Happy Friday!

Happy Friday Y'all!

Friday evening is probably my favorite time of the week.  Growing up,  it was the one time each week we ate out and followed with the weekly grocery shopping trip.   For me,  it's usually a lazy evening occasionally I'll try to get a head start on cleaning or meal planning for the week.  Tonight, I thought I would dust off the blog a bit.

I wish I had been blogging more the past two months.  In late June,  I rejoined Weight Watchers.  The primary reason I joined is because I believe 100% in the accountability the meetings bring to the program.  I know there is a lot of science behind their program, but the meetings are what I need.   They help give me focus and self-control.   In August,  I completed JillFit's 20x20 challenge -- it was amazing and deserves a post all to itself which I hope to compile this weekend.  It was amazing on so many levels for me.  In September, I've focused on goal-setting.

Sorry this post is so disjointed, but I really have some much I want to share and need to share!   Even if no one reads this blog -- it is an outlet for me.  In August,  I used Instagram to chronicle my journey, but wish I had shared my thoughts here as well.

We are supposed to have a really wet weekend, so I should have plenty of time to write.  :)

Excuses, excuses!

As you may remember, I'm a huge fan of early morning exercise.  When super-son was in elementary school, I was up at 515am for boot camp three times a week.  Last year, he started middle school & our middle school starts at 7:25am!  There was no way to get to boot camp, home & shower, (oh & get him up too!) and make it to school on time.  

I came up with plan b & it consisted of walking/running after I dropped him off and showering at the work fitness center.  In December, I changed jobs & it wasn't feasible to do that anymore.  What's a girl to do?  Nothing - I've pretty much had zero exercise routine since earlier this year. 

Super husband works evenings, so it's difficult to do after work.  I feel guilty leaving super son at home any longer than I have to after school. The reality there is no reason I can't take advantage of Saturday & Sunday - yes, both days are super busy but it comes down to making excuses or getting it done.  

Yesterday, I got it done. Moved at a snails pace, but it was better than sitting on the couch!  What's your excuse?

Half Crazy is Better than Full Crazy - Right?

Not long ago, I shared my 2013 fitness goals with you.  Tonight, I went to a information session to learn more about one of my goals  13.1 to be exact.   I turned 40 this year and I'd love to run a half marathon to celebrate.   I understand to most folks it sounds like the absolute craziest idea in the world.  I'm not sure why I want to do it so bad other than for most of my life I NEVER thought I would be able too.

Let me assure I will not be the fastest,  I will not win any awards - but if I do take the next step and sign-up for this program - I WILL COMPLETE THE RACE.   Whether you cross the line first or last - it doesn't matter.  Everyone who crosses the line is a half-marathoner.

Do you have a "big" dream/goal?

Just Do It

Yesterday was a beautiful day!   I woke up to birds chirping, sun shining and relatively warm temperatures.  We went to bed later than usual on Friday night because we were finishing up the laundry room DIY project.  Super-son had stayed over night with a friend, so it was the perfect morning to sleep in!  However, every time I have an opportunity to sleep in - no matter how hard I try - I can't!   I got up around 830a - technically I that is later than a regular work day  :)    Super-husband dropped his car off for service the evening before and around 10a they called to say it was ready.   He wasn't up yet and I hadn't gone for my 2-3 miles yet -- so I decided to do something completely out of my comfort zone! 

I decided I would walk to pick up his car.  I checked MapMyRun for the route and it was almost 2.5 miles to the garage - perfect, I could tackle two tasks at the same time.  I called my friend, Angie, to let her know what I was doing (just in case) and left super-husband a note (he was still snoozing) & out the door I went. 

We live in a relatively rural area - no sidewalks... fortunately, the garage is relatively close to us and I only had to go down one road after getting out of our neighborhood to get there.  I followed the rules of the road (ride with, walk against) and wore my fluorescent pink wind-breaker.  I was on and off the pavement alot - as cars approached I would walk in the grass  (I've seen some folks who don't budge off the road - I'm not one of those).   I did not have my ear-buds in either.  Since this was the first time on a major road (I'm usually in our neighborhood, at the local town square, or a neighborhood around where I work)  I decided I needed to really be aware of my surroundings.  I wasn't sure I could maintain my usual pace (no music, on & off the road), but I tried not to focus on that and just be proud of the fact that I was doing something NEW!

I arrived at the garage slightly winded, but feeling pretty proud of stepping outside my comfort zone.  I was able to keep my usual pace (yeah!).   I returned home and super-husband woke up 30 minutes or so later & mentioned we needed to go get his car.  I told him it was in the driveway (SURPRISE!) -- I think he was proud of me too!   We went out for brunch and then went to the park at I logged another 1.25 miles.   

