Boo Illness & Injury!

I ended up taking all of last week off from workouts because I had a nasty, nasty cold. Yesterday I started back up but ended up fast forwarding through breaky half my workout because of a right shoulder injury. I don't even know how I hurt my shoulder but I have limited mobility and sharp pain. At first I thought it was rotator cuff but now I'm thinking maybe a pinched nerve. Today I could do my workout at all because it all included shoulder work. So, looks like exercise is in hold again until I can wake up without shoulder pain! :-( Despite all this time off, I still managed to lose a few tenths of a pound! :-)

Still fighting hard!

I'm nearly done with my Beth Moore study and have loved how directly God has spoken to me through it! I'm on the lookout for my next study, so any suggestions are appreciated!

I'm working out hard 6 days a week with my Supreme 90 Day workout. I love how challenging it is and how I feel afterwards.  I've set my alarm earlier in order to accommodate for the longer workout time.  However, with longer strength training and longer hours at work, something had to give SO I'm postponing my running until January.  I'm hoping there's enough cardio in S90D that it isn't too much of a struggle to pick back up with running, since my goal is a mini marathon next summer!

I haven't weighed myself lately because my scale lies! Just kidding! It hasn't been a good factor in whether or not I'm healthier, though, so I don't find it beneficial to torture myself.  I know my clothes are fitting better and I feel better overall, so that's all that matters to me.

I'm still working on switching over to a diet of less processed foods, but this will be a LONG process. Since I am the cook in our house, I will slowly work it in for the whole family. That requires a lot of trial & error, along with some sneaky skills to trick them! ;-)

I read in a health magazine, the other day, that a cup of coffee each morning may actually be helpful with a diet because it can curb the appetite. I'm testing that theory. ;-) Any thoughts on that?

Week 10 - Bah bye Jillian!!

This is an exciting week for my fitness journey as I finish up the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred!!!  I will be moving on to a more challenging series call Supreme 90 Day next week.  My running has also hit the 1 hour mark.  Luckily I'm on fall break this week, so I have time to do that outside.  I'm hoping next week won't be too busy to do that again.

I've still been struggling with making time for my Beth Moore study, but am doing better.  I am now setting my alarm earlier in order to get up and get it done before working out and sending kids off to school.  I'm hoping this new plan works!

I'm still extremely frustrated with my numbers but will just keep on keepin on and hope something changes soon.  I did well with more water this week and am really keeping an eye on those processed foods.  That will continue to be something I have to work on with our busy, busy schedules.

I truly feel the Lord is doing amazing things and when I went to the dr this week for a routine physical and they asked about surgeries, I actually forgot about the ones that started this whole blog! :-) He is definitely healing my mind and I want to keep it that way!  SO, please continue to pray that I can prove the thoughts & frustrations wrong and continue to battle on!!!

Week 9 - New Job = Slip Ups

Well, I started my new job this last week.  I also had quite a few slip ups in regards to bible study and fitness.  With the hubby leaving for work so early, I cannot run outside in the mornings.  So, I planned to run in the afternoons.  The problem is that I was so exhausted after each work day, so it just didn't happen as I'd hoped.  I did the Shred every morning except for Friday & Saturday and managed to get 2 runs in.  Unfortunately, I also enjoyed a ton of processed foods and sweets.  I also did not get my study in.  The videos are a bit long to watch on our hectic mornings, so I have to be sure and do that on Saturdays.  Then, I'll have plenty of time to do the rest of the study each day.  SO, I slipped up, but still made progress with my weight and measurement AND I made sure to start this week off right with bible study, the shred, and a good 5 mile run!  Here's to new beginnings with faith, fitness, and A JOB!  Thanks for your continued prayers!!!

Week 8 - Change of schedule

Change can be a good thing, so let's hope this is!  I started my new job on Monday and have to be there right after getting the youngest on the bus, so that doesn't leave time for a morning run.  Well, if I was willing to go on the treadmill, I could before I got ready for the day, but I think 4+ miles is too long on a treadmill.  SO, here's my changes...

I am starting my morning, every morning, with Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  Then, on my run days (3x/ week), I'll come home and run.  Yes, it means two showers on some days, but I'm hoping I find it worth it!

I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do about my video days on my Beth Moore study, as I do not have time prior to getting out the door for work in the mornings to watch an hour video.  Maybe I'll plan it out so those are always on Saturday.

I've done pretty good on my goals.  I did have Dr P once over the last week, but it was a special date. :-)  I've been drinking a ton of water and hope my body starts to handle it better so I can go back to sleeping through the night and not making so many potty trips!  Still working on the "processed foods" thing, so that will be my only goal this next week.

