Three Things Thursday – Ready For Race Day!

Only 3 days to go until The Toronto Women’s Half Marathon! I am SUPER EXCITED and READY TO RUN! This week’s Three Things Thursday is all about race day!

Apparently I will be sporting a little Lululemon for this race…hehehe…its all so comfy and cool – I LOVE it!

Top – Lululemon Run Swiftly Tank
Shorts – Lululemon Run Speed Shorts
Bra – Lululemon Flow Y Bra
Hairband – Lululemon

Cliff Shot Energy Gels – Vanilla –                                                                                 The plan is to take one of these 45 minutes into the race and then the other 45 minutes after that.
Honey Stinger Energy Chews – I will be eating a few of these every walk break (at each  mile) after the one hour mark. They are just so yummy, I can’t don’t want to run without them!! 

Shoes – Asics Gel Nimbus 12 –                                                                                                      I have been running in Nimbus’ for a long time, and absolutely love them, they are so cushiony!
Watch – Garmin 410 – I just got this watch this week, it has one run in its history. I think I’ve got it figured out. I’m hoping to use the training partner to help my sister and I finish by her goal time!
Sunglasses – Ryder’s – These are also new…so much for not changing things up before race day! However, I may not need them, as the forecast is now calling for rain 😦 Refreshing but not so fun!
Waist Pack – FuelBelt – will be filled with water – sometimes the water stations just aren’t where you need them!

Let’s hope that is still the case AFTER the run!

 

Motivational Monday – Race Day Motto

The countdown is on…less than one week to go until I run The Toronto Women’s Half Marathon. Woohoo! Here is my race day motto!

8 Week Progress Report

It has now been just over 8 weeks since I started my journey (and this blog)! Here is an update as to where things stand in terms of reaching the 11 goals I set for myself and the progress I have made since my last update.

Goal #1 – My Pre-pregnancy Body Back – So, I’ve pretty much reached this goal. I am back to my pre pregnancy weight, and fit into my ‘goal jeans’, although not quite the way I want. The muffin top HAS GOT TO GO!!

This week marked the mid-point of the Skinny Jeans Challenge which meant measurement time!

I am actually really pleased with my progress so far…I’ve lost a total of 10.4 inches! CRAZY!! I still want to improve on my percent body fat – I’m down almost 5%, but would like to bring it down by about another 2.5%.

Goal #2 – Run a Two Hour Half Marathon – Well, the Half Marathon is only 19 days away and I’m definitely NOT PREPARED!

I’ve still only ran outside 2 times – one fast 5K (which went surprisingly well), and a 16K run a couple of weeks ago with my sister.

Here’s how my training schedule looked over the past 5 or so weeks.

BodyAttack has taken over my life! I have missed so many runs to get to Attack classes, it’s crazy! I’ve missed a total of 10 runs in the last 5 weeks – 1 hill workout, 3 fartlek workouts, 2 regular runs, and 3 long runs! BRUTAL!

I seriously doubt I will meet my goal of a sub-two hour half. I’m disappointed, but still hoping for a good run.

I guess we will see how things look after my 18K this weekend!

Goal #3 – Improve my Upper Body Strength – I was actually doing well with is goal since starting The 100 Push-Up Challenge last month – that was until I got sick. Since then, I have done NOTHING, and as a result, I am STILL struggling through the Upper Body Conditioning track in Attack 😦 My plan is to start the challenge again…tonight! Anyone want to do it with me and help me stay on track? Please?

Goal #4 – Try Hot Yoga – Still haven’t made it to a hot yoga class, and its not looking like I will be heading there any time soon. Until I get my Attack Certification Video done, I need to go to another Attack class Thursday evenings.

I hope to get my video in by mid-June, so hopefully I will be able to get to a class soon after that.

Goal #5 – Eat Clean – this is yet another goal that has been shoved aside since becoming sick and getting super busy.

I definitely need to get back in track, and fast!

My plan is to check out the latest issue of Clean Eating Magazine over the next few days, and set out next weeks meal plan. After that, I will hit the grocery store and get at it! I still want to aim for at least 2, but hopefully 3 clean meals a week.

Goal #6 – Limit the Amount of Junk Food I Eat – I’m actually not doing too bad at this one, considering I really haven’t been eating clean, I’m not exactly sure what I’ve been eating! My plan of not bringing it into the house is working, and I’m going to continue to keep it that way.

Goal #7 – Limit my Chai Lattes to one a Week – FAIL! HUGE! I’ve actually already had 2 this week! Chai latte is what seems gets me through the day! Although I did choose a Chocolate Banana Smoothie over the latte today:) Might have to stick with it, it’s higher in protein and fibre…sugar too, but I still think it’s the better choice. Agree?

