Super Sad

Because of the ice, sleet and just down right cold, TNT has cancelled our group run tomorrow. I was kinda expecting this since the meteorologist have been predicting snow and ice all week. I just held on to hope that it wouldn't happen. So I am going to do my DVD and jog 4 miles at the gym (if its open).

Sore Abs...

The key to finishing this marathon is a tight core. I have heard this countless times. So...everyday, I have been doing extra....then a little extra ab work on top of that. OOOOOOOHHHH, my abs are so sore. I love it though. No pain, no gain right....right.

We have a ten mile run this weekend. Can you believe it. I AM GOING TO RUN 10 MILES. I am so excited. I can't wait until Saturday. I wish it was Saturday- today. I have always dreamed of running or being a "runner". I am actually doing it. WOW!!!

This morning, I did a few hills on the treadmil to attempt to prepare myself for Nashville. I wish there were some hilly areas around here. I may need to start running in Oxford, MS. This is my husband's home town and the town I can really call home. I was born there, my mother was born and reared there and we go almost every weekend to see my aunt san and my in-laws. So I guess I could bring my shoes and run those hills to prep for the Country Music Marathon.

I am on my last project for my Specialist in Fitness Nutrition Certification. I have to do a case study on an individual interested in losing weight. Well, my office assistant Erica told me that her brother was interested in losing weight and getting healthy. I began to gather my paperwork to complete his profile and get started on seeing my first weight loss client. Guess what! He ended up having surgery after an office visit showed abnormal heart function. He is still very interested, but I can't put my hands on that one. My certification is only for those who are healthy. Only a registered dietitian can treat those who have illnesses. So my search continues. I may use myself. I still have another 25lbs before I reach my goal. I could design a plan for myself....Huh...something to think about.

A run almost missed

I almost missed my run this morning. I was asked to watch my niece while her mother took the GRE exam for graduate school. Although I was delighted to babysit Ava, I was a little disappointed about missing my run. Not that I couldn't do the run later, but I just know that I do better on long runs with others to motivate me. At the same time, I was soo excited to have a girls day with Ava. But, her mother decided to let her grandmother watch her instead of me. She didn't tell me that she had changed her mind. I had to send her a text message to see if she was still going to bring her over. I am so glad that I sent the text or I would have missed my run and an opportunity to be with my niece. I guess I will get to see Ava at another time.

So this morning I got up and went on my run with the group. We completed 6 miles at Shelby Farms. Lisa was out of town this weekend, so George was our coach this morning. He gave me great instructions on my running form. He told me that I swing my upper body too much and I had a little too much tension in my shoulders and arms. I'm going to have to work really hard to correct these habits that I have formed. I know that with these tips this will help me keep from going into early fatigue during the race in April. Next week 10 miles!!!

The decision to only eat carbs when they have been earned through exercise has really made a difference this week. I lost weight and I can see that my stomach is starting to tighten up. (not in one week, but over some weeks of lowering carb intake.) It is so funny how many years I have wasted worrying about losing weight and getting into shape. It is becoming so easy now. All I had to do was get educated about my body's "true" nutritional needs, develop patience, and spend time with God. The truth really will set you free. I will continue to seek the truth....my truth.

This week I was offered the opportunity to talk about my speech and language services to a doctor's office in Memphis in February. I am so excited. I really need to work hard to get into that black suit I bought last weekend. That is even more motivation. I also have to attend the career fair at Ole Miss on the 11th of February. In April, I will teach a class for my old professor at Ole Miss while she is away. My referrals are increasing too. I get a new referral or two on a daily basis. Things are looking up. I am glad too. It has been a drop in attendance and during the holidays there were lots of cancellations.

Well, tomorrow starts a new week. I look forward to continuing to stick with my plan for a healthy life. I will work on getting my finances in order this year. We want to find another house and save money this year as a family. I also am continuing to believe God for a therapist that will be an asset to my business. One that loves his/her job and is willing to grow with the company. I think this will happen very soon.

Good Decisions, Lead to Good Actions

Today, just for today, I decided to make good decisions. I woke up this morning and I said to myself. I am going to take my time. One decision at a time and do my best to purposely make good choices. I am working on staying away from intentional wrong moves. You know those moves that you make that you know for sure that you shouldn't do. Now has been my motivation since the start of 2010. In the past, I would rely on later, but she never came. Now is always here and it saves me a lot of heart ache when I take care of Now's needs.

