One thing is for sure....I want to become a runner!

In 2010 I want to commit to becoming a runner!

I'll add more later :)

good night

I can't wait until the new year!

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Christmas. We had to drive through the snow to get to our holiday destinations. I must say it was pretty dangerous for us to be driving but we made it. Ok, it's soon to be the new year. I love this time of year because you get a fresh start. I am so tired of saying to myself and to everyone else that I want to lose weight. In 2010, I am going to make it happen! I'm not sure what I'm feeling at this moment in my life. I know for sure that I'm frustrated and ready focus on things that will make me happy. First of all, I must lose this weight. I want to embrace summer this year. I want to wear a bathing suit and get some sun! I want to wake up in the morning and put on whatever is in my closet. I don't want to be afraid to show my legs in public!! I want to learn how to cook fresh meals from scratch! I want to be a regular shopper at the farmers market! Most of all, I want to feel good about myself.

In the year 2010, I commit to :

*losing 40lbs by summer
*completing a half marathon
*fitting into my dark denim express jeans
*embracing summer
*finding my true self
*become a regular shopper at the farmer's market
*learn how to cook

Now that I've put myself out there, I have a commitment to myself and to at least two of my blog readers. This is my year!

Just a little off track :(

Wow, I can't believe it's been about two weeks since I've been on my blog. I've been super busy. I started my new job last Monday and trying to get into a routine with work, teaching aerobics, cleaning houses and my running. My new schedule has taken a toll on my body. I taught a toning class on Monday and was suppose to run on Tues, Wed., and Thurs, unfortunately that did not happen. Tuesday I did get up at 5:30 to go to the gym and decided it was best to exercise on the elliptical than to run. Then on Wednesday and Thursday I was not feeling well at all. Anywho, I'll try to get back on track this weekend and hopefully run at least 3 days next week. I must say that I'm a little disappointed with myself. I have not ran at all this week! Again, I still have the weekend so I shouldn't beat myself up over it, it's just that when I get off track from my training it's hard to get back into the groove.

Tonight I'm going to my first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party, it should be fun.

Just an update.

I know it's been a week since I've written. I've been pretty busy lately. Over the weekend I ran a 5k race in Overland Park. I was so happy for myself because I finished sooner than I thought I would. Yeah!! You did it!! I'm also happy for myself because I was very consistent with my training and I think that's so important. Today I got back to my scheduled run and now since I'm going into my 2nd month, my runs are now measured my mileage. This afternoon I completed my first 3mile run of the week. Now that I feel like I'm becoming a runner, hopefully soon I can concentrate on my diet (or eating lifestyle). I have evaluated my goals and there has been some changes. I have come up with a weight range that I would like to fall into by May 2010. I'm not ready to reveal the numbers just yet. I need to be sure that this goal is realistic and achievable. I'm sure I'll have something figured out by Dec. 1. Anywho, not much going on in my life at the moment. I'm waiting on my background check to start my new job and trying to think about what to make for the holidays and decorating the house. I've slowly started to bring out my Christmas decor while I still have Thanksgiving on my mind. I haven't completely forgotten about turkey day, I'm still looking forward to all the Thanksgiving festivities. That's all for now, good night.

"Oh the weather outside is frightful"....and It's November!?!

Ok, I haven't been on for a while. Last week I went and saw my friends baby. She had a little boy and he's really cute. I'm really happy for her. She has this glow to her that I've never seen before. Her aura is 100% positive. I can't believe having a child can drastically change your life in one day. I have never seen her this happy. I wish her and her husband all the best.

Over the weekend I went to Branson with my husbands family. I had a great time. We went to Silver Dollar City and rode the rides and ate good food. Can't beat that! The town was completely decorated with Christmas. Did they forget about Thanksgiving? After we left the park the and restaurants the workers would say " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" What? Um...hey did you forget about Thanksgiving? I have to admit....since the weather her is very much like Christmas, I wanted to put my tree up this week. I know I know a little early. Oh man I'm tuning into one of them. Those people who completely forget about the turkey holiday and jump right into Christmas. Well, after thinking about it for a minute I decided that I will wait. Good for you Abbie!

