Almost done!!!

I can't believe that my last day of this 60 day journey is THIS Thursday!!!

As I think about where I was when I started and where I am now....WOW I mean I feel awesome. I am definitely in better shape than when I first entered The WorX studio. I am very proud of my hard work and it has payed off. It feels so good to hear people acknowledge your hard work and compliment you on how great you look.

This past saturday I went out for a run and was pleasantly surprised :) I ran about 3.5 miles and felt great! A few months ago when I tried to go for a run it was difficult making it to mile 1 which was just one reason why I also decided to join this journey. I wanted to get my endurance and stamina back to where I used to be.

Although I have made great strides, this journey is not over for me. I am working on making a lifestyle change and I am off to an amazing start. There is another group of folks that will begin this challenge on Sept. 17th and I am seriously contemplating joining the challenge again.

I will keep you posted on my final weigh-in and measurements.

Don't lose momentum!!!

Since starting my 60 day journey....I am so much stronger! My body is ready to take it to the next level and pick up the intensity. I am so proud of myself and my fellow journey folks because we have kicked some serious butt!

I feel much better about myself and am more confident in my ability to achieve the goals I have set for myself. I think what has really changed for me is that I know I can do it. I no longer carry any reservations about my abilities. Regarding nutrition: I have had my good days and bad days but I never let that stop me. Compared to where I was when I started there have been significant changes with what I now eat and drink. This is evident in my amazing results :)  I have been able to reach  a couple of the goals I has set in mind when I first started.

1-I have a pair of jeans that I love and have not been able to get into and now they FIT :) and are actually a little bit loose :)
2-complete 20 regular push-ups without stopping and I can do it :)

Although we are approaching the end of the Journey in  a couple weeks....this is def. not the end for me. I plan to continue my 5 weekly workouts.

Upcoming challenges: I have had the privilege of having my summer off which really helped me focus on my journey. All good things must come to an end unfortunately. Monday (tomorrow) I go back to work. I am not sure how this will affect my progress. I will need to put more effort with planning out my snacks/meals. Working at a high school let me tell you there are some days where you barely get time to eat lol. As a counselor I am dealing with so many things and I just know that once school gets going my days can get super busy so I have to make sure that I have healthy snacks in my office. I would actually prefer snacks that do not require refrigeration as I do not have a personal one in my office.

I refuse to lose momentum!

Reach that Goal!

Update on my Journey!!!!

I know I have been MIA on my blog. I apologize for that! I was away for a few days and then when I got back....life just got in the way. August has definitely been a bit busier for me which is a great transition for me as I head back to work....in just 6 days!!! Yikes!!!

As far as my journey goes....I have to say I am pretty happy with what I have accomplished thus far. I am a bit sad my journey is coming close to an end. I have met some great people who may not know it, but have really inspired me :)

I am getting a bit more compliments which is always great...I mean what girl doesn't like a little flattery lol

At boot camp yesterday I realized that the warmups which have usually been so rigorous and tiring are now not so bad. They are still challenging and works you out but I am able to get through them which is now allowing me to push it to that next level. My legs and upper body feel much stronger.

My last fit test and weigh-in produced some good results. I went down a few more pounds and in inches. We have just two more fit tests and weigh-ins so I really want to push myself to meet my goal. I initially wanted to lose at least 20 pounds by the end of the journey and I am close so I have to stay focused.

Now no one is perfect right?!? I def. made a few mistakes along the way but I get up and keep moving forward. Like my fellow journeymen said, "its a lifestyle" change. I have to believe in myself and know that if I keep this up with time I will be able to change those bad habits. I am in the process of re-learning or re-training my body and my mentality about nutrition.

As I get closer to the end of the journey I will be sure to update my blog as often as possible.

Day 38!!! Lets WorX it out

This week is going  by so fast! I am definitely pleased with my 60 Day Journey and the results so far.  I feel stronger and am getting compliments which is always nice to hear.

This weekend I will be in Philly for my Sorority's National Convention which I am excited about but also a little nervous. With a fit test and weigh in coming up this Monday I have to be disciplined this weekend and stay on my workouts. I will also have to make smart choices with what food I eat. I don't want to be tempted because although I have been doing great...I am only human lol and can have a moment of weakness :( but NO I will keep that message playing in my head about eating right and eating to nourish my body!!!

