90 day health challenge is DONE!!!

Hello again, it feels so good to be writing on my blog:) I've had so much to post about but had to wait.
First off, this morning was our final weigh in. The weigh in were we have all been working our butts off to win. Remember how I was so sick last week? Well, I didn't lose not even an ounce, and I was so worried because I couldn't work out and didn't for 7 full days. I finally felt better and had 2 days to workout as hard as I could. Today is my schedule 20 mile run but I am just so busy today that I decided to run it yesterday. Around mile 9, I was feeling sick. I started to see black dots so I walked a bit, had some water and kept going. Finally at mile 11 I was DONE. I felt soooooo sick so I had to call my hubby to pick me up:( I was so sad I couldn't finish, but I am not back to myself just yet. I would say I am 90% better, but I really needed to have some good workouts for this weigh in.
OK so back to the weigh in:) The final 2 was between my younger brother and I. We were both were shaking and soooooo nervous. We have both worked so hard and both really wanted to win. He told me I had to weigh in first. I got on the scale and it said 128.6 with 12.51% baby fat loss. My brother got on the scale and we were both freaking out, we knew it was close. The totals were in and I won just barley. I couldn't believe it. My brother came in at 12.48. I am sooooooo very proud of him. He looks amazing and lost 41 pounds!!!!!
I am also so proud of my husband who is down 21 pounds. He has worked so hard and looks amazing as well.
So as of January 1st, I weighed in at 147.6 and today I am 128.6!!! I haven't been this small since our wedding day over 11.5 years ago and I have had not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 kids!!! I seriously feel amazing. I did no special diet, no pills, just the old fashion eating healthy and good ol exercise. My journey is not over. I am fine with my weight, but I still have a lot more toning to do. I can finally see my abs after all these years. Hahaha
You guys, It can be done!!!!!! All it takes is clean eating, exercise and dedication. You can all do it I promise!!! I will still continue with my fitness blog since I still have work to do, but for today, I will enjoy my day and eat have a full on cheat day. I know you shouldn't reward yourself with food, but I sure am today. I deserve it! Haha:)
Oh and yes I know my hair looks TERRIBLE!!!! I hope to get it done in a few weeks. hahaha

                                                        Here I am today at 128.6 pounds

                     I am now up to 65lbs on the bicep curling machine. Started at 30 pounds

Yesterday I was able to do 95lbs on the back machine. Started at around 55lbs

                                 
                My tummy is always the very hardest spot for me to tone. It takes FOR EVER!!!!!

