I Ran Today

Saturday was the final day of the 60 day challenge. I can't say that I finished in top form but I finished. I have never been so glad to be done with a required set of workouts. The final month was draining and just felt impossible. BUT, I did it and I did every day.
If I may, I'll share what I learned.
1. It is possible to fit it in. It really is. It requires planning, patience and the support of your spouse. It means that sometimes your kid is eating velveeta shells and cheese dinner and that you absentmindedly melt his bday cupcakes because you start the oven while you're working out and you melt the cupcakes you frosted for his baseball team. It means that your house is messy, the laundry gets backlogged, and the floors really need to be cleaned. But in the end, you can fit it in. This is the busiest time of the year for me and because I made this a priority, I was able to do it.
2. Support from people is immeasurable. I made it because both students and adults were asking me about it. They thought it was fun to hear about and I enjoyed talking about it. I enjoyed hearing about their journey and being both inspired and inspiring. Most people are busy and need extra pushes to get in shape and do what's good for our body. Helping each other out is key-we should always do this.
3. Making your goal public is a great motivator. Do it...if you fail, then you fail-people will get it. But often times, the public nature of the goal kept me going when nothing else would have.
4. Weight is tricky. I lost very few pounds. Maybe 5-6 total which was a huge disappointment to me. The scale didn't move far. I did lose inches. I lost an inch and a half around my waist and some inches off other parts of the body. While that's great and I do think I look better...there wasn't the dramatic before and after that I was hoping for. I don't fault the workout...I fault my desire to eat and drink whatever I want. I didn't eat terribly but definitely not like someone on a diet. It's so true that they really do go hand in hand. You have to be willing to do both to lose weight and I didn't quite pull that together. Because of the scale, I felt a bit disheartened at the end. It didn't help my motivation and I was frustrated. I need to let go of the scale, it's just so hard. Intellectually, I know where I should focus but if the scale doesn't go down, I feel like a failure.
5. I'm a runner. Before I trained for the marathon...I'm not sure if I could have said this and felt like I truly meant it...but it's true. I love running. I missed the space that it clears in my head. I missed being outside amidst other runners.
6. I need variety. If I saw that gentleman tell me to "focus" one more time in the workout...I was going to snap. I want to run, bike, go for hikes, walk AND do the Insanity workouts. I look forward to doing one on Wednesday with my friend, not because I have to but because I know that they're good strength resistance and they're a great workout.
7. An hour a day to workout isn't the best for my schedule. It's also hard mentally for me. 45 minutes always felt doable and I enjoyed it. When it got to the hour range, I dreaded it and felt overwhelmed. I don't know why that extra 15 minutes mattered, but it really did.
8. Push-ups are still hard. They really are.
9. Having a set schedule is key for me. So is a check box. I am going to make my own summer schedule of workouts that says what I should do each day and I'm drawing in the check boxes to make sure that I check each box. It's that whole planning thing that if you don't plan for it...you won't do it.
10. I am thankful that my body can do what it did. I am really thankful.
So...now what? I'm not sure. I'm going to continue working out...not sure if a blog is really necessary since I barf so much on fb. :)
Thank you for reading and offering words of encouragement. Those kept me going and I really did appreciate it.

Role Models

Well...it's been awhile. I've not kept up with this daily but I am still on track with the workouts. Today was day 50. That's right, day 50! Still going strong-wouldn't say loving this second month. I'm not an hour a day kind of exerciser especially when I'm super busy. This time of year is spent doing my favorite thing of the year and gearing up for Max's birthday. It's hard to fit it in but we're making it happen because that is what we said we would do.
I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with some absolutely amazing people. They're amazing on so may levels but what I want to speak to is their inspiration when it comes to fitness. I told some people that I was doing the workout in the theater and all kinds of people came to join. Women from their 60's down to the 12 year old tweener. Everyone did what they could and tried their hardest. What a testament to the power of staying in shape. The power of doing what you can day by day and keeping it up. I looked around at these women and felt so proud to be amongst them. They were proud of the hard work I'd done but I couldn't help but feel inspired by them. Everyone has a story and the fact that people just joined right in because they wanted to push themselves was lovely. It made the workout go by so much faster and was truly my pleasure to be amongst them.
Today I am thankful for FOTOG. I'm thankful for the people that go that make it so special year after year. They lead by example in so many arenas and they make me want to be a better person. I have 12 days left of this challenge...it's time to finish strong!

