Taking a break...

I am struggling with my back again. Heading back to the doctor today. As a result, I am taking a break from blogging etc...at this time. I have 3 sites I have to maintain and it is just too much right now. I will be updating on FB as I normally do.

Trying to figure out what is going on....determined to get back to my training. 2013 has been a hard year of injuries for sure.  Bring on 2014 :)

All the best to you all!! Looking forward to posting again very soon!

Going strong...

Doing well with my training for the week. Staying strong and taking it day by day....

Friday - Hill intervals on the bike -  DONE!! 61 mins
Saturday - 30 miles on the bike - DONE!! 83 mins
Sunday - Walk into town, to the beach and through the trails to the track - 1 hour and 52 mins - DONE!!

This week's schedule....

Monday - 30 mins on the bike - mixed intervals
Tuesday - Rest, stretch!

Wednesday - Walk for 45 mins to an hour 

Thursday - Walk for 45 min to an hour
Friday -  Bike 30 mins hill intervals with recovery 15 mins

An update on my progress.

I am doing well, working hard and trying my best to stay on track. Logging on my blog and spark has been another story. I have been posting on my FB page and on dailymile but have not met my goal of posting to my private blog and spark people for accountability.

This past week I completed my first run in months and my knee did well. It was hurting a bit the past few days but overall, it is ok.  I also managed to get in a good, strong 83.4 km's on my spin bike at home. I am trying to focus on getting back to riding as it helps my knee a great deal.

Here is my training schedule this next week -

Friday - 30 mins on the bike - hill intervals with recovery 15 min ride - DONE!! 61 mins
Saturday - 60 mins on the bike - steady ride
Sunday - Walk on the trails for at least an hour, maybe a few running intervals if my knee allows
Monday - 30 mins on the bike - mixed intervals
Tuesday - Rest, stretch....

Wednesday - Walk for 45 mins to an hour 

Thursday - Walk for 45 min to an hour
Friday -  Bike 30 mins hill intervals with recovery 15 mins

Slowly but surely, I am making my way back!!!! I feel encouraged, excited and ready to do all I can to reach my goals.

Have a blessed weekend - stay on track :) Weekends are always hard, but go in with the right mindset and you can do it!

All the best :)

So far so good...

Yesterday I did well. I was unable to get my walk in due to the weather but I will make up for it today.

Food wise, I did great. Water was on track too. I also blended an awesome drink which I intend to make again today. It was simply protein powder, pineapple, cucumber, ginger, water, a small amount of orange juice and kale. It was really good!!!!! 

I also made a great lemon chicken with roasted veggies which was easy and so fantastic! 

I know these posts are not exactally the most exciting but for me, it is about staying accountable to get back on track. So even if it is a short report of my day, it will help me!!! 

Off to make today a success! 

Back from Paris!

We are back from Paris and it is time for me to get back on track with my program. This is going to be a short and sweet post for today. My focus right now, reaching my goals!!

I will get straight to it :)

Goals for November 7th - November 11th

1. Juice daily
2. Focus on lean proteins and veggies. Same plan that has worked SO many times for me.
3. Walk for 30 to 45 mins daily. Working up to running again soon! YEAH!!
4. PT work and stretching
5. LOG RESULTS!! As of late I have a habit of doing well and then not logging my results for accountability.

That is all for today :) Time to make it HAPPEN!! Wishing you all a beautiful and blessed day!

Goals for today...

I am really wanting to get back to strength training, I miss it so much!!! Obviously with my back injury I cannot do too much at this time, but I can at least try my best to do all I can....something, that will take me closer to my fitness goals. So for today, my goal is to do 10 military pushups, and least 15 mins of Yoga and 15 mins of upper body with bands and my 5 lbs DBs. I know it does not seem like much  but to me, this is a big deal.

I will report back later today with my results!! :) Hope you all have a fantastic day!

On track....

This true actually :) Hope to start back soon!!

Doing VERY well. On track with my goals and my back is feeling better!! I went to the chiropractor again tonight and in addition to the therapy, I had acupuncture. I am sore but I know it will be worth it.

Icing my back now!! I CANNOT wait to get back to my workouts!!!!! :)

Have an awesome day!

