Busy but doing well.

To say things are moving at a fast pace these days is a major understatement. This month is flying by but all is going very well. I am staying on track with my nutrition and what a tremendous difference it has made! I am still losing!! I just broke a big plateau I had going for awhile and it looks as if things are looking up while the scale is going down, down, down!! Praise God!

I have been getting some new running outfits for Norway and I am happy to say that size Small and Extra Small seems to be working for me! Hard to believe sometimes, but I like it!! Here is a new outfit I got the other day for my marathon training, I love my CWX tights, cannot run without them!

My new LuLuLemon Running jacket size 4...Happy Jen Here! 

The hard work is paying off!! Only a few more pounds to go and I want to drop another 4% in BF. Maybe more but for now that is my goal. Happy Days here! Staying on track while moving feels wonderful. Must stay strong and focused as the weeks pass. Rome is only a few months away and I want to be as lean and strong as possible when I get there! MUST work, work work. Keep lifting my weights and eating clean to make it happen - I can do this but only by the strength of God. 

Blessings! More updates soon to come........

We are moving to Norway!!!

"I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."  - Robert Frost

Once again we are setting off for another amazing adventure! In the next few weeks we will be preparing to move, sell our home, cars, etc.. It is a very busy time for us but we could not be more excited about this new opportunity!

I will be posting so many blogs over the next few weeks regarding the move, my training and the whole process. For those who do not know we lived in Russia for 3 years and we love the international life.  We hope to always remain on IM status for as long as we can and now it will be even richer as we will be sharing this experience with our baby girl.

We will most likely be living there for about 3 years, give or take. We are moving to Stavanger, Norway right off of the Norwegian Sea. There is a huge international community there and so I look forward to getting to meet so many of the other expats who live there.

Now you can see why I ordered all the Cathe DVD's I posted earlier this morning! They will be so helpful getting me through the cold, dark winters! Cathe was a blessing to be all 3 years we lived in Russia and now she will be coming to the rescue once again!

SO many amazing things to share with you! I cannot wait to start this new chapter in our life! We are truly thanking God for this tremendous blessing. Once again, His promises hold true and we feel so thankful for His guidance in our life.

We are of course sad to leave our family especially our parents as they will miss little Michaela like crazy! It will be far different than as it is now where they are only a 3 hour drive away.

But the good news is that we will be coming back to Texas every 8 weeks or so as my husband will still have major business to do here in the states. So we will get to see the family more often than other assignments, this is a huge blessing and the flight is not that long back to the US. The travel time could be worse......like Siberia :) Lived there, done that! LOL!

I am ready! Let a new adventure begin!!!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover" Mark Twain

Cathe to the rescue!! LOVE her new series!!!

I have been on another Cathe kick as of late. I am excited about her new low impact series as it will be a great alternative to my runs and rides on days I still need a push.

Here are the following DVD's I have just purchased and will be starting soon, the first two should be delivered today!! 

Aterburn!
Slide and Glide 

Cardio Super Sets

Turbo Barre
Athletic Training

Total body tri sets 

Determined to burn this fat OFF! Workout results for the weekend....

Killer workout weekend! I am sore but feel great.

On Saturday I did an 8 mile hill run that was set to be an LSD run but I kicked up the pace somewhat. I wish I would have gone a bit faster as my AP was 10:03 and that just bugs me to death. I want it in the 9's.....next time!! The hills were great and proved to be the perfect combination I needed to end a solid week.  Here were my splits......

8 mile hill run - AP 10:03
1:20.28 mins

M1 - 11:01
M2 -  10:49
M3 -  10:30
M4 -  9:36
M5 -  9:45
M6 - 9:58
M7 - 9:45
M8 - 9:00

Today I did another 5 mile run followed by ST......

5 mile run - AP 9:46
48:49 mins

M1 -  10:57
M2 -  10:05
M3 -  9:25
M4-  9:13
M5 - 9:07

After my run I started my ST and additional cardio. I did part of the Cathe HIIT DVD pyramid and 40/20 segments along with this I ran 1 mile of sprint intervals in between push ups and MB throw sets. The run plus the HIIT workout and then the ST was a killer combo.......will be doing this again SOON!

Short ST workout -

1 mile run of sprint intervals
Push ups - 100 reps
TRX tricep work and dip combo - 100 reps.......so hard I loved this!! NO stop between TRX and dips!
Medicine Ball throw downs with a 10 lb MB - 100 reps
Crunch and oblique work - 200 reps

Quick Drop Set Workout for Arms, Back and Shoulders.

What are drop sets? Here is an example........My Two arm bicep curls........Start with 20 lbs DB's in each hand and complete set then switch to 10 lb DB's in each hand - Start with your heavy weight then immediately go to the lighter weight and then back to heavy but dropping the reps by half, in the end you will have done 4 sets. DO NOT REST between the high and low - it is supposed to give you a burnout.........and it does!

