I'm Free

So this will be a brief post just to clear my head. I have so many post ideas on health, wellness and my new journey with AdvoCare, but there is something that has been on my heart and mind for a long while. A few times in the past few months, circumstances have made me really think about the type of person I am, the type of person I want to be, and the type of person others see me as. Now, more often than not, those 3 things do not always match, and may not be how we perceive it.
If you have read any of my past posts you are aware that I am SUPER sensitive to how others think of me. I aim to please just about everyone I meet. This can be good or bad, but in my years and honestly the past few months I have begun to just accept who I am and be comfortable in my own skin. I can't always help if someone sees me as something other than what I am trying to be. No longer can I base the way I live my life by others opinions or comparisons. I strive to be Godly, a great wife, a great mother, a reliable friend, a compassionate and kind stranger and a healthy me.
I have had comments made to me that my priorities might be mixed up because I make time to work out, or I'm wasting time and money into my new AdvoCare business.I'm vain for eating healthy and paying more attention to my physical appearance, Or I'm a liar because there are sides to me and my life that not everyone sees.
I do not feel I am any of those things, and it hurts and quite frankly angers me when people make these assumptions about me. I make time to work out to be a better wife and mother to my family, I am happier and have way more energy to play with my kids. I invest the time and money into AdvoCare because I truly believe in the company, what it does for people and I believe it will help me be able to be a stay at home mom soon. I eat healthy to encourage healthy habits for my family, and I pay attention to my appearance for my husbands eyes and no one else's.. And as for the sides to my life that isn't put out in the public that I don't talk about all the time or feel the need to tell everyone about, it's private. Not everything I do with my friends or family needs to be public knowledge, and the pure fact that I don't share those things with everyone does not make me a liar. I don't put on a facade. I don't pretend to be someone I'm not. I don't pretend to lead a life I am not clearly living. If you want to know something about me, ask me. If I feel you need to know, then I will answer you. Most people would classify me as an open book, but because I don't always talk or tell things, this makes me a liar?
I am striving to lead a healthier life style in ALL ways. Not just eating and exercise, but mentally, in my relationships, and cutting off those limbs that do not encourage or build me up. For once in my life I am secure in my faith, my worship, my friendships, my family relationships and in my own skin. I know there are some people out there who will always have a comment or opinion about what I do with my time, I will just have to pray and be content with who I am. I have the support of my husband, my children and my family in everything I do, and that'd enough for me. Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'

Will you Join the Movement

On March 24th, 2014 I started something that would completely change my outlook on health and fitness. I was very skeptical of AdvoCare. Actually ALL pyramid businesses. I know that these days, businesses promise you that if you buy into their company you will get rich quick, earn this amazing car in 2 weeks, a romantic getaway for 2, loose 20 pounds in 5 days.. How tempting right? I have to be honest and say that I have been that crying lady at a Mary Kay meeting because" Yeah, I'm in debt, the lady talking trippled her income in 2 weeks and I love the that it's 'God First'." I'm not dumbing down Mary Kay, I use their products sometimes, but what they and all the other businesses out there don't tell you, that we forget to tell ourselves is, YOU  HAVE TO WORK AT IT. You will only get out of it, what you put into it.
When I bought the 24 Day Challenge from AdvoCare, I had absolutely no interest in becoming a member. I was just interested and curious to see if I could loose some weight. What I realized out shortly after beginning my challenge was how great I felt. I have done other weight loss programs, and the one thing I remember is how tired and nauscious I felt at the beginning. When you take away all that not so great for you food, your body craves it and crashes in a way, and the effects of that can be quite bothersome. However, I never reached that point on the challenge. I actually had MORE energy and I wasn't wanting to eat the finish off my desk. This in turn, only motivated me even more to keep going. I saw results the first week. REAL results. I know that I would have been super pumped if I lost 10 pounds during the first week, but the truth is, 1) I don't have that much weight to loose, so that's just unrealistic and 2) Most people aren't supposed to loose 20 pounds in 5 days. Healthy weight loss is not a get thin quick game, it's a slow learning process. Because as we all know, in order to keep a healthy body you must make it a lifestyle.
After the 24 Days, it didn't take me long to know that AdvoCare was definitely something I wanted to keep taking. So I signed up as a member. Mainly for the discount I'd get, but once I posted my last blog about the results I had with the challenge, I had so many friends and family show interest in sharing the same journey. That is when I decided, I wanted to do this. If AdvoCare can make me feel this motivated, inspired and awesome, how can I NOT share this with others? And thus, I am now and AdvoCare Distributor. And I am PUMPED! This isn't a business where I have to keep stock. I don't have to sell a certain amount in a certain time. This is a business that will keep me active and living a healthy lifestyle, so I can be a real example for others! I believe in the products, I believe in the results I have personally experienced, and if you have read any of my other posts, you know that I have struggled with loosing these pesky 20 pounds.
I am officially down 10 pounds and still going. I have no doubt in my mind that I can loose these last 10 pounds by the time bathing suit season comes around. That is why I am inviting YOU to join this wonderful challenge and see the real, awesome results for yourself.

