The 31 Day Challenge begins this Saturday!

Remember in the Spring when I did my 30 Day challenge to run 1 mile everyday for 30 days? Well I am doing it again! And partnering up with Big Clyde! Check it out here! And join us!! What will you do?

Three Things Thursday

1. Getting excited about the Power of Pink 5k this weekend. I will be run/walking it with a friend from the gym. It is her first, and I told her I would stay with her! I know she is going to do awesome :) And we will both have a great time for a good cause!

2. Saturday I was practicing some of my Zumba moves at home. I had downloaded the music and was having a blast. Tommy looked over at me and said I looked like I was having convulsions. LOL I have laughed about it all week. I may not have much rhythm, but I sure have fun!

3. I will be ramping up my running more in October. More details tomorrow!

Wednesday Workouts, ugh?

For some reason, I hate working out on Wednesdays lately. I think it is mental. It is the middle of the week, and I just want to go home and be lazy with Tommy (who is off all day on Wednesday). I also don't have a Wednesday plan of attack right now. During the summer, Wednesdays were my Spinning Day. I had fun getting together for this class. And now, Wednesday is just a free for all, and I usually don't know what I will do until I actually get to the gym and see what equipment is available.
Today, I am hoping to tackle the Summit Trainer again. That cardio machine kicks my butt!

Do you like having a schedule for your workouts...or deciding as you go?

Thinking of Dad

Friday would be my Dad's birthday...and he has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I guess he is always on my mind, but there are certain times when the memories are more intense...September (the start of football season and his birthday, December (the holidays just aren't the same without him), and in March (He passed away on March 19...I got married March 31...he planned my entire wedding...Tommy and I originally wanted to elope, and I will always consider my wedding the last gift he gave me...it was perfect in every way except him not being there.)

In honor of my Dad's birthday, I thought I would repost this.

Friends Make Fitness Fun Challenge

We had some GREAT workouts last week ladies!!!

Weekly totals:

Jess - 370 minutes


Deb- 267 minutes!  This is Deb's first week in the challenge and she did AWESOME! Be sure to check out her blog if you don't already follow her!

Joy- 261 minutes! Way to go Joy! When your back is completely healed, we all better Watch Out!!! You will be fierce!

BH- 215 minutes! This girl was MOVIN' this week!!! Up over 50 minutes from last week!!!

Rusti- 45 minutes! This is Rusti's first week, too! So glad you are here with us!

Amy- Amy was sick and didn't get to participate this week :(  Feel better Amy!!!


If you want to participate in this challenge just comment of shoot me an email!!!

Weigh In and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 192.5

Last Week's Weight: 193.5 Change:-.5

Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 17.5

Weight Refection: 
Another half pound gone. I am glad that the scale is moving, but sometimes it gets so frustrating to see it move so slow. I would love to see a pound or two a week!

Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 30 minutes

30 minute strength class  - Glad I got this in this week...haven't been doing enough strength

Tuesday: Total 90 minutes

20 minutes arm class  (I did this a couple of weeks ago and HATED IT...I still do...so hard! Must keep it up)

20 mins treadmill jogging

10 mins elliptical

45 mins Zumba  (I usually have a 60 min Zumba class on Tuesday, but we had a sub and shorter class)

 

Wednesday: Total 30 minutes

 23 mins elliptical

7 minutes cycling

(Proud of this Wednesday workout, even though it was short I got it in on a busy afternoon)

Thursday: 100 mins

30 mins cycling

10 mins treadmill walking

60 min Zumba class (Molly came)

Friday:Total  55 mins

10 mins treadmill walking

45 min Zumba Class (and Mom came too!)

Saturday: Total 60 mins

60 min Zumba Class

Weekly Total: 6 hrs  10mins   (370  mins)

 Work Out Reflection
I am STOKED about upping my minutes this week by almost 100 mins!!! I am also really excited that both Molly and Mom joined me for Zumba classes this week. It was fun to have people I love in class with me...and great to know they were getting in an awesome workout too. Molly txted me later and said she loved the class and felt like a latin dancing queen :) haha I hope she will come again!!

Work Out Goals for This Week:

Just hoping to keep up the great workouts!

*If you are taking part in the Friends Make Fitness Fun Challenge this week, be sure to comment on my blog so I won't miss you :)

Three Things Thursday

1. I am super excited about Zumba tonight because I talked my cousin Molly into going with me! I hope she likes it and will agree to come again! I love the girls in my class, but I would also love to be able to share the fun with Molly. She is ten years younger than me, and I adore her!!!