Square One

Wow...today is month 2. New workouts, new intensity. I felt like I was back to the beginning where I did a post titled, Ha! It was so hard. I couldn't do every move. Today was also the third fit test. My numbers went up in every category. Again, some more than others. But I am definitely stronger. All told, I worked out for almost an hour and a half. That's a really long time. I also spent most of today worrying about whether I'd die doing it! Obviously, I didn't. I made it and there's something to be said for starting a new habit and sticking with it for a while. I know I'm going to get stronger again. I know that while today's workout kicked my butt, it will be easier next time. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do every move but it will get easier. That's a confidence that feels nice to have.
I also like that it's hard again. I like that I know I'm doing a workout that pushes me. This is what I don't do when I leave myself to my own devices. I don't push myself at all. Even if I improve, I don't see what I'm capable of. This week doesn't feel hard to fit it in. It feels doable even if the workouts are longer. I know I'm going to do it this week and feel good about it. The only day I'm worried about is Saturday. I'm doing Relay for Life and will be basically up all night on Friday. Oh well... a power nap will pull me through. That's the other nice thing I've learned and internalized on this journey. Some days, my 100% isn't as good as my previous day's 100%. Before, I would have just quit or done nothing because why do something when you're not going to do it amazingly. This obviously wasn't good because something is always better than nothing. I would quit something and then usually spiral and need two weeks to get back on track. The calendar has kept me focused and filling in the boxes has been highly motivating. Even if it's not the best workout I've ever done, I do it.
So here's to day 36 done and in the books.

Feeling Thankful

This week is rest and recovery week. The video is the same for 6 days in a row. It will get a bit repetetive but there's comfort in knowing that I'll know it well and I can do every single move in the workout. Next month, the videos will get longer...I'm not sure how much more intense they can get, but they'll get longer. I'm worried about how to fit in an hour to an hour and a half but that is my task and I feel up to the challenge. It's been one month since I started this. Sadly, I haven't lost much weight. Nothing to write home about...or on this blog for that matter. But, I have lost somewhere around 3 inches if you add up the various measurements. My clothes look better but here's the best part...if I let go of the number, I feel pretty darn good. Everything fits, I feel really strong, and I'm proud that I've kept this up. Doesn't everyone tell you to let go of the number...but do we? I don't. I'm not a fan of letting it go.

But if you do...and focus on other things...then you can give yourself a gift. It's a gift to feel strong, to be able to push yourself, to be able to run around with your son on the baseball field. It's a gift to play a great game of what you love. It's a gift to inspire others and let them inspire you. We all have gifts to give to one another and to ourself. I feel thankful that I've stuck with this so far. It's not about the program but about pushing myself to do things that I set my mind to. Last week was rough in terms of motivation but this weeks feels a bit sunnier. I'm thankful for day
30.

Tonight's the Night

To work out hard and enjoy one of my favorite meals. I loved our trip to Red Robin. I ate exactly what I want and said very clearly, I'm just going to enjoy the meal without counting calories. I could still tell you how many calories I had for the day...but there's no need to divulge this information... :)
I did the workout hard. It was pure cardio and I did 20 push-ups in 45 seconds after tons of cardio. It felt great. The workout felt great and I was proud I did it on a Friday night. I ate what I felt like and tomorrow, it's back on track with the eating department. I am also going to workout hard tomorrow too. It's been almost a month. and Day 26 is done and in the books. Yay for almost a month!

No Excuses

You know...when you don't allow any, funny how you don't have any. I'm sick-I have a little cold but it's not an option to take the day off. I did the workout just fine. Granted, I was exhausted at the end and needed more time to recoup than normal but I made it and I worked hard. That's a good reminder that you can do it if you need to. I like continuing to work hard and pushing myself. I'm not a fan of eating healthy all the time so I should be thankful that my body can work hard to burn the calories that it needs to maintain this weight.
Another day in the books...I can't believe it's almost a month.

Overcoming

Well...I didn't blog yesterday. Mainly because I was annoyed with myself. I did the workout at half strength. I didn't get good sleep on Sunday which was completely my fault. I was tired and felt off on Monday. I did the workout but it wasn't my best effort. Not at all. I guess I'll be thankful that I did it. I would have used the circumstances as an excuse not to do one normally. My cough has evolved into feeling like a full-blown cold. This would normally be an excuse not to work out either. But today, I didn't use it as one. I said I'm going to give it my all and do the best I could. Thankfully, the body does more than we give it credit for. I did it and I put up a good showing.
I feel exhausted now but it's off to Max's game and my game for my other team tonight. Thankfully, I'm taking tomorrow off. My voice needs a rest and I can't stop coughing so it will be nice to sleep in and relax tomorrow.
Day 23 is in the books...I can't believe it but this is the last week before "cardio recovery" week and then the 2nd month picks up intensity...we'll see how that goes. Most of the workouts go up to an hour. Yikes! But today is done and I'm glad I'm back on track.

