I'm the Old Bag & Shred Challenge

BACK FROM MINI VACATION

Yesterday I got back from spending 5 days with my parents and my sister & her family. It was sure nice to be able to see them all. I can't truly blame my Mom's slow computer for my lack of posts. I quite simply just didn't get to it and really wasn't on the computer very much at all.

I didn't get my camera out at all (it's not beach friendly), but my cousin did manage to get this one shot of me laying on a floaty. And my kids catching a few rays too. I didn't request permission to post my sister's pic so I've put a heart over her (cuz I love her - smooch!).

THE FAT OLD BAG

Last night I went to a fitness class at a location I don't usually go to. I like it there because it's a younger class, younger instructor, the music is typically better and the class is pretty upbeat.

But the downside is that I often find myself being one of the oldest people in the class, and yesterday I was also the biggest - obviously not by much, but still. Pretty weird that at only 36 I was one of the oldest. I've never encountered that anywhere but at this one location. And as for being the biggest ... I know I'm not big, but it's amazing how quickly I felt self concious, which I shouldn't have been.

I did manage to push that aside for the most part, and had a really good class. I still really like this location and try to get there as often as I can.

SEPTEMBER - 30 DAY SHRED

My blogging buddy Syl has posted up a little challenge - to do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, every day for 30 days, starting September 1st. I spent all day debating on whether or not I should join her. I've done The Shred many times before and I enjoy it. Jillian definitely kicks ass and hits you in all the right spots. But, admittedly, I'm not confident that I can actually stick to doing it every single day for 30 straight days. I'm a bit of a fickle character, I crave variety and get bored easily. I recall when Syl did this before there were days when she seemed to dread doing it, but still did it. I'm not positive that I have it in me to do it on those days (which I know are bound to happen).

Soooo...... after much deliberation, and mostly after looking back at Syl's results, Ash is Fit's results, and a bunch more I found online ..... I have decided to give it a shot, though somewhat modified. I really enjoy going to fitness classes a couple times a week and the one's I take are very focused on weight training and high intensity cardio (much like the Shred). So, I have decided that my pledge will be to either do The Shred OR one of these types of classes every day for the month of September. Of course I will always keep up with my running and some biking as usual.

5K = 26:11

Last night I ran 5 Km in 26:11. WAHOOO!!! The last time I timed myself I think I was 27:40ish. And my first 5K race (earlier this year) took me 32:46.

I actually think I could have done it a teeny bit faster. I was SO not motivated to go run last night. I felt lazy & lethargic. But I finally kicked my butt out the door around 8:30 (OK, probably really stupid time to go as it was turned dark while I was out there).

Half way through my time was 13:16, so I knew I had to pick it up on the return run. For that time of night it was still surprisingly hot out.

When I got back I was a sticky, sweaty, hot mess! (not pretty) But so glad that I went. My next goal is to get into the 25s, then I want to be under 25 by the end of this year. I know if I keep at it, I WILL get there.

Now ... for as to why I was feeling lethargic. Hmmm..... see that <------. Yeah ..... that! THAT is why I was feeling so gross and lazy. THAT was my dinner! Argh (grrrrr!). The rest of the family had a nice roast. But I ... well, I was making some cookies (as promised to a certain relative) and way too many found their way into my mouth.

Honestly, this was a new recipe and it's not even that great. I ended up skipping dinner because I was already feeling full enough (and gross) from the cookies and knew there was no way I could run with having even more food in me.

So, I think with better planning, I can knock that 5K time down into the next zone!

I'm off to visit my parents & sister this afternoon until Sunday, so posting may be sketchy. My Mom's computer is painstakingly slow (haha, poke, poke, nudge, nudge Mom - that's a blatant hint that you should go buy a new one!!!), plus we'll probably be spending most of the days laying on the beach or floating in the water. Ahhhh, my last summer outing!

Mmmmm, new recipes!

Yesterday I decided to get a little creative in the kitchen. It's been a while since I tried something new and since I haven't really been cooking much lately, I was getting the itch.

I made three new dishes...

TOMATO CAPRESE

~♥~ 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
~♥~ 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
~♥~ 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
~♥~ ¼ cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
~♥~ Sea salt & pepper, to taste
~♥~ 1 c. Mozzarella pearls (or cubed small)
~♥~ 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced
~♥~ 6 On-the-vine tomatoes, cut into large cubes

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, sea salt & pepper. Whisk lightly.
2. Add mozzarella and onion. Stir and let sit approx. 30 min.
3. Add tomatoes 5-10 minutes before serving and stir.