M1 - GGMS and chia seed and flax pancakes!
M2 - same as M1 they were so good!!
MDS - Banana and PB - classic :)
M3 - Raw Meal protein shake with berries and banana

Daily Results 10/21 -

Today was my first day back tracking my goals. I did well. Just trying to take it one day at a time right now. I am SO VERY happy to say my back is getting better with each passing day. Thank the Lord! I just need to be smart and do everything I can do to help it get back to 100%. We have a trip coming up in 12 days and I really want to be fully over this injury before hand. We are going back to Paris, one of my favorite cities and I want to be well so I can fully enjoy this special time for us ;) 

Nutritional Goals - 

1. AM Adrenal drink - Singing Canary from THM and GGMS - DONE! 
2. LIMIT coffee - I did well though I had more than one cup :( Trust me, that is really good for me. 
3. Shrinker tea during the day - from THM - DONE! 
4. Juice and blend for lunch and dinner - NO :( will do better tomorrow. 
5. Continue my clean eats with a focus on lean proteins and greens - DONE! 
6. Log meals daily but do not count calories. Just focus on eating clean, healthy foods - DONE! 

M1 - SC and GGMS from THM.... wow, that is a mouthful :) along with grilled chicken and avocado and a small greek yogurt with chia seeds. 
M2 - Shrinker tea and more GGMS and chicken with apple. A pumpkin, hemp seed muffin I made...super good! 
M3 - A bit of spelt pasta and more grilled chicken with a very small about of rice
M4 - More GGMS and more of the pumpkin, hemp muffins I made. Very good made with canned pumpkin, hazelnut milk, almond flour, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, honey and coconut oil. VERY good!! 

Fitness Goals for the week -

1. If my back allows aim for a 30 mins walk - I walked a great deal today but not a straight 30 mins, a bit less. 
2. Yoga for Back Care - Did not do. I went to my Chiro today and he did a few treatments on my back. 
3. Upper body band work - YES!! DONE!! It was very light, but I did it. I used a band and 5 lb DB's and did a massive amount reps. It burned and was light enough to where it did not hurt my back. Slow and steady right now :) 
4. Foam rolling for PT - Wanted to wait to see what the doctor said. He said I can try but to be careful with my back. 

Goals for this week.

I am still struggling with this pulled muscle in my back but I am very happy to say that I was able to walk for a little bit this weekend and I truly feel I will be back to 100% very soon. Even though I am having to take it easy, I feel I can still strive to make my goals for this week. No matter how small, it is about setting a goal and doing all I can to reach it.  As far as my sickness, I am SO much better. After nearly a month of being sick, my coughing is so much better and I have much more energy. I went to the doctor and the main concern now is my voice. I have laryngitis and so I was told not to talk and to rest. ME....not talking?? I think this may be my hardest challenge yet :) He told me to try and stay warm, rest and hopefully it should improve. I am drinking all kinds of teas and warm drinks to help as well. I am also taking the time to let my body heal.  I truly feel that my body is trying to tell me to slow down and so we are doing all we can to help my immune system and my Adrenals get stronger.

Nutritional Goals for the week  -

1. AM Adrenal drink - Singing Canary from THM and GGMS
2. LIMIT coffee - This is going to be a hard one for me, but I am going to try and keep it to ONE cup only. Wish me luck ; ) I hope my Adrenals will thank me for this sacrifice I am making!!
3. Shrinker tea during the day - from THM
4. Juice and blend for lunch and dinner
5. Continue my clean eats with a focus on lean proteins and greens.
6. Log meals daily but do not count calories. Just focus on eating clean, healthy foods.

Fitness Goals for the week -

1. If my back allows aim for a 30 mins walk with the back brace daily this week! This will be a huge goal for me!!
2. Yoga for Back Care - Rodney Yee dvd
3. Upper body band work - light and easy while my back is healing.
4. Foam rolling for PT

These may seem small, but to me, it will be a huge accomplishment if I can reach all my goals this week. I can sit and do nothing while I am hurt and sulk, feeling sorry I am not out running, or I can just buckle down, do what I can to get myself back 100%. I must realize that I am not the same girl I was last year and that is ok. I am recovering from an injury and trying my best to get my overall health under control. If I know there are things I can do to help my Adrenals and immune system be stronger, than I need to do all I can. I cannot focus on the past but I have to look forward and realize that this hard time IS going to make me stronger. I will be better all around as a result.

Moving forward, one goal at a time....


September 2013, Norway
                                                         

First post since July!! Goodness...

