What in your life is missing?

Lacing the shoes back up...

This was me this morning...
😩🏃🏻‍♀️😐😊🌥💦🏃🏻‍♀️👭👮‍♂️👍🙌👊🙏☺️

I turned on the TV Sunday morning to watch the Chicago marathon and memories instantly entered my mind of the time I myself conquered the course.  Runners of all shapes and sizes, paces all across the board, and I entered friends and acquaintances into the tracking system so I could check on their progress.  Each runner has their own unique story of how they got to that point, and I think that's what makes me appreciate these accomplishments even more.

My last organized run was the Ragnar Trail run in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  Probably one of the most agonizing things I've ever physically done.  I run to escape and this race prohibited one to escape because you had to concentrate on every root, rock, and obstacle that came your way in the dark.  Longest runs ever...

Fast forward just over a year from that trail run, and I can't remember another outdoor run that I've done since then. Maybe the Turkey Trot, but nothing where I woke up and ran just to run.  Until today... I keep thinking about last weekend's marathon, and I actually googled Chicago half marathons yesterday.  What is happening?  Am I getting the bug back finally?

So this morning I laced up my running shoes, couldn't find ear buds compatible to my phone, and walked out of the house sans music.  Actually not a big deal since I often run without music.  I hit the pavement and boy did it feel good.  I saw people I haven't seen in a while and started asking myself if I've been in a cocoon for the past year.  I've been at FITT-RX and OTF for my workouts, but I realized how much I enjoy being outside to clear my head.

Knocked out 5.5 miles.  Not too shabby for someone who hasn't been out in a while.  Thank God for muscle memory!

Think about things you miss.  Especially ones that are good for you and jump back on the horse.  You'll be happy you did.  Anyone up for a spring half?  🙌

21 Day Fix Results!

Top 10 things I've learned:
1.  Planning is key!
2.  The first week is tough.
3.  Doing it with friends is awesome because you hold each other accountable.
4.  I love steel cut oats with peanut butter!
5.  Make it a game, then you won't cheat.
6,  Bring food with you when you know you'll be gone for more than 3 hours.
7.  I can't believe the amount of food I'm eating!
8.  Get a coach...like Antonette.  She's awesome!
9.  I need to learn to like hard boiled eggs more.
10. They tell you it gets easier...and it DOES!

The only foods I've eaten out of my pantry have been walnuts, peanut butter, steel cut oats, black beans, chocolate shakeology, spices, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and canned tomatoes. I've given up my Kashi cereal with blueberries and almond milk.  That was tough for me as it's been my staple breakfast for a few years.  I've also given up pretzels, chips, pasta, bread, and rice.

From my fridge I'm living on EGGS, beets, spinach, carrots, celery, peppers of every color, cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus, chicken, fish (mostly salmon), steak, ground chicken, ground turkey, pork, cottage cheese, and cholula hot sauce.

I tried avoiding all dairy, however, I was really getting tired of all the meat I was eating so one of my proteins ended up being cottage cheese which I like anyway.  I stayed away from yogurt because the damn stuff seems to make my stomach hurt.  I'm getting old!

I haven't mentioned it until now, but I had a lot of friends question why I was doing this.  I workout, I'm fit, I exercise, and I eat pretty well.  All I can say is that at the bottom of this blog, I will share my results and the wonderful things that came out of completing the program. You'll never see me hype anything up unless I truly believe in it.

Here's a few texting highlights and lowlights with my friends.

My freaking dog chewed up my protein container!  I ate tuna out of it, then set it near the couch.  Ugh...I'm sure she couldn't resist the tuna smell.

Sometimes threats help!

By this time I was sleeping much, much better!  I think with the deeper sleeps, we're also dreaming more, thus dreaming of food we crave!

And then we had these moments...  Antonette said it...we were acting like we were on Survivor.

Then we were turning into eggs, and giving up our first borns???

Costco cart example...

