The final countdown!

27 days until we move to Singapore!!! 😄

Let's try this again!!

I am jamming on my fb post, Twitter and Instagram and yet I cannot keep up with my blog. Seriously. What's wrong with me? 

I am attempting to keep this domain but blog through another site. Just trying to figure out how!  In the mean time, all is well with my recovery from neck surgery and crazy, awesome things are happening!! 

If you are on fb I am Jen's Journey...imagine that! 

For Twitter @JensIMjourney 

Instagram @ Jens.fit.journey 

That's a lot of journeys 😄

It's been forever.

I really have to start doing a better job blogging again. I am on FB so much recording my journey that many times I forget this is where it all started.  Long before Fb and Twitter.

To make a very long story short. I am one week out in my recovery from cervical disc replacement and I am happy to say that I am doing great. Yesterday I walked 2.82 miles and today I walked 5 miles!! My goal is to hit 20 miles this week.

I need to set some time aside and really reflect on the surgery and this whole journey as it has changed me so much. For now though I want to focus on setting new goals and getting back on track with my weight loss and training.

Just eat real food and skip the wheat bread :)

You had to know this was coming. A new food challenge to keep my mind busy during this time while I cannot workout as I used to. It seems to me like great timing as we all know nutrition is a key factor in weight loss and since I cannot train at 100%, I must rely on my nutrition to get me back where I need to be.

Starting August 24th - 30 days eating REAL food, nothing processed and staying away from sugar. Kind of simple really :) The yes and no list...

The YES List -

Vegetables - Nothing off limits. Eat as much of the good green stuff as you can.

Meats - A heavy focus on fatty fish and grass fed beef along with chicken and so on.

Fats - Go for it! Coconut, Avocado oil, Nuts...minus peanuts.

Fruits - Every fruit is ok as long as it's in moderation. For example, not eating a whole watermelon...been there :)

Drinks - Coffee, tea ok just do not sweeten with sugar or the fake junk. Aim for at least 1 gallon of water a day.

Dairy- Kiefer is ok along with greek yogurt as long as there is NO sugar. As for cheese, blue cheese, goat and feta are ok -- again in moderation.

Grains - NO bread. I repeat NO bread...well except for Paleo Loaf or something similar that I make at home. Quinoa, Oat bran, Steel cut oats, Brown Rice ( in small amounts) and Amaranth are ok.

Sweeteners - Honey and Maple Syrup

The NO List -

NO junk. NO pizzas, chips...no matter how healthy they are, no white rice. No pasta, even the gluten free "healthy" kind. Nothing processed. No diet drinks, sports bars, bread...did I mention bread ;) No sweets. Nothing. Just stick to real, whole foods.

The Superstars to consume daily -

Tumeric
Ginger
Coocnut Oil
Avocado
Walnuts
Kale
Lemons
Berries
Nuts and Seeds (except for peanuts)

Goals for this challenge -

Lose 15 lbs
Reduce inflammation
Increase overall energy and health

Let the fun begin........

The journey continues....

The majority of you follow me on Fb so you already know about my current spinal issues but for those who do not know I will keep it brief. The short story is I have some bulged disks caused by bone spurs from arthritis that I am currently trying to control. Many of you remember my shoulder injuries from 2 years ago and how we could not find the source of the pain, well, now we know. It is all from my C4/5 and 5/6. So I am going to be receiving epidural injections, seeing a chiropractor and PT while we wait to see if the pain improves. If not,  we have consulted with 2 surgeons regarding my surgery options. But I want to wait until I have tried all I can first.

Moving forward.....

I was depressed, anxious and unmotivated when I first found out all this was going on 3 weeks ago and so now I have to get back on track.  I have gained more weight and now that the pity party is over, it's time to get back to work! I cannot train as I did before right now as it hurts to much but I can walk and ride on the spin bike until it hurts, then I need to stop.

So I am setting a new goal. To walk and bike a total of 150 miles for this month. Starting on Monday, August 24th.  I know it does not sound like much but it's a start back and we will see how it does with my pain.

Shoot for the stars right?

Back from Mexico!!

We are home now from our family vacation and I am ready to begin a new challenge today! I will most pics of the trip and details later on but for now I wanted to focus on the task at hand....getting back on track!!

The challenge runs from today, July 6th to September 3rd. 60 days of watching my foods closely and logging my workouts etc...

The plan is simple.

1. Eat Clean. No junk or anything processed.
2. Lift lots of things. Balls, bars, ropes, sandbags etc...
3. Move!! Move slow. Move fast. Just move.
4. Log my goods on Myfitnesspal and keep water around a gallon a day.


For my training - Milage goal is set at 500 miles, SBRW - swim, bike, run and walk
Pushup goal - 3,000
Burpees - 2,000

It's easy to set goals, its another thing to get out there and get it done! Here we GOOOOO!!!!!