Goal #8 – De-Clutter – Again, this one has been neglected since getting so busy. I did paint my sons room immediately after my last progress report, but unfortunately, it’s not quit finished 😦 I know, I’m brutal!

So, I still need to:

1. Finish painting my son’s room.
2. Clean out the kids toys.
3. Sort through my clothes.
4. Go through our deep freeze and actually see what we have in there!

Goal #9 – Read More – since my last update, I have finished The Help and The Lucky One.

Up next…the Shades of Grey Trilogy… Apparently everybody I know is or has read it. Not sure what to expect…besides turning 50 shades of red!!! Have you read the trilogy?

Goal #10 – Save Money – I am actually doing quite well with this one! Sticking to a bit of a budget has been easier than I thought it would be!

Goal # 11 – Make time for Scrapbooking – Unfortunately this too has been put on the back burner since becoming so busy. Now that the warm weather is coming, I have no idea when I will get back at it. Hopefully I will make it to a Friday night crop sometime soon!

Overall, I am not quite where I was hoping to be at this point. I need to get back into my running and start eating clean again! Really, I need to manage my time better and make healthy living a priority.

How is your journey going?
Do you have any super easy Clean Eating recipes you can share to help me get back on track?

Motivational Monday! Obsessed.

So, I’ve been sick for about a week now, and haven’t worked out in 5 days. It’s killing me! Although I have no energy, and feel like crap, I still wish I could work out.

I want to run.

I want to sweat.

I want to feel good about myself.

Some people say I’m obsessed…..

I’ve worked so hard to get where I am in my half marathon training, that I don’t want to lose it. I’m nervous that when I run again I’m going to struggle. That it’s going to feel like it did 10 weeks ago when I started training. That it’s going to suck 😦

It’s only 5 weeks until the Toronto Women’s Half Marathon. 34 days til race day.

I need to get better.

I need to get back on track.

I need to run.

Motivational Monday! Have You Ever Had a Bad Day?

We’ve all been there.

You know what I’m talking about.

Totally losing control of our healthy eating habits.

Well, this weekend was a bit of a calorie overdose for me. And unfortunately, the scale totally reflected that at this weeks weigh-in.

But, I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I’m going to move on. Leave it behind. And get back on track.

I’m going to Eat Clean!

I’m going to exercise daily!

I’m going to show that scale who’s boss!

Motivational Monday and Weekend Review

This weeks Motivational Monday is a selfish one…. I totally need motivation to get back on track with my eating. I can honestly say I ate my way through the weekend, and really, there were times when it wasn’t pretty!

I know I’ve mentioned before how carefree my husband is when it comes to what he eats, well, that combined with my lack of willpower, made for some pretty poor food choices this weekend.

Saturday. Knowing I was heading to the gym for a 7 mile run, I started the day with an oatmeal pancake and glass of skim milk. Not bad considering I really felt like it was going to take a lot to help me get through those 7 miles. I was crazy sore from Friday’s Skinny Jeans Workout and super tired because my son was up all night…literally, ALL night!

I think this was the worst run I’ve had since starting my training. I pretty much struggled through every mile, and dreaded all 77 minutes of it! Good thing I made those yummy granola bars on Friday, they (yes…I had 2 post-run!) totally made me feel better!

Since I had survived my run and burned a ton of calories (totally ignoring the fact that I just replaced about 500 by eating those two granola bars), I was totally on board when my husband suggested McDonald’s for lunch. I chose a Quarter Pounder meal with medium fries and a coke. The fries and coke were soooo yummy, but I think I’d rather have a Big Mac over a Quarter Pounder. Anyways, 1035 calories later, I didn’t feel at all guilty about the meal 🙂

At least one day on the weekend we try to have “family naptime” at our house. Usually when my daughter Ryan goes down for a nap, my husband and I try to sneak one in too. It’s not as easy now that we have Tanner, but we brought him in bed with us, and 3 hours later, we got up! It was awesome! First nap I’ve had in a long time! And to top it off, I woke up to a dinner invite at my sister’s house 🙂

Dinner was de-lish! Since my sister is also trying to eat healthier, she made Eat Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad (check out her blog for recipes & cooking instructions – mypursuitofhappinessandskinnyjeans.wordpress.com). Dinner was super healthy and the Corona I had was super yummy!

Sunday. Usually Sunday mornings I get up with the kids, have breakfast and go to BodyAttack at the gym. This past Sunday we our got off to a slow start and I sort of felt like I could use the rest so we didn’t go 😦 Kind of a Bummer! It’s the first workout I’ve missed since starting this blog. Anyways, we had some running around to do before family came over for the afternoon and dinner. And guess where we ate lunch….yep, you guessed it…McDonald’s….AGAIN! Two days in a row…YUCK! This time I only had a McBistro BLT, it was good, but I would have preferred to eat something a little healthier!