 I'm pretty sure this was 5 days in.  I've been dealing with t-zone redness for quite some time.  It's just incredible that by now it's almost completely gone!  I'm amazed.  If you deal with complexion issues, doing this will work wonders!

Holy Crap...look what Carrie found just a week in!  Hahaha!!!  Only a bunch of moms would see the c-section scar.  Yes, I have one too:)

And then this happened.  I was so upset throwing out food I'd purchased.  Luckily, we have a second fridge to throw stuff in, but if I had to go to the basement any more I was going to kill someone.  Our new fridge is awesome though!!!

Let me just say this...Carrie made an unbelievable pumpkin oatmeal, and brought it to the studio.  It was amazing.  I usually ate my carb between 3-4 in the afternoon to get me through until dinnertime, and my choice was either this oatmeal, or steel cut oats with a teaspoon of peanut butter.  Jodi swore that there was something in there that was a NO NO.  Come to find out Carrie put Almond Milk CREAMER in it!  Seriously??  A violation of our 21 day fix program and she didn't even know she sabotaged it.  Damn you, Carrie!  Lucky we all still love her though. 

Just like the mint I had at Egg Harbor, Jodi ate a candy corn.  It's over.  She ruined everything.  HA!!!

And then I had the toughest weekend of all.

Thursday night:  Luke Bryan Concert

Luckily, I was going with another friend who also was on the Fix.  I did not drink, but I did successfully smuggle chicken, veggies, hummus, a clementine, and a La Croix into the United Center!  I felt like I was sneaking booze in.  Seriously, what had this world come too!

Friday night:  40th Birthday/Halloween Party 

Thankfully, this was not nearly as hard as I thought it would be.  Enjoying La Croix with a twist of lime makes it a bit more fancy...like you're drinking.  When everyone is dressed and looking goofy, you kind of forget about drinking.  Lastly, I brought veggies and hummus, however, their food fit perfectly into the FIX!  They had fajitas which I got to enjoy a full plate of chicken and veggies.

Saturday night:  Halloween

I'm the first person to admit that I'll sit on my front porch drinking blood (wine) or beer as those cute little trick or treaters come on by.  Luckily, the weather kind of sucked so it wasn't as bad.  Also, our new fridge was being installed.  I was super excited about that.  Now let's talk about candy...today is November 26th, and I have yet to dig into my kid's Halloween candy.  THIS IS HUGE!  One of us didn't fare so well...

Sunday:  Bears Game

THE SINGLE HARDEST DAY OF THE ENTIRE 21 DAYS.

For 19 years, Wade and I have been going to Bears games together.  Tailgating wasn't bad.  I had fish grilled for me without the breading.  I drank water.  So far, so good.  Now get myself into the game and not having a beer at my seat???  That was awful.  I yearned for that beer so bad.  Instead, I drank water and ate the veggies and oranges I smuggled into Soldier Field.  Yep, clementines down my pants.  Seriously, this was ridiculous, but mandatory.  Find me healthy food there...you won't.

Our goal is here!!!

Day 21 comes and goes.  I NEVER cheated, and then Day 22 comes!  Our goal was to get to the Hot Chocolate Run in Chicago to celebrate!  YES!!!  We run the race, indulge in amazing chocolate fondue, head out for a couple beers and lunch, and enjoy rehashing our experience.

It's not the end...

Every single person in our group decided to continue on with the maintenance program.  We may not follow it to a T, however, now we know what to do.  Our results continue to amaze us, and we still text sharing our triumphs, whoopsies, results, and everything in between.  I've gotten to know these women better and appreciate everything they've taught me.

My results and what I learned:

After the 21 days, I lost 7.5 inches and 6.25 lbs., which is exactly where I want to be.  I felt great! My complexion looks better, I'm able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night, I'm more productive, my workouts feel better, and my kids and husband are eating a ton more vegetables and fish now.  I feel like there's always something to eat, whereas, in the past I remember thinking that I didn't have anything to eat in the house.  Lastly, I feel way more confident in my swimsuits!