I think this may be the first time since I started this blog in 2007 that I let so much time pass between blogs. I have so many things to share, I do not really know where to start. I guess I have a lot of blogging to do to catch up with you all :)

The short summary.....

In July we went to the Greek Islands for 2 weeks. It was a very, very special time for us as a family. After we came home, my Mother-in-law came to Norway to see us!! She was here for 3 weeks and it was truly amazing!! We took her around this region of Norway and then we all flew over to London. It was a dream come true for her and we all had a blast! After my Mother-in-law left, my husband then had to go to the US for a business trip. While he was gone, I got sick and then my little girl followed. So now, we are both held up in the house sick and counting down the days til my husband is back home! It has been a very hard time with him gone but I am SO VERY thankful for my dear friends here in Norway who have helped me out getting me food and calling, texting to check in on us. I feel so blessed to have such special people in my life.

I am VERY excited to finally be back to a normal routine. My goals for this fall look very different than before but I am excited about a new phase of my journey. It is one based on balance, something I have longed to have for sometime now.  After I get over this crazy bug, I will be back posting but for now, my focus is getting through this and keeping us healthy.

I hope everyone is doing well. For all of you who wrote me to check up on me, thank you so much!!

Keep pressing on :)

The precious gift that was today....

I gave today all that I could. I am laying here about to go get some much needed rest and I can say with all my heart that it feels amazing knowing I am ending this day with all my goals reached and knowing I pressed harder than I thought I could. There were times I wanted to stop, but I did not. There were times it hurt, but I found the fight inside of me to keep pressing ON! And now....it feels incredible!

Today I did an ST workout at home along with a HARD spin session. My husband has moved my spin bike into the living room so I can spin during the day while my girl and I are together. It has helped me so much.  I think my greatest joy today came from watching my sweet Kayla interact with me as I was working out. By now, she is used to Mommy doing crazy things to workout but as I was spinning today, she was saying to me..."Be careful!! You need a helmet"I just thought it was hilarious! At one point she heard me breathing heavily and yelling out as I was so pumped up on the bike she said to me..."you need some water!" Then she proceeded to the kitchen and got me one of her cups and filled with water for me. She just thought this was so much fun so she kept bringing me more and more water! I will NEVER forget it!

When I was doing my ST outside she was there right beside me trying to ride her little bike and amused by the TRX as always! Ever since she was baby sitting in the swing watching me workout and laughing at me jumping up and down to my Cathe dvds, I have loved that I can share this time with her. She was once again laughing at me today doing the crab walks with the bands while doing upper body work with my Db's.

All in all, it was an incredible day! I feel truly blessed....

Regarding my results, for ST I did a combination of spinning as a warm up, then a high, very high rep set with minimal rest. I was lifting to songs as opposed to counting reps so there is no telling how many I did but my sets were as follows....

Deadlifts
TRX rows
Bosu ball pushups
MB chops with squats
Squat press with plates
BB curls to overhead press
BB rows
KB swings
Crab walks with the band and Db's - curls/press
Burpees
High knees
Plate chops
DB curl to squat press

For my spin session I did a mix of hard/slow climbs along with a few higher tempo climbs and high RPM intervals trying to keep my working resistance high while keeping my RPM's over 100.

HRM stats...

ST workout with spin warmup - 47 mins, 351 calories burned, AHR - 142,  MHR - 168
Spin session - 74 mins, 655 calories burned, AHR - 152,  MHR - 181

Total calories burned today - 1,006

The weekend of rest did a great deal of good for me. I feel ready to face this week head on and I will do ALL that I can each and every day to make the most of this time God has blessed me with.

This  morning I was reading about the terrible tragedy with the 19 firefighters who lost their lives. It is just so very sad and my heart hurts for their families...I cannot imagine the pain they are feeling. We once again have a brutal reminder of how fragile and precious this life is.

Focus on the time we have been given and let's work hard to really make it count. Let go of past failures. Rise above pain, doubt and fear. Reach higher and harder than you have before. Pray for those who are hurting and love one another. We are all in this together. This amazing gift called LIFE. Let's live with a purpose in our hearts to be better each and every morning we are blessed with.

God bless you all.

The last workout for the week is DONE! Let the rest days begin!!!

I had another fantastic spin class tonight! I tell you, I am really getting addicted to this. I love it. It has helped me in so many ways. I feel stronger, leaner and encouraged that this type of training is really helping me with my knee issues and can perhaps, lead to great things in the future!! 

