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Showing posts with label Boot Camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boot Camp. Show all posts
Oct 29, 2013
Oct 3, 2013
Tabata Bootcamp
This week, I've begun an eight week program called Tabata Bootcamp at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. The instructors are Mallory Dubuclet and Ann Marie Sager. These two women are so inspiring and dedicated to helping their clients make healthy choices. I love them.
Basically this eight week program is about helping me tone my body, re-energize my life and drop some weight. At the very least, it's a lot of fun. If you aren't familiar with the term "tabata", here is some quick info:
A Tabata is the name of a particular type of workout program that provides similar health benefits to that of cardio workouts, but Tabata has a bit more kick to it. Instead of hours upon hours of exercise, a Tabata can be completed in 4 minutes. Tabata falls under the category of high intensity training or high intensity interval training.
The basic outline of the Tabata training method are as follows:
• 4 minutes long (whole Tabata Session)
• 20 seconds of intense training
• 10 seconds of rest
• Total of 8 sessions or rounds
There is a great article at Shape.com about Tabata workouts if you'd like more information. (Read it HERE.)
The program that I am participating in is called Tabata Bootcamp. It's an all inclusive eight week jump start that involves live classes with the instructors at Positively Fit Lake Highlands, online workout videos and motivational videos, as well as a website that keeps track of my progress, my workouts, my food, my stats and my success. This website can be accessed by me and also by the instructors who can interact with me throughout my day and help me stay on track. It's kind of awesome.
So this is what I'm doing in addition to my whole foods diet to feel better and get fit this fall. All of this will help me get in shape for my first ever half marathon in February. It will also help me combat the holiday food season, which usually involves me eating enough food to feed Libya. It's going to be a great eight weeks and I'll of course keep you posted about the pitfalls and progress!
Basically this eight week program is about helping me tone my body, re-energize my life and drop some weight. At the very least, it's a lot of fun. If you aren't familiar with the term "tabata", here is some quick info:
A Tabata is the name of a particular type of workout program that provides similar health benefits to that of cardio workouts, but Tabata has a bit more kick to it. Instead of hours upon hours of exercise, a Tabata can be completed in 4 minutes. Tabata falls under the category of high intensity training or high intensity interval training.
The basic outline of the Tabata training method are as follows:
• 4 minutes long (whole Tabata Session)
• 20 seconds of intense training
• 10 seconds of rest
• Total of 8 sessions or rounds
There is a great article at Shape.com about Tabata workouts if you'd like more information. (Read it HERE.)
The program that I am participating in is called Tabata Bootcamp. It's an all inclusive eight week jump start that involves live classes with the instructors at Positively Fit Lake Highlands, online workout videos and motivational videos, as well as a website that keeps track of my progress, my workouts, my food, my stats and my success. This website can be accessed by me and also by the instructors who can interact with me throughout my day and help me stay on track. It's kind of awesome.
So this is what I'm doing in addition to my whole foods diet to feel better and get fit this fall. All of this will help me get in shape for my first ever half marathon in February. It will also help me combat the holiday food season, which usually involves me eating enough food to feed Libya. It's going to be a great eight weeks and I'll of course keep you posted about the pitfalls and progress!
Aug 23, 2013
The Next 6 Months
Six months from today, I will be running my first half marathon. Its a tall order, but I know I can do it. So what will transpire between today and February 23rd? What's the plan? There's nothing new in the plan and there never is. A plan to get healthy and lose excess weight is always the same. Eat less crap and get some exercise. There's actually real comfort in that, don't you think? There are a million diet books out there... countless weight loss theories and diet books. And they all manage to rearrange "eat less crap and exercise" into a 280 page best seller. So that's my plan.
You still want a few more details? Sure... I understand. Here's my some specifics:
1. Work out two to three times a week at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. These workouts will include high intensity weight bearing activity mixed with cardiovascular work.
2. Limit sugar. Period. No seriously... Sarah, stop eating sugar.
3. Eat mainly whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains.
4. In preparation for my 1/2 marathon, I'll run at least once a week - starting with shorter distances 2-3 miles and work my way up as the months wear on. When the half draws closer, I'll ramp up how many runs I take a week.
To kick off my new challenge, I'm starting with a 7 day juice fast. If you'll remember from previous posts, I love doing juice fasts. I don't know about all the cleansing claims - I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist. But I do know that I feel GREAT when I fast, my skin looks amazing, I have more energy and I lose weight. I'm starting on Tuesday, August 27th and write about it here at Smaller Sarah. I have a friend who is going to do the fast with me, so that will be lovely. We can support each other along the way!
You still want a few more details? Sure... I understand. Here's my some specifics:
1. Work out two to three times a week at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. These workouts will include high intensity weight bearing activity mixed with cardiovascular work.
2. Limit sugar. Period. No seriously... Sarah, stop eating sugar.
3. Eat mainly whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains.
4. In preparation for my 1/2 marathon, I'll run at least once a week - starting with shorter distances 2-3 miles and work my way up as the months wear on. When the half draws closer, I'll ramp up how many runs I take a week.
That's it.