Here is my very first before picture. Taken on January 1st. Weighing in at 147.6

1 quick post

So I know I said I wasn't going to do a post until March 30th, but I had to tell you what's been going on with me. Monday I ran my 5 miles and felt great. Tuesday I went to the gym with my hubs and had an amazing cardio and upper body workout.  Then Wednesday, BAMMMMMMM I woke up super sick. Major body aches, slight sore throat, mucus cough, ugghhh I just didn't feel well. Then Thursday came, I was even sicker I was too sick to go to our boys Parent Teachers conferences:( Then it was Friday, my husband's Birthday. I love to always make every one's Birthday so special.  I was sicker then a dog but set my alarm and woke up at 6:30am to go to the grocery store to buy stuff to make crepes for my love. I got home and started making breakfast and I was dying. My husband kept telling me I didn't have to make them but I insisted. I was finally done and had to lay down. My amazing husband cleaned up all the mess without me even asking. I felt so bad. I really wanted to do more and have a fun day but I just couldn't. He totally understood and doesn't care about his Birthday, but it still made me sad that I couldn't do more. I took some NyQuil and went straight to sleep. Well my body aches we so bad that they woke me up every hour and so I ended up taking a hot bath at 3:00am I was finally back to bed around 4:00. When I woke up for the day on Saturday I was even sicker!!!! I told my husband "That's it I'm going to the Doctor's I think I have strep" My son had had it the week before and my throat was killing at this point. I went straight to the Doctors just miserable. Guess what?? No step, the Doctor said I just have a virus/flu and should last about 5-7 days. I just wanted to cry. I seriously haven't been this miserable in a very long time. I actually broke down to my husband Friday night. I am just so frustrated, I hurt everywhere, weak, I HATE laying around. I had a Primary activity that I was supposed to be at Saturday morning and had to tell them I couldn't go and was so worried that they would think I was "flaking" out. I couldn't go to church today with my family and I missed my son's talk in Primary. Ughhhhhh it's been terrible!!!!!!
This after noon I asked my husband for another blessing. He had given me one the night before, but I wanted another one. By this point, I had a fever. This was my first fever I've had since being sick. My husband said that he was going to call the Bishop over (he lives across the street) to do the blessing with him. I instantly got mad. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our Bishop, but I just don't like asking for help from ANYONE. I have always been this way. There is no reason really, I just don't want to interrupt people but my husband called him over anyways. I was so mad at him, but I have to tell you, once I saw the bishop in my home, I knew it was the right thing and I wasn't mad at the hubs anymore:) I had an amazing blessing and I know I will get feeling better asap and hope I can finally get a fulls night rest. I am so thankful for the power of the Priesthood.
Oh I forgot to say that one of the main reasons I am so frustrated is, our health challenges ends this coming Saturday. I was crying to my hubs saying, "Why now!!!! I can't be sick NOW!!!!!! I haven't been able to workout in 4 days, I haven't really eaten a thing, and you know what the crazy thing is, I haven't lost not even 1 ounce since being sick. I thought for sure I would since I'm not really eating, but I guess my body is holding  onto every little thing because no weight has come off at all.
So I'm not really sure how my 3 month challenge will end. I am very bummed that I am sick NOW of all time. I know I totally jinxed myself. At the st. patty's 5k, I was telling my friend how my kids have pretty much been sick on and off all winter, and how I really haven't been sick. I have had days were I don't feel good, but always better by the next day or so. Then BAMMMM here I am on my death bed. I couldn't run my schedule 8,5,and 18 miles this week. I have been soooooooo down. I feel so helpless. Usually when I don't feel good, I still keep going but I just can't. I seriously can barley get out of bed.
To be honest, my health is what is most important not a health challenge, but not going to lie, I am SUPER BUMMED right now. If I start to feel better, then I will go back to my workouts, but we shall see. We are still doing our weigh in Saturday morning. Wish me some luck because I really need it.
OK, so this really ill be the last post until Saturday:)

*I have to give a shot out to my AMAZING husband who has been so good taking care of me and our boys. Enough though I can't sleep (I am majorly congested) he has kept the boys quiet, and they have all been angels. I am going to stay positive and continue to pray that I get better asap, and that NO ONE in my family gets what I have. See you Saturday and hope I have some good news to share:)

See you soon:)

Wanted to let you all know that I will not be posting ANY more posts until March 30th. The reason is, I don't want my brother seeing what I am doing these next few weeks with my workouts and eating.  Hahahaha Sorry Brad (not sure if he even reads this) I'm not letting you see or hear what I am up to these last 2 weeks;) I REALLY want to win this Health Challenge soooooo bad, but I do have to say, I am VERY proud of him. He's done amazing and he is in first place.
So, so long for now, please wish me LOTS of luck because it sure is getting harder and harder for me to lose weight. Peace out!!!!!

A few pics

I have wanted to take picture for ever but I wasn't doing well with my diet so I thought I would wait. I took a few this morning. I still have A LOT of toning to do. My lower belly is so hard to tone. I always have this little bulge, but I'm going to keep trying. I am proud of my results so far and not going to share my weight loss yet:) We are doing our final weigh in Saturday March 30th 2 days earlier then planned.