The only downside to tonight was that I had more trouble with my HRM but it was settled soon after but as a result my numbers are low. 411 calories for the spin, 55 mins....should be more...maybe I am just getting so fit :) AHR - 148, MHR - 178

Post spin was incline intervals on the tread ranging from 6% to 15% and 6.0 to 7.0 kph - 25 mins, 203 calories AHR - 146, MHR - 186 
614 burned for today........I'll take it. 

Saturday and Sunday are rest days for me, then Monday I will be back!!!! I am going to measure again on Monday too. I did take a look today and I have gone down a bit in my measurements, so I am happy! :) 

Schedule as of now for next week. 

Monday - ST circuit plus spin intervals 
Tuesday - Morning spin 
Wednesday - Morning ST then Evening spin 
Thursday - Morning spin 
Friday - Rest 
Saturday - ST and spin intervals 

I hope you all have a truly blessed weekend! Work hard. Stay on track and above all, cherish every moment you are blessed with!

Burn! Burn! Burn!

What a ROCKING spin class this morning! WOW...the energy there was just amazing. I left it all there...everything, I really did give this class 110%. I literally had tears in my eyes the last interval I was pushing it so hard. I was in an incredible zone. I closed my eyes and could see my goals in my mind and it pushed me through to the end. When it was over, I was just so overwhelmed, I was in tears.....tears of joy!!

The instructor this morning was incredible. The energy she brought to the class was incredible. She was saying these things in Norwegian....like a drill sergeant and I have no idea what she was saying but WOW was it ever motivating!! Towards the last few intervals she wrote on the board -- PAIN IS TEMPORARY and starting cheering us on til the end. When the class was over I was talking with her and you can see how committed she is to motivating and encouraging everyone. I tell you what, I will be first in line to take her class again. Isn't it awesome when instructors give so much of themselves to help us reach our goals! Amazing... 

Here is the board from our spin class! Love it.... 

The only negative of today was that my HRM was acting up and for the first few minutes it was not reading my HR, then my HR when bonkers -- too high, then back to normal, so my caloric burn is off.....low I think for how hard I pushed. Based off of my RPE I say I was around 500...maybe 550, but my HRM was showing 461 -- so for the sake of numbers ( I am a numbers person) lets just say 500 for today for a 50 min spin with cool down. 

I am super excited about my spin class again tomorrow night then I have to be honest, I cannot wait until the weekend as I am taking a much needed REST!!!! I am going to be one lazy lady this weekend....but when Monday comes around, getting ready....I WILL BE BACK!!! ;) 

Keep pressing on! Blessings and many thanks again for your support!

Over 1,200 calories BURNED today!! I truly gave this day my all.

I am so tried. I am going to try and stay awake as I write this blog! It is 9:13 pm here in Norway and I am ready for BED!! I started off this morning at the gym and found my way in spin class thanks to a friend who was there to give me an added push! I worked hard in the class, then after headed over to the treadmill for some intervals and finally some ST. I worked out for 79 mins this morning and burned 721 calories. 

After the gym, my girl and I headed to a playdate with a friend of mine. We walked to the lake to feed the ducks and on the way back we took the trails back home which included some pretty challenging hills. It was amazing and so very beautiful out there. Using MMR it was about a 3 mile walk. I was not wearing my HRM but from the hills and pace we were walking I say I burned around 150. After our visit, I headed back to the gym for ANOTHER spin class! My friend was leading the class which was motivating and I was a bit late so I had to sit right in the front row. I was nervous as by this time I was SOOOOO tired and my legs felt like lead getting on the bike but fueled by motivation ( and the awesome red energy drink from the gym) I proceeded and made it through 48 mins and burned another 412 calories. 

I came home, fueled my body with an awesome salad with lamb, turkey, cabbage, carrots and cottage cheese along with 1 piece flax bread and PB and a small amount of yogurt. 

I am VERY proud that I gave today my all. Truly, I did all I can now I get to reward myself with some much needed REST before the morning comes and I have another spin class. Oh my.... 

Whatever I am doing is working. The scale is down, I feel amazing ( though tired now) and I am so very encouraged that my journey is back on track!!!!! 

Wishing you all a very successful day! REACH....really reach high today!! You will end the day SOOOO happy that you did :) 

Stats for today...... 

