5 day challenge #2...mmmm, kind of!

Okay, well today ends week 2 of the 5 day challenge for me.  This week was not as successful as last.  But, 3 days is still so much better than I've been averaging for quite some time!  And, I rocked it on Monday!  Getting up early is getting easier and easier.  I have learned that the time I go to bed makes all the difference in the world!  That seems obvious enough, but I'm learning that I have to be in bed before 10 or I'm gonna have a bad time!  I'm also learning that running is never as bad as I think it will be, and that it actually feels really good once I get started!  It also helps that I'm getting used to the treadmill and learning ways to keep myself from going nuts.  {like changing up the speed every minute.  even if it's just by .1 mph it seems to break up the monotony.}  I think I'm almost ready to start looking for some treadmill workouts online.  I'll share when I do! 

This morning I got in 2.75 miles {2.25 running, .5 walking}  It was a pleasant run despite the slippery belt that I'm still dealing with.  I have got to figure out how to fix that!

I'm hoping to get in some running this weekend too, but for the purposes of the 5 Day Challenge {5DC}, I'm going to just call any weekend workouts icing from now on!

Todays Distance:  2.75 miles
5DC Distance:  7.15 miles

so, since last thursday, i have only walked three days...which is far less than i had planned. however, i am not going to be too down on myself because it sure beats the big "zero", right? it's a start...now to increase days this upcoming week. & once i get this little beauty, i'll have absolutly no more excuses..i can even jog with it! so excited about that! i am going to do one of my workout dvd's tonight since it is raining cats and dogs here...tomorrow isn't going to be much better. {snow and ice..you, now a texas wintery mix} i totally agree with jen, even if i have 20 minutes, do something! that really spoke to me & i'm so glad you shared that little tid bit! so, so wise!

Busy morning...

I only had 20 minutes to workout this morning.  {i had some personal stuff to do before work}  I was able to get in 1.75 miles total, 1.4 of which was running.  Not bad for a 20 minute workout, I guess!  I think the important thing is that even when I only have 20 minutes, that I do something.  I've always had the attitude that I had to devote a lot of time to working out.  It's probably more important to just be consistent.  

Happy hump day!

Todays distance:  1.75 miles

I rocked it this morning!

On sunday I decided that I would do the same 5 day challenge this week as I did last week.  {After all, at this point it's mostly about creating that habit of getting up and working out every morning.}  Well, yesterday came, my alarm went off and I hit snooze.  The next thing I knew, it was 6:15!  Not enough time to get in my workout.  Boo.

Well, I didn't want there to be a repeat today, so I made sure to get to bed early.  {even though my jayhawks were playing mizzou!  that's a major sacrifice my friends!}  I got up this morning and thought, I'm just going to walk, I don't think I can handle running.  Then, I got on the treadmill and decided to alternate every 1/4 mile between running and walking.  Then I got in the first 1/4 mile of running and thought, well, maybe I'll do 1/4 mile walk/1/2 mile run.  Then I got to 1/2 mile and thought, maybe I can do a mile.  Got to a mile, then went for 2.  Got to 2, then decided to just run it out to 30 minutes.  I ended up putting in 2.5 miles of running {all at once I might add} and 1/2 mile of walking.  I ROCKED IT!   I was so proud of myself.  It's amazing the difference in my attitude from the time I roll out of bed to the time I'm done with my workout!  

Now I've set the bar for the week...hope I can keep it up!  I'd like to get in at least 2.5 miles a day for the remainder of the work week and one workout this weekend.  That will make up for pooping out yesterday.

Todays distance:  3 miles

5 Day Challenge=Complete!

That's right!  I did it!  5 days of running in a row!  I have to say, I'm proud of myself.  I am also ready for a day off.  I'm actually hoping to get out for a walk with my hubby tomorrow, and then rest Sunday.  I haven't decided what the challenge will be for next week, but I'll let you know!

I finished off the challenge this morning with 2.3 miles on the treadmill.  (About  1.75 of that was running, and the rest a brisk walk)

I am also so happy that Amanda got back on the road!  It really is so much fun to see your numbers growing and your little counter moving along.  Addicting really.