Toning is coming along slowly but surely:)



This is me this morning. I need to have my hubs take a full body shot





This is my first before pic weighing in at 147

St. Patrick's 5k

This afternoon was my St. Patrick's 5k run. Race 3 for the year so far.The race started at 11:00 and it was a little chilly due to the wind, but once you took off, it got HOT! I thought this was a tough race. But 5k's are always hard for me. I am more of a distance runner then a speed runner, but I still did pretty well. My goal was to place in the top 3 so I can get a medal:) I have to be honest, I was a little bummed when I crossed the finish line to see that I placed 4th!!! The girl who got 3rd beat me by 7 SECONDS!!! But it's all good. I placed 4th in women age 30-34 and 17th out of 358 with a time of 25 minutes 11 seconds. So I can't complain:) It was a really fun race and fun to dress up:)

Also, today is my schedule 17 mile run. Since I ran 3.1 miles this morning during my race, I was going to run 14 miles tonight. Well...... that 14 miles turned into 3. I am just so beat. It's been a very long exhausting day. I MAY run the 11 tomorrow to make up my 17, but we will see.
I hope you all have a great St. Patrick's day. I know my boys are REALLY excited:)

Sun shine

Today is my schedule 5 mile run. The weather is even better today, so outside I went. As I was running, I noticed that it was HOT, actually a little too hot for my liking while running. Although I ran at a good pace, I was beat when I got home. I never bring water with me unless I run 6+ miles, so I might have not been as tired if I had some water. But I can't complain, I am really enjoying this sun shine, and it's so nice to be running outside instead of the gym on the treadmill.
My St. Patty's 5k is in 2 days and I can't wait!!! It's going to be a blast and last I heard there were over 300 people signed up so it's going to be FUN:)
I hope you can all get outside and enjoy this amazing weather. Try and do some workouts outside instead of the gym this week:)

Oh, today I had to go to the store and I decided to try out there blood pressure machine. I was shocked to see that you can not only check your blood pressure, but it can tell you your body fat/ BMI as well. This test is not as accurate as blood work that you would do at the Doctors but it's better then nothing:) I was VERY pleased with my results:) My weight is not correct. It's off by a few pounds I'm not that small yet:) You don't type in your weight, it has you sit and it some how takes it. Ever since I became a runner (4 years ago) I have always had amazing blood pressure. In fact, every time I go to the Doctors, they take my blood pressure and say "You must be a runner" :) See it's a good thing to be a runner:) It's good for the body, mind and soul:)

Love me some Vitamin D :)

Yesterday was my schedule 8 mile run. The weather here in Utah has been AMAZING!!!! I decided that I am running outside. I took off feeling great, strong and just happy. The sun was beating on my face and I loved every minute of it. The first 3 miles I was running towards the wind but it felt great.
I love how you can tell who are runners. They are the ones that smile, wave and honk and I had 4 of those yesterday, and yes they were all women and I man:) haha. I totally do the same because I know what they are going through or I wish that were me running out there:)
Yay for the awesome spring weather:)

Done!!

Today was my  schedule 5 mile run. I decided that I would go to the gym this time since I haven't been in over 2 weeks!!! I can't believe it's been that long, but I have been working out at home and running outside. I felt AMAZING on my run today. Kept my pace at 7.5 the whole entire time until the last .25 miles, then put my speed at 8.8 and finished strong at 40 min 55 sec. After my run it was time for upper body. I felt really weak today while doing upper body. I've been doing weights at home, but it's just not the same as machines. I am feeling great and now ready to watch the Bachelor:)

It's true:)

Time for a new week

I can't remember what week of training I am on. Haha I think 10?? Anyways, tomorrow is a start of a new week. A new week of eating clean, LOTS of running and strength training. I didn't do the greatest AGAIN this week with my diet. But it's all good. I'm excited for this new week. My training this week will be 5,8,5,17. I really need to be in the zone 110% if I am going to win this Health Challenge:) Just a few more weeks to go!!!
So tonight while putting our kids to bed, my 6 year old noticed my bicep and said, "Wow Mom you have a big muscle, it's as big as Steven's (my 18 year old nephew) I thought it was so cute and also made me proud that you can see my hard work. I really have slacked off BIG time for about 5 weeks. If I would have done everything 110% I would see much better results, but I am proud of my progress so far and will continue to work hard. I need to remember that it takes time and will not happen over night, that I will get in my ruts and that's OK.
My goals this week will be:
*Gym every day except for Sunday.
*In bed by 10:00-10:30
*Drink more water (I do drink a ton, but I should drink more)

Here's to a very healthy and fit week:)

*Oh by the way, I just noticed that my blog has been viewed 5,489 TIMES!!!!! Thank you all for the support, I REALLY need it more then ever to get me through these next few weeks to try and win my Health Challenge:)

Oh boy!!!!!!