Two arm bicep curls - 20 lb DB's / 10 lb DB's
Set 1 -12 reps with 20 lb DB's then drop to 10 lb DB's - 30 reps
Set 2 - 6 reps with 20 lb DBs then drop to 10 lb DB's -  15 reps

Bent over rows - One 30 lb DB/ One 20 lb DB
Set 1 - 10 reps with 30 lb DB then drop to 20 lb DB for  20 reps
Set 2 - 5 reps with 30 lb DB then drop to the 20 lb DB for 10 reps........repeat for each arm

DB Wood Chops - 20 lb DB/ 10 lb DB
Set 1 - 30 reps with 20 lb DB then drop to 10 lb DB for 50 reps
Set 2 - 15 reps with 20 lb DB  then drop to 10 lb DB for 25 reps

For those interested here is a link to the Cathe HIIT DVD I did today..........GREAT BURN!





My schedule for this next week is as follows.........

Monday - Rest day but still getting in a 3 walk
Tuesday - Strength Training, 3 mile walk
Wednesday - 6 mile morning run
Thursday - Strength Training, 3 mile walk
Friday -  Rest day
Saturday - 9 mile run and Strength Training
Sunday -  3 mile easy run

Tis the season for Pumpkin!

I have made several variations of this recipe but the one this morning was wonderful. It is so simple!

I used 2 egg whites, 2 tbsp of Bobs Red Mill High Fiber Mix, 1 tbsp of Hodgson Mill buckwheat pancake mix, about 3 tbsp of Coconut milk, 1 tbsp of Garden of Life protein powder, about 2 tsp of chia seeds, cinnamon and 2 tbsp of pumpkin.

Soooo good! Enjoy!




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November 11th, 2011 Workout Results - I truly REACHED!!

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick

What a brilliant day this was in every way. I wanted to honor our Veterans by working out with todays date in mind and have all of my numbers sink with 11/11/11. It turned out I was very motivated and so my overall totals are much higher! I kept thinking about a commercial I have seen for the Wounded Warriors Project. It brought tears to my eyes seeing the wounded vets, who so courageously fought for you and me. I just kept thinking I need to press hard, for them, and so I did.  So many lives have been lost fighting for this great nation of ours. I never want to take lightly the sacrifice made. I never want to forget the families of our soldiers and I never want to lose the respect, pride and reverence I have for my country and everything we stand for. Where ever I may travel, where ever I may live, this will always be my home. And so to those who keep us safe, to those who keep us free.....we honor you, we remember you, and we are praying for you. Thank you for your service.

Today I did a combination of riding on the Lemond, walking, ST and Cardio intervals using Cathe Circuit Blast DVD.  In addition to this I did pilates on the TRX ( great gravy this was hard). For my ST I did 11 different ST and core segments each with 111 reps.

November 11, 2011 Fitness Results -

Overall time - 221.28 mins - DONE!
Distance - 15.2 miles - DONE! 11.1 miles on the bike and 4.1 miles walking

ST workout - 11 segments each with 111 reps!

1. Military Push ups - 111 reps - DONE!
2. Ab/Oblique work - 111 reps - DONE!
3. Sumo squat with shoulder press using 8 lb DB's - 111 reps - DONE!
4. Tricep Dips - 111 reps - DONE!
5. Walking or Clockwise Military Pushups - 111 reps - DONE! These are AWESOME for the core!!
6. Plank Knee Ins or also known as mountain climbers but slower and more controlled - 111 reps - DONE!
7. Cross body shadow boxing with 8 lb DB's - 111 reps - DONE!
8. Hammer punch lunge with kick using 5 lb DB's - 111 reps - DONE!
9.Two arm Bicep curls using 8 lb DB's - 111 reps - DONE!
10. Wood chops using a 20 lb DB - 111 reps - DONE!
11. Squat Jumps - 111 reps - DONE!!

This ROCKED! Seriously, my body is so sore and after yesterday's Cathe Drill Max and my TRX workout - I am going to have some serious DOMS this weekend!

Here is a look at the Cathe DVD I used today. Love it!!

Our little mini vacation weekend in Dallas!

I am finding that I am running severely behind in blogs as of late. Think about this, I have yet to write fully about our trip to Paris in May, the amazing Pacific coast trip in June, our wonderful trip to Scotland and England in September and the list goes on and on. I need to get with it and start blogging more!! The same goes for my private family blog where I have SOOOOO many photos of my baby girl  that I have never posted. Stories to share, memories to record and I am falling behind.