Little by Little

Feeling stronger...little by little. Doing more and more of the workout every time I do it. Can't seem to totally get the eating like they say you should but what are you doing to do?
Day 20-done

The Strongest I've Felt to Date

I could do almost every move in the entire video. I was up to ten push-ups in the midst of cardio galore. I didn't get great sleep last night but I powered through today and felt fantastic. I felt kind of low this week and with the help of great friends, I was able to push through. One said, what really do you want? You know, good question...what is this about? Exercise, longevity, vanity, pushing myself to do things I couldn't think my body could do? Is it all of the above or do my goals change with what I can do that day. Today, I ate well and didn't have a beverage. That was the choice I made today and I don't have to make that choice tomorrow...maybe that will help me through. I'll just give it the best I've got for that day. I guess that's all you can ask of yourself.
Day 19 felt the strongest so far. By far.

We're Up We're Down

Success! I actually did every move in the video. I did every squat, lunge, and "pulse" that was required. This is the first time I've been able to do this in a video...now, granted it was cardio recovery which means it was shorter and not nearly as intense, but still-I'll take it.
That felt really good to notice growth, notice change, and see me getting stronger. I need to focus on that...but what do I focus on? The scale. I think I should throw it out the window. I look at it too often and to be totally honest-I really like food. I don't want to give up the foods and beverages I love. I really don't like sacrficing what I'm eating. So-maybe I should come to terms with the fact that I like to eat, I like to exercise-this is the body I'll have since I like both. Blah, I sound like a whiner. I'm done whining. Yay for finishing the video!
Day 18-done.

A Change of Scenery

I did the workouts today in my classroom during my planning period. This sounds odd, I know, but I'm finding that to fit it all in, I have to be realistic about time. This is something I didn't always do. I'd say...oh, yes...I'll do it, knowing probably pretty honestly that I wouldn't get it done. Not having it be a question of if I'll do it but when I'll do it has really framed my brain to it not being a choice. I'd like for this mindset to continue beyond the sixty days. I don't make a choice to brush my teeth...I just do it. Exercise shouldn't be a choice.
I also made decent choices when we went out to dinner tonight. I didn't deprive myself of things I love, just had less which wasn't bad at all.
I'm still thankful for this journey. I'm thankful to the great people that surround me and encourage me.
Today's workout was pure cardio-40 minutes of crazy cardio and then 16 minutes of core/abs. Shockingly...I didn't hate it. I couldn't do every move at his pace, but I didn't hate it. Go figure. Growth happens...you do actually get stronger if you don't quit something in a week. :)

I Get by With a Little Help From My Friends...

If but not for the accountability measures in place...today, I would have quit. I wasn't feeling the workout, I'm starving, and my mood is fluctuating...if you're a lady, you may see what fun I'm headed toward. Plus, even though my weekend wasn't wild and crazy...it was a bit on the unrestrained side and the numbers on the scale went up. I know it isn't where my focus should be...yet it makes me wonder what's sustainable for me since I liked all that I did this weekend and I plan on continuing with those patterns. Ok, enough whining about numbers on a machine. I'm thankful for my friends that pushed me today. I'm thankful for those of you that have said kind words. Hearing things like I'm an inspiration...that's downright kind, amazing, and just what I need to hear to keep going. So, today is done and I'm thankful for the people around me. I'm thankful that I'm still trying. And really...I have amazing people in my life that face challenges that are far more difficult than mine so here's to everyone facing things that are hard and trying to do something about it.

Fit Test

This program has some great points about it to keep you motivated. I am motivated by tangible results and seeing numbers go up makes a huge difference to me. In the series of 8 moves, I felt stronger and much more willing to push myself. All the numbers went up during those moves. It felt really great. Unfortunately the scale numbers went up too but I'm focusing on the positive gains made in the fit test and recognizing that a weekend of not eating the best and enjoying a beverage...or 4 probably didn't help. Back on track.
Looking forward to doing it again in 15 days and seeing those numbers improve too.
Day 15-you were pretty good to me.

Yay...Day Off!

