Post baby half marathon report.....

Well, I did it! I set out to complete a half marathon the year my daughter was born and it is DONE!! Was I fast, good grief NO! Was I running the whole thing, NO! Was a proud of myself sprinting through the finish as a first time Mom, YES!!!!!!

My family came to Texas for our annual family marathon relay. Some of the family did the relay, the others about 5 of us did the half. I ran with my aunt who is an amazing runner and she was kind enough to let me set the pace and run at my own speed. I trained to walk/run the race and I did just that. I started off strong and continued walking and running as planned until mile 8. That mile for some reason hit me hard. I continued on but at a slower pace. I started to feel like my legs where weak and I may be reaching my max. I did 13.1 miles a few weeks before the race so the distance was not a problem but I was running harder than I trained for. So I had to take more walk breaks than I wanted to at this point. My aunt went ahead at mile 10 and finished before me.

I remember at mile 12 I actually stopped to drink water and gatorade and I knew it was going to cost me big time but I needed the fuel even if it was for the last 1.1 miles. I was pouring water on my head to cool me off as I was just feeling so hot. It helped and I sprinted the last .20 miles or so. I really wish I could have ran the half marathon with NO walking but I will set this goal for my next half marathon which is January 29th! 8 weeks to go!!!! Hopefully I will be leaner and that will translate to a better knee! Any weight I can loose will help my knee considerably so I think I can do even better next time.

I finished the half at an official time of 2:24.35 though my Garmin was showing I ran 13.27 miles so I need to watch my zig zagging around the course next time. With the distance ran my avg pace was a 10:54 which I was very happy with considering I had to walk.

Here are my splits.....

Mile 1 : 11:34
Mile 2: 10:45
Mile 3: 10:33
Mile 4: 9:56
Mile 5: 10:36
Mile 6: 11:05
Mile 7: 11:12
Mile 8: 11:25
Mile 9: 11:13
Mile 10: 10:55
Mile 11: 10:42
Mile 12: 11:03
Mile 13: 11:02
.27 : 9:27

I have a ton of photos but they are all on my husbands camera and he is now overseas on business. I will have to wait til he comes back to post them. He made this race so very special for me. First at the expo he was getting me all kinds of goodies, then race day he was in tears telling how proud he was of me doing this. As I ran through the finish line I raised my hands in the air and it felt so amazing! Everyone was lining up to go inside to get their medals, water, etc...I stayed out on the other side of the fence to see my baby and there he was! He was SOOOO proud of me and said he screamed as I ran through the finish though I did not hear him as I had the Rocky theme playing loudly in my ears! He told me that he would wait for me outside of the building and I went inside super fast, got my metal but did not wear it, got my T-shirt and some water and headed out. No food, no photo with the race banner. I wanted to see my husband!!! When we saw each other I told him I wanted him to place the medal around my neck as he was a HUGE part of my training. He placed the medal around me with tears and it was a moment I will never forget.

After seeing the family we headed back to the car and to my surprise there was a big sign on the back of the car that he had made for me! He wanted to told it at the finish but due to the crowds this worked out to be a better option. We got into the car and he handed me the car keys and told me to open up the glove compartment. I did so only to find the most beautiful box. I opened it fighting back the tears only to find a card he made for me along with a Tiffanys box and inside was another charm for my Tiffanys bracelet he bought for me after our daughter was born 8 months ago. The bracelet is now a representation of all the wonderful memories of 2010, the birth of our daughter, my first Mothers day and my half marathon! I could barely read the card I was crying so hard. The level of his love for me was evident in his precious words, words that I will hold in my heart forever.

As so now I have 8 weeks to train ( injury free) for my next race. I am hoping to run more of this half and improve my time. I am going to try and loose as much weight as I can before the end of the year and then see where 2011 takes me! It is exciting to think about where I will be this time next year!

Thanks for all the pre race goodies and well wishes! I wish I could have ran faster but looking back I did my very best and for that I will be forever proud and my time was much faster than I thought it would be. Remember my blog before the race? I said I would be happy walking/running at 2:45!! I blew that goal out of the water by 21 mins and most of all I did not let having a baby stop me from reaching another goal and I got out there every day and trained as best I could, injuries and all!!

Here is my post race plan for this week......

Monday - Active rest
Tuesday - Active rest or light walk.
Wednesday - 4 mile walk
Thursday - 3 mile walk or XT at gym
Friday - 3 mile walk
Saturday - 6 mile long walk with a few light SLOW running intervals

Anniversary Challenge : Plan for this week....

This weekend was simply MAGICAL!!! I do not know where to begin. I was able to get my 10 miler in after being sick for a week, I went to the salon and had my hair cut and highlighted, after my run went to the spa for a fantastic massage and then dinner at a VERY romantic steakhouse with my husband. We were seated in a private booth, and I do mean private, with dark curtains so no one could see us! As I said VERY ROMANTIC!!! I had a fantastic filet mignon and crab cake and did not feel bad about eating it, which was nice. On Sunday after church we went to brunch at another one of our favorite restaurants and then shopping! The whole weekend I just kept thinking, when can my parents come back again! LOL! They are coming in 2 WEEKS!!

Little Kayla is doing GREAT! She has her 2 little teeth coming in, they look so cute! She truly is the joy of our life! I will really try and get some more photos of her up soon!

Now I must focus on this week and staying on track with my miles. Here is the plan for this week....

Monday - 3 miles on tread. ST circuit.
Tuesday - 6 miles - walk/ run on the trails
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - 6 mile run/walk
Friday - 3 mile walk with ST circuit.
Saturday - Long run - 10 miles
Sunday - Rest

Days 1-14 results...
1. Loose 11 pounds - .6 lbs so far. Have not weighed since being sick. Will weigh this week.
2. Run/walk - 150 miles - 17.59 miles so far.
3. Take vitamins and supplements each day - A couple of days missed.
4. 1 gallon of water each day - A couple of days missed.
5. Log all foods - Did not do over the weekend.
6. ST - 3 days a week, either at gym or Cathe DVDs - Doing well on ST but need to get in 3 per week as opposed to 2 days which is what I was doing.
7. Log and record a running total of squats, pushups and crunches -
Squats - 100
Military pushups - 45
Crunches - 130
8. Record measurements on graph here at home. Aim for another 5 inches lost around stomach and hips - Did not measure, will do that this week.

Anniversary Challenge Day 9

Doing better but still sick. NOT FUN! Went to the doctor today and now I am on an antibiotic that will hopefully get this stuff out of me. In the mean time, here are my foods for the day.......

Totals for today -
Calories burned - 0 ( sick)
Calories consumed - 1,557

Meal 1 - Oats, Bobs high fiber mix and apple with decaf coffee and FF milk

Meal 2 - 5 egg whites with 1/2 cup of brown rice. Water

Meal 3 - 1 cup of chicken and brown rice soup with Thai hot sauce and lemon

Meal 4 - 1/2 apple and natural PB

PRE-LOGGING DINNER.....

Meal 5 - Greek chicken kabobs with quinoa bean salad.

Meal 6 - 1.5 square of dark chocolate and decaf coffee with FF milk

Anniversary Challenge Day 8

I have been blogging on my spark site this challenge but wanted to start blogging over here as well.....

I am sick so no working out for me. Why does this happen? I HATE being sick. I have this yucky sore throat thing that is just terrible. Anyways, I am not working out today for obvious reasons but I think if I rest today hopefully tomorrow I may be ok to do my 5 miles. I HAVE to stay on track as my half marathon is 27 days away and I have to get my 10 miler in this weekend.

To stay accountable and on track, here are my meals for today. Obviously I am pre-logging dinner as it is just easier for me as evenings are busy getting Kayla bear ready for bed.

Meal 1 - One 50 calorie high protein wrap with 4 egg whites, cheese and ground turkey. Decaf latte with FF milk. 40 oz of water

Meal 2 - Ground turkey burger over spinach. Side of vinaigrette.Tabouli and couscous with slices of red pepper and broccoli. Sliced mango and water with apple cider vinegar

Meal 3 - Chicken and brown rice soup with lemon. Fresh slices of strawberries with ground flaxseeds and walnuts over greek yogurt and splenda. BIG jug of water with cider vinegar

Daily results 10/15

Goals for today -
ST and Cardio Rest day - DONE! Ha!! That was easy!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - 1 gallon DONE!
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - rest day but I did do some stretches

Meal 1 - 1 cup of oats with Bobs high fiber bend and flaxseeds with fresh strawberries. Raisins and FF milk

Meal 2 - Grilled chicken in 1/2 pita with water.

Meal 3 - 5 water crackers with light Brie cheese and turkey with 1 tsp of fig jam on top.