To kick off my new challenge, I'm starting with a 7 day juice fast. If you'll remember from previous posts, I love doing juice fasts. I don't know about all the cleansing claims - I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist. But I do know that I feel GREAT when I fast, my skin looks amazing, I have more energy and I lose weight. I'm starting on Tuesday, August 27th and write about it here at Smaller Sarah. I have a friend who is going to do the fast with me, so that will be lovely. We can support each other along the way!
If you'd like to read my past posts about juice fasting, click HERE.
Aug 19, 2013
Say Yes and Figure It Out Later
It's a new week and I'm off to bootcamp this morning. My goal this week is to attend a few fitness classes and get out on my own for at least one run. This weekend I registered for my first half marathon (yikes!) and while I'm nervous about running such a long distance, I'm excited about the prospect of training for such an event. What will I do to train? Run, I guess. I haven't even begun looking into training programs, but I'm sure that will come soon enough. The key is to say yes, set the goal and then figure out how you're going to get there.
The "I Did It" List
went running this weekend for the first time in over two months
attended a killer work out at Positively Fit Lake Highlands
registered for my first half marathon (Feb. 23rd)
had a date with my husband
didn't finish my pancake breakfast on Sunday because I was full
photographed two homes for Houzz.com
weeded my front yard (long overdue)
showered at a friend's house because our hot water heater is on the fritz
Aug 14, 2013
Building the New
Today, after more than three months without real continuous exercise, I returned to class at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. Dragging myself out of bed was tough, but rummaging through my closet for workout clothes that still fit was the hardest and most humiliating part of the process. I was feeling defeated and embarrassed because I've allowed so much weight to creep back over the past season. I was feeling angry at having to start over. I was feeling stupid for having thrown away all of my "fat" jeans. I was feeling resentful of my children for requiring so much of my time that my own needs have slipped into seventh or eighth place in the family line-up. I was feeling sorry and exasperated and weak and all of the things that come with my special form of self-loathing.
Yes, class was difficult. I was winded and out of sorts. But I was happy to be with Mallory (friend and class instructor), working out and talking about strength training, energy stores, family vacations, musical theater and open-hearted children. She said, "You're not beginning again, you are continuing." She's right. I've had a few months off. But in the course of what I hope is a long life, what's a few months? It's time to press on. I'm not a beginner anymore, I'm a continuer.
Stop. Breathe. Stop fighting old thoughts. It's time to rebuild.
Yes, class was difficult. I was winded and out of sorts. But I was happy to be with Mallory (friend and class instructor), working out and talking about strength training, energy stores, family vacations, musical theater and open-hearted children. She said, "You're not beginning again, you are continuing." She's right. I've had a few months off. But in the course of what I hope is a long life, what's a few months? It's time to press on. I'm not a beginner anymore, I'm a continuer.
Jun 24, 2013
Boot Camp Reboot
For the first time in weeks - many many weeks - I went back to bootcamp at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. Walking through the door into the arms of beloved friends, work out partners and my instructor / mentor / friend, Mallory, was heaven! Before my 8 week Utah stint, I was performing in a play for a month that had me out way passed my bedtime most nights. So my last real crack at bootcamp was in March. Its good to be back. There really isn't anything quite like 50 minutes of butt-kicking boot camp to make you feel like a badass.
The "I Did It" List
drove in a car for 21 hours with my father and two children
returned to my home in Dallas and was grateful for all the beauty that surrounds me
attended a two day golf tournament for Kenna's Kids
spoke at the tournament from my heart about Charlie and being a parent of a special needs kiddo
went to the movies and dinner with my Dad sans kids
did a photo shoot for Houzz.com
wrote two articles for Trulia (a new writing gig I've picked up)
did many loads of laundry
grocery shopped
ran a mile
went back to boot camp
Nov 1, 2012
Run Away!
I went to bed on Friday night with the intention of rising early on Saturday to hoof it through the Undy 5000 5K I registered for a few weeks back. That was my intention. Instead, I caught up on some much needed sleep while my sainted husband took the kiddies.
This morning, I made up for my Saturday absence by attending my first ever run class at Positively Fit. I ran a little under 3.5 miles - and at 6am to boot. It was grueling, but it was also wonderful. I can hear you saying, "Wonderful? Right! What's so wonderful about that?" But it really was and here's why:
My life at home with Charlie (my darling Charlie who is battling tooth and nail against the effects of his cerebral palsy and epilepsy) is really shitty right now. He is frustrated and needy and the only way he feels he can communicate with us is by squealing. Its that same high pitched screaming piglet-style squeal that he's been doing since the beginning of September. It sucks all of the oxygen out of the room and leaves everyone in its wake with tears and a migraine. His screaming has me crying at every turn. I cried through boot camp class on Monday. I spent 15 minutes in the shower on Tuesday crying into a towel. I fell apart on my Chiropractor's table today. I'm just at a complete loss. So when I went running this morning, I was able to treat myself to a cool November breeze, the soft sound of foot fall and a quiet conversation with a running partner. My legs were killing me, but my world was quiet. For a brilliant 55 minutes, I had a little peace.