As for training, I am very proud of myself. Last Friday I was at my parents house and I wasn't sure If I was going to go for my scheduled Friday run. So that morning I woke up early to starting cleaning and then by 8am I went for my 15min run for the day. I was proud of myself because it's hard to stay with your schedule when your out of town. Lucky for me I knew that I needed to run a little over a mile and where my parents live that was easily accessible. I did it!! I ran for the day and felt great. Now, my Sunday run I did not complete. We got home pretty late from Branson and I was really exhausted. I felt that is was more important to get some rest than to push myself to complete a run that I had no energy for. On Monday I went to the gym and ran for 25mins on the treadmill (without music). I must say it was a bit challenging but overall it really wasn't bad. I felt great after I was down and was ready to teach my toning class. Today is my day off of running so I thought that I would ride the stationary bike or walk around the mall and do some window shopping, we'll see. I'm trying to sign up for a 5k this weekend but since I don't start work until Nov. 30, I won't get paid until Christmas Eve. So that means I'm really tight on money right now. I'll count my change, look under the cushions and try to find enough money to sign-up. If not, it's really not that big a deal, I'll just go and support my friend who is running the 1/2 marathon. Go Kristi!!!

Alright, that's all for now. I'll write back tomorrow with another update on training and life. Until then, happy tuesday!! Oh and try to stay warm.

Babies and Training

It seems like everyone I know is either preggo or just had a baby. What's going on? Is there something in the water? My friend just had her son yesterday, my sister-in-law had her little one last week and three people I know from school are preggo! Flippin Eh!

Anywho, I've got some news...(no I'm not preggo) I got the job!!! Hooray!! I'm really excited. It's a good feeling knowing that your about to go into a job that really fits you. I'll have to get used to the morning commute again but I think It'll be great. I'll get to have cup of coffee and listen to NPR on my way to work. Can't start off the day any better than that?

Yesterday I got up at 5:30am to be at the gym by 6am. Since I'll be starting a full-time job I'm not sure when I'll have the time to run. I thought I could try to do my weekly runs on the treadmill at the gym. Treadmill running is not my favorite but It'll have to do for now. By the time I get home from work it's dark outside and I don't feel comfortable running by myself at night. Until the time changes I think my weekly runs will have to be at the gym. Therefore, I must get my ipod ready to go filled with songs that'll inspire me to keep going. Anyone out there have any suggestion, I'm all ears. So yesterday went great! It was a little challenging at first because you know in the morning my legs are a wee bit soft. Once I walked for about 5 min. I was ready to complete my assigned 25min. run for the day. It's nice to go in the morning because exercising in the morning really gives me a boost for the rest of the day. And, since I teach a cardio/toning class on Wednesday evenings, I just go home after I'm done teaching. Now my goal is to run 2 to 3 times during the week at the gym and then run outside on the weekends. We'll see how it goes. If I can keep it up during the winter, I think I'll be fine.

Today I'm not sure what I'll do for exercise. I have to clean a house this morning and that usually is a good workout. For two hours I'm on my feet, moving my arms and legs and working up a sweat! We'll see how I feel this afternoon, maybe I'll read a magazine while riding the stationary bike.

Whoever out there is reading my blog, I hope you have a good Thursday!! It's my favorite day of the week :) !!

What a weekend! Starting a new week is always easier after a relaxed weekend. Aaron and I spent most of our time together. All I had to do was teach a class on Saturday and then I was free the rest of the weekend. I went to Hobby Lobby to check out their Christmas decor and then to Hastings. I love going to book stores. I can spend hours in there looking through books and magazines, I love it. Then for the rest of the weekend we spent watching movies and making swiss steak from scratch. As for my training, yesterday I ran for 20 min. and then went to my first yoga class in months. It started out being really uncomfortable for me because of my lower back but by the end I was so relaxed it was time for me to take a nap. Man oh man, I love that feeling! My goal is to catch another yoga/pilates class this week.