**Pre-logging dinner for tonight. Getting ready to go and make it.

Meal 4 - Spinach salad with red bell pepper, zucchini and mushrooms with blue cheese. Grilled Salmon and asparagus with 1/2 cup of wild rice on the side. Sparkling water with lemon.

Meal 5 - Greek Yogurt with fresh strawberries and pineapple with ground flaxseeds. Decaf tea with ff milk and 70% dark chocolate on the side!

Daily results 10/14

Goals for today -
3 mile slow walk - DONE!!
ST circuit - 30 mins, high reps, fast pace lifting - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - 1 gallon DONE!
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - Stretched in hot tub after

Meal 1 - 1 piece of EZ bread with 2 omega organic eggs and Decaf coffee with FF milk

Meal 2 - 1 piece of EZ bread with natural PB and natural jelly. 1 cup of FF milk

Meal 3 - Chickfila grilled chicken sandwich and water

Meal 4 - Turkey meat with hummus. 3 small bites of fresh pineapple. 1/2 banana and natural PB.

Meal 5 - Grilled fish tacos with 1 tortilla - high fiber 50 calorie whole wheat. The rest of the fish I ate over raw red cabbage. Served with 1 cup of homemade black beans and a mango relish.

Daily results 10/13

Goals for today -
6 mile run/walk - DONE!! 720 calories burned.
ST circuit- Did not do, just a few pushups and squats. Need to do more tomorrow
Drink one gallon of water each day - 1 gallon DONE!
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - Stretched after my run but not before

Meal 1 - 1 peach with 1/2 cup of raw oats, raisins, Bobs Red Mill High fiber cereal with flaxseeds and FF milk

Meal 2 - 2 slices of Roast beef and turkey breast with olive oil lite mayo with cheese and red onion and spinach. Wrapped around together.

Meal 3 - Lean body for her protein shake with strawberries and blueberries.

Pre-logging the rest of my meals BEFORE dinner.....

Meal 4 - 1 small piece of Buffalo Whole wheat lasagna and spinach salad with light Newmans own dressing. Protein shake with mango and strawberries.

Meal 5 - 1/2 cup of Greek Yogurt with fresh strawberries and ground flaxseeds

Daily results 10/12

Here are a couple of pics of me and my precious girl......






Goals for today -
6 mile walk - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - 1 gallon DONE!
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - A little bit after but not nearly enough.

Meal 1 - 1 peach with 1/2 cup of raw oats and rasins with FF milk

Meal 2 - 2 slices of Roast beef, olive oil lite mayo with cheese and red onion. Wrapped around together. 1 piece of Buffalo whole wheat lasagna.

Meal 3 - Lean body for her protein shake with strawberries and blueberries.

Meal 4 - Broccoli, Spinach, Tomato mixture grilled with olive oil along with 1 piece of Potato crushed cod. 1 cup of turnips boiled.

Meal 5 - 1 cup of Greek Yogurt with fresh strawberries and ground flaxseeds

Daily results 10/11

Goals for today -
4 mile easy run/walk - Did not do :(
Drink one gallon of water each day - 1 gallon DONE!
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - NO :(

Meal 1 - Uncle Sams cereal with nectarine and raisins. Decaf coffee with FF milk and splenda.

Meal 2 - Turkey breast, roast beef, olive oil lite mayo with cheese and red onion. Wrapped around together. Water and a few carob chips.

Meal 3 - Potato crusted Cod fillet with baby spinach grilled. Water and 1 large peach.

Meal 4 - Buffalo Whole wheat Lasagna. 1 orange. Decaf coffee with FF milk and splenda.

Week 6 DONE! Week 7 Schedule

Week 6 results -
Jen - 40.59 miles - 15.84 miles bike and 24.75 miles run/walk
Micah - 8 miles walk/run


Results of goals for this week...

Walk/Run - 27 miles this week - 24.75 miles DONE! Including an awesome 7 mile run over the weekend!

Drink one gallon of water each day - most days but a few of 2 L days

NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - Did well but over the weekend had raw apple juice.

Log all my foods - Did well but did not log over the long weekend. Husband took Thursday and Friday off and I forgot to log but ate really well EXCEPT for Sunday when we when to our favorite restaurant Jaspers and had a wonderful brunch together after church.

Stretch before and after runs - Did well but not every day

3 ST sessions at gym - 2 sessions completed.

2 Bike rides - YES!


Jen's Half Training Week 7 -
Sunday - REST
Monday - Easy walk 4 miles
Tuesday - Run/Walk 3 miles with ST circuit
Wednesday - Long walk 6 miles
Thursday - Run easy 4 miles along with ST circuit
Friday - Easy walk 3 miles
Saturday - Long walk/run 8 miles
Sunday - Walk easy 2 miles, day off

Micah's C25K Week 6 -
Monday - 30 min run/walk
Tuesday - 30 min walk along with ST
Wednesday - 30 min run/walk
Thursday - 30min walk along with ST
Friday - 30 min run/walk
Saturday - 4 mile walk
Sunday - Rest

Goals for week 7....

1. Log all foods.
2. Stay away from juice
3. Run/walk at least 25 miles
4. ST 2 sessions
5. Limit EZ bread to 2 slices per day
6. Aim for 5 servings of raw veggies per day
7. Stretch before and after exercise
8. Drink at least 3L per day but aim for 1 gallon

Daily results 10/7

Goals for today -
3.6 mile easy run/walk - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - 2 L
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - NO :(

Meal 1 - Omelet with Spinach and chicken. EZ bread with chocolate almond spread with 1/2 peach. Decaf coffee with FF milk and splenda.

Meal 2 - Baked Salmon with grilled brussel sprouts. spinach salad with couscous and water

Meal 3 - 1 piece of EZ bread with natural almond butter and FF milk. 3 small pieces of 70% dark chocolate

Daily results 10/6

Goals for today -
2 mile easy walk - DONE!!
12.34 mile bike, 27 mins spinning at gym - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - 3.5 L
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - Yes!!

Meal 1 - Egg white omelet with 2 egg yolks. Spinach, tomatoes and chicken. Greek yogurt with flax granola and strawberries. Decaf coffee with FF milk and splenda.

Meal 2 - 4 bean salad with grilled chicken and water. A handfull of Grapes and 1 peach. Homemade whole wheat,carob and oatmeal cookies...yummy!

Meal 3 - 1 baby bell lite cheese with turkey reuben and strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple.

Meal 4 -1/2 cup of Frozen yogurt and granola

Daily results 10/5

Goals for today -
3.4 mile run/walk - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - DONE!!
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - No :(

Meal 1 - Oatmeal, flaxseeds, raisins, FF milk. 2 omega eggs with one egg white scrambled with low fat cheese and organic turkey breast. Starbucks decaf tall skinny latte

Meal 2 - 1/2 cup of homemade whole wheat couscous with raw veggies and chicken. 1 baby bell lite cheese with roast beef, no bread. Water

Meal 3 - SK shredder protein shake, strawberry.

Meal 4 - Brown rice with Thai ginger fish. 1 cup of Tom Yum soup with shrimp and a big glass of water.

Daily results 10/4...

Daily results - 10/4

Goals for today -
4.75 mile run/walk - DONE!!
3.5 mile hill course on Espresso bike - DONE!!
40 mins of ST at gym - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - about half a gallon
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - Yes!

Meal 1 - Oatmeal, flaxseeds, nectarine and FF milk. Starbucks decaf tall skinny latte

Meal 2 - Homemade whole wheat couscous with raw veggies and chicken. Water and 1 pear

Meal 3 - 1 piece of EZ bread with turkey breast along with a strawberry, mango Biochem protein shake.

Daily results 10/3...

Here we go again. Logging my food and exercise has NEVER failed me and so I am going back to basics. This is after all how I lost 70 pounds!

Daily results - 10/3

Goals for today -
3 mile run/walk - DONE!!
Drink one gallon of water each day - Did not do
NO Juices of ANY kind!!! - DONE!
Log all my foods - DONE!
Stretch before and after runs - No

Meal 1 - Egg white omelet with 2 egg yolks. Spinach, tomatoes and chicken. Oats and flaxseeds with 1/2 nectarine. Decaf coffee with FF milk and splenda.

