Fitness Friday-Viva La Color 5K

This year we are trying new things with my kids.  Previously my son and I participated in a color run with a big group of our friends.  We had not participated in another one since then.  My Lil Bit had yet to experience this fun and energetic run.  I feel that at five years old she could handle all the fun.

Did you know Viva means to live or to be alive?  This is how we should live life like we are alive.  This is what I am teaching my kids this year that life is meant to be lived. 

 The weather was being brutal this morning as it was in the low 60s and the wind was not dying down at all.  We were freezing.  Luckily my daughter's sweater was in our vehicle.  We had brought towels for after the race that we ended up wrapping her in.   She stayed warm before the race in her wagon.

 How did our race go?  Well a 5K is a little hard for little feet.  It is a long distance if they have never done this distance before.  A color run is a lot of fun but there are no water stations, no porta potties along the race route, and other than the few color stations; it is still a race. 

Right from the start my daughter wanted to go potty.  I think it was the cold weather because I got the urge as well.  I have to give it to Lil Bit, she hung in the entire time.  I ended up carrying her (all 36 lbs) on my shoulders and piggy back from color station to color station.  I asked her if she wanted to quick at one point where it looked like we could just cut through but she said no.  She loved getting the colors squirted at her.  I loved watching her go through the color stations.  I loved how so many people were so encouraging and were cheering me on as they past me up.  I heard things like:
"Way to go Mom", "You got this", "Yall almost done, keep it up", etc...

 At the end, I put her down and she bolted to the finish line.  She is really fast like her brother.  I can see some Cross Country or Track in her future.  Daddy caught the finish line picture.

 My son started and ended the race like a champ.  This was not a timed race but my husband said my son finished within the first 10 people.   

I pulled the rear like always.  Check out my tutu, yeah that's the wind still blowing like crazy.

Everyone who finished got a medal at the finish line.  We had a blast on the run.  The after party was a big dance, color party that my daughter did not want to leave.  Viva la Color!

Fitness Friday-Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run

This year our first run of the year as a family was the Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run.  It is a 3K.

This race is affordable.  It is not a big race.  The after party is only open to the participants and volunteers.  This is our second year participating and we enjoyed ourselves. 

Check out of pictures and reasons why this is a fun run:

1)  Meet and Greets-

2)  Moonwalks, Slides, Games-

3)  Family Time-

4)  Medals-

 Last year, my daughter was in her stroller.  This year she actually ran most of the race.  She was so happy that she even started doing a victory dance before hitting the finish line.  Her moment was captured by the photographer at the race:

This is what she started chanting to herself, "You can do it" "Oh yeah, I am gonna win" "I got this"!  It was the cutest and funniest thing ever.  What a feeling it is to cross that finish line!
Start them young teaching them healthy habits.  I think we have another runner in the family.

January 2016 Health Check In

Today I am checking in with you and recapping what has happened since January 1, 2016 when I hit the reset button.  It has been hard work every - single - day to stay on track.  To tell you the truth, this time has been the hardest.  I kept putting ME off in 2015.  I would start and then quit on myself again because it was so hard. 

I am not going to lie.  I have no secrets for you or a fast forward button.  Every day is a struggle.  It will continue to be a struggle but I have to stay focused, keep my eye on my goals, and remember to work at balance.

Here is what I have been doing:

-Calorie Count-Tracking those darn calories has been keeping me straight.  Every day I start off with the same amount of calories.  I eat breakfast and start subtracting from there.  Sometimes for dinner I don't have many calories left and I have to work around that. 

-Serving Sizes-Smaller portions.  Eating on smaller plates.  I am measuring everything.  Even my drinks.  Everything you put in your mouth counts. 

-Fitness Shows-I know how to do this.  It is like riding a bike.  It will all come back to me.  And some things have come back.  But I am also learning new things.  Where?  On TV.  Yes, I am a dork and am watching The Biggest Loser, My Diet is Better Than Yours, and Fit to Fat to Fit.  Why?  Because it helps me.  I work out while watching the shows.  I learn from the tips they give.  I see what exercises are working for them.

-Diet Bet-I signed up for a biggest loser challenge.  This is the first time I have ever joined in a challenge like this.  It is helping me stay on track with my own goals.  Every 2 weeks we will check in and on the final weigh in, the person who has lost the biggest percentage will win the money. 

-Lifestyle-I am cooking at home.  We are eating at home.  I am making and packing lunches.  We are all eating the same.  My family is being supportive and it has been a lifestyle change for all of us.

-Resting-I have been getting to bed earlier.  The doctor did recommend this to me.  She said it would make a difference and it did.  I am more ready for my day.