Spin class - 33 mins - 305 calories burned, AHR - 155, MHR - 179 

Incline intervals on the tread followed by ST - 46 mins, AHR, 153, MHR 180 
On the tread - 20 mins@ 6% and 6.0 kph then 5 mins @ 10% and 6.0 kph followed by 5 mins @15% at 6.0 kph and then a final 3 mins @15% at 6.5 kph.....WOW! I had to hold on but it did not matter, I do not think I have ever walked a 15% @ 6.5 before........until now :) 

After the tread I did a circuit of pushups, TRX rows, low rows, band work and crab walks with the bands. 

Afternoon walk - aprox 3 miles from MMR and around 150 calories burned ( not wearing HRM) 

Evening spin class - 48 mins, 412 calories, AHR 150 and MHR 177 

Totals for today - From the gym - 1,133 and with the walk around 1,283!!! Happy ME! 

Another successful day. I feel so very encouraged!!

I did it!!! Another amazing day. I worked very hard at the gym tonight with my HIIT intervals and ST. I burned 755 then came home to burn another 101....you know me by now, do I ever just stop ;) 

I ate well, took my LACV and I truly feel as if I can do this -- IF and only IF I remain strong and continue to take each meal and each workout at a time. I cannot focus on the bigger picture right now, just this day...the rest will follow. 

I am headed back to the gym tomorrow morning for a spin class and possibility another one in the evening....double spin day...wow! 

Thanks again from my heart for ALL the support. Even through all the ups and downs, the weight loss and weight gain you have never lost faith in me and for this, I am forever thankful. 

Have a blessed and beautiful day! Good night from Norway!!! 

Going strong!

I am doing this! Day by day...

I measured today. It wasn't pretty but I need a baseline so I can see how much I can lose over the next 10 days. It is crunch time for me!!! My husband left early this morning for the US and I plan on shocking him when he gets home with my results! Gotta work HARD!

Measurements as of now and how much they have increased since  2011/12...

Chest - 37.5 - up 1.5 inches

Waist - 27 - up 1.5 inches 

Hips - 37.5 - up 3 inches 

Thigh - 18.25 - up 1.25 inches 

Bicep - 10.75 - up a little over an inch 

Calf - 13.75 - up .75 

I know I will not be able to drop my inches totally in 10 days, but my ultimate goal timeframe is by July 20th which is when we leave for the Greek Islands. The scale is bonkers as of late with all my spinning and ST so I need to take measurements to keep me sane :) 

Ok, it starts now! I have 10 days to lean out as much as I can!!! 

Today's plan is a spinning interval set followed by an ST circuit. Food for today is already prepped except for my pumpkin bake. 

I have to say, I am so excited!

To everyone on FB and Spark - thank you SO much for your support!!!! 

Rise and Shine!

Good morning!!! Here is my juice blend for today...

Beets, cucumber, ginger, lemon, carrot, cabbage and loads of fennel. So good! 

Schedule for this week...

I am doing well, crazy sore from all the workouts this past week but doing well :)

Here is my fitness schedule for this next week. I am also very excited because the next phase of my Greece Goals starts this week on Tuesday through July 5th!! I will be focusing on juicing, blending, lots of fruits and veggies, fish and lean proteins.

Fitness Schedule for this week -

Monday - Yoga Max
Tuesday - AM Spin class followed by an ST circuit.
Wednesday - PM Spin class
Thursday - ST circuit with incline tread intervals
Friday - PM Spin Class
Saturday - ST circuit
Sunday - Rest

MUST STAY STRONG!!! Think Greece :) :) :) 27 days to go!!

Blessings to all. Have a wonderful and sucessful week!

29 more days!!

Monday - ST and incline walk on the tread - DONE!

Tuesday - Morning spin class, 5.5 mile walk, the majority with Kayla in the double croozer with hills and then a quick evening set of ST using the TRX, KB and medicine balls - DONE!

Wednesday - Evening spin class followed by an ST circuit of KB's, MB's, TRX and push ups - DONE! 

Thursday - Pilates Ball Class followed by incline intervals on the tread then a class called Bootylicious - DONE! 

Friday - Evening spin class followed by an ST workout with HIIT intervals - DONE! 

Saturday and Sunday - Relax :) 

Just keep it going.....

Monday - ST and incline walk on the tread - DONE!
Tuesday - Morning spin class, 5.5 mile walk, the majority with Kayla in the double croozer with hills and then a quick evening set of ST using the TRX, KB and medicine balls - DONE!
Wednesday - Evening spin class followed by an ST circuit of KB's, MB's, TRX and push ups - DONE! 