Here is a picture of us during the Relay for Life event last spring!

2.  I am so excited about Fall! The mornings have been so crisp and wonderful. Just puts me in a great mood! It also makes me CRAVE pumpkin anything :) haha  Every year I make a pumpkin fluff (just a tub of cool whip, box of FF SF butterscotch pudding, and a can of pumpkin.) Tommy has already started asking about it, so I might try to make it this weekend. Last week I made pumpkin muffins (a box of spice cake and a can of pumpkin) and he loved them...I also shared them with my friend Melissa and she couldn't get enough. She couldn't believe there was no oil, eggs, or butter in them.

3.  I am excited to see everyone's workouts for the week on Sunday! This week my goal was to not skip the Wednesday night workout! Goal accomplished! I got in a short workout right after work before heading to celebrate my Mother In Law's birthday :)

Question?!?

Okay guys...I have a question. I have been trying to figure it out myself, but can't! :(  If I want to reply to a comment that you guys leave on my blog...how do I do that? I receive replies to my gmail account and I want to do that too :) HELP!!!  Thanks  :)

PS...If you are in the Friends Make Fitness Fun challenge this week, I hope you are having some awesome workouts!!

Friends Make Fitness Fun!

I really love this challenge! I love the camaraderie that we share as well as the competition...and the smack talk in emails HAHA :) If you want to be a part of this challenge it is easy... Basically our challenge is to keep a record of our exercise during the week (Monday-Saturday). Then on Sunday we share how many minutes of exercise we did...and someone wins the week. We specified that exercise included anything you did at the gym, fitness classes,swimming, workout DVDs, and walking/running outside...we are also going to count fitness video games. So walking outside 30 mins counted but walking 30 mins while shopping didn't count. Swimming laps counts, but treading water while watching kids play in the pool didn't count...make sense? I would LOVE to have some more competitors this week. So if you are interested comment here...or email me!

This week's totals:

Jess - 4hrs 40 mins  (280 minutes)

Amy- 3hrs 30 mis  (210minutes)   Amy- Also danced the night away Saturday night for THREE HOURS...it didn't fit within the challenge rules...but I know she burned a ton of calories!

BH- 2hrs 30min (150 minutes) I missed BH when I posted this originally. Oops! Better late than never :) Good job BH!

Joy- 1 hr 40 minutes (100 minutes)  Joy is still dealing with some back issues, so she isn't back to exercise 100%, but I know this week she will be kicking BUTT!

Weigh in and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 193
Last Week's Weight: 193.5 Change:-.5

Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 18

Weight Refection: 
Glad the scale is moving again this week. This was a really tough week, and I half expected a gain or second maintain, so seeing the scale move was awesome. This week, I had several late nights at work which changed my exercise schedule a bit. I also ate two servings of rice this week. I try to keep my carbs really low during the week, but I was craving rice so I had a serving of brown rice on Tuesday and Wednesday. I also had a grilled apple and cheddar cheese sandwich that we made for the kids Thursday night for our Family Night at the library. The sandwich itself isn't too bad in calories...but I usually stay away from all bread. I guess I redeemed this eating with some great workouts towards the end of the week.

Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 30 minutes

I went out of town for the day Monday. I had told myself that I would get up early and get in a good workout, but it didn't happen when our departure time changed to the time I had originally thought I would be waking up. So I walked the driveway for 30 mins when I got home that night. I walked a ton during the day, but only count my intentional exercise.

Tuesday: Total 60 Mins

60 mins Zumba

 

Wednesday: Rest Day

This should be called Lazy Day instead of rest day. I just didn't want to workout...so I didn't.

Thursday: 0 mins

I had to miss my Zumba class today because of work...I actually worked 7:30 until 7:30 with about a 15 minute break to eat my lunch at 11:30. I was starving when I got home and ate much more than I should have that night

Friday:Total  80 mins

35 min cycling

45 min Zumba Class

Saturday: Total 110 mins

60 min Zumba Class - I finally made it over to the Saturday Zumba class at the studio near my house. This class had a much different feel to it that my other classes at the gym but I LOVED it. It was tough like my Thursday class and I was soaked when I left...Awesome!

50 mins- Walk/Run interval

Weekly Total: 4 hrs  40mins   (280  mins)

 Work Out Reflection
That Saturday workout saved my numbers this week! Today we are going to the State Park for walking and paddle boating.  We don't count Sunday in the challenge, but I know I will definitely be burning some calories today!

