My Favorite Time to Run

So I had a final exam this morning.  Studying for it has been so stressful!  So, after my exam, I went on a run.  I gotta say, people are right when they say running clears the mind.  All of my anxiety and worry associated with the test flew out of my feet and were slammed into the pavement.  It was amazing!  I'm going to have to remember that for next time I get stressed.  I'll just go out and hit the pavement!

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 31 minutes 30 seconds (Week 4, Day 3 of the C25K app)

Legs: 15 minutes

Plank Challenge: 150 seconds (Day 18)

Arm Challenge: Rest Day (Day 5)

Wall Sit Challenge: 20 seconds (Day 2)
Butt Challenge: 20/5/10 (Day 2)

More and More!

Changing my routine up.  I've added extra daily exercises because I feel like a lot of what I have been doing is getting boring.  Let's just hope I can keep up with it!  

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Arms: 15 minutes

Plank Challenge: 120 seconds (Day 17)

Arm Challenge: 10/30s/8 (Day 4)

Wall Sit Challenge: 10 seconds (Day 1 - Below)
Butt Challenge: 15/5/10 (Day 1 - Below)

Running with the Mutt

As I've mentioned before, I like to take my dog on runs.  It was a little warm today (not too hot for her paws on the pavement or her body with her fur), so I figured that I would take it easy.  I was not ready for how little she wanted to run.  I have read multiple articles about running with your dog and I have done all of them.  My dog, for some reason, just doesn't respond to any of the tips.  In fact, today, she decided to stop mid run just to sit down and scratch her self.  Then, when she got up, she decided to go as slow as (normally I would say humanly, but she's a pup... lol) possible.  If anyone has any advice whatsoever, it would be greatly appreciated.  Until then, it's all just trying to keep working on what I'm doing.  Maybe one day it will stick.

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 31 minutes 30 seconds (Week 4, Day 2 of the C25K app)

Abs: 15 minutes

Plank Challenge: 120 seconds (Day 16)

Arm Challenge: 5/15s/8 (Day 3)

So... Yeah...

So I've discovered that as time goes by, it is getting harder and harder to actually pst my accountability.  I am still doing the exercises, but posting about it is getting boring and dull.  Maybe I'll just start posting every other day or every week, but list what I did exercise-wise for each day.  Eh... We'll see how it goes.  Who knows?  Maybe tomorrow I will actually have something interesting to say. 

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Legs: 15 minutes

Plank Challenge: 90 seconds (Day 15)

Arm Challenge: 8/20s/5 (Day 2)

Feeling Better

So I'm still not feeling great, but I definitely feel much better than yesterday.  No more throwing up!  Today is a good day.  Woke up late to let myself get some rest after yesterday.  Since then, I was pretty much relaxing and watching Grey's Anatomy episodes over again (with the exception of my cycling and classroom time).

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Arms: 15 minutes

Plank Challenge: 90 seconds (Day 14)

Arm Challenge: 5/15s/5 (Day 1 of the 30 Day Arm Challenge below)

Note that the planks are done in the pushup position, not on the forearms like in the Plank Challenge

Sickness

I woke up this morning feeling fine.  I went to work and was having a good day.  I got home and relaxed for a bit before falling asleep for a nap.  Then, it happened.  I woke up from my nap and have been driving the porcelain bus ever since.  Yup, that's right.  I am sick.  I have no idea what happened or what did it to me, but something didn't sit well in my stomach.  Thus, today was a complete wash for exercise.  I did my planks early, but nothing else.  I just can't muster enough energy to do anything but keep myself from choking on my vomit.

On the plus side, I was able to take some time today to memorialize a good friend of mine.  On 16 October 2008, a good friend of mine, Federico "Rico" Borjas, gave his life for your country while we were serving in Afghanistan.  I was very lucky to have known him and I miss him every day.

So today, on Memorial Day, between all of the holiday merriment, I would like everyone to remember Rico and all of the other men and women who gave their lives for the good of their country.  Thank you, troops.  You are all true heroes!

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Planks: 90 seconds (Day 13 of the 30 day plank challenge) - So I got messed up yesterday.  Today was supposed to be a rest day and yesterday was supposed to be 90 seconds.  So, I switched them and will be going on as if nothing ever happened starting tomorrow :-)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

I have decided to discontinue this section for public viewing.  I have too much shame associated with my eating and I can't stand this information being out there for everyone to see.  Instead, however, I will be recording it privately.  I'm sure the two people who read this blog won't mind (lol).

Triggers...