Today's workout pic:

Still here and going Strong!

B - My body feels great. I definitely feel stronger, especially on my legs.

L - I've learned that I can do so much more. I've learned that I have to believe in myself and keep taking it to the next level. When I see Maia teach us certain moves I immediately roll my eyes and think "I don't think I can do it" once I get past that and actually attempt the move I surprise myself and actually get it done. I have to stop doubting myself and just do it.  I have to trust my body

O - I am observing how committed my fellow Journey peeps are which is very encouraging. I also have noticed that even small changes really can make a difference.

Goals - I can celebrate my small successes. On my last fit test all my levels were on a 3 and I lost more lbs, inches and my BMI also went down a little bit. Since we have started the Journey I have had only 1 glass of red wine on 4th of July but other than that I've had zero alcohol which has actually not been as difficult as I thought it would be.

S - My goals for this week is to keep drinking lots of water, eat every 3 hours and be smart with my choices this weekend. I will be in Philly. I leave Thursday evening and the one challenge I know I will face is  going out in the evening and trying not to drink any alcohol which I know I can do. 

Four weeks already?!?!

I know its been a while since I last posted up on the blog. I apologize this week has been a little difficult.

So truth time: something I have not yet shared is that I am having minor issues that I have already seen the doctor for but am still experiencing a few symptoms. This past week was probably the worse its been in that I could not fall asleep until the sun came up. During the day I am so tired. Sometimes I wake up late in the afternoon that it does affect how much water I can consume and what I eat before my workouts.

Now for those who really know me know....I am a fighter and I'd like to think of myself as glass half full type of person. Little by little things are getting better but its def. taking a toll on me.

Here are some pics of my workouts :)

I just want to note that on Day 24 a few of my journey peeps and I took TWO classes that day, back to back :) so proud of me and my group.

Today, July 22nd is Day 28 of my 60 Day Journey. My 6th workout this week was a class of Birkram Yoga.

 

Tomorrow I have another FIT Test and I get weighed and measured so fingers crossed....I am hoping to  shed off a few mores inches :)  which reminds me...time for MORE water!

Appreciate and celebrate!

I can't believe we already starting week 4 :)

So this weekend was a pretty good. I learned that it is very important to take time to celebrate every success no matter how big or small and to appreciate our friends and family.

On Saturday I spent the day visiting an amazing woman my friend and fellow LLT board member Carolina Alcalde. She was the victim of a terrible accident the night of that really bad storm. She was on her motorcycle when a tree fell on her. She was left paralyzed.

To learn more about her story you can visit:  DC Woman Left Partially Paralyzed


Carolina was in great spirit, very positive and just an inspiration with how she is coping. I don't think she has complained or been negative not once throughout this ordeal. She is smiling and laughing and just thankful to be alive.

She has motivated me to see things differently. I have to stop sweating the small stuff...be thankful and appreciative of all I have accomplished and celebrate each day. We need to also take time to let our loved ones know that they are appreciated.  We are always going to have moments where we get angry and upset which are normal emotions to have but we need to eventually let those bad feeling go and find the positive things in every situation.

This journey is my way of celebrating and loving me. For a long time I have put others first. I have used so much of my personal time to help my community, do things for friends and family which I love to do but also leaves little time to take care of me. I love the work I do for my students and the other organizations I work with but this 60 day journey is for me. I am happy that I am taking time out to do me. This is just the beginning of me fining the right balance.

So yesterday was Day 21 and the end of week 3 which I still can't believe how fast time flies. We are almost at the halfway point which is so exciting.

Working it out:

Get it Right....Get it Tight!!!

Hey Everyone....so Thursday was Day 18 of my 60 Day Journey. I can't believe I am still doing well on this journey. I haven't missed a workout...my eating habits are much healthier. I am so proud of myself for getting here. I know I have much more to go and I'm really looking forward to it. I find myself getting just a little bit stronger with every workout.

Day 18 Workout:

So far this journey has taught me that its all about loving yourself and being healthy.