Thursday - Pilates Ball Class followed by incline intervals on the tread then a class called Bootylicious 
Friday - Evening spin class
Saturday - Hoping for a long walk if the weather is good - if not, another spin class
Sunday - Relax :)

Weekly schedule

Monday - ST and incline walk on the tread - DONE!
Tuesday - Morning spin class, 5.5 mile walk, the majority with Kayla in the double croozer with hills and then a quick evening set of ST using the TRX, KB and medicine balls - DONE!
Wendesday - Evening spin class
Thursday - ST and core
Friday - Evening spin class
Saturday - Hoping for a long walk if the weather is good - if not, another spin class
Sunday - Relax :)

MUST stay strong ---- 32 days until we head for the Greek islands!! I am getting so very excited :)

Doing well keeping it GREEN!

This was my morning juice blend! I had 3 glasses.....that will wake you up for sure!!! 

I had an awesome spin class last night and I am getting ready to hit the weights this morning! I will have another spin class tonight...very excited!

I am doing well with my nutrition, keeping it green and combining lean proteins with fruits and overall, I feel amazing. 

We will see if tomorrow's weigh in agrees with me :) 

Up and down...

What can I say about my dear friend the scale....

It has been up and down....then up and down again for sometime now. I am still not back to my reset weight, although I am trying my best :) The juicing has been helping but yesterday I ate a bit too much sodium I think and so today the scale was not kind to me at all. My running is on hold as of now due to my knees. On Monday I went to the doctor and I had an MRI on each knee then an X ray as well. I am going to see a new doctor on Monday to see if we can figure out what is going on. I have a sinking feeling that my October marathon is going to be SLOW!!! :) I might need to cut back my training....not sure as of now.

Back to the scale....

I now have 38 days before we leave for Greece! I am getting really excited :) We booked our ferries from the different islands and now comes the time to do research on all the amazing sites to see while we are there!

Today my goals are to be sure and get my PT and stretching in for my knee and to juice and blend like mad :) I ate a great breakfast this morning and I am ready to attack this day and give it my ALL :)

Wishing you all a beautiful day!

Back from Paris and ready to for a new challenge!!

We returned from Paris on Sunday and since then I have been doing very well getting back on track! I was so excited after meeting my reset goal and I have HUGE goals ahead of me this month. I will blog more about our trip on the family site, but it was wonderful visit to one of my favorite cities! It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and it was a very special trip I will never forget.

On to the next goal!!! In 43 days we are going to the Greek Islands for 2 weeks!!! I am VERY excited. The last time I was in Greece was back in 2006 before my weight loss journey was in full effect. It will be so nice to go back and play on the beaches with my girl and have a beautiful time together, not obsessing about my size or having to cover up to the extreme as I did before.

First goal is to get back to my reset weight that I reached before going to Paris. I gained a few pounds during our visit but nothing major. A few good days of clean eating and juicing, I should be fine. My second goal is to drop an additional 9 lbs before heading to Greece. It will be hard but I know if I set my mind to it, I can reach my goal!!!!

VERY, VERY excited and motivated!!!! Will report back on Monday morning with my weigh in and weekend report!!

Happy Friday All :)

I am still here!

Still here and going STRONG!! It was a 4 day weekend here so the holiday is still going over here in Norway! Much to do as we leave in 3 days for Paris!!!!

I juiced loads of veggies today and so far I am doing great! VERY excited about my birthday trip coming up!

Blessings to all ;) PRESS ON!

Week 3, Day 3...

Did not get in all my photos today. Sometimes I was too hungry and I just ate the food before taking a pic. 

Breakfast - Metabolic reset shake with banana and milk 

Post workout - Gold Standard whey shake with milk, berries, banana, and GOL fiber blend. 

Lunch - Salad with Tuna, cottage cheese, tomatoes, onion and avocado. 

Dinner - 1/2 apple with ground turkey lettuce wraps with avocado. 1/2 serving of my pumpkin egg white bake. 

Juicing - Cucumber, Lemon, Ginger, Spinach and Carrot.  

Week 3, Day 2....

Breakfast - Metabolic reset shake with milk and banana. Greek yogurt with walnuts and prunes with mango. 

Lunch - Hamburger with avocado on lettuce. 