Yesterday was a trigger.  Today was bad.  I'm not going to even write my food intake because I am so ashamed.  At least now I know that I can't have cheat days.  If I do, they will never stop...

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 31 minutes 30 seconds (Week 4, Day 1 of the C25K app)
Walking: 55 minutes

Planks: Rest Day (Day 12 of the 30 day plank challenge)
Should have done abs, but I am just too disgusted with myself to even try since I know I will probably vomit from the crap that I ate today...

Cheat Day

It was a cheat day.  I don't feel good about it, but I let it happen.  I really need to get a handle on this.  It would be so much easier if my husband would eat healthy with me, but alas, that will never happen.  He's skinny with a great metabolism and he loves greasy, fatty foods.  I almost wish that he was chubby like me so that at least we could be in this together...

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 28 minutes (Week 3, Day 3 of the C25K app)

Planks: 60 seconds (Day 11 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Breakfast: A Mug of Green Tea

Lunch: A Bowl of Tomato Soup with Cheese and Two Slices of Whole Wheat Bread with Butter

Snack: 1 Veggie Corn Dog with Mustard and Ketchup and Three Mini Lemon Cakes

Dinner: 2 Slices of Thin Crust Cheese Pizza with Pineapple and 1/2 Glass of Pepsi

Dessert: 2 Slices of Papa John's Apple Pie

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 72 oz 

Aunt Flo

Normally, I love being a woman.  I love feeling feminine and I love my curves.  You know what I DO NOT love?  When the red tide decides to grace me with its presence every freaking month.  Eight days of pure hell!  Today, was day one: back hurts, cramps, crying at the drop of a hat, bloating, and constantly in fear that it will show up on the seat of my pants (to name a few problems I have with it).  It is ridiculous!  The worst part about it, though, is that I loathe exercising during this week.  My motivation does not just drop, it digs a 6' hole and buries itself there.  But, I know that I can't neglect myself no matter how much I want to.  So, I will just have to work that much harder toward my goals.

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Legs: 15 minutes

Planks: 60 seconds (Day 10 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Yoga: 5 minutes (Sun Salutations)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Breakfast: Chobani Flip

Lunch: Bean and Cheese Burrito and 2 Small Lemon Cakes

Dinner: Tomato Soup with Shredded Cheese, Corn on the Cob, and a Mug of Green Tea

Dessert: Watermelon

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 80 oz 

Slacking on Studies

I realized something today.  Ever since I have started getting back in shape and working out, I have neglected some of my studies and haven't read too often.  While cycling, for example, I tend to watch TV when I know that I could be working on my reading homework for my last two classes.  So, I am making a new goal for myself.  From now until June 28 (which is the last day of my final class), each time I get on my stationary bike, I will spend at least 15 minutes studying.  This way, I ensure that I am getting better physically and intellectually.  I will no longer slack off.  I WILL end my last two classes on a high note!

Daily Motivational Quote

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 28 minutes (Week 3, Day 2 of the C25K app)

Arms: 15 minutes

Planks: 60 seconds (Day 9 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Lunch: 2 Veggie Corn Dogs with Mustard and Ketchup, 1 Cup of Strawberries, and 1 Cup of Watermelon

Snack: 1 Handful of Veggie Chips

Dinner: 1 Small Bag of Wheat Thins Veggie Chips, 1 Fiber One Bar, and 1 Bag of Welch's Fruit Snacks

Dessert: 1 Hostess Chocolate Cupcake (Gave the Other Away)

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 80 oz 

Wednesday...

So I didn't do so great today.  I didn't eat that well and I decided to postpone running another day.  Apparently, I really need to get my motivation back.  On the plus side, though, I did have FOUR people tell me that I look like I'm losing weight!  There you are self-esteem!  You were just hiding for a bit!

Nothing else to report, though.  However, since I am losing motivation, I will ensure that each day I will post some sort of motivational quote or picture.  That tends to help me!

Daily Motivational Quote

Until next time! :-)

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Abs: 15 minutes

Planks: 45 seconds (Day 8 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Breakfast: Chobani Flip

Snack: 1 Bagel with Cream Cheese and 1 String Cheese

Lunch: 1 Cup of Mashed Potatoes, 1/8 Cup of Dried Cranberries, 1/8 Cup of Garbanzo Beans, 2 Cups of Watermelon

Snack: Veggie Chips and 1 Bowl of Captain Crunch (what can I say... the CPT is my weakness)

Dinner: 1 Large Artichoke

Dessert: 1 Sweet Coconut Mango Rice Hand Wrapped in Banana Leaf

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 88 oz 

Meh...