Email me for details on how to get started or if you have any questions!!! you will have absolutely no regrets and you have nothing to loose.. But weight!!! Join the movement!
DropinPoundage@yahoo.com

24 Day Challenge: Results

Well, Today is officially my last day. Technically I should be posting these results tomorrow since the challenge will be officially over, and I could still drop a few ounces today, but unfortunately my Grandpa has passed away and we are traveling to Colorado today for the weekend. So here I am, and am I ever excited to share my results.
Let me begin with saying, Advocare does not promise FAST results. They do not promise some magical pill or supplement that will have you dropping 10 pounds your first week like some of the other fads out there. That is because Advocare is NOT a 'fad'. What they do promise that with proper nutrition, exercise in conjunction with their vitamins, you will be able to reach the goals you set for yourself in a realistic time frame. Basically, as with most everything else in life, you will get out of it what you put in it. Of course, you can loose the weight, build muscle, or maintain without their vitamins and other products, but I swear you will be amazed at how much better you will feel, and how much they ease the process. I'm sold just after 24 days of using them. And you will see my results are real and were achieved by eating 3 healthy meals and 3 snacks a day. Not fasting for 2 days, not adding water to a powdered soup packet, and not being overly restrictive. It has helped me train my brain and stomach to eat healthier foods and crave good things in place of the empty calories I used to crave. This is how I know I am not setting myself up for failure. I have truly begun a lifestyle change that I CAN stick to, without feeling alone and deprived. Losing weight and getting healthy is a LIFESTYLE that must be made and kept. So if you are not happy with the journey you take to achieve that lifestyle, how can you expect to stick with it?
OK off my high horse. I am so just excited to have finally jumped on this movement! I am excited to see what more Advocare can do for my personal fitness and share these products with others who want a healthier lifestyle.SO EXCITED!!!
OK results time. My regimen has been the same as I posted before. I can not lie and say that I was 100% angel this whole time, so imagine what my results would have been if I was! I have also been nursing a sad messed up knee. I haven't run in over a week, which is driving me crazy. I was able to take a body pump class last night and my knee seems to be on the mend, but I know I will have to take it slow and really listen to my body. I'm anxious to get back out on the pavement and keep training for that half marathon, and build more muscle. Alright, I will just let my pictures talk for themselves. In a nut shell, I lost 8 pounds and 2 inches in my waist and 2 inches in my hips. 8 POUNDS and 4 INCHES!!! Holy Cow!!! I will apologize for the bathroom mirror selfie's. My before's were taken post workout, the battery in my camera was dead and I was home alone.. So I figured it would be easier to compare the after's if they were taken in the same context. My afters were taken at 3 am this morning, so again I apologize :-)  I am so pumped about what lies ahead.

Jumping on the Bandwagon

Well, I decided to take the leap. I am not sure if I will push this as a business or not, or if I will just use this as a personal gain. I am having such a wonderful experience and success with Advocare, that yesterday I decided to sign on as a member/distributor. There are many great benefits to this decision. The number one reason is because I want to continue using their vitamins and by signing up I get a great discount.PLUS, there is that added bonus for the opportunity to share this wonderful product with others, enhance their lives like it has mine and maybe make a few extra dollars.
So I did it. I signed up, already ordered my first replacement shipment of the products I have fallen in love with over the past 16 days and excited to continue to loose weight. Get healthy and maintain. I'm even going to get my hubby to try some of their stuff that I know he will love.
I have less than a week left in my 24 day challenge. I have lost almost 7 pounds and 3 inches. This is the most progress I have made in ANY attempt to change my life since 2006! if that's not a testimony, I don't know what is. Wish me luck on this new endeavor. If you are interested in trying this for yourself let me know! I would LOVE for you to share in this with me. I still strive to reach my goal of loosing 10 pounds by the end of this challenge. How are you doing on your life changes? Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'

