Sundry Sunny

Motivational Running Songs

2008-06-09T19:27:00.003-05:00

Found the coolest widget ever today. You make an iMix into one to share. I'm always on the lookout for motivational tunes to help get me through a workout or a run.

Yeah, so some of my songs are super tacky. So what? Nothing like a little Disney's Hercules to get me singing and forgetting how many miles left I have to run.

My new widget is down and to the left. You can go to Widgetbox to make your own. Don't forget to share.

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List

Thunder on a scorching hot day
Renewed marital hope
Playing Kung Fu Panda with kiddos

Lack a Decent PRW

2008-06-06T20:28:00.004-05:00

Powerful Reason Why. Yep. Don't have one. Oh, I've got a few reasons why I should stay on a fitness regimen and try to attain my fitness goals. You know, your run-of-the-mill:

1. General Health
2. Look good
3. Feel better
4. Set a good example

Blah. Blah. Blah. It's just not POWERFUL enough. Like when my life is ripping apart at the seams and it seems like my only friend in the world is that dang Lindor truffle. I eat to numb the pain, the anxiety. Then I deal with the waves of guilt and feelings of failure that soon follow.

I need a PRW. Badly. And to believe it can be done. Is 14 % bodyfat and lifetime healthy eating and nice looking muscles actually possible for the average Jane?

Overwhelmed

2008-06-03T19:48:00.004-05:00

My God, was I overwhelmed today. I was dealing with some pretty incredible stress (marital gunk). My feelings of lonliness were almost unbearable. Chocolate would have helped. For a second, anyway. But, feeling that this 62 Day Freedom Path is my lifeline and my true path to sanity - I had to just keep on keeping on. I decided not to try to fight the stress like I normally do, but to stand in it - through it. I was in such emotional turmoil, all I could do was chant, "This will be over soon. This will be over soon." And you know what? It was. It ended. The dread, the stress, the wave of anxiet... it passed.

Just one foot in front of the other.... One day at a time.

"So stand in the rain. Stand your ground." -- Superchick

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Sprinkling rain in June
Air conditioner in June
Quorn "chicken"

A Brand New Start

2008-06-02T19:52:00.005-05:00

So many changes have been going on in my life. Serious changes in family dynamics. I've pretty much just been trying to keep my head above water.

But, I see lots of great things on the horizon. I'm reupping my blog. Reupping my life, in fact. I'm beginning a new journey. For a period of 62 days, I will stay the course. Now, I'm living a healthy lifestyle... FOREVER...but this 62 day period is not just any stay fit, eat healthy status quo thing. Nope. It's a short term program to help loose fat, build muscle, exercise self-control, regain self-confidence, and most importantly,

GAIN MY INDEPENDENCE.

This is my freedom diet. These lifestyle choices I will make over the next 62 days, will coincide with personal/maritial changes that will be life-altering for my family and I. I am scared. I am excited. I am certain that the power within is more than enough.

Diet in short:

1300-1400 calories a day, except Sat. having 1800 calories
Cardio 6 days a week
Weight training: Varies, 4-5 days a week
Meditation/Hypnosis daily
Faithful with water and supplements

That's it. So simple to state. So challenging to complete.

Pray, Sunny, Pray.

Day 23

2008-02-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

Great workout today. I had to really rush, but I still got it in. I finished it in 30 minutes. I was flying. But, right after, I got quite nauseous. I don't know if it's because I ate a meal right before, or if it's because I pushed pretty hard. But after a 1/2 hour of resting, I felt much better.

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: nope
Cardio: off
Strength: yep
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 8
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 2
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10 - really do have to weigh myself more often - I just don't want to get discouraged.

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Carpools to the play rehearsals
Oxygen magazine
Refunds

Day 22

2008-02-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

Whenever you're having a down day - or feeling a little leary after watching a movie like "The Brave One", you can watch this video and remember the goodness in the world.

