but it doesn't love me. I've been doing a lot of running and of course, as the weather gets warmer, I'm running outside. Today, I feel like my head is going to explode. Also, I find that during long runs, my throat gets very congested and I get a horrible headache and runny nose. This has always been common for me while running, I've Googled the "why", and I get answers such as "bad posture" or "allergens" or "cold weather". No real concrete evidence to make me believe any of it. I've never been good at taking pills/medication. I don't like adding things to my body and system. However, I think I may need to talk to my doctor about this issue so I can enjoy my outdoor excursions. :)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I love the Spring
but it doesn't love me. I've been doing a lot of running and of course, as the weather gets warmer, I'm running outside. Today, I feel like my head is going to explode. Also, I find that during long runs, my throat gets very congested and I get a horrible headache and runny nose. This has always been common for me while running, I've Googled the "why", and I get answers such as "bad posture" or "allergens" or "cold weather". No real concrete evidence to make me believe any of it. I've never been good at taking pills/medication. I don't like adding things to my body and system. However, I think I may need to talk to my doctor about this issue so I can enjoy my outdoor excursions. :)
Biggest Losers Finale!
Yesterday was the final day for the Biggest Losers Challenge that I organized. At the end of the competition, there were only 10 out of the original 20 members left in the running. The top losers lost 16%, 15% and then three people tied for 9% loss! I couldnt' believe that the top losers lost approximately 30lbs each! That is amazing! 30lbs in 12 weeks! That's commitment!
We are having a quick challenge (only 4 weeks long) for the month of April and then we'll start another 12 week challenge on May 2nd. Some didn't want to lose their momentum so that's why we're having the quick challenge. Its addicting when you start losing weight and feeling great, and why shouldn't it be!?!?! These people are making HUGE life changes and are taking control of their health and fitness. I could not be more proud of the group. Collectively, we lost almost 200lbs!
So I feel great that I was able to help others and I can see why my trainer Blythe loves her work. Nothing feels better than to see the people you love and care about achieve success!!! GO TEAM!
We are having a quick challenge (only 4 weeks long) for the month of April and then we'll start another 12 week challenge on May 2nd. Some didn't want to lose their momentum so that's why we're having the quick challenge. Its addicting when you start losing weight and feeling great, and why shouldn't it be!?!?! These people are making HUGE life changes and are taking control of their health and fitness. I could not be more proud of the group. Collectively, we lost almost 200lbs!
So I feel great that I was able to help others and I can see why my trainer Blythe loves her work. Nothing feels better than to see the people you love and care about achieve success!!! GO TEAM!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Raise the Barre
I think that is what I would have liked to have said in class today. Don't get me wrong, the workout was good, but I judge my workouts by the condition of my hair when I'm finished and let's just say my hair was damn near perfect (in fact someone asked me if I just had it done!) when I walked out of the exercise room. I barely broke a sweat.
There were a couple times when I started to cramp in my hamstring or buttocks, but overall, the workout was probably what I would considerate "medium" or even "light" intensity. I think that this will be a wonderful "filler" workout for me. I hope to do it about twice a week because it does give me an overall body workout that doesn't completely wipe me out for the rest of the day.
I loved the music, the instructor was lovely, the class size was perfect and I know that my flexibility will greatly improve; its just not as intense or hard as I thought it would be. I'm not saying that the instructor wasn't great. She new what she was doing and we had fun, but this was just not what I had anticipated after reading all the blogs and hype about Barre.
My husband asked if I thought the class challenged the other people in the room, and I think it did. I think with my background in heavy lifting, my sadistic love of squats and lunges, and because of the high intensity workouts I've become familiar with and have come to expect I was not prepared for a slower paced workout. This is actually a good thing though. Not every day can be a HARD day.
Like I said, this class is really going to help my flexibiliy, give me an overall body workout and elongate my muscles, specifically in my legs. I'm going to go for it again in a couple days. If anyone has any suggestions on how to challenge myself a little more in the class, I'm all ears!
There were a couple times when I started to cramp in my hamstring or buttocks, but overall, the workout was probably what I would considerate "medium" or even "light" intensity. I think that this will be a wonderful "filler" workout for me. I hope to do it about twice a week because it does give me an overall body workout that doesn't completely wipe me out for the rest of the day.
I loved the music, the instructor was lovely, the class size was perfect and I know that my flexibility will greatly improve; its just not as intense or hard as I thought it would be. I'm not saying that the instructor wasn't great. She new what she was doing and we had fun, but this was just not what I had anticipated after reading all the blogs and hype about Barre.
My husband asked if I thought the class challenged the other people in the room, and I think it did. I think with my background in heavy lifting, my sadistic love of squats and lunges, and because of the high intensity workouts I've become familiar with and have come to expect I was not prepared for a slower paced workout. This is actually a good thing though. Not every day can be a HARD day.