Greens mid day with pomegranate juice and water along with loads of lemon water with ACV. 

Dinner - pumpkin egg white bake ( no photo) along with a few bites of my husbands salad. 

Week 3, Day 1 Food Blog....

Breakfast - Eggs, ground turkey, coconut oil and spinach. Blended juice from whole cranberries, spinach, chia seeds and pomegranate juice. 

Lunch - Another cranberry shake but made with cucumber this time along with a fruit salad. 

Dinner - More of the cranberry shake then a whey protein shake along with chicken lettuce wraps with Greek yogurt and hot sauce. 

Tea with milk after dinner and more water  and a bit of fruit. 

Week 2, Day 4 and 5 Food blog...

Day 4....Morning - coffee and sweet potato, spinach and chia pancakes. I ate far too many....too many servings :( but gracious are they ever good!

Lunch - Turkey burger with just lettuce - no bread :) but again.....I ate another serving. I had a big appetite today, so I ate...but I needed to be drinking more water.

Dinner - a few bites of my husbands salmon salad and his yogurt, apple, Brazil nut mix. A few small bites of 85% dark chocolate.

Late night - a bit of light popcorn during a movie.

I am also starting to read the Paleo for Athletes book to have a greater understanding on how to fuel properly for my runs without loads of starchy carbs.

Day 5...

Only one pic for today. We were blessed to be able to go over to a friends home here in Norway. They made a super delicious meal for us! It was such a nice treat for me. It was pork with roasted potatoes and the most amazing mushroom cream sauce...and ice cream for dessert :) Good food, good friends...it was perfect!

For breakfast I ate some scrambled eggs and lunch was a few meatballs with a small amount of smashed potatoes, carrots and turnips.

Here is our amazing dinner we had! I a few servings and you know what? I loved every second of it!! It was so nice to treat myself :) Today I am back on track with greens etc...but it was so wonderful to get to let loose and eat some yummy comfort foods!!

Week 2, Day 3....

Breakfast - Vega shake with fiber blend and bee pollen along with frozen strawberries, banana, spinach and milk

Snack - PB and apple

Lunch - Grilled chicken over spinach and a couple of sweet potato chia and spinach pancakes.

Snack - Greek yogurt, banana, Caco mix and walnuts

Dinner - Salmon over spring mix and fresh juice blend - beet, carrot, fennel, celery, lemon, ginger and cucumber

Treat - 85% dark chocolate!!! Yum :)

Week 2, Day 2 Food Blog....

I did well yesterday and I even treated myself with a small amount of dark chocolate and some light popcorn.

Morning - coffee along with the mango, banana mix I mentioned yesterday. It was incredible. Mango, banana, raspberries, the decadent blend from Spectrum....Caco, coconut and chia! Wow! All mixed with Greek yogurt and walnuts. I also had some of the pumpkin bake I made yesterday as well.

Lunch - Salad with salmon burger, tomatoes and cucumber. About 1/2 of an apple.

Snack - natural PB on a rice cake

Dinner - Steak with roasted veggies and a salad with blue cheese dressing :) I know...I know... It had to be done :)

After dinner - movie time treat :) a small amount of dark chocolate with Tea and light popcorn.

Off to a great start today!!!! Looking forward to posting pics of day 3 tomorrow!

Week 2, Day 1 Food Blog

Since I will be taking pics of my foods daily for the remaining days of my reset, I will be posting the photos here. For those of you not following my journey on FB, I am posting daily updates on my reset and my progress. Here is the link....

https://www.facebook.com/Jensfitjourney?ref=tn_tnmn

Breakfast - coffee and tea followed by my greens with a small smoothie with frozen Berries

Snack - coconut pancake - eggs, coconut flour and chia seeds.

Lunch - out to lunch with my husband :) I had a chicken salad with a small amount of bread and a latte.  A treat during my date :) They had this chili oil with garlic butter that I think might just be the best thing ever. Somehow a small amount of it made it to my mouth :) I also had a bite of my husbands ever so awesome lasagna. I could have had more but I was a good girl and resisted.

Snack 2 - Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and spinach

Dinner - pumpkin bake - canned pumpkin. Eggs, flaxseeds, chia seeds, coconut milk, almond flour and a bit more milk with olive oil and heather honey baked together. In addition I add some mango, banana, raspberries, a small amount of Greek yogurt with walnuts mixed with a cacao, coconut and chia mix from whole foods. I ate the same this morning it was so good!! I took pics of it this morning but failed to do so yesterday. I guess I was just too excited to eat it :) lol.