Day 21

2008-02-10T06:39:00.000-05:00

fitness | Funny Jokes at JibJab

Day 20

2008-02-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

Maggie Diubaldo - strong fit and beautiful. And if you visit her site, on her front page, she's got an awesome simple recipe for egg white popsicles. I'm always trying to slip in more egg whites to get my protein in. http://maggiediubaldo.com/

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: nope
Cardio: yes, pool work and tons of hiking
Strength: missed it - but so sore for some reason
Food Plan: no - needed more fuel for incredibly long hike
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 7/10 - Zoiks. I'm slipping. I'm going to have to step it up.

My Quote for the Day:
"Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
--Joshua J. Marine

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Old growth forests
Simple, delicious meals
Hikes with the kids

Day 19

2008-02-08T20:39:00.000-05:00

Some days, it's so hard to stay on my program. I mean, HARD. Look at this cake Addy and Wyatt made today. Dang, I sure do love cake.

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: nope
Cardio: yes, 5 miles in 51:53 (two killer hills in there)
Strength: off
Food Plan: umm, did I mention the cake?
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10

My Quote for the Day:
"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't run around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
--Michael Johnson

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Ipod while running
Cold dog noses
Kerosene heat

Day 18

2008-02-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

Arnel's week six is awesome! I think I strained my knee a little on the step-ups or walking lunges, but the rest was awesome. My right arm is getting quite vascular ;) So pretty. Now, if only the rest of my body would shed some fat...

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: nope
Cardio: off
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yep
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes and wrote ALL of my affirmations
Blog: obviously

Total: 10/10

My Quote for the Day:
"I have absolute reliance on the law of good."
--Ernest Holmes

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Steaming hot showers
Fresh laundry from the line
Watching my kids on stage

Day 17

2008-02-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

I think I'm suffering from acute information overload. It's hard for me to narrow my goals - I keep jumping around. Too scattered. Must refocus and DECIDE EXACTLY what my fitness/nutrition/health goals are and then BE SATISFIED with that. Part of the problem is I simply don't know what's possible or exactly how to achieve it. So, I research - I research - and then I research some more. And you know what I end up with?

ACUTE INFORMATION OVERLOAD

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: 136
Cardio: yes - 4 mi run in 41:23 on rolling hills
Strength: off
Food Plan: not quite
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 8
Fatigue: 2
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10

My Quote for the Day:
"People [are] confused with what the right diet [is]."
--Dr. Mercola

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Misty rain while running
Library trips
Fage in stock

Day 16

2008-02-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it. I faced humiliation head on and went for a swim lesson. I did horribly. Splashed furiously, drank water, and generally sucked. But, you know what? I did it anyway - Yea! My coach, Katie, was simply awesome. She was informative, optimistic but with the right amount of realism, extremely kind & generous, and very in tune. And above all, she was authentic - which I love! I left the lesson feeling like with TONS of practice, maybe I could learn how to swim - which is much better than I was feeling yesterday. It's all about progress, right? If any of you need a swim (or tri) coach and live in WNC or Upstate SC, check her out - http://www.malonecoaching.net/

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: Nope
Cardio: yes - swim lesson
Strength: yep, but I was feeling weak
Food Plan: yes, but I was STARVING
Water: yes
Sleep: 9
Attitude: 8
Fatigue: 4
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10

My Quote for the Day:
"I like my muscles now. My body has a purpose - it helps me achieve my goals."
--Jenny Thompson, Olympic swimmer

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Playing football with kiddos
New Triathlon books in the mail
Generous people, like Katie

Day 15

2008-02-04T19:34:00.000-05:00

Great run today. Perfect weather. Just took it easy and enjoyed being outside. And, I'm pretty excited about my first swim lesson tomorrow. I'm sending out thoughts to the Universe to have it run smoothly and be beneficial - and possibly reduce my drown factor.