On the Right Track :)

Day 15 Monday, July 9th:

Day 16 Tuesday, July 10th

So Monday was an amazing day at boot camp. We had another Fit Test which improved in most areas however I am still struggling a little with my upper body but I have no doubt that I will get stronger. I also got measured and weighed since I have started this journey and I am SO HAPPY!!! In two weeks I lost a inches on my chest and legs and a just a little on my waist and dropped 8 lbs :) so yes very happy with the results. Its only been two weeks but this is at least telling me that I have to continue with my workout plan. Nutrition wise I am def. eating better than before but know I can do better and that its a learned behavior that will take time to retrain myself and to get rid of bad habits.

I am even more excited for all that is to come. A HUGE THANKS to my coach, family, friends and all fellow Journey folks for your support!

I have a choice....lets do it!

My B>L>O>G

Hey everyone!


So today is Sunday and the end of week 2. Big shout out to my coach FLO and to all my amazing fellow Journeymen and Journeywomen :)


So every week we are asked to write up our B.L.O.G


B - how does your body feel? My body is feeling good. I am now getting used to the boot camp classes. I feel like I am getting a bit stronger. Every workout  I try to push it to level 3 when I can. I know I still have a long way to go to reach my ultimate physical fitness level but on to a good start.

L - what have you learned about you? Your coach? Your team? I think I'm starting to see that this is attainable. I was a little nervous  before starting this journey because I really thought that I would cheat and have a hard time BUT I am very proud of myself. I am sticking to my workouts and eating much better. A lot of my success is also due to my coach. She checks in on me and provides great information. Like my girl Robin says "Knowledge is Power" :) My team is great. My team motivates me to work hard. Moments when I feel I can't do it....I see how great my team is doing and know that I am not alone and we can do it.

O - what observations can you make about change? Change does not happen over night. Change can be positive. If things never changed you'd never learn anything new. 

G - what small goals can you celebrate? I can celebrate that I have successfully completed week 2 and have not given up. I am keeping up with drinking lots and lots of water. 

S - set your weeks goals and plan your week. My goal for this week is to workout 6 times. I also want to really work on eating every 2-3 hours a day. I did okay this past week but I know I could do better. 



Here is my Sunday Workout:

Believe

Week 2: Day 10

Wow!!! I cannot believe that its already DAY 11  

This week had been a difficult one in that I was out of power, no AC and went from place to place staying friends and family. This def made it difficult to prepare food and eat what I did have...threw away so much food. So later today going grocery shopping and keep it moving.

BUT I did not stop working out! I am really enjoying the WorX Boot camp more and more. Some of the moves are getting easier and I am trying to workout at level 3 more and more every day.  I am hoping to one day go through the entire class on a level 3. For those not in the boot camp classes, level 3 is the high intensity level for every workout move.

Day 9:

 

Day 10:

 

Oh and Yes I finally do have power and AC which means I get to make Shakeology today. I bought the blender bottle thinking I could make my shakeology without a blender since I had no power BUT that did not work well for me. It did not mix well, but I will use it to make recovery shake and hoping that works.

So far....workouts going great. I've always been pretty active and played a number of sports in high school and college so working out is not my issue. What has taken a lot of effort and will continue to challenge me is the nutrition part of this equation. I def. have cut out a lot of things that I would normally eat so I'm conscious of what I grab and actually have to stop and think about what I'm eating. In the past there were plenty of times where I would eat without thinking which also meant large portions. I have to remember portion size....portion size.

Week 2:Day 8

Yay to the end of Day 8!!! That was a great class :)

So I have about 52 Days left of my 60 Day Challenge.....BUT it does not stop there. I am so ready to make this a permanent thing if possible. The 60 Day Challenge is the jump start I need to help me really make this a lifestyle...its NOT a Diet where you workout lost weight than stop...NO NO NO!

I am so determined to keep this going and going and going and going :)

Day 8....roller coaster ride

I know its been a few days since I have posted...as many of you know there was a crazy thunderstorm which lead to many power outages. I am still out of power and have no A/C    :(  lucky to be at my sisters place today where I have a little A/C and FINALLY Internet access!

My 5th workout was another awesome bootcamp workout with Ashley. Ashley is no joke...I love her classes!!! I sweated my ass off!