Seeing Results Feeling AWESOME

I "cheated". Yes it's true. I didn't over do it, and I didn't splurge. But I ate 4 SMALL pieces of pizza Saturday night. It was partly due to convenience and part I just wanted pizza. I felt a tad of remorse after eating the spinach and feta slices, but I also told myself that if I can't teach myself to enjoy pleasures like that in moderation, I am setting myself up for failure. I know it's only 24 days, I could have gone without fast food, but this is where the lesson comes in. I ate it out of convenience.I ran a race earlier that day, and spent the remainder of the day playing outside and doing chores. Completely neglecting to plan ahead for supper, and before I knew it, it was 6:00 and I had 2 hungry kids. I don't think it was enough to completely ruin the work I have done the past 14 days, but will I do it again?.. NO!
I've said it before, weekends are TOUGH! But here is something I learned. If I don't plan, don't eat on schedule and don't keep up with the journal provided, I EAT PIZZA! So a recommendation if you do this, Plan, Follow The Schedule and Keep Track.
Other than this realization, not much has changed. My diet and daily routine are the same. I ran 8 miles yesterday. My farthest distance EVER! Aside from extremely sore knees and an aching body, I feel pretty good! I am now in the 140's!! the last time I was in my 140's was 6 years ago! WHOOP WHOOP!!!
I am officially half way through. I will leave you with my stats:
Day 1                                Day 5                      Day 8                                Day 15
155.8 lb                            154 lb                     151.8 lb                             149 lb
H- 37"                              H-36"                                                                H- 35"
W-33"                              W-33"                                                               W- 32.5"
I'm seeing results!!! you will too! If you're on the fence, JUMP!!! I'm convinced I will stick with Advocare for sure!! I can't wait to see where I am on day 24!!! Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'!
        

On to Phase 2

Let it be shouted from the mountain tops. THE CLEANSE PHASE IS OVER! Now, it wasn't that bad. I was actually surprised ( and thankful) that it wasn't too restrictive. I was able to eat a protein, fruit/vegetable and complex carb at almost every meal with 3 snacks worked in. Honestly, it was more food than I was consuming during my pre-challenge days. So if I have learned anything the past 10 days, Less is not always more effective. I have read time and time again that we should be eating 6-8 small meals a day. So much food. How can anyone loose weight eating that often? Well 10 days later and 4 lbs down, I can honestly say I am a believer! It just has to be healthy choices with the right balance. And thanks to Advocare so far, I'm beginning to understand what those choices can be. I am still working out the kinks in my healthy cooking. Poor Terrance. He has been so gracious to me and what I place in front of him. Ladies, if you want to know if your man loves you, see if he eats what you cook even when you know it's bad, and still thanks you for it. I think I found a keeper :)
This next phase is called " The Max Phase" The first thing I noticed is, there is a lot of vitamins to take. So, this is something to consider if you struggle with taking pills. I don't know if there is a way around it, I would guess not, but if you are still interested I would definitely ask a consultant. This is how my typical day will be:
30 minuets before breakfast: MNS color pack, Spark. The Color pack had about 4 pills in it. Not all were horse pills, but they ARE vitamins. You also have the option to purchase additional vitamins for this challenge. I did not buy any extras, but if YOU do, then you would also take those. 
Breakfast: Meal Replacement Shake. This is AWESOME! I chose the chocolate flavor. I blended it with 3 ice cubs and 1/2 of a banana. SO YUMMY!!! Filling and easy too!
Snack: As I stated in previous posts, make sure you pack sustainable snacks. I think my stomach is a bit smaller now, and getting used to smaller portions. However, you still need good healthy sustainable snacks to keep you from feeling hungry and wanting to splurge and ruin your progress.
30 minuets before lunch: MNS Color Pack and Spark. Again, 4 pills in the color pack. You would also take the additional vitamins if you bought extras. And the spark is optional, but I find it helps me refocus and brings my energy back.
Lunch: MNS White Pack, Protein, Veggie, Complex Carb. The "white pack" is actually 2 pouches. Here is the description straight from my Advocare adviser friend." The packet with the 3 that are the same, that is our coreplex. it's a multi-vitamin. The 2nd pack has omegaplex. our omega-3 fatty acids and something called Amplify A.T. which helps with our blood pressure levels, our immune system and even our joints. It's good stuff"