-Steps-I said I wanted to run 365 miles by the end of the year.  I have only ran 1.5 miles but I have walked more than half of my goal already in steps.  My goal is to do 10,000 steps everyday.  When I first started the month it took me all day to get my steps.  I started walking before work, during lunch, and right before bed.  I kinda set a daily time goal.  Before lunch I tried to get half my steps done.  I would catch up my steps during lunch.  Any missing steps I would do before bed.  As the month progressed I got better at making sure I got my steps done and even went above my daily goal.

Here is my progress:

I have lost a total of 8 pounds.

I am so happy that I am so motivated.  I have been successful.  Every pound has been hard work on my part.  If I told you that the number on the scale does not really matter I would be lying.  This time it does matter to me.  I will tell you that even if I did not see the scale change, I would know that something was happening in my body.  I feel better.  I am happier.  I have energy.  I like that my clothes is fitting again.  I have already went down at least 3 sizes.  I have to admit I was wearing some Plus sizes.  I had never been this size.  I hope to never go back.

To be clear I am not taking any magic pills, drinking special shakes, or anything else someone is selling.  I am taking my multi-vitamin, skin-hair-nails, and drinking lots of water.  Every now and again, I take the easy road and do indulge on a Smoothie King shake as a replacement meal.  Why am I telling you all of this, transparency?  I am not on anyone's plan, except my own.  I do not have weekly meetings to talk about my weight with a total stranger.  I do what I can everyday to work hard at my own goals.  I am not paying for a meal plan.  I am learning to cook our favorite dishes by making little changes to ingredients.  Choosing healthy.  Indulging a little but in smaller portions.  I am eating what I want but not getting carried away.  I am not dieting.  I am not spending everyday in the gym.  See as a mom I felt so guilty spending any minute away from my kids.  That guilt kept me home most days in 2015.  This is why I am doing it my way this time.  I am spending time with my kids and my husband.  We walk around the mall, go down every aisle in the grocery store, enjoy bike rides and going to the park. 

Moving on to February, my plan is to continue doing my 10,000 steps every day.  I am planning to incorporate more weight training.  Losing 1 lb a week is healthy to me.  I am moving in the right direction and that is good enough for me.  This isn't a race, this is life.  My life.

Thanks for sticking around for this long post.  Any thoughts?  questions?  comments?

Fitness Friday-Hitting the Reset Button

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

This is how I ended 2015....the workout thing was not working out for me.  There was so much going on but I believe that now I am ready to try this again in 2016.  I am ready to be successful.

I understand how life goes and how busy we get.  I am ready to hit the reset button like many others on January 1st.  I am ready to recommit myself to ME.  Being healthy is a lifestyle change.  I am human and like many we need to set some goals.

Last year I ran the Aramco Houston Half Marathon like previous years, I started and finished:

 I remember the feeling of accomplishment after this race.  I love that rush.  Do you do something that makes you happy?  Running makes me happy.  I keep telling you, it is something I never though I could do.  But I know I can.  Here is what I will be working on:

1)  Goal-I am setting a goal I can reach.  This year I am not running marathons.  I am trying to get back on the pavement.  No matter what is going on I want to run at least 365 miles this year.  Broken down, that is at least 1 mile a day.  I plan to walk 10,000 steps every day. 

2)  Balance-Family -vs-Work.  I have no secrets for you.  All I can say is that I have an awesome husband that helps keep me balanced.  This year I had a lot going on and balance was kinda one sided but it is has started to balance the right way now.  All I can continue to do is keep trying to find balance. 

3)  Focus-I am going to use the 80 20 Rule.  While my life may be falling apart, I cannot change or solve 100% of my problems.  I have spend past years trying to fight a fight I have lost.  A couple of years ago my life really fell apart more than ever and I never thought I was going to survive.  Though I have more support than ever, things really hit me hard and I really went there.  The place of no return.  I lost total focus in the most important things.  This year I did work on focus and the 80 20 rule really did help.  Someone special to me kept telling me chores can wait, life moments will pass us by.  So while I can't fix everything, I will start to focus where I can.  Focus my energy where I can and will make a difference. 

What will you be working on this year?  How will you achieve it?  Let's help each other.

Fitness Friday-Zarbee's New Vitamin Drink Mixes

***Disclosure-I received a product sample to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Do you like to drink pills?  Do you take multivitamins?  How do you take your multivitamins?  Many people like me hate to take pills especially the big horse pills.  All my life I have had to take pills.  Either my iron levels were low or my white blood cell count was bad, no matter the reason, multivitamin supplements help my body get the nutrients it needs.