Work Out Goals for This Week:

Workout on Wednesday....instead of being lazy!!

*If you are taking part in the Friends Make Fitness Fun Challenge this week, be sure to comment on my blog so I won't miss you :)

Liebster Award

You guys have no idea how excited I get about blog awards....or maybe you do because you like them too!  I was giggling with glee last night when I saw that Amy over at Small Steps Large Leaps had given me the Liebster Blog Award.  "Liebster" means "favorite" or "love" in German and can be presented to bloggers you love that have under 200 followers.

I am super excited to pass this award on to....

Christina at Making Healthy the Norm- Christina is a huge inspiration to me! She is the running Queen and great to give advise when I need it. She is super supportive of my blog, too! She is running her marathon this weekend and I can't wait to read all about it!!!


Joy at Nuggets of Truth is all about staying focused! Her blog always leaves me feeling motivated to get it done! She has been my Fitness Buddy this month and I have loved having her support!!

Meghan at On my Weigh is new to my blog roll. I loved seeing her pictures from the 5k the other day! She really is "ON HER WEIGH!!" to great things!!

Hilary at the Big Weight is also a new read for me. I have really enjoyed reading Hilary's info about the Beck Diet Solution and just her blog in general. Very upbeat and informative!

Hope you ladies have fun passing this on to some of your favorite bloggers :)

Weigh In and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 193.5
Last Week's Weight: 193.5 Change: 0

Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 18.5

Weight Refection: 
I stayed the same this week. If you look back to last month, I stayed the same then too. Hormonal shifts or something, maybe?

Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 60 minutes

I just wanted to stay home on Labor Day instead of driving into town. I did the WATP Super Challenge 4 mile DVD. I enjoyed this DVD and will try to add it back into the rotation on occasion.

Tuesday: Total 105Minutes

45 mins Treadmill- I ran Woohoo!

60 mins Zumba

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: 70 mins

70 mins Zumba- Derricks class went long...and I was pooped!!! I usually try to do a little warm up on the treadmill or bike before the last starts, but glad I didn't this day...I don't think I would have made it to the end of class. 

Friday:Total 45mins
20 minutes treadmill running

15 mins elliptical

10 mins cycling

Saturday:I needed to get in a workout, but I just had too much to do. House cleaning was a must...then we had company for the football game.

Weekly Total: 4 hrs  40mins   (280  mins)

 Work Out Reflection
I'm glad I didn't let my toe stop my workouts this week.

Work Out Goals for This Week:
I *may* miss both Zumba classes this week because of work. I know I will miss Thursday for sure. My goal is to get at least 200 minutes and three sessions of running. 

*If you are taking part in the Friends Make Fitness Fun Challenge this week, be sure to comment on my blog so I won't miss you :)

I've Been Tricked!!!

Many of you guys commented about these wonderful dark chocolate covered bananas yesterday after I mentioned them in my "Three Things Thursday" post. I figured with all that attention, I would give them a post all their own.

First off, the big question was where to find them. I purchased a case of them...the case included 8 individual boxes with 8 slices per box (in a slide out tray) at Sam's. I haven't noticed them at any of our other grocery stores. The cost was almost $8.00 including tax and that made each individual box a dollar.

Now for the tricked part. We all know that reading labels is very important...but I think I was so excited about these little yummies that I didn't read as well as I should have. On the case, it says 100 calories per serving...on the individual  boxes, it says 100 calories per serving. Well guess what!?! a serving in only 4 banana slices...not the 8 slices that come on the tray! I just hate when that happens!!! Luckily, I have been splitting the tray with Tommy...so I have only been eating a single serving, but I still find it very frustrating!

Will I still buy these? Yes! Honestly the dark chocolate is soo rich that 4 slices satisfies my sweet tooth.

I just wanted to be sure to let you guys know that a full tray is 200 calories...not 100! :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Three Things Thursday

1. My toe is doing much, much, much better!!! It may take some time to grow back out, but it's not stopping me :) So far this week I have "Walked Away the Pounds", jogged on the treadmill, and danced the night away at Zumba class :) I have kept it wrapped until today...and so far so good!

2.  I have been saying for weeks that I need to get back to running...so I did something that would ensure that I would get back to it. I signed up for a 5k. It is the first weekend in October. The Power of Pink race...a local Breast Cancer Awareness Race. Last year I did it with my little niece, remember? This year I talked a Zumba friend into doing it with me!!! YAY! It will be her first! And I know we will have a blast!