Meal 2 - Shrimp and Avocado salad with honey mustard dressing. Water

Meal 3 - Chicken grilled with onions, 1 low calorie white corn tortilla, rice and guacamole...NO cheese! Yea! A glass of FF milk

Week 5 DONE! Week 6 Schedule and Goals

Week 5 results -
Jen - 14.35 miles - run/walk with one bike ride
Micah - 0 miles

Goals -
Walk/Run - 27 miles this week
Drink one gallon of water each day
NO Juices of ANY kind!!!
Log all my foods
Stretch before and after runs
3 ST sessions at gym
2 Bike rides

Jen's Half Training Week 6 -
Sunday - Walk 3 miles
Monday - Run/walk 4 miles followed by ST circuit at gym
Tuesday - Walk 4 miles with 3 mile hill course on Espresso bike
Wednesday - ST at gym, easy PM walk
Thursday - Walk 4 miles with 3 mile hill course on Espresso bike
Friday - ST at gym. 3 mile run/walk easy
Saturday - Long walk/run 7 miles
Sunday - Walk easy 2 miles, day off

Micah's C25K Week 6 -
Monday - 30 min run/walk
Tuesday - 30 min walk along with ST
Wednesday - 30 min run/walk
Thursday - 30min walk along with ST
Friday - 30 min run/walk
Saturday - 4 mile walk
Sunday - Rest

Week 4 DONE!

Week 4 results -
Jen- 12.05 miles run/walk
Micah - 0 miles

Jen's Half Training Week 5 -
Monday - 5 miles DONE! 4 run/walk followed by a 1 mile cool down walk
Tuesday - 5 miles run/walk along with ST at the gym.
Wednesday - morning walk/run 4 miles followed by Bike at gym 10 miles
Thursday - Walk 4 miles
Friday - 3 mile run with walking intervals
Saturday - 5 mile run with walking intervals
Sunday - Rest

Micah's C25K Week 5 -
Monday - 30 min run/walk
Tuesday - 30 min walk along with ST
Wednesday - 30 min run/walk
Thursday - 30min walk along with ST
Friday - 30 min run/walk
Saturday - Rest

Week 3 DONE! Moving on to week 4 of half training....

Jen's Half Training Week 3 - 19 miles - Run/Walk
Micah's C25K Training Week 3 - 2 Run/walks complete

Jen's Half Training Week 4 -
Monday - 40 min run/walk
Tuesday - 60 min walk along with ST and lower leg work with Cathe DVD
Wednesday - Light walk, rest day
Thursday - 60 min walk along with ST and lower leg work with Cathe DVD
Friday - 40 min run/walk
Saturday - Easy 30 min run
Sunday - Rest

Micah's C25K Week 4 -
Monday - 30 min run/walk
Tuesday - 30 min walk along with ST
Wednesday - 30 min run/walk
Thursday - 30min walk along with ST
Friday - 30 min run/walk
Saturday - Rest

Week 2 results and next weeks schedule..

Jen's Half Training Week 2 - 11.5 miles - Run/Walk
Micah's C25K Training Week 2 - 2 Run/walks complete

Jen's Half Training Week 3 -
Monday - 40 min run/walk
Tuesday - 60 min walk along with ST and lower leg work with Cathe DVD
Wednesday - 40 min run/walk
Thursday - 60 min walk along with ST and lower leg work with Cathe DVD
Friday - 40 min run/walk
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest

Micah's C25K Week 3 -
Monday - 30 min run/walk
Tuesday - 30 min walk along with ST
Wednesday - 30 min run/walk
Thursday - 30min walk along with ST
Friday - 30 min run/walk
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest

Week 1 Results and Week 2 Schedule

Jen's Half Training Week 1 - 9.35 miles - 3 Run/Walk
Micah's C25K Training Week 1 - 2 Run/walks complete

Jen's Half Training Week 2 -
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 40 min run/walk
Wednesday - P90X Chest and Back with Abs along with 20 mins of Cathe Drill Max
Thursday - 40 min run/walk
Friday - P90X Shoulders and Arms with Abs
Saturday - 3 mile Run with walking intervals when needed.
Sunday - Rest

Micah's C25K Week 2 -
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 30 min walk and run intervals
Wednesday - P90X Chest and Back with Abs
Thursday - 30 min walk and run intervals
Friday - P90X Shoulders and Arms with Abs
Saturday - 30 min walk and run intervals
Sunday - Rest

Day 1 Results

Jen - 46 min walk/run.
Micah - 30 min walk/run

Foods -
Oatbran with steel cut oats, cranberries and apple.
Mixed Nuts as snack
EZ bread sandwich with spinach salad, red bell pepper, chicken, pineapple and broccoli. FF cottage cheese.
Nectarine with EZ granola and oatmeal
Starbucks decaf skinny latte
3 L of water

Jen's Half Training and Micah's C25K Day 1

I am starting my training today for the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon. Working along side me as my coach will be my dear husband Micah who will be doing the C25K program.

Here are our schedules for this week....

Jen's Half Training Week 1 -
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Walk fast 30 mins
Wednesday - 40 min run/walk
Thursday - 40 min run/walk
Friday - Walk fast 30 mins
Saturday - 2 mile Run with walking intervals when needed.
Sunday - Rest

Micah's C25K Week 1 -
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 20 min walk and run intervals
Wednesday - Easy walk 20 mins
Thursday - 20 min walk and run intervals
Friday - Easy walk 20 mins
Saturday - 20 min walk and run intervals
Sunday - Rest

Turn up the heat!!! August Challenge!!

July was a great month for me. I lost inches, started running more and vastly improved my nutrition. I am hoping August will be even better!

July Totals....
1. Run/Walk - 48.58 miles (sick this month so mileage is low)
2. Crunches - 1,100 reps
3. Pushups - 155 reps
4. Squats - 1,500 reps

Goals for August!

1. Loose another 2 inches in my waist
2. ST 2 times a week
3. Walk/Run 15 miles a week
4. Consume at least 10 super foods per day
5. Drink 128 oz of water a day
6. Take vitamins and supplements daily
7. Stretch!
8. Make time for my devotionals
9. Pushups - 100 per week
10. Squats - 500 per week

Day 28: Family Fit Challenge

New totals for the month....

1. Run/Walk - 44.08 miles (sick this month so mileage is low)
2. Crunches - 1,100 reps
3. Pushups - 155 reps
4. Squats - 1,500 reps

Results this week....

Tuesday - 4.26 walk with slow run - DONE!
Wednesday - ST and 4.5 miles - DONE!

Super foods for today...

1. Tumeric
2. Blueberries
3. Strawberries
4. Red bell pepper
5. Oat bran
6. Ground flaxseeds
7. Lentils
8. Broco sprouts
9. Pumpkin seeds and almonds
10. Tomatoes

New goals plus a new pic of my sweet angel girl...

It is so hard to believe that little Kayla is now almost 4 months old! We are so in love and having a wonderful time with her!



Totals so far for the month...

1. Run/Walk - 39.55 miles (sick this month so mileage is low)
2. Crunches - 900 reps
3. Pushups - 135 reps
4. Squats - 1,300 reps

New schedule for this week....

Tuesday - 4.26 walk with slow run - DONE!
Wednesday - ST with Cathe DVD and 3 mile walk
Thursday - 5 mile walk
Friday - ST with Cathe DVD and 3 mile walk
Saturday - 3 mile run/walk
Sunday - 3 mile walk

New totals...

1. Run/Walk - 39.55 miles (sick this month so mileage is low)
2. Crunches - 900 reps
3. Pushups - 135 reps
4. Squats - 1,300 reps

Day 15: Family Fit Challenge

New totals for July.....
1. Run/Walk - 22.76 miles (sick this month so mileage is low)
2. Crunches - 900 reps
3. Pushups - 135 reps
4. Squats - 1,100 reps

Todays results -
Time - 101 mins
Calories burned - 646
Walk 6.13 miles - DONE! 4 miles walk 14:42 mm avg pace with a long slow 2.13 mile cool down walk.
Light core and leg work - DONE!
Water - 4 liters DONE!
Vitamins - DONE!

Super foods for today - Logging foods early today as I have a super HOT dinner date with DH today! I am making a buffalo Bolognese with pasta made from spelt, flax and other whole grains. For lunch I had salmon with an amazing quinoa salad I made with raw veggies....SO GOOD! I feel amazing eating this way! Just went shopping and bought a bunch of super cute summer shorts. Looking forward to showing them to my DH when he gets home! Maybe a fashion show before dinner......

1. Garden of Life Raw Meal, 1/2 serving
2. Garden of Life Perfect Food Raw powder, 1 serving
3. Blueberries
4. Broccoli
5. Wild Alaskan Salmon
6. Apple
7. Strawberries
8. Red bell pepper
9. Quinoa
10. Flaxseeds

Melting....

I woke up yesterday to do my mid July measurements and was SOOO pleased to see how much I am loosing! I started tracking my measurements the last few days of May. SInce then I have lost.....

Thigh - 1 inch
Arm - 1 inch
Calf - 1 inch
Natural waist - 3 inches
Lower belly - 6.5 inches!!!!!!

My hips are stubborn and do not want to go down but I am so happy with everything else. I am not measuring chest for obvious reasons as I am still breastfeeding. Now my mission is to get my thighs down even more this month! Maybe with all the squats and walking I can! Right now my thighs are measuring at 20 inches and I really want to be in the 19 range again as I was before I was pregnant.

