Heath Time Capsule

If I challenged you today to make a Health Time Capsule that would be opened in the year 2112. What would you put in it?

What is a Time Capsule?

Time capsule

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Time capsule (disambiguation).

A time capsule is a historic cache of goods or information, usually intended as a method of communication with future people and to help future archaeologists, anthropologists, or historians. Time capsules are sometimes created and buried during celebrations such as a World's Fair, a cornerstone laying for a building, or at other events.

I had to put that in, because I thought that was what a time capsule was, but wanted to make sure.

I wanted to clarify this because you know when you are growing up, you hear things from people who may or may not know what they are talking about. All of a sudden you believe what you were told and that's the way it is...right or wrong.

Just like on my health and weight loss journey. I was told, waaaaaay back, that once you are fat, you will always be fat and even if you lose the weight you'll just gain it right back. I was told this when I was really young....and I believed it!

Do you know that it was just a couple of years ago that I learned that this is not necessarily true. That with hard work and dedication, I can get this weight off and keep it off and even at my age, I can be healthy and fit! I know it's true...I have evidence of it all around me. Just look at some of our blog friends. They are doing it!!! We can too!!

So anyway, here's what I'm putting in my Health Time Capsule...

Current picture of me at 204 pounds

Current health info - Blood Pressure &  Cholesterol Stats

  BP ~ 120/84

  Cholesterol ~ 198

Current Fitness Goal

Leave the city behind...13.1 miles of country roads.

Bucket List

• Be the best girlfriend my Hubby's ever had!
• Be a supportive mom and grandma (Baboo) and be able to keep up with everyone!!
• Be retired!!!
• Write every day and complete my book!
• Do arts and crafts - a lot!!
• Successfully mentor women on their health and weight loss journey
• Weight in the 130's
• Row in the Senior World Games
• Participate in MS150 ~ biking
• Run 1/2 Marathon every year...maybe a marathon ~ Shhhh!
• Run 5 - 5k's per year
• Try a 1/2 triathlon..I said try!

Won't this Time Capsule be fun to open up!!!

Wonder if I will make it...wonder what I will look like...wonder what my life will be like at that time!!

Kind of fun....What would you put in your Time Capsule?

Keep focused!!

Health Activist Writers Month Challenge

Hey everyone - I just wanted to tell you about a new activity I'll be doing this April. The Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. I will be writing a post a day for all 30 days. I hope you'll join me in writing every day about health. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'd love to see what you have to say about each of the topics, too. All you have to do to join is sign up here: http://info.wegohealth.com/HAWMC2012 and you'll be able to start posting once April rolls around. Looking forward to writing with you!

Keep focused!!

Blessings & Inspiration

Yesterday I received a wonderful gift, that I had no idea would help me today. My sweet Friend Margene from Believing It's Possible is Half the Battle sent me an awesome gift. It was a rock......But not just any rock. Check out her post on how she gathered this special stone...

Today I needed to get on the Treadmill and run a 5k. I have to tell you that I was not very inspired.....I mean I was REALLY REALLY not inspired to get on that thing. I was really sore from last nights workout, I went to bed too late and did not get all of my sleep and frankly, I wanted to play hooky today and just forget about it.

But here's the deal. I'm training. Training for a 1/2 Marathon, something I've never done before and I need all the training I can get. I really don't have any days that I can skip. I don't have time to waste!!

So as I was wandering around my home, looking for a little inspiration, my eyes fell upon my rock and I remembered my dear Friend, who really sacrificed herself to give me that rock.  She pushed hard to reach a goal and made it ~ all the while lugging rocks in her pocket!!!

My rock inspired me to do the same thing. So I got on my treadmill and did my 5k, running all the way without stopping. Because if my Friend can do hard things....So can I!!
Take a look at my inspiration....

I can do hard things....Can you?

Keep focused!!

Moving Forward!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, finally, finally, I'm down to 204 pounds. I had gained 9 pounds in January and could not turn it around. Finally, I got my head in the game and lost those pounds. Honestly, I don't EVER, and I mean EVER want to see them again!!

Had a fantastic week!!

Food - on track, except for little nibbles here and there. I mean, a couple of jelly beans, a bite of something, once in a while! For the most part, I've been on task!