  
3. Have you guys tried these??? YUM!!!! Frozen Bananas dipped in dark chocolate!!! They come in little trays with 8 slices per tray for 100 calories. Tommy and I have been splitting a tray after dinner! Perfect little dessert!

Friends Make Fitness Fun!

Joy was tough competition this week, but I pulled it out thanks to my Tuesday session at the gym waiting for Zumba to start.
Want to join us next week? It is easy. Just shoot me an email saying you want to be a part of the challenge for the week and then keep a journal of your exercise for the week. (I will send you an email with what counts.) On Sunday you will list your fitness minutes for the week (Mon-Sat) and the blogger with the most minutes wins!!!

Weigh In and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 193.5
Last Week's Weight: 194 Change: -.5
Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 18.5

Weight Refection: 
Down Half a pound. This seems to be my regular now and I am ok with that...if I only lose half a pound a week, I will still lose over 20 pounds in a year. Of course I wish it were more, but I'll take what I can get. My calorie intake was good this week...and I did well with keeping my total carbs under 100 during the weekdays. I have read that watching carb intake is very important with hypo-thyroid...and started noticing the half pound/1 pound losses when I am watching carbs. I am also adding 1tsp of coconut oil on my lunch salads...I want to slowly increase my coconut oil to 1 tbs per day and see if I notice any changes.
 
Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 30 Minutes
30 Minute Arms class  (THIS KILLED ME!!!  I even thought I might puke...gotta do this class again!)
10 Minute Power Walking - I had inteded to do 40 mins after class, but that arm class really got me!
 

Tuesday: Total 135Minutes
25 mins hi/lo class  (This was like an aerobics class from the 80s...not for me)

35 mins cycling

15 mins Treadmill

60 mins Zumba

*My Tuesday Zumba class doesn't start until 7:00- and I get off work at 5:00. I have been running a few errands...before hitting the gym, but I wanted to try that hi/lo class this week.

Wednesday: 70 Minutes
 70 Minutes walking at the park...and it was HOT!  Very Sweaty

Thursday: Rest Day!!  Hated to miss Zumba with Derrick (my fave instructor) but had fun with the girls!

Friday:Total 40 mins
 40 Mins Zumba  (This class is supposed to be 45 mins, but when I checked my time it was only 40 mins)

Saturday:Wanted to make up Thursday's Workout..but couldn't do it with the toe...I did walk about 30 mins in shoes, but it was so slow my HR never got up so I am not counting it -Rest Day

Weekly Total: 4 hrs  35mins   (275  mins)

 Work Out Reflection
I think it is crazy that my total minutes was the exact same as last week and my workouts were different!

Work Out Goals for This Week:
I will not let my toe keep my from working out!!! This week may be very strength training heavy, but I WILL WORKOUT!!!

Oh! My Toe!

Last night I won tickets to see a movie in Huntsville (about an hour away). I was super excited about our spontaneous trip...movie, dinner, a little shopping! As we were standing in line to pick up the movie tickets, Tommy accidentally stepped on my big toe...and somehow it tore the toenail away from my nail bed about half way. It bled like CRAZY and HURT too!!!  I was kind of able to clean it up a bit...and we continued on with our night (though it was still hurting!!!)  When we got home late (after midnight and way past my bedtime) I soaked it in peroxide...tried to cut the nail down as far as I could without crying..and added some antibacterial ointment and band aid.

I can walk fine in flip flops(only occasional glitches of pain), but gym shoes and socks are VERY uncomfortable. I have delt with toenail issues before, (had a toenail come off), but never when the nail has pulled away from the nail bed.  I didn't go to Zumba this morning...but hope I can at least walk this afternoon (need to make up the workout from Thursday when I kept my nieces).

Have any of you dealt with a similar situation? How long until you were back in shoes pain free???

Three Things Thursday

1. I am going to miss my Zumba class tonight because I will be spending the evening with....

                                                                                     and

 I can't wait!!! On the agenda tonight...dinner, homework, study for a spelling test, plus lots of playing with my " "nieces"!!! :) They are actually my cousin's children, but they call me Aunt Jess and I love any time I get to spend with them! The Baby is Whittlee, she will be one this month and the "big" girl is Hallie...she started first grade this year (thus the homework and spelling test).  I am hoping to make up the Zumba class on Saturday morning!

2.  Tommy calls my Zumba class Rambo. It cracks me up. One of the girls in my class said her Mom calls it Zombie Class.

3.  Yesterday after work, I went and walked with my Mom at the park. It was wonderful...even if it was 98 degrees!!!