Day 8 : Family Fit Challenge

What a hard week this has been. I am still fighting off this nasty bug. It has affected all of us. My husband is not feeling well and little Michaela is having congestion. I will be SO happy when we officially get back to our normal schedule. She has not been sleeping well as of late and so we are all pretty tired. I still think the end is near and soon we will be back out on the roads for our morning walks.

In the mean time I have been eating extremely well and doing what I can to stay on track with our challenge this month. My 3 new Cathe dvds came in yesterday and I am anxious to get back to working out SOON!

Day 8 results...
Water - over 1 gallon DONE!
Vitamins - DONE!
Super foods for today...
1. Flaxseeds
2. Kiwi
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Shiitake mushrooms
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Garden of life Perfect Food Raw, 1 serving
8. Spinach
9. Organic Turkey breast
10. Apple
11. Garden of life Raw Meal, 1 serving

3 Great new finds...

The first two are from Garden of Life. I have always loved this company more specifically their Raw Vitamin code B-12 complex. Now they have a complete meal replacement full of raw super foods and protein from grains and seeds. This works well for me as somedays I do not have time for a long lunch and I can just make this fast while I get ready to nurse Michaela. They also have a Raw super foods powder mix called Perfect Food Raw that I use with other protein powders or in juice.

Now the third I just found is evil in the best possible way! It is an almond chocolate spread similar to Nutella but with almonds and evaporated cane juice instead of sugar. This is a treat for sure! SUPER yummy on Ezekiel bread!

Try them out!

Day 4, 5 and 6 : Family Fit Challenge!!

July totals so far....
1. Run/Walk - 4.07 miles
2. Crunches - 550 reps
3. Pushups - 80 reps
4. Squats - 600 reps

Day 4 results:
My Super foods were...
1. Flaxseeds
2. Wild Sockeye Salmon
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Steal cut oats
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Walnuts
8. Raw Meal by Garden of Life, 1 serving
9. Tomatoes
10. Black tea
11. Organic Turkey breast
12. Ezekiel bread
13. Apple

Day 5 results :
128 oz water - DONE!
Vitamins - DONE!
My Super foods were...
1. Flaxseeds
2. Brown Rice
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Steal cut oats
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Walnuts
8. Tumeric
9. Tomatoes
10. Spinach
11. Organic Turkey breast
12. Ezekiel bread
13. Apple

Day 6 results:
Morning and afternoon walk - DONE!
Water - DONE!
Vitamins - DONE!
ST - DONE!
My Super foods were...
1. Mango
2. Spinach
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Ezekiel granola
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Sprouts
8. Raw Meal by Garden of Life, 1 serving
9. Tomatoes
10. Black tea
11. Organic Turkey breast
12. Ezekiel bread
13. Pumpkin seeds and soy nuts
14. Raspberries

Yummy oatmeal...

A great and delicious way to get in 8 super foods as you start your day! Steal cut oats with fresh blueberries, strawberries, ground flaxseeds, omega enriched cranberries, apple, walnuts and Bob's Red Mill high fiber cereal added in. The Bob's cereal consist of oats, wheat bran, flaxseed meal, oat bran and wheat germ. Just add 1 tsp of this mix to your steel cut oats along with 1 tsp of ground flaxseeds. YUMMY!!

Day 3: Family FIt Challenge

Here are the results of my challenge for Day 3. I will probably be able to start getting back to my longer ST and cardio workouts by Monday or Tuesday. For now I am doing much better but still a bit sick.

Water intake - 128 oz - DONE!
Take all vitamins and supplements along with Garden of Life Raw Perfect Food Powder - 1 serving, DONE!
Crunches - 200 reps - DONE!
Pushups Military - 20 reps - DONE!
Squats - 200 reps - DONE!
My Super foods for today - Aim for at least 10 servings each day.
1. Spinach
2. Lentils
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Oatmeal
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Tumeric
8. Lindt 90% Dark Chocolate....yes that is a super food believe it or not!
9. Greek Yogurt
10. Black tea
11. Honey
12. Ezekiel bread
13. Olive Oil

Day 1 and 2 : Family Fit Challenge!!

Yesterday was the first day of our July Family Challenge ( see previous blog for the details of our July challenge). I am starting off this month still sick so I am going to have to play catchup next week. So for today all I can do is pushups, crunches and squats and I will be sure to get in my 10 super foods for the day.

Someone wrote me and wanted to know what my Mom was doing for the challenge as they are almost the same age. So here is the details of her workouts for the challenge....

1. Light ST 3 time a week -
Crunches - 50 reps
Planks - 10 reps to failure
Bicep curls with squat - 2 sets of 20 reps
Shoulder press with squat - 2 sets of 20 reps
Dips - 3 sets to failure
Pushups on knees - 10 reps
Supermans - 3 sets to failure

2. Walking/Running - 60 mins of running with short walking intervals 6 days a week. She runs for about 45 mins and walks for 15 mins.

The rest of my Mom's challenge is the same as everyone in the family. My grandmother is excited about the challenge and is now joining in as well. She is 83!! She is the one who was featured a couple of years ago in the Dallas morning news for doing our family marathon relay at the White Rock Marathon. She continues to be an inspiration to us all....she is at the gym right now working out! Amazing!!

Here are the results of my challenge for Day 1 :

Water intake - 128 oz - 64 oz so far but planning on 1.5 gallons as I am sick and I need more
Take vitamins and supplements
Crunches - 150 reps
Pushups Military - 20 reps
Squats - 200
My Super foods for today - 10 servings each day. One serving is a fist full or 1 cup....
1. Oatbran
2. Flaxseeds
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Spinach
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Apple
8. Carrots
9. Almonds
10. Black tea

Results of Day 2 : Still sick but doing the best I can to stay on track with my challenge! Here are the results.....

Water intake - 128 oz - DONE!
Take vitamins and supplements - DONE!
Crunches - 100 reps - DONE!
Pushups Military - 20 reps - DONE!
My Super foods for today - 10 servings each day. One serving is a fist full or 1 cup....
1. Oatbran
2. Flaxseeds
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Steel cut oats
6. Red Bell pepper
7. Apple
8. Carrots
9. Ezekiel bread
10. Black tea

July Family Challenge!!

Here are my results from June....

Miles - 60.42
Pushups - 398
Squats - 1,430
Crunches - 1,000

My husband and I along with my parents are starting a challenge for the month of July. It is similar to my other challenges I set each month but this time we will focus on nutrition. So for this month it is NOT about calories but rather eating whole foods, and those that can increase our immune system and contain high amounts of anti-oxidants. Each family member will have a slightly different challenge to meet their needs but we all will be following a variation of the same goals.

And so my challenge is as follows....

1. Fitness - Walk/Run 20 miles per week

2. Strength Training - 3 times a week for at least 30 mins. Aim to do Cathe Drill Max, Muscle Max and segments of P90x.

3. Water intake - consume at least 128 oz of water per day.

4. Take vitamins and supplements every day

5. Aim to loose a total of 3 inches. Focusing on hips and thighs.

6. Crunches/Core Work with and without medicine ball - 2,000 reps for the month.

7. Military Pushups - 300 reps for the month. Variations allowed : Dive bombers, T plank to push up, close grip, diamond and wide fly but all MUST BE standard military. I can not count incline or otherwise.

8. Squats - 2,000 reps for the month. MUST BE full squat either plyo or otherwise.

9. The foods - Daily goals are to consume at least 10 super foods each day.

Here are the super foods list from the site Super Foods RX site.

Apples
Avocado
Beans
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cinnamon
Dark Chocolate
Dried SuperFruits
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic
Honey
Kiwi
Low Fat Yogurt
Oats
Onions
Oranges
Pomegranates
Pumpkin
Soy
Spinach
Tea
Tomatoes
Turkey
Walnuts
Wild Salmon

Here is another list of foods drom DoctorOz.com

Vegetables & Fruits
leafy greens
brussels sprouts
tomatoes
beets
carrots
sweet potatoes
squash
broccoli
onions, leeks, shallots
mushrooms
lentils
peppers: bell, jalapeno
spinach
oranges
grapefruit
lemon
lime
apples
berries - blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
apricots
pomegranates
mango

Whole Grains
whole grains (bread, pasta, tortillas)
oats
flaxseed
quinoa

Proteins
salmon
mackerel
tilapia
tuna
soy products (tofu, beans, milk)

Spices & Herbs
turmeric
ginger
cinnamon
rosemary
curry
chive
garlic
basil

Nuts/seeds/oils
pecans
walnuts
almonds
hazelnuts
flaxseed/flaxseed oil
olive oil
canola oil

Desserts/sweeteners
dark chocolate

Beverages
green tea
ginger tea

10. Dinning out - DO NOT go out to eat during the week and limit dinning to two meals on the weekends and always split dishes.

