Slacker, Boombacker

I need some motivation.  I have two weeks until the Color Run and I've not run a lick of anything.

Have you heard about it?  Seen the video?

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Do you have goosebumps now too?

I'm so excited, but...

I hope I don't have a heart attack and pass out from my out of shape-ness (insert air quotes for sure on this one).

So for those of you that have done it in your respective cities, shower me with the it's easy, no worries, you can do its because I'm going to need it.

I'm just off the running thing and have been almost all summer.  I get out of breath just thinking about it.

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I'm not a runner, but I try to pretend every once and a while.

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A good run feels good and makes me feel a bit skinnier, but let's not kid ourselves.

I'd rather take a day of Body Pump than run anything really.

Anyway, just checking in cause I need a serious ass whoopin, so bring it on ladies.

I'm not scared.

Let's see what you're made of.

Love you. Wink, wink.

If I've Learned Anything...

It's been a while since I've done a workout update.

Going to the gym is just part of my routine now and less of a task, I guess (or so it feels).

There are still days that I don't feel like going and there are still moments where I don't.

Some days I just want to come home and chill with my family instead of run until 8:00.

I've been doing Body Pump for 4 months now and thanks to my workout buddy, Gina, I started taking a quick 30 minute core class called cx worx.  Love it!  And I try to get in 1 day of cardio (in the gym, outside of a walk with Mia, running/chasing Mia around the house).  So right now, 3 days a week is my deal.

If I don't go, I feel bad and guilty.  I like going.  I used to love the gym, especially in college and in the early stages of my working life.  It was just a part of who I was and again it's finally becoming a part of who I am now.

What I've learned?

It doesn't matter what the numbers say.

It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing.

It doesn't matter that I'm still fluctuating between the same 3 lbs, up and down the scale, weekly.

It doesn't matter that if I truly want to be back to pre-pregnancy I have 10 more lbs to go (well it matters a little cause that would be pretty awesome).

It doesn't matter that I love a sweet treat every once and a while because sometimes I just need one and sometimes it has enough power to turn a not so great day into a pretty good one.

It doesn't matter that I love my carbs, what matters is keeping the intake of carbs under control.

It doesn't matter that I drink wine like water because I don't see that changing anytime soon.  Momma needs one vice.

What does matter is feeling better about myself.

What does matter is seeing Mia grow up and learn the importance of exercise and eating well.

What does matter is the extra social time Mia is getting in the daycare at the gym.

What does matter is the me time I am getting (even if it's cut short because of a poopy diaper or leaving doesn't go very well because she would rather sprint across the gym instead of go to the car)

What does matter is the definition I'm seeing.

What does matter is the results that I'm seeing.

What does matter is hearing your Hubs tell you he's proud and that you look skinny and toned.

There are things I've learned and there are certainly things that matter, but those things are much different that what I felt before.

When you don't have the time and you have to prioritize your life, that is your choice.

You can't blame any one person or thing for something you want.  If you want to do it, it's up to YOU to make it happen.

Get Skinny With Bikini

As I approach my first run of the year this Saturday, I've needed a little something extra to get me really going for the rapidly approaching Memorial Day holiday weekend, but even more importantly...

POOL SEASON!

I did it. I bought a bikini and not a tankini, an actual baaaaaaakini.

I never thought in a million years I wouldn't just buy a bikini as the summer months approached, but then I had a child and then came life and then came "letting myself go" or "drinking too much wine and not working some of it off" a little more than I am comfortable with.

This is a new year.  I'm not shooting for Gisele or Gwyneth or Jennifer or Elle's bods (although Elle is amazing), even though it would be nice, but I just want to feel comfortable in a bikini again.  I'm not wearing one if I'm going to be rolling around in it, if you know what I mean.

Tankinis and one pieces are effing hot in the heat of the St. Louis summers and I don't want to be hot at the pool.  That's dumb.

I'm well into my third month of Operation Badass, so in another 11 or so weeks when I hit the lake for Memorial Day I should be ready.  Right?

We're not doing the vacay thing this summer (more on that later) so Mia and I will be spending a LOT of time at the pool.  A LOT!

Here they are and by they, I couldn't help but pick up one for Mia too.

Hers, Old Navy, $10.  Mine, Tarjay, $28

And you though we wouldn't match?  Shame on you.