I'd like to thank my friends who did it with me, and my friend and coach, Antonette, was second to none!  Last but definitely not least, Wade.  He was incredibly supportive throughout each day.  I think he liked the fact that dinner was on the table or leftovers in the fridge a little more than usual.

Disclaimer:  Beachbody did not put me up to this.  I doubt they even know I wrote it, but in the end, I loved the program, and will let friends and clients know that I believe in it.

21 Day Fix with Friends Part 2

I've committed.  But now the big question is finding the absolute perfect time to start.  There is NO perfect time to start.  My head is thinking I've got a wedding, overnight at a hotel, Luke Bryan concert, 40th birthday party, Halloween, Bears game, and the first Mother Pucker game of the season (HELLOOOOOO, Fireball shots!). Will. I. Cheat??

It's like the perfect time to get have a baby or getting a puppy, right?  OK, that's stretching it just a bit:)

So, I think let's get through the wedding and start off on Sunday, October 18th.  Now there's a motive to this date.  My friend, Jodi who has also committed to the 21 Day Fix, and I signed up for the Hot Chocolate Run in Chicago on November 8th.  It just happens to be Day 22 which means we can celebrate our 21 days eating chocolate and having a few cocktails.  I needed that carrot in front of me to help the situation I've just gotten myself into.

The night before Day 1 is a Saturday night. I went shopping and bought all the necessities to prepare for the next week. I stay home and made turkey meatballs, turkey chili, and steel cut oats. I planned to enjoy a pumpkin beer, but don't. Note the texts I'm receiving...

While they're having their last supper, I'm home preparing. 

I'm ready!  I'm Set. Let's Go!!

Day 1

I'm not going to bore you with every detail, but here's the gist of what's going on here. I'm eating clean. My cycle goes 3 cups veggies, 0 cups fruit, 6-1/2 cup protein, 1-1/2 cup carb, 0-1/4 cup healthy fats, zero-2 tbsp seeds and 21 fix approved dressings, and 3 teaspoons of nut butters (I'm going to say that every teaspoon throughout the program was peanut butter. Often the highlight of my day!) for 2 days. Then on every 3rd day, I have 3 cups vegetables, 1 cup fruit, 4-1/2 cup proteins, 2-1/2 cup carbs, 1-1/4 cup healthy fats, 1-2 tbsp seeds and dressings, and 2 teaspoons peanut butter.

And this cycles for 21 days!  This is the official 21 Day Fix Extreme Countdown to Competition Program. Day 1 a success!!!

Loving that National Chocolate Cupcake Day just happens to be on our first day. 

The following Tuesday proves to be my first test. I head to Egg Harbor for lunch.   I pack food to bring with me, and I was just going to drink coffee, however, Coach Antonette talks me into saving my food for later, and ordering from the menu. They have turkey burgers.

Egg Harbor doesn't serve turkey burgers anymore. What??  They don't serve veggie burgers. What??  I order a chicken sandwich and instead of harbor potatoes, I asked for a side of fruit. The meal ends up being $14 with tip, and I ate a piece of chicken (took off the bread), slice of tomato, and fruit. $14 freaking dollars!!!  We leave with our mints, I pop one in my mouth, take a swig of coffee, and comment how good the coffee tasted with the mint. Then it happened, I messed up!  I had a mint!!

I fessed up. 

And Carrie is starving. 

Below it's mentioned that one of us experienced headaches at the beginning. It subsided. Also, one of us was always hungry, and a few of us couldn't get all the food down. For me it was a lot to eat every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

That first week proved to be a huge adjustment. It's got to get easier, right?

To be continued...

21 Day Fix with Friends Part 1

Last summer was probably the toughest summer at the pool for me in years.  There, I said it.  I bought 2 swimsuits that I considered "not my style", but cute.  I'm obsessed with abs (and shoulders), and I didn't have them anymore.  I accepted it.  People may disagree, and that's totally fine.  I'll still love all of you.

There's the back story, before I continue on.