So these are our 10 goals for the month!! I am excited about doing this with my family!

Sunday Run/Walk....

Gotta make this blog fast but I had an amazing run/walk today. My knee is doing better. I think all the walking has helped a great deal.

Today my Mom was pushing Kayla in the BOB and my husband was walking with her so I had the chance to get to run and walk on my own. I had to take walking breaks every few minutes but I still managed to pull a decent time despite all the walking. I look forward to when I can run a full 3 miles again but for now the walking intervals will have to do.

Todays results -
3 mile run/walk - 35:25 mins, 11:49 mm avg pace
Splits -
Mile 1, 12:47
Mile 2, 11:42
Mile 3, 10:59
Avg HR - 162, Max 186

June Results so far....
Miles - 56.80
Pushups - 358
Squats - 1,260
Crunches - 1,000

Fantastic walk this morning!!!

After yesterdays 5 mile walk I was bound and determined to get in another great walk this morning. As we started out the heat and humidity was already getting to me but I pressed on. My goal was to do 3 miles as I did not know how long Michaela could last outside as it varies from day to day. I started off strong and progressively started walking faster and faster. It felt great. After mile one I had a good feeling this was going to be my fastest walk ever pushing the stroller.

As I turned the corner on one of the trails I started really walking fast, at that moment a girl passed me and I tell you she looked like Paula Radcliffe! LOL! She was running fast and it was my mission to catch her, but how, I was only walking. So I started walking faster and faster but I could not even come close to keeping up with her. She turned a corner on the trails and I lost her. That was ok though, it motivated me to keep walking as fast as I could. I soon turned the corner and there she was WALKING! WHAT?? Paula was walking? What is this? I now thought this was the perfect opportunity to pass her and so I began the walk of my life! I was nearly tripping over myself I was walking so fast. Right as I was just starting to get close to catching up with her, she started running again. I started to laugh and knew there was no way I would beat her this morning by just walking. Maybe someday, right? Don't you just love when you get people in front of you running to motivate you? I love it! I was happy as she provided the best motivation for me this morning!! I kept going as fast as I could.

As I was nearing 3 miles I was walking uphill going faster and faster and then I did it, I hit 3 miles in just over 40 mins...40:06 to be exact an avg of 13:23 mm. For me, this was my fastest walk EVER with my stroller. My precious Michaela was awake the whole time soaking in all the trees and surroundings. After I finished my walk she fell asleep in the stroller so I decided to keep walking but at a slower pace. I ended up doing another 2.61 miles with an avg of just over a 15 mm which is not bad considering this was after my earlier run.

I am SUPER excited to see how well I am doing. I have a long way to go from where I am now to where I want to be but todays walk did a lot for me. It made me feel as if I am taking a step in the right direction! I miss running but for now, walking seems to be working for me. My knee is feeling better and I am loosing inches so how can I complain!

So my miles for June are now 40.71.

Here are my splits from this morning. I never knew I could walk so fast with my stroller! I am SO happy and proud that I pushed myself!!


First walk this morning 3 miles -
Mile 1 : 14:18
Mile 2 : 13:07
Mile 3 : 12:45...yea!

Second walk 2.61 miles -
Mile 1 : 16:08
Mile 2 : 15:26
.61 : 14:57

Update on June goals...

Here are my results so far for the month of June.....
Miles - 35.10
Pushups - 308
Squats - 1,020
Crunches - 900

Goals this week -
1. Get in 15 miles
2. Aim for 60 mins of cardio every day
3. ST 3 times this week


Need to finish my shake and steel cut oats! I am SOOO hungry after our 5 mile walk we had this morning. Have a great week everyone!

Workout results so far this week...

I am trying. I am trying. I am trying with all I have to do the BEST I can!

New totals for June....
Miles - 27.10
Pushups - 265
Squats - 895
Crunches - 760

Workout results 6/15 -
Time - 132 mins
Calories burned - 744
4.68 miles with 30 mins of dance as cardio (Kayla loved it!)
Morning walk with stroller - 3.68 miles, 15:42 mm avg pace along with 30 min walk at mall with stroller.

Workout results -
Time - 154
Calories burned - 949
4.46 miles along with Cathe Butts and Guts DVD with ST
Morning walk with stroller - 3 miles, 14:23 mm avg pace - 43:06 - fastest walk with stroller so far - NO running just walking - last mile 13:42
Walking at mall with Garmin - 45 mins
ST and cardio - 61 mins

Single arm DB raise overhead with squat - 40 reps with 5 lb DBs
Double arm DB raise overhead with squat - 20 reps with 5 lb DBs
Bulgarian split squat - 20 reps with 5 lb DBs
DB single leg Romanian deadlift- 20 reps with 5 lb DBs
Squat with DB curls to shoulder press to curl - 20 reps with 5 lb DBs
Squat with DB full moons - 15 reps with 5 lb DBs
DB boxing with squat - 100 reps with 5 lb DB
Combo curl and swimmers with DB and squats - 100 reps with 5 lb DBs
Runner curls - 200 reps with 5lb DBs
Hammer punch - 40 reps
Functional rotations with DB - 25 reps with 5 lb DBs
Leaning tower on balance ball with DB - 40 reps with 5 lb DBs
Inchworm to pushup - 5 reps
Pushups - both incline and standard - 60 reps
Laying tricep extensions with Db's - 40 reps with 17 lb DBs
Alternating DB curls - weigh is for each DB - 60 reps with 17 lb DBs
Rise and shines with squat - 40 reps
Standing side oblique crunch with leg raise - 100 reps
Crunches - 75 reps
Squats - 50 reps

Workout results 6/7 and 6/8 -

Doing well, just have to keep going STRONG!!!

New totals for the month of June.....
Miles - 16.19
Pushups - 120
Squats - 480
Crunches - 485

Workout 6/7 -
Time - 57 mins
Calories burned - 581

1 mile walk plus 40 mins of ST -
Green p90x bands - bicep curls - 3 sets of 10
Red P90X bands - Shoulder Press - 3 sets of 10
Red P90X bands - Standing flys - 3 sets of 20
Red P90X bands - Bicep curls - 3 sets of 20
Bicep curl holding 5 lb DB with squats - 2 sets of 100
Dive Bomber Pushups - 5 reps
Military Pushups - 20 reps
Squats - 40 reps
Bent over fly with DB's - 3 sets of 10 with 5 lb DBs
Kick punch with squat - 2 sets of 100
Firehydrants - 2 sets of 50
Standing side oblique crunch with leg raise - 2 sets of 50
Crunches - 200 reps
plank hold to failure - 5 reps
Laying tricep extensions with Db's - 75 reps with 5 lb DBs

Workout 6/8 -
Time - 61 mins
Calories burned - 428

3 mile walk/ run - 41:26 mins with 5 min cool down walk for .3 miles
Pilates - 15 mins
Crunches - 50 reps
Pushups - 3 sets of 10 reps

Workout results 6/3

Easy day for me. It was storming here today so I kept my workouts indoors. This morning I did mange to get outside with Michaela for a 1 mile walk before the rain hit. Today was all about core work and pilates. I also stretched a great deal and worked on my PT exercises for my knee and ITB.

Thank you guys for your support! I am determined to make June a success........GO JEN GO!!

Workout results 6/3 -
Pilates and 1 mile walk

June Challenge Totals for today -
Pushups - 15
Crunches - 90
Squats - 45

So far for the month of June...
1. Miles - 7.75
2. Pushups - 65
3. Crunches - 135
4. Squats - 240
5. Gallon of water each day - yes!
6. 4 servings of veggies - yes!
7. Log foods - yes!

May Challenge Results and June Goals....

I did well this past month but I need to be doing more. I did not reach my goal of 60 miles nor did I complete the amount of pushups that I wanted, though I came close with both my goals.

May Challenge results -
Run/Walk Miles - 51.89/60
Pushups 311/400

Michaela is doing very well. We are making great progress with her sleep patterns. She is learning how to fall asleep on her own and the past 2 nights she has been sleeping through the night with only one feeding in between. I just hope that it continues! She is laughing more now, which just breaks our hearts, it is so precious!

I wanted to thank all of you for your super sweet birthday messages!!! I am running behind on answering emails and comments. Please forgive me, but my days are pretty busy as of late. Just know that I read them all and it made my day so very special.

Hope everyone has a fantastic month!! REACH HIGH!!!

I need to really try and work harder for the month of June. I have found areas where I am doing well and others that I cam improve on....