I've been checking out Valerie Waugaman videos today. She rocks. I mean, she's such a motivated person - and the definition of buff. You can see some great short videos of her at http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/valerie2.htm

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: Nope
Cardio: yes, 3 mi in 28:08
Strength: off
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 9
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10

My Quote for the Day:
"I now erase all opposition within my own thought, and am a free and open channel for omnipotence."
--Ernest Holmes

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Hubby home from work early
New friends
Perfect temperature run

Day 14

2008-02-03T19:42:00.000-05:00

Pretty geared up for week three. I've been keeping myself motivated by reading articles, checking out cool sites, and watching little videos. For example, look at this video with Arnold training. Take a look at his face. Incredible. Next time I question my intensity when I work out, I'll have that image in mind.

My Quote for the Day:
"We are all the same."
--Brother Bear

My 3-A-Day Gratitude List:

Playing hide and seek
Taking a long, quiet walk
Sparkling clean bathrooms

Day 13

2008-02-02T19:56:00.000-05:00

So empty.

My Quote for the Day:
"The secret of change is to focus all our energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
--Socrates

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Our 11 acres
Starry nights
Popcicles

Day 12

2008-02-01T19:21:00.000-05:00

I've been working on my Week Three Plan. It'll look like this:

Week Three
Monday --- 1500 Calories --- HIIT Running
Tuesday --- 1500 Calories --- Arnel Week 5 --- 30 min. swim
Wednes --- 1800 Calories --- Tempo Run
Thursday --- 1500 Calories --- Arnel Week 6 --- Bike
Friday --- 1500 Calories --- 6 mile Fun Run
Saturday --- 1900 Calories --- Arnel Week 5 --- Bike

The next week, I'll add another swim. I truly hate plateaus. Hate them. I read a great article on Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle today. It was about lots (25) ways to break plateaus. I'm trying to keep those in mind, so I don't panic and get discouraged.

My Quote for the Day:
"As long as I can call myself a bodybuilder, my behavior is always going to be congurent with what a bodybuilder should be."
-- Tom Venuto

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Kisses from Wyatt
Jamming while making pizza
Motivational Articles

Day 11

2008-01-31T17:59:00.000-05:00

Went swimming again today. I made it a whole lap and a half before I swallowed water and got too tired and had to stop. Can't wait for my swim lesson next week. Feeling so depressed and confused about fitness goals.

Total Break From Plan - and it's so important I keep the next quote in mind...

My Quote for the Day:
"Self-condemnation brings failure and misery. Self-forgiveness brings happiness, peace, and triumphant living."
--Joseph Murphy

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Trail running
Baby goats skipping sideways
Cattails

Day 10

2008-01-30T18:44:00.000-05:00

Trying hard to work up a training schedule for the upcoming triathlon. It's so hard to balance weight loss, muscle maintenance, gaining strength, and endurance training. I'll be constantly tweaking, I guess.

Total Break from Plan

My Quote for the Day:
"When you are loyal and devoted mentally to your ideal, the fear or the negative thought dies, and the ideal becomes real."
--Joseph Murphy

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Houseplants
Artemis Fowl
Crystal clear skies

Day 9

2008-01-29T20:43:00.000-05:00

Started out as a great day. Biked on the road with my son for 7 miles - but it was hilly, so it took us a while. Then went swimming with the boys. But later in the day I was STRUCK by a hunger. I freaked out really. I can't even count how many peanut butter balls (yummy homemade treats my daughter makes with peanut butter, honey, powdered milk, and wheat germ) I ate. Then, I decided to top it off with candy and a horrible dinner. I know I maxed myself out physically today (biked, swim, and did Arnel's week 5 workout), so my body was probably just trying to refuel. The candy thing was just depression, though - guilt for succumbing to peanut butter balls. There. I've done my confession. I'll hop back on tomorrow.

