A License To Go SLOW

Over the weekend, on my way to Trader Joe's, I passed three women 'running' down our main road. Coming back from Trader Joe's, I saw another one. These women were 'running' at my speed. Which I like to call walking, with finesse.

I thought I was the only one in town (or maybe even the world) who runs so s-l-o-w-l-y. It's a real issue with me, actually. A runner friend told me that it doesn't matter how fast or slow I go, as long as I keep moving and stay with it. I try to internalize that advice but, no matter how hard I try, I end up trying to run fast and then I get frustrated and/or injured.

I'm sure it doesn't help one bit that everyone I pass when I'm out there is in their 30s and 40s and their slow pace is faster than my fastest pace. Hell, they walk faster than I run. And, when I see them or hear them coming, I speed up because I can hear their thoughts-- "Crazy old woman, why don't you just walk so we don't have to call 911 for you?" Or, "Poor old thing, I guess she's taking the 'slow and steady' philosophy to heart." As soon as I speed up, I regret it. Now I have to keep this ridiculous pace until they catch up and pass me. What an idiot. By time they do, finally, pass by, I can hardly breathe. I want to call someone to come get me. Even though I'm less than a quarter mile from the house.

But now, I've seen them. There are more out there like me. And they're younger. And they're running MY RUN. I feel like I will be running everywhere I go now. It's like these women gave me a license to do so-- freely. Without care or concern about what anyone else has to say or thinks (and, really, I doubt they even notice me).

I just hope it works when that 70+ year old is coming my way. He outruns all of us.

A Few Lessons Learned

This is not all about those life lessons I've learned along the way. Not that it would take me so long because I've learned so much rather, it would take more than a blog post or ten to discuss the frustrations of the lessons that I stubbornly refuse to learn.

No, this is about the lessons I've learned regarding empty nest fitness. Hey, at least I'm learning something.

What I've learned about personal fitness:

• Having a fitness buddy doesn't work for me. I prefer to workout by myself because I work at my own pace and I change, frequently, what I am going to do each day. Right now, I'm working hard on running and having someone doing it with me would be fatal to my efforts. I probably enjoy running because it's such a loner thing to do anyway. 
• No matter what workout I choose, the process is long. It takes a LONG time to get fit once you've been sedentary for years. 
• Noticing the little changes on a daily basis is much better than setting a long term goal for myself. I need to see positive differences as quickly as possible or else I'll get frustrated and shut down. When I run and notice something fitting looser, for example, I am very motivated to run the next time. And I feel good all day long.
• When I do start to get winded or tired while running, I remind myself that there was a time when I could only run about 30 feet before I had to stop. Seriously. Thirty. Feet. This memory drives me to keep going. 
• I can overcome challenges to fitness. At first I had to overcome being so overweight that exercising was rough. Really rough. But I kept going. Now, I'm still overweight (though not as much) but my fitness level has increased a ridiculous amount. I can run up the stairs at school whereas a few years ago I could hardly walk up a flight of stairs. I can for 27 minutes whereas, a few years ago, I couldn't run more than 30 feet at a time. I can walk anywhere for any distance. I can complete a Julian Michaels' workout and feel refreshed instead of doing a half-assed job and feeling like I was dying. There are so many things I can do now. Like, live. 
• I have control over my negative self. I can take him down quicker than the blink of an eye. Seriously, as soon as I even have a remote feeling that he is about to sabotage me, I shut him down. He doesn't even get the first word out of his mouth anymore. 
• I am not one to pick a workout and stick with it. I have changed my workouts so much that I wonder if I could remember them all. And that's ok for me. Right now, running- whether Couch 2 5K or interval-- is working and I enjoy it. But, with my track record, it's subject to change. 
• I finally learned to take a break as soon as something doesn't feel right. This has made a huge difference in the amount of time I have to stay away from working out. Before, I would just go until I was hurt and had to stop for a month or so. Now, it's no more than a day or two. 
• I've learned that ice is my BFF when it comes to working out. 
• I have learned to slow down and appreciate the journey. 

This whole fitness thing has been a long journey. And it's far from over. Once you start it, you never stop. But, really, why would you want to? It makes you feel so much better. It leads to self discovery. It wards off illness. It makes you look better. It will make you life longer. What's not to love about getting fit?!

Work Out Moms

When the first two lovelies came along, Breezy and Deanie, I was pretty good about walking for exercise. I also made use of a few exercise channels- Denise Whatshername was on Lifetime and so was that dark haired guy- forgot his name...oh yeah, Gilad, or something like that. Anyway, I did work out.

Then Birdie and DoodleBug came along. Was I still working out? Sort of. I moved on to the videos- Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies and such. I even teamed up with a friend to do some self-made exercises. There were the two times I tried a gym that provided child care and the Body and Soul workout offered at our church.

I sweated to those oldies about three times. The friend team up workouts lasted less than five months. The gyms lasted less than one month each. Everyone quit the Body and Soul classes.

My biggest problem? Commitment.

My biggest problem now? Being overweight.

Now it's going to take way longer to get into shape and get fit than it ever would have when the lovelies were growing up.

Sure, life got busier and busier the older each daughter got. Their involvements were so time consuming that I ran herethereandeverywhere every day of the week. But that should not have been used as an excuse. I could have fit some sort of exercise in every day had I just put forth the effort. I did not.

It seems, these days, that there is a myriad of ways young mothers can take advantage of getting/staying fit. My suggestion is that they latch on to the way that works for them (or multiple ways) and never let go.