Exercise - Killing it! The last two weeks I've ran 22 miles, walked 4 miles, 90 minutes with weights, water aerobics twice, and biked 58 miles. LOVE IT!!! Today I ran the furthest I've ever run in my life at one time ~ 4.1 miles!! 15 minute mile, getting better. I had been doing 16 minute miles. So I'm improving!

Confession!! I started the 17 Day Diet a couple of weeks ago. That is what has jump started my progress in losing those 9 pounds. I tell you, I feel amazing!! Well to be perfectly honest, I've been on the plan for 19 days already. We got to day 12 and felt like we could do better, so we started over again last Monday. Anyway, Cycle one is the hardest, but I've been on it for this long and have 10 more days until cycle 2 and I'm doing great! Now I do have to compensate a little for all of the extra workouts, I have a protein bar and fruit to get me through (you're supposed to have your fruit prior to 2pm, sometimes I have it later depends on what I'm doing.) Anyway it's working. More to follow.....

Got this idea the other day from Crafty Loser. She gave a whole tutorial on frozen yogurt. I did it today, and I totally loved it!! It's the same amount of yogurt I usually eat, but when it's frozen, it seems like more. So I have a whole bowl of frozen yummy's for just 80 calories and it's a blast to eat!! Check it out!

Yesterday we biked the 1/2 Marathon course. I am trying to visit every week before the race. Anyway, this time, approaching the giant hill on a bike, did not seem as daunting as the first time I saw it. Maybe I'm used to it now, don't know. Anyway, Hubby and I sat at the base of it and contemplated tackling it. I was gung ho and we did it. Really was not bad. Just did not look up, keep my focus just a few feet ahead of me. I tell you the back side of the mountain was AMAZING!!! I clocked in over 26 miles per hour and that's with braking. Next time I'm going all out.

I think that's it for now. Hope you are doing well.

Are you focused?

Anticipation

Have you ever had to wait for something that you REALLY wanted? You know, like you're the finalist for a job and you're waiting for your offer....or you're waiting for your baby to be born.....or you are waiting to be seated at a restaurant and you are super hungry…or you’re waiting for this health and fitness journey to be done? Sometimes during the waiting time....OK for me, most of the time while I'm waiting, I'm IMPATIENT and ANXIOUS! And while I'm impatient and anxious, I miss out on all the other wonderful things of life that are going on all around me and it's all because I'm too focused on my ultimate goal.

I know that time tends to drags when you are waiting for something to happen. I usually live eat and breathe the thing, I want, until it gets here and then it happens....I got what I wanted. The funny thing is, before I know it, after everything was accomplished.....5 days has rushed by, then weeks, then months and then years fly by without a blink. But while in the midst of my anticipation, time drags on and I think I will never make it.

But here's the deal.....Time does go by and I will make it through. After going through a time of anticipation, I always look back and wonder why I put so much stress on the situation. I usually have regrets about why I did not try to enjoy the process more and can see that I missed out on some great experiences along the way. I missed out on some stuff because I was so impatient and anxious to get to my goal.

Here's what I'm talking about.

I am two plus years into this journey and I have about 2 more years to go to reach my goals. THAT IS DAUNTING!!!! Admittedly, the first two years, of my journey, I HAVE BEEN IMPATIENT AND ANXIOUS!!! But in looking back, those two years flew by! It really seems like yesterday that I started this journey. That's why I love keeping this blog, because it helps me keep track of the time. If I would go by my memory, I would so be screwing up my posts because a lot of the past things I write about seem like a month ago. Then when I go back to prior posts, I find that the thing I’m talking about happened over a year ago. That blows my mind!!

So because of my impatience and anxiousness, I cause myself a lot of stress and stress does not help me to enjoy my life during this process.

Just like now. I so want to be at my goal. I want it right now. But there is no way that I'm losing 60+ pounds today. It's going to take a while. So while I'm in this process, I'm going to enjoy...


• How my body is getting stronger each day


• How my clothes are getting smaller

 

• I’m going to enjoy all of the compliments I get

 

• Recognize that I’m learning new things every day


• Appreciate that I’m feeling good

• Finally able to look forward to summer (Used to hate summer because of my weight)

• And I'm enjoying all of the new activities I get to do

I guess my point in all of this is......It may take you some time to get to your goals. It's going to take a lot of work to get there, no doubt!! But instead of fretting and being impatient and anxious along the journey, turn that anticipation into joy and enjoy the process along the way. If you keep at this, you will get to your goal. You get to choose whether you get there in agony or with joy!