Serves 6
Nutrition: 130 cal, 10 g fat, 1.5 g fibre – 3 points per serving

My father-in-law said this was the best salad he's ever had.

SPANISH STYLE GARLIC SHRIMP



Note: This dish was originally an appetizer, but we had it as part of our meal.

~♥~ 2 teaspoon olive oil
~♥~ 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
~♥~ 3 cloves garlic, minced
~♥~ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
~♥~ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
~♥~ ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
~♥~ salt
~♥~ 1 pkg (approx 650g) uncooked medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
~♥~ ¼ c. cilantro, chopped
~♥~ 1 tablespoon lime juice

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook jalapeno pepper & garlic.
2. Add shrimp, cumin, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and salt.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until shrimp just turns pink.
3. Add cilantro & lime juice, stir and heat for about 30 seconds. Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6

Nutrition (for 4 servings): 195 cal, 5 g fat, 0 g fibre – 3 points per serving
Nutrition (for 6 servings): 130 cal, 3 g fat, 0 g fibre – 4 points per serving


SPICY RICE & RED BEANS

~♥~ 1 ½ cups water **See note
~♥~ ¾ cup long grain & wild rice**See note
~♥~ ½ large red onion, diced
~♥~ 3 cloves garlic, minced
~♥~ 1 tablespoon ketchup
~♥~ 1 teaspoon cumin
~♥~ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
~♥~ ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
~♥~ 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1. In a medium pot add all ingredients, except beans. Stir.
2. Bring to boil, stir, cover and reduce heat to simmer for approx. 10 min (**See note) until rice and onion are cooked through.
3. Add kidney beans, stir and let sit in covered pot approx. 5 min to heat through.

NOTE: Depending on the rice used, consult packaging for cooking instructions – vary rice & water quantity and cooking time as required.

Serves 4-6
Nutrition (for 4 servings): 275 cal, 1 g fat, 11 g fibre – 4 points per serving
Nutrition (for 6 servings): 185 cal, .75 g fat, 7 g fibre – 2 points per serving

This rice was SOOOO good. Today I added 2 oz. diced chicken breast and have it packed up for my lunch, mmm, can't wait!

My husband asked me last night if I made sure to write down everything exactly as I made it because it was one of the best meals he's ever had!

Running Room

Last night I finally got my behind down to the Running Room to join in on one of their practice runs - they're free (BONUS!).

I went with a friend who also had never been. Thoroughly enjoyed it!!

I'm guessing there was at least 50 people there, maybe more??? Pretty much everyone seemed so upbeat and friendly.

There was a bunch of different groups that you could join in with - Walk program, 3 Km (run 2 min, walk 1 min) (I'm guessing this was from the Learn to Run group), 7 Km (run 10, walk 1), 10 km (they were doing a hills session), and a Half Marathon group (also doing hills). There may have been another one, I forget.

We joined in the 7Km as this was our first time out with them and my friend hasn't run longer than 5Km in a few weeks. They took us on a nice little route. I'm not fond of the traffic and especially the traffic lights, but it was just fun to get out with a bunch of active people.

I most definitely want to go again!

At this location they also offer a 15Km clinic. What a great in between step from 10Km to Half Marathon. I don't see it offered for online registration, but they had it on their board. I'll have to note when that group is starting up and see if it would work.

Though a lady we talked to last night said she doesn't get much from the clinics anymore now that she's been running for a while. Which leaves me having mixed feelings. I'm bad that way .... I can hear tons of really good reviews, but one bad one and I'm left questioning. That's awful :( I really shouldn't be like that.

Today's plan:

EATS

Breakfast - 1 1/2 buns, 3 sl. salami, 1 tsp jam (not really a great choice, but my MIL had it out and I ate before I thought) (5)
Snack - Nectarine (1)
Lunch - President's Choice Szechuan Chicken, Nectarine, 20 mini pretzels (7)
Snack - String Cheese, Carrot sticks & Cucumber Slices (2)
Dinner - Tilapia, Corn on the Cob (I'm the only one eating it), Spinach Salad (7)

EXERCISE

30 min casual run

3 sets x 12 of the following:

Runners Lunges
Basic Crunches
Squats
Cross Knee Oblique Crunches
3 angle Calf Raises
Dumbbell Side Bends
Single Leg Bridge Ups
Plank x 1 min.