Training 6/1 - 6/9

Monday 6/1 - ST circuit and 3 mile RW
Tuesday 6/2  -  5 mile RW
Wednesday 6/3 - Off
Thursday 6/4  - RW 5 miles
Friday 6/5 - Spin 60 mins
Saturday 6/6 - RW 3 and ST circuit.
Sunday 6/7 - Off
Monday 6/8 - RW 5 miles
Tuesday 6/9 -  Spin 60 mins

I am heading up to Dallas on the 9th to see my family and I look forward to getting in some runs around the lake and hopefully some ST as well.

Happy June!!!

Farewell 37...

If I had to have a final workout before my birthday tomorrow then this was a rocking one! I pushed it hard on the bike and loved every minute of it!!!!

63:26 

20 miles with hill intervals 

Main set - Gear 13 -15 and climbs were G 18 -21. 

670 calories 

AHR - 163 

MHR - 180 

Recovery protein shake with kale and spinach. 

An early birthday present to me!!!

I turn the big 38 tomorrow but apparently in this photo, with no makeup I look 29!! I will take it 😄 

Rain! Rain! Rain!

Another strong storm came through last night. Crazy! We have more rain coming through today. I am ready to see the SUN!!! Today's training will be a ST circuit with treadmill intervals. 

Staying strong!

M1 - roasted veg frittata and coffee with almond milk 

M2 - Wild cod and fruit salad / small amount of each. S1 really. 

M3 - GF beef with zucchini noodles 

M4 - GF beef and a salad. 

5/23 to 6/23. A new challenge begins!

Straight to the point...

1. Drop 15 lbs 

2. Log foods daily 

3. Miles - 300 RWB 

4. W30/Paleo 

A good day!

The operation clean out the attic is in full swing and its gong well. No training today but logging my meals and did well. 

M1 - Ez bread, peach and coffee 

M2 - black beans and cornbread. Did not agree with me. No more beans for now! 

M3 - Spinach salad with goat cheese and walnuts with chicken wings. 

M4 - banana chips and cashews. 

For a treat tonight. Homemade coconut berry sorbet! 

Memories!

We are spending today going through the attic making stacks of things to give away and it is bringing back a flood of memories for us. It's hard parting with baby clothes, toys and some memories from our travels.

I have made a few memory boxes for super special items but still, it's so hard! While we were going through boxes, Michaela started dancing to the theme song of How to Train Your Dragon and I stopped to capture the moment....

I am emotional mess today and I am trying to cherish all I can. Seeing her little shoes and clothes is just another reminder of how fast this time goes. So happy I made the most of her precious first few years. 

Thank you God for the blessing of my family. 

Finding Joy in the Journey!

It's been forever since I have gathered my thoughts on my journey. What it was, what is has become and what I want for the future. While my time spent to my training has decreased, my passion and determination is strong. One thing I loved about this journey was looking back to my training logs and seeing the details. Reading what I did well and seeing areas where I can improve. So much has changed since our move back to the US.  I have only raced once and my focus has shifted from endurance training to more of a crossfit/bootcamp style of training. I do not even know where it fits in the "fitness mold" anymore and that is ok.

As most of you know I gained quite a bit of weight since 2012/2013 and it has been a struggle to get the weight off and get back to a good, lean weight like I was a few years ago. Things change. We change and I am learning that it is ok. It is ok to be heavier than before. Better perhaps in some respects. If I keep chasing this ideal weight in my head I am afraid it will only set me up for disaster as I train.  Instead, I am trying to lean out over the next 30 days a few lbs then go from there.

It's a struggle, a big one for many of us. We must realize that it is ok. It is ok to be as we are, working hard to better ourselves but we must live in the now. If we chase and chase after the ideal body, we will miss this moment that is before us.

Let's work hard every day to find joy in this struggle, through the challenges, let's find happiness in this moment where we are NOW...not the someday.

Today was another step forward in the right direction for me. Here's to another strong day tomorrow as I start on this new 30 day challenge :)

M1 - Eggs, steak and guacamole and coffee
M2 - EZ bread and coffee with almond milk
M3 - Black beans, cornbread and Wild cod
M4 - Protein shake with super greens blend, grapefruit and homemade berry ice cream made with coconut milk and honey!

Planning!

Happy days are here again! I am back baby!!! 

Happy Friday!!!

Today's Goals....

Mobility. Mobility. Mobility.....

And drink a lot of water 😀 

M1- Eggs, avocado and a kale protein shake. And coffee. Loads of coffee! 

Tuesday hills....

 It was short and sweet. 9.5 miles climbing with a few RI. Climbs were @G18-21 with recovery @ 15-17. 28 mins. 

5/18 Training.

5/18 - Really? Already? This year is flying by. Here is my plan for the week. Nothing crazy. Just steady and strong.

5/18 - Rest
5/19 - Bike 15 hills
5/20 - ST, 3 mile run
5/21 - Bike 20
5/22 - ST, 5 mile run
5/23 - Walk 90 min
5/24 - Rest

Happy Mother's Day!