Start a group where you all go for walks/runs together and, if there are multiple children in each family, take turns watching the kids while the others go for the walk/run and then switch. No one would have to watch the kids more than once a week if you work it out right.

Partner with your spouse- take turns working out while the other watches the little blessing(s).

Find something that works and then get out there and DO SOMETHING.

Don't fool around and wait and end up in the shape I'm in now.

Plus, you'll be much better examples of healthy, fitful living for your children than I ever was for the lovelies. The pay off is HUGE for you and all those little eyes that are watching your every move.

Did you take time to workout while your kids were little?

Lawd, It's Hawt

Anything related to running is not conducive to low-country summer temps. (Yes, I'm quite aware that summer is still 6 days away but try telling that to the thermometer.) Not the running itself nor thinking about it; watching someone else do it; see someone doing it in a movie; reading about it online or in a magazine. NOTHING about running is conducive to low-country summer temps. NOTHING.

Knowing this as I do, why is it, you ask, would I venture out late Friday morning around 11:00 to attempt a run? 

Stupidity. 

I see other people doing it all the time. From morning through afternoon into the evening. They seem to be ok. And they're not all young. There are a few out there older than me and Methuselah.  

But I'm not doing that anymore. From now on, if I don't get out there to run before 6:30 A.M., I am NOT going. 

Thus was born my great idea. I call it My Great Idea of the Summer of 2013. 

Three mornings each week of the summer, I will go up to school and run my Sprint 8s up and down the stairs. Oh yeah. My brilliance is astounding, eh? 

It's not that bad really. I've done it once already and I not only survived, I made it through all 8 rotations! And so, when I took that late Friday morning run, I was able to do it. It was hot, but I was able to get through the whole thing AND felt like I could have gone further. I didn't because I also don't like throwing up and going too much more would have resulted in that very act. Because it was hot.

Here's my point- Sprint 8 is fantastic for improving your fitness level. It works. It's for real. 

Go to Dr. Mercola's site HERE, if you're interested to learn more about Sprint 8. Mercola's site is the first place I learned about it. And I've seen the results- improved level of fitness. 

What improves your fitness level?

When They Come Back

Most of you have heard that there is no shortage of good things happening in our family right now--

• Birdie's engagement (contest for the new SILs nickname is forthcoming).
• DoodleBug's graduation (which is Saturday--Happy Mother's Day to ME!).
• DoodleBug's upcoming trip to Europe!
• DoodleBug moving back home for a while...Wait, WHAT? 

Yep, I've got one back home.

My first discovery? I had adjusted to an empty nest.

My second discovery? It was easy to readjust to not having an empty nest.

That's right. It took 4 years to adjust to an empty nest and about one second to adjust to having one back home. Go figure.

Of course rearranging furniture sucked. So did finding room for all the stuff we don't have room for in our tiny house. But it's working out nicely.

It was easier when Birdie moved back in for just a few months because she had a storage unit.

DoodleBug's storage unit is our house.

And, there's another issue.

Having DoodleBug at home has resulted in a new television program addiction (and I would like to say that partial fault goes to Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for even talking about this program in the first place...Gee, thanks, Joyce). It's The Voice. We're hooked.

Every Monday and Tuesday night, DoodleBug snuggles up in my bed with me and Tucker (the husband ducks down into the man cave- which is usually safer than getting in the middle a girl time) and we watch (and critique) each singer--not harshly though because...well, you've never heard either of us try to carry a tune, so...

What attracted us? The coaches. We love them.

And then there's the whole time spent together. With one exception.

Let me interject a piece of information here: DoodleBug and I also spend time doing other things. Fitness related things. Her idea. Oh, fun.

No, really it is. Every other day we run. And then, on the off days, we run sprints. It's torture. Pure and simple. Afterwards, she makes sure I get in my 50 pushups.

See? Torture.

Ok. Back to the (now ritualistic) watching of The Voice. Before we snuggle down to watch, DoodleBug begins her (also now ritualistic...and evil) chanting of "Want a Frosty and some fries, Mom?/How about a Frosty and some fries, Mom?" Until I relent. And give her some money.

And then we eat. And snuggle down. And watch The Voice.

We've also solve many of the world's problems.

And Tucker might really enjoy getting his belly rubbed.

Furniture, Frosty and fries, snuggle time, fitness torture, television watching...daughters ROCK! 

 

Ah, Youth

Remember the Wednesday before spring break when I was running and my Tucky darted in front of me and I fell?

Well, I'm back!

That's right! Yesterday was my first day back at running and it went well! I was so excited!

Even though I took it slow and easy. 4 weeks and 4 days of not being able to run was long. And torturous. But I wanted to make sure I could do it and keep doing it.

Of course, DoodleBug decided to come with me. And I was quickly reminded of my youth. And how much I miss it.

She ran circles around me and, by the time I finished one mile, she had run 2 or 3. Sigh.

And then, just to make me miss my youth that much more, Deanie ran her first half marathon yesterday.

She signed up at work with some friends---(Deanie is in the middle)--

They trained and trained and yesterday was the day of the run. I thought back on my college days when I ran. I don't remember liking it at all, but I did it nearly every day. I wasn't a distance runner, only running 2 or 3 miles, but I could do it.

Anyway, the girls went out about 6:00 A.M. to prepare. The race started at 7:00. I really don't remember ever smiling like they are THAT early in the morning during my youthful years.

 I finally decided to just be proud of myself for even attempting to get out there and run at all at my middle age. I decided to appreciate the fact that a lovely has moved home and WANTS to go out running with me all. And to just be so proud of Deanie getting out there and running a half marathon.