This next year will be an exciting one for us and I hope before the end of this year to have all the photos posted on our family photo gallery, have my fitness website updated with a weight loss gallery, FAQ's and other links. I am going to try my best to get this done.....maybe....hint, hint, with the help of a dear friend whose blog I just love and she is the coolest, most amazing friend in the world.......NATF!! :) Love ya girl....

Anyways, this past weekend was really and truly some of the best times my husband and I have had together! I cannot tell you the difference it has made now that Micah is as obsessed about fitness as I am. For our date nights we ran, biked and walked in some of the beautiful areas around Dallas. Before we would have gone to a movie and then a nice restaurant but now things have changed. We find ourselves craving to be fit, to be active together, to eat healthier and to find restaurants where we can try new things like Vegan dishes or raw foods. Now, yes, before I say another word we DID go to our FAVORITE Indian food restaurant - Indian Palace on Preston in North Dallas.  That is one place I refuse to give up!!!! Their fish curries and vegetarian dishes are amazing and I say this having tasted some of the best Indian food in countries all around the world so trust me, there CAN be an Indian restaurant in Dallas, Texas of all places that is one of the best. Ok....back on subject, my mouth is watering! LOL!

My husband's commitment to fitness is something I always longed for. When we were living in Russia and I was losing all my weight, he was so busy working there he did not take the time to care for his health. He was the most supportive man I could have prayed for but fitness and eating healthy was not his thing. NOW, he has completely changed! I find him asking me to make his Vitamineral Green drink, telling me we need to go to the store to get more Kale and Spinach to juice for dinner! Seriously, juicing for dinner???? How can this be the same man who used to just want steak!  I am so proud of him, I really do not have the words to convey just how proud I am of my partner and best friend for life. HE inspires me! I know he will tell you it is the other way around but truly, the difference he has made in his life really does inspire me. He has taken a hold of his health and is willing to do whatever he can to be around as long as he can for his family and I am forever grateful.

Now, back to the weekend blog! While gone we stayed on track with our fitness and our daily routine of greens! My dad even made an amazing veggie and fruit mix for us one morning from their Vitamix. Thanks Dad!! It was so great!

After saying goodbye to our baby girl, we headed to one of my favorite areas of town. The Highland park/ Turtle Creek area.  I could walk forever throughout the neighborhoods there as the homes are stunning! The creek and surrounding area is perfect for running, it is where the White Rock Marathon goes through each year. Anyways, we started off walking then I ran and did quite well - 4.6 miles of glorious running in cool weather! It was nice to run without the stroller for a change.....and much faster I might add, but I did miss my little running buddy starring up at me from the BOB.

                                                               
                                                                  RUN JENNY RUN!!

After our run we headed to one of our favorite go to restaurants each time we come to Dallas - The Dream Cafe!! Great, great place! I always ask for a thousand substitutions when I dine out and they are so accommodating - I love it! We had egg whites with brown rice and black beans along with steel cut oats with blueberries and banana, and for a treat we had a whole wheat blueberry pancake with pure maple syrup!!

After our amazing meal we headed to North Park Mall and did a bit of shopping before my hair appt. Then we were off to White Rock Lake to get in some good biking.  Now, I have to say my husband has a slight advantage over me in that this is where he grew up. His family lives right off of the lake so we were going into his territory, yes, that is why he smoked me on the bike. It is my story and I am sticking to it!! ;)

We had a great 20 mile ride, and yes, he won big time!! After this we headed to the Indian restaurant for dinner. I had the Baigan Bhurta, which is baked eggplant with spices and the Aloo Gobi which is spicy potatoes and cauliflower........SOOOOO GOOD!! My husband had their Salmon curry, one of the best we have had! I cannot wait until the week of Thanksgiving so we can go back. Crazy good I tell you.......

Over the weekend we biked and ran/walked over 60 miles and shared some priceless memories together! It felt as if we were on vacation going around from place to place, shopping, working out and having such a great time. I will never forget it.

The last day we met my parents over across town and toured the Dallas Arboretum as they were having a special fall exhibit with pumpkins galore! We have some adorable pics from our visit there. I hope to have more up soon, butthey are on my Dad's camera so for now here are a few we took with the phone....

Seriously, is she not the cutest pumpkin ever!! Love her so!

We owe a great deal to our parents who so lovingly care for our baby girl. Their time with her is priceless and we are so thankful for all they do. And now, I am ready for another date weekend! Thanksgiving week we are heading back to Dallas and maybe a flight out to a special place for a little extra getaway while Grandma and Grandpa have more Kayla time!

Morning Goodness!

Blended together in the Vitamix....


Carrots, pear, apple, broccoli, red cabbage, spinach, pineapple and water!

Make it a great day!


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Veggie blend....

Here is a great mix you can have with grilled fish, chicken or tofu.