Yay for Fridays and yay for running!
* also, yay for bosses who bring in fresh pineapple to share!  delish!

Today's distance:  2.3 miles
Total 5 day challenge distance:  10.1 miles

+2...

so, i did it! 2 miles today! yay! serioulsy, it needed to happen!
xoxo,
a

Thursday...

awe, you're sweet. I wish you the best of luck with your 7 day challenge! I'm almost to the end of my 5 day-er! Truthfully, I'm ready for a day off. But I am already feeling slimmer and so much better about myself!


I had the hardest time getting out of bed again this morning. I got plenty of sleep last night. I fell asleep on the couch at 9 and got up and went to bed at 10, so I should have been just fine getting up at 5:30. Once I'm up, I'm good, it just the getting up part that sucks.


Anyway, got in 2 miles this morning. One more day of my 5 day challenge! Yipee!


Today's distance: 2 miles

goals...

for the next seven days i will walk, woggle, whatever 2 miles. I WILL!!!! my number is going to increase and i am going to get back on track. the weather looks fabulous {no excuses there}, the kids love being outside....it is going to happen {because, let's face it, 12.5 is a bit rediculous!}! jen, you have inspired me again, just when i needed it so badly! your commitment and drive is inspiring! love you girl!
xoxo,
amanda

15 minutes...

Due to staying up too late last night, I had difficulty getting up this morning.  I only had 15 minutes to work out, but I did it!  I have to say, without having committed to the 5 day challenge, I probably would have stayed in bed for that 15 minutes.   I wasn't able to get in 2 miles, but as long as I have 10 in 5 days, I'll be happy.

According to the scale this morning, I've lost 6 pounds since Monday! I'm sure it's all water weight, but it made me feel better anyway.  At least it dropped me under that number.

Two days to go!

Today's distance: 1.3 miles

more energy...

day two was a success!  It was actually easier to get up and easier to run today.  There might be something to this consistency thing!  Nothing too exciting.  I did a run/walk alternating thing on the treadmill.  I cannot wait to get out in the fresh air again.

Today's distance: 2.3 miles

you go girl! i know you'll succeed in your goal this week! you are so awesome!
sorry for being so absent on the blog lately...you know, life has been crazy. blah, blah, blah. ha! i have been doing my yoga video or physique 57 video 3-4 times a week, so that's something, but it has been pretty cold here lately...well, until today :) yep, nice weather for us this week {i'm talkin' 70's people!} bo is off work tomorrow and wednesday so i'm hoping to get in some running...this potty training mama could use a bit of a break & i would consider being able to go jog by my little lonesome on a gorgeous day a break, wouldn't you?! and crossing my fingers i can get my hands on one of these...oh phil & ted how i love you! found one on craigslist, but haven't heard back from the seller yet...probobly already gone, but i am still hoping! it would be so much easier, if i could go out with both kids {the single jogger just doesn't do the job, ha! }

xoxo,

a

5 day challenge...

8 weeks til daylight savings!  Translation: 8 weeks til it won't be so freakin' hard to get out of bed!  I swear the last couple of weeks have been killer. 

I did make it out of bed this morning and put in 2.2 miles on the treadmill.  There was still some slippage happening, but not as bad as last time.  

I am bound and determined to make this week count!  I am sick and tired of being this out of shape, and I'm not going to take it any more!  I will be up EVERY morning this week to put in a minimum of 2 miles each day.  I have to.  

I have surpassed that number on the scale.  You know the one.  The one you always swear you'll never see.  yep.  I see it.  I'm done.  

I know, I know, "don't pay attention to the scale.  just go by how your clothes fit."  Well, that won't work for me either.  The clothes are tight and uncomfortable.  

The time has come.  5 days in a row....here I go!  

Seriously, if I don't stick to this, you need to yell at me.  

Today's distance:  2.2

Arms & Abs...

Last night while watching the Biggest Loser, I did some arms.  I just did some simple bicep curls, tricep curls, shoulders, etc with my resistance band.  I thought I did pretty well, but I'm not as sore as I expected to be today, so maybe not. 

