Becoming Extraordinary End of Phase 1

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Week 1 Becoming Extraordinary Review

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Ouch.

Today I forgot my gloves...

I will never forget my gloves again.
The end.

Monday Mommy Transformation

What was your life like before you started your journey to better health? 

My life wasn't terrible. For the most part I enjoyed it and lived very carefree. I had a wonderful husband and two beautiful, healthy children. But there was a lot of self doubt. Wondering if I'd be able to keep up with my kids if I continued in my current state. Wondering if I could ever truly love myself the way I was.

What motivated you to make a change?

I distinctly remember a conversation with a friend upon my husband receiving orders to Guam. "All of the mommies are very into fitness here," she said. Honestly, hearing that was like a terrible nightmare for me. I had visions of sitting on the beach, pale and tired looking, wearing my 'mom suit.' It was then I knew something had to give. I started the Couch to 5K program in May 2011 but didn't pick up weightlifting until November 2011. Though I have not continued to run since completing C25K in July 2011, I credit that as my official 'start.' 

How do you involve your family in your journey? 

Though I do most of my workouts during school hours, there are times I utilize the family fitness room at our gym. My five-year-old son will often stand beside me using the small dumbbells and telling me about his big muscles. He has witnessed my transformation from the start and enjoys looking at my pictures with me and telling me how I'm shrinking. Also, being fairly new to clean eating myself, I am striving to slowly change the eating habits of my children to match my own. There is a lot of trial and error, and they do have the occasional happy meal, but I am looking to help them strike a balance so that they do not struggle with food addiction the way I have. 

What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

As much as I hate to pin numbers on this sort of thing, my biggest accomplishment would have to be the 52 pounds that have vanished from my body. In all my life, I have never lost more than 20 pounds at any given time. Knowing that I have overcome that number hurdle gives me such a satisfying feeling. And knowing that I didn't subsist on carrot sticks and meal replacement shakes(like I had in the past) and that I have ENJOYED this ride means, to me, that I'm doing something right.

Who inspires you?

Many people inspire me but I'd have to say that my two-year-old daughter takes the cake. I look at her, so young and so openminded, and know that I have to set the example for her. It is my job to teach her, and my son, how to find balance so that they can enjoy life while living it in a healthy way .

When you're in a slump what do you do to shake it?

This one is easy! I go into the gym and I pick up, to the pound, how much weight I've lost. Holding that in my hands and feeling the heaviness of it is like a slap in the face! I've also recently taken on a workout partner. I don't need the motivation to actually get to the gym, but she knows how to push my buttons to get me to work harder if I'm slacking off.

What future goals do you have for yourself?

My functional fitness goal is unassisted pull-ups. I would also like to do more cross training to become a more well-rounded athlete. 

How did you do it?

Balance, preparation, hard work and a positive mindset. There is no secret, nor magic pill that will do the work for you.

What is one of your favorite recipes?

I have a lot of favorites but since I prepare my chicken ahead of time, this one only takes five minutes. It's great for a quick lunch!

1 chicken breast, chopped

1 apple, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

2 tbsp. plain greek yogurt

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all of those together to form a delicious chicken salad!

This Week in Workouts

Week 2 of working out since the baby! The weather has been crazy lately! It is the rainy season but it also feels pretty hot and dry most of the time. Thankfully we get rain every time we workout so its a nice cool down. Ive decided to take this past week as my last walk week and start to try and jog some this next week. I need to build my endurance if Im ever going to train for a 1/2!
Im still also waiting on my stroller piece to use with Baby Js carseat.


Monday: 5 mile
Tuesday: 5.6 mile
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4.02 miles
Friday: 4.3 miles

Hopefully next week Ill have my piece and can start running!!