This morning, I made up for my Saturday absence by attending my first ever run class at Positively Fit. I ran a little under 3.5 miles - and at 6am to boot. It was grueling, but it was also wonderful. I can hear you saying, "Wonderful? Right! What's so wonderful about that?" But it really was and here's why:
My life at home with Charlie (my darling Charlie who is battling tooth and nail against the effects of his cerebral palsy and epilepsy) is really shitty right now. He is frustrated and needy and the only way he feels he can communicate with us is by squealing. Its that same high pitched screaming piglet-style squeal that he's been doing since the beginning of September. It sucks all of the oxygen out of the room and leaves everyone in its wake with tears and a migraine. His screaming has me crying at every turn. I cried through boot camp class on Monday. I spent 15 minutes in the shower on Tuesday crying into a towel. I fell apart on my Chiropractor's table today. I'm just at a complete loss. So when I went running this morning, I was able to treat myself to a cool November breeze, the soft sound of foot fall and a quiet conversation with a running partner. My legs were killing me, but my world was quiet. For a brilliant 55 minutes, I had a little peace.
Oct 3, 2012
Paintings for Positively Fit Lake Highlands
This month, I've been working on a trio of paintings for Mallory at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. She has a wonderful workout studio in her garage and was interested in getting some art on the walls. She gave me three words and a color scheme. The rest, she said, was up to me.
I've just finished the paintings and thought you might enjoy seeing them here at Smaller Sarah. Thank you Mallory for trusting me with this wonderful project. I hope that all the boot campers, yogis and clients that pass through your studio enjoy the new view!
I've just finished the paintings and thought you might enjoy seeing them here at Smaller Sarah. Thank you Mallory for trusting me with this wonderful project. I hope that all the boot campers, yogis and clients that pass through your studio enjoy the new view!
Sep 5, 2012
Taking the Cure
My whole body is revolting against me. I carry a 31 pound kid around for hours and hours during the day. He can't walk or crawl and when I put him down he gets frustrated with his immobility and screams at me. The result is that my body is horribly misaligned and it feels like my hips and shoulders are becoming unhinged.
Today I went to boot camp. The first class of the month is always a physical assessment, which involves running a mile for time. With my body in a state of rebellion, I was sure that running was going to do me in. At first I was in a lot of pain - my joints and ligaments were all out of tune. But after the first few minutes, they began to loosen and even glide. By the half mile mark I was in a rhythm and the pain dissipated. Tonight my jangled bits of body are aching again, but my hour at boot camp afforded me a little break.
A reader (Amber) recently asked me about my game plan for yanking my tired butt out of the "doldrums". She wanted to know how I was going to "kick it up a notch". Great question, Amber, and THANK YOU for keeping my on track. I've got a few ideas and here they are:
1) Reread some of the health literature that got me started on the raw foods in the first place. This includes "The Raw Detox Diet" by Ms. Rose.
2) Get back in a 3 day a week boot camp rhythm. The key is to just show up.
3) I've joined a "Biggest Loser" competition through my local mom's group. A group of us have pitched in 5 bucks each and the woman who loses the largest percentage of body weight (Sept. 11 - Dec. 4) wins the pool. I did it in the Spring (and won) and it was a huge motivator.
4) Start every day with green juice again - not just 3 or 4 days a week. Every. Day. Of. The. Week. Green juice always makes me feel amazing! And it curbs my appetite all morning long.
5) I'd also like to plan a 10-day juice fast again - possibly in October.
6) And finally, this is the first time in a year that I have not been signed up for a 5K. I think I need to find a race and register. I tend to better adhere to my running schedule when I've got a race coming up.
So, there are my thoughts.
Now let's hear yours!
Today I went to boot camp. The first class of the month is always a physical assessment, which involves running a mile for time. With my body in a state of rebellion, I was sure that running was going to do me in. At first I was in a lot of pain - my joints and ligaments were all out of tune. But after the first few minutes, they began to loosen and even glide. By the half mile mark I was in a rhythm and the pain dissipated. Tonight my jangled bits of body are aching again, but my hour at boot camp afforded me a little break.
A reader (Amber) recently asked me about my game plan for yanking my tired butt out of the "doldrums". She wanted to know how I was going to "kick it up a notch". Great question, Amber, and THANK YOU for keeping my on track. I've got a few ideas and here they are:
1) Reread some of the health literature that got me started on the raw foods in the first place. This includes "The Raw Detox Diet" by Ms. Rose.
2) Get back in a 3 day a week boot camp rhythm. The key is to just show up.
3) I've joined a "Biggest Loser" competition through my local mom's group. A group of us have pitched in 5 bucks each and the woman who loses the largest percentage of body weight (Sept. 11 - Dec. 4) wins the pool. I did it in the Spring (and won) and it was a huge motivator.
4) Start every day with green juice again - not just 3 or 4 days a week. Every. Day. Of. The. Week. Green juice always makes me feel amazing! And it curbs my appetite all morning long.
5) I'd also like to plan a 10-day juice fast again - possibly in October.
6) And finally, this is the first time in a year that I have not been signed up for a 5K. I think I need to find a race and register. I tend to better adhere to my running schedule when I've got a race coming up.
So, there are my thoughts.
Now let's hear yours!
Jun 12, 2012
Positively Fit
As most of you know, I attend boot camp classes at Positively Fit Lake Highlands in Dallas, TX. Its a back yard style boot camp taught by Mallory Mansour Doubuclet. As you can tell from my previous posts, I love attending these classes and count Mallory's amazing work-outs as one of the key factors in my recent weight loss.
