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Posts Tagged ‘health and fitness’

100 Days on Four Hour Body

May 25, 2011

Today marks 100 days of conscious eating. I can’t believe it.

I USED to be able to eat whatever, whenever and never have to worry about it. People used to be amazed at my appetite. Life was good, especially since I’m a total foodie … until I turned 28. I hurt my foot and my activity slowed down a lot. Then, I got wrapped up in drama and stress at work — and gave up on working out. For two years, I was an emotional eater, and had no energy or desire to cook. I ate to make myself happy, and I gained about 25 + pounds. UGH! Eventually I got let go from that job (as did 13+ others), but I still was wrapped up with the uncertainty of my next career move. Plus, we were engaged and I was really bugging out about finances.

When I look back, I kick myself for not being able to get in phenomenal shape for my wedding. Why couldn’t I do it then? But, I was so stressed out with being unemployed. There was always something in my head holding me back.

I finally had an “aha” moment and decided I needed to stop eating garbage. I realized life was always going to be challenging and needed to stop making excuses! I stopped accepting how unhappy I was with my body — and decided to do something — watch my diet.

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Nevermind the Naysayers

April 13, 2011

Wise words on a Starbucks cup: “The world burst at the seams with people ready to tell you you’re not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don’t take it personally when they say “no” — they may not be smart enough to say “yes.” – Keith Olbermann

Without a doubt, there will be people that:
… talk behind your back.
… one-up your latest accomplishment.
… have a comment for everything.
… don’t want you to succeed.

Why? Because people:
… are jerks.
… are jealous.
… don’t want you to have more than them.
… don’t want to be left behind.

Unfortunately, that’s just life. But, you have to be strong, determined and really push to get whatever you want. Maybe you want to lose weight, change careers or move out of state. Whatever it is, don’t let the naysayers talk you out of it. Of course, people will offer their opinion — and it’s great to take it, especially if they are experienced in whatever you’re trying to achieve … but, as with anything in life, you might just have to learn by doing.

Here are my tips:
1. Set a goal.
2. Research.
3. Plan.
4. Complete steps to meet your goal.
5. Regroup.
6. Start over if necessary.

And:
1. Stay positive.
2. Be consistent.
3. Give it your best effort.
4. Don’t give up too easy.
5. Forget the naysayers.
6. Go with your gut.
7. Celebrate your successes.
8. Take note of who’s on your team.

That’s all. Just go for it. If you want it, you can have it.

Photo by Wonderlane.

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Don’t Let Injuries Throw You Off the Wagon

March 30, 2011

Showing off my plyometric skillz.

This week, I made a tough decision. I’m not doing Broad Street Run (10 miles) this year. It would have been the first time I’ve done a race longer than 10k. I was so set on doing it.

The decision wasn’t easy, but the pain in my knee was/is still screaming SLOW DOWN. It started about six weeks ago when I originally began the 10-week training program for the race. I started Four Hour Body about the same time. I was only running three times a week and was actually excited to follow a schedule. In fact, I had printed out the Hal-Higdon’s beginner training program and then cut out each week’s schedule and glued it to the corresponding week in my planner. Hardcore.

I started to feel the pain in my knee in week two of training, then got completely side-lined when I hurt my ankle. I was teaching a two-hour boot camp class and ending up rolling my right ankle pretty bad. In my 10 years of teaching, I’ve never done that. I actually didn’t know what to do. Sit down? Get ice? I felt like I didn’t have really any choice, so I kept teaching and going all out. I couldn’t feel the pain because my adrenaline was pumping … until later that day.

Since the ankle incident, I rested a lot. Stopped running, rested more and iced my injuries. Then, without training and from three weeks of being immobile, I did a 5k with my cousins. My ankle and my left knee hurt. Another week of complete rest. Then, the Phillies 5k with hubby. OUCH.

Off to the doctor
Today I went to see a doctor and was totally caught off guard when I had x-rays done there and apparently now need an MRI to see if I have a tear in my meniscus. Doc and I actually think I got the injury two years ago doing a mud run. It’s been coming and going since then.

But, can I tell you — I can’t stand resting! I miss running and doing plyometrics and really want to be doing hill sprints and stuff?
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