Like I said, this class is really going to help my flexibiliy, give me an overall body workout and elongate my muscles, specifically in my legs. I'm going to go for it again in a couple days. If anyone has any suggestions on how to challenge myself a little more in the class, I'm all ears!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Not What I Had in Mind...
I've lost 4lbs this week, but not exactly how I had planned. I'll take grueling workouts and a strict clean-eating diet ten times over rather than this nasty stomach bug that has hit our home like some atomic bomb! I literally have not been able to keep much food down since Friday. I'm starving yet terrified to put anything in my stomach. I'm feeling MUCH better today, but still apprehensive about getting too confident. I've managed to hold on to about 1/2 a cup of oatmeal for breakfast and then about 1/2 c. of chicken and rice for lunch. That's about all I'm willing to risk at this point. If all feels ok tomorrow morning, I'll ease back into my routine. I definitely don't want to miss Barre class tomorrow and I'm really hoping to get back into a steady running/lifting groove. I think I'll spend the rest of the day resting and sipping water, maybe some more gingerale too. Then tomorrow, this girl is SICK of being SICK. I'll will my way out of it :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Barre Method
I'm trying a new workout/class this coming week. I'm so excited about it! Everyone is talking about The Barre Method Exercise classes. http://www.barmethod.com/bar-method-exercises.html I'm taking the class at a local studio that has a trained dancer/trainer leading the class. Only 12 are allowed in the class, so I'm really looking forward to the intimate training and guidance. Let's face it, everyone (or at least those who are willing to admit it) LOVE dancers' legs! Who doesn't? Have you ever heard anyone say, "oh, her butt was too tight!" or "yeah, I was totally grossed out by her elongated muscular legs!" Yeah...probably not.
I'll be the first to admit that I have a booty. I like it though! I'm thankful for that badonkadonk! I think it adds character...errrr something like that :) If I don't keep it tone, it can really expand, so I'll do everything I can to keep this junk in the trunk!
I'll be the first to admit that I have a booty. I like it though! I'm thankful for that badonkadonk! I think it adds character...errrr something like that :) If I don't keep it tone, it can really expand, so I'll do everything I can to keep this junk in the trunk!
I'll be sure and update how the class goes. If I really like it, I'll be joining the studio so I can get a better rate. Barre classes are NOT cheap, but if I see results, I won't hesitate to keep it going!
Commonality
It has become more and more clear to me just how much I love surrounding myself with people who have the same health and fitness goals as myself. I think like anything, you feel great when you can share a passion or find some commonality with your peers.
I find the many of my conversations revolve around fitness and health. Perhaps people feel comfortable enough around me to talk about it since they've seen my transformation, or maybe they look to me for advice, or maybe I'm just drawn to people who live that lifestyle. Something I've also learned about my friends who share this lifestlye, is that we also lean on each other in regards to insecurities, fears, hurdles, etc.
For example, my friend Pam, we've really pushed each other with swimming and lifting. She is an incredible swimmer, she's fast, strong, and just pierces through the water. Of course it is natural to feel awkward when I'm in the pool with her. I'm flapping wildly in the next lane, holding on to my kick board for dear life and hoping no one noticed how many stops I had to take just to catch my breath. LOL. Pam on the other hand, with lifting, asks questions, slows down, or takes the alternate form (girl push ups) on certain exercises.
We are out of our "individual element" but we know that about each other. We support each other and we know that everyone has to start somewhere. We're working towards the same goal...HEALTH.
I'm doing more and more with people that have this goal. I organized the Biggest Loser Challenge and we even have a facebook page! LOL! Each week we check in and we're just cheering each other on; I'm joining many of my girlfriends to do the Warrior Dash and then run a 10K this summer. My sister-in-law is now cleaning eating and we're talking almost daily about nutrition and meal prep and planning. Of course, then there is Blythe, my mentor, my role model and my trainer! God, how I've missed her! I love her energy, enthusiasm and ability to just kick my ass!
Don't get me wrong, I love all my friends. I'm not just friends with tight bodied health nuts :o)
I'm just saying, friendship is about finding what you have in common with someone and embracing that. Its about the value and comfort that you bring to each other. Your insecurities, self-doubt, stubborn ways...whatever. Its about the ability to be YOU and know that your friends accept you for whatever you are! When it comes to health and fitness goals, it feels good that I have friends that understand that "tick" in me. They know that its about ME and how I see myself. Nothing more, nothing less!
I find the many of my conversations revolve around fitness and health. Perhaps people feel comfortable enough around me to talk about it since they've seen my transformation, or maybe they look to me for advice, or maybe I'm just drawn to people who live that lifestyle. Something I've also learned about my friends who share this lifestlye, is that we also lean on each other in regards to insecurities, fears, hurdles, etc.