So today was my schedule 16 mile run. I went around 3:15. It was chilly but not bad. As I was running, the wind was blowing, but it was coming from behind so I didn't mind at all. Well....... that only lasted for my first 6 miles then BAM 10 miles straight of FREEZING, COLD, FAST, WIND in my face the WHOLE TIME!!!! I was seriously DYING!!!!! Today was defiantly a day that I thought "What the HELL was I thinking" It was HORRIBLE!!!!! I seriously wanted to hitch hike when I hit the 12 mile mark. Because of the wind, it took me 24 minutes longer then last week.
I am soooooo miserable. My body hurts, I'm still freezing, I am so tired. Oh sorry to complain so much but it was the worst run of my life, oh beside the time I ran 6 miles in 95 degree weather with NO water. Yeah that was almost as bad as today's run. Haha
After my run, I went straight into the house, and got in a boiling hot bath. I was soooo FREEZING. My hands wouldn't even work. I couldn't even open my Gatorade bottle. After my 30 minute bath I needed a malt! My husband was gone with the kids so I went to Sonic and got me an Oreo malt. I know, not healthy at all but I don't care. I needed it:)
Every Saturday I am always stuck in my bed after my long runs. I am so tired, and can't move. My husband said today "I really hate the days you run" Hahaha. Sorry love, just another month to go until my race:)
I REALLY hope it's not windy for my 5K next Saturday and my 14 mile run after (I am schedule for 17 total for next Saturday)
Oh the joys of being a runner. Gotta love and hate it at the same time:) But I do have to say, even though I am so miserable right now, I also feel good knowing that I DID IT!! It took forever and was so freaking hard, but I did:)
I am done winning now, sorry for being so down, but it was tough!!! I am going to watch a movie with my hubs. Good night:)

Training, training and more training

Yesterday was my schedule 8 mile run. I was going to go the gym but didn't make it so I decided that I would just run on my treadmill after the kids went to sleep. To be honest, I really wasn't in the "running mood" but it had to get done. I turned on my Sex and the City and got my run on. I was maybe 2 miles into my run and I was already sooooooo tired. Ughhhh I was not in the mood but I kept going. I was finally at 3 1/2 miles and my older son came downstairs and said that our baby (he is almost 3) was up. I went up stairs, got him back in bed and went down stairs. Not even 5 min later my older son came down again. Ughhhhh. By the time I got my baby back to bed, 20 minutes had gone by. Any little motivation and energy that I did have was gone, and it was 10:15 pm at this point. I gave up. I was DONE!!! I came up stairs, had a shower and was in bed by 10:40.  I'm a little upset I gave up, but something is better then nothing. Oh, I also forgot to say that my legs were super sore and stiff. I think it's from my 22 mile bike ride I did the night before. Oops:/
Today is my schedule 5 mile run.  It is cold today, but I didn't care, I was running this 5 miles outside. I felt great and finished strong. I still have upper body to do, but I'll do that when I put my boys to bed and while I'm watching my shows:)
It's funny how mental running is. If I have 5 miles then I can do it but barely. 16 miles, no problem but can't go longer. Seriously my hardest run is 3 MILES. Yes just 3 miles. It crazy how tried and worn out I am with just an easy 3 mile run. My 5K races are always so hard. Running is seriously sooooooo mental. I am excited for my rest day of running tomorrow, then Saturday will be another 16.

