HEALTHY HABITS CONTINUE

I've been working out now for 3 weeks and eating healthy for 4 weeks.  I can already feel my clothes are fitting better and in some cases loose, and I actually look forward to my workouts! 

I am measuring my progress by how my clothes fit (dropping clothing sizes) and by my ability to run longer, faster and push myself more each workout.  I can see a big improvement in my fitness level in the three weeks.

I am currently working out 5 days a week.  I am taking a class one night a week for 7 weeks, so I don't work out that day, since I am not home.  Fridays are my "rest" day so that my weekend days (when I have more leisure time) can be dedicated to a workout, bike ride, hike, etc.  I'm very pleased that this schedule is do-able for me.

 

We went to Julian yesterday (for a softball get-together) and while the guys did some batting practice before we joined them for a BBQ), we girls walked into town, ate some some breakfast and walked around and shopped.  I kept my breakfast healthy with two eggs and fresh fruit! (I ate just a small part of my cute heart shaped biscuit). 

 

 

 



 

 

I'm feeling good and I'm ready to take on October with strong determination and focus!  

GETTIN' FIT WITH ZOMBIES

Thanks to a friend in an online fitness group I belong to, I am using a fun fitness app that makes me look forward to running on the treadmill.  I love a good story and this app has that.

The app is called "Zombies, Run!"  It is a game/and fitness app in one.  I am Runner 5 and I can follow the storyline, listen to my own playlist of songs woven in and burn calories!

I ran the first "Mission" and then I downloaded the 5k program app (a couch to 5k training program) which has the same storyline as the game and have begun using this app and will complete it before going on my second "Mission".

I've been enjoying my workouts and using all of my gadgets to help me track my progress. I am able to see improvement in my workouts already as I make my way through week 2 and that is encouraging!  You train at your own pace and run as much as you can or walk when you have to.  So beginners or experienced runners can use this app.  You can also use it outside or on a treadmill (like me).

 

 

Who would have thought I'd be having so much fun with my workouts?  Certainly not me. 

If you are looking for a fun app to get you moving...check it out! 

HEALTHY HABITS MODE

I know it's not January 1st, but I'd finally had enough of being inactive and out of shape and got back into workout mode.

Actually, it is more than that.  Last week (Tuesday to be exact), I started paying better attention to what I was eating and how much I was eating and made some changes so that I was eating more healthful and cut my portions.  I also began drinking more water (48-64 ounces a day).

Saturday was my first day back (in forever) to complete a cardio workout.  I have a new gizmo to help me track my training--a heart rate monitor (HRM).  Mine is a Polar FT40 and I love it.  So anywhoo...I hooked it up and set it to record my training.  I sweated out 30 minutes alternating walking and running in my 87 degree garage, thankfully, with a fan blowing and bottle of cold water and my "must have" music to help me.  I listened to Matchbox Twenty (North) on shuffle and lip synced to my favorite songs (when I was not gasping for air--haha).

On Sunday, after I got home from church, I (made myself work out) repeated my cardio workout...improving my distance and calorie burn...then rewarded myself by relaxing in the pool for an hour or so.  The water in our pool was 94 and it was awesome.  The sky was blue and clear of thunderheads and it was so much less humid than it has been. 

This morning, I crawled (or so it felt) out of bed at 4:55 and somehow was able to get my work out clothes on, my shoes tied, hair pulled up and attach my HRM on AND complete my cardio workout without any mishaps. 

I am one week into eating healthier and three days into working out.  I'll be adding some strength training (ST) workouts 3x a week to the mix and may be attending a once a week class at our church for strengthening and stretching (which I need just as much).   

I am packing my healthy lunches again.  Here is my lunch for today.  Green salad with 1/2 chicken breast seasoned with lemon pepper, baby carrots and hummus.  I also have some Triscuit Brown Rice crackers to go with it. 

 

 

Have a healthful, happy week! 

SEPTEMBER DAYS

September is here!  Some great things are happening.

Last night we attended a service at our church's newest campus opening -- in East County.  We attended a "sneak peek" service (they are working out all of the logistic bugs for three weeks prior to the first service on September 15).  It was awesome! 

Yesterday was also our Pastor's first Sunday back after his summer sabbatical and his message was so powerful! I can't wait until next Sunday! 

In a couple of weeks, I will begin attending a Citizen's Academy that is hosted by our Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's office.  I'm thrilled to be accepted into the program and am excited about the topics that will be covered.  Right up my alley--my degree is in Criminal Justice--and this will be a boost to my resume/career and for my writing.

September is also the month of my girls' weekend in La Quinta...always a good time of laying by the pool, reading magazines, girl talk, and lots of laughter. 

September is still a "summer weather" month for us and I'll be making a batch of Gazpacho today, for some healthy, cold deliciousness to eat this week. 

September is going to be a great month of change!