I choose joy. How about you?

Keep focused!

Day Dreaming....

Just doing a little daydreaming of a fantastic new sport that I think, if given the chance, would be quite fulfilling, invigorating and exhilarating! And this sport would be……Scale Frisbee!

Couldn't you just see yourself with your scale in your hand. You are standing on the throw line, getting ready to launch it to soaring heights. You’ve prepared yourself for the throw, you’ve envisioned the whole thing and you are ready to go. Oh and of course, you would toss that baby with your own unique and highly impressive lob sending that sucker to oblivion!!!!

S.A.T.I.S.F.Y.I.N.G!!!

Wouldn’t even need any awards. Just throwing the thing is reward enough!

Great dream huh? Or was it?

I know, I know the scale is just a tool, but there are some days that I would love to see it flying through the air!!

Would you like to lob your scale?

Keep focused!

Priorities

I read something yesterday on MizFit's Blog that struck me right between the eyes. She highlights a post from Lifehacker about priorities. I would tell everyone, well anyone willing to listen, that I don't have a lot of time to do the things on my wish list. You know I'm a wife, mother and grandmother, I work full time, I'm in the gym or exercising at least 5-6 days per week, I have to do the bills, clean house...blah, blah blah and after all of that I REALLY don't have much time for anything else.

I would tell you that and I believed it!!

Until I read the post from Lifehacker. The point of the article is:

Instead of saying "I don't have time" try saying "it's not a priority," and see how that feels. Often, that's a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, I just don't want to. But other things are harder. Try it: "I'm not going to edit your résumé, sweetie, because it's not a priority." "I don't go to the doctor because my health is not a priority." If these phrases don't sit well, that's the point. Changing our language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don't like how we're spending an hour, we can choose differently.

Be sure to read the whole post. But what I got out of it is.....I have some stuff that I really want to accomplish, they are important to me, but I just don't have time to get them done.  What I've done is, I've not put a priority to them. I always say, "I'll do it tomorrow". Have you ever done that? Some of the things on my "To Do" list, have been on the list for years. I'm not getting this stuff done. And I may not have tomorrow!!! I can't be putting this stuff off any more!

I need to set a priority for the things I want to do. And if I don't get them done, then I need to just let them go! And then know....that I made the decision to not achieve or experience that goal.

The other thing....I really don't have time because I don't use my time wisely. Seriously!! At lunch, I listen to the radio and play computer games, I play games on my cell phone and for crying out loud, I even play games on my Kindle. What's up with all of this game playing? Also, I watch too much TV and when I really want to shut down, I read.....a lot!

SO there's time....there's time to achieve my goals. I just need to make time, set my priorities and get some stuff done!!

I don't want to look back on my life and say, "I wish I would have".......Do you?

Keep focused!!!!

Getting stronger!!

Every day I get a little bit stronger. Running a 5k is getting easy. It's that last little leg towards the finish,  where my mind "thinks" I'm dying. I still need to do a little talking to my head to remind it that this body is strong enough to make it through!! My little chats with myself work, because I do make it through to the end!

Yesterday Hubby and I decided to hit the trails and do some bike riding! It's still a little cold in the 60's and raining here, but we donned on our bike gear and set out. Of course Hubby looked amazing with all of his specialized weather gear and I looked like the little sister with all of his hand-me-down gear. At least it fit and I could handle the weather.

Our first goal was to see how long it would take to ride to my work. We clocked in at 9.2 miles in 46 minutes. Doable!! So when the weather gets better, I will be riding to work a couple days per week. Can't wait for that.

Then after that we headed toward my Hubby's favorite bike shop. Little word of warning...don't enter these places if you have money, because more times than not, you will be leaving without it.

So we get in there and I seriously need some new gloves. I was wearing Hubby's and they were too big and sloppy. While I was getting these fitted, the bike guys says, "You really should be wearing something over your knees in weather this cold." I was wearing my regular bike shorts. So next thing I know, I'm being fitted with leg warmers. Geez!! Then as we were finishing up, a huge rain storm came in. The bike guys looks at me and say, "You need a raincoat." Graciously he said I could borrow his raincoat for my ride home. Next thing I'm worried about is....will it fit? So he brings it in and I put it on and it fit. How cool is that? So off I went with my new gloves, knee warmers and a $250 raincoat. I felt like a pro! Oh, I did not buy the raincoat, just borrowed it. Its going back to the store today. So awesome!!