Week 7 - Saggy pants

I don't mind saggy pants because saggy pants means progress!  I've moved on to Level 2 of the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and I feel it's easier than Level 1.  I don't know if that's true or if it's only because I'm in better shape.  Whatever, doesn't matter to me either way.  The inches aren't fading as quickly but I lost quite a few pounds this week so overall I'm pleased.

I'm not sure I can say this enough, but I LOVE my Beth Moore study.  It seems like everything she's saying is speaking directly at me.  Matter of fact, I was able to e-mail JD some scriptures this week when he was having a tough time himself.  I love learning and am so happy I can pass my Bible lessons on to my boys, even if it's just bits and pieces.

I did pretty good with my goals this week.  I only ate after 8 once and it was an apple because I wasn't home from 6pm on and was STARVING!  Didn't even give into the temptation to put a jar of peanut butter on top of my slices! :-)

I did give in to Dr. Pepper...just once...and I'll blame it on Frank! ;-)  Honestly, he's been very supportive and not asking me if I want things when he knows I do but "can't".  Once evening I was exhausted and had a headache it DP sounded REALLY good, so I had a little.  And a little was all I could take.  It was too sweet!

This weeks goals...

~More water.

~Less processed foods.

Week 6 - A habit now, right!?!

Well, it's the beginning of Week 6 and you know what they say..."It takes 6 weeks to develop a habit"  I believe I'm at that point.  I definitely don't wake up excited to exercise (even though most days I feel better afterward).  I wish I could say that was the case for me, but lately I've been feeling rather crummy.  I don't know the cause...maybe weather, maybe allergies...  I've suffered from exhaustion, migraines, bloating, and an uneasy stomach.  So, as I said, I'm definitely not excited to exercise, BUT I do it anyway!  The scale was a little more friendly today.  I am noticing major muscle development in my legs, so I'll take the slow moving scale.  I just wish I could lose all the fat around the hips and thighs along with the muscle development.  My runs are getting longer and farther and I really enjoy that time listening to some great Christian music and people watching.  I've expanded beyond just my neighborhood so that the monotony of it doesn't slow me down.  Though I liked the other workout I was doing, I didn't feel it was long enough, so I switched back to the 30 day shred.  I will start Level 2 tomorrow and am looking forward to the change.  I'm sure I will still yell at Jillian when I feel she's asking me to do something ridiculous.  I just wish she could hear me! :-)

I'm still working my way through James with Beth Moore and am thoroughly enjoying it.  She always makes me laugh!  I love that her daughter Melissa is adding something a little extra to this study, so I get to dig even deeper.  Our class at church yesterday actually reference one of the scriptures from James I have highlighted, James 1: 5-6.  It has really helped me keep my focus during my job hunt.  I really feel like the Lord led me to this study right when I needed it.  Don't we serve an awesome God!

Starting this week, I'm setting diet goals for myself.  These are food changes I'd like to make in order to make this a FULL body restoration.  It's going to be a long, grueling process as it will require much more support from outsiders.  SO, if you're with me, help me keep these goals in order to develop healthier eating "habits"!!!

1.  No more snacks after 8pm.  Very rarely do we eat dinner this late, but sometimes there's just no avoiding it.  That's not what I'm talking about here...I'm talking my late night Peanut Butter Oreos or Sour Patch Kids or Ice Cream.  NO MORE!!!

2.  Bye-bye pop.  This one is going to be BRUTAL!  Dr Pepper and I are BFFs, especially with my migraines lately (at least that's my excuse)!  We typically don't buy pop to have at home because we know it would cost us a fortune as quickly as we'd drink it, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue.  However, every time we go out to eat, I order a pop.

Week 5 - Muscle must REALLY weigh more than fat...A LOT MORE!

Holy Toledo, batman! 7 pounds in a week - REALLY!?!  This is not a good 7 pounds people!  According to the scale, I have gained 7 pounds in the last week!  I'm not quite sure how or where, but that's what it says.  I've changed my routine again...I don't know what it is about Jillian Michaels, but doing the same thing over and over really gets to me.  Maybe that's why I gained this week.  I thought the workout I created was good and I'm still running 3 times a week (and at further distances), so I'm not quite sure what's going on.  Even with spending the holiday weekend away with friends, we didn't overindulge in food and walked a TON...I even ran to Kentucky and back! ;-)  Oh well, whatever.  It's a new week and I'm persistent so I'll keep at it and we'll see what happens.