What I am doing right....
1. Taking advantage of the time in the morning to walk with Michaela instead of going back to sleep while she naps.
2. Drinking my gallon of water most days
3. Consistent with pushups and ST on weight training days
4. Fruit and Fiber intake

Where I can improve this month....
1. Try and improve my run times
2. Try and get in more veggies and protein
3. Stretch! Make sure I am doing my exercises for my knee and ITB issues
4. Make sure I am logging more. Take the time to enter foods in before the end of the day.

Now that I can see the areas that I need to work on, here are my goals for this month.....

1. Walk/Run 60 miles
2. Complete 500 pushups
3. Loose 3 inches overall
4. Complete 2,000 crunches
5. Complete 2,000 squats
6. Eat 4 fist size servings of veggies a day
7. Log foods and daily results for accountability!!!

Off to work on becoming the very best I can be!

Miles/Pushups update.....

Just a quick update on my miles and pushups for the month of May....

Miles - 41.08
Pushups - 261

Not has high as I wanted but I am SO proud of myself for getting out there and doing my best!!

Goals for the week...

Looking forward to a new week!!!! My 33rd birthday is on Thursday and I plan on making it a great one with my baby girl and sweet husband. Very low key, hanging around the house together which right now sounds perfect! My husband is still overseas and I miss him SO much! It is hard without him here, more so than ever. I cannot wait until Tuesday afternoon when I see him walking through our door and into my arms.

My parents came this weekend to help out and it was a dream! They watched Michaela while I worked out, had my hair highlighted and even when I was taking a morning nap. They also did laundry and even planted more flowers for us out in the front. I cannot thank them enough! We took a TON of photos so I will be posting them soon.

I am far from reaching my miles for the month of May. I have only ran/walked 34.64 miles so far this month. I am hoping to do another 15 miles this week hopefully if my sweet baby girl will let me! :)

My goals for this week are follows....

1. Walk 15 miles this week - 5.36 miles so far!!
2. 100 military pushups
3. ST 3 times
4. Cathe DVD 3 times
5. Stay on track with calories and log foods
6. Drink one gallon of water each day
7. Stretch and do my PT exercises for my knee each day

Workout results 5/19

Daily Totals -
Cathe Cardio Fusion DVD with added ST - 30 mins
Walk - 4.25 miles - 84 mins

Total time - 114 mins
Calories burned - 703
AHR -118 MHR - 170
Calories consumed - 1,914

ST band work using Maroon P90X bands
Bicep curls - 3 sets of 30 reps
Tricep extensions - 3 sets of 20 reps
Upright rows - 3 sets of 10 reps
Pushups - 30 reps
Squats - 75 reps

Michaela is now 6 weeks old!!

I know it has been awhile since I have updated everyone on Michaela. This are going VERY well. She is now 6 weeks old and we are having so much fun together. She is sleeping like a dream! We feel blessed that she is doing so well and are hoping it will continue!

Here are some recent pictures of my girl!!!

Workout results 5/18

Daily Totals -
3.60 miles run/walk and 50 squats

Total time - 58 mins
Calories burned - 355
AHR -110 MHR - 156
Calories consumed - 1,809
Water - 96 oz

Workout results 5/17

Daily Totals -
Cathe Cardio Fusion DVD with added ST - 36 mins
Run/walk on treadmill - 25 mins/ 2 miles

Pushups - 25 reps
Squats - 50 reps
Green P90X band bicep curls - 3 sets of 10 reps
Green P90X band reverse flys - 3 sets of 10 reps
Maroon P90X band bicep curls - 3 sets of 20 reps
Maroon P90X band tricep extensions - 3 sets of 20 reps

Total time - 61 mins
Calories burned - 564
AHR -136 MHR - 183
Calories consumed - 1,905
Water - 160 oz

Goals for the week...

Here's to a new week of reaching my goals! The gym is set up and I am ready to do my best!

My goals for this week are follows....

1. Walk 15 miles this week
2. 100 military pushups
3. ST 3 times
4. Cathe DVD 3 times
5. Stay on track with calories and log foods
6. Drink one gallon of water each day
7. Stretch and do my PT exercises for my knee each day

Workout results so far this week...

Not a good week for me in terms of reaching my miles. I need to get my treadmill ready to use in my house as the weather is getting warmer and it is hard for me to take Michaela out in the mornings really early.

Here are my stats for this week....

Miles - 4
Pusuhps - 72
Cardio DVD - 40 mins

Hoping next week to get back to walking my 3 miles a day on the treadmill. Only a couple of more weeks before I get to registar for my half marathon! I cannot wait!

Workout results 5/10

Getting back into the routine!! It is hard but I can do it!

Today's results -
40 mins of Cathe Drill Max DVD with ST using bands
32 military pushups
50 crunches and leg lifts

Totals now for May challenge -
Miles - 17.95/60
Pushups - 96/400

May Challenge

You guys should know me by now that I thrive on challenges. I posted my goals yesterday for this week but I want to reach just a bit more this month. My birthday is May 27th and I want to try and be in the best shape that I can by that time. Now, yes, 4 weeks ago I gave birth to my little girl so this birthday I will not be in the shape that I was last year or even the year before but I want to try to be the best that I can at this moment.

My challenge to myself is to walk a total of 60 miles for this month. It is not a hard challenge, it averages out to only 15 miles per week which is more than attainable. In addition I want to do a total of 400 military or "boy" pushups this month. The other day I did 5 incline military and 2 standard military and about died! LOL! Lets just say my arms are OUT OF SHAPE and it is time to take them back to where they once were.

So here are my stats so far this month for my challenge....

Miles - 13.95/60
Pushups - 62 / 400

I need to remember this....

"You will achieve your grand dream, a day at a time, so set goals for each day / not long and difficult projects, but chores that will take you, step by step, toward your rainbow. Write them down, if you must, but limit your list so that you won't have to drag today's undone matters into tomorrow. Remember that you cannot build your pyramid in twenty-four hours. Be patient. Never allow your day to become so cluttered that you neglect your most important goal / to do the best you can, enjoy this day, and rest satisfied with what you have accomplished." - Og Mandino

My precious Michaela Madison!!

I have been so busy LOVING being a Mom that i have found it hard to find the time to post a blog lately but I just had to share with you a few photos of my little angel.

These were taken at the hospital the day after she was born. We have now over 300 photos of her so I am sure once I have a moment I will post more photos than you could imagine but for now here is my beautiful princess!





I will try and post my birth story and photos this weekend if I can. What an amazing week this has been! I am truly in awe and so thankful my little girl is here safe and healthy and I LOVE being a Mom in every way, far more than I could have imagined!!!!

Michaela Madison, 3 days old....

The birth story of our daughter, Michaela Madison along with photos of our sweet baby girl.

Michaela Madison
Born April 4th
8 lbs 3 oz
19 1/2 inches

Our lives have changed in so many ways over the past several days I feel as if I am truly a different person. I guess in fact I am, I am now a Mom. This experience has been far more rewarding than we could have ever expected. Really, it has been like a dream. We are so in love I do not really know how to put into words what it feels like to fall in love this way. From the second we looked at her sweet face we were never the same.

It all started Good Friday. I was showing signs that labor around 7:20 pm. My husband had taken the day off to spend it with me and we went around town running those last little errands and having some fun making some memories together. Friday night I started to feel a bit sick and around 1 am I began throwing up. It continued for hours and we were concerned about dehydration. We decided to go to the hospital as it was getting worse and I was feeling so weak. We checked into labor and delivery Saturday morning around 8 and I was treated with an IV and meds to stop the vomiting. The meds did not work and I continued to have problems and I was not able to keep anything down so they tried some other meds and finally I was able to take down some ice chips and I started feeling better. They wanted to keep us overnight to make sure I was ok but my 4 pm on Saturday I was getting restless and I wanted to go home. I was so weak and I wanted to just sleep in my own bed so I talked with the doctor and they said it as ok. We arrived home and I went straight to bed and feel asleep for just a bit then I started having deep menstrual pains. At frist I thought it was the same pregnancy menstrual pains I had been having for weeks and so we thought nothing of it. The pains continued to get stronger and stronger as the night progressed and finally around 2 am Sunday morning I knew something was not right.

We started timing the pains and they were getting regular and very close together. We we did not know was that I was in labor this whole time! I was under the impression that I would be feeling something different. We called the hospital and even the nurse there said to look for tightening in my abdomen when I was contracting. I was not feeling anything near what she was describing. It was the deepest and yet sharpest pains in my lower abdomen I have ever felt, NOT hardening or the other descriptions I had read about labor pains.

Finally after soaking in the tub at home, rolling on the birthing ball and so on we called the hospital once again and the on call doctor was paged. We were happy to see that the doctor on call in labor and delivery just happened to be the doctor who cared for me the day before when I was admitted to the hospital. He called me back and he said it sounded like I was in labor and to come in and so we did. We arrived at the hospital around 8:30 am Sunday morning and we were shocked to learn that I was already 7 cm dilated! I did it! I labored at home, just as I wanted to. We were so excited, our little girl was about to be born on Easter Sunday. This was the moment we had waited for.