So, at this time you will be taking a total of 6 pills. Tomorrow I will post pictures for each phase so you can see for yourself. 
Snack
Dinner:OmegaPlex, Protein, Veggie, Complex Carb: The OmegaPlex is 2 gel capsules, and the carb is an "if needed". Sometimes I have it, sometimes I omit it based on what I have for supper. 
Snack

So as you can see the meal plan is basically the same, I am just now incorporating more essential vitamins to my day. You swallow a total 14 pills in a day. That is a lot. I will have a better analysis how this many vitamins affect me after a full day. I will do a daily log one day so you can see what all is entailed.  I've said it before, and I still say, I would recommend this to anyone who is wanting a boost in their weight loss journey. My goal is to loose 10 pounds at the end, but I do know that any weight lost is a success, so I won't get myself down if I don't reach that goal. I also have been given access to a great Facebook support page, where I can ask questions or get encouragement.
As for the exercise, I am still training for my Half Marathon. After my 7 miler last weekend, my right knee decided to swell up. It feels like I have fluid in there, and it hurts to bend at extreme angles. Going up and down stairs are a bit awkward too. I have been icing it and trying new stretches, but I have taken some time off from running this week. My daughter and I are 'running' a 5K Saturday, and then I am supposed to run 8 miles. I hope my knee feels better by then. I will just have to incorporate more weight lifting and other types of cardio. If I am sure of one thing, is I DO NOT want to get out of the habit of exercising.
I hope this post has been helpful to you. feel free to comment. Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'.

That was tough.

WHEW! This weekend was tough. I am beginning my 8th day on the 24 day challenge, and let me just say I feel great but it has been pretty challenging so far. I never realized how much I crave carbs and sugars. And I never realized how often I would snack. But alas, I survived my first weekend. When you are mostly at home, the unhealthies in your home literally SCREAM your name. I also had to refrain from snaking while I cook. I know most of you do it too. Sprinkle some cheese on the eggs, throw a handful in your mouth. Pick the chicken apart while you cut it up just "make sure it tastes ok", lick the batter bowl. And I'm sure most of us don't realize how many extra calories we are adding to our diets by those little bites. So, I kept grapes and cut of veggies on the counter to chomp on if if I got that urge to cheat. I also chugged the water. Sometimes it would take away that hunger and other times it would just keep my mouth busy.
Because I am the only one in my house doing this challenge, sometimes I have to make modifications to the meals I prepare for my Hubby and Kiddos. Well I don't HAVE to, but because I still haven't mastered the art of cooking without butter, cheese, salt ect. What I am trying to cook isn't really great for me to try to get them to switch over. I don't want to turn them off to a healthier lifestyle just because I don't know how to cook yet :)
Thankfully last week, my children were camping with the Grandparents, so only my Husband had to suffer through my experiments. But this week, I will have to do some MAJOR planning and recipe hunting .Last night was hard. After running, I stopped by Culvers to get the family supper. The drive home was TOUGH! smelling that greasy cheeseburger and french fries.. Normally I would snack on the fries while I drove home, but I put the food in the back seat to keep the temptation out of reach. SUCCESS! I CAN do this.
I also ran the farthest distance EVER in my life Sunday. 7 Miles. It was challenging, but I have no doubt that because of my improved eating habits and the Spark I get to drink, I had much better endurance than I'm sure I would have a few weeks ago. I feel great all the way around. So far, no regrets on trying this new challenge. I know I said I would only weigh and measure myself every 5 days, but curiosity got the better of me this morning, since I officially started this a week ago today. So I will leave you with my stats. Hopefully this week I can share some recipes. Thanks for reading, feel free to comment and HAPPY DROPIN'!
Monday 3/17 Day 1:                        Friday 3/28 Day 5:                    Monday 3/31 Day 8:
155 lbs                                                         154 lbs                                         151 lbs.

