News!

And the news is -
Wait for it -

Crappy food in = crappy workout.
Okay, so you already knew that.
Somehow I keep forgetting it, so it's always news to me. Somehow drinking soda and coffee all day made my legs feel like lead. First order of business - cutting down the coffee intake and out the soda intake and increase the water intake. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. So, no soda, one cup of coffee in the AM.

2 miles tonight at 28:18 = 14:09 pace. Slower then I used to be, but still getting back on the horse so to speak. Did a run/walk with 1/1 intervals. Ran one minute, walked one minute. I started out doing 3/2 intervals, but found that 1/1 worked much better.

I am doing my own fitness challenge for the month of April - workout every. single. day. 2 miles or 30 minutes. It's a start right? Goal for end of April - run 2 miles without stopping. Very doable if I can get my butt into gear.

What is better, to run/walk or to get to the point to where you don't have walk breaks? Sound off below! :)

Cheers!
Liz
PS. I am aware that I forgot to do motivational Mondays yesterday. MY BAD. Totally posting my motivational post tomorrow - you won't want to miss this one!!! :)

Motivational Monday - Weight Loss Rockstar Runner

When I thought of Motivational Mondays Kristal T was one of the first people that I knew I had to interview. Her story is amazing - but I'll let her tell you herself. :)

1. How long have you been running? 
A little over a year, off and on due to shin splints, finding the perfect shoe for me, in my case, Brooks, helped, as well as compression sleeves. 2. I know you’ve lost a lot of weight and been able to keep it off – what’s your secret?
No secret, just a LOT of hard work, I tried a few fitness programs, DVDs, running, etc. You need to find what works for YOU! For me, it was Yoga, running, and P90x (which I stopped after a month due to a hernia) Then, switched to 10 min. trainer, and have found great success with that!
Can we see pictures?
Normally, I would say, are you crazy?!! But, It is time to let go of the girl I USED to be, and welcome the new, healthy me!

3. Crazy amazing pictures! AND you just ran your first half marathon! Congrats! Do you have any advice for new runners wanting to tackle a half marathon?
Thank you! Advice? I would just say, It is terrifying, until you start, then, you don't want to stop! It was an amazing, life changing experience for me, and oddly enough, I can't wait to do it again! I went through so many emotions, and stages, but, I did it, I finished, and I feel amazing and so proud of myself for doing something I never in a million years, would have ever thought I could do!

4. What keeps you motivated each day to be the best you can be?
My 2 boys, Chase and Blake,, they are my everything, and I want to make sure they have the mother they deserve. I want to be here for them, for a very long time, I want to go outside and play and run with them, and to show them, when you want something, you NEVER, EVER give up, you go, and you push yourself, and you get and earn what you want in life, you will appreciate life much more, when you earn the life you are living! 

5. Any final words of wisdom? Never give up, it is going to be hard, and you will hit many bumps along the way, but don't lose faith in yourself, even when everyone else is telling you that you can't, turn around, and do it, and prove them all wrong! And don't forget, smile while doing it

That is how a rockstar does it!! :) Thank you Kristal! Please "like" her on facebook at Disney Dreams.

Now how are you going to go out and rock your Monday? Sound off and let us know!
Cheers!
Liz

Day off!!

I actually had a day off today. Work has been crazy lately and it seems like I've ether been in bed, running errands, or at work.
Translation:
I need to get a run in. Tomorrow I have a 7 miler planned as part of Run With Jess' Jelly Bean Virtual Race. If you are looking for a fun virtual race check out the Jelly Bean Virtual Race. Lots of prizes, and also lots of fun.

I spent most of my day writing and hanging with my husband. He's watching the KU/Western KY game while I sit here and think. And blog.
I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Seriously, how long will it take for me to wake up and realize that what I'm doing isn't working? I feel nasty and sick and bloated. It's all this corn and crap in my system.
I'm going to start using this blog as an accountability place too as I train. Check out the updated tabs at the top of the page. Sunday I'll be checking in with what I did this week, how I feel, and what I can change/work on. Otherwise the Paleo tab at the top will be updated daily.

I am excited for positive changes. :)

Have an awesome night,
Liz

What makes you mad... might be true?

Anger is (sometimes!) a good indication that there is a kernel of truth to what is being spoken to us. Sometimes it's best to take a step back when we get angry at an accusation and be sure first that it doesn't have a kernel of truth in it.
Example: my husband is fond of saying that I don't follow through with X (fitness, eating, etc). I get so mad when he says that. And then I started thinking about it and realized that while I have gotten better at following through on things, I do have some room for improvement. You all know that it's super easy to blow off a workout or even a race (!!!) if you are having a bad day.

With that being said, I have blown things off in the past. I do want to change though.
How does change start?
By overcoming all obstacles and doing it. Just doing it. What is "it" you ask? Whatever it is you desire to achieve. I can tell you for a fact that the woman in the picture didn't a) starve herself or b) eat ice cream all day to get abs like that. Nor did she phone in workouts at the gym (or box as cross-fitters call it). She got out there, every day, and did it. Just like that.
Let's be real here, getting out there every day and doing it sucks. So I phone it in. And then get mad when my husband tells it like it is - that I'm not following through.
Grrrrrr.
But you know what? When I follow through life is good.

Anger = a sign that maybe someone is right.

Have you ever felt anger at something someone said and then realized it was kinda true? What are your thoughts on this?

Cheers!
Liz

PS. I'm following through - I have another half marathon planned in May! Running 7 miles this weekend. I'll check back in on Saturday and let you all know how it went.

Motivational Mondays

I don't get it - what makes some people super awesomely motivated, and some not?

I'm hoping to uncover the secret with my new Motivational Monday feature. I've been meeting amazing people who are inspiring, encouraging, and motivating and I want you to meet them too!

But I really want to hear from you, my readers. What inspires you? Who do you know who overcomes crazy huge obstacles to reach their goals? Is there someone you would like to see featured on Motivational Mondays? Should you be featured?

Come on people, I know you're out there! Shout out! Let me hear you!

Cheers,
Liz