Fast forward 3 months, and I'm looking forward to the fall and winter months.  Boots, sweaters, layers, scarves...  I've consistently worked out as that's definitely something I enjoy.  Not always at the time, but who can't love a tough workout after it's been completed!  Here's my problem...I fell into crappy, awful, terrible eating patterns.  Mindless eating; handfuls of this; handfuls of that; all the time.  Overall, I'm not a terrible eater, but I could use some reminders that my choices weren't always positive.  A classic example was my daily dose of desserts.  I always grabbed a handful of chocolate chips after dinner, or I ate a Zone Bar or Cliff Bar that had chocolate on it.  I am a chocolate fiend!

In September, my friend, Antonette, began talking about a 21 day clean eating program that she was going to follow.  It's a Beachbody program where people can purchase workout DVDs, a shaker, portion control food containers, food manual, and a shake called Shakeology.  She followed the 21 Day Fix Extreme Countdown to Competition eating program, drank the shakes, and followed her own workout regimen.  Throughout the week, I witnessed her eating from these colorful containers.  I saw her excited about 12 almonds or getting her teaspoon of peanut butter.  She DID NOT CHEAT for 21 days, and get this, she couldn't drink alcohol the entire time!  Those of you who have read my past posts know I like my beer.

Antonette prevailed.  Her before and after pictures were crazy awesome!  She was thrilled.  So why would one not be interested in trying it out after seeing her results.  DAMN, the girl became a Beachbody Coach following her experience.  After knowing her and her personality, this girl always gives 200% and that is what captured me.  I had the opportunity to watch her coach a few of our clients through the 21 days only to see them see positive results.

I needed to experience this program and believe in it myself before I could encourage others to give it a go.

And then it began...

Hangry, anyone?

Wednesday, February 4th:  I eat the same breakfast almost every morning.  I was out of my usual Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble, so I drove to Jewel only to find out they were out of it.  GASP!!! SO... I resorted to the Frosted Mini-Wheats already in my pantry for a couple days in which I will spare you the details of how my digestive system was put into overdrive.  My belly did not fare well...and I probably did have more than the recommended serving.

Thursday-Sunday:  I was out of town for a few days eating beer and fireball.  YES, that was a majority of my caloric intake.  Not to mention pizza, mozzarella sticks, dark chocolate pretzels among other super unhealthy foods that were intermingled between the Spotted Cow, Labatt Light, a shot of moonshine, slippery nipples, and Fireball Whisky.  Don't judge...

Monday morning:  I still haven't been to the store yet.  Ate a mini-bagel with margarine and raspberry jelly.  I am starving by 11:30, which is typical, however this time I was feeling like I was going to pass out.  I ate a random clementine on the desk at work, and never made it to Jewel.

Tuesday (today):  I looked in our pantry for cereal.  Skipped right past those Frosted Mini-Wheats and eyeballed Lucky Charms.  Yes, I will have them with another mini-bagel with margarine and raspberry jelly.  By 11:45am, I am getting a bit light-headed and the hangry-ness is beginning.  I run a couple errands then head right to Jewel to finally buy my cereal.  YES!!!  It's there:)  I also pick up a few other things which included a bag of Hint of Lime Tostito's.  I became one of Pavlov's dogs.  I salivated instantaneously, and couldn't get to the car fast enough to open the bag for my 30 second drive home.  I COULDN'T EVEN WAIT TIL I GOT HOME.

MORAL OF MY STORY:  Even though you know what's right, it doesn't always mean you make the best decisions.  I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  I know sugar packed cereal will not sustain me long.  I know I need to eat a mid-morning snack so I won't stuff my face before I even have a chance to make myself lunch.  And quite honestly, I know that I need to include protein in my breakfast to keep me feeling full.  My Kashi cereal has 9 grams of protein which helps me get through most of my morning until I need a healthy snack.

So as I sat there eating Tostito's in the car, I think it's been a while since I've shared a story. Well here you go!!!