Which sent me right into mama mode and I started worrying about her running all that way and whether or not she had enough water and then the whole Boston Marathon issue popped into my head. Why do we moms do that? 

Anyway, afterwards, I told Deanie she should take advantage of her sister (Birdie) being an athletic trainer and ask her what needed to be done following a 13 mile run. 

Birdie told her to hydrate and stretch. 

And, because youthfulness is closely related to smart assery in our family, I got this picture--

Yes, my youth is gone and missed. But the youthful laughter that surrounds me tends to keep me more youthful than I realize.

OH- her time was 2:08--not too shabby for a first timer!

I'm linking this post to the twenty-fifth post of the April, A-Z Challenge!

Just click the badge below to visit other participants. 

Ok, let's see what y'all came up with for the letter 'Y'!

Fitness

And FRUSTRATION. Let us NOT forget FRUSTRATION.

Some of you know that I've been on a health and FITNESS lifestyle change for about 4 years now. I've tried this and that and that and this. Some of it has worked, some of it hasn't and some of it might have worked had I stuck with it.

Over the last four years, I've seen success, back-sliding, success, FRUSTRATION, more back-sliding, success...it's a vicious cycle.

I've also learned MUCH. Quite a lot. More than I ever thought I would. And I'm still learning.

My FITNESS level is better than it has been in YEARS. Decades. My nutrition was great when I was growing up and when the lovelies were growing up. But, in the years that they were really growing up and going off to college followed by going out into the big world, my nutrition level plummeted to its lowest EVER.

I've been back on track for quite a while now. Especially in the FITNESS arena. It's become a habit.

I started running again and interchange it with Sprint 8s. So, every other day I'm either running or running sprint 8s seven days every week.

Until the Wednesday before spring break when my little Tucker darted in front of me. Yep. I hit the pavement and gave myself a slight meniscus tear in my left knee. Talk about FRUSTRATION.

I was on a roll (not when I fell...stop laughing) with my FITNESS regimen. I was becoming firm in places that thought they'd never see firm again. I was going to look close to good at Bestie's daughter's wedding next week. I even bought a new outfit. And my nutrition plan was adding to my exhilaration.

Now, I'm just flat out FRUSTRATED. I've been off the knee for ten days now. TEN. DAYS. I miss running. I miss my sprint 8s.

I started walking Tucker again two days ago. But we only go about a quarter of a mile. And it's slow going for now. I know not to rush it. But I want to get moving!!!

Exercise is like that. Before you know it, you're addicted to it and you need it.

And, when you can't do it, you get FRUSTRATED.

The most recent thing I've learned about FITNESS:

• Take the dog for a walk and go back out to run. Duh.

I'm linking this post to the sixth post of the April, A-Z Challenge!

Just click the badge below to enjoy other participants. 

Ok, let's see what y'all came up with for the letter 'F'!

Energy

I remember the energy I had as a child. As a teen. As a young adult.

What happened to all that energy? Where did it go?

Did it get all used up while raising the lovelies? 

I think that maybe the energy level of humans should increase as we get older instead of decrease. But, since it doesn't, I've had to discover ways to keep my energy level up.

Here's what I've got so far:

• Exercise- being active, and I'm talking about exercise-the kind that gets your heart rate up for a period of time-seems to be key. I know this because of the previously sporadic nature of my exercise efforts. The truth is, when I'm active, I have more energy. When I'm not, I have less. 
• Positive attitude- making up your mind that you are going to have a good day, every day and then DO IT. It's not hard. I used to think it was, but it isn't. The trick is that every time a negative thought tries to creep in and thwart your efforts, you shove that b@tch right out of your head. Before you know it, they will all but stop coming around because they know it's not going to work.
• Keep life simple- do what you can without adding stress. If you can and feel like it, then do it. If it's going to cause stress, don't. If it's a HAVE TO that causes stress (make sure it's a HAVE TO), then make up your mind to just get it done and do it. VIOLA! It's over. A good purge is helpful here too. 
• Organize- let me tell y'all, I have tons to organize after raising four daughters. But it's quite a daunting task. This is another one that requires simplifying. I do it in spurts- a little at a time. The difference is not that noticeable at first, but the end result is fantastic. And it keeps the stress level low.
• Healthy eating habits- I've noticed that when I cut the sugars (even the organic) and keep my foods organic (nothing processed), I have more energy and a clearer- mind. Amazing.

These are just a few ways that I find helpful while trying to keep my energy level up. I'm sure I have many more to discover.

What do y'all do to keep your energy up?

I'm linking this post to the fifth post of the April, A-Z Challenge!

 

Ok, let's see what y'all came up with for the letter 'E'!

Fitness Listies

It's Monday and time to join Stasha over at The Good Life for Monday Listicles! I've missed joining in the fun for a week or two because I've been having computer issues. But I get to do it this week! 

Each week Stasha gives us a theme for our lists. This week, we have the List of 10 Things I Learned in 2012. I'm going to sort of copy Stasha who listed 10 things she learned about running since she started running this year. I'm going to list 10 things I learned about getting fit.

 All you have to do to join the fun is click on the link or the button! 