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: 135.8 (won't budge - stupid scale)
Cardio: yes - lots, actually
Strength: yes
Food Plan: Ummmm. Nope.
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 6
Fatigue: 3
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 8/10

My Quote for the Day:
"When you refuse to pay attention to what life is saying to you, life will make its point very clear."
--Iyanla Vanzant

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Overcoming swimming issues
New starts
Forgiveness

Day 8

2008-01-28T19:28:00.000-05:00

Well, that's it. I'm tired of not being able to get involved in a triathlon because I can't swim for crap. Well, I can swim to save my life, to have fun, and to slowly get from point A to B. But I can't front crawl AT ALL. I choke and sputter - sink and attract attention. So, I've found a swim coach who's going to try to help. Everyone please pray that I don't terribly embarrass her (or myself) at the Y next week.

And, I've also got to search and learn about how NOT to loose muscle as I endurance train, because last time up upped my cardio, my muscle starting withering away. Maybe it's just more calories I'll need.

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: 135.8 (hormonal hell)
Cardio: yes - and learning to like the HIIT runs better
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 10/10

I said I would post stats for today, but after reviewing them, it just doesn't look all that impressive after one week. Not bad, just not astronomically great. Can't really see a difference in the pics either. So, I'll shoot for next week. Perhaps once every 3 weeks will show greater changes. We'll see.

My Quote for the Day:
"Commitment means no matter what."
--Dan Millman

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

New adventures
Sweet potato chili baked fries
Working out with the hubby

Day 7

2008-01-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh. A day of rest. I'm pretty happy with my changes this week. I'll post my Week One stats tomorrow. I'm not sure about posting a weekly pic though. There's not much visiable difference in a week, you know? Maybe 2 weeks. 4 for sure. Off to watch 300 with my hubby. Maybe I'll be psyched up to do a 300 workout (or modified version) this week.

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: 135.6 (dang high cal day yesterday - it's water today, right?!?!)
Cardio: scheduled off
Strength: off
Food Plan: yes (but, man I was hungry today)
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 10/10

My Quote for the Day:
"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence- is the key to unlocking our potential."
--Winston Churchill

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Singing with the family in the car
Mental Floss quizzes
Making it up our driveway on my bike

Day 6

2008-01-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Awesome day today. Such a good workout. I did Arnel's Week 4 - 1 min. each exercise, with 3 rounds. Matthew did the first two rounds with me. I think next time, I'll do it faster. That should up the intensity, right? I'll be on Week 5 workouts next week, and I think I might add an abs routine to my cardio days.

Me and Doo Just a Minute Ago

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: 134.2
Cardio: scheduled off
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yes - today was high cal. day (yummy cheerios and 1/2 a chocolate bar)
Water: yes
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 10/10

My Quote for the Day:
"There is inside of you all of the potential to be whatever you want to be, all of the energy to do whatever you want to do."
--Donna Levine

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Stability Balls
Pushing Wyatt on the hammock
Getting love from our goat, Mud

Day 5

2008-01-25T20:47:00.001-05:00

Great on program today. I had a pretty good 5 miler and then ran another couple with the kids. I love not hurrying. That's why I dig distance running over sprinting. Also tried another new veggie today - golden nugget squash. Thumbs up. Sweet, healthy, easy, low cal... Yummy.

Accountability Log:

Weigh in: 135
Cardio: yes
Strength: off
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 10 - yea sleep!
Attitude: 10
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 10/10

My Quote for the Day:

"The world is like a huge city reflected in a mirror. So too, the universe is a huge reflecton of yourself in your own consciousness."
-- Vedic Text

My 3-a-Day Gratitude List:

Disney inspirational flicks
Youtube
Pictures colored by my kiddos

Day 4

2008-01-24T20:18:00.000-05:00

Turnips suck. Suck. Suck. Suck. I'm all for experimenting and trying to like new veggies. I do it all the time. In fact, I like almost all veggies and can only think of one that I despise. Turnips. Holy aspirin-aftertaste Batman! Yeah broccoli. Boo Turnips. There. I've made my point.

Addy and Me

Weigh in: 135.4
Cardio: scheduled off
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 4 - Bout of insomnia
Attitude: 8 - Slightly tired
Fatigue: 2
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10 -- Need some zzzzzs.