The weigh-in today went well. I haven't been driven by the scale the last two weeks. I am just doing what I know to do. I make sure that everything I eat has nutritional value. I am going to eat a veggie with every meal opportunity when I can. With this being done, I will get my last 25 pounds off before I know it. I am now back where I was three months ago and have even lost two pounds more that before the start of the holidays. Way to go, Mia!

What a difference some strength training makes!!!

This morning's eight mile run was the easiest run I have done so far. Why??? Because of my two-a-days. I have been getting up at 5 am and going to the gym to do my 3 miles or cross train. After work, I do a DVD that is about 30 to 40 minutes long that works on weight training and targeting body parts. This has made a great impact on my endurance and toleration of the pounding that comes with running. I was faster this morning. I had more flexibility and I wasn't in as much pain as I usually am after the runs (it was a lot warmer today too...about 45 degrees).

While there this morning, I saw a big group of African American women stretching and warming up to walk or run. I asked one of the women what they were doing. I was told that the group was called Sisters in Motion and that they meet every Saturday morning to walk or run. I was then instructed to go to their facebook page to find out more information. I didn't get much info from the facebook page, but I was able to find an article that gave me a little more information about the open enrollment period and what the goals of the group are. So, this may be something that I do to continue my running after TNT.

I have really enjoyed my hair this week. It was a good decision to cut it. I have had mixed reviews. Some like it a lot and tell me how great it looks on me. Then I have had those who have said very negative things about having my hair cut in this style. I really don't care. I like it. My husband likes it. That's that.

Dropping the Carbs!!!

I went to weigh in. I had a four pound loss (even without the long run last Saturday and the pancakes from IHOP on Sunday). This week as I have mentioned before, I have reduced my carbohydrate intake. No, not low carb, but I have learned from my nutrition class that when you want to lose fat you must limit carb consumption.  This is not new info. I have heard it before, but for some reason it is starting to sink in. This has to be true. Most of the things that really get me off track are filled with carbs: chips, cookies, cakes, pies, and candy. My mind is made up. I have to get over this hump that has been hindering me for the last two to three months.

I ran three miles this morning and completed a strength training DVD this evening. I know that was low running mileage, but I just don't want to aggrevate my shin before our 8 mile run on Saturday. Its going to be much warmer this coming up Saturday, thank God.

When it comes to Spiritual matters, I have falling off the wagon. I still listen to inspirational music and teaching cds. I just haven't been as consistent with my devotion time with God. Must do better. I'll start tonight. Off to reading my Bible. Nighty-Night.

Natural Transition Complete

Last night at about 11:50 pm. I did it. Yes, I took my braids down. I was wearing them as a protective style until my natural hair grew long enough for me to be comfortable with it. Well, I just lost patience with the two hair textures and I did not want to go back to the africans because the braids were just to tight. So I washed my hair and cut off what relaxed hair I had left. Can you believe I did that! I just cut it off. I feel so free!

This morning, I went to my hairdresser to have her shape it up for me. She knows that I just do things that are outside of the box. I don't think she was too shocked. Now, the other ladies, Trina and Tammy were very surprised by my actions. They probably think I am soooo crazy.

I didn't go to the gym today to do my run because I cut my hair and was in need of a professionals help. I also had to go to a specialty store to get the products that I am going to need to keep my hair mosturized and healthy. tonight after this entry, I am going to do a DVD (strength training).

Tomorrow is my day to do my master cleanse, but Fred doesn't have to go to work. We all will get a chance to go to church together as a family. I want us to enjoy a good breakfast at IHOP or Cracker Barrel tomorrow  morning after service. So, we will do the fast next Sunday. 

Well, I have to exercise and bathe my son. I'll write later

The end of a great week

This week was the coldest week we have had in the mid-south since I was a little girl. It's probably been 20 years since I can remember needing a scarf and gloves. I didn't run this week. I just didn't get out in the weather. Workout DVDs were lifesavers this week....the weather shouldn't be an excuse, but I don't want to continue having this dry flaky skin that has developed since this cold weather set in. I also gave my right shin a rest.