Mallory just sent her clients the new summer schedule with some exciting new additions. Since so many of you Dallas-area readers have inquired about my exercise routine, I thought I'd post Mallory's note and her new schedule. PFLH is a fantastic investment and with the free child care co-op and variety of class times, there are no more excuses. Come join me as I endeavour to work off my last 25 pounds!
Hi Friends!
I’m excited to announce the addition of three new instructors bringing their classes to Positively Fit Lake Highlands:
You asked for an early morning boot camp, and you’ve got it! LHAECPTA mom Ann Marie Sager will begin teaching boot camp as an intern on July 2. Her classes will be from 5:45-6:40 AM Mondays and Wednesdays. Your workouts will be a collaborative effort between the two of us as she trains to be a group exercise and Pilates instructor.
Lake Highlands mom, trainer, and yoga instructor Christi Jiannino will begin teaching Power Yoga in the studio every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7 AM beginning July 3.
Lake Highlands mom and yoga instructor Julie Upton will teach Yoga Flow every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 AM – 12 PM beginning THIS Tuesday, June 19. This Tuesday’s class is FREE, and I have a parent volunteer in the childcare co-op who can watch your kids, also for free. If you’ve never tried a class with me, come for boot camp at 10 for a FREE trial class and stay for yoga!
Please fill out the informed consent forms from my website at www.positivelyfitlakehighlands.com, shoot me an email if you get the chance to let me know you are coming (optional), and show up with yoga mat and water, ready to burn some calories!
Men and Women and Young Adults over the age of 14 with parental consent are welcome!
Mallory just sent her clients the new summer schedule with some exciting new additions. Since so many of you Dallas-area readers have inquired about my exercise routine, I thought I'd post Mallory's note and her new schedule. PFLH is a fantastic investment and with the free child care co-op and variety of class times, there are no more excuses. Come join me as I endeavour to work off my last 25 pounds!
Note from Mallory:
Hi Friends!
I’m excited to announce the addition of three new instructors bringing their classes to Positively Fit Lake Highlands:
You asked for an early morning boot camp, and you’ve got it! LHAECPTA mom Ann Marie Sager will begin teaching boot camp as an intern on July 2. Her classes will be from 5:45-6:40 AM Mondays and Wednesdays. Your workouts will be a collaborative effort between the two of us as she trains to be a group exercise and Pilates instructor.
Lake Highlands mom, trainer, and yoga instructor Christi Jiannino will begin teaching Power Yoga in the studio every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7 AM beginning July 3.
Lake Highlands mom and yoga instructor Julie Upton will teach Yoga Flow every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 AM – 12 PM beginning THIS Tuesday, June 19. This Tuesday’s class is FREE, and I have a parent volunteer in the childcare co-op who can watch your kids, also for free. If you’ve never tried a class with me, come for boot camp at 10 for a FREE trial class and stay for yoga!
Please fill out the informed consent forms from my website at www.positivelyfitlakehighlands.com, shoot me an email if you get the chance to let me know you are coming (optional), and show up with yoga mat and water, ready to burn some calories!
Men and Women and Young Adults over the age of 14 with parental consent are welcome!
For more information
visit Positively Fit Lake Highlands on Facebook.
Jun 8, 2012
Ridiculousness
I've been in a bit of a food slump the last few days. And today my slump reached the saturation point when I consumed a mini Caramel Pecan Brownie Blizzard and a Pilsner within an hour of each other. Sooooo, yeah. I'm on the last day of my period and hoping that tomorrow can be a "do-over" day where I ditch the super-size tampons and brewskis for panty liners and Perrier.
All of this is intensified by the fact that I've only been out to run once since returning from Zion and I've only done one 20-minute round of strength training. Its just not the same without Mallory and all the amazing people at Positively Fit. I just keep telling myself, "Hey Miss Perfectionist, simmer down. You trekked 35 miles in four days at Zion. Take a breather and stop being so ridiculous." So there you have it - a week after making my goal of 75 pounds, I've probably gained two back from menstrual bloating and beer. Ah, the glamour!
All of this is intensified by the fact that I've only been out to run once since returning from Zion and I've only done one 20-minute round of strength training. Its just not the same without Mallory and all the amazing people at Positively Fit. I just keep telling myself, "Hey Miss Perfectionist, simmer down. You trekked 35 miles in four days at Zion. Take a breather and stop being so ridiculous." So there you have it - a week after making my goal of 75 pounds, I've probably gained two back from menstrual bloating and beer. Ah, the glamour!
How's your week going?
May 23, 2012
A Little Break from Boot Camp?
I don't know if I'll be able to do it. I'm taking some time away from boot camp to fit in some summer traveling. For the past 6 months, boot camp classes at Positively Fit Lake Highlands have been a three-day-a-week staple in my life and I'm a little nervous about taking a break. My plan while I'm away is to continue strength training at least twice a week and to run 5 of 7 mornings a week. I know it will be a lot more difficult when I don't have my group to meet with or Mallory to come up with brilliant work-out combinations every day. I'll be back in class by the end of June, so it's only a few weeks. But still... it will certainly be a test of my self discipline.Wish me luck!
P.S. I'm only 8 days away from the one year mark! Of course, I'll keep posting every day as my final weigh-in draws near. I'm really hoping to make it to a full 75 pound loss. This week has been great so far, and I have high hopes!