I love softball Sundays...everything about them. It was a great couple of games that we pulled out and enjoyed each other while we played. My team is alot of fun with a great group of ladies.
I'm thankful for a day off. I'm looking forward to the fit test tomorrow to see if the numbers have improved. 15 days...here's to hoping!

Weak Sauce

Wow...nothing like a 15 min. video to only work your core to make you feel like total weak sauce. I did all cardio for 40 minutes and then had to do that tag-on 15 minutes video of cardio and core work. It kicked my butt...it's continuing to kick my butt right now. Feel a bit tired. My Fitness magazine came today and in it it talked about motivation and how it really does take a month of sticking to a routine to create new pathways in the brain for a routine to stick. They also said you should start a blog to make it public because you don't want to report that you quit. So, here I am at basically the two week marker. Tomorrow is a rest day and I'm really looking forward to it. Monday is the strength test where I'll do a series of 8 moves and compare them to two weeks and see if there's improvement. I'm hopeful there's been some changes.
Happy day 13 and here's to the two week marker.

Happy Friday!

Did it...didn't want to. Whined about it. Really didn't want to...DID IT! It's funny how you're absolutely convinced that you couldn't possibly squeeze out one more minute to get a workout in and yet for the past 12 days I've managed to squeeze it in.
Feels really good...when it's done for the day. It feels good to talk about it with people and it's really fun to talk with my students about it. Tomorrow is a double workout of 40 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of just abs...my core, barf!

Ain't No Thing

Recovery was a welcome break today. I still couldn't hold the deep knee squats for what seemed like 4 years but I did most of the other moves with no problem. I find myself wondering about those dreaded push-ups and just kind of doing them here and there to see if I can do more than I think I can. When I wasn't in the middle of the workout, I was able to do 10 push-ups in a row with good form and no break. It's funny to hold onto that marker as something that matters but it feels really tangible that I am getting stronger.
Fridays are really hard to fit it in but I'll make it happen. Max, Zach, and Dash have been really great about it. They are encouraging and just kind of chill when I'm fitting in the workouts.
Day 11 and feeling good. Friday weigh-in tomorrow...hope that keeps this momentum going.

Check Boxes

Today was a better day. I felt better all-around for a variety of reasons. I approached the workout with a more positive attitude. It's amazing all the things you need to do in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You need to fit in your workouts, plan realistically when you'll do it and stick to that schedule. It's also necessary to plan meals. I feel like I have a series of tasks to do once I get home and I know in the past that I eventually rebel against these tasks. They are little check boxes dangling over my head. The most powerful check box though that is keeping me motivated is the one on the Insanity Poster that I check every time I do a workout. It's funny how it's the little things that keep you in check. Sticky notes, a blog, and a check box on a poster are what's motivating me right now. I'm thankful for these boxes because week 2 is when I tend to lose steam and give up because results don't ever happen as quickly as I'd prefer. I focus on the scale too much and that is my weakness...so I'm sure I'll still focus too much on that but it's the check boxes that will keep me going...at least for now.
I felt like I got over the hump so to speak of reframing my attitude...at least for now. Tomorrow is a recovery day so that will be nice to be a bit more chill.
Day 10-Yay!

To Know Thineself

Today was a hard day all-around. My lower back still hurts during these workouts. It's not terrible, it's just kind of an ache. They do feel somewhat repetetive and I just wasn't into it. The scale hasn't moved anything remarkable and this is the week where I'm convinced that just because I've done 8 workouts, I should have abs of steel...if you're wondering, I most certainly don't have abs of steel.
I get so terribly impatient when the change isn't instantly there. I feel like such a cliche of wanting instant gratification, but I do.
So, I continue on. I did the workout and didn't love it. But, I did it. I guess that will be good enough for today.
Day 9, in the books.

And Then There Were 6

I did 6 push-ups in a row, NOT on my knees. Wahoo! I think it's a combination of yes, I'm getting a bit stronger but also the willingness to push myself a bit. Being more confident that I won't die if I push myself just a bit more. I am still not doing every part of the workout. I can't always keep up and I can't do all the moves as fast as the people but I try and tell myself that's ok.
You know what's fun side note of all of this? The art of physical fitness is fun to think about and talk about. I like hearing what new diets or eating plans people are trying. I'm a firm believer that what works for some won't work for others. Because of this forum and venue, people are chatting with me about what they're trying and what they're working toward. My friends at work are getting into their own personal challenges and it's lovely to talk about it at lunch or in passing.
Day 8 is in the books, now time for dinner and Max's baseball game.