TOTAL: 4 POUNDS DOWN!
 

5 Days down

Whelp, today is my 5th day on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Now this post may get a bit personal, TMI maybe but you have asked for honest review of the challenge, so thus I must deliver.
Fist of all let me start with a disclaimer: I didn't realize until Wednesday night that I had been missing a step in the challenge, well actually doing it wrong.. Whether it's a imperative step, that will compromise the outcome of this challenge I don't know. I hope to catch up and see if my results will be the same.  The step I screwed up is, during the cleanse phase ( first 10 days), you are supposed to take the Herbal Cleanse Capsules before bed. I HAD been taking the Probiotic Restore capsules, because I didn't see the "Herbal Cleanse". The Probiotic and Herbal capsules are all in the Herbal Cleanse box with that yummy fiber drink I love so much.. Not. The packaging of both capsules are the same. However, I was told to open everything, examine everything and get familiar with all products. Which I did, but I did not separate the contents of the Herbal cleanse box. My bad. But I took the right pills last night and will try to play catch up. I am supposed to have the last 3 days of the 10 days off from them, but since I missed the first 3 days I will take them anyway.
So if this mishap affects my outcome, note that it was MY fault and not fault of the system. Also the things I will mention may or may not have anything to do with me taking the wrong pills at the wrong time, so take what I say as you wish.
Now, so far I am feeling pretty good. Day 2 and 3 were a bit rough because I had some MAJOR sweet cravings. Which I normally don't get, but I'm thinking I eat more sugar than I realize, and since I am monitoring what I eat, I have cut some major sugars out of my diet. Those sweet cravings have subsided some which is nice. My energy is about the same. I had a lag the first 2 days mid-afternoon, but as long as I bring adequate snacks I'm OK. I have noticed that I have a bit more endurance while exercising. I think this weekend I will have to find some recipes for supper and snacks, this week was pretty bleh. My Poor husband as graciously suffered through my attempts to cook healthy.
TMI time. And here is where I don't know if taking the wrong pills at night has affected my experience. I have been EXTREMELY bloated. To the point of uncomfortable pain. I never have problems having a BM, but since starting this challenge it has gotten harder and few and far between. I hope that taking the right pills for the remainder of the cleanse will help with that, because this just stinks.
So that's it so far. Nothing to exciting. I am still running.I have my longest mileage I have EVER run coming up tomorrow.. 7 miles! I'm nervous, but because I have a bit more endurance I hope it won't be so bad.
I will close with my stats and a few observations over the past 5 days. I decided that I will weigh and measure every 5 days. I don't want what the scale says to effect my mentality, AND if the results are good I will be pleasantly surprised.
Day 1 Stats:                       Day 5:
155.8 lb                            154.0 lb
H: 37"                                H: 36"
W: 33"                              W: 33"
Notes:
Get GOOD recipes. I want this to be a good experience and start good habits, and I don't see that happening if I'm eating the same stuff everyday. I need to expand the horizons and try new recipes, STAT!
Take the RIGHT pills like it tells you too. Might make a HUGE diffrence in the way you feel! 
Keep drinking the water. It helps with hunger control and energy!
More endurance in exercising! 

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 1

Hello All,
As you know, I have been training for a half marathon. I am on week 5, though technically I should be on week 7. I had a few weeks in there where I wasn't able to train much so I had to start week 4 over.. TWICE! No worries though, I'm still running, keeping my head high and eyes on the prize. 
I am however trying to figure something out. During the duration of this training so far, I have been weighing myself periodically. Not everyday, as in reality my "weight" means little to me. I don't care what number the scale spits at me, I care about how I feel and how my clothes are fitting. Non the less, I weigh myself just to keep track, and I have noticed that my scale hasn't budged. Well my scale has budged because I move it in the open so I can get on it, but the number in which I see once I step on it has remained the same. Now this is curious to me, because I have been logging at least 15 miles a week for 4 weeks. In addition to that I take at least 2 classes at my gym, along with the general exercise of being a wife and mother, and I have been "counting my calories". I use that term loosely because I have been "minding" rather than actually "counting". I also have noticed SOME difference in the way my clothes fit, but nothing astounding. So naturally, eating must be what is keeping my scale from getting with the times :-). I know what I need to do to see results, I think we all do. I've said that before. I don't know what it is about the way my mind works, but I guess I just need a "program" to make me do it. So, I have decided to embark on a journey I have never considered or taken before. The Advocare 24 Day Challenge. 
Advocare is BOOMING right now. Where I work, we have tons of new consultants coming in to get apparel made to promote this, what seems to be amazing company. I chit chat with some of them when they come in about the basics of the business, but I was never in the mood to be sold into something. However, when you are looking for something to boost your workout, and everyone around you is trying this challenge and getting amazing results, it's hard to not inquire. So I did. And here I am. 
Thanks to an old friend from High School, he put up with all my questions and signed me up. He has been really encouraging and so have a few other people. So I am excited to try this out. I had a few people ask me to update them on the process, because normally you just see before and afters. So I thought this would make for a great Blog project. I will update this daily or weekley, I haven't decided, about my thoughts, tips and experience. So buckle up and hold on, LET'S DO THIS! 