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| On my out to boot camp this morning. |
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| Group photo of my boot camp class! You ladies are awesome! |
P.S. I'm only 8 days away from the one year mark! Of course, I'll keep posting every day as my final weigh-in draws near. I'm really hoping to make it to a full 75 pound loss. This week has been great so far, and I have high hopes!
Apr 28, 2012
Another Awesome 5K
Today, I ran my third 5K! My family and I attended Run the Highlands - a one mile fun run, 5K and carnival benefiting local schools in our neighborhood. This was my son's very first race and he was a trooper! I was so proud of him for keeping up with all his long-legged counterparts. His brother, Charlie, had the advantage of being on wheels.
One of the things I love most about getting healthy and fit is sharing it with my kids. When Walker grows up he won't remember the Pepsi chugging, doughnut downing, ball of lethargy that I used to be. Instead he'll remember healthy happy meals at home, choosing his own produce from the market, running with me on race days, and playing in the child care co-op while I attend boot camp classes. Today he told me, "You're the fastest runner I know, mommy." Sweet little man. Here he is below after receiving his medal for finishing the fun run!
I know that she will HATE me for including her photo here, but this beautiful woman below is the reason I started boot camp in the first place. I met Ladonna for the first time at a mom's group in late October. Our conversation went something like this:
Ladonna: Oh god my arms. I can't reach my margarita, I need a longer straw.
Me: Why can't you reach it?
Ladonna: Stupid boot camp. My arms are sore from doing a million push ups.
Me: Yikes.
Ladonna: You should come with me.
Me: To boot camp?
Ladonna: Sure!
Me: You make it sound so enticing.
Ladonna: No, its really great.
Me: I can't do it. We only have one car.
Ladonna: It's like a block from your house. You could walk there.
Me: Oh. Well, I'm at home with the kids all day. I don't have a sitter.
Ladonna: There's a free child care co-op. Bring them with you.
Me: Oh. (Searching for another excuse...)
Ladonna: Look - either you want to do it or you don't. I'll email you the info.
Me: I guess I don't have a reason not to go.
Ladonna: Then come and you too can have crazy sore arms.
So thank you Ladonna for getting my ass in gear. In return, I am in the process of inventing for you a very long bendy margarita straw for when your biceps give out after a difficult upper-body work out.
The other thing I did today was make more of these bad boys. If you haven't read about them, click HERE. They're super easy to make and super yummy to eat. Walker calls them "sweet balls" and begs me for these dessert treats. Just raw dates, raisins, nuts and a little dried coconut. So good!
One of the things I love most about getting healthy and fit is sharing it with my kids. When Walker grows up he won't remember the Pepsi chugging, doughnut downing, ball of lethargy that I used to be. Instead he'll remember healthy happy meals at home, choosing his own produce from the market, running with me on race days, and playing in the child care co-op while I attend boot camp classes. Today he told me, "You're the fastest runner I know, mommy." Sweet little man. Here he is below after receiving his medal for finishing the fun run!
I know that she will HATE me for including her photo here, but this beautiful woman below is the reason I started boot camp in the first place. I met Ladonna for the first time at a mom's group in late October. Our conversation went something like this:
Ladonna: Oh god my arms. I can't reach my margarita, I need a longer straw.
Me: Why can't you reach it?
Ladonna: Stupid boot camp. My arms are sore from doing a million push ups.
Me: Yikes.
Ladonna: You should come with me.
Me: To boot camp?
Ladonna: Sure!
Me: You make it sound so enticing.
Ladonna: No, its really great.
Me: I can't do it. We only have one car.
Ladonna: It's like a block from your house. You could walk there.
Me: Oh. Well, I'm at home with the kids all day. I don't have a sitter.
Ladonna: There's a free child care co-op. Bring them with you.
Me: Oh. (Searching for another excuse...)
Ladonna: Look - either you want to do it or you don't. I'll email you the info.
Me: I guess I don't have a reason not to go.
Ladonna: Then come and you too can have crazy sore arms.
So thank you Ladonna for getting my ass in gear. In return, I am in the process of inventing for you a very long bendy margarita straw for when your biceps give out after a difficult upper-body work out.
The other thing I did today was make more of these bad boys. If you haven't read about them, click HERE. They're super easy to make and super yummy to eat. Walker calls them "sweet balls" and begs me for these dessert treats. Just raw dates, raisins, nuts and a little dried coconut. So good!
Apr 23, 2012
Weigh In - Week 45 (Warrior Queen Edition)
The weeks are closing in as June 1st approaches - almost a whole year since beginning my Smaller Sarah journey! This week has been filled to the brim with activity, stress and joy. My husband has been home from Barcelona for a week and life seems to be resuming a normal pattern. Most of the weekdays were crazy and I was a weepy mess trying to stay on top of all my obligations. The weekend, though, was better. I hosted a party on Friday for Jack's SMU colleagues - a sort of welcome home get-together. Saturday our family attended a dinner for Kenna's Kids, the non-profit organization that has chosen my son, Charlie, as one of their 2012 beneficiaries. Then I finished the week with the Warrior Dash on Sunday morning!
