Monday, May 30, 2011

Round 2 Insanity: Week 2, Day 1

Today was Cardio Power and Resistance, and it went very well! I've noticed that this round of insanity is easier for me. That doesn't mean it's easy... but it's EASIER than the last time. I think that's because of the cardio improvements I made over the year with my running. I've been pushing much more on my runs and it's showing in other areas. I can actually do those ridiculous tuck jump things landing *softly* on the ground. Thank God I live on the ground floor! My neighbors would not be happy with me!

I'm going to make myself some healthy tacos for dinner tonight. I have lean beef and some taco seasoning to make the filling. Avocados are great right now, so I got one of those, a lime, tomato, red onion, and cilantro so I can make guacamole. Add a little salsa and a whole wheat tortilla, and you're all set.

There are some other great seasonal items at the store right now: strawberries, blueberries (not yet from NJ, but still good!), asparagus... I'm loving it! Pretty soon there will be an abundance of tomatoes and cucumbers so I can make a nice tomato-cucumber salad. I like to take those two together, add some light balsamic vinaigrette, some fresh chopped basil, and maybe some red onion. Hooray for summer!

Also, checked in on my weight today, and I'm getting closer! I am two pounds away from the hitting the 140s. Holler!

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend! Be healthy and safe! And say a little prayer of thanks to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us... today is about them. God bless!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Year of Me

A year ago today, I moved from Pittsburgh, PA to central CT for a job. I had just graduated from business school, and I decided at that time I was embarking on a journey that I called "The Year of Me." May 2010 had been a trying month for me, although when compared to the troubles of others, I really should have felt like a brat. In any case, I decided I was going to spend a year focusing on me... doing things I wanted to do, figuring out more of who I am... and now said year is over, so I thought I'd reflect on where I've been!

In the past year, I ran my first sub-2 hour half marathon. Not bad for someone who's "not an athlete." I put that in quotes because I used to tell people I was not an athlete because I didn't really play sports much when I was a kid. I also ran a 5K in 24 minutes, which is my fastest time ever. I'm lucky to be tall as well because that puts my weight just at Athena status for races (not for long though). Because of that, my 24 minute 5K meant I came in 2nd place. Again, not bad for someone who's "not an athlete."

I signed up for personal training for a few months, and I loved it! Some keys accomplishments:

-Gaining enough strength in my biceps so that 20 lb weights are my norm
-Chest press with 30 lb dumbbells for 6 reps - that to me was insane!
-The beginnings of a six pack that will be seen once I hit my goal
-Believing in my ability to finally hit my goal weight/body fat

All in all, it's been a great year! There's something to be said about moving somewhere where nobody knows you. You learn a lot about yourself because you see how new people react to you. I have a reputation here for being very fit and very healthy. I get comments on my arms and the crazy food I eat (ie produce). People think I'm the type of person who can and will do a Tough Mudder. I never would have thought that about myself before.

I've decided I need a little more "me time" before I conclude said Year of Me. I turn 31 in 2 months, and I am determined to hit my goal by then. With my personal trainers, I decided that my goal weight is 141 pounds but more importantly my goal body fat is 16%. To reach this goal, I've decided it's time for another round of Insanity. I just finished week 1. I'll be back to track my progress as I finish off this round of Insanity and make my way to my goal.

Have a wonderful healthy day!