The doctor came back in to check me around 9:30 am and I had progressed to 8 cm. Everything was going really well though the pain was so intense but it was ok, I had prepared for this and I was honestly enjoying the moment. I was in labor with my girl and so far it was going just has I wanted. I was doing well with my breathing and I was changing positions to the rocking chairs and the birthing ball. He decided to break my water as I had progressed so far and it was still in tact. When they broke my water it was not clear but rather green. This was not good, and we were now concerned about the duration of exposure to the meconium in the amniotic fluid. I had requested a natural birth so the doctor knew I did not want to rush into any decision to have a medication-assisted birth, and so he gave me more time to progress further in the hopes that it would not be too long before I was at 10 cm.

Time passed and it was now about 12:30 or so and I was STILL at 8 cm. I was trying everything I could to make each contraction count and allow her to drop and for me to dilate but nothing was happening. The doctor started to worry about a possible obstruction. I was told I would only have another hour to see if I could progress then a decision needed to be made as time was of great importance. I was told at this time my chance of having a c-section was around 70%. I wanted a vaginal delivery more than anything and so I continued to try to get her to descend and to dilate further for whatever reason it just was not happening. He gave me the choice of trying an epidural and pitocin before heading for a c-section so obviously, I chose the epidural. They wanted to see if the pitocin along my contractions would be even stronger and possibly speed up my labor and the epidural would relax my uterus allowing it to dilate to 10 cm. If it did not work then the only option was for me to have a c-section.

This was not the labor plan I had in mind, it was hard for me as I had made it to 8 cm non-medicated, on my own and now I was going to be given an epidural which is something I strongly wanted to avoid. I knew though that I needed to do whatever was necessary to get her out fast and safe. All I wanted was my little girl to be ok and I had to set aside all my desires and do this for her, and so we did and fortunately it worked. I dilated very quickly to 10 cm and were ready to go. The last hurdle was getting her to drop. She was now stuck and did not want to go past my pubic bone. This took the longest time. I pushed and pushed but she would retract back. Finally after a lot of hard work and prayers, she managed to get down far enough but she was still stuck. After trying for so long to get her to come out the doctor had to use forceps. Something we all wanted to avoid but we needed to do what was best. Shortly there after we experienced what was the single best moment of our life.

I remember so vividly the moment she was placed on my chest for the first time. She was crying so hard, it was the best sound I have ever heard! We were crying and so overwhelmed with emotion in this perfect moment. I really do not know how to describe what it felt like just knowing we brought a new life into this world. She was a beautiful reflection of the love my husband and I have for one another and in that moment I can honestly say we were in heaven. It may not have been the labor story I had dreamed of but the end result was far more than we could have prayed for. We had been blessed with a healthy, beautiful girl and it was the perfect moment I had always dreamed it would be.

Our little angel is just so precious and the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. She has a full head of hair and looks so much like her Daddy! She has my nose and his beautiful eyes. She has the sweetest personality already but when she is hungry, watch out! She has a set of lungs on her!! I will be blogging more in the next few days if I can regarding the frist night home and several wonderful memories that have taken place. I have not been online much these days of obvious reasons.

After she was born she was diagnosed with a mild case of jaundice and so we had to spend another night at the hospital for her to be under the lights. They also were having me supplement formula with breastfeeding to help the jaundice go away faster but this only lastest 48 hours and now we are back to just breast milk which she loves. It is going very well, far better than I thought it would. It is a precious moment that we share together and I am so thankful everything has gone so well. As far as my recovery I am doing good. I have been up and about and walking, climbing stairs and everything better than I thought I would so soon after delivery. I tore while in labor and in addition to that they did an episiotomy so I am quite sore but doing better each day.

I just wanted to end with telling you all how much your excitement and support in my pregnancy has meant to me. When I first found out I was pregnant my initial reaction was to set up a private blog for the family where I would post details of my pregnancy, photos and so on. I was hesitant to share my heart in blogs regarding such an intimate side of my life. I was scared because what if my expectations of a perfect pregnancy and delivery would not be met. How would people feel about me if I really shared what was on my heart and mind? Many emotions ran through me but in the end I decided to blog every doctors visit and each stage of this new journey I was on. I now see that this was the best decision I could have made. Not only did sharing my blogs give me a way to record so many precious memories but I have received so much support and encouragement from all of you which has blessed me in so many ways. I just want to thank all of you SO MUCH for taking the time to write me with encouraging words regarding my baby and my pregnancy and for being apart of this special time in our lives.

Michaela is here!!!

Hello everyone!! I am writing to give you guys a quick update! Our precious daughter was born yesterday, Easter Sunday at 4:45pm. She is so healthy and we could not be more thankful. Our little angel is simply beautiful and we are so in love.

She weighed 8 lbs 3oz and is 19 1/2 inches long and she is strong!! Feeling so blessed right now to have our precious miracle here with us.

I will blog my birth story soon and of course there will be a TON of photos, but for now please know that Mommy, Daddy and baby Michaela are all doing very well.

I cannot thank you enough for the support and encouragement all of you have given me throughout my pregnancy. I am so happy to have been able to share this amazing journey with you all.

39 week appointment update....

39 weeks pregnant with our angel Michaela Madison!

What a fantastic appointment this was! Everything was right on track and I am progressing really well. I am now 2-3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. He was able to really feel her head big time this visit and it looks like my body is definitely getting ready for something to happen. He is estimating again that she is around 7.5 - 8 lbs. Which i am very happy with. My BP was wonderful at 116/70 and my weight gain is now at 24 pounds total. I am SOOOO happy with this as it is probably my last weigh in. I needed to stay within 25 -35 pounds and so I am super proud of how well I have done.

After my visit I had some strong contractions in Target, 2 of them, 5 mins apart. So maybe that is a good sign! We may just have a little Easter baby after all. We are soaking in these last few moments together and tonight will be taking some more pregnancy photos, trying to get those last few memories in! I took some photos today from the doctors office that I will post later on along with the ones from tonight. We have a STRONG feeling that this weekend she will be making her BIG debut! We will see!

39 week photos

Here are a couple of photos we took yesterday on my afternoon walk! I managed to get in a good 4.77 miles and it felt great. I did have several STRONG contractions but I pressed through and walked as I was having them, even uphill!!





Here is another photo from our breastfeeding class we took that the hospital....

Mommy to be update...STILL waiting!

Well as much as I would LOVE for this to be a blog regarding my birth story, my sweet little Michaela apparently does not want to come and see us just yet. She is holding out on us and being stubborn like her Momma!

Everything is going well, I feel good, tired at times but nothing major. The hardest part now is waiting. When you have been told that you are not going to make your due date and then nothing happens it can be hard. We were looking forward to having her last week and then nothing, maybe over the weekend, but nothing and now we are 9 days away from my due date and I am just about to go crazy! I want to hold my little angel so bad! She is pressing out of me so hard especially with her little feet, so cute! We managed to get some on video too! What a memory that will be.

Last night we had our breast feeding class which was rescheduled from the 10th of March. At least we were able to make this prior to her birth because it was SO helpful. The instructor was amazing and we learned so much. I am hoping for a good BFing experience but it is good to know all the things that can happen so we can be prepared.

Today my mission is to WALK like crazy, eat spicy food, and hope that the old wives tale of babies being born on the night of a full moon comes true! If not, well then I will just get to enjoy her little feet pressing out of me one more day! It is such a miracle to see!

I am so happy. Impatient, yes, but so happy to be going through this. I will miss each and every moment of this. I am going to write a final thoughts on pregnancy blog later today after my walks because I want to sit down and replay all the precious moments in my mind and look back on what was by far the most amazing journey of my life! But for now, I am off to walk and hopefully get in for another prenatal massage! Gotta love those!

The funny thing about all of this is I know that God has his hands on Michaela's life and she will be born in HIS timing, when it is right. I have peace knowing this but God also made me to be an impatient one! LOL! We are just so excited to welcome our little miracle into the world.

This morning I walked a good 2 miles and after lunch will be heading out for another 2 miles, more if I can. SO excited!!

38 week appointment....

Well I am pleased to say that we had another fantastic appointment! My doctor is going out of town this weekend and so I am going to be one lazy lady while we he gone in hopes that nothing happens! We are in a waiting mode as of now. She could come today or it could still be another week away, only God knows. It can be hard emotionally as we think somedays, is this really happening? And then nothing happens but one thing is for sure, my body is progressing and doing what it is supposed to be doing.