Can't wait for tonight's class...615pm!!!

Now let me tell you...this weekend I was definitely faced with temptation. My weakness are delicious French Fries (I know so bad) Now stop that....its not what you think LOL

So my step daughter for Sunday's lunch had a delicious sandwich with yummy fries and I must be honest.....I only had like maybe 5 of them. I sure as hell could have eaten way more and almost wanted to but I stopped myself and asked for the plate to be removed from our table.

And today I'm eating my salad for lunch and what does my sister have....Waffle Fries UGHHH I only had 2 :(

Oh Boy!!! I'm going hard at tonight's class....sweating...running...jumping...lower squats.....Its all Level 3 people.

I am keeping my final goal in mind...will stay strong!!!!  Nothing great is ever accomplished without a few obstacles.

Day 5....Going Strong!

So today is Day 5....no Worx :(  I'm actually missing it lol

For my week 1 I have at least one more workout...not sure if I'm a workout at the pool, Bikram Yoga, a Run???

Today is a Rest Day for me....tomorrow I'm back at it again!

I've been drinking soooo much water today that I'm not as hungry today as I was yesterday.

Still have the rest of Day 5 to go...lets see how it goes.

Day 4

DAY 4!!!

This class was great!!! It was a total body experience. Thank you to our lovely instructor who kicked our butt :) And the soreness is not so bad anymore...I actually look forward to it now.

For some reason today...my appetite is crazy. I have been doing well as far as eating 6 times a day but for some reason I'm still hungry in between meals and snacks...and all I can do is drink water and more water.

Day 3....Burn..Baby Burn

Day 3 was no joke!!! Before class even started my quads were burning and just sore but I made it through class :)  We focused on our core and cardio.

During the day I had to go to Tysons for some errands and let me tell you....being in the food court and feeling hungry was a challenge. My stepdaughter got some delicious chinese food and I overcame any temptation and bought a greek salad....phew!! I was so proud of myself LOL

Another challenge coming up is my sister's birthday which is this Sunday. Now you know birthdays mean cake....plus some of mom's home meals UGH!!! This will be very difficult but I have to stay strong and try not to succumb to temptation.

Day 2 of my Journey

I didn't get a chance to update on Day 2...it went well. Class was def. tough. We worked on our arms. Nutrition wise it was a good day...I stuck to my salad and baked chicken...lots of water! Legs were still feeling a little sore from Day 1.

Day 1...A Success!

Yay!!! Day 1 is officially over and done. It was challenging but in a great way. I worked hard....sweated and am definitely feeling it a bit this morning which is always good :)


That FIT Test was unbelievable....not what I expected lol but it was good and I think I did okay although by the end of the test my legs felt like they were about to fall off lol. I am def. looking forward to the next FIT test which I know will have even better results.


After an amazing workout....it was off to get weighed and measured. I was absolutely not happy with what I saw on the scale and am even more determined to lose the weight...be fit...be healthy!


So far I have drank 32oz of water and need at least another 32oz.


Below is Day 1 6:15pm class

Great Job everyone!!!! Day 2.....lets go

Ready....Set.....GO!!!

After talking with my coach Flo...I am even more excited to start this journey! 


I have to stay focused....relearn how to eat healthy and not give up. I am glad to have friends joining me in this journey. Tomorrow will be Day 1 and need to remember...

Be Persistent!!! Yes there will probably be moments where I will doubt myself but I have to keep going and keep my end goal in mind. 

Remember......

Beginnings....

I am very new to blogging so please bare with me. I am starting this blog to document my journey to a better me!!! 


In just a few days I will begin a 60 day program with Worx by Maia. I will have an awesome coach (Flo) and will also have others who will join me on this 60 day journey who are looking to reach their personal goals. Knowing I am not alone is a comfort but I also know that I will have to dig deep inside as there will probably be bumps along the way.


I will start Day 1 on June 25th with Bootcamp....ready to sweat it out :)


I am not so worried about working out....I've always liked working out and was pretty athletic in high school and college. I think my main concern will def. be the nutrition plan...lets take this one day at a time. And YES your support is GREATLY appreciated :)


I have to remember................