Pile on the Miles 2012

For the past 3 years Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat has hosted Pile on the Miles. Runners from all over have taken part in this challenge every year and this year Ill be joining them! This is just another step  towards completing my first half marathon and marking off an item on my bucket list! This isnt about who's running more or who is faster, its more about challenging yourself to go farther than you have in previous months! So from Nov.1 to Dec.1 Ill be aiming for my goal and hopefully passing my 60 miles that I've set for myself. Heres more info on what its all about!

eage on the spreadsheet below

Who: Everyone is invited to join

What: Online challenge to walk or run more during turkey month.

When: November 1 – December 1. Winners announced Dec 2nd.

Where: Sign up and Update your weekly mil

Why: To challenge yourself and encourage others to move more. This isn’t about weight loss or distance – it’s about doing a little extra this month.

Click HERE to sign up and read more about POTM 2012

Safe Postpartum Running

Now that I am back to working out (almost 2 weeks in!) Ive been thinking about what I want to accomplish in the next year. I have my 6 month and 1 year goals but the one I am most wanting to start preparing for is a 1/2 marathon. I have done countless 5ks and love them but Im ready to challenge myself! I want to properly train for it and feel like I did everything I could in order to do my best.
I've been looking at some training programs but haven't found one that I'm going to go with.

I prefer to run with a jogger. This gets you and baby out and adds resistance-especially going up hills!
Here are some tips for safely running after pregnancy and with a jogger!

• Recovery: After giving birth its important to be cleared for exercise by your doctor. 
• Age of infant: If you are not using a car seat attachment your baby should be at least 6 months old when running with a jogger. 
• Pack accordingly: Bring items for the baby just incase you have to change or feed. Depending on the weather- bring extra water, blankets, sunscreen, snacks. If its raining bring a cover. 
• Safety: Baby should be securely strapped in seat. Stay clear of busy roads (especially when wearing headphones) and unsafe areas.
• Ease into it: Whether you ran while pregnant or are just starting out, taking your time to build you endurance back up will take time. Don't expect to run 5 miles the first day! Find a plan and have patience! 
• Sole Sisters: Most cities have running groups like that you can join or find some friends to jog with around your neighborhood. Having support and accountability is the key to success! 

Some great running sites:

• Beginners
• Couch to 5k program
• 5k, 10k, Marathon
• Stroller Strides

This Week in Workouts

Now that I am close to being cleared at my 6 week check up I wanted to start sharing This Week in Workouts with everyone! I had my son on September 16 and took 4 weeks to relax, re-coop and spend everyday with my husband loving on our babies!

Morning Routine!

I knew starting after being out of it for a month would be a lot so I needed to start slow and work my way up. The old me would have taken off running. Here is a look at what went on in my week!
Its not much but it'll do until Im cleared...1 week left!

Monday: 2.5 mile walk
Tuesday: 2.5 mile walk
Wednesday: 3.1 mile walk
Thursday: 3.4 mile walk
Friday-Sunday: bowling and family time!

Hopefully this next week we'll go farther. I think the only thing that puts a damper on things is the heat! I worry about the baby more than anything.
Hopefully this next week we'll get some clouds and a break from the heat!

LINKING UP:
Me Plus My Trainer

Little Girl in the Big World

Staying active

Even while you are pregnant its important to stay active! This is the best time to do it for your body and baby and continuing exercise throughout pregnancy reduces the risk of obesity, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Please check with your doctor when starting any activity during pregnancy. 

If you are a beginner to working out, especially while pregnant, start slow and stick to your level of fitness. You don’t want to over do it and hurt you or your baby. 

STRETCH!

Stretching throughout pregnancy has helped me stay ache free. I try to stretch at least once a day and it doesnt take long at all! I feel that due to my constant stretching I can still touch my toes and do most yoga poses with ease at 40 weeks! I don’t think my belly is on the small size either so Im grateful for my flexibility!

I usually stretch once Im at the gym in the morning both before and after I work out. During the day if Im sitting I try to sit butterfly style and once Im in bed I stretch my back out a bit! After a long day, stretching helps ease my body and I sleep so much better! 

