Friday, October 29, 2010

Namaste..

So after doing yoga for two weeks, I was interested in finding out what "namaste" actually means. Our instructor always says it at the end of class. I looked at Yoga Journal and found out it is a gesture to acknowledge the soul of another person, and translated roughly means "I bow to you". I may have to use this with my kids at school..haha

Anyways - a few of us went next door t York to participate in yoga. It's a fun experience and the instructor is such a fun lady. It's not as difficult as the yoga my mom participates in, but it's still a nice way to stretch out my body and tone my muscles. Hopefully, if I stick to it, I will lengthen and tone my entire body. At the end of the session we always lay still and take deep breathes in and out. This is such a relaxing exercise, but sometimes doing it around middle schoolers can be humorous. Yesterday, a kid walked out to go to the bus and said, "Yeah, I know, I thought they were all dead, or asleep, or something". I couldn't contain myself, I started laughing. Kids really do say the silliest things sometimes.

Today I'm going to complete my 4 mile run. I haven't run in about a week and the weather outside is so beautiful right now! I plan on going home and running in the neighborhood. I have a perfect 4.3 course laid out there, so I may just cut off the last few minutes and walk them home. I am an avid Ipod runner, so I hope they are allowed on my half and full marathon. To me, there is nothing like turning on my running mix and just running. I love music and don't get to listen to it often, so running gives me the perfect time to sing and enjoy music. I'll let you know my pace later tonight.

On a personal note, I signed up for my principal test!! I'll be taking it on November 22 at noon. Prayers needed and appreciated!!! I'm super nervous but know my school has prepared me well. We'll see how it goes in a few weeks!

Liz

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Insanity!!

I decided to take part in Insanity today after school, and because I haven't done it in about 2 weeks, it was a butt kicker!! We did the Max Cardio Conditioning workout and I thought my legs were about to fall off! Today, some of the girls and I are heading next door to do Yoga at York. The weather has changed in the last day, so it should make for a beautiful workout, not to mention a nice stretch after yesterday's workout. I figure I will run 4 miles tomorrow instead of today, so I can participate in the yoga class. I don't think running 4 tomorrow will mess up my 7 on Saturday. Luckily, I pretty much have established 4 miles as my 'easy' run.

If none of you have ever tried Insanity and want to lose weight and inches, I highly recommend it! After having Kelsey, I definitely had to take control of my eating and workouts to shed the extra baby pounds. I remember I was 160 pounds when I became pregnant with her, and today I'm at 144 (I'm a compulsive weigher - not a good habit). I honestly haven't been at this weight or in these sizes since like my junior year of HS. Yeah, definitely a good feeling!! I want to keep working at it too so I don't have to go through the weight loss struggle again. Insanity is one way to get your booty in shape. Shawn T (with the help of his love Tanya, haha) designed workouts that get your heart rate going while toning all your core muscles. Seriously, my abs and quads are starting to look better than I ever thought they could. Who says you have to have a 'mom stomach' after having a kid! I always tell John my motivation comes because I want to be a MILF! haha...yes, I am that lame! But in all seriousness, the workouts tone your core muscles which in return helps you slim down. P90X was too much muscle building for me. I want to get smaller and firmer, not big and bulky. So once again, if you haven't tried it out yet, DO IT!! You have to make the decision to better your life, no one else can make that decision for you! Also - never underestimate the power of starting! In this book entitled, "The Secrets of Solomon" that statement was made, and it is one that has stuck with me since I read it. If you mess up one day, so what!! Don't make the "Oh, I'll start again at the beginning of the week since I messed up", instead, start the next day! Not only will you feel good about yourself, you will get your life back on track and fulfill those goals you have for yourself. My short term goal is to finish the half in December. My long term goal is the full marathon in March. Any Allen friends up for joining me in the first annual Collin County Marathon?? You run through Allen, Plano and Frisco. The thought of running through those 3 cities kinda freaks me out because I know it takes about 45 minutes in the car to get from Collin Creek Mall to the Frisco Mall. Crazy that I hope to one day run that distance! It's March 6, 2011. One week before John and I head to NYC for Spring Break!

Well, maybe I've motivated some of you to begin your workout journey and others, I may have just bored to death with my words, but whatever your thoughts are after reading this, just realize you are in control of your life!!

Liz

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Let the Journey Begin...

I've always enjoying blogging, and journaling for that matter, but have found myself overwhelmed by my job, family, and life! Don't get me wrong, I love everything I have going on right now, but sometimes 24 hours just isn't enough. If you know me, then you know I want to run a marathon sooo badly. I tell people it's on my 'bucket list' before I get pregnant again. John and I are hoping to get pregnant next summer (2011), so completing these 26.2 miles is a must in the next few months.

The longest run I've completed so far is 10 miles. I've read a lot about running and people say it is a milestone...the first double digit run. I felt good and enjoyed the race, and after party, quite a bit. I'm signing up for the White Rock Half-Marathon on December 5th and need to get my training schedule going again. After doing 10 miles, I definitely believe I can do 13.1 with no problem. In fact, I'm super excited about it!

I am starting this blog to write about my days and more importantly, hold myself accountable for my actions! :) You see, it is very easy for me to get home, lay on the couch with Kelsey, and waste the night away. Likewise, with the ever tempting McDonald's up the street (ugh..I don't understand my obsession), breakfast can easily be obtained for $2.13. Pathetic...I know. I have started my food journal up, which definitely helps me keep my diet on track. It's amazing how guilty you feel writing down "pack of M&M's" or "sausage mcmuffin". If you want to lose weight and don't have one of these, I HIGHLY recommend it. In addition to the food accountability, I have to stay dedicated to my training guide. I want to keep track of my mileage and pace, along with how I felt during the run. The weather is about to cool down so I can finally begin enjoying my afternoon runs! Tomorrow - I have to run 4 miles, which thankfully is no big deal. My long run this Saturday is 7 miles and honestly I haven't run more than 4.5 since the 10 for Texas. I think I can do it, I just need to take it slowly...

So here we go, Day 1 begins. I'm actually participating in Insanity after school to build up some muscle mass. I love my school, I love my co-workers, and I am so blessed to be in a place where personal health is talked about and encouraged. Wish me luck and enjoy the ride!

Liz