I found a great article about the Benefits of breakfast that will help you make wise breakfast decisions.  In a nutshell...you just can't skip it.

Until next time...

One foot in front of the other...

I usually run alone.

My next goal is the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2014.

It's just this thing I do.  Many of you have seen Jen and I during the week, but the long runs are left to me and my racing mind.  Remember, I said racing mind...not racing legs.

During each of my long runs, it always occurs to me that I should write about what goes through my head. Typically, the first topic that enters my mind is, "Running Is Weird".  Not even joking. The power of the mind is incredible if you really think about it.  I don't have a fancy training program.  I run twice during the week, and each of those distances are 1/2 of what my weekend long run is.  I use the word weekend, very loosely since I've been having a difficult time getting my butt out of bed early enough to get it out of the way. Instead, I find myself running the "long one" on Mondays.  Like today...and 85 degrees...and 15 miles...seriously!

I feel exactly the same about my short runs that I feel about my long runs.  My brain knows the mileage of the day...and I just do it.  It's crazy if you think about it.

You just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I think about last week's events, this coming week's events, how hot it is, when I get to turn around and head back, work stuff, house stuff, what's for dinner (usually this one does not get figured out), when is my GU time, where is that water fountain, my knee hurts, I'm starting to chafe again, my music sucks, is that dog going to bite me, where is the shade, I'm 20% done, I've got a 5k to go, no way is that fast girl going as far as me...yada, yada, yada...

However today's run was much different.  My thoughts kept on returning to the same topic over, and over, and over again...

My thoughts were going out to the those suffering over this past weekend's events in my hometown.  Four young men were taken from this world in a tragic accident.  These boys lives were cut short.  I never met them.  Instead, the parents of these boys are the ones I know.  I can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like to experience such tragedy.  The only thing I could think of was to not let these families, friends, neighbors, the Western Dubuque community, "run alone".  Mourning together, grieving together, sharing memories together, and being together.  Know that people from all over the world are sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.

I also thought about the driver of the pick up truck.  He will, too, forever be affected by the events on Saturday afternoon.  Again, I can't even imagine.  He must never "run alone" either.  He needs others to be there for him too.

Lastly, my thoughts traveled to my friends and family back home who are experiencing watching their children mourn.  I know they will help the young ones through this difficult time, but it's not fair...nonetheless. The young ones will not "run alone".

Everyone must keep putting one foot in front of the other together.

As I met the halfway point of my run, I stopped to turn around and head home.  As I made the turn I'd been waiting for, a bird pooped on my head, and I couldn't help but laugh and wonder which of those kids did that to me.  Which one had that kind of humor that if they saw that happen to someone, they would bust out laughing.  From what I've read, it sounds like they'd all enjoy it.

Rest In Peace, Bryce, Sean, Mitchell, and Nick

The Bobcat Community has 4 angels up above looking down at all of you.

Spin It! Holy Calorie Burn, Batman!

Practicing what I preach doesn't always have to do with food.  In fact, I believe there's a lot that I preach that has nothing to do with food...unless you want those ABS!!  Yes, sorry, those are typically made in the kitchen.

Writing down and make smart food choices MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

A little humor..

However, I'm steering clear of food this time and talking about Spin classes.  When we first opened FITT-RX, Jen made a comment about wanting to have Spin bikes someday.  Little secret...someday to me was defined as..."it'd be nice, but I don't see that for a long, long time!"  I'll chalk it up to her for putting the bug in my ear, because I wasn't a huge spin fan.  I've taken classes...liked them a little...but NEVER loved them.

So last fall that definition of "someday" became a reality as we discussed building out the basement.  Spin classes would be PERFECT down there!  Our clients have asked about Spin, so it was kind of a no brainer. However, I admit I was not keen on actually teaching Spin.  It just didn't seem to be me.