Hubby took me on trails or I should say roads where I was not familiar. I had no idea what laid ahead for me. You know I'm not a hill girl, so if I had known where we were going, I would have freaked out. We were kind of in the country and it has rolling hills. Some with very long inclines. So all the while, I'm talking to myself about these hills...Encouraging words and affirmations were flowing like crazy! I was determined to do this ride.....WITHOUT COMPLAINING and I was determined to make my body do what needed to be done. And I DID IT!!

We achieved 27 miles in 2 hrs 21 minutes. Not bad for the first trip out this year!!

So much fun!! I am definitely getting stronger each day and getting closer to my fitness goals!!

How about you? Are you pushing yourself toward your fitness goals?

Keep focused!

I did it!!

Last 5k I did in 45.2 minutes (July 4, 2012)

Today 46.52 minutes ~ Not bad for not a lot of  practice!!


I tried to smile in my picture, but my lip was quivering too much!

Notice my Dream wall hanging....I guess I'm a little closer to achieving my dream of running a 1/2 Marathon. Notice the "E"....it's broken, look at the bottom of the letter. (that little white spot is where part of the letter broke off). I have wanted to replace that letter, but today, I realize how important that broken "E" is.

You see my body is broken. It's not perfect. I'm still babying my sore back and I have a lot of other little ailments and old injuries to deal with. So even though there is brokenness, I still have hope to achieve my dreams! Just have to push through all the obstacles and keep focused on the goal. I can do this!!!!

I FEEL GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

How about you....are you reaching for your dreams?

Keep focused!!!!!!!!!

Got my game on!!!

Yesterday Hubby and I went out to check out the 1/2 Marathon course. We wanted to ride our bikes, but once again, it was raining.....hard, so we drove. Our weather is disappointing. It's beautiful during the work week and then rains on the weekends ~ AUGH! Anyway....so while we are driving, I'm taking note of the terrain...I'm interested mostly in the inclines...OK lets be honest....Will there be any hills?

You see I'm freak out when I'm faced with a hill. Walking, running, biking - doesn't matter they scare me!! And when I see one, I just shut down. I told this before, but one day, while riding my bike in Colorado (I swear it's a place that has hills that go up both ways ~ they are monsterous!!) Anyway, we're riding our bikes on this monster hill and Hubby is having a grand ole time on his bike, he's peddling right beside me, doing tricks on his bike, laughing and having a great time (On his $1200 bike) and here's me......huffing and puffing along on my $59 bike from K-Mart....wondering why in the h$&@ (yes cuss words were appropriate for such a time as this) I could not keep up with him. It was a cold and blustery day and 1/2 way up the monster hill, it starts to snow. It was at that moment that I fell off of my bike (OK I really just laid it down) and I'm lying on the road, in the middle of the highway, not moving!! I'm not hurt....just frustrated! Then my brilliant Hubby asks...."Are you going to get up?" And I tell him "Nope...call me a cab!" I was not moving. So after a little time of me crying and fussing around, I decided to get back on my bike and we headed home. So yeah, hills....are no good for me!

So back to yesterday....we are driving along and I have to admit, there are some decent inclines on the course and I'm like...."I can so do this!" We keep going....and finally we approach it....the mother of monsterous hills is staring me in the face. GULP! The whole time we are driving I'm saying to Hubby..."This is a big one. Oh my goodness." Kind of like a mantra, I kept repeating it over and over. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking. I can't do this!!!

After we reached the top, my Hubby says, "I was thinking about joining you on this race, but after seeing that hill, I don't think I can do it." When he said that something in my head clicked and I began to think that I CAN DO IT!! (Am I a little competitive or what?)

All of a sudden I was thinking and strategizing on how I can make this happen. This is a huge challenge for me and I WANT TO DO IT!!

First off......

• Need to buy new shoes
• I've got my training schedule figured out! 
• Need to get started!

Today, I'm joining Ewa at Trail to Fitness, She's running a 20k in memory for the people who died in the Japan earthquake on March 11th. I will be running / walking a 5k.

Have a successful day!!

Stay focused!

Ready for a picture?

