Neglect

I have been neglecting this blog lately. Mostly it's just a lack of time to write new stuff. I always think of stuff I could write about, but it never seems to materialize.

I finished my 15-day cleanse and I was pretty pleased with it. My, um, bowels have been working much better (a problem area for me) since then. Although the strictness of the diet was overwhelming, in the end I think it has helped me continue in better eating habits.

Exercise has been so-so, again-time related. We just finished 2 weeks of swim lessons that cut out late afternoon exercise. With that done, hopefully I can get back on track. I've been averaging probably 2 runs a week, but I'd like to get in 3-4.

My weight is pretty stable. Which is an accomplishment given that I haven't really "dieted" in several weeks now. I've just been trying to make good choices. I still would like to lose 5lbs more, but that will have to wait a bit.

I need to get myself on a blogging schedule! I miss doing it. I love reading YOUR new blogs, so I need to get more of my own out there!

Short shorts

In the last few months I've reached a long-time goal. I have had a problem for most of my adult life. Chafing. I have muscular legs and I tend to carry some of my extra weight in my thighs. I've always had to wear spandex when exercising if I was going to be comfortable. Not that I mind spandex. I've ran for a few years in the same pair of Adidas spandex capris.

I've always been jealous of the women who run by in their little short shorts and tight tank tops or sports bras.

Recently however, I decided to give running a try in some shorter shorts that I use for workout DVD's. Mind you--they aren't daisy dukes...but in the past, there would have been chafing involved in their use.

To my great surprise, I was able to run in them. Without any major chafing. Whoo-hoo. That's not to say I have these super slim thighs that don't touch at all. I guess they are just a shape now that works well with the shorts.

Me and my spandex will ALWAYS be great friends. But right now, as the weather is warm, less fabric and more airflow are enjoyable.

However, I don't think I'll ever be found running with my midriff showing or in a sports bra. Not unless there is plastic surgery involved and I don't see that happening. Two pregnancys, two 8lb+ babies and two c-sections have pretty much dashed all those hopes. That's alright though. I can still wear the short shorts. And I have beautiful babies!

on another note...


I've been encouraged this week to see a few more pounds make their exodus. It's always hard to maintain that on the weekends--especially when there are holidays involved like Father's Day and my upcoming birthday. As I've been complaining about...the last few pounds are so slow in coming off. But I've just decided that's the way it's going to be and as long as I still with good eating and exercise, they will. I am at a weight right now that I don't even know if I saw in high school! Looking back at photos, I was a bit more of a chub than I remember. A few more pounds to go, and then working on maintaining begins!

Rockin' the Mileage

I was very motivated last week with exercise. I completed 19 miles in 6 days. My average is probably more around 10. Some of it was hiking/mountain climbing, but the majority was running. I felt so strong and good all week. I even was able to exercise 3x without the kids. Now that is a treat.

The Mud Run is on Saturday, so I'll be taking it a little easier this week. Need to reserve my energy for the race! That's part of why I pushed myself so much last week. I wanted to really max my body out and build some more strength and endurance which will hopefully help my perform better.

Like I've said in previous posts, my only competition is myself! 2 years ago my time was 1hr 32min. I am aiming to cut about 15min off my time. It's a challenging 10k course with a variety of obstacles (mud pits, walls, ponds, etc). I think I can do it though.

This weeks plan:
Monday: 3.5 miles
Tuesday: walk
Wednesday: 3mile mtn. climb--not going to really push myself though
Thursday: REST, stretching
Friday: REST, stretchings
Saturday: RACE

Now I need to find my next race. I think I'm going to do the Carlsbad Half in January. But I need something else between now and then.

Rock On!

Just have to share, I am rockin' this week--both with exercise and eating!!

Monday- 5mile mtn. climb/running whenever I could. About 1hr 15min

Tuesday- 3 mile run...really pushed myself! 28min.

Wednesday- 3mile mtn. climb/running. 41 min!!

