms, from the shoulder, 15 times forward and 15 times backwards.

Shoulder Press:  My core and legs are the same as above and my arms, with my dumbells, are extended straight up, palms facing forward. Then I bend my elbows bringing my dumbells to my shoulders 15 times.

Triceps: My core and legs are spread the same as above but this time my knees are bent a little I'm holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms straight down at sides, palms facing back.  Then I lift arms straight back about 2 feet behind me 15 times.

Curls: My core and legs are the same as above and I have a dumbell in each hand.  I curl one dumbell at a time, 15 times for each arm.

Overhead:  My core and legs are the same as above and I have a dumbell in each hand, palms facing inward (toward my head).  I lift my arm straight up then bend my elbow bringing my dumbell to the back of my shoulder. Each arm 15 times.

I don't know the technical names, if there are any, for these exercises but I think I described them pretty well.  I started at 11 times per arm and am up to 15.  I move up when my current number becomes less of a challenge.

I am not an expert in any way but everything I am sharing with you this week works for me. I am hoping to relay the good-ness in a way that is easy to understand so you don't get discouraged or bored.  These moves are not hard. 

Remember, the hardest part to changing your lifestyle is creating the habit.  Once you have that the rest is easy breezy!

Body & Soul Week :: The Dreaded Muffin Top

Welcome to Body & Soul week.  I thought this would be a perfect time to start a new feature, being pre-summer (if we ever see summer) and all. This is the other time, besides New Years, that we start thinking of ways to get our bodies looking great.  Part of looking great is feeling great which means you must also adjust your diet.  It’s a big deal people.  We all need a little encouragement and/or motivation to get our booties back to the rhythm, no matter how in shape we [think] we are, right?  Right!

Day 1 :: The Dreaded Muffin Top {insert long sigh here}

Ohhh boy! The dreaded Muffin Top.  EEEK!  Everyone, even boys, know what this is and most of us can't stand it. I am one of those who knows what it is and can't stand it AND unfortunately, I have a small one that appears at random. :o)  My goal is to get my muffin top to disappear forever.  I know I can do this as long as I do it the right way.  I am definitely on the right track.  Same with you, right?

While doing my research for the good tips I found out that crunchies can actually be more harmful than you think. Spinal experts believe that the abdominal crunch can affect the spine and lower back in a negative way, leading to back pain in the future. I used to do crunchies and thought I was doing something good for myself.  Guess not. 

Some exercises that are more effective for diminishing the muffin top are: squats, lunges, planks, side planks, mountain climbers, exercise ball roll outs, pilates & pushups.  I also combine a couple pilates and yoga moves with regular stretching and I like to use my 7lb weights whenever possible.  I love my 7lb weights.  :o) 

I have a routine that I have created by mixing the exercises that I enjoy doing and at the pace that I like.  I am currently doing 2 reps of 13 and I do my routine 5 days a week.  My max time, without cardio, is 35 minutes.  That's nothing and when I am in front of the t.v. the time seems like it flies by!  This is totally doable for anyone.  How much time do you spend on your tush watching t.v.?  Thought so.  See, problem solved.  Now get up and move! {said in my drill sergeant voice}

Some foods you can eat that help burn fat are: oatmeal, nuts, olive oil, berries, eggs, peanut butter, whole grains and green veggies.  Perfect!

Now, what's for dinner?