Zarbee's announced a new line of vitamin drink mixes for adults.

Being hydrated is an essential part in maintaining good health.  There isn't a part of the body that doesn't depend on water to function.  Zarbee's various mixes are designed to be combined with 4-6 oz. of water (hot or cold depending on the variety) or with more water for a lighter flavor.  Through the drink mixes, the body is getting essential vitamins while simultaneously staying hydrated.  The products are also free from gluten and artificial dyes.

Multivitamin with Antioxidant: Intended to be served cold, this natural mixed berry flavored mix contains 12 essential vitamins, including 100% of the recommended daily values of vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate, biotin and Selenium. This high potency antioxidant formula helps combat free radical damage.*

Antioxidant Support with Honey: This high potency antioxidant formula supplies four essential vitamins and minerals to help promote healthy cells and combat free radical damage.* Served hot, its natural apple spice flavor tastes as good as it makes your body feel.

Calming Blend: This mix can be served hot or cold, and is designed to help support your nervous system and help promote calmness and tranquility in your life. In a unique natural lemon mint flavor, it delivers 12 essential vitamins including A, C, E and B-complex, as well as a blend of passion flower, chamomile and mucuna prurines.*

Invigorating Blend: In a natural lemon ginger flavor, this mix can be served hot or cold. Delivering essential B vitamins, which play an important role in energy metabolism, the invigorating blend also contains green tea leaves and guarana seed extract to help promote temporary alertness.*   

Immune Support Blend: Designed to deliver key nutrients your body needs to maintain a healthy immune system, this mix contains five key essential vitamins and minerals including A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc in a natural citrus spice flavor.* This mix is intended to be served hot.

Multivitamin with Prebiotic: Best when served cold, this multivitamin is specially designed to support a healthy digestive system and contains natural inulin, a prebiotic. In a natural orange flavor, this mix also includes 100% of the daily recommended values of vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate and biotin.*

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.

I like that you can add it to you water.  It has no artificial flavors or sweeteners.  No pills to swallow.  I can take it go.  I can keep the individual packs in my purse or gym bag to take with me on the go.    

For more information, visit Zarbees.com.

Throwback Thursday-Reflecting

Wow, a new year is here....how do you feel about that?

Looking back at last year and reflecting is a good way to analyze where I am this year.  I started the year so good.  

My husband and I decided to start working out together.  Couples fitness was great for both of us.  We were able to hang out together doing something we both enjoy.  We were accountable to each other.  With our schedules being so busy, this was a way for both of us to spend a little more time with each other.  He was able to help me out and it worked great for us.  

Another great thing that helped me out was the different races I was able to participate in.

Aramco Houston Half was the first race of the year.  A half marathon that I did not train for but did complete.  I am actually signed up to run it again this year.  I am currently in training.  Luckily I will not be alone.  I have a group of friends that are all committed to complete the 13.1 miles.  I have a commitment to myself to finish the half marathon.  The clock countdown says I have 17 more days...this part is to be continued.  

My next race was the Steps 4 Students.  I like doing races that I can get the entire family involved.  5Ks are fun and short.  Fitness does not have to be hard.

I normally do not run more than 1 half marathon in a year but never say never right.  I ran the Biggest Loser Half Marathon.  A different city, the month of May and me running 13.1 miles.  This was a challenge but again I succeeded by crossing the finish line.

Both of the half marathons really did a number on my knees.  I even went to the doctor to make sure I was not injured.  I was cleared.  I decided to give my knees a little rest by starting to ride my bicycle.  This was really good for my knees.  I was able to get out and get the mileage in without hurting myself.  No more pounding on my knees.  But this was not the only way that I stayed the focused on fitness.

A fun way I was able to train last year, was to do fitness challenges like the 1000 burpee FitFluential Challenge.  I did not think I was going to make it there at the end but I did.  Completing the 1000 burpees was awesome!  Those burpees were so hard but breaking it up for 30 days and doing some a day helped me complete this challenge.

It was a great year but I did lose focus.  Life got very busy and it was difficult to make time for the gym, working out, or anything.  But I kept refocusing as much as I could.  I started watching my steps to see how much I was moving since I was not able to make it out to the gym.  I had to get creative with my movement.  

-Workout breaks-I tried to get up, move around, squat, jumping jacks, or whatever got me moving during the day.

-Counting Steps-Watching my steps made it easy to see when I had not moved.  So on days I noticed my movement was low, I took the long way to places, more stairs, and move more.