Ten Things I Learned About Getting Fit

1. Making excuses for not working out do not help me get fit. Which is a shame because I've got a gazillion of 'em. 
2. Motivation comes and goes but you have to do it whether you want to/feel like it or not. And the 'or nots' S.U.C.K. But do it anyway. See how that works? 
3. You have to keep trying EVERYTHING until you find the plan that works for you. Stopping/giving up will not get you fit. Plus, it's fun to yell at the people on the DVDs about their inability to count properly or what they can do with those annoying perky attitudes or, when they say, "Let's GO!" you can tell them exactly where THEY can go. 
4. It's quite beneficial in preventing injuries to have a daughter who is an athletic trainer while working on improving your fitness. I now ice and stretch everything. 
5. It sucks having a daughter who is an athletic trainer while working on improving your fitness because she's constantly saying things like, "Get moving!" "Keep going!" "DO! NO!. STOP!" "GO!GO!GO!"
6. Music during a workout is critical to my intensity output. The louder the better. 
7. Running is the most frustrating thing I've tried in my efforts to get fit. Breathing is crucial to living and I can't breathe when I run. SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE ME THE SECRET TO BREATHING WHILE RUNNING. I start out just fine and then, it's like I'm having a panic attack with the breathing. WTH?
8. Improving my fitness level enabled me to walk up multiple flights of stairs(and I can talk while doing it!) without stopping after every flight to spend 5 minutes catching my breath and wonder how they'll fit me into a coffin when I die from trying to walk up that flight of stairs in the first place. 
9. There is an APP for every type of fitness program I've tried and they are quite helpful!
10. I cannot workout in front of anyone. I'm pretty sure nobody (in their right mind) wants to see all of 'this' flopping up and down. That's right. I don't jiggle. I flop. There's just too much for a jiggle here and there. 

Alright all you list makers out there! What would you put on your Things I Learned In 2012 list?

The Fitness Path is HARD

How can we make a conscious effort to get fit? What, exactly does it take for us to take the first step and keep stepping on a regular basis?

I have to wonder if the answers lie within each of us, individually. I mean, what works for one might not work for another. But it's still good to know what others are doing- just in case something sparks that fire within us to get up and get started. And then, keep going.

I've tried many, many (manymanymanymanymany) different ways to get started on a fitness path consistently for the last 3.5 years (inconsistently before that). I've only recently discovered something that I have been able to stick with.

I remember clearly the days of excuses.

• I don't have time (I wouldn't want exercising getting in the way of watching television of sitting on my duff with the computer)
• I'm tired (of course you are dummy, you're sitting on your duff all day)
• I can't afford the gym membership (and, apparently, you can't afford the free stuff like walking either)
• I'm busy with the kids (no you're not, the kids are all grown up--and, even if they were still little, it would be great for them to see you working out and maybe even doing it with you)
• I'm working (not 24/7 you aren't, fit it in)
• I don't want to (guess that's what will go on your tombstone)
• I'm surrounded by unsupportive people (so what, do you seriously let the attitude and opinion of others influence what you do/say/feel/believe?)
• The weather is too hot/cold/rainy/windy/etc (so do it inside, duh)
• I don't have anything to wear (right, like you don't have any clothes that you can sweat in)

The list of excuses went on and on and on and on... 

There are a gazillion excuses out there for NOT getting started. We all have them. We all use them. Of all the  excuses though, MOTIVATION (or lack thereof) is the big mama. 

No one, not one single soul, can motivate us to get fit other than ourselves. It takes self motivation. That's my take anyway. 

I've begun because a friend was doing it and looking great. It didn't take.

I've begun because a special event was forthcoming and I wanted to look good. It didn't take.

I've begun because I didn't want to be fat anymore. It didn't take.

I've begun because I wanted to enjoy going places and doing things. It didn't take. 

I've begun because I wanted people to think I was really awesome working out at my age. It didn't take.

I've begun out of boredom. It didn't take. 

I've begun because of how I looked in pictures It didn't take.

Blahblahblahblah. Some of you have probably heard it all before as well. 

I've started and stopped so many times I ought to be darn fit by now! I am more fit now than I have been in YEARS. AGES. EONS. Since college probably. Undergrad because in grad school, I partied A LOT. 

I've got a library full of DVDs and VHSs---yep, I've been at this whole start/stop thing since we used VHSs. I've worked out inside and outside. I've gone to the gym (yuck) and to classes (double yuck). I've bought the treadmill and I've bought the cute workout clothes (yes, they come in large, lard ass sizes). I've probably done about all there is to do. Including Richard Simmons Dancin' to the Oldies. 

So what finally happened that put me on the fitness track to stay? 

I think it was when I decided I wanted to get fit just to be fit and not to lose weight. And to do it for myself and no one else. 

I also stopped stressing over it. I just decided I was going to do it. I think it also helped to find something that I could commit too with relative ease --the Synergy plan. 

I thought the running was going to do it for me but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get my breathing to cooperate. I know it's still a problem because I'm still trying every so often and the breathing is still an issue. 

After committing to the Synergy plan for 8 weeks (well, 7 actually because I got sick that last week) I noticed a HUGE increase in my fitness level. When I started back three weeks later (I hate being sick) my fitness was at an all time high. Which was odd because I thought I'd have to start all over again.

I'm still working out daily. I walk Tucker every single morning for at least one mile and, on the weekday afternoons, I alternate between Sprint 8/weights and plyometrics/stretching.

This plan is working for me because--

• it's doable
• it doesn't take a long time
• I don't have to leave home
• it's FREE
• I enjoy it
• I'm sticking with it
• MY FITNESS LEVEL IS STILL INCREASING
• I've gone down two sizes since I started it

So, yes. It took me starting and stopping for years before I found something I can stick with for longer than a  few weeks. And yes, I still think how far along I would be had I not gone through all that starting and stopping. 

