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.