I cannot think of a better time to start blogging here again....Mother's Day. A day to celebrate the incredible blessing that is being a Mom. As I reflect on the day when I first found out I was pregnant, I remember the woman I was before and who I am now. Motherhood has changed me to the core. It truly has been the most incredible experience of my life. No words could ever express how much I love being a Mom to my precious M. She is my life. 

I have a lot of goals this year, and while I work hard to reach them, the biggest goal for me that must not be overshadowed by all the rest is becoming the best, most encouraging, uplifting and loving Mom I can be. My girl is 5 now and I want to continue to set an example for her in every area of my life. 

As my new summer challenges begin, I look forward to documenting them here as I once did. 

 It's the beginning of a beautiful time in our life and I cannot wait to see how this year unfolds! 

Happy Mother's Day to you all. 💜

Day 11 Training.

Finally getting back and it feels great! Day by day I am getting stronger and I know before too long I will be where I used to be and who knows, maybe far beyond!

 I will say this much, after taking so much time away from training, it is so eye opening to see just how much you lose, but somehow I feel my body is starting to remember the good old days :)

40 min resistance intervals on Precor Crosstrainer - 10/14/20 intervals with 8 recovery
Rowing - 3,015 m/15:24 - Good gravy, I have not rowed in over a year.  I forgot how much I love it!
Leg press warm up - 160 lbs, 12 reps
30 lb DB squat press - 40 reps
10 reps with 45 lb Db...heaviest since shoulder injury! Party!!! :)
Dynamax 25 lb squat press/ hold - 50 reps
Push ups - 50 reps
Cross chop/knee pull down - 50 reps each side with 12 lb MB
Wall balls - 50 reps with 20 lb Dynamax
MB sit up - 50 reps with 12 lb MB

Afternoon spin - 68:14 mins/ 22 miles/ ARPM - 85. Great ride!

Done and Done for today and happy as can be!!!

Midweek training update....

Training 1/5 - 1/11 -

Monday - ST/ incline tread intervals - 60 mins - Done
Tuesday - walk with my girl - 2.6 miles - Done
Wednesday - 70 min spin and ST - Done
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 60 min spin, RW 3 miles.
Saturday - ST and 3 miles RW
Sunday - Rest

1/5 - 1/11 Training plan...

Training 1/5 - 1/11 

Monday - 60 min Incline tread and ST intervals - DONE!! 

Tuesday - Spin 60 mins and core 

Wednesday - ST and 3 mile RW 

Thursday - REST :) 

Friday - Spin 60 mins and core, RW 3 miles 

Saturday - RW 3 miles and ST 

Sunday - REST :) 

Good ST workout...

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/3-hardcore-at-home-workouts.html?mcid=SM_facetraining03010115

Day 3! DONE

Another super successful day!! 42 days to go!!

M1 - Steak and eggs! Kale, cucumber and mixed berry shake
M2 - Beef and kale bolognese with grilled peppers. Apples and a few nuts
M3 - More of M2 it was so good along with a broccoli, tomato salad with balsamic vinegar. Tangerine and Green tea.

Fitness -

AM - Piyo Define lower body
PM - 20 mins of Cathe Cardio Core Circuit and 20 min spin on the Lemond. 5/5 interval climb/sprint sets with no rest between sets. 8 km distance.

Off to celebrate another fantastic day!! :) Blessings!

Day 2. Done!!

A good day, strong workout, and a happy heart. I say it was a great start to 2015!!

M1 - Eggs, avocado, baby kale and black coffee
M2 - Turkey and avocado. 1/2 apple. Blueberries
M3 - Almond butter with apple. Kale with onions sautéed with turkey. Hot apple cider (just hot raw apple juice, no added sugar)

Easy does it. Simple but effective start back to ST...

I am SLOWLY getting back to a regular ST program. It does not happen overnight and I have to be careful I do not reinjure my shoulder.  Here is todays short program. Just enough to remind my body what is right round the corner :)

Toy Solider Squats with 12 lb MB- 100 reps
Squat press with 20 lb Dynamax ball - 100 reps
Military push-ups - 50 reps
12 lb MB chops with squat - 100 reps
Plank raise - 50 reps

DONE! Happy New Year!!

New Year, New Goals!!!

I am sitting here writing this on the morning of January 1st with a heart filled with anticipation for the year ahead!! Instead of listing my goals for the year I want to break them up into quarterly goals starting with the first half of this year.

1. Complete my Whole45 - Lose 20 lbs and loads of inches :)
2. Get back to regular strength training
3. Increase my mobility training

Day one was a success and now I look ahead to the next 44 days before me!! :)

Day 1 results -

Fitness - Mobility work - light. Activity goals met via Surge
Nutrition - M1 - Eggs, crab and avocado. 1 small tangerine and coffee with coconut milk
M2 - Lettuce wrap with turkey and avocado, roasted potatoes. Kale and veggie shake
M3 - Apple with almond butter, blackberries.  Small amount of grass fed steak with salad.  Green tea with lemon.