I think since I had only the sandwich for lunch, I totally threw off my eating for the day. I was soooo hungry all afternoon that I pretty much ate anything I could get my hands on! I had two giant bowls of Tostitos, a Coke, 2 homemade Granola Bars, a Corona….all before dinner!

Dinner was an open-faced (on garlic french bread) Pulled-Pork sandwich, with sweet potato fries and onion rings. Not so healthy, but really, really, good! After dinner I was stuffed!

But if you know me at all, you know that dessert is my favourite meal! Good thing my sister brought over Eat Clean Chocolate Banana Frozen Pie – again, check out her blog, she posted the recipe 🙂 At least I finished off the day with something on the healthy side!

So, ya, not the best weekend in terms of healthy eating. Time to get back on track! Here is my motivation!

I’ve been working pretty hard at the gym to get in shape and lose the baby weight. Now it’s time to work hard in the kitchen!

How do you get back on track after a day, or weekend, of poor eating?

Pancakes, Pancakes, Leftovers

After another rough night with my little guy, I needed a little extra something for breakfast this morning before hitting the gym to do my 4 mile run. So I made a super yummy, super easy, oatmeal pancake. I got this recipe from my friend Kathy 4 or 5 years ago, and still to this day, it’s one of my favorite breakfasts – it’s quick, tastes great and gives me the energy I need to complete my morning workout.

Here’s how to make it:
In a small bowl mix together:

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancake

• 1/2 cup quick cook oats
• 1/2 cup egg whites
• 2 tbsp flax seed
• little bit of honey
• couple shakes of  cinnamon
• and just to jazz it up a little I like to toss in 1 tbsp chocolate chips, or some blueberries, bananas  or apple chunks  – why not experiment with your favorite fruit?

Then, cook just like a pancake! Yep, its that easy! And, that good!

After hitting the gym  and completing my not so fun 4 mile run, it was time for lunch. It seems like lately the only thing my daughter wants to eat is pancakes. So, you guessed it, for lunch, I made pancakes! Not the usual Aunt Jamima add water variety that we have been having lately. Nope. Today in sticking with my Eat Clean goal, I made Eat Clean Cottage Cheese Pancakes – I know, sounds kinda gross, doesn’t it! Well, they’re actually really good! And, the recipe makes enough to have leftovers, just pop them in the toaster and bingo, you have breakfast tomorrow, or a snack for later in the day. Why not give them a try?

Here’s the recipe:                                                                                            In a medium sized bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

Eat Clean Pancakes

• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp maple sugar flakes (I used maple syrup instead so added it to the wet ingredients)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Make a well in the  center.                            Then combine the following wet ingredients in a small bowl:

• 8 egg whites
• 1 cup fat free cottage cheese
• 1 cup plain yogurt (I use Greek yogurt for extra protein)

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Use 1/4 cup for each pancake. Top with maple syrup and/or fresh fruit and enjoy!

Dinner tonight is going to be leftover Spaghetti Squash. Yep, I cooked a yummy Eat Clean dinner last night. I followed a Precision Nutrition recipe that can be found here. I did make a few changes – I used ground chicken instead of sirloin and shredded the spaghetti squash and used like a pasta and set my meat sauce on top of it instead of scooping it out with a spoon and adding it to the sauce. It was super easy and really, really yummy! Even my 2 year old daughter Ryan ate it!

Spaghetti Squash with a Ground Chicken Meat Sauce

Well, that’s all for today. Tomorrow is a rest day and I am super pumped! I definitely need the rest!

My First Official Workout & Tanner is 2 months old!

Although I’ve been running for about 3 weeks now, today marks the official beginning of my Half Marathon Training in my journey towards a Happier, Healthier, More Fit Me!

My training schedule called for a 4 mile run to be done at race pace.  Despite being awake for a few hours in the middle of the night (after feeding my son), being sore and tired from Sundays Body Attack, and feeling like I’m coming down with a cold, I started my day at the gym and jumped on the treadmill. This workout required some serious internal motivation – I did not feel like running today, and definitely did not feel like doing a fast-for-me 4 miles! I’m not going to lie, I wanted to quit the whole time!!!

But, I did it! Just over 41 minutes later I was done my run! And, honestly, I felt pretty good afterwards. Partially because I’d just run 4 miles, but more because I pushed through the pain and lack of motivation, and in the end, ran a 10:20 mile, not a bad pace for me!

Today also marked my son Tanner’s 2 month birthday! He seriously has to be the cutest and sweetest little boy around! See for yourself! Here are a few of my favorite pics to date.

Mommy and Tanner - 2 weeks old.

My Supergeek! Almost 2 months old.

It's a jungle out there! 2 months old.

Oh, and the highlight of my day….my 2 year old pooped in the tub! Awesome!

Such a cutie!