I guess it was all necessary- though I can't see it right now. Other than my motivation was WRONG. And then there were the times it was MISSING. All that led to where I am now- my body is used to the working out and it craves it. I doubt I could stop if I wanted to. Luckily, I don't want to. 

Not right now anyway.

What gets you motivated and keeps you that way where fitness is concerned?

Working It Out

I discovered, during my three weeks of an awful hayfever attack, that even allergies- if they're severe enough--can interfere with my fitness plan. And I did not like that one little bit.

I had to stop exercising for three weeks. THREE WEEKS. But I couldn't do anything that required exertion because I was certain that I would cough up a lung. Or two. And I kind of need those things. 

This meant I couldn't walk the dogs for a couple of weeks either. But that was ok because Birdie took my place. I started walking them again last week and it went fine. Even though I hacked most of the time. No worries, my lungs remained intact.  

This week, I started back on my Synergy workouts. And I realized just how much I have missed working out. NOT because I had a difficult time. On the contrary! I was back at it and doing even better and working harder than I was before that blasted allergy attack.

I actually missed working out. Hush you say! I know! But it's so true. I was so used to working out on that Synergy schedule, I missed it when I couldn't get it done. But I'm back. I'm stronger than before. The stamina is much better. The motivation returned. It's just fabulous!  

There is a change, however. This time, I have put my own spin on the Synergy plan. 

• Monday/Wednesday/Fridays are for Sprint 8 and weights. 
• Tuesday/Thursdays are for plyometrics and stretching. 
• Then there are the 7 days/week of walking pups one mile in the mornings before school. 
• Saturdays and Sundays are my down days. Unless I miss a workout during the week, then I make it up on the weekend. 

I feel like this is a doable plan not to mention an enjoyable one! BUT, regardless of the plan, I believe the key to this whole fitness thing is developing the habit of fitness.

I've tried so many different ways to get fit. Some of you have read about them on the blog. And I've enjoyed most of them but they didn't stick. Which I thought was due to my short attention span and the fact that I get so bored so easily.

But now that I tried the whole 8 week commitment to the Synergy plan, I can see how it was more about getting into the habit of working out. Once the working out becomes a habit, it really doesn't matter what you do. Your body just HAS to do something. I like this! I wish I had discovered it sooner. But I'm glad I know it now!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get your fitness habit going! I can't even begin to tell you how much better you'll feel!

If you're already in the habit, what's your best fitness advice? 

Synergy Fitness and the End of a Challenge

This first Sunday in September marks the end of the Summer Sizzle Challenge. But it certainly doesn't mark the end of the summer HEAT and HUMIDITY. Stupid weather.

I have been a terrible challenger this summer. I got bored and then I just didn't care to track and then I just didn't care at all. I blame in on the aforementioned HEAT and HUMIDITY that caused me to lose my motivation and eat lots of frozen yogurt. Yes, I really am blaming the weather and I'm not ashamed.

But the challenge was good in many ways---

• I met new bloggers/challengers
• I learned more about myself 
• I learned tons about true organic foods and about those evil monsters at the Monsanto corporation
• I increased my fitness awareness and level
• I discovered Phil Campbell's Synergy workout program featuring the Sprint 8
• I walked quickly up three flights of stairs and did not have to stop at the top for a few minutes before continuing to the car

So even though I wasn't very good to the challenge, the challenge was very good to me.

And Rochelle? She's just the best challenge host EVER! I adore her! Her leadership qualities are phenomenal and her care for the challengers was felt and appreciated by all.

All in all, I only lost about 10 pounds- at least that's what I can figure from my best guess. And that's fine. It's not about the weight loss at this point. I'm focusing on increasing my fitness level now and I'm pouring 100% into that.

Yes, I need to lose a bunch of weight. But the weight gods (as Rochelle calls them) are not in my corner right now. So I called forth the fitness gods and we're kicking ass!

I'm keeping a daily journal of the Synergy workout plan that you are more than welcome to read by clicking here. And feel free to leave comments there too! I've just completed Week 2 of the 8 week commitment and I'm already noticing differences in shape and fitness!

I won't be posting any before and after pictures from the challenge. HOWEVER, I am planning on posting before and after shots for the Synergy program. Only 6 weeks left.

There are some leaves from one of the neighbor's trees falling into my yard right now. Which is a promising sign of fall---even though it's hard to appreciate when the temperature is 91 degrees. The weather app on my phone says the humidity is only 66%. The weather app is lying.

I'm not joining in another challenge for the fall. I'm on my own with this Synergy workout. BTW, I emailed Phil Campbell (the guy who wrote the book) and he emailed me back! He also put me in touch with the woman who is gathering research. She lost 80 pounds just doing the Synergy program. And I do believe here because she's not asking for money. LOL Seriously, head over to my Synergy tab and follow the links. Maybe this is something that will work for you!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Regardless of your personal journey- I wish you great success!

Summer Sizzle- And a Rant

It's time for the Summer Sizzle update for the end of Week 12 and the beginning of Week 13! And guess what Week 13 is? Our final week! WooHoo!

I really did begin my Synergy workout this week. I even made a page devoted to keeping a Synergy journal. It's at the top of the blog if anyone wants to see how the first week went, or you can just click here. I thought that keeping the journal right here on the blog would help keep me accountable. We'll see.

I would love to tell y'all how I have enjoyed rocking the hell out of this challenge, but that would be a lie. I haven't- as far as weight loss goes. However, as far as fitness is concerned? I think that I might have. Remember those 3 flights of stairs? And now that I've started the Synergy workout, I have to say that fitness has become a major goal.