Here are my Stats as of Day 1:
Weight: 155lbs
Hips: 37"   Waist: 33". 

First let me tell you what comes with this challenge. 
10 day Herbal cleanse drink and Vitamins
Spark, an energy drink to boost energy and metabolism
Meal replacement shakes
OmegaPlex vitamins. 
24 Day Challenge guide.
The first 10 days is the cleanse phase. YES I get to eat food ( quite a bit actually ), and NO I'm not running to the bathroom every 2 seconds. Each day I will post what is required and what I eat.
Day 1:
Spark 30 minuets before breakfast. This helped me wake up, since I'm not allowed to have coffee. This isn't as heavy as my coffee and didn't make me hungry ( coffee does that to me ). 
Breakfast:  1/2 Cup Oatmeal with 1 banana cut up in it and 2 hard boiled eggs. And my Fiber Drink.
I added the banana to my oatmeal for my fruit and sweetness. I usually add tons of butter and sugar to my oatmeal, so this was satisfying, but something I will have to get used to. 
I over estimatated how much I could eat. I only ate half my oatmeal and 1 egg. I will have the rest tomorrow for breakfast or a snack this week. I will be blatantly honest. The Fiber drink is NASTY. It was like orange tasting gel. It was recommended to me to add less than the suggested amount of water and chug it. I will try that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.  
Snack 1: 2 Carrot sticks. 
I cut these up into small pieces so I could much on them at my desk to trick my mind into thinking I was eating more.
Spark 30 minuets before lunch. 
This is optional, but being the first day with changing my routine, I needed it for the boost of energy.
Lunch: Chicken salad with Garbanzo beans. 
you are supposed to have a protein ( 4 oz of meat), veggie and complex carb. I did add 2 tbls of shredded low fat cheese to satisfy my dairy tooth. 
*Lunch may not sound like much but with 2 cups of lettuce, 4 oz of shredded chicken and 1/4 cup garbanzo beans it was VERY filling and satisfying. 
Snack: 1 Apple. 
I'll be honest, for a 3:00 snack I will need more than just an apple. Lesson learned. I will have to try it with some yogurt or something next time. 
Dinner:Baked Salmon, Quinoa with Kale and Mushrooms.
This was my first time making Quinoa. I briefly read a recipe when you add kale and mushrooms. It was good, but I need to figure out better healthy seasonings. It was satisfying and the hubby liked it, so SUCCESS! 
I was allowed a snack after supper, but I didn't have time. I go to a 60 minuet high intensity aerobics class at 5:30. I also had to get 4 miles in for my training so by the time my workout was over I didn't get to eat supper until 7:00. Might be something I need to moderate.


In addition to the food I am supposed to drink 77 oz of water, according to their math.Your body weight divided by 2 = the total ounces of water per day. THIS is what has me going to the potty every 5 minuets.. The book they give you has lots of room for notes and daily logs. 
I did take a 'Before' picture, but I  think I will wait to post it the end of the challenge. A few notes on my first day, and then I will end this book.
1) I was a little jittery. I am not used to taking that many vitamins. I also get a little nauseous with that many vitamins. I'm sure I will get used to it.
2) I did NOT pack adequate snacks to hold me over during the day. Carrots and an apple is not enough. to start. I will have to plan that better.
3) I did hit a lul by 3:00. but once I go into the gym my energy returned. So if you are doing this, I recommend trying to get some walking or jumping jacks in mid-afternoon.
4) I haven't had to rush to the bathroom, which I am thankful for. Not sure if that will happen or not..
So far so good. Day 1 finished and beat! Bring on Day 2!!! 
Thanks for Reading and Happy Dropin'!