Now, this morning I woke up at around 6am to try to go for a morning run. I really don't feel comfortable running at night in the dark ( I know, I'm kind of a baby) so I thought it might be somewhat light out at 6am in the morning, boy was I wrong. Since I hadn't been up that early in like forever, I had know idea it was still dark at that time of the morning. So I hit the snooze button and woke up again at 6:30am, still no sunshine. Hit my alarm one more time and by 7am it was light enough for a run. I brushed my teeth, put on my running shoes, kissed Aaron goodbye and I was off to the park to run my scheduled 25 min. run. Into my third week now, my time is increasing by 5min. After this mornings workout I feel relaxed and ready to tackle the day. Today's agenda: wait patiently for the phone to ring (it might be an offer for a new job) and do the laundry. Happy Monday.

Staying On Track Feels So Good

Today was a wonderful day. Last night I went to Weight Watchers and got a boost of motivation to start being on track. So today I wrote down all of my points and went to the gym. As I was cleaning our living room hardcore I came across some old fitness and shape magazines. I usually hold on to them because they give me ideas to use for my classes. I started looking through them and found, the June 2008 edition of Shape, a very effective cardio/weight 30 min. workout.

Here is the breakdown of the workout:

1. 5 min. walk or jog
2. 5 min. 20 bicep curls, 25 squats, 45 sec. jumping jacks
3. 5 min. 20 tricep extension or dips, 12 (per leg) walking lunges, 45 sec. jump rope
4. 5 min. 20 squats w/shoulder raise, 20 (per leg) step-ups on bench, 45 sec. high knees.
5. 5 min. 15 reverse crunches, 20 calf raises, 30 sec. plank
6. 5 min. cool down (walk or jog)

You can very the amount of weight you use. It says to use 5lb and 7lb weights. I used 8lb and 10lb weights. When I was doing the squats with the shoulder raise, I changed the exercise to a squat with an overhead press. Whatever you want. I have to always adjust a workout to fit my needs. Overall, after my 10 min. assigned run for the day, I started the workout and ended leaving the gym with sweat puddles as I walked out. I really enjoyed today's workout because I finished in less than 40 mins. and I felt that it was intense, challenging and rewarding. Can't beat that!!

When I stay on track I get this feeling of accomplishment and man does that feel good. Now I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring. The weekend has a handful of challenges but after the great day I had, I say "Bring It On."

Fall is in the air!

Well, I decided to get a different backdrop for my blog. Since we only have another month of my favorite season, I thought it would be best to jazz things up with a fun fall wallpaper. I got the website from a friends blog. Check it out sometime.

Happy Thursday!!

So, since I missed a couple of training days last week due to my sister-in-law having baby Bella. I got back on track on Tuesday. I ran for 15 mins. around city park and yesterday increased my time by 5 mins. and ran for a total of 20 mins. again around city park. I am almost up to 2 miles. I could have pushed myself a little further yesterday but I decided it was best to stick to my plan. I also taught a 3,2,1 class yesterday evening. I don't normally like to teach a cardio class unless it's step, but overall it was a very effective workout for me and the participants. First you start with 3 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of toning and 1 minute of abs. Then you do that in a sequence until about 50 minutes has gone by. We always have to leave enough time to get a good stretch in. Now, I'm looking at this class differently. It gives me an opportunity to be creative and allows the participants to be apart of something different and fun.

Today is my day off of running. I thought about going to the gym and getting on the bike for a while. I'm not huge fan of the elyptical, well only if I have a good book or magazine to read. My ipod is not working right now so I know that I can definitely manage riding the bike without music.

I love Thursdays!! It's my favorite day of the week. I'm not sure why, I think it's because the weekend is right around the corner and the energy coming from people is really positive. And, I used to watch Grey's every Thursday with my friends until they moved away and we no longer have cable. Which to some people that would be awful but that's why we have Netflix. I must say that I do miss my morning news. If I get the job in Ft. Riley I'll have a 20 min. commute. That will give me plenty of time to listen to NPR. Man oh man, I love the morning edition! Then when I leave for the day, I'll get the last hour of "All Things Considered" another favorite. Well I guess that's all for now. I'm sure I'll write back again either tonight or tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good day. Happy Thursday!!

