.made from scratch.

Representin’ the WHODATNATION today. Proud. 

:)  Geaux SAINTS!

How is it, I actually managed to get 8 hours of sleep last night but I’m still tired!

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I worked from 8am-3pm, then treated myself to a Target run to pick up a few supplies. I’ve decided to try my hand a couponing, so I bought the binder and baseball card sleeves. I’ve never done it before, but watching all these other people use them and save SO much money, I figure, why not? The more money I save, the faster I will be able to open up my own bake shop, and that’s the ultimate dream, right?

Also, I managed to score a new scarf, gloves, and two beenies while I was there. Gotta love FL and their short winters, everything was marked down 70% off. I bought my beenies for $.60! Awesome! But, that wasn’t the bargain of the day…….

I was just browsing around the store, and for some reason went down the camping aisle (not sure why), when I saw this little white book that had “fitbook” written across it. I was intrigued, so I opened it up, and it is the PERFECT book for fitblrs I’ve ever come across. It’s a 12-week fit/healthy eating planner, that is laid out for weekly goals, stats and then daily nutrition intake, workouts, how you felt, etc. I’ve been trying to do this on my own for a while, but I have trouble trying to figure out what it is I need to write down, how to write it out, and eventually I just get bored. This book is literally EVERYTHING and EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for!!

Here’s a link to it on amazon: Fitbook

I wanted it, BAD. But, there wasn’t a price on it, and there wasn’t a UPC on the back. So, I checked the sports section.. not there. I checked the planners section…. nope. There it was…It was laying there, ready for me to have it, but I wasn’t sure how much it was.. so I grabbed it anyway, and figured I’d just ask the cashier when I got to the front.. no harm in asking right? So, when I got there, I told her I just found it laying on the shelf, she asked if I knew how much it was, I said no, so she just charged me $4.99 for it. I was okay with that.. I spent more on just my life planner, I figure five bucks to help me change my life? Worth it. When i got in the car, I just thought, I’ll google it to see how much it was supposed to be… $22!!!! I got a steal!!! :)  So check it out, fitblrs.. I’m pretty excited about this one!

After the Target run, I came home and ate lunch, starving! Then I did an amazing Tabata workout with the hubby, and then decided to run a mile.. I usually run 3, but I wanted to just work on my speed. I’ve been averaging about 10-11 min mile when I run, but I crushed it with a 9:23 min mile. My goal is to get my mile time under 9 mins.. I’m on my way!

Here’s what’s on the agenda for today:

• Work 10am-5pm
• Run 5k
• Clean up the house
• Go to bed early.

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!! :)

This game is making me sleepy! C’mon, can we score at least ONE touchdown?!?

It’s hard to believe that it’s already a week into the new year. Seems the older I get, the faster the time flies. We spend all our teenage lives wishing time would hurry and pass, and now, at the ripe age of 25, I just kinda wish things would slow down a bit. And, this is without me having children. I can’t imagine how fast it’ll fly by then!

Anyway, I figured it was about time to post my resolutions, so this way, maybe I’ll actually stick with them. So, here goes:

• I want to run a marathon before my 26th birthday. 26.2 for my 26th. I ran my first half on Thanksgiving day, and I believe if I really work on it, I can make this happen.
• I’m wanting to eat better. I don’t really eat horribly, at least not all the time, but truth is, I need to start taking better care of my body. It is my “home” afterall. So, more fruits and veggies, no fast food, no sodas, increasing my water intake, more focus into what I’m eating instead of mindless eating, and cutting back on how late I eat: my cut-off time now is 10pm, but I want it to be 9pm.
• New year, NO EXCUSES. I need to MTFU and accept responsibility for my actions or lack of acting.
• I’m going to start training for survival. I know to some it may be a little extremist, but truthfully, if everyone in the world starts going crazy, I wanna be confident within myself and my body, that I can get the eff out, just run if I need to, and survive. I think it’s important.. I mean, with everyone talking about the “end of the world” crap, who’s to say that the “end of the world” isn’t your neighbor shooting a gun, the bullet going through his window and killing his neighbor’s wife, who then takes his gun and starts shooting everyone, and then your whole neighborhood is in complete chaos, then the city is rioting, and etc etc etc. It can happen. So, I’m going to start working on my speed and distance with my running, and learning how to survive, like in the wilderness, or by using bare essentials. I wasn’t ever taught anything like this growing up, I’ve only been camping once, and probably couldn’t build a fire to save my life. So, it’s about time I learn.