Awakening

So I realize that what I am about to write might make me seem a bit crazy. With that being said I must admit that I have voices in my head. Not to beat an old drum, but with the sad fact that I have never really followed through with any of my fitness goals I have never met the person inside my head that yells at me, we can call her TRINA
I am still trying to follow the 12 week half marathon training program. By " Trying" I mean that within the 4 weeks I have had a Colorado trip/cold and I have another vacation coming up this next week, which has made it hard to do the miles every day. But I am doing my best to get the miles in a week that the program requires.
I first met Trina week 2. I was supposed to run 4 miles. The longest distance I had run in a few years. The gym I go to has a childcare room, but it closes at 12. So I went in on my lunch break, but I got there late. I was only almost 2.5 miles in and I only had just over 15 minutes until the room closed. I had been averaging a 10 min. mile, so I was concerned that I wasn't going to be able to finish on time, plus I was getting tired.Once I get 2 reasonably good excuses in my head, I usually can quit with a clear conscious ( hence the never following through). Just as I was about to quit, Trina started talking to me. Telling me that all I had to do was pick up my pace and I could complete the miles. After a few minuets of bantering, I was at 3.5 miles with about 5 minuets left. Still trying to quit, she kept yelling at me. SHE WON.. It was the strangest experience. I felt better and accomplished although I wouldn't admit that to Trina!
Trina went into hiding after that, but not for long. She started yelling at me yesterday when I wanted to eat my chicken breast SMOTHERED in cheese. There wasn't that much left in the package, and I DO LOVE cheese. I had been good for the past 4 weeks, this little bit won't hurt me.. She keeps yelling at me that it's not worth it, I already had been sipping a soda and I was getting lazy.. I WON. I smothered that chicken with yummy melted cheese and I enjoyed every bite, washed it down with some Sprite. I decided that I wasn't going to run because. I had a long night the night before, I didn't pack my clothes, and it was COLD outside. THREE great excuses!! Trina tried to get her 2 cents in, and my 2 friends who are doing the program with me were trying to encourage me... Nope wasn't going to go.... YELLING! She wouldn't stop! I tried to tune her out, but then I mentioned to my husband that I 'needed' to run, but I didn't want to head out after just getting home. Then my husband did something that surprised me. He told me that I would feel better if I did, and that he would wait to cook supper until I get back! UGH OK I'll go.
It was 30 degrees outside, it was starting to sleet, the sun was going down and my belly was full of delicious melted cheese, chicken and sprite. It was hard at first and Trina took that opportunity to remind me that she was right about eating that stuff and I should listen to her from now on.
I didn't get the full 5 miles I was supposed to run, but I did run just over 3. I was happy that I got out, I DID feel better, and I am thankful for the people in my life that don't accept my excuses and push me. If you have never had someone in your head yelling at you to help you get better I hope you meet them soon. I am surprised and happy that I have one! So get off your couch, do something that makes you happy, and get active! Lets Drop that Poundage together!!!