Nothing really important to talk about today.  I did a little better, but not by much.  Had a generally good day. I relaxed, hung out with a friend, and did my exercises.  I know I shouldn't have had such an unhealthy breakfast, but I had a moment of weakness.  At least we know I'm human (lol).

However, since nothing really interesting happened that I can add a picture to, I give you this... Enjoy!!!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Legs: 15 minutes

Planks: 45 seconds (Day 7 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Breakfast: 1 Bowl of Captain Crunch (I know, I know...)

Lunch: 1/2 Cup of Fettuccini Alfredo, 4 Artichoke Fritters, a Handful of Veggie Chips, and 1 Sweet Coconut Mango Rice Hand Wrapped in Banana Leaf

Dinner: Bean and Cheese Burrito with Guacamole and Sour Cream

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 72 oz 

Today Was a Good Day

I could not be happier with my success today!  I worked all day; went to a birthday dinner for my aunt; then hung out with my brother, sister-in-law, uncle, husband, and niece afterwards.  The best part about today, though, was that I turned down cake and ice cream... TWICE!!!  

I didn't think that I could do it, but I set my mind and said no (even though my husband told me I should indulge).  I could not be prouder of myself today.  And, as a treat, I let myself indulge with something less fattening: some licorice.  I know I should have gone with fruit instead, but cut me some slack.  I did better!  As long as I make progress each day, then I am happy with my results.  Yay for progress!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 minutes

Arms: 15 minutes

Planks: Rest Day (Day 6 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Breakfast: Chobani Flip

Lunch: 1 Cup of Pancit, 1/4 Cup of Cottage Cheese, 1/4 Cup of Dried Cranberries, 1/8 Cup of Garbanzo Beans, and 6 oz of Sprite

Dinner: 1/2 Cup of Fettuccini Alfredo and 7 Artichoke Fritters

Dessert: 10 Pieces of Fat Free Raspberry Licorice

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 72 oz (please note that I accidentally left my water bottle at work, so the other glasses of water I had were not very accurate)

Still Not Great, But...

So I think I did a little bit better than yesterday when it comes to food.  I still had my sweet tooth, but I minimized my junk food intake by a little bit.  Plus, the licorice that I had was fat free, so that's a tiny step in the right direction.  I know that I don't have the willpower right now to cut everything out completely, but I can remove it bit by bit.  For example, instead of grabbing some crackers and dip or a little lemon cake, I went for a bowl of fruit (which was amazing, by the way).  And, just for good measure (and because it felt great yesterday) I did some extra cardio on my recumbent bike.  So over all, i would say today was a decent day; not good, but decent.  Slowly, I will get better.

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 28 minutes (Week 3, Day 1 of the C25K app)

Walking: 1 hour 17 minutes

Cycling: 30 minutes
Planks: 40 seconds (Day 5 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Lunch: 7 Fried Pickles, 3/4 Black Bean Burger with Cheddar Cheese and Ketchup, and 1/2 Order of Fries

Snacks: 4 Pieces of Fruit Gummies Covered in Dark Chocolate and 8 Pieces of Fat Free Raspberry Licorice, 1 Cup of Sliced Strawberries, and 1 Cup of Sliced Watermelon

Dinner: Breakfast for Dinner - 3 Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, 2 Pieces of Whole Grain Toast with Butter

Dessert: 6 Pieces of Fat Free Raspberry Licorice and 1 Sweet Coconut Mango Rice Hand Wrapped in Banana Leaf

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 104 oz

Food Is My Shame

I am an addict.  I am addicted to food (specifically sweets).  When it comes to them, I have ZERO willpower.  I try and I try to say no, but I keep breaking down and messing up.  I was all excited yesterday about being accountable for my eating habits, but I am ashamed.

I almost do not want to tell you what I had to eat.  That being said, because I messed up, I added some extra cardio to my day.  I felt guilty and shameful about what I did, and I felt that I had to rectify it.  Granted, nothing can really make up for what I did, but at least I tried, right?  And although today was another one for the trash bin, it is like Scarlett O'Hara once said:

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Interval Training: 31 minutes (Week 2, Day 3 of the C25K app)

Cycling: 30 min
Leg Workout: 15 minutes
Planks: 30 seconds (Day 4 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Breakfast: Chobani Flip