As I stood in front of the bathroom mirror on Sunday morning examining the bags under my eyes, I thought, "What the hell am I doing?" Then I popped two Aspirin, poured myself a cup of coffee and packed my bag for the battlefield. Dread soon gave way to giddiness and in the end Warrior Dash was a fantastic experience.
The best part about doing the Warrior Dash was that I had a partner. My boot camp instructor and dear friend, Mallory, picked me up on Sunday morning and ran the dash with me! My goal was to run the entire 5K, which I did. There was only one obstacle that was beyond my physical abilities, but I surmounted all the others with confidence. The one I missed was a nine story wall with only a vertical rope to assist in scaling. Okay, okay... it was NOT nine stories tall and there were little helpful foothold thingys, but seriously... when I started to climb, all I heard was the voice of comedian Wanda Sykes saying, "Oh nuh-uh girl. That shit ain't happ'nin'." I just didn't have the upper body strength to pull myself over that HUGE wall. Ah well.
Do I feel different? Hell yes. Now I feel like Boadicea, Warrior Queen of the Britons. I don't know if I can lead a Celtic revolt against the Romans, but I can certainly handle a rowdy (and sweet) four year old, a testy (and sweet) 20 month old with Cerebral Palsy, boot camp, and my various domestic duties as chauffeur, chef, event coordinator, financial planner, and family Chief Executive Officer. So Mallory, thank you for running the dash with me and for spending the last five months (gently) whipping my ass into shape. Here I am before and after the Warrior Dash:
Okay back to business. It's Monday. Time to weigh in. I had a great week of exercise and a crappy week of eating. I allowed stress and time-crunches to dictate my diet this week. There were lots of coffee take-out trips, ice cream breaks and even cake. I also drank a lot of beer and wine due to the weekend entertaining. I have not dropped any weight, but I look and feel more toned than I have in over a decade. The weight remains the same, but I'm still dropping dress sizes. So overall, I'm pleased with how the week turned out. My goal for next week is to resume my normal diet, which as you know, mostly entails saying no to refined sugar / flour and yes to veggies and raw food.
As I stood in front of the bathroom mirror on Sunday morning examining the bags under my eyes, I thought, "What the hell am I doing?" Then I popped two Aspirin, poured myself a cup of coffee and packed my bag for the battlefield. Dread soon gave way to giddiness and in the end Warrior Dash was a fantastic experience.
The best part about doing the Warrior Dash was that I had a partner. My boot camp instructor and dear friend, Mallory, picked me up on Sunday morning and ran the dash with me! My goal was to run the entire 5K, which I did. There was only one obstacle that was beyond my physical abilities, but I surmounted all the others with confidence. The one I missed was a nine story wall with only a vertical rope to assist in scaling. Okay, okay... it was NOT nine stories tall and there were little helpful foothold thingys, but seriously... when I started to climb, all I heard was the voice of comedian Wanda Sykes saying, "Oh nuh-uh girl. That shit ain't happ'nin'." I just didn't have the upper body strength to pull myself over that HUGE wall. Ah well.
Do I feel different? Hell yes. Now I feel like Boadicea, Warrior Queen of the Britons. I don't know if I can lead a Celtic revolt against the Romans, but I can certainly handle a rowdy (and sweet) four year old, a testy (and sweet) 20 month old with Cerebral Palsy, boot camp, and my various domestic duties as chauffeur, chef, event coordinator, financial planner, and family Chief Executive Officer. So Mallory, thank you for running the dash with me and for spending the last five months (gently) whipping my ass into shape. Here I am before and after the Warrior Dash:
Okay back to business. It's Monday. Time to weigh in. I had a great week of exercise and a crappy week of eating. I allowed stress and time-crunches to dictate my diet this week. There were lots of coffee take-out trips, ice cream breaks and even cake. I also drank a lot of beer and wine due to the weekend entertaining. I have not dropped any weight, but I look and feel more toned than I have in over a decade. The weight remains the same, but I'm still dropping dress sizes. So overall, I'm pleased with how the week turned out. My goal for next week is to resume my normal diet, which as you know, mostly entails saying no to refined sugar / flour and yes to veggies and raw food.
Pounds lost this week: 0
Total pounds lost: 65
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| Mallory and me before the race with fresh shiny clean faces. |
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| Mallory and me after the race with our viking hats and medals. |
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| We rocked the Warrior Dash! |
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| All clean with my official tee-shirt! |
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| And a shot of my knees and shins a few hours after the dash. Ouch! |
The "I Did It" List
attended 2 boot camp classes
took a run around my neighborhood
juiced 3 out of 7 mornings
completed the Warrior Dash in fifty something minutes
bought a pair of heels (my first in years)
wore my new size 16 jeans all week
wore my new size 16 jeans all week
Apr 18, 2012
Just Keep Going
Jack is back from Barcelona and back to work. I thought that maybe I would have a little respite when he returned, but I think I was really kidding myself. He's winding up the semester with his students and also completing his documentation and personal statement for tenure review this summer and fall. Its a tall order and his time is not his own.
So I'm still exhausted, still waiting for the end of the school year and still holding down the fort. All of this is markedly easier to do, however, when Jack is in the country and home at night. So it is with a grateful heart and an exhausted mind that I move forward.