Those are just a few I’m working on, but I’m a compulsive goal-setter, so I’m sure more will be added as the year goes on.  Oh, and I’m going to start posting more. ;)

Here’s to you, 2012.

beckyc:

lifewithkim:

chasefear:

Bonk: To suddenly lose energy during a race, often due to going out too fast in the beginning. Also known as “hitting the wall.”

Chip: A timing device built into your race bib number or attached to your shoe that clocks exactly when you cross the start and finish lines. Sometimes referred to as a D-tag.

Chub rub: Painful chafing caused by upper thighs rubbing together.

Fartlek: A silly-sounding Swedish word meaning “speed play.” This is a kind of running workout that incorporates irregular bursts at various speeds.

Lactate threshold: The intensity at which lactic acid begins to accumulate in the body, causing fatigue. This threshold can be raised with regular training.

Negative split: A phrase used to describe when a runner completes the second half of a run or race faster than the first half.

Overuse injury: An injury that occurs from running too hard, too frequently, or not allowing enough recovery time.

PR: Your “personal record” or best time for a distance. Also known as “PB” (personal best).

Rest day: A day free from running or any structured workout.

Speedwork: A hard workout, often performed at a track, which includes fast-paced intervals or sprints.

Tempo run: A moderately difficult workout in which a runner sustains a comfortably hard effort (e.g. half marathon pace) for an extended period of time.

**Definitions found in Women’s Running magazine Jan/Feb 2012 issue. “Runner’s Dictionary” image by chasefear.

Various distances in miles:

400 meters: 1/4 mile

800 meters: 1/2 mile

1200 meters: 3/4 mile

1600 meters: 1 mile

5K: 3.1 miles

10K: 6.2 miles

Half marathon: 13.1 miles

Marathon: 26.2 miles

Ultramarathon: Anything longer than 26.2 miles

Must reblog for all my non-runner friends!

:)

Lunch: spinach salad with cucumbers, mushrooms, carrots, and peppers. Also, hydration nudge everyone!!

Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t posted in three weeks! That’s ridiculous. So, let’s catch up!

Things have been SUPER busy, working A LOT, and I’m completely okay with this. When we moved up here at the beginning of September, I couldn’t find work anywhere, so now to actually have consistent money coming in, I have NO complaints about working all the time. I can actually start saving again, and getting my financials in line.

The Hubby and I went to South FL for Christmas, a really short trip, but definitely worth it. Spent much needed time with family and friends. My birthday was the 30th, turned the big 2-5.. quarter of a century! Every year, we have a 3 day fiesta for my birthday, new years eve, and new years day. This year was definitely epic. Lots of tasty beverages, lots of laughs, and most importantly, lots of great time with my best friends! I’m such a lucky girl to be surrounded by such beautiful people, inside and out. Blessed, fo’ sho’.

(Me and My brother-from-another-mother, Bear)

My new year has been a fantastic one so far, consisting of friend time, running, and work! Plus, it’s been chilly here in FL, in fact, it’s like 28 degrees right now.. BRR!! I’ve made a few new years resolutions, but I’ll post those tomorrow, as well as an update on my Jan goals and my planned running schedule.

Happy New Year, tumblr loves. Let’s make this one the best.damn.year.yet! :)

karengetsgoing:

fitvillains:

Weekend Workout: The Dirty Dozen!

Time: 30 Minutes

Warm Up: Run in place, squat, jumping jacks, dance ANYTHING. Move for 5 minutes before you start. Cool down with a march in place before stretching.

You’ll need: A mat, a timer, a wicked playlist and a KILLER attitude!

Goal: Complete as many rounds of these exercises as possible in 30 minutes.

12 exercises, 12 reps each. No breaks scheduled in between, but take them if you need it (Push!)

Beginners: Aim for 3 rounds

Intermediate: Aim for 4-5 rounds

Advanced: Aim for 6+ rounds.