Beth Moore and I are still digging deep into James and I'm loving it!  I did slack a little over the holiday weekend and I'm disappointed about that, but right back on track today.

Please continue to pray that I can find a job that works with our family's schedule.  I'm trying to be patient, but if you know me, you know I'm not good at that...AT ALL!!!  I dropped a few more resumes today and hopefully one will turn into something.  Tootles...until next week!

Week 4 - Slowly but surely

Back to Beth this week and boy has she been causing me to dig deep!  I love it!  I've really been struggling with the fact that I'm not able to find a job within the schools since our move to Ohio.  I want so badly to be able to help our family financially, but I feel it's so important for me to be home when the kids are home.  This is why I'm so specific about the area of work I'm looking for.  It's not that I'm picky and just want summers to play with the kiddos (though that is a perk), it's that this is where my heart is.  I've always wanted to be a "teacher" and since I didn't finish the degree, I'd be happy with nearly any position that will let me be working with children like I've desired for so long!  My bible study this week has helped me open my eyes to the fact that I have to FROG - Fully Rely On God!  I cannot doubt him while I go through this process.  I need to hold my head high and praise him for each and every opportunity.  Speaking of which, I did interview with a hiring agency and once they receive my aide permit, I will have the opportunity to start subbing.  It's not full-time and it's not permanent, but it's a step...

I'm slowly making progress with my body changes, but I wasn't feeling it this week.  I've felt blah and bloated.  Also, since I was in the dumps about the job thing, I've found myself snacking more...which probably is what caused me to be blah and bloated! :-/  Jillian kicked my booty, as usual, but quite literally this time!  There were a few days I couldn't even sit comfortably!  My runs are getting longer and I'm feeling pretty good.  It's going to be a scorcher this week, so I may have to resort to the treadmill but I'll do everything I can to be outside!

I'm hitting a place, mentally, that I could use a lot of prayers and even comments with success stories!!!  Like my runs, I take it all a step at a time...

Week 3 - The scale is finally my friend!

Nothing better than stepping on the scale this morning and FINALLY seeing it change. It may only be a little, but it still made me smile! I have lost a few more inches this week...mostly on my hips & thighs.  THANK GOODNESS!!!  I have noticed a difference, by looking at the pics, in my derrière.  My clothes are fitting that much differently yet, but I'm being patient with that.  I took a few days off from Jillian and tried a crossfit video instead.  It was pretty intense, but short, and I couldn't feel my body changing (muscle pain) like I can with the Shred, so I switched back to that on Saturday.  Still running 3x a week too and really progressing in that 10K program.

Though my parenting sermon series was wonderful & I had one left, I started back to my Beth Moore study today.  I just love her energy and the depth of her studies. The kids started back to school today so I have much more peaceful time to study.  Until next week, thanks for the prayers and support!

Week 2 Updates

Well, it's a good thing I'm not doing this based on the scale alone, because there has been absolutely NO CHANGE since I started 12 days ago! :-/ However, my tape measure is my new best friend because there are changes there!  I've posted this weeks pictures below to show my progress. It may not be noticeable to you all, but it is to me!  I have been consistently studying my bible each day (even on the day I didn't think I was going to get to it because I forgot until it was really late). The runs are getting longer and harder, but I am feeling pretty good. My foot isn't bothering me too much. I have a little pain in my ankle, but I know those muscles are just very weak and healing comes in time. Thank you for your continued prayers! Here are a few quotes I saw this week that made me laugh because they are OH SO TRUE for me...

"I really like to run because I really Really REALLY like dessert!"

"I run...I'm slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter...But I run!"

:-)

Day 10 - Too little, too late

SO, it's 10:30pm and I just realized O haven't made time today for my bible study! :-( At this point I'm afraid I'll fall asleep. I will prob try anyway, as I'm also trying to stay awake to switch out the laundry I started this morning! I did workout VERY early so that I could shower before taking the kids to their PPK event this morning. Well, here I go...wish me luck...

Day 9 - Now we have a dilemma

So my complaint about not finding a good bible study to do while my OCD is in effect with the other one has lead to a dilemma.  I found a GREAT study today on parenting BUT, it's a sermon series and there are 7 of them! Guess Beth Moore is on hold for another week while

I finish this series...that is unless I listen to them all this weekend! :-)

Got our run in early this am so it wouldn't be too hot and that way we can go to the grocery after lunch. Swimming with our church family tonight too so double the workout today!