I'm nervous about my energy level while attempting to do the Warrior Dash this weekend. In four short days I will be swimming through mud, running through sludge, climbing under barbed wire, scaling walls and jumping through fire. Why? Because it sounded like fun when I registered in February. You're probably saying aloud, "What the hell was Sarah thinking?" But the truth is these 5Ks and athletic markers are what keep me going right now. Going to boot camp three days a week and doing a 1000 push up challenge and running the Warrior Dash are serving a much greater purpose in my life than I ever thought they would. They keep me focused when all I want to do is throw away my calender and skip Charlie's therapy appointment. They keep me grounded when all I want to do is drink a bottle of wine when the kids are down at 8pm. And most importantly, they keep me connected to other moms going through the same shit as I am. Its enlivening to reach for something you think you cannot do. It doesn't even matter if you make it. Pushing yourself and enjoying the ride is paramount.
So I'm still exhausted, still waiting for the end of the school year and still holding down the fort. All of this is markedly easier to do, however, when Jack is in the country and home at night. So it is with a grateful heart and an exhausted mind that I move forward.
I'm nervous about my energy level while attempting to do the Warrior Dash this weekend. In four short days I will be swimming through mud, running through sludge, climbing under barbed wire, scaling walls and jumping through fire. Why? Because it sounded like fun when I registered in February. You're probably saying aloud, "What the hell was Sarah thinking?" But the truth is these 5Ks and athletic markers are what keep me going right now. Going to boot camp three days a week and doing a 1000 push up challenge and running the Warrior Dash are serving a much greater purpose in my life than I ever thought they would. They keep me focused when all I want to do is throw away my calender and skip Charlie's therapy appointment. They keep me grounded when all I want to do is drink a bottle of wine when the kids are down at 8pm. And most importantly, they keep me connected to other moms going through the same shit as I am. Its enlivening to reach for something you think you cannot do. It doesn't even matter if you make it. Pushing yourself and enjoying the ride is paramount.
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| photo source |
Apr 14, 2012
Push Ups
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm participating in a push-up challenge set forth by my boot camp instructor. Our goal is to do a thousand push-ups in the course of the week. It's Saturday morning and my current count in 810 push ups. Now I have two more days to complete 190 push-ups.
Why am I doing so many push ups? I don't know... I'll take most any dare, I guess. I also know that if I want to have strong arms like Michelle Obama, I need to get cracking. One of the many things I've learned from my boot camp instructor is that exercises where you support your own body weight (push ups, sit ups, plank, etc.) can totally change your physique. So, when she said "1000 push-ups", I said "You got it!".
Why am I doing so many push ups? I don't know... I'll take most any dare, I guess. I also know that if I want to have strong arms like Michelle Obama, I need to get cracking. One of the many things I've learned from my boot camp instructor is that exercises where you support your own body weight (push ups, sit ups, plank, etc.) can totally change your physique. So, when she said "1000 push-ups", I said "You got it!".
The goal... arms like Obama.
Oh... and to someday become a strong black woman.
Apr 4, 2012
Sweat Like a Pig
Its been humid in Dallas these past few days. We're transitioning away from spring already and heading towards the warmer and wetter days of summer that I have been dreading ever since I began working out with the boot camp crew. I started boot camp in the fall because I knew I had to make a habit of it during the cool weather to endure the icky summer heat later on.
I missed boot camp on Monday due to some family scheduling,
but I'm back at it this morning!
Feb 1, 2012
Making Time
I was on the phone yesterday with Children's Hospital trying to schedule an EEG for my son, Charlie. The hospital never asks "When are you available?" They always say, "Our next available appointment is yada yada yada." Usually I take the appointment and cancel all my other engagements. Why? Because its my baby boy and he needs medical care and mommy guilt and he's the priority and on and on. But yesterday, when the scheduling department said, "Our next available appointment is Wednesday morning at 9am" I winced. I thought, no... no... no... that is right in the middle of boot camp! I took a breath and asked, "Do you have another time available?" She sighed and said, "We're pretty booked... but we could do it at 2:30pm on the same day." YES!
When I started boot camp in early November, I wasn't sure if it would work into my busy schedule. I could only manage two of the three days a week and felt like it was an extra burden of time and money that I didn't have to spare. But that's a pretty normal reaction to something new. Most of us think that of all the things we lack, time and money are at the top of the list.
But I don't feel this way anymore. Now instead of wondering how healthy eating and working out will fit into my schedule, I plan my daily life around eating well and working out. My children still get to appointments and preschool on time. My family still gets three healthy, timely meals. My blog posts still get written. My mom still gets phone calls from me. My bills still get paid on time. My husband and I still sit down to watch Mad Men at night and chat over a glass of wine after dinner. But when I sit down with my calendar and plan the month ahead, I pencil in boot camp classes and time for running first. I also spend some time planning meals and snacks so that I don't have to improvise food. (Improvising food is how I gained so much weight in the first place.)
We never think we have enough time. Never. But if we make our health a daily priority, as we do our families and our jobs, then we can change our lives. We can transform our chaotic habits into healthy ones. We can transform our out-of-control inner life into one of peace and joy.
When I started boot camp in early November, I wasn't sure if it would work into my busy schedule. I could only manage two of the three days a week and felt like it was an extra burden of time and money that I didn't have to spare. But that's a pretty normal reaction to something new. Most of us think that of all the things we lack, time and money are at the top of the list.