Lunch: Steamed Zucchini, Handful of Dried Cranberries, Two Baby Potatoes with Cheese and Butter, Two Tbsp of Cottage Cheese, a 1" x 1" Brownie with Chocolate Frosting, and 6 oz. Cup of Sprite
Snack: Annie's Cheesy Ravioli in Tomato and Cheese Sauce
Snack: 10 Pieces of Fruit Gummies Covered in Dark Chocolate

Snack: Approximately 10 Crackers with Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Snack: 1 Sliced Pear with Goat Cheese
Dinner: 1 Piece of Personal Pan Sized Pizza - Papa John's Tuscan Six Cheese with Pineapple Chunks, a Cup of Sliced Watermelon, and a Cup of Sliced Strawberries

Dessert: 1 Sweet Coconut Mango Rice Hand Wrapped in Banana Leaf

Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 96 oz

No Excuses Today

I don't really have much to say today.  Yesterday, I felt like I let you down, but worst of all, I let myself down.  I was chock-full of excuses and didn't do what I meant to do.  Now, I'm even more focused on my goal.  And to prove that, I will begin listing what I eat every day in this blog as well (got the idea from my good friend who runs a similar blog here).  I figure that it will force me to eat better because I am being held accountable.  So, let's just try to put yesterday out of our minds and focus on today and the rest of our lives!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 min
Abs Workout: 15 minutes
Planks: 30 seconds (Day 3 of the 30 day plank challenge)

Accountability Meals of the Day:

Chobani Flip
Annie's Bernie-Os Pasta in Tomato and Cheese Sauce with two pieces of buttered potato bread
10 pieces of fruit gummy covered in dark chocolate
2 pieces of personal pan sized pizza - Papa John's Tuscan Six Cheese with pineapple chunks
Handful of Jelly Belly jelly beans
Daily Water Consumption: Approximately 72 oz

So as you can see, I did not do well with the eating today.  But tomorrow, I promise to myself and to you that I will do better!

Poor Air Quality

I had every intention of waking up this morning and doing my run.  I was excited to go, but alas, it was not in the cards.  I know this sounds like an excuse, and I do not deny that, but with the fires here in San Diego right now, the air quality is terrible (and unfortunately I do not have a face mask)!  I spoke with my husband about my predicament and he recommended that today was not the best day to do cardio.

After doing some research, I discovered that he was right (even though I won't admit that to him... lol).  I realized, too, that since I started my working out last week, I have not had a real rest day from cardio.  My body needs a bit of time to recover.  Thus, today I decided (or rather the fires decided for me) to forgo cardio and just do my arm exercises and plank.  I will say, though, that I am harboring a little bit of guilt for not getting out there anyway.  But on the bright side, at least I won't be coughing up a lung for the next week!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Arm Workout: 15 minutes
Planks: 20 seconds (Day 2 of the 30 day plank challenge)

San Diego Fires

I am born and raised in San Diego, California.  If anyone knows what is going on here, you will recognize that we are currently having a VERY early fire season with 9 fires around the county (8 of which began just today).

Because of this, I have been a little preoccupied.  Many of my family and friends have already been evacuated, and there is a possibility that we will be, too.  However, this did not deter me from my workout today (even though I thought about using it as an excuse).  Luckily, I am able to have this feeling and thought.

I am still in my home.  I am one of the lucky ones.  My heart goes out to all the people who are currently displaced today.  And to the firefighters, you are all heroes!  Thank you for what you do, risking your lives to help others.  You are truly the selfless ones.

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 min
Leg Workout: 15 minutes
Planks: 20 seconds (Day 1 of the below 30 day plank challenge)

Taking a Break

Sometimes, you just need a break from things: a break from work, a break from school, a break from your own life.  This was my day today.  I woke up thins morning and decided that I wanted to take a "ME" day, so I did.

No school, no work, no worries.  Instead, I woke up early, drove to the lake I like to exercise at and did 2 miles of interval training before meeting a friend there to walk the full 5 miles.  I then came home and did nothing but relax the rest of the day.  And you know what?  It was glorious!

Sometimes we forget that we need to take care of ourselves because we are so busy taking care of everyone else.  So I encourage everyone to take a personal day every once and a while.  If you can't do a full day, at least take some time to celebrate yourself.  Do some of the self care that I have talked about in previous posts.  Care for, and about, yourself.  You will not regret it!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Walking: 1 hr 35 minutes
Interval Training: 31 minutes (Week 2, Day 2 of the C25K app)
Abs Workout: 15 minutes

Mondays

I am not alone when I say that I hate Mondays.  They really are the worst days of the week.  They are also, as I have discovered, the hardest days to get motivated to work out.