Well this is what I look like today - see picture on my side bar. (Under the About Me section) I'm getting there! My official weight right now is 209. I know my ticker says 204, but I had gained some weight back in January and I've struggled to get it off. My trainer thinks its muscle weight as I have increased my cardio and weight lifting a lot. My calories look good too, so I guess that is what the gain was about. I just have to rest in what is....This is where I'm at today and this is what I look like.

The journey continues on and I am more excited and determined than ever to reach my goals. My new trainer is a schemer....she plants these wild ideas in my mind and once they are in there....I just want to make them happen. Like....

• She says, "Don't you have an hour lunch hour?" And I'm like "Yeah......meh! Why?" She says, "Well you know, you can get more cardio in during that time. Would be good for you...so many benefits. More time moving, better concentration etc. I'm like blah blah blah while she's talking and then the next thing I'm doing is checking out the facilities in our building to see how I can make this work. We have showers and lockers there, so that is helpful. And then the next thing I'm doing is getting my workout clothes together, I bought a lock....Guess what? I'm walking at lunch!
• Then the another day, she says, "You know, you need something to shoot for. Have you ever thought of doing a 1/2 marathon?" And I'm like GULP ~ YIKES ~ HUH ~ ME? And of course I give her all of my reasons why I can't do this. Then the next thing you know, I'm checking out an event that is scheduled in June and Hubby and I are going to be riding (our bikes) on the race route to check it out. I want to see it visually first. We are riding the course this weekend!
• Then we were talking about my weight goal. I told her that I'm shooting for 150 and she says, "You know, I can totally see you less than that." And I'm like, "OK 140 then." She says, "No I can see you in the 20's. HUH? Nobody has ever said that to me.

I need to be on guard for every time she says....You know!!

She rocks!

So that is some of the stuff that I'm pushing toward. I'm starting to see myself using my lunch time as a productive time for my health, instead of playing games or goofing off. I'm starting to see myself as a marathoner! And I CAN see myself at 125 pounds!

Do you have people in your life who encourage you, like my trainer does for me? If not, you need to find new friends! It could be life changing!!

Keep focused!!

So Inspired!

Thanks Friends for all of your support. Things are looking up for sure!!

Couple of things....

• Last night I went to the gym and one of my Friends saw me after my workout and she said, "Geez, you are shrinking right before my eyes." How cool is that?
• This morning I was going to have 8 ounces of this new Kefir yogurt drink that I got. It's like liquid yogurt and quite yummy. Anyway, in my early morning trance, I poured myself a glass. And my sweet Hubby says, "Are you having 16 oz of the drink?".....the serving size is 8oz. And I said, "No I'm having just one serving (8oz)." and then he said, "Babe, you have a 16 oz glass in your hand." And I'm like......"What!?!?!" I was so confused. I don't know what I was thinking. I really thought I was having 8oz. I would have been soooo unhappy with myself if I would have had two servings. That like 420 calories for breakfast. Couple of things about this....First off, I did not snap at him for correcting me. That felt really.....triumphant. I know weird word to use, but that is really how I feel about it. Secondly, this really goes to show, that measuring food is the way to go. How many other times, did I make a mistake just like this and innocently have way more than I needed. No wonder the scale does not move at times!! For me....not thinking, being tired, being ignorant of the facts or using my "eye" to measure things is not the best way to go! MEASURE EVERYTHING!!!!