For example, my friend Pam, we've really pushed each other with swimming and lifting. She is an incredible swimmer, she's fast, strong, and just pierces through the water. Of course it is natural to feel awkward when I'm in the pool with her. I'm flapping wildly in the next lane, holding on to my kick board for dear life and hoping no one noticed how many stops I had to take just to catch my breath. LOL. Pam on the other hand, with lifting, asks questions, slows down, or takes the alternate form (girl push ups) on certain exercises.
We are out of our "individual element" but we know that about each other. We support each other and we know that everyone has to start somewhere. We're working towards the same goal...HEALTH.
I'm doing more and more with people that have this goal. I organized the Biggest Loser Challenge and we even have a facebook page! LOL! Each week we check in and we're just cheering each other on; I'm joining many of my girlfriends to do the Warrior Dash and then run a 10K this summer. My sister-in-law is now cleaning eating and we're talking almost daily about nutrition and meal prep and planning. Of course, then there is Blythe, my mentor, my role model and my trainer! God, how I've missed her! I love her energy, enthusiasm and ability to just kick my ass!
Don't get me wrong, I love all my friends. I'm not just friends with tight bodied health nuts :o)
I'm just saying, friendship is about finding what you have in common with someone and embracing that. Its about the value and comfort that you bring to each other. Your insecurities, self-doubt, stubborn ways...whatever. Its about the ability to be YOU and know that your friends accept you for whatever you are! When it comes to health and fitness goals, it feels good that I have friends that understand that "tick" in me. They know that its about ME and how I see myself. Nothing more, nothing less!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Blythe Bootcamp
I have to chuckle at myself and my post about how I was going to stop obsessing about my diet and exercise plans and just work on maintaining a healthy lifestyle...hello...this is Alice Anne we're talking about. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I wasn't obsessing over something!
So, back to Blythe Bootcamp it is! I called her on Monday and said "Give me a Plan!" so I'm back! I'm training for a 10k (exciting) and I also want to be strong enough to not embarrass myself through the Warrior Dash coming up this May. Blythe has me eating the right meals at the right times to maximize my workouts, burn fat and lean down. I'm very excited, although it actually seems HARDER this time around to clean up my diet! For example, yesterday without even thinking about it, I popped a bite-sized butterfinger candy in my mouth! 1/4 serving and a whole 45 freakin' calories! DAMN! Not too bad, I guess, but I can think of a million other things I would have rather had to give up 45 calories! In the grand scheme of things, no big deal, but anyone that knows me knows that when I set my mind to something I stick to it and I do it well!
For my training, I'm lifting two days a week doing full-body workouts and then I'm to run a 5k three days a week. This week, I hit it hard and my body is definitely feeling it (especially my ankles and hip flexors). Tomorrow I'm going to do some lifting and then I'm going to try and get some laps in at the pool. I like using the kickboard for my laps because that gives me a KILLER ab workout.
My goal date is May 7th to be at tip top shape. I'm in my niece's wedding, so I want to look awesome; the fact that I'm the oldest bridesmaid might have a little something to do with my increased vanity. The Warrior Dash is May 22nd and then the 10K is in June. I figure, I slim down, tone up and get in great shape this spring and then I'm all set in my poolside body for the summer ;) We'll see how it goes...
So, back to Blythe Bootcamp it is! I called her on Monday and said "Give me a Plan!" so I'm back! I'm training for a 10k (exciting) and I also want to be strong enough to not embarrass myself through the Warrior Dash coming up this May. Blythe has me eating the right meals at the right times to maximize my workouts, burn fat and lean down. I'm very excited, although it actually seems HARDER this time around to clean up my diet! For example, yesterday without even thinking about it, I popped a bite-sized butterfinger candy in my mouth! 1/4 serving and a whole 45 freakin' calories! DAMN! Not too bad, I guess, but I can think of a million other things I would have rather had to give up 45 calories! In the grand scheme of things, no big deal, but anyone that knows me knows that when I set my mind to something I stick to it and I do it well!
For my training, I'm lifting two days a week doing full-body workouts and then I'm to run a 5k three days a week. This week, I hit it hard and my body is definitely feeling it (especially my ankles and hip flexors). Tomorrow I'm going to do some lifting and then I'm going to try and get some laps in at the pool. I like using the kickboard for my laps because that gives me a KILLER ab workout.
My goal date is May 7th to be at tip top shape. I'm in my niece's wedding, so I want to look awesome; the fact that I'm the oldest bridesmaid might have a little something to do with my increased vanity. The Warrior Dash is May 22nd and then the 10K is in June. I figure, I slim down, tone up and get in great shape this spring and then I'm all set in my poolside body for the summer ;) We'll see how it goes...
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