But I don't feel this way anymore. Now instead of wondering how healthy eating and working out will fit into my schedule, I plan my daily life around eating well and working out. My children still get to appointments and preschool on time. My family still gets three healthy, timely meals. My blog posts still get written. My mom still gets phone calls from me. My bills still get paid on time. My husband and I still sit down to watch Mad Men at night and chat over a glass of wine after dinner. But when I sit down with my calendar and plan the month ahead, I pencil in boot camp classes and time for running first. I also spend some time planning meals and snacks so that I don't have to improvise food. (Improvising food is how I gained so much weight in the first place.)
We never think we have enough time. Never. But if we make our health a daily priority, as we do our families and our jobs, then we can change our lives. We can transform our chaotic habits into healthy ones. We can transform our out-of-control inner life into one of peace and joy.
Jan 25, 2012
Progress, Not Perfection
Today, Dallas is wet wet wet. We had a beautiful storm yesterday evening, floods in the middle of the night and a very rainy morning drive to boot camp. I was super sore from boot camp on Monday. We did lots of push ups and my triceps had that beat-up bruise-y feel. Yesterday, while in the shower, I looked like a T-Rex trying to shampoo its head. I had to bend my neck and head down to meet my hands and dip my hair into my shampoo covered hands. I'm sure it was quite a sight. But I find that the best way to combat the sore muscles is to do more. So today, despite the rain, I hit the push ups and kettle ball swings and sit ups with gusto!
I received an email yesterday from a dear friend whom I have not heard from in many months. I had no idea that she had been reading Smaller Sarah. She expressed her gratitude for the inspiration that this blog brings to her daily life. I was on cloud nine. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing here in a private journal, tucked away on the Internet. But this email reminded me that sharing your journey and your thoughts is a very powerful tool. This blog keeps me on track and accountable, but it also allows me to meet my personal challenges with compassion and perspective. So, dear friend, thank for your letter - for sharing your journey with me. As you said so beautifully in your letter, "progress, not perfection is what [we're] aiming for."
I received an email yesterday from a dear friend whom I have not heard from in many months. I had no idea that she had been reading Smaller Sarah. She expressed her gratitude for the inspiration that this blog brings to her daily life. I was on cloud nine. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing here in a private journal, tucked away on the Internet. But this email reminded me that sharing your journey and your thoughts is a very powerful tool. This blog keeps me on track and accountable, but it also allows me to meet my personal challenges with compassion and perspective. So, dear friend, thank for your letter - for sharing your journey with me. As you said so beautifully in your letter, "progress, not perfection is what [we're] aiming for."
Jan 4, 2012
Getting Better All the Time
On my very first day of boot camp (November 6, I think) I was lead through a series of physical assessments. Every test was like a mini-nightmare of amalgamated junior high PE classes. We ran the the mile, did push ups, sit-ups, jumped rope, hung from a bar - you get the idea. Basically, I was thinking, "What in the world am I doing? I'm a grown, fat, happy woman. There is no need for all of this macho nonsense. Just go home, dive into a double pumpkin pie latte frap and forgetaboutit." Thank God I didn't. As you know, I returned for more and more and more.
Here were the results of my first assessment back in November
NOVEMBER:
Situp – 17 in a minute
Pushup – 14 (modified on knees) in a minute
Jump Rope – 51 in a minute
Plank – 1:19 modified (we hold this as long as we can, then collapse into a heap of heavy breathing)
Hang time – 6 secs (don't laugh, this shit is hard)
1 mile – 15:10
Waist measurement: 42"
Hip measurement: 53.5 "
Today, I did the same physical assessment that was given two months ago. Drum roll please.... here are the results:
JANUARY:
Situp – 23 in a minute
Pushup – 27 (4 military) in a minute
Rope – 87 in a minute
Plank – 28/1:33 total (again, holding the position as long as you can)
Hang – 8 secs
1 mile – 12:10
Waist measurement: 41.5 "
Hip measurement: 52.5 "
I am so pumped about taking 3 minutes off of my mile! That, for me, is the biggest and most compelling gain so far. Well, that and taking an inch and a half off my waist. That's pretty great too! So today, I'm celebrating. My body is healthy and my heart is glad.
Here were the results of my first assessment back in November
NOVEMBER:
Situp – 17 in a minute
Pushup – 14 (modified on knees) in a minute
Jump Rope – 51 in a minute
Plank – 1:19 modified (we hold this as long as we can, then collapse into a heap of heavy breathing)
Hang time – 6 secs (don't laugh, this shit is hard)
1 mile – 15:10
Waist measurement: 42"
Hip measurement: 53.5 "
JANUARY:
Situp – 23 in a minute
Pushup – 27 (4 military) in a minute
Rope – 87 in a minute
Plank – 28/1:33 total (again, holding the position as long as you can)
Hang – 8 secs
1 mile – 12:10
Waist measurement: 41.5 "
Hip measurement: 52.5 "
I am so pumped about taking 3 minutes off of my mile! That, for me, is the biggest and most compelling gain so far. Well, that and taking an inch and a half off my waist. That's pretty great too! So today, I'm celebrating. My body is healthy and my heart is glad.
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