Are you staying focused this weekend?

December Challenge

Last week, I received an email for a December challenge.  It was from the marvelous boot camp instructor with Mission: FIT.   Her challenge for the month - 50 burpees or 50 squats EVERY day of December.  You might be thinking - I'll be traveling or I'll have company - guess what, no equipment required.  Just motivation to set aside time for 50 each and every day!  I accepted the challenge and I hope you will too.

I opted for squats because I like them better than burpees and they are easier on my back.  I am making one modification and I hope she will forgive me for it.  :)   I'm alternating days with 50 squats and 50 push-ups.  Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd be able to walk by the end of next week.  You don't have to do them all at the same time either.  You can spread it out over your day.

Hot Yoga

For some time, the idea of hot yoga has intrigued me.  I'm not exactly sure why - I've never taken a yoga class in my life and definitely not hot yoga.   Anyway,  I learned early in the week our local YMCA had just opened a hot yoga studio.  They were offering classes to members and non-members. 

I messaged my friends, Angie & Brandy, to see if they would be interested in joining me for the Saturday 9:30am class.  Brandy jumped on board.  I was really excited because I was too nervous to try it by myself.  Not sure why - I had a fear of getting dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.  Friday, I attempted to hydrate more in prepartion for the class.   I didn't want to hydrate too much this AM, so I ate an orange before I left.

We walked in and found our spot - near the door (LOL).  The instructor was really nice.  I told him it was our first time and expressed my concerns (noted above).  He said the most important thing to remember is breathing - breathe alot.  His other words of advice - 20 minutes into the class we would take water break, so try to take in alot at that time and other times in the class just sip;  modify the poses as we needed but to work on stretching and working with our bodies.   Overall, some great advice.

I enjoyed the class much more than I anticipated.  I liked the heat - yes, it made us sweat (duh).  My clothes were drenched when we left - but to me the heat was also very calming.  I thought it was a little pricey (even members have to pay for the class) - but I would consider doing it once a month. The more active I become, the more I enjoy trying new and different things. 

Have you tried hot yoga?  What did you think?

25 Random Things About Me...

Ann (over at Twelve in Twelve) posted a getting to know you type post.  Since I had no idea what to write about today - I'm going to post 25 random things about me.  

1. Never say "never"... I said I would never go out with super-husband and look who I married. :o)

2. I've wanted a Honda Accord since my 16th birthday and finally got one (not new, but new to me) in 2011.
3. I thought children with ADHD lacked parenting - until I had a child diagnosed with ADHD. Now, I understand.
4. I've won 3rd place twice at the Dixie Classic Fair for a recipe with Krispy Kreme doughnuts as an ingredient.
5. I thought I would have 2 or 3 kids by now, but God had other plans.
6. I'm a good listener, but I don't always know what to say.
7. I'm a creature of habit - when we go out to eat, my order is always predictable.
8. The best lessons in life - I learned from my parents.
9. Being a mom has been much more of an emotional experience than I ever imagined.
10. I can read a good book in one day -- I can read two good books in a day at the beach.
11. I'm becoming an ATHLETE!  :)
12. I'm much happier working "behind the scenes" than being "in the spotlight".
13. I love my job.
14. I never imagined heart disease would arrive on our doorstep at our age, but I'm thankful super-husband is alive and we can help raise awareness.
15. I loved to play summer softball growing up, but probably couldn't catch a fly ball now!
16. I love a clean house, but have trouble keeping in that way sometimes.
17. I love that super-son declares every Friday night - Family Night.
18. I've always wanted to be a teacher, but let my 10th grade English teacher discourage me.
19. I'm tone deaf and can't carry a tune or play a musical instrument.
20. I wish I had patience for do-it-yourself home improvement projects because I have a wishlist a mile long.
21. I love taking pictures but find scrapbooking overwhelming.
22. I am in the last semester of my return to school (YEAH ME!).
23. I am grateful for my friends and family.
24. I am NOT a girly-girl.
25. Exercise is allowing me to become stronger physically & mentally.

Thanksgiving already?

Seriously, next week is Thanksgiving!   Every time, I think about it - I shake my head in disbelief.  :)  

We have a small family, so our plans are usually low-key.  Super-son is out of school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - so I will be taking a half-day vacation on Wednesday.   Thursday, we are planning to do the local Turkey Strut 5K. Last year, super-husband and I rocked it out & had so much fun!   It seemed like the perfect way to start the holiday season.  If there is something similar in your area, I would highly recommend it.  Additionally,  hop on over to A Journey to Thin and enter her great give-away for the 2nd Annual Thankful Healthy Blogger 5K. 