Leeks, napa cabbage, red bell pepper, shallots, mushrooms, yellow squash, brussel sprouts mixed with garlic salt, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, basil and a small amount of Organic coconut oil.

Enjoy!!!


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Greens on the go and a divine dinner! Clean eating is simply amazing!!

I cannot tell you how much I love my greens! When out running around town I always go to my two favorite "go to green" places. When in Houston I go to the Kirby location of Whole Foods and either get the Motor Oil blend or the make your own green juice with Kale, Cucumber etc....

The other go to place is Hubbell and Hudson here in The Woodlands. My favorite thing to do post run/walk is to head over there and get their Dr. Mark Crystal's blend of Spinach, Cucumber, Parsley, Ginger and Celery....LOVE IT!! It is so nice to have a few great options when out. Also for the little ones, or for yourself if you want, Jamba juice has a blend called Apple and Greens that Michaela loves. It is a green blend with fruit and spirulina, yes, my 19 month old daughter loves it!

Here I am yesterday after my 6 miler getting in my greens before shopping. I mean really, a girls got to have her energy to shop right! :)

Last night's dinner was amazing! Grilled Sockeyed Salmon with a few herbs over Red Quinoa and Chia seeds mixed with grilled Napa Cabbage, Mushrooms, Onion, Shallots and Squash!

I highly recommend trying this quinoa mix, we loved it! Grilled up some more for tonight but with Wild Perch instead!

If you have not tried Red Quinoa, do so, it is my favorite!

Lunch.....

Indian chickpea salad with Grilled wild Perch.



What's on your plate today?



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Got your greens?

My favorite way to start off another week.....Greens!!


Vitamineral Green and Earth from HealthForce Nutritionals, absolutely amazing!

Make it a great day!

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Results of our November 1st Challenge!!!

New 10 day challenge totals - 

Jen - Miles - 64.91/ 100

Push ups - 1,005 /1,000

Micah - Miles - 101.90/100

Pushups - 1,000/1,000................WAY TO GO BABY!!!!

Well needless to say my husband won the challenge and to be honest, I am SO proud of him! I have set several challenges in the past and he has joined me but never has he won, until now!! I need to step up my game ;) We are starting our new challenge today ( see yesterdays blog ) and we are excited about the changes we will see this next month. 

I am not aiming for strictly weight loss this month but instead focusing on my miles and making sure my diet is spot on! I took my starting measurements this morning and I am hoping to see a few inches gone by the end of the month - through hard work, I think it will be possible! 

Here are a few photos from the past couple of days....food, fun and fitness! 

Here was my husband last night on his final ride to meet his 100 miles in 10 days total. I love that we workout together. He is the most supportive, amazing gift to my daughter and I......proud of you Daddy!






I missed the mark on my miles but I did reach my push up goal!!






Snack - Raw fennel, grapefruit, tomatoes and my LACV drink






Fresh fennel, ginger, cucumber and celery juice






More juice this mix with carrots, fennel, apple, ginger, cucumber, celery.....







Strawberry, mango protein shake with Warrior food and Metabolic reset






1/2 avocado, apple and 1/2 pita for a pre dinner snack






Oats, oatbran, wheat germ, berries and chia seeds with soy milk






LACV with aloe and RWK Just cranberry juice







Blueberry and Vega Greens Smoothie!





Oatbran, chia and berry oatmeal







HUGE treat for us!!! Rewarding our selves with greek yogurt, 100% dark chocolate pieces, fresh berries and Bare Naked Granola! SOOOO GOOOD!!! We ate this in bed on Saturday night after Micah's 20 mile bike ride my crazy awesome 8 mile hill run.






Salmon, butternut squash, avocado with nappa cabbage salad






Protein, egg white and pumpkin pancakes with applesauce and honey with a pumpkin, soy protein shake! YUMMY!! This was to die for - HUGE treat!!





I do not have juice in the house - with the exception for the RWK Just Cranberry juice but that does not count as it is so bitter! LOL. I always LOVE making wassail this time of year so the other night I made a glass and it was like having a dessert! WOW!!! Organic apple cider - unsweetened with mulling spices..........Mercy me it was amazing!







Bison and black bean chili with Ezekiel tortillas toasted and avocado to top!






Wheat berry and nappa cabbage salad






Ezekiel bread with natural PB and all natural Eden Organic apple butter from whole foods..... my favorite!






1 piece of EZ bread with no salt, all natural turkey breast and sprouts with avocado





My precious girl and I at Whole Foods drinking our greens and beet shake with spirulina!!







She LOVES her greens!!! So happy she loves eating healthy, I am trying so hard to set a good example for her!






My angel girl all bundled up at Whole Foods, Mommy's favorite store!



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