My legs are so achy. Just fatigued I think--although I've had plenty of soreness this week too. About 10 days until our Mud Run. I'm really pushing this week and then I'll scale back next week.

Tomorrow will definately be a rest day. I will exercise again Friday and Saturday.

I love feeling so strong :)

The good and the not so good

Why is it that it's so hard to stay consistent in eating from week to week. At least it is for me. I am trying to so hard to lose these last few pounds. I'm doing well with exercising. But can't stay consistent with eating.

Yesterday I ended up eating 500 calories more than I should have. I was just hungry. And mad at the never-changing scale. So I ate a few cupcakes, some candy and bites of ice cream. And a full-fat starbucks drink (usually I get non-fat).

Today I was doing okay...until dinner time. All the rain and cold air caught up with our household and we just wanted to bake. Enter homemade spice cake with frosting. YUM. I ate way too much. Now I feel a little sick to my stomach.

Was it really necessary to overeat the cake? Why did I need to eat extra frosting from the bowl? Wouldn't I have been satisfied with one average slice on a plate? Of course I would have. But I have FOOD ISSUES!

I go back and forth between wanting to be really restrictive on my eating--especially in order to lose the last pounds (seriously...it's less than 10 and I've lost so much already, it should not be this difficult); or lose a little slower--maybe more healthy--and eat a few more calories. I think one of my downfalls is those "few more calories." They turn into too many.

This week has ended up not so good. And the rain that's pounding the roof (um, hello san diego, it's MAY not winter!) is not boding well for the early morning hike I had planned. At least I did a 60min workout today. It's times like these I wish I had a gym membership. But I don't need the bill!!

Mommy Fit

When I was running the other day, I started thinking about how challenging it can be to take care of yourself--exercise, eat right etc--when you are a mom. Especially if you have young children. And if you are like me, you can't afford a gym--much less gym daycare, and you are the primry caregiver for your children--so getting out of the house on your own to exercise is almost out of the question.

There are some things I've learned over the past year about making exercise a priority in my life. Some stuff has just been trial and error, or reading it in a magazine or hearing from friends. I thought I'd start putting some "Mommy Fit" tips on my blog.


Priorities
Exercise or at least "activity" HAS to be a priority for you. Make a goal of a certain number of days a week (3 is my minimum usually) or a total minutes goal for the week. 30min of activity a day is recommended, which is 210 minutes a week. If you can exercise for 45-60min 3-4x a week, you can easily meet this goal.

There are times that I put off other things--even housecleaning or non-essential errands in order to exercise. It's my anti-depressant! Not that I am depressed, but the endorphins always put me in a better place. Bean knows I need to get out for a run if I'm super grumpy.

I work in the office 3 days a week, and I usually try to exercise at least 2 of those days. I am lucky to have some flexibility in my schedule, so I'll often work through lunch and leave a bit early to pick the kids up and head to the lake I run at. By the end of the day, I would much rather head home and relax a bit. But in reality, it takes 60-75min to exercise--that includes driving and about 45min of exercise.

On days I can't get a run in, but need to exercise--I'll get up early and do a DVD or I'll do a DVD at naptime. At the very least, I'll do some ab work and use my 5lb weights for arms. I'll take the kids for a short walk and do some squats and lunges.

There are many things competing for our time and attention in life. I love exercise because it is the one thing that I do for myself, that primarily benefits only me. Much of my life is dedicated serving my children, my husband, my church (job). But running is for me. No one else can do it for me. But--when I run, I'm in a better mood. I have more energy. And that benefits everyone around me.

Figure out how to make it a priority for you. Start small--or maybe you need to start big--whatever is right for your personality.

Stay tuned for more Mommy Fit Tips!

Running

I'm still at it. This is maybe the longest I've run or exercised for that matter, consistently. I am going to keep track of my miles as of Jan 1 and see how many I run in a year. I'd love to change it up---other forms of exercise--but that mostly requires a gym membership. I can't seem to get myself up in the morning to do any DVD's. I'll just keep on running.

3.5 miles today! 3 miles on Tuesday.