We'll probably finish the morning cooking a nice breakfast & then we are having Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws at Cracker Barrel.   It will definitely be nice to have some activity to offset the dinner calories.  I will miss being in the kitchen and cooking healthy options, but I appreciate the break as well.   Saturday evening, we'll celebrate with my family.

Are you planning ahead for Thankgiving?

Where have I been?

It's fall ... How's this picture for a flashback to 2001?   Super-son in his first Halloween costume.  Adorable?  Yes, I think so!

Well, y'all what can I say... school is back in session for me and super-son, so life is crazy busy.  It's a challenge to keep my head above water.  On a good note, after this semester I will have 2.66 (yes .66 classes) remaining which *cross my fingers* means I will graduate in the Spring.  Woohoo!

So what's new?

• All house projects (painting, organizing) are on hold until the semester is over.  It's too much stress to have another ball in the air right now.
• I had my yearly physical with my primary care physician this week.  All of my bloodwork is excellent & I had lost 14 lbs since last year's visit.  She gave me an A++.
• I'm still exercising M-W-F at the crack of dawn 530am to be exact.  I'll try to post something on my new venture over the weekend.

If the shoe fits...

In a post earlier this week, I mentioned Fleet Feet Sports. Our local store is AWESOME - they practice customer-service the old-fashioned way!

One of the things, I learned while participating in the No Boundaries program was shoes matter. For as far back as I could remember, I always experience shin splints when exercising. I assumed it was an issue I would have to deal with it.

Fleet Feet has a Fitlosophy. I really thought it was just a gimmick to sell some shoes, but having experienced no shin splints for 3 years - I can say a good pair of shoes really does make a difference. You can truly feel the difference!

If you are starting an exercise program or are having issues in your feet/legs while training, I would HIGHLY recommend get fitted for the proper shoes!

Run for it!

WARNING: long post :)


In January 2009, I participated in a 5K training program with Fleet Feet sports. It was one of the best experiences of my life. My personal goal was to run the 5K at the end, but I ended up doing intervals (walk/run) which was fine – but I still want to completely run a 5K. Shortly after the program ended, I allowed stress in my life to consume me and completely lost focus. I wasn’t happy with myself – I wanted to eat healthier and exercise, but I was having difficulty pulling myself out of the funk.


During the spring and summer of 2010, I kept riding by a community gym advertising Zumba. I rode past day after day thinking there was no way I could get my groove on! In late summer, my neighbor & friend – Deb – asked me to try it out with her. Umm..ok.. I think – y’all I have NO RHYTHM, but I had so much fun! Within 10 minutes of starting the class, I was sweating and an hour flew by before I even realized time was up. It felt good and rewarding to be doing something for ME. I convinced another friend, Angie, to try it as well. It was like a girl’s night out each time I went. In the fall, the gym started basketball – so we wouldn’t be able to use the facility any more. I was disappointed because I had found something that met several criteria:


• It was fun.
• No one else had rhythm either.
• It did not require a monthly gym membership

I was determined not to allow excuses become “reasons” I didn’t exercise. To be successful, I knew I needed accountability, something I enjoyed, and something that did not require a big investment. In late October, I convinced Angie to meet me at 5:30am on Mondays & Wednesdays for a 2 mile walk. It felt good in so many ways!


In December, I asked her if she would be willing to do Monday-Wednesday-Friday. She was agreeable and we increased to three miles as well. We could have made tons of excuses during the winter – it’s too cold, it’s raining, there’s snow on the ground, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, it’s the day after Christmas - BUT WE DIDN’T. We kept at it regardless of the time, the weather, or the holidays.


Currently, we are on our first week of interval training (walk 2 min/run 1 min) and we will slowly increase the time & duration that we do. Exercise has become a big stress relief for me – it is the best form of therapy I can think of. I am extremely grateful that Angie has stuck with me through the cold, rain, and snow (& deer, barking dogs, skunks). If it wasn’t for her, I’m sure I would not have been successful because “snooze” would have been more appealing!

The whole point of this extremely long post is – do what you love and love what you do! JUST DO IT!

Unexpected Rain & Deer

My normal routine on Monday, Wednesday, Friday is wake up at 5:15am and meet a dear friend for 3 miles. We started the routine in mid October. Intially, we did 2 miles on Wednesday & Friday. Around the holidays, we added the extra day and mileage. We are kinda like the post office - rain, sleet, hail, snow, and freezing temps have not stopped us until TODAY! We started out this AM and about 3 houses down from mine we heard some rumblings in the woods -- next thing we know 5 deer dart across the road in front of us! Needless to say, we were now AWAKE! About a block or so later, it's starts drizzling and then raining - BUMMER! Neither of us were prepared with an umbrella or head cover, so we decided to turn around. I'm guessing we got about a mile in which is better than nothing. I need to try really hard to make it to Zumba tonight!