Yummy, yummy in my tummy

Tonight I made one of my very favorite meals ever. Quinoa black bean burrito bowls. I got the idea from Pinterest: of course:) YUMMMM
Mine has quinoa, black bean, tomato's, half a small avocado, salsa, tiny bit of cheese, and tons of Jalapeños (I added more after I took this pictire because I LOVE them so much).
Jason's has: quinoa, black bean, half avocado, tiny bit of cheese, he also topped with salsa and fat free sour cream. I usually add some olives but I didn't have any. this time. So YUMMY!!!! I love this meal because it's full of flavor, doesn't taste like "diet food" and it's super healthy for you,, just be careful with the black beans since they do have carbs, but they are are great source of Protein as well as Quinoa.

ENJOY!!! :)

Health Challenge

As you all know, I am have been in a health challenge since January 1 and it ends April 1st. I REALLY want to win so bad!!!! I could really use the money for clothes. I need clothes so bad!! I seriously wear the same 4 outfits. I wish I didn't fall back into my bad eat habits last month but it's all good. I know what I need to do and I will do the best I can. I've decided that I will not post ANY weight loss until our final weigh in day. I want to keep it a secret and I don't want my competitors to see were I am at. Hahaha;) Actually, I don't even know if they read this??? I will also post some after pictures, but I most likely wont be as tone as I wanted or thought I would be at that point. Only because with my training for my Marathon, I thought I could go all hard core on my weight training but I just can't. I am still weight training, just not as crazy as I was doing before. I am doing what my trainer said to do, but after my race on April 20th, I will really step up the strength training.
Well.... It's time for some breakfast and I will run my scheduled 8 mile run tonight after the kids are in bed.
Wish me luck!!!!! :)

Brrrr...

Well. I didn't end up running at 5:30am like planned. My alarm did go off but there was NO WAY I could get up. I had a hard time falling asleep last night, and out 4 year old woke up crying with an ear infection, and my hubby is now sick too:( I feel so bad for my little family.
I was able to go for my run this afternoon since my hubby stayed home sick today. I went up to daybreak for one I love running around the lake, and I just wanted to run a different route. So the sun is out today but it's FREEZING!!! As I took off, the dang wind was blowing towards me for 3 whole MILES!!!! I was seriously already so tried at mile 1. My average pace is usually around 8:20's-40's. Today due to the wind, my average pace was around 9:20. I was so beat and walked so much. It's crazy how draining the wind is. My poor hands were numb.
I am so glad to be done:) I still have upper body to do but will do that later tonight.
I have done really well with my clean eating today. No cheating at all. I ALMOST had a brownie but didn't. I decided to have a string cheese instead. Yay me:) This girl LOVES treats a little too much:/

I took this picture on my run this afternoon. It was so cold that the lake was frozen. Brrrrr

BEWARE!!!!!

I am so sorry for posting a pic of my VERY UGLY feet, but I wanted to show you what my poor feet go through due to my many miles and hours of running.  My left foot, all toes are bruised except for my big toe.  My right foot, I have no bruising, but my big toe nail did fall off in November and it's grown back only halfway and my pinkie toe nail fell off a few weeks ago.
I have been told that this is happening because I need bigger shoes. That is actually false. I went to my Podiatrist in December when my toes were even worse then they are now. I told him how everyone keeps saying I need bigger shoes. He said that this is VERY common for long distance runners. He actually said that my feet don't look that bad compare to other runners that see him. He said this is very common.
I did get new shoes in December and actually got a full size bigger just to see if it would make any difference even though my Doctor said it wouldn't, and he was right. I am still having the same issues. I have even tried different brands of shoes but he said this is a common side effect for runners and I will just have to deal with it. I think it just depends on how you run. I must run more with my toes?? Oh well, I am just thankful I can run:)

It's a new week!!