• I must look stupid when I drive. Every time, and I do mean every time, I'm in the car, I have my water bottle with me. Usually I have it in my mouth, I use the Camelbak kind. I love the orange and purple bottles, wish they had them in red that would be awesome. Anyway, every time I drive, I have one of these bottle stuck to my mouth. Driving is the best time for me to drink water. And seriously, I can't get into the car without one. So yesterday, I kind of embarrassed myself. I was thinking about how, every day I have the same routine, as most people do, and I was thinking about the people who see me. They have no idea what I look like without a bottle stuck to my face. When the thought occurred to me, I got all embarrassed and red faced. Just had a embarrassing moment in my car....alone, all by myself. What a nut!! Anyway, I really don't care how stupid I look or how embarrassing it is, I'm still drinking my water!
• Went to Aries Apparel yesterday. I love that store! They have the best selection of workout bras!! Anyway, I got remeasured yesterday and I'm finally down to a sized 38. I so hated being in the 40's!! Yeah!!
• Went to another store and was looking for new workout clothes. Mine are really ratty. I am still wearing the same shirts I did when I was 274 pounds. They are quite large. I love that they go almost to my knees and they are roomy, but there are times, when I need a little more fitted clothes. Like when I'm going upside down on something and my shirt flies up showing everything thing. That is not fun for sure. Anyway, I found my yoga pants that I was looking for, but could not find a shirt. Still not quite fitting into a women's extra large yet. Just a little bit too tight across the chest. ALL MOST THERE!! I thought about going to the men's department....again to find a shirt, but darn it, I want something pretty and feminine. Tired of wearing black or blue boy clothes. I want a pink, or purple, or even orange pretty shirt to wear. I want it to be something that will make me feel great in.  Unfortunately, I will still be using my old shirts until I can fit into the women's sizes. I am very happy though, I did find a pink headband that is really cute! That will have to do for now!
• Going to the next level...I'm taking workout clothes to work. Instead of sitting and reading or playing games at lunch time, I want to walk. Maybe even do a little running. (When my back is better) Don't know why I did not think about doing this before. Excited!

That's enough of my ramblings....Just a lot going on. Changes and new discoveries are happening every day!! SO excited!!

How about you? Have you discovered something new?

Keep focused!

Head is in the game!!

Had a great food day yesterday, walked on my Treadmill for 40 minutes and got all my water in. I rested my back and it's feeling a little better. At least I can walk OK now. Did a little bit of weight lifting today~low weights, squats, push ups on the wall and stretches. Back feels OK. Just glad to be moving!!

All my life, whenever something went wrong in my body, I ended up with a lot of tests,  physical therapy, and/or surgery. I've had my tonsils out, 2 laparoscopy's, Hysterectomy, a bunion removed, carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and endoscopy's. I've had countless tests, stitches, physical therapy and doctors visits. Before I started my weight loss and fitness journey I was at the doctors at least once a month for one thing or another. Just before I started losing weight, I was on my way to having surgery on both feet to remove bone spurs and repair one of my heels, and while they were there, they were going to stretch the tendons in both calves to give me relief from pain. Also during this time, I was struggling with both knees, tore the Meniscus in both knees and apparently one knee is bone on bone. All the while this was going on, I was still fighting the Hemi Facial Spasms.

So with that said, I hate going to doctors! I hate it!!!!

Since I started working out and losing the weight the above symptoms and problems have subsided. Hum can that much weight loss really make a difference in helping with these problems? Guess so!! And fortunately I avoided all those surgeries!! Yeah for me!

But with all of this working out, doing too much, too hard in such a short time, I've created new injuries....I injured and had to have physical therapy for knee problems, the Tennis Elbow, then a hip problem, then I got a chest wall contusion (from lifting) and now I've injured my back.

With this one (back pain), I almost lost hope. I mean...with all the other problems, I could still do things.....I would just worked around the injury. But with a back problem, somewhere in my beady brain, I feel like there is no hope. That this is it....I'm done. It's either quit working out or have surgery. (Now I have not seen the doctor for this one....and I do get relief, if I'm careful...so I don't know why I'm thinking surgery) So I'm not sure why I'm freaking out!?!?!

I guess part of it is, I'm discouraged. I don't feel like I'm ever going to get a break!

The other day I was talking, with my Daughter, about my Great Grandmother....The only thing I remember about her was that she was old....real old....Actually, she was probably in her 70's....but she was an old 70, if you know what I mean. Every time we went to visit her, she was sick in bed with some ailment or another. Nothing was really diagnosed for her, she was just sick....Sick in her head is what I used to hear.

So I was telling this to my Daughter and I told her I thought she was a hypercondriac....After I said that my Daughter gives me this look.

Now I don't really know what she was thinking, but my little brain was thinking.....Does she think that of me? Oh my goodness. Am I one? Because I have definitely been in the doctors and had many treatments in my lifetime and truly, it's been one thing after another. They have been real things...but geez. Am I one?

I don't want to be!!!

I especially don't want to drone on and on any more on this blog about injuries. I have frankly....had enough!!! 

That's why in my Affirmations, on my side page, I say....that I'm a strong and fit athlete, who is injury free!

I'm done with injuries.....I'm building this body up and making it strong, so I will avoid them. And frankly, I'm thinking my way out of them.....Just not going to have any more!!