PS - I'm kind of becoming obsessed with neon again.  Brings me right back to my childhood.

Riiiiiiiiight back.

Weeks Eight Thru Ten

So I've been thinking...this Saturday is exactly one week until my 7K.  ONE!  I feel pretty ready, but not like amazing, I'm going to rock your socks off with my speed ready.

I'm excited to get to it, do the best I can and reward myself with beer and a parade afterwards.  After all this is on St. Patty's, so what better way to stay focused than to know you get to toss back a few afterwards.  Yes, I use beer and wine as motivation in my every day life.  Don't judge.

I've told myself that after I reached and accomplished my goal of my first run of the year I was going to change up a few things about my workout routine.

My focus has never been on weight, it's been more just feeling better and stronger, HOW.EV.ER, I've been gaining weight.  Nothing major, but the past two weeks I have gone the opposite direction on the scale and it's kinda pissing me off.  So I guess I do care more than I think.We're talking 2 whole pounds, but still, not the direction I was hoping for.

Memorial Day will be my first visit to a swimsuit since last summer, assuming it's warm enough, so that is motivation there.

One of my favorite bloggy buddies, Kristen, shared a great idea on her blog today.  And I'm going to do it!  I'm going to buy a swimming suit as my motivation to kick my ass just a little bit harder.  I'll hang it on my closet door and I will see it every day.  Motivation = wine and swimsuits.  Yes.

I'm about to round out Week 11 of Operation Badass.  And after next week it will officially have been three (3!!!!) months!

Suggestions for classes you enjoy, especially if you work out at Gold's Gym, would be appreciated.  I will stick with Body Pump for sure and Yoga on occasion, but I'm thinking I'll get back into spinning.  That's a kick ass calorie burner.

At the end of the day, I feel better and I'm definitely stronger (and my butt appears a bit firmer and smaller, so that's a bonus), but I could use a little belly reduction...and a spray tan!

Have a great weekend!

Week Six and Seven

Well that flew by.  I'm a little behind on the updates.  I intended to do my first ever link up last Friday with Kristen for Firm Fridays, but work's been insane and so has life, so I need to schedule my blogging better.

This week marks Week 8 (Week 8, wow 2 months - go Melissa!) of Operation Badass and I must tell you I have bras that fit that I haven't worn since before I got the pregnancy boobs with Mia, so clearly something is working.

I've slowed down the crazy schedule a bit, but I feel good.  Starting to see some definition in areas that have been definition-less for quite some time and the Hubs is noticing and commenting which is always nice.  Areas are getting more firm, more tight and less saggish type situations.

Week Six
Body Pump - 120 minutes
Yoga - 75 minutes
Running - 2 miles
Weight - no change

Week Seven
Body Pump - 60 minutes
Yoga - 60 minutes
Running - Naaada.  Oops.
Weight - lost exactly 1 lb.

I am about 4 weeks out from my first run of the year, so this week I'm going to take advantage of the Fitness Center on my lunch breaks to help assist in getting my runs in.  I am going to would like to run 3x per week for the next 4 weeks leading up to the race.  I'm praying for decent weather so one run a week can be outside.  We all know that running outside is way more difficult than on a treadmill.  Running has been difficult to fit in because I much rather prefer Body Pump and Yoga over treadmill time, but as the first run approaches I just need to keep it up a notch or ten.

So I'm still going strong.  Pretty proud of my bad self to be honest.  I'm looking forward to the summer and maybe I'll be rocking a bikini at the pool this time.  Only time will tell.

Week Five

Weeeeeeeellllll...if you've been following along the last week, you will know that I wasn't very disciplined in the working out department.

I had some emotional struggles/mom guilt going on, but I did manage to get some exercise in so here's the recap:

Monday - Run - 2 miles
Tuesday - Body Pump - 60 minutes

Weight - we'll find out tonight, since I didn't make it to the gym on Sunday which is normal "weigh-in" day.

And that's it folks.

Not a great week, but not a total failure.

Back at it this week.

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Have a good one!

Week Four

Week 4 is complete.  I've officially made it 1 MONTH!

Deets:

Tuesday/Thursday 120 minutes - Body Pump

No Yoga this week - I was physically and emotionally drained last Wednesday and I needed a time out.