This week is going to be very hard for me. I am going to be tired, ornery, and super worn out. Haha
With our son not feeling well, which he is doing so much better but not 100% I will not take any of my kids to the gym. Yes, I am one of those Mom's that keeps my babies home even if they have a clear runny nose. So my hubby and I decided that we will take turns going to the gym. I offered to go this whole week at 5:30 am. Yes, you are reading that right. 5:30 AM!!! I know I have told you in the past that I hate working out early because it makes me so ornery and tired the rest of the day, but with kids being sick and hubby working during the day, this is what I need to do this week, and my hubs will go at night. We decided that we will take turns. This week I go early, then next week he will. It will be nice for our bodies to have this change.
This week my running schedule is: 5,8,5,16. It's going to be another hard week of running, but I'm ready. I'm excited because I have another race coming up. St Patty's 5k on the 16th. It's good to run a few races during your training to help you with your speed. I can't wait:)
So here's to a new week of eating 100% clean and training HARD!!!!
Oh, so about our health challenge. We haven't been doing weekly weigh ins and my hubs and I didn't do good last month and I wasn't sure how others were doing until today. I am still in first place (I think, haven't heard from my older brother) with a total of 8.1% body fat loss, but my little brother is super close to me with 7.9% It freaked me out a bit because I was in the lead by quit a bit so I really wasn't worried until now. I need and will be in the zone from here on out. April 1st is our final weigh in and I REALLY want to win:)
I hope you all have a great, and healthy week. LET'S DO THIS!!!!!!

16 miles DONE!!!!

Oh my goodness I just ran the furthest I have ever ran EVER!!! 16 miles baby!!! I was nervous for this run because I only ran 7 miles on Wednesday. I didn't run my 4 on Monday or my 4 on Thursday:/ No reason, just got lazy. I was also nervous because I've been running on the treadmill. But I have to say that I felt amazing and very strong on this run. The weather was perfect. It felt so good to have the sun on my face (but very hot for the first 6 miles)
I started to get very tired around mile 13. I got a little emotional when I hit the 13 mile mark. I have ran 13 miles a ton of times, but for some reason, I felt very proud today when I reached that point. I only had 3 more miles to go. I wasn't winded at all but my poor feet, legs and bum were VERY SORE!!!!! I ran mile 15 pretty fast then my last mile I was so done. I finished strong in 2 hours and 34 min. I was sore when I got home but not as bad as I thought I would be. I took a bath right away. I always do this after my runs to help my muscles. It felt great to just chill and relax.

Boy, oh boy, my legs KILL now!!!!!! I can barley move and could totally go to bed right now. I am BEAT!!!! It's crazy to think that I would still have another 10.2 miles to go after my 16. As of now, I would be crawling across the finish line. I defiantly need more training. I am thankful for my rest day tomorrow and I'm sure I will be very sore for a few days.

Sweetness

Our 6 year old woke up this morning really sick. (I know, didn't we go through this in FEBRUARY!!??) He has a fever, sore throat and threw up once. After he threw up, I told him how sorry I was that he was sick and that I am so sad. He then said " It's OK Mom, I'm fine" then he started to tear up and said "I hope I'm better before my race" His race isn't until JUNE!!
What a little sweetie. Poor thing didn't care if he was sick, he was only worried that he might not be able to race. He sounds just like me:)

I really hope this is just a 24 hour thing and that no else gets his "bug" I can not go through crazy sickness again. Ahhhhhhhh

Here we go............

In about 3 hours, I will be running the furthest I have ever ran. 16 MILES!!!! I am going outside this time. No treadmill today. It's a beautiful day. 50 degrees, perfect running weather. I will be running for about 2 1/2 hours, maybe a little longer depending on the route and how tired I get. I am actually really excited.
I was supposed to go this morning at 6:00am with my bestie but last night around 6:00pm, I wasn't feel well at all. Just super weak and so worn out. I went to bed at 9:15 and slept until about 9:30 this morning. I still felt a little worn out this morning, but I had some breakfast and feel so much better. I think I am just "down" right now. My motivation has been lacking big time, when I eat crappy I feel crappy, I had my monthly visitor a few days ago (TMI sorry) and it's so hard to get on track again when you have been off track for so long. So I got online and started pinning motivation quotes and it totally got me pumped and ready to go. (I know crazy, but they really do help me)
I will also be running with my new running buddy for the first time. My gun. With me running for hours and far away from home, I need to make sure I stay safe. Yes, I do have my concealed permit so I am OK to be running with it.
I'll post all about my run when I get back. Wish me luck!!!!! EEEEKKK!