I was up early, worked all day, then had to run errands.  The last thing that I wanted to do once I got home was work out.  But, I did it.  And you know what?  I am so glad that I did.  I feel great!  The endorphins have kicked in and I am flying high.

It is wonderful that I feel this way because I have officially found a great coping skill that I can use so that I'm not hypocritical when I teach it to my patients.  Anytime I feel angry or upset in any way, I will just exercise.  Look at me getting physically and mentally fit in one go (lol).

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 min
Arm Workout: 15 minutes

Mother's Day

My mother is the most important person in my life.  She has been there for me through thick and thin.  I am so lucky to have had her and even luckier that she did not give up on me when I was younger (because I was a little shit).  Most of all, though, I am grateful for her.  I am grateful to have had her as my rock, my mentor, my hero.  I have always looked up to her and she has been an amazing role model for me.  One thing that I remember growing up is that every single morning, without fail, she would be in our living room working out to her '80s workout video (you know, the one with the lady who looks like Barbie from Toy Story).

Because of her workouts, though, my mother has always been in amazing shape.  Even now, in her 50s, she looks fantastic.  She is my fit-spiration.  So, today for Mother's Day, I did a nice run because of her.  It felt good doing it and knowing how proud my mom is of me now that I am getting back in shape.  She gave me this life and I am working on saving it for her.  I thank her every day for the gifts that she gave to me and I just hope that I make her proud to call me her daughter because I know I am proud to call her Momma.  You are my hero!

And Happy Mother's Day to all of the other mothers out there!  You are all amazing women who deserve the world!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Walking: 45 hr
Interval Training: 31 minutes (Week 2, Day 1 of the C25K app)

Charity

Altruism is the act of being selfless.  It is when a person puts the welfare of others above his or her own.  Unfortunately, in our society here in the United States, this is not something that we see too often.  I recently watched the below video and was astounded by the initial reactions of people.

This video has further enhanced my need to do good for the welfare of my country and the people and animals in it.  Now, before I go on, you should know that there are three particular populations that mean a lot to me: military/veterans, the mentally ill, and animals.  So today, to help out one of these populations, I raised money for the San Diego Humane Society and completed a short walk with my two sweet pups at the 2014 Walk for Animals.  You see, all four of my fur babies are rescues and without the help of the Humane Society and SPCA, I may have never had them in my life.  Don't get me wrong, though: they rescued me as much as my husband and I rescued them.

Achilles and Leia when they were kittens (please excuse my foot)

Moxy (American Staffordshire Terrier and Greyhound) and Penny Lane (German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier)

So you may be wondering why I am writing a blog post about this when I should be talking about what I did today to be a better version of myself.  Well, the best answer that I can give you is that this is self-care for me.  I like to help; I like to be altruistic; I like to feel like I am making a difference in the world.  And hey, if I get some exercise out of it too, all the better!

Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Walking: 1 hr
Interval Training: 30 minutes (Week 1, Day 3 of the C25K app)
Leg Workout: 15 minutes

Self-Care

So as I've mentioned in previous posts, part of my journey involves mental health and wellness.  Luckily, this is a topic that I am very familiar with.  I don't believe that I have mentioned yet that I am currently an MFT/LPCC Trainee.  In other words, once I am done with my practicum for my Master's degree and have completed the remaining hours for licensure, I will be an official therapist.

Now, as a therapist-in-training, I am constantly talking to my patients about self-care.  If take anything away from my blog, take this: self-care is one, I believe, the most important thing you can do for your mental well-being.  I don't want you to misunderstand me, though.  Self-care is not just getting your nails done or buying a new outfit or splurging on a fancy dinner.  It also includes the day-to-day things that need to get done.  This can be anything from eating breakfast to hygiene to reminding yourself to take a bathroom break every hour.  So now that you have a better idea of what this means, I encourage you to ask yourself:

This was definitely a question I had to think about today.  I have been so busy trying to get back into shape that I have been neglecting other aspects in my life.  I have not given myself any time to really relax and enjoy myself for a little bit (even if it is just for 20 minutes).  So, instead of going on my run today, I decided to relax a little bit and run tomorrow.  And you know what, I feel much better for it.  Granted, there are those guilty feelings that crept in that I am still working on, so I ended up doing a different type of cardio at 8:30pm.  However, I was still able to take a little time for me to check in with myself and determine what I really needed; and today that was a dose of Grey's Anatomy (lol).

 Accountability Exercise of the Day:

Cycling: 30 min
Abs Workout: 15 minutes