Working out 3-4 times a week, working full time, mommy and wife duty full time was wearing me out.  It was a nice break.  You appreciate family nights much more when there are less of them during the work week.

Monday/Friday - 3 miles total

Weight: Up one ellll bbbee, but it's all muscle I'm sure. :)

I'm totally sucking with the My Fitness Pal tracking, but to be really honest, I did it for 2 weeks and was under my calorie limit every single day.  I didn't really think my eating was my issue.  My issue was my laziness and the fact that my ass was spreading on the couch and things were sagging more than they should at 33.  I would eventually like to have another baby and I want to be stronger and healthier before that happens.  As I've mentioned before I was in great shape before I got preggers with Mia and the delivery and recovery were easier because of it.  I will swear to that forever.

I'm already game on with Week 5, I ran yesterday, but the stupid treadmill wasn't working and so I have no idea how far I went, but I ran for 30 minutes (well ran/walked, thank you C25K).

This has been a crazy schedule for me and a balance I am definitely struggling with almost daily.

I've told myself, you need to go at it full steam until the St. Patty's Run in March, then you can give up one day. (maybe only run 2 times a week instead of 3 or only do 1 Body Pump a week instead of 2; although I will likely give up running before Body Pump cause I love that freakin' class).

Happy New Week!  Hope it's a great one for all of you.

Oh and PS I am majorly crabby (hormones are no joke after baby) today so when I see your comments and get on Twitter today can you make me laugh, cause I need it.  Like whoa.

Muchas gracias amigos!

Week Three

Monday/Thursday - Body Pump - 120 minutes  (PS - I like this class so much, I may or may not have researched how to become an instructor.  Not now of course, but maybe something for later this year or a 2013 goal)

Wednesday - Yoga - 60 minutes

I did NOT run AT ALL.  Shame on me.

However last night, I kicked some major ass boootayyy on the treadmill so I kind of told the weekend who is still boss. I sweated like a beast.  Brought back some college volleyball memories.

Weight: same (technically I lost 0.4 lbs, but I'm calling it even)  Hubs said I should weigh again at the end of the week.  Just trying to keep my weigh-ins on the same day of the week, not sure why.  I'm a control freak like that.

I may measure for inches this weekend, especially since I am lifting a decent amount of weight each week.  I may see more results in inches then the actually lllllll beeees.

And for those of you who have been leaving such positive feedback here and on my Twitter feed, thank you.

I appreciate all the support.

Operation Badass 2012 (I have a board on Pinterest with this name, yes, yes I do) is in full swing.

Hope you are all having a great day!

Week Two

Good morning!

I hope you all had a nice weekend!

Just a little update for you, here's what I completed last week:
Yoga Core - 60 minutes (Wednesday)
Sunday - Yoga for Athletes - 60 minutes (can I mention how much I love the Sunday yoga option?)
Monday/Thursday - Body Pump - 120 minutes (2 classes)
Tuesday/Wednesday - Running - 4 miles

Last week in total I burned approximately 2,000 calories in exercise.  Wow!  And I'm already feeling better.  And I'm sleeping better.  I'm pretty sure last night I did not move between falling asleep and my alarm going off.  Sleeping like a rock is who I used to be pre-child.  I didn't know I would ever see it again.

I've been tracking with My Fitness Pal since last Wednesday and I have been under my calorie limit every day.  I eat too many carbs and way too much sodium, but I seem to be in line otherwise.

Weight Update: 197.4 lbs
Weight Loss to date: 3 lbs

Tonight we (me and my workout buddy Gina) are trying a new class, Body Combat.

Here's the description:
Mixed Martial Arts at this best. This class is filled with kickboxing, boxing, KATA, Mui Tai, Tai Chi and more... Cardio blast with upper body conditioning. Burn about 600 calories, shape your body to be leaner, meaner.

Wish us luck!

Have a great week!

AND because I have a deep respect for Dr. King, I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes (if you want to read more about my love for him you can, cause I wrote a post about him last year...you're welcome.)

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." 

Week One Is Complete

I've made it one week and while I have been starving the entire time, I'm excited to have accomplished so much in the first week. Proud of myself I guess you could say.

Wednesday - 60 minutes Yoga Core
Thursday - 60 minutes Body Pump
Sunday - 2.13 miles

I plan to journal, keep track of what I'm doing and the results that I'm (hopefully) going to see.