Today we were a bit disappointed as my husband and I were sure there was going to be more dilation and effacement only to find out that the numbers from last week where not what we thought. Miscommunication on our part I guess as in my chart it was showing something totally different than what we thought we were told. I guess my husband and I heard things wrong, you see that is what happens when you are in a daze in the doctors office as you are so excited about what is happening! Regardless of the misunderstanding, this week I am 2 cm and 60% effaced, which we confirmed with the doctor as he was checking it in my chart while we were there so that there was no misunderstanding! He was very pleased with my progression and while he thinks and hopes that I will not go into labor this weekend, we all agreed it is just a guessing game from now on!

As far as my other numbers, all were on track! My BP was fantastic 114 /78 and my weight gain so far is now at 23 lbs, YEA!!!! I was only up .4 lbs from last week so it seems to be slowing down, which is a good thing!! Michaela's HR was fantastic and strong reading 138 bpm. She is head down and wrapped around my left side. So cute! The best news of the day was that she is doing well. I was concerned as her movements have not been as much as before but last night she was pressing out of me quite a bit. My doctor told us that her movements should be slowing down and it is normal. She is LOW I can tell you that for sure! While checking me the doctor felt her head which I think is just amazing! She is getting into position to see us!

Over all this was a great appointment. We made it to 38 weeks with a healthy baby girl and a healthy Momma to be, what more could we ask for!

Pregnancy Update...

16 days until my due date, and ??? days until I deliver! Who knows! If I am going off of my doctors guess, we could have 1 day or we could have 6 or 7 days. Michaela could choose to be stubborn (like her Momma) and stay in there until Easter. I have been showing signs that make me think something will happen soon but I have learned that you really never know.

The other night was hard. I was in so much pain. My husband bless his heart managed to make me laugh and smile through it all but it was a very difficult night. I started having pressure really low, and when I say pressure, I seriously cannot describe how bad it was. Then the pain moved and was in my back along with my lower abdomen. These were NOT contractions but rather a deep, deep, intense pressure that would not go away. I soaked in a warm bath which helped my back and squatted and leaned on the bed which seemed to help as well but it was not a fun night. All of this happened at 4 am, I was totally asleep and it woke me up. The same thing happend the night before with a BIG contractions waking me up.

Fast forward to Sunday. I was having more contractions which were strong and frequent but not regular. The closest was 11 mins apart and 2 that were about 21 mins apart and the rest were all over the place. So I guess my body was getting ready but still not the real thing. This is hard for me as I always tend to get my hopes up. I told my parents and husband the other day I feel like my uterus is crying wolf! Teasing me into thinking this is it and then nothing! It can be hard emotionally. My mother did not have any contractions prior to me being born. She was out working in the garden and BAM, her water broke and then the pain started. I guess my body is different and likes to practice more for the real thing I guess.

I am doing well though, breathing and relaxing through each contraction which has helped. I find a focal point, breath and relax my face and it seems to be helping. Now if I can only remember to do this when the real thing happens! LOL!

All in all I am doing well. Yesterday I was out shopping for most of the day and got to much done then I came home and crashed! By 9 pm my husband was putting me to bed and I slept all way way until almost 9 this morning! WOW! I did have to get up several times in the night as I was restless for some reason. So was my husband. Guess it is more of the baby bootcamp getting us ready for the big day. I was just so tired last night and felt truly terrible but somehow have managed to keep a smile and be grateful for each phase of this amazing journey as hard as the days can be.

I am resting today then this afternoon I have another prenatal massage! I just love getting those and who knows, it maybe my last one before I give birth!! Our 38 weeks appointment is on Thursday and I am so curious to see how I am progressing!

I am off to enjoy a very lazy pregnant lady day!

37 weeks is here! I made it full term...time to celebrate!

Well another amazing appointment to report! Everything is going well and my doctor was super excited to see how fast I was progressing. He really feels as if I only have about 10 -12 days or so left. Again, he said it is just a guess and in his words my body is on auto pilot and I will go into labor when I am supposed to, however based on my exam today as compared to where I was last week, he is thinking around March 28th - 30th I will have Michaela. He said I have dropped, BIG TIME which I already was thinking as I am feeling so heavy and so much pressure down there. That is a good thing though, she is getting into position for her big day!

However, he also said I could go sooner, so it is anyones guess now as to when it will happen! I am currently 2 cm dilated and already 70% effaced! So one thing is for sure, he said I will NOT be making it to my due date. For whatever reason my body is getting ready for the big day and she is almost ready to come and see us! Her HR was strong and wonderful at 145.

We discussed the deep menstrual type cramping I have been having along with my back pain. The doctor had a big smile on his face and said that it was wonderful news as that is supposed to happen and it means my body is getting ready. I just need to hang in here. Some of them have been VERY strong, as in knocking me to my knees and others are mild and more of a deep discomfort. I am just trying to keep a smile and through each contraction or deep pain know that it is a blessing to have having these as it means all is well and my body is doing what it is supposed to.

All my numbers came back well this week which is always wonderful to hear. My BP was a tad higher than normal reading 120/68 but that is a wonderful BP so that is fine. My weight gain this pregnancy is now at 22.6 lbs which I am thrilled with. I feel so happy that I stayed well under my range. My next appointment is a week from today, if I make it that long! LOL! So this week will be an exciting one!

My dear husband and I are looking forward to a nice dinner tonight to celebrate making it to 37 weeks! We are both kind of in shock right now, as my husband would say, he is in a daze. It is hitting us so hard that is this really happening and SOON! When we were at the hospital we were signing papers for the delivery and I had to sign a form for Michaela and next to the signature it said, relationship to patient. As she is the patient, I put down for the first time, the words, Mother. I began to cry in the office as my husband was there with me. It was an emotional time for both of us and so real. I am about to be a Mother. What a HUGE responsibility and blessing it is. I feel so blessed right now and I am trying my hardest to soak in each and every moment before this journey ends and another beautiful one begins.

Daily results 3/14, 3/15 and 3/16

Catching up on my daily results blog! I am doing well and staying as active as I can! Today was wonderful. I had a fantastic massage and my energy levels are high! Hoping to get a lot done this week! Looking forward to Thursday when I am 37 weeks along or full term! Yea!

Results 3/14
Calories consumed - 1,601
Fiber - 39
Protein - 143
Water - 4 liters

Results 3/15
Calories consumed - 1,809
Fiber - 50
Protein - 90
Water - 3.2 Liters

Results 3/16
Calories consumed - 1,656
Fiber - 54
Protein - 89
Water - 3 Liters so far but hope to get in another liter before bed

Birthing class...

Last Saturday my husband and I attended our birthing class. We did not know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised and had a wonderful time.

We discussed all the details of labor and what to expect. We also watched a few videos as well. The instructor was the best. We took her child care class a few months ago and really enjoyed her style of teaching. She did not hold anything back. She was very frank as to how labor would be and what we could look forward to. We talked about complications that could arise, when to come to the hospital and when to stay at home and labor there. I learned so much and feel better about the process. They also gave us a wonderful book with tons of info in there. We have been reading it and every day feel more prepared.

Out of everyone there, I was the only one having a natural birth. That surprised me, for some reason I though there would be more. I guess I am the only crazy one! LOL! They told us that 9 out of 10 women that come to the hospital have epidurals and meds during birth. Now I have to make this VERY clear, to me there is nothing wrong with having one, but I want to do this naturally. I feel very strong about it. But that is me and does not mean that epidurals are the best way to go for other women. I understand that everyone's labor is different and you never can know what will happen. I have talked to my doctor and he feels strongly that I will have a good labor but we never know how it will be. If needed we discussed having one after 8 hours or so as to not put stress on the baby. BUT, my desire is to experience her birth naturally. I know it will be a pain beyond anything that my mind can comprehend but I feel that I am mentally prepared as best as I can be.

Anyways, during one of the videos we watched, they were teaching us breathing techniques and positions to help with contractions and pushing. My husband and I were the only ones who got on the floor and did all the exercises and practiced the breathing while everyone else watched us. The instructor told everyone they could try them out but I guess they were too embarrassed or thought they did not need to learn the techniques. I know for me, I wanted to practice each and every position as I am going to need to know what to do in order to ease the pain as best as I can. It was fun. My husband was wonderful. He was breathing with me and doing all the postions. There was a couple there who was having a c-section so I understand why they did not do the breathing etc... but for the rest of the people I do not know why they did not try them out, but everyone is different and that is ok.

We learned so much in the class and I have to say the best part was in the beginning of the class, my husband leaned over to me and said, " I am so happy to be here. I would not have missed this for the world!" That made my day! He was kissing my hand throughout the class, bringing me water... SO sweet! He is so precious and I love how he is embracing every second of this pregnancy.

Here are some photos of us at the hospital where we will be having Michaela -