WARM UP!

No mater what you plan on doing for exercise I highly recommend warming up and cooling down at an easy pace. I walked on the treadmill/elliptical for about a mile before I start any weight training to warm up my body and get my heart rate up without over doing it!

CLASSES!

Just about any class that is offered in the gym can be taken while pregnant. With any class, inform the instructor that you are pregnant and most will give you alternate moves or easier ways of performing during the class. 

*Spinning, take it at your own pace. If you are not used to the intensity then stay within your limits or take the speed down. 

*Yoga/pilates be mindful of moves done on your back or stomach.

*Water aerobics: consult your doctor later in your pregnancy

Warning signs

If you have any of the following symptoms while you're exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor if they don't quickly resolve:

• dizziness or feeling faint
• headache
• chest pain
• bleeding
• contractions 
• fluid leaking 
• decreased fetal movement
• rapid heartbeat while at rest

Always perform your workouts with good form and know your limits!

Here are a few workouts I enjoyed!

Waterbaby work out!

Baby stretches

Baby Bumps and Barbells 

To weigh or not to weigh

I've been trying to decide whether or not Im going to weigh myself as I get back in shape post baby.

After my first child I weighed in every Friday, sometimes as early as 3am...just so I could say I weighed in on Friday! That was a healthy way of doing it but as the years went by I started weighing in everyday, any chance I got. I even had the scale in my kitchen-this was after trying every hard surface in my house to see where it told me what I wanted to hear. It was driving me insane! I finally decided to toss the scale and not even think about my weight. I started the LiveFit trainer October 2011 and only weighed myself in the beginning and then at the end.
Only a few days later I found out I was pregnant and vowed not to step on a scale.  I loved how my body had changed during the trainer and now with the upcoming weight gain over the next nine months, I didnt want the stress of the number on the scale. I wanted to enjoy being pregnant! So every 4 weeks at my OB appointments I would step on the scale and tell them not to tell me. Some of them remembered me from the time before and others laughed! They had NO IDEA how big of an accomplishment this was for me; it took the one stress of pregnancy away! (My doctor did mention my weight once or twice but never the actual number)
In the end I ended up gaining about 39lbs...I had to look at my record! I am fine with that number, I gained 37 with my first and I had a rough start this second time and gained quite a bit in the beginning. Now that I have had the baby and dropped 20lbs from labor I'm left with 20 to lose and another 30 before my ultimate goal.

Should I weigh myself once Im back to regular workouts or stick with just my measurements?
The number on the scale doesn't reflect any time in the gym or strength I'm adding so it could be detrimental.  I may do my measurements and leave the scale to only monthly weigh ins. At least till I've lost the rest of the baby weight!  Ill be posting all my starting numbers once I am given the OK to return to regular exercise. Hopefully I can get a bit more lean until then
 just from my eating!

A little Tri

I have always said I wanted to train for a triathlon, not actually do one, just TRAIN for one! Participating in one just seemed like too big of a goal. So when did I start training you ask? NEVER. But it was still a goal of mine that I would probably never complete. 

That was until I heard about the sprint or “mini tris” that a bunch of other Navy wives were doing. I though “I could do this!” It was a 400m swim, 6 mile bike ride, and 1.5 mile run. It seriously could not get any easier! I think I’m a pretty decent swimmer...biking is an breeze and the run...Id deal with that when it came! After being on a trainer that called for “no cardio” I was a bit behind on that part. 

When I finally talked myself into showing up for one it was one of the most nerve wracking mornings of my life. I was SOOO nervous! I figured Id be last, do the worst and go so slow I wouldn’t be able to show my face at the next one. Boy was I wrong!

Since I only knew 2 other people it was really a race against myself. This made it less stressful. I figured what the hell...I don’t know any of them so if I suck they probably won't even notice! 

The entire time I was doing the tri I stayed pretty much in the middle of the group which gave me people to keep up with (ones in front) and people to push me (ones in the back). Did that make sense?  