Plans Work and "New" Jeans

I was a good girl yesterday and stuck to my plan. Well for the most part. I didn't feel like making prawns just for myself and instead had a 1/2 slice of pizza which the rest of the family ate. But I 100% stuck to my workout plan and I believe that was ONLY because I had posted it here. A few times I wanted to cut it short, but then I didn't want to have to come here and say I didn't quite do what I had planned. I was drenched in sweat and it felt SO good!!!

Yesterday on my lunch hour I decided to hit up Value Village again to see if I could find some in-between clothes. I'm not in touch with my new size and was thrilled to see that most of the 9/10s I picked out were too big (YAY!). I didn't find a whole lot that I loved and didn't want to buy something that was just sort of OK.

But I did find these Garage jeans for $5.99. I know Garage is more of a teen line, but their clothes seem to fit me fairly well. While in Oregon I bought the black top on the right at Target for $20 and hadn't found anything to wear it with yet.

I also found this Jacob dress at VV, which isn't really something I "needed", but I feel good wearing it and it was only $17. I can wear it to work, even though my job is very casual, but also we have a dinner out planned next month for my co-worker who just retired, so I can wear it there.

Also, I mentioned this a while back, when we were in Oregon I bought a couple of running skirts from Target. I think they were $20 each. The one on the left had a matching top ($14) and I couldn't resist. The top on the right is Adidas and I actually found it at Cabelas Hunting store (who knew they carried running wear???).

The skirts are quite comfy and I've worn the black one quite a bit just for casual wear - like to the beach or hanging out around the house/campsites. I do like them for running, but I did find that on longer runs (especially when it's super hot), that my thighs rub a bit. I'm going to have to get some Glide and see if that helps.

Today I vow to.....

Feeling kinda funky! I'm tired and unmotivated to do much of anything. Was much the same yesterday. I'd planned to either workout at home or take a class, but instead I ate a bunch of carbs then crashed on the couch all night. So unproductive :(

Today I didn't even pack a lunch or snacks - which is fairly unusual for me. It's noon now and I sit here half hoping that a nice healthy lunch will just plop down in front of me because I completely lack the motivation to make any effort.

WOW - reading back over that even I'm sick of me. Time to snap out of it! OK ... deep breath .... putting on the invisible thinking cap.....

Here's my plan for today:

Lunch - Ham & Veggie Sub, Steamed Milk

Dinner - 2 Prawn Skewers, Corn on the Cob, Spinach Salad

Workout -

*10 min run at 7 mph
*Following moves (3 sets x 12) with 1 min 15 sec running at 9 mph between:
...Chest press (2 plates)
...Dumbbell Rows (15 lbs)
...Incline Chest Press (12 lbs)
...Lat Pulldown (4 plates)
...Shoulder Press (12 lbs)
...Tricep Pulldown (2 plates)
...Hammer Curls (1 x 15 lbs, 1 x 12 lbs, 1 x 10 lbs)
...Tricep Kickbacks (8 lbs)
...Concentration Curls (1 x 15 lbs, 2 x 12 lbs)
*10 min. Abs - basic crunch, straight leg raises, reverse crunch, planks 2 x 1 min
*Stretch

When I have stuck to all of the above, then I'm allowed to watch So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Otherwise the TV must stay off for the evening.

Kicking My Own Ass!

WOW! The other day I pledged to get back to my regular fitness schedule by at least doing a run on Thursday night. I'm proud to say that I most definitely got my session in. I hadn't done weights in a few weeks with vacation and all, so I really wanted to incorporate that. So this was my workout:

10 min running at 6mph

Alternate the following with running 2 min at 8mph between each move;

40 walking lunges

40 lateral lunges

100 crunches (50 standard, 50 obliques)

100 reverse crunches

Push-ups - 1 set x 20, 1 set x 10

Lateral Raises with 10 lb weights - 2 set x 15, 1 set x 10

finish with 5 min running at 6mph

Holy moly do those fast sets in between get your heart rate up there. I was absolutely dripping in sweat.

Then Friday morning I went to a drop-in fitness class called Abs, Butt, & Thighs. I've done this class a million times and always love it.

But WOWSERS, with those two days combined with a previous lack of strength training - owie, owie, OWIE! If I sit for any extended time I have