My quote for the day:
"The greatest crime in the world is not developing your potential. When you do what you do best, you are helping not only yourself, but the world."
--Roger Williams

My 3-a Day Gratitude List:

Thrift store deals
Egg white ice-cream
Turnips in the compost bin

Day 3

2008-01-23T15:33:00.000-05:00

6-Pack Ab Challenge

I signed up to participate for Arnel's Challenge. I'm not sure if they'll let a girl do it too. I sure do hope so, though. I've used his programs in the past and his workouts and his sites are awesome. The challenge is at: http://groups.google.com/group/sixpackabschallenge and you have to give a before pic. So, my son shot this one of me that I emailed in with my entry.

We'll see, eh?

Accountability Log:
Weigh in: 135
Cardio: 3 miles on hills in 28:40
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 5 (Couldn't fall asleep last night until really late)
Attitude: 9
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10 - Need sleep!

My quote for the day:
"Are you going to brave the rigors and potential discomfort of achievement, or are you going to pass up the opportunity to participate in this magnificent life?"
--Kenn Gordon

My 3-a-day Gratitude List

Not having to make dinner
New challenges
Relaxing days at home

Day 2

2008-01-22T20:15:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for Fage. Thick, yummy Greek yogurt. High protein. Take some, put a handful of strawberries, a couple of drops of Stevia... Heaven.

My workout was awesome today. My eldest son did it with me. Really like doing the crunches on a ball. The greater range of motion really burns.

Weigh in: 137.2 (hoping there's some water there)
Cardio: scheduled off
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes (1 gallon, Baby!)
Sleep: 10
Attitude: 9
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 10/10

I'm trying to think of some mini goals to help me along this journey. Now - I'm off to sleep.

My quote for the day:
"The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become."
--Ben Herbster

My 3-a-day Gratitude List:

Dragon Rider
Uninterrupted showers
Fellow shredders

Day One

2008-01-21T16:30:00.000-05:00

Well, here's my daily accountability log:

Weigh in: Nope
Cardio: yes
Strength: yes
Food Plan: yes
Water: yes
Sleep: 9
Attitude: 9
Fatigue: 0
Visualization: yes
Blog: obviously

Total: 9/10

Willie with Mini Snowman

My quote for the day:
"I vow this day to embrace and embody the idea of wholeness."
--SOM Magazine

My 3-a-day Gratitude List:

Kiddos wrapped in quilts
Swinging in the hammock
Crystal clear glasses of cold water

Week One Plan

2008-01-20T17:42:00.000-05:00

Each week, I'm going to reassess my program and make changes. I'll be paying attention to things like upping or lowing calories, changing cardio intensity or duration, or changing aspects of my lifting routine. I'll gauge my own feedback (fatigue level, body fat %, etc.) every Sunday night, and go from there.

Week One

Monday: 1500 calories ♥ HIIT Run (60sec high/60sec low/ 6x) ♥ push-ups/chin-ups
Tuesday: 1500 calories ♥ Arnel's Week 4 Circuit (45sec. ea/ 3X) ♥ splits
Wednes: 1500 calories ♥ 3 mile tempo run ♥ push-ups/chin-ups
Thursday:1800 calories ♥ Arnel's Week 3 Supersets (12-15reps/3X) ♥ splits
Friday: 1500 calories ♥ 5 mle fun run ♥ push-ups/chin-ups
Saturday: 2000 calories ♥ Arnel's Week 4 Circuit (1min ea/3X) ♥ splits
Sunday: 1500 calories ♥ REST

I've been eating clean for a while now, but I'm going to tighten it up a lot during this 12 week phase. I'm going to eat only clean foods with VERY few exceptions: Saturdays are my high calorie days, and I'm going to eat one semi-naughty thing like a bowl of whatever cereal I want, and one really naughty thing of whatever I want (most likely chocolate or ice-cream). Although, I'm still staying within my TDEE for the day. That way, it doesn't seem so incredibly daunting without some form of "reward" a week.