Commitment

I know I am supposed to post Part 2 of my Resolution post, but I quickly have something I would like to share with you. Back in 2002 I was training to do a relay marathon with some girlfriends at Harding. I wasn't an every day runner, but I made it on the pavement at least 3 times a week. I was really excited to try this race. In January of 2003 I discovered I was pregnant with the first of my 3 babies. Long story short, I never got to run that race. Since that time, I have been and on again off again kind of runner. I'd run with friends, do a few 5K's here and there, but never really committed to it. I don't think it's a big secret that I have poor mental stamina. I have a hard time encouraging myself and really pushing myself unless there is someone there doing it for me. I guess it is easier for me to let myself down and no one really know about it, but when there are witnesses I guess I have to seem stronger.
Well part of this years Resolution Revolution is that I will run my first half marathon. I WILL DO IT! I have a few friends who enjoy running that I know will encourage me and do it with me and that makes it a lot easier for me to look forward to this race.
I did some looking online and found a 12 week training program for beginners. I printed it off and decided that I can follow this. I am close to completing week 3. And aside from the constant state of sore my body is in, the sore knees and back, I feel good, motivated, accomplished. So far the average mileage a week is about 19-20 miles. This is by far the most miles my body has suffered through consecutively in my whole life. I ran track in high school, but never this distance, this often. NOPE.
I have to say, I must pat myself on the back. I finally admitted out loud in my last post about never being able to finish something. Sad but awesome at the same time is, this is one of the first things I have followed through with. I know I still have 9 weeks left with a vacation thrown in there, but I know I can do this.
 I know this won't be easy. I have had many inner mental fights with myself while on the run.  Knock out fights where if my inner self was 2 people standing in front of me, One Motivating and the other Lazy Hinderer, they would be wrestling on the floor. I will continue to be inspired and motivated by those who have similar goals as mine, and just remind myself of the reward I will have after crossing that finish line.
Well that's all. Thanks for reading and I'll get on that Part 2, soon. Happy Dropin'.

My New Years Resolution Revolution part 1

Well it's that time of year when everyone evaluates their lives and decides what areas they want to change. Then we all make "promises" or as we call it "resolutions" to change them. I have yet to meet one person, including myself who actually follows through with their beginning of the year change. It is this reality that has fueled my thoughts today. Actually, I can't lie and say that for the past few years, I put on my big girl pants and publicly announce that I won't make a resolution, but in my head and to myself, I make one. I do this because 1) I don't want the people around me to see me fail. 2) deep down I know that I WILL evidently fail. And 3) I don't want to seem like a bandwagon jumper. But alas, every year I always am, and I'm sure not as secretly as I like to tell myself.
 Let me start by saying that I will not mean for this post to seem like a downer. In fact I am a bit empowered putting this out in cyber space for all to read. This is my public resolution that I will turn into a Tina Newton Revolution. Let me start by defining the two words as to better explain my thoughts: A RESOLUTION is defined as: A firm decision to do or not to do something". and A REVOLUTION is defined as: A dramatic and wide-reaching change in the way something works or is organized.".. So you see a resolution is a decision to make a change, but a revolution is the action.
Time to get personal.... I know that my family and friends love me and see the best in me, which I deeply cherish and appreciate. However, I must be real with myself before I can expect anyone else to. I am a chronic starter, but a terrible finisher. Many define me as an entrepreneur, or as some of my close friends, a "wonder Mom" for doing so many things. Yes it's true I DO A LOT of things.I can't really sit still, and I can't remember the last time I had a day where my 'to-do' list wasn't constantly running through my head. Some are essential to our lives here on earth, but a lot of them are time fillers that sometimes in all honesty, stress me out.
 My husband and I had a conversation the other day about the word STRESS. I just eventually had to look it up, because my definition and his definition were opposite. The actual definition of stress is: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. I'm sure all of you can think of one thing that 'stresses' you out. But my husband said something to me that really made me sit back and pout for a while but then made me think. " Stressing out is pointless. You choose to be stressed" After my inner tantrum because he wasn't stroking my ego and making me feel better, I realized he was right. What was stressing me out? Money? Chores? my weight? the screaming baby on my hip? Yes.Yes. Yes. And Yes. Plus a gazillion more things that I let creep into my thoughts and take over my mental calm and happiness. I LET them. I choose to let my 'to-do' list takeover my thoughts, and time. So much so, I am rarely present during my time with my kids, or the quiet times in the evening. I miss reading books to my kids because I am always to busy trying to knock that list down. While my family is relaxing the living room, I am somewhere else DOING something, and simultaneously thinking about how the next thing on my list needs to be done.
Stress was defined as strain and tension, would you want to live with someone who is always strained or tense? Me either.
I don't play, or let loose anymore. in fact I'm pretty UNFUN if there is a word. I can't seem to just... be. I can't enjoy this moment because I am to busy planning the next one. I can't really learn from something because I'm already trying to guess the next lesson. I don't have "relaxing" Saturdays or evenings because I am always planning something to fill that time. Do you see the theme? I am ALWAYS doing, thinking, planning and stressing.  I am always away from where I need to be, either mentally or physically.
After some much needed understanding, admitting and just being real with myself I know what I want to do this year... nothing.
Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'. stay tuned for part 2.