This evening I had my hubby play trainer and make me do some ab workouts.  I told him I wanted him to make me cry.  Well, no tears were actually shed, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to sit up tomorrow!

That is one thing I told myself I would do more of this year...weight training.  I've never stuck with it long enough to really see results.  I'd really like to!

slippery belt...

I didn't realize how long it had been since I got in a workout until I went to log this morning's!  8 days passed without anything!  No wonder I've been feeling so blah.
I was up early this morning and despite a dead ipod and a slipping treadmill belt, I got in 2.1 miles.  I'm not sure what was going on with the belt.  I'm hoping it just needed to warm up.  I wasn't sure at first that I was going to be able to use it.  About every 3 steps the belt would jerk and almost make me fall down!  Then, I found the happy speed of 5.5 mph.  For whatever reason it didn't slip at 5.5.  I would really have liked to go faster, but it wasn't worth falling down.  I really, really hope there's not something wrong with it....that would not be good!

Today's distance:  2.1 miles

Oatmeal Yogurt Parfait...

You have to try this breakfast!  It is not only delicious, and easy, but it will satisfy you for hours!   I eat it in the morning, and have to pay attention so that I don't forget to go to lunch at 12:30. And let me tell you , I am the biggest snacker ever, so that's saying something! 

I adapted my "recipe" from here. {well, I probably got it from an earlier post actually, but I'm not exactly sure which one.  I know I've been in love for a while!} If you haven't checked out Iowa Girl Eats yet...you must!  Kristin is not only darling, she gives great advice on healthy eating and exercise.  She has been a major source of inspiration for me over the last 6 months or so.  You can find out more about her philosophy here.

I was a little skeptical at first because I've had some cold yogurt/oatmeal things before and wasn't impressed.  Seriously, this is the most delicious breakfast ever!  It is completely versatile too!  You can put whatever you like on it!

Combine:

• 1-8 oz. cup of yogurt (any flavor you want)
• 1/4 cup old fashioned oats

Kristin suggests letting these first two ingredients meld in the fridge overnight.  I do this when I remember, but I've found it to be just as delicious when you mix right before eating!

• top with fruit of your choice, nuts, granola, etc.

My current favorite is:

• 8 oz. vanilla yogurt  (I buy the large container and use an old 8 oz yogurt cup as a measuring cup)
• 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 banana sliced
• 1/2 apple chopped
• sprinkling of pomgranate seeds

I feel like the 1/2 banana is essential to the texture somehow, but maybe not! 

Other topping options that would be delicious: 

• berries
• mandarin oranges
• dried cranberries
• raisins
• almond slices
• granola

The possibilities are endless.  Let me know if you come up with any delicious combinations!  I'm sure I'll have to switch it up at some point! 

This quote...

just rocked my world:

IF YOU AREN'T HUNGRY ENOUGH TO EAT AN APPLE, YOU AREN'T HUNGRY.

found here .  originally from here .

yoga darling!

I got Mandy Ingber's Yogalosophy video and am soooooo in love with it! i have only done it a few times, but it is defeinitly something i can stick with! It's a combination of yoga poses that then go into toning exercises! {this girl needs some toning!} anyway, since the miles don't seem to be happening {i could give excuses, but not even going to go there!}, i need to do something. So i have vowed to do one work out video a day...this is the one i keep coming back to! love it! So proud of you jen! you hit the 50 mile mark...it is getting so cold here {not as cold as where you are, but still cold!} & i don't even want to think about going outside!...might be a while before my miles start to climb. trying to talk bo into getting me a double jogger...that would be so nice!
xoxo,
a

Back in the swing of things...

Today it's back to work, and back to my routine.  I got up at 5:30 this morning and walked 2 miles.  I actually have extra time that I've been trying to figure out what to do with.  {it was very tempting to take a snooze, but I was scared that I might not get back up to go to work!}  Now I must venture out into the 4 degree tempuratures.  Boo.  But, on the up side...got my workout in today, have a yogurt oatmeal parfait packed for breakfast, and a salad for lunch.  Now if I can only stay awake all day!

Today's distance:  2 miles