But, I'm trying to keep in mind all the great things I can eat, not what I can't. I'm not going to over obsess about macro-nutrient ratios (yet), but I am trying to get as much protein as I can and for my last meal, I'm going to reduce starchy carbs as much as feasible for a vegetarian, like myself.

Learning to love protein
Peas
Cottage Cheese
Egg Whites
Beans
Fage
Whey
Hemp

Tons of food choices, right? So many other options out there, too. No need to feel deprived, I keep telling myself. I love to get creative in the kitchen, and I still can. There are lots of great healthy, natural, high protein foods to make and try like: flax crackers, "ice cream" made from egg whites, granola, sweet or savory patties, etc.

I can do this. It's shred time!!!

Wyatt doing a back pose

My quote for the day:
"The way to work is to begin right where we are..."
--Science of Mind, page 271

My 3-a-day Gratitude List

New simple recipes
Foglifter coffee
Jeans that are getting loose

My 12 Week Transformation Rules

2008-01-19T17:51:00.000-05:00

1. Complete all my workouts
A. Cardio (mix of steady state and HIIT)
B. Weight Training (3 -4 times a week)
C. Practice Chin-ups, Push-ups, and splits 3xweek
2. Stick to my meal plan (reassess weekly)
3. Take a daily picture
4. Post daily to blog for accountability
5. Even if I cheat (which I won't!!), still report on blog. Then, hop right back on the wagon.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Goals for my Phase 2 Transformation
I want to get as close as possible to my ultimate goals. That means dropping 15 lbs of fat and gaining 8 lbs of muscle. So, there'll be lots of zigzagging and trial and error. Basically, I want beautiful muscles and I want to get rid of the mushy, ugly fat covering them up.

Most importantly, when my 12 weeks is up, I want to see a significant difference in my day 1 and day 84 pictures.

My Prize
What do I get for busting my butt for 12 weeks? Well, hopefully a tighter, leaner body. Also, this will be a great lesson in self-discipline and forming new, life-altering habits. And, as a really cool prize, at the end of my 12 weeks, if I've been successful, I will either treat myself to a training package from Jenny Lynn, Maggie Diubaldo, or go to Jen's Phat Camp. Weee-Hoooo, right?

So excited and scared about starting Hard-Core on Monday.

My Quote for the Day:

"I am in tune with the flow of life, allowing myself to notice all opportunities."

--Sandy Smith

My 3-a-day Gratitude List

Friends that drop in to chat
Gogi berries
Freshly vacuumed carpet

Sweet Words

2008-01-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

Do you know what my eleven-year-old son said to me yesterday? As I was creating my before and after pic for this blog, he said, "You know, Mommy, you are one of my heroes." What? This coming from a boy who's got Bruce Lee and Randy Couture in his top five? Jeez. Am I a lucky woman, or what?

Here's a pic we snapped yesterday of us. He puts on such serious faces for pictures (acting manly, you know), but really, he's the coolest kid.

My quote for the day:
"To return to a sane simplicity is one of the first and most important things to do."
--Ernest Holmes

My 3-a-day gratitude list:

snow day in Rutherfordton
sweet words from my son
oatmeal with walnuts...yummy

Phase One Summary

2008-01-17T17:05:00.000-05:00

Hello, Everyone!

I've decided I need to give myself some extra motivation. In the year or so, I've lost about 57 pounds. I've done lots of running, lots of healthy eating, and made some general lifestyle changes. I'm very happy with where I've gotten.

For years, I wore a size 14. Just last week, I bought my first pair of jeans in a size 4! I used to be around 39% BF. I'm currently 24.5%. I started a couch-to-5K running program and could barely complete 2 minutes of running. I can now easily run a 1/2 marathon on any given day. Yea!

But, looking at myself, I see I've still got a long way to go. I'm finding I've got tons of fitness ambitions buried in me. I'm in the process of articulating them so I can enter a Phase Two of my body transformation. I'm creating this blog in hopes of boosting my accountability and motivation.

For now, I'm off to make dinner for my brood.

Oh, here's another picture of chubba bubba me -vs- current me.