Weight loss stopped being my main focus a while back when it switched to healthy eating. I can't tell y'all how much better we feel now that we're eating only organic foods- veggies are certified organic and from local farms; dairy products and meats are from small, family owned farms that don't use machinery or give growth hormones or antibiotics to their livestock; grass fed beef, free range chickens/turkey, wild caught fish (fresh from the docks I might add); sugars are only organic cane sugar or honey; flour is unbleached and gluten free; we buy spring water that had to be researched just so we could be sure it was actual spring water with little processing (OH, and there are natural springs right here in our state and one is close to us so I'm going to start filling up there...it's FREE); soaps and shampoos, etc. contain no chemicals... And I know it makes a difference because, two weeks ago, we were out of conditioner and I had some left over from when I bought any old thing from Wally World. I didn't stop smelling that stuff for 3 days and it gave me a headache and made me all itchy...yep, won't be buying anything like that ever again.

And now for the rant portion of the post: I've learned so much about fitness and healthy eating. I've learned which manufacturers to avoid because they claim 'natural' but are not organic and which ones are affiliated in any way whatsoever with the Monsanto Corporation. I've learned that it is nothing less than a complete and utter travesty that our government is allowing big business (and this has been going on for AGES) like the Monsanto Corporation to produce GMO crops and tell the American public that our food is safe and nutritious and even the supreme court who enables Monsanto to run the small, family owned farms out of business. Disgusting. And I don't even know the half of it, I'm sure. But that's enough to make me sick and tired of it. And scared, to be honest. It's not good when our food supply is not only being tainted but being allowed to be tainted--dare I say- encouraged to be tainted.

So, yes, I've lost weight. But that's not the best thing or even the most important. My fitness level has improved tremendously and I'm completely motivated to boost it even more. The foods I feed my family and the products we use are healthy and chemical free. There's no turning back now! And we're all the better for it! And we are more encouraged than ever before to go off the grid. It's time to say, "ENOUGH."

Week 12 - (begin August 19) - SURPASS YOUR FITNESS/WEIGHT GOALS FROM WEEK 10
I definitely surpassed my fitness goals from Week 10 by beginning the Synergy workout!

Week 13 - (begin August 26) - LOW CARB WEEK & NO EATING OUT
We don't eat that many carbs in a day or week and we rarely to never eat out, so this really shouldn't be a problem.


Have a great last week of Summer Sizzle y'all!

Summer SIZZLE...In the Rain

Believe it or not, I'm on time for the Summer Sizzle update for the end of Week 11 and the beginning of Week 12! It MUST be a miracle! :)

No wrenches thrown into the mix this week, thankfully. I've been running again- in 100% humidity. That has NOT been fun at all but it's been doable. And, now that summer has rounded the corner and might actually leave (PLEASE, PLEASE leave!) before we all suffer extreme consequences, I'm acclimated. Figures. It has been nice having some rain though. And storms. I love storms.

I decided to step on the scale just to see- and I'm three pounds down. I'll take it. Though I have no idea how much I've lost during this challenge. Way to keep up, I know.  Anyway, that means there is no picture of my weight loss in terms of food which was our challenge from last week.

Everything pretty much remains the same here with eating only organic foods and nothing processed. And water is my only drink except for that cup of coffee in the mornings. I've never been a coffee drinker but I found this espresso blend at Trader Joe's and I AM HOOKED! Oh how I LOVE that buzz burst of energy morning cuppa! Although I am looking for a recipe to make my own organic ginger ale. Anybody have one?

The challenge for this week is to surpass your fitness goals from week 10. Since week 10 had me down with hay-fever, I'm thinking this won't be that difficult. :) Tomorrow is the first day of Synergy for 8 weeks (I know I've said before that I'm starting it but I am this week for real because I just can't put it off any longer). I'm expecting big fitness improvements and will also be incorporating some 5k training in there thanks to Birdie.

And there you have it. Hope everyone has been enjoying a fantastic weekend!

When They Come Back...Look Out!

Having Birdie home is fantastic. I mean, just knowing that one of the lovelies will be here every day makes my heart sing! But, with Birdie, there are extra benefits!

Like when she gives her dog, Strider a bath. Strider is not fond of baths. When Birdie gets him all soaped and stops to reach for the hose, Strider takes off and runs circles around the backyard like he's a participant in a dog race. The more Birdie calls him back, the faster Strider runs his circles. Birdie doesn't laugh nearly as much or hard as I do. But hey, it's FUNNY!

Then there are the mornings that we decide to go and have breakfast at Bagel Nation. Sometimes we eat there, other times we bring breakfast home. But it's just nice to have her here and do things like that with her.

And then, there are those precious talks we engage in about when she was little or what her philosophy is or her opinions on life/politics/everything...it's priceless getting these insights into a grown daughter.

Of course, she does get her laughs in when she tries to teach me how to play a game on her XBox 360. Turn about IS fair play. Or when I've forgotten someone else is in the house and I'm walking towards the family room door and she comes walking out and I jump while clutching my heart and screaming. Or when I've forgotten (again) that someone else is in the house and start singing aloud to the tunes playing on my iPod and suddenly I think I hear laughing and remember that she's here. And she IS laughing.

Unfortunately, all of this does come with a down side. Birdie is an Athletic Trainer. And with this profession comes occupational hazzards. Like not being able to stop yourself from noticing how people walk and run and telling your mother that she overpronates when she runs so, "You need to get some inserts." "What does that mean?" "It means that during the mid-strike you over pronate or land too much on the inside of your foot." "HUH?" "You don't have a normal walking pattern." Oh...