More food pics coming tomorrow. I am off to a great start today. The scale is down and I feel wonderful that I am really being consistent again with my program.

Marathon number 2!!!

After much thought, I finally made a decision on what would be my marathon for this year. I am registered and I booked the flights and the hotel, so I guess it is official :) On October 20th, Lord willing, I will be running the Amsterdam Marathon!

I am so very excited about my training this year. I am currently reading up on several new training plans, as well as checking out a few coaching sites for some personalized programs. I am hoping that through more strength training and a greater focus on cross training, I will have a stronger race and will be better prepared than last year.

I look forward to sharing my training with you all. Some of you have been apart of my journey for years now, ever since Russia back in 2006. Now, I am preparing for my second marathon!! Isn't God amazing! He will take you places and help you reach goals you never thought were possible.

The last time I was in Amsterdam was back in 2007 and my weight loss journey had just begun. Now, I will be going back a totally different person and I cannot wait to see what it feels like crossing that finish line!

Thank you for the years of support you have given me!!

Amsterdam....here I come!!!! :) 

Hitting the Reset Button...

Some of you from FB have asked about the Reset plan I am currently doing. This is a plan I made for myself based on my current needs and goals for this month. It is a simple, back to basics approach and one which I truly feel will help me get back on track. 

Why do I need this plan? Well, to be honest, I need it because I have failed to be consistent with my workouts and my strong nutrition and now, it is time I reach new goals and try to lose some weight in order to get back to where I was last year. 

The plan is from April 29th -  May 22nd as we are leaving for our vacation the 23rd. I am making my goals one week at a time. My focus for now is getting back to consistency and posting for accountability.  I cannot think about my long terms goals as of now as they can be overwhelming seeing where I am now compared to where I want to be. So for me, I am taking my goals day by day and only one week at a time to establish a fitness/nutrition routine once again. 

Week 1 - April 29th - May 5th 

Goals - The main goal for this week is to get back to posting. Every day, I will be posting my goals and a short recap of the day before. What did I do right, where did I go wrong. Evaluate, then move on to the next day! 

Week 2 - May 6th - May 12th 

Goals - Repeat goals from Week 1, then add in accountability for foods!! I will be taking photos of my meals to increase my accountability and to bring a focus back to proper nutrition and portion sizes 

Week 3 - May 13th - May 19th

Goals - Repeat goals from Week 1 and 2. New goals include listing details regarding my workouts. Number of pull ups, pushups, burpees etc... again, to bring focus on daily accountability. 

Week 4 - May 20th - May 22th ( only 2 days this week as we are leaving....) 

Goals - Repeat goals from Weeks 1,2 and 3....

*For Nutrition - 

My focus is on two things. Greens and lean proteins. I am limiting my carbs as of now, especially since I am not currently in full marathon training mode. There is no need for a large amount of carbs for me as of now. My carbs sources will be from sweet potatoes, some fruits, quinoa and occasionally some GF oats....but not too much. Oats are my weakness :) For now, for me....I do best without them. 

*For FItness - 

I am getting back to what I love most, running and circuit training. My body responds very well to running in combination with sprints/hill intervals with strength training ( Push ups, Burpees, Pullups, Rowing, TRX and Medicine Ball work ). 

*Small Daily Goals to focus on - 

1. Stress eating. This gets me every time!!! I need to THINK before I eat! :) 

I need to ask myself if I am really hungry or just eating to chill myself out or eating mindlessly while sitting at the computer. Before every meal, every snack -- THINK! Think about the quality of the food, the portion sizes....everything. ALL the little bites of this and that ADD UP throughout the day!!! Trust me on this one :) 

2. Make sure I am drinking enough water. Not from coffee....which I am really good at doing :) But good old fashioned WATER! 


As I mentioned in the beginning. This is a very straight forward plan. I have found through my years on this weight loss journey that it does not matter how simple a plan is, if you do not follow it, nothing in your life will change. Consistency has to be the foundation of ANY program. Regardless how you go about losing weight, consistency has to be key!!

In June, after we are back from our trip, I am starting another challenge, which will be 7 weeks long. 

I cannot tell you how much your support and encouragement is helping me!! Thank your for taking the time to cheer me along as I try to regain my fitness and reach these goals....Thank you all :)