-Me time-I realized that even though life got complicated I was allowed to have a moment to myself to regroup.  Selah-Peace, be still.  When I go for runs that helps me clear my head, and I needed lots of head clearing time this year.  Thank goodness for the support I have from my husband, and the encouragement to take me time.  that I deserved it.  That I was allowed.  That it was ok.

It was hard but I am not quitting.  I am running the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 17 days.

I am not looking to break my PR.  I am looking to be at a place of happiness with myself, because it is about me being happy with ME. 

Fitness Friday-GoldKili Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are based on my own personal experience.  All other information is for informational purposes only.

Do you what the benefits of Ginger are?  I have tried Ginger when I was juicing but never added it to any other drink.  Thanks to goldkili for sharing the 10 health benefits of Ginger below:

1)    Alleviates Nausea
2)    Acts as a Natural Energy Booster
3)    Boosts Immunity
4)    Eliminates Congestion
5)    Enhances Metabolism
6)    Provides Rich Minerals
7)    Reduces Inflammation
8)    Refreshes Breath
9)    Improves Blood Circulation
10)  Relieves Indigestion

-Caffeine Free
-Natural Ingredients
-Hot or cold

If you have ever tried Ginger you know how it taste or smells, it is an acquired taste for some.  It tastes like a sweet, and spicy tea with Ginger added.  I suffer a lot from indigestion.  My stomach gets swollen, especially when I eat things I am allergic too.  Lately my stomach has been really swollen and I have felt so bloated.  The goldkili has helped relieved me during the day.

Have you ever tried Ginger?  How do you use it in your life? 

Fitness Friday-Beach Yoga

Trying something new can sometimes be very hard for one person.  Can you imagine trying to do things as a couple?  My husband and I decided while on vacation we would relax but try to stay within our routine.  I wanted to make sure get my exercise in as I never get to add this to my schedule because I am always running around with the kids.  At the beginning of this year we started working out together and it was great.  Working out together can be awesome, especially if your partner is motivating you to do better.

You may not know or feel comfortable with what you are about to try but just go with it.  As you can see from picture above, my husband felt completely out of place.  He works out and is a lifter.  This whole concept of yoga is not his thing.  I had never tried beach yoga.  But I was willing to try it, and yes, I drugged him along for the experience.  Plus, free class thanks to Hotel Del Coronado, beautiful blue beach water, and I am willing to try everything once.

At first I really felt out of place too but did not want to let my husband know.  Then I started to focus more on the sounds of the water. Beach Yoga was so calming.  One with the Earth.  Our instructor even got us in the water doing some poses out there.  We had the sand in our toes, the water hitting our feet, and the beauty of it all around us.  We may not have gotten every pose but this was awesomely peaceful.  Even my husband enjoyed it.

Do you yoga?  Have you ever tried it on the beach?  Listening to the waves crashing down, you breathing in the air, and just letting go.  Try it, this can be a whole family adventure.  We enjoyed it as a couple and there were a couple of families there together doing including some kiddos.

Fitness Friday-Steps 4 Students 5K

I have a new found love for running and I know I sound redundant when I keep writing that but I do love to run.  But what I enjoy the most is that I get to do this with my family.  This hobby helps me keep up with my healthy lifestyle.  I try to find races that are available in my city that are cost effective so that we all can participate.  In February, we participated in the Steps for Students 5K for the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese.  My friend's children attend and so it is great that we can help them with this fundraiser.  

What is a 5K?  5K = 3 miles

You do not have to run.  Most of these are fun runs that include family walks.  Everyone can participate and you can even push strollers that is what is so fun about this.  You can go online and find tools to help you get to where you want to be.  I am not where I want to be but I try, try, and will keep trying.  

This is the route of the 5K we did.

 The day was not too hot or too cold for a run.  I like when the route is a straight shot and not a lot of curves.  This even when through some streets with a lot of shade so it was perfect.  So how did we do, you ask?

1st Place-MJ 27 minutes
2nd Place-Dad 28 minutes
3rd Place-Mami 35 minutes

We had fun and that is all that counts.  I will tell you that none of us wanted to wake up this morning.  We had a lot of things on our plate this day.  But we made no excuses and went out there.  A practically 30 minute run and we were done.  Look I burned 355 calories in that 5K run, we had family time, and we helped a great cause.

Finding a race in your area can be as easy as goggling- Run/Walk in _____ city  

I challenge you to do your first 5K by the end of this month.  Good luck! 