Everyone was so supportive and cheered each other on. I was so glad it was laid back and fun! It was hotter than hell and I was not properly hydrated (I should have started the week prior!) but it was so worth it...the tan didnt hurt either!

Here are a few shots from the first 2 I did. They are so fun and I recommend them to anyone and everyone of any skill level! It would definitely be something fun to start in your community with other moms/wives you know. Nothing serious...just have fun and get fit!

1000 Squats

Today I'm starting a new challenge! Along with my June daily challenge I am taking on the I See Fit People 1000 squat challenge! ONE THOUSAND SQUATS in 1 week. Hopefully Ill finish before the weekend with 200 a day. I completed 100 this morning with ease so its shouldnt be too difficult! Who knows maybe Ill just keep doing 1000 a week every week- I get back to you on that!

AM/PM: Squat count
3 x 10: Full body squat with medicine ball
3 x 10: Medicine ball squat and throw
4 x 10: Air squat

Fit for 2!

I am now into the 7th month of my pregnancy and since this blog has changed into more of what Im doing while pregnant I figured Id post my workout routine and meal plan. I did a lot of searching online for articles on pregnancy workouts and eating (along with speaking with my doctor) so I knew I was doing the right thing. You really only need and extra 300 calories starting at the 3 month point and that is basically like eating some oats and protein...and not the entire bag of M&Ms!

For the past couple months Ive been quite motivated to hit the gym and stay on track with my meals. Some weekends I do let go a bit and have the things Im craving but it doesnt last the entire day...mainly dinner and its usually always sushi! 

Workout

Monday - Thursday

• Walk to and from the gym
• Stretching
• Treadmill/ Elliptical 2 miles @ incline
• Followed by either arms/legs (squats, pushups, plank, lunges, rows, etc)

Fridays

• 2-4 mile walk outside
• Lots of stretching

Weekends

• If we aren't doing anything active outside I usually just take periods of time thru out the day to stretch really well and we walk in the evenings with our dogs.

Meal Plan

Breakfast: Coffee (w/ crm and sugar) and 4-5 Egg Whites or Oats
WORKOUT
Snack: Protein/ Fruit/ WW Toast with NPB
Lunch: Chicken, Salad, Brn rice/sweet potato
Snack: Fruit/cheese
Dinner: Chicken/Fish, Brn rice, salad
Snack: Cottage cheese

• I generally drink about 6 shake bottles full of water a day. May be more if Im walking to and from the gym in this crazy heat!
• I always have my water bottle with me so as soon as I see its empty I know to fill it right away. Ive found that my body actually CRAVES the water...Im sure the baby likes it too!
• Right now I am only taking prenatal vitamins and 100% Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein.

June Daily Challenges

June  

Along with my daily workout I try to fit in something thru out the day that gives me that extra boost of motivation and energy. Whether I do it right when I wake up, at the gym or during a commercial; its making a difference in my physical fitness. Each round you do should get easier and when they do you should add a weight or do them in any way that makes you work harder!

     

          

Hello Energy!

I've been tracking my pregnancy on my other blog Adding an M and its funny to see the steady progression of weight that I gain! Yes, that is still the first thing that comes to mind!  

Thankfully I have gotten back my energy times 10! I feel like I dont ever need sleep (Baby M doesnt let me sleep anyways) and I am back in the game workout wise! I have been going to the gym 5 days a week and feel like my old self again...dont mind the fact that Im 4 months pregnant! Right now my work out looks like this:


5min stretching
30min on the dreadmill 
a bit more stretching 
20min strngth training
10 minutes stretching

(Can you tell I like to stretch? Im so afraid labor will be harder this time I want to do everything I can to loosen up now!)

5 minute workout!

Here is an easy at home workout that you can either do once or 2-3 times. If you don't have weights just use something weighted form around the house...then invest in a set of 10-15lb weights!