Day 8 - Misc Prayer Requests too

I'll be honest, my bible study this morning was weak! :-( If anyone has any suggestions of a free online study, I'm all ears! I will be spending this gloomy day inside anyway, so I'll be digging deeper myself!

Finally got motivated enough to do my 30 Day Shred. I was able to do quite a few "man" push-ups before resorting to my wimpier way! Saturday I'm going to up my hand weights a little for most of the exercises but certain ones my shoulder give me trouble on.

I have quite a few random prayer requests for my prayer warriors out there.  Listed in no particular order...

1. The healing of my left foot and the ankle soreness I've been experiencing while doing lunges.

2.  Proper management of Josiah's Tourette's, Anxiety, and Anger & my patience on the days we struggle.  (We're having some rough days lately.)

3.  For patience and God's guidance as I search for work.

4.  Good rest and energy for Frank as he is working a ton right now!

5.  The boys returning to school in a little over a week.

Day 7 - Blech

Woke up with yet another headache. It was gloomy out so I attribute it to weather and allergies but am wondering if its something more since its been occurring a ton since I started working out again. I guess I'll just keep monitoring (unless it gets worse).

Decided to take my time getting going today and relaxed in my chair with my coffee (nope, caffeine didn't help the headache).  Searched online for a bible study for today and found some free videos on the Women of Faith website. They were good but a bit short, so I watched all 4 today. Was not even close to comparing the digging deep I've been doing in my Beth Moore Study! :-( Looking forward to getting back to that next week - Darn my OCD!!! ;-)

Headache finally dissipated a little so I decided to run, but wasn't even going to attempt to go outside with such high humidity!  Guess it was a treadmill kind of day. I still feel crummy, but I finished and that's all that matters!

Day 6 - Thank you Lord for your grace!

What a wonderful lesson this morning on grace and me being a child of God! I've downloaded video 2 of the James study, but would really like to wait until Monday to start it (don't ask...it's an OCD thing), :-) so I'll do something different for the remainder of this week and pick back up with James next Monday.

Jillian kicked my booty again today but not as much as the first few days. I can now do the jumping jacks and jump rope back to back without feeling like the bottom half of my legs are jello jigglers!

Now, off to buy school supplies...blech!

Day 5 - The first Monday

After having yesterday off for my day of rest - that's biblical you know ;-) - I wondered how easily I'd be willing to do my workout today.  Fortunately, the kids are very motivating! :-)  I love that the older two want to run with me and it gets me out the door each time we go.  I hope that I build that habit within the next few weeks, so when they return to school, I'm able/willing to go on without them!

I also studied on James again this morning and I just LOVE how Beth Moore keeps your interested as she teaches SO much!  The time it takes to do my bible study just flies by because I'm so intrigued.  If I hadn't mentioned it before, I'm using the iPad app for this study and I LOVE IT!  It's so interactive.  You can download each weeks video for a reasonable fee and answer the questions she asks right on the screen.  It's very, very cool.

Because I want to update my measurements each Monday, but I started on a Thursday, there won't be any updates to that or the picture this week.  I am already noticing a difference and feeling great!  I won't lie, the foot is a little tender, but I've been down for so long that I'm sure healing will come in time!

Day 3 - Done early!

Excited to say that I made time to work on my James study today. It wasn't uninterrupted, but started my day off right!

Jillian and I battled again today...Jillian won! I am SO sore! Good new is, I did jumping jacks without wetting my pants!  If you're a woman who hasn't had children (or another good excuse for a weak bladder) or a man, you cannot laugh at this statement! If you're a mother, you're only laughing because you know exactly what I'm talking about!!! :-)

Tomorrow is a day of rest, from fitness, but looking forward to church and relaxing with the fam.

Day 2 = Trade this for that...

Busy day today at an amusement park with the kids and some friends.  I think a full days worth of walking beats a 30 min run/walk anyway! As far as bible study goes, I sure spent a lot of time in the car shouting praises to my Lord to & from said amusement park (along with everyone else listening to K-Love)! :-)

Day 1 = SUCCESS

Well, it is only Day 1 after all, but I survived! Even though I had an extremely busy day, I made sure to find time to spend with my buddy Jillian. I dislike her the same today as I did years ago when I did her 30 Day Shred! My legs feel like jello but I guess that means progress already.

I'm ashamed to say I didn't get my Beth Moore study done today. :-( I could make a 100 excuses, but none are good enough! All I can say is that I'll keep pressing on toward the goal & ask for forgiveness!  FAITH, then fitness from here on out!!!