Tuesday, February 25, 2014

30 Day Challenge!

It has been my intention to keep up with this blog!  And yet I have not.

But I have been quite busy.  In January, I ran the MLK 5k and ran my fastest time; 31 minutes.  I was so proud of myself!

Starting January 16, 2014, I began the Body Rock 30 Day Catching Fire Challenge (www.dailyhiit.com).  This challenge is based on HIIT  (High Intensity Interval Training).  I love these workout, because I can be done in about 12 minutes and have a full and eventful all over body workout.

Although I begin on January 16th,  I had to restart on January 27th due to the fact that I became ill.  It was some virus that was going around attacking everyone.  However, thanks to elderberry syrup I kicked that virus' derrière.  But not to be deterred from my goal, once I felt better I attacked the challenge like nothing ever happened to me.

I really liked the exercises in this particular challenge; I was never bored and I was amazed at the different exercises that I did as well as how strong I became.

By taking photos through the challenge, I tracked my progress.   A while ago, I decided not to get on the scale, that's a sure way to get depressed!  The way my clothes fit was a great indicator of my progress as well.  Yesterday I wore a pair of pants that were extremely baggy, but the week before they were not.  While doing this challenge, I continued to run.  On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays I ran 3 miles and on Saturdays I ran 6-7 miles.  Then on Sundays, I would either do a slow 1.5 - 3 mile recovery run or walk.

Since I started the HIIT Challenge, I noticed that my running has gotten better.  Let me expound.  I did not feel as many aches as I did before the Challenge, which is a great thing!  The HIIT Challenge was a lot of core workouts, which is great for runners.  There is another challenge coming up, Boot Camp you can sign up for it here: Boot Camp 21 Day Challenge.


Here is an example:


Today, February 25, 2014 I completed the Catching Fire Challenge!  I am so proud of myself.  It is also great that tomorrow is my birthday.  Yep, I will be 38!  I guess you want to see my results, huh?

Here they are:


Not bad for a soon to be 38 year old.

Another thing that has helped my progress is my diet.  A year ago I became vegan.  I did it for my own health benefits.  Don't worry, I am not a militant vegan.  I don't judge or try to convert others to veganism.  I believe that everyone should do what is best for them.  Sometimes I still crave a double cheese whooper, lol.  That's just being real :)  Well that's it for me.  Now I need to maintain, and continue to get better.  My journey continues! 

*I forgot to mention, on day 30 I am a little bloated.  I have visitor coming real soon.

It's a new year!

Wow, I can't believe that it has been a year since I last wrote in this blog.  It was my intention to continue to have up to date posts.  Slack, I have been.  But, I have been active!  Last year, I became a fulltime vegan!  I also started going back to the gym and added weight lifting again.  But now I only go two times a week.  Here is my work out schedule:


Monday and Wednesday: HIIT Training at the Gym
Tuesday and Thursday: Run 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Long run, 7.5-10 miles
Sunday: Either 1.5 - 2 mile run/walk


December was the best month of 2013 for me.  I ran my first race, the Savannah Bridge Run.  This is the toughest course in the state!  I did the Double Pump, running up and down the bridge 3 times.  It was an awesome experience.  I got my first black toe nail :)



Also, I am liking the changes that are happening with my body.  I am leaner, which is what I want.  I started going back to the gym in May 2013 and I am now just starting to see the changes that everyone else says they see.  Often, I catch myself staring and flexing in the mirror!  I still got a bit to go, but I am happy with what I have accomplished thus far. 


I have not been to the gym this year, but I have been running!  I ran 7.5 miles on Saturday and ran 1.5 and walked 1.5 on Sunday.  It was my intention to go to the gym on Monday, but I did not feel like it, and I was supposed to run today, but it was like 5 degrees outside.  So, I am running 3 miles tomorrow and Thursday.  Then, head to the gym on Friday and Saturday.  I am still getting it in!


I am going to keep up with the blog this year!  Stay tuned!