The research began...where to start?  We looked into places in the city, and ended up at FlyWheel.  We entered the lobby, checked in, and the guy asked if we wanted to have our numbers posted on the TV screen for everyone to see.  It wasn't a requirement, but seeing that Jen and I are uber-competitive, why not? We put on our spin shoe rentals, and enter a dark room where the spin bikes are set up like stadium seating. 45 bikes await their victims.

We start the class.  The instructor is clearly enjoying his music while he runs him arms down his body like a dancer (on a bike, mind you).  The bikes have computers so we can see our RPM's and our levels. Throughout the class, he does his thing...great music, dance moves, and tells us what levels to be on and what RPM's we should be at.  10 minutes in, I am dying.  Jen is next to me rocking it like it's NBD.  The first of many results come in, and I'm barely on the damn board.  Jen is in like 5th place, peddling like it's a wonderful sunny day.  30 minutes go in, I'm spewing sweat and consistently 2-3 gears lower than what is asked and at least 20 RPM's lower then what he's recommended us to be at.  Oh, and Jen...well she's sweating profusely...but is now moving up spots!  By the end of class, and she can correct me if I'm wrong...but ended up in 2nd like a rock star.  I can't even remember if I got kicked off the board.  I leave thinking...spin is not that fun, but I'm up to teach beginner spin if needed!

Post class...Jen has a video of me walking up the parking garage, but we'll save that for a rainy day.

Next we hit Loyola Medical Center's health club in Maywood.  I have a friend who works there, so she set us up to take a class.  We enter a tiny room with 14 bikes.  When I say tiny, I mean it's little.  However, ventilation was good.  These bikes did not have computers, but they did have a knob to turn to increase resistance.  I enjoyed the instructor's random jokes, and her style of teaching.  Of course, we sweated profusely, but I didn't stress about a leader board or the fact that I was always behind what was asked of me.  Good class...I'm feeling better.  Maybe I'll kick it up to someday teaching an advanced beginner class.

The 3rd destination I hit was CorePower Yoga in Elmhurst.  I heard about these Ryder bikes, but really just wanted to see another teaching style and maybe, just maybe, learn to like spin more...maybe LOVE it?  So I go, and these bikes move and turn!  The turning recruits more core into the ride, and yes, I felt my core after class for a day.  The instructor, Jori, was great.  She played great music, explained what was coming, and encouraged us every step of the way.  Lucky for FITT-RX, she's teaching with us too!

So we now have been on 3 different types of bikes.  We have one more to check out...not a class, but was highly recommended.  The Life Fitness Lifecycles.  We instantly loved them...smooth, durable, rust-proof, and with computers!  Everyone will know their RPM's and gear while in our classes.  SOLD!

Now please understand, I am thrilled about this new adventure for our studio.  However, scared to death to teach it still.  We decide to get certified.  Off to the Empower conference we go to get Schwinn Bike Certified!!  5 of us go to the conference, and we go through the 9 hour training.  The instructors, Shannon Fable and Jeffery Scott, are fabulous.  They make the day go by quickly, and give us 2 amazing classes.  I'm feeling a bit better about teaching it.

We are certified instructors!

The following day I decide to take a class design workshop, plus take yet a 3rd class by Shannon Fable.  It ALL clicked.  I walked up to her after class, and told her how much better I felt about teaching, and that it's not "all about the instruction syncing with the music".  It's about the music syncing with with what's been already planned out!  Light bulbs, fireworks, you name it...I finally felt ready and confident.  I went from feeling super uneasy and not enjoying Spin, to actually feeling excited about teaching.  Thank Goodness!

So yes, FITT-RX has Spin classes.  Yes, we have some really amazing instructors.  And finally, we love our dungeon, industrial atmosphere down there.  

Based on my Spin journey, I want to share a few things I've learned...  If you haven't tried it, try it.  If you haven't felt like you enjoy it, keep going.  If your butt hurts from the saddle, it gets better.  Because, I'll promise you one thing...once you get going, I know you'll LOVE it.  Today, I burned the most calories to date...527...that's pretty good for 50 minutes:)

Now when do I get to teach?  Time will tell!