Remember, modify the moves to your level! It’s YOUR workout: no need to jump if you’ve got bad knees! This is for time, and the goal is to keep your heart rate up by engaging your muscles and moving as quick as YOU can. Feel free to use modifications if you’re slowing down!

Basic Tips/Modifications

Squat jumps: Sit down and BACK in a squat. Keep the weight in the heels of your feet (you should be able to wiggle your toes). Explode up, reaching your hands to the sky and jumping off the feet. Land softly, back in the squat and repeat. Modification: You can squat, stand, THEN jump, and squat down again. This can help if you’ve got knee problems. You can also eliminate the jump all together. 

Air Jacks: Like a regular jumping jack, except you lift your legs out to the side and off the floor (think like a firework or an X). The jump can be quick, but sink down to get more power before each jack. Modification: regular jumping jacks.

Pushups: In plank position, lower and push yourself off the ground. Since we’re going for speed, ANYONE can feel free to use the modification from your knees (advanced peeps: 6 rounds of 12 modified pushups is intense too!)

Lie Down, Stand Ups: Exactly as it says. Lie down with your hands and feet outreached in one line (like someone is pulling on your feet and hands in opposite directions). Bring your knees and hands in, and rock up (or use your hands) to a squat position, then stand. Reverse the movement by LOWERING yourself down first, and using your hands to get back to the ground. Contract your abs and protect your back during this movement. Modify by going slower.

Plank Jacks: In plank position, hop your feet out and in like a jumping jack. Keep your hands DIRECTLY under your shoulders. Modification: Step your feet out one at a time, then back in. Beginners, you can be on your knees for this one, and step your hands out instead.

Lunges: Lunge forward, alternating legs. Weight should be in the heel of your lunging foot, and push off that foot to return to standing. Knees should stay over the top of the toes, and not past. Think about lowering your torso to the ground, instead of propelling it forward.

Reverse Lunges: Same as the lunge, but step backwards instead of forwards. Catch yourself, and keep the weight in the front heel. Alternate with each lunge.

Cobra To Plank: Get on your belly! Extend your hands and feet out (like someone’s pulling on them) and lift your chest and legs off the ground (like superman flying). Hold for 1-2 seconds, then return to plank position. Repeat.

In & Out V-Sit crunches: On your tush (use a pillow if you need to), draw your knees into your chest. Hands can be off the floor, or by your sides and behind you for balance). You should look like a V from the side, so keep your abs tight and back should be at about a 45 degree angle from the floor. Draw the knees in and push them out. Keep your back flat, think ‘good posture’, and keep your core contracted. Modification: Basic crunches are fine here.

Split Squat Jumps: From a squat position, step one foot out behind you just a few feet. Keep most of the weight in the front foot, and watch those knees! Sink low into your front heel, and ‘wind’ your arms up by bringing them behind you. Explode off the front foot, jumping in the air and bringing your arms up to the ceiling. Switch legs in mid-air, and land softly on the other side. Repeat. Modification: Do a mini-lunge forward and then jump up, or eliminate the jumps and do another set of lunges instead.

Squat Kicks: Squat down low, and as you raise up lift your leg and kick forward. Use the ball of your foot (the part right under your toes) to push OUT during the kick, and remember they don’t have to be high. Repeat changing sides.

Tricep Dips: Off a bench, chair or couch, position yourself so that your bum is OFF the seat, but scrapes it as you lift and lower. Hands behind you for support, weight in the palms and facing forward. Lower your body down to the ground until your arms are parrallel to the floor and form a 90 degree angle. Raise up quickly. Repeat.

KILL IT!

xo

Gonna do this one tomorrow…or maybe tonight. :)

On my to do list

reasonstobefit:

submitted by tessallala

• Question: just wanna say congrats on your half marathon!! that is awesome!! when is your next one?? :) - amandafullofhappiness
• Answer:

  Thanks Hun!!! After I ran it, I literally said ‘never again!!’ but, now, a few weeks later, I’m totally ready to run one again!! I’m actually wanting to run 26.2 before my 26th birthday, next Dec 30th. I start training this week.. So my next half…. Maybe March?? We’ll see :)