How about you....Are you making your body strong!

Keep Focused!

Getting my head in the game...

There have been only a number of things that I really wanted and set my mind on getting them. It was like that I knew that I knew I was going to succeed. Lately when it comes to my health and fitness, it seems that no matter how hard I try, I can't reach my goals.

I do have some things I want to do and I've tried many times to set a goal and achieve that goal. I've tried with Blog success challenges (really wanted to succeed with Jessica's challenge from See How See Runs), I've tried with challenges at the gym, I've tried with my own 7-Month Challenge, I tried with my trainer and I have a couple of other personal challenges that I can't get off the ground. And all these fitness challenges are not met due to injuries!


SERIOUSLY!?!!?!!?!!!

So frustrating!!!!

In just over a month my row class starts and in 3 months I want to be ready for a big event.

But unfortunately, my short term goal, right now, is to walk without pain.

Still struggling with back pain!

Because all I CAN do now is....(well pray, which I'm doing) is to do my stretches and get my head in the game!

I am going to start visualizing myself winning all of these challenges. I am going to start seeing myself at my row class and achieving success at my event. And finally, once and for all, I'm starting to look at myself as a strong, fit and injury free athlete!!

My head is in the game!!

How about you...Do you need to get your head into the game?

Keep focused!

Cleaning...Organizing...and New Discoveries...

On Friday, I took the day off from work to be with my Hubby and to strategize our health and fitness plan! Our goals were to clean out the pantry, the fridge and the freezer. Not just to do the spring clean thing....I know....I know....I'm early...anyway, our goals were to rid the house of all foods that are not good for us. That means even my Hubby's hiding places. We got up early and got started right away. First we tackled the freezer...you know my vault ~ anything in there is forgotten for me, which makes the freezer a treasure chest for my Hubby ~ He never forgets about it. So out went his sugar cookies that he loves, oh and of course, we threw out any stuff that had been in there a while. Geez time flies - can't believe how long we had some of this stuff!! I had something in there from 2010. I guess I need to clean out the freezer more often.

Then up next was the fridge. We did not really have bad stuff in there. We both checked it out and looked to see if there was anything in there that would be a stumbling block to either one of us. If we thought we would struggle with it...out the door it went!

Then we tackled the pantry. Ack I hate that space!! It was so messy and disorganized! Anyway, we again got rid of things that would hinder our clean eating. I think we got rid of about 3 bags of stuff. Mostly it was expired food or stale stuff. We both made a pact that we would not buy more food than we can eat. So wasteful!!!

Then because that was so much fun, we tackled our bedroom closet. Hubby and I both have clothes in there that are too big for us. So we decided to gather everything together so we could send it to Goodwill. We had two GIANT lawn sized garbage bags full of clothes!! Literally if you pushed together all of our clothes, that are left, it would measure about two feet of clothes. Our closet is empty!! Oh well, I guess that is the down side to losing weight....you have to buy new clothes!! HA HA HA....tee hee hee!! (Happy Dancing!!) Obviously not too bent out of shape for shopping!

While we were organizing my Hubby came across his old bicycle jersey. This one has long sleeves and is warm. It has the cool pockets in the back for water bottles. Yeah I like it!! Anyway, the last time I tried it on, it was so tight I looked like a big old yellow sausage. This jersey is a men's extra large. Since he's lost so much weight, he wanted to put it in the Goodwill pile. But I stopped him just in time...I wanted to try it on and see if it fits. I got it on and it was too big!! Oh my goodness. He had another one,   sized men's large, already in the Goodwill pile and I snagged it out and tried it on. Eureka!! It fit. Now I have a really cool, official bike jersey that looks awesome on me!! I will try and post some pictures soon!!

So that was my big discovery! Things are really truly happening! I am shrinking!! I am really excited about this because just last summer we scoured the bikes shops around town and we could not find a jersey that fits. Nothing fit in men or women's sizes. So excited to have a new jersey!!

After we got done with all of that excitement we took everything to Goodwill and then it was off to the grocery store. We loaded our cart with healthy and delicious food.

Then after that we got our Grand Daughters and played all evening. Gotta say, I was pooped by the end of the day!!

Yesterday we spent the day with my Daughter and Grand Daughters and we all went off to the pool. So much fun!!

Stay focused!