My mother and father purchased new vehicles this week. This doesn't seem like much, but my parents are old school, and set in their ways. The both found cars that they like. Now my mom can begin to find the freedom inside that she soooo deserves. There will be some backlash...probably even some fights. My dad has been controlling my mom in every aspect of her life for 30 years. So, he will have a hard time with mom getting a little freedom with her new car.

My boys (Fred and Bug) have both caught colds again. I really believe that my diet has helped me to keep my colds to a minimum this winter.

Tuesday, I weighed in at Weight Watcher's but I didn't stay for the meeting. I really needed to but the school called and I had to pick up Bug. He had a low grade fever. I lost 2 pounds. I have managed to continue to maintain my weight, but I haven't put in the effort to lose much more than the orignial weight that I have lost.

I have gotten a little lazy. Yes, I admit, I haven't wholeheartedly followed my planned meals or my workouts. It is so terrible, the first week of the year, I have blown my new years resolutions to not procrastinate. As I always say tomorrow is another day.

We don't have to run tomorrow as a group. Lisa  and Denise(TNT trainers) decided to cancel the group run. It is supposed to be 14 degrees tomorrow morning. Where is this cold weather coming from??? Is this a result of global warming??? I don't know. I am not a meterologist, but this is very odd for Memphians.

Overall this was a great week. I look forward to following my nutrition plan next week and picking up on my running schedule.

8 miles in the cold

This morning the Team in Training met at Shelby Farms at 7 am. It was 24 degrees this morning. I knew it was going to be a cold one. We changed our route this time and ran a trail. It was like running in the woods or in some patchy grass. No pavement or street. There was a little bit of gravel on some of the trail, but mostly grass and ice. We completed what Lisa (trainer) called figure 8s. We ran up a hill, down another hill in the shape of an eight. We did this for six miles and ran from the parking lot and back to our cars for two miles. It was a great run. I have never run that many miles before. If anyone had told me that I would be running 8 miles in 24 degree weather this time last year, I would have laughed in their face. Thank God for growth.

Lisa really feels that I can complete the 26.2 miles in Nashville. I do too. I often wonder though is it wise for me to do a full marathon before completing a half marathon. I have been reading stories about people like me who have changed their lives through diet and exercise and setting goals. None of the stories have been about anyone that has completed a 26.2 without completing the 13.1 first. I don't know. I want to reach a decision by the end of this month. I am going to continue to train for the 26.2 miles with the team as is written on our schedule. One thing my dad said is that I have to hurry and make a decision so that I can begin preparing my mind for whatever I decide to do. My mental state is important during training and definitely during the race.

New Years Day
We (My husband, bug and I) didn't go house hunting yesterday. Our old babysitter, Cynthia, called and asked if we wanted her to keep Bug while we celebrated the new year. I was so excited. We don't get to do much without Bug. So we sat and tried to think of something that we could do at such a short notice and with it being a holiday. Guess what we ended up doing...yes, going to Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, MS. That is what we came up with. I personally wanted to go skating, but my husband is a big couch potato. That was not going to fly with him. So Horseshoe was something that I know he would do. We went and enjoyed the seafood buffet. I ate so well. I couldn't believe it. I ate just enough. I didn't over do it. I know I have written this before, but we have go to get away from buffets. They are just deadly to a healthy or should I say controlled diet. It's an invitation to overeat. We were joined by my parents. That's the only recreation that we partook of as children living in my parent's home. If we wanted to celebrate, that's what we did. We ate. Now here I am thirty years old still trying to break those habits of celebrating with food. There is nothing wrong with celebrating with food; however, there are other ways to celebrate. We just have to be creative. With all that said, we all had a great time. My mother and father made us laugh and enjoy that time as a family. We love when we can get together. It doesn't happen as often as it use to.

 Happy New Year.

New Year, New Opportunities

Thanks God for a new year. Doesn't it feel great to have a clean slate...a fresh start...new goals...new opportunities. The past year was a great one and I really look forward to reaching my goals for the year 2010. Laziness, procrastination and a lack of self-control are things that will brought under control. I will do what I need to do and give my best at all times. I will be positive and consistent this year. Those are my only goals. Well, my goals in a nutshell. If I can be consistent and positive, self-controlled and disciplined..everything else will fall in line.

Today, I will go house hunting with my husband. No, we are not moving any time soon, but we are thinking about moving before extending our family. Since we are both off for the holidays we are going to take a look and decide where we want to live.  I'll  write a little later.