Or, "Come on, Mom. I'm gonna work you out. You'll be ready for the 5k by Thanksgiving." "I don't like to run when it's this humid." "You'll get used to it, let's go." I'm gonna be running alright. For the hills! This kid is S.E.R.I.O.U.S.

This is what happens when your daughter who LOVES her profession and LOVES to work but can't because the job hasn't started yet gets bored and you are the only one there for her to pick on use for torture train. God forbid I suffer an injury and become subjected to her treatment procedures.

I am quite glad that I was nice to her while she was growing up. Otherwise, this could get ugly.

Anyone got a good hiding place?

Two Weeks Behind- YIKES!

It's past time for the Summer Sizzle update for the end of Week 9 and the beginning of Week 10 BUT I'm just in time for the end of Week 10 and beginning of Week 11. Confused? Me too.

I had a couple of wrenches thrown into play the last couple of weeks. During week 9 we had family visiting and, while I did plan the menu and kept it organic/natural/healthy, I paid no attention to how much went into my mouth. We were having way too much fun for that! We also did quite a lot of sight seeing so when you couple that with walking/running the dogs first thing in the morning- I walked many, many miles that week.

But the BEST thing of all that week? Well, besides the fact that we had family visiting? Ok, get this: we went to the farmer's market on Saturday morning and we parked on the third level of a parking garage across the street. Of course, we NEVER consider taking the elevator so we hit the stairs. Three flights. Going down, not a problem. Going up? Are you ready? NOT A PROBLEM!!! What?! That's right folks! I had no trouble walking up those three flights of stairs! This is a FIRST!!! The exercise is paying off! I am getting fit! I was leading the line going up too so the pace was not slow. And I made it! And I didn't have to stop or think I was going to pass out or have to stop and rest at the top before walking to the car! AND I could still breathe and talk! 

Then Week 10 hit and so did a MAJOR case of hay-fever. UGH. It has interfered with EVERYTHING except walking the dogs. It's rather difficult to exert oneself when you're hacking up a lung and stopping to blow your nose every 10 seconds. My hope for this week is to begin the Synergy plan which is an eight week commitment.

Nothing will change with the food as that has become our daily nutrition at this point.

I'm still staying off the scale because I'm sick of letting it rule my mood about losing weight. I hate being ruled by anything, especially a inanimate object. There's no sense in setting myself up for failure. However, just knowing that my fitness level has increased has made for a tremendous uplift in the mood!

That's it in a nutshell! How are y'all doing?

I'm Late! I'm Late!

For a very important date! I'm a day late posting the Summer Sizzle- Week 8 Update: Week 9 Deets! Sorry!

Well, kind of sorry. It's not like it wasn't crazy around here all week with the 21st birthday and Birdie coming home from London and all 4 of the lovelies and their boys being here all weekend! Whew! It's a wonder I'm still alive!

It's also a wonder I didn't gain any weight this week because I didn't really pay attention- I was just too busy. Although, everything I did eat was healthy. Unfortunately, we still have to watch those stupid freaking calories.

For our weekly challenge, I joined up with Julie who was kind enough to take time out of her incredibly busy days to set up a virtual 5k for us! I can't sign up for an actual 5k until the fall because the one I hope to walk/run is on Thanksgiving day. Anyway, I did get a 5k in even though the time was far from great. It has motivated me, though, to get out there and get my time down!

I mentioned before that I was planning on implementing the Sprint 8 into my exercise routine. I tried it a few days and it's not bad BUT I decided to buy the book that tells more about it and I'm glad I did. There's way more to it than just running (or whatever) sprints.

The book is Ready, Set, GO! by Phil Campbell. He lays the whole thing out for you including the science behind the theory. He gives you exercises WITH pictures (cause y'all know I have to have a picture or I won't understand) and schedules. He also gives detailed instructions so that you can get the best out of the workouts and avoid injury. I'm digging this book.

My dad and stepmom are coming this week with my two nieces so I will put this program into practice beginning NEXT Monday. I just hate doing things like this with an audience.

I saw a piece on Olympic race walking this morning and am going to work on my pace trying out some of their techniques. Though I'll probably look more like the Today Show team than anything resembling an athlete of Olympian proportion. I am not a Today Show fan but prefer the NBC local team over the others so I just happened to catch this. I found a video of it HERE if you want to watch. It was cute!

I'm still sitting on my exercise ball while at the computer- well, I WAS. Until I pulled my back out on the dang thing. That's right. I finally understand that engaging the core means torso NOT abs. Sheesh. I don't know if it's all the groovin' I'm doing while sitting on it, the fact that I'm on there having such a time that I don't realize 2 hours have passed OR a combination.

Ok, this week's challenge: Week 9 - (begin July 29) - NO SUGAR (unless it's all natural) AND NO SNACKING AFTER DINNER The sugar part is not an issue. I already only use honey, Turbinado or Coconut sugar. NEVER refined sugar and always organic. But the snacking after dinner? Well, I've gotten back into that bad habit. So it's good that it's included in the challenge this week.

That was my week. How did y'all do?

Summer Sizzle- Week 7 Update; Week 8 Deets

It's time for the Summer Sizzle update for the end of Week 7 and the beginning of Week 8 and, no, I don't have any idea how the time is going by so quickly.

But I'm glad it is because summer is NOT my favorite season. It's just too dang HOT. And HUMID. And MISERABLE.

So speed on by summer and PLEASE let us have a very chilly fall and cold winter! At least down here in coastal SC where fall and winter passed us by last time around.