I'm an aunt

What a weekend! My brother and his wife just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Bella. Oh she's too cute. So over the weekend I didn't get any running in but that's ok. I've given myself permission to get back into it tomorrow. Tonight I'm teaching a class and think it would be best to get some rest. Today was my interview and it went great!! I'll find out sometime next week. If there is anyone reading this blog, please keep your fingers crossed for me. THanks!!

Write again soon.

Staying on track

Yesterday was a very good day. I taught another toning class and ran for 15 min. I have to say that today my legs are feeling sore but I'm very happy with myself staying on track.

Right now I'm not overwelmed with my training. I really am taking one day at a time. As of now I'm focusing on getting into a workout/training routine. Next week, we'll tackle weight watchers. I know that the program is succussful. I've lost 25lbs in the past with this program, so I know that I can do it again. I'm really struggling right now with my motivation. I'm not sure what to do. Anywho, I'll talk more about it tomorrow. Good night.

So far so good

Ok, "no is no, i will not make out with you" and "know is, yes I know what you're talking about." Just realized my mistake in my last post. Anywho, yesterday was my new official day of training. I ran for 15 min. around the park and then taught a very effective toning class. Hands down, so far so good.

Today, I went on a little joy ride to Ft. Riley. I have an interview on post next week and wanted to make sure I knew where I was going. I am really excited about this position. It's nothing like my other office jobs. I feel that I really get to be apart of something. I'm trying not to think about it so much. I can't help it though, I really want this job! But, I am a firm believer in that things are meant to be. I'll leave it at that.

I've been thinking about my top ten list and I might need to make some changes. All I'm saying is that some things may not be as important to me right now as others. Hmm... I'll keep thinking.

Oh I forgot, I tried to donate plasma today and I got rejected! My veins were too puny and weak. No no, they were just too small. I guess the needle is ginormous and my little veins could not accommodate. Alrighty, that's all for today.

Good night.

It's almost November!!

Ok, so it's been a while since I've been writing in my blog. A little recap of what's been going on in my life. Well, I'm no longer training for a half marathon. I think it was too much at one time. I really want to become a runner. I want to run and complete marathons and half marathons someday down the road in my life. Since I hadn't been running consistently, I thought the best thing for me to do was to start off slow. When I say slow, I mean running four days a week for about 15min. and gradually increasing my time every week. In the second and third month the training is measured in miles and not time. So, month 2 & 3 I should be running 3 to 5 miles each day of training. Right now I feel that this is the best plan for me. My ultimate goal is to become a runner for life. Not just someone who trains for a race now and then to lose some weight. You know what I mean?

I had to look at my goals and figure out what I ultimately wanted in terms of fitness and health. I realize that I just can't jump right into running like some people can. Slow and steady for me. I can easily get overwhelmed and this is one area in my life that I really need to listen to myself and take it one day at a time. I know longer feel that I have to start my goals at the beginning of the year. It doesn't matter when you start, all that matters is that you started. I'm really tired of wanting things for my life but not doing something about it to get them. Therefore I have created yet another list of "Abbie's Top 10." I have given myself a deadline and want to accomplish my list by July 31, 2010. Here it is:

1. Get a tattoo.
2. Become a Weight Watcher lifetime member.
3. Become a consistent runner. (Run at least 4 times a week)
4. Complete the Hospital Hill Half Marathon in June.
5. Learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget. (take a class at UFM)
6. Be able to do 10 chin-ups and 20 "big girl" push-ups without stopping!
7. Put at least $50 a month in my savings account.
8. Keep the house clean. (designate one morning a week for cleaning the house.)
9. Participate in a yoga/pilates class at least once a week.
10. Be able to fit into my Dark Denim Express Jeans.