Fitness Friday-UnderArmour FitFluential 1000 #FFBURPEE Challenge

Today is the last day of February.  The second month of the year, gone.  How are you doing with your resolution?  How are you fitness goals?  We are 2 months down and 10 more to go.  It is ok if you have gotten lost we need to refocus, and the end of the month/beginning of the month is the perfect time for this.  In January, I tried to start back but the weather played a big role in my delay.  This month, I had a partner and trainer right by my side helping me.  I keep recommending to you to find a partner to help you with accountability.  I not only had accountability but I also signed up for a challenge.  I was going to do an ab challenge but a friend posted about the @FitFluential @UnderArmour 1000 #FFBURPEES challenge.  I thought about how hard those have been for me in the past and I decided to take on the challenge.  The goal was to do at least 37 a day.  I actually started the challenge a day late so I had to catch up and so I did 50.  I did not do them all at once.  I put my heart monitor on before I started.  I did 10 at a time.  I let my heart rate come back down and then I did 10 more.  I ended doing 50 with a 15 to 20 minute time period.  I felt great.  So on the days I could I did 50.  Then life took over and I had a trip out of town.  No excuses remember, so I played catch up all through the month.  Some days I had to do 75, and this week even 100.

Above are recaps of my trips to the gym and my burpees.  My husband was great helping me achieve my goal of 1000 burpees.  Even my little one joined in the challenge when she saw me doing the burpees at home.  I did not think I could do that many but I did it!  This morning I completed my last 100 burpees for a total of 1000.

But you do not have to take on a crazy challenge like I did, just focus on something you are trying to achieve.  Have you ran a 5K before or walked it?  Whatever you do, keep moving!!  Good luck!  I have not decided what I will be doing this next month but all I know is my body is reshaping.  Next month I will give you a update on the stats but for now-who cares what the scale reads as I am having fun!

Fitness Friday-Aramco Houston Half Marathon 2014

It was a great idea at 11 p.m. at nite.....my decision to participate in this year's Aramco Houston Half Marathon.  13.1 miles on Houston streets.

13.1
Thirteen Point One Miles
69, 168 feet
23,056 yards
21.08 kilometers
Half Marathon

Like I told you Monday it has been a hectic end to 2013, and I was not planning on running the half.  I did not sign up with the rest of my friends.  I was going to be a spectator.  But the opportunity was there for me to be able to join my friends and well the running bug got me.

I have ran a half marathon before, remember my 1st was the Hippity Roc.  Last year I had to run the Aramco Houston Half Marathon 2013 for my husband since he hurt his leg.  This year I got the opportunity to run for a friend in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon 2014.  But I had not trained, ran or thought about anything other than cheering on the sidelines at this run.  But because of a personal situation/decision I decided to do it.  Supporting my friends is always top on my book.  And since I had completed 2 others, I figured it could be done.  I did not know what I was getting myself into.  We also had another friend who was doing the half for the first time.  The 3 of us decided to do the half together.  2 veterans and a newbie.  We helped each other all along the race.  We stopped at the gatorade and water stations.  We took breaks along the way.  We ran/jogged and walk in intervals.  In the end we gave it all we had, and we crossed the finish line.  I got blisters on mile 4.  My knees started killing me mile 8.  By mile 12-13, I wanted it to be over so I stayed steady at my pace telling the girls I was the pacer.  They passed me up, caught up, we kept moving forward.  Each of us battled our own bodies.  We did it!

Afterwards we stretched, regained our composure, and waited for our friend to cross the Marathon 26.2 Mile Finish Line.  Each one of those miles was worth being able to wait for my best friend at the finish line.  

She is a #girlonfire !!!  She finished the marathon in 4 hrs 28 mins.  How awesome!  We are so happy for her and her accomplishment.

And of course, my accomplishment!

After the race we all were pretty pooped.  I could bearly walk with all my blisters on both feet.  I soak and laid on the couch for the rest of the day.  But my husband and I started talking about the half marathon, we realized that I have never ran the Aramco half marathons for myself.  Both times I did them tagged in for someone else.  My husband's favorite line to me is always, "Imagine if you would have trained?"  And that line stuck out to both of us.  Imagine if I did.  I know I can cross the finish line because I have, 3 times.  But imagine if I actually trained for the next one, what would my time be?  My 1st half marathon I really didn't know what I was doing, did not really train for that long of distance, and I set a PR for myself to beat next time around.

I am not ready to conquer the full marathon, but I will be working on my Half Marathon!  Wish me luck!  How about you?  Have you challenged yourself?  Do not knock it until you have tried it...trust me, best feeling ever.  So what is stopping you?

Baby steps, start with a walk.  So what 5K walk/fun run is in your area?