I know. And I'll stop fussing about the weather as soon as it gets cool. :)

This last week has been CAH-RAZY around here. Self inflicted crazy. I've decided to paint some bookshelves which led to deciding to rearrange some things which led to deciding to get rid of a whole bunch of things which led to...y'all know how this goes. You start with one little project and the next thing you know---BAM! All hell breaks loose and you're left with total freaking CHAOS!

But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So- food has been good and healthy. Mostly vegan; some vegetarian; a smidge of meat once or twice. As always, all organic/natural/non-processed/grass fed/wild caught/free range/etc. And I'm averaging about 100 oz of water every day. It's too hot not to drink the hell out of some spring water.

Still no calorie counting. And no change in the scale. Which is fine by me. Well, as long as it's NOT a gain. LOL

Exercise is as follows:

7 days/week: walk/run Strider and then walk Tucker (that's two walks usually for a total of 3 miles)
3 days/week: Sprint 8 (on the days I don't walk with walking buddy)
3 days/week: third walk with walking buddy. (on the days I don't do Sprint 8)
While sitting at the computer I'm either on the exercise ball engaging the core OR on a chair using the 8 lb hand weights while reading blogs--or other important work. 

And that's it. I plan to get back into C25k training as soon as the weather cools down. I HATE doing anything in this OPPRESSIVE heat. Especially running.

This week's challenge was to commit to and sign up for a 5k. I did NOT do this because we can't sign up for the Turkey Day Run until the fall.

Week 8 - (begin July 22) - EMBRACE A FITNESS FEAR...I am having trouble with this one because I'm not sure what fitness fear I have. Other than never getting fit and being overweight until the day I die. I'll pretty much try anything that interests me.

That's it for me- hope y'all have a great week!

It Takes Big Balls To Do That

Most of y'all are familiar with how brilliant some of my ideas are. I've had another. Two, in fact. And they turned out to be just as brilliant as my past brain storms.

The exercise ball already in my possession seemed perfect for my first particular plan. 'Seemed' being the key word there. The lovelies had all been sitting on it without any trouble so, why shouldn't I be able to? Because I'm taller and much heavier than the lovelies, that's why. So when I sat on the ball, my knees came to my ears. This is NOT a comfortable position. Though it did get a rousing roar of laughter from said lovelies.

Armed with determination and my debit card, I headed out for Wal-Mart. Surely they made exercise balls for tall people. They do.

I could hardly wait to get home and pump that thing up so I could start engaging my core immediately. I pumped (and pumped and pumped and pumped) until the ball was just the right size and took into the study where I threw the desk chair to the side and carefully placed my new seat in its spot.

As soon as I sat down I could feel my core engaging! "I must have music," I thought to myself. So I plugged in my iPod whereupon I began ball grooving to the music. For a couple of hours. Those hours went by so fast what with the music and all--seriously, it's way big fun to move around on that ball to the beat of the music. But I needed to get up and move about and do something other than work intensively on the computer (i.e. read blogs).

Lesson number 1 when using an exercise ball as a chair: it's not just your core that engages. Apparently your entire body engages---a fact that does not become apparent until one tries to stand up from said exercise ball. Thus, my legs were wobbly and my back was so sore I could hardly move. Or sit. Or lie down.

OUCH!

No worries...once I got my legs back, I sat on the desk chair and decided that, when I was sitting on the desk chair instead of the exercise ball (which I stayed off of for two days) I would use my 8 lb hand weights and lift while reading blogs doing important work on the internet.

The only problem was that my arms were so sore from all the lifting of the hand weights that I could hardly type. So, if you're have not been getting comments from me, it's not because I wasn't reading. It was due to the fact that I couldn't really move my arms which meant that my fingers couldn't get to the keyboard.

Did I stop using the exercise ball and hand weights? Nope. I did take a break---I had to, I couldn't move. But I'm back. And it's better.

And there's nothing quite as fun as ball grooving to your iPod!

Summer Sizzle- Week 6 Update; Week 7 Deets

It's time for the Summer Sizzle update for the end of Week 6 and the beginning of Week 7-

Anyone else HOT out there? And, by HOT, I mean sweating buckets upon buckets every single day even when not exercising? Yep. Me too.

On to the update-

• I tried the Sprint 8 three days. It's fine- but too soon to tell how it's going to affect any fitness/weight loss so I will continue until I figure that out.
• I'm still walking/running 7 days/week every week- even in the heat/humidity and even when it rains. I walk Strider, come back to get Tucker and then walk him. After the dogs it's ME time- I walk/run another 2 or 3 miles- except on the Sprint 8 days. I average about 5 miles/day.
• Still drinking the hell out of some water every day. It can't be helped. Did I mention it's HOT outside?
• Still not counting calories but still keeping food intake healthy only (except for those darned dark chocolate edamame that jumped into my cart at Trader Joe's. Again.). 
• Still juicing daily.
• Was successful with this week's challenge of eating vegetarian. 
• I lost 1 pound.

Week 7 - (begin July 15) - COMMIT TO AND SIGN UP FOR A 5K
Ok this one will be easy on the commitment part and difficult on the sign up. I plan to run (maybe walk) a 5k on Thanksgiving Day in Charleston--the Charleston Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble. We can't sign up until the fall. Besides, just signing up for one doesn't do one thing for making me commit to actually DOING it. So, I'll just continue training and sign up when we're allowed to do so. 

And there you have it. Short and sweet!

Hope everyone had a great week and has an even better one coming up!