Current weight after week 1: 200.4 lbs.

Um yeah, not ok.  I don't care if I'm almost 6'3" tall, Momma needs to focus on getting below (waaay) that number.  I don't need to be a rail; I never was one and never will be.  I just want to feel better about me.  I want to be stronger and healthier.  I want my daughter to know the importance of fitness.  That is what I'm concerned with.

It would be one thing if that was muscle weight, but we all know it's more like chocolate, holiday, lazy ass, you're in your 30's and you can no longer eat whatev you want weight.

Still sitting about 15-20 lbs more than I would prefer.

Tonight:  More running.

After all, if I'm going to meet my goal of 4 5Ks this year, I better get moving.

The game plan is set for this week and a BIG thanks to my new work out buddy Gina.  Keeping on track is much easier with a buddy.

The Hubs and I have been talking about adding (or not) to our family quite a bit for the past 6 months or so.  We are about 80% sure that we want to add one more to our family.  I was in EXCELLENT shape before we got pregnant with Mia and I was able to drop the weight pretty quickly.  I want the next one to be the same way.

13 is my lucky number.  Just sayin.'

The Time Has Come My Friends, Wanna Join?

So yeah, working out.  Outside of post-dinner dance parties with Mia and our walks around the subdivision, there is not a whole lot of that going on lately.

Howeeeeeeever, I've been inspired.

I spent most of my junior high, high school and college days playing volleyball.  All year round.  I was always active.  I ran, trained and played volleyball constantly.  Even after college, I coached for 2 years and still played in my own "old lady" leagues.  The last tournament I played in was on a evening league, after work.  I was loosing the competition that I loved so much about the sport.  I was showing up and playing against women with sweat bands on their forehead and wrists and knee pads and elbow pads.  I never was a fan of knee pads.  I always said real volleyball players don't need them if you know how to land/fall correctly.  I was starting to feel old.  All of us were.  When you go from the collegiate level to the adult level of competition, things change.  So I stopped.playing.for.good.

I kept working out and taking care of myself.  I had a lot of injuries in my career and didn't want to feel any results of those injuries, so I kept my muscles strong and active.

Work got busier, life got busier and then I got married.  We worked out together all the time, went on bike rides (however I am still not good on the bike, never was) and focused on taking care of us.  Then we decided to start trying for a baby.  It took us 8 months to get pregnant.  During that time, I still exercised and took yoga.  Throughout my entire pregnancy with the exception of the last 2 months or so I worked out several times a week and continued with yoga.  Then, we became parents in a new house, in a new town.  As soon as I got the green light from my doctor, I went back to the gym.  I started the C25K running program because let's be honest, most of my maternity leave was spent on the couch.  I had a goal.  I wanted to run the St. Patty's Day 5 mile in March.  I ran and I ran and I ran and then race day came.  The Hubs, my sister and I all ran it.  Mia "ran" in the jogging stroller with Daddy.  My sister and I stayed together and motivated each other.  I even cried when I crossed the finish line.  Not a scary, crinkle ugly face cry, but a happy "yay for me" cry!  It was awesome!  It was such an accomplishment.  I ran track & field in high school, but I was a sprinter and a jumper, not a long distance runner.

After that.  I officially fell off of the wagon.  The gym I belonged to was bad.  Too small and too crowded.  The one on my way home from work had old equipment.  I lost my drive.  I still do yoga occasionally at home thanks to Ms. Bethenny Frankel (love her) and do go on walks with Mia.  But that's it.  Better than nothing, but I could be doing more.

We all know how difficult it is to work out and have a family.  It is.  Say it with me.  We know and it's ok to admit it.

There's a certain someone in my blog universe that has had quite a remarkable year.  Katie is a motivation to many and was a motivation to me.  Therefore, I have made a commitment to myself and will be running the 5 mile St. Patty's Day Run for the 2nd time this March and thanks to Lindsay's suggestion I will be running with her and Gina, two other fine females in my blog universe.  Lindsay promised shenanigans afterwards and what girl doesn't like that for a little extra push. I mean it is a St. Patty's Day Run after all.

So thank you ladies!  I guess now I have an excuse to go get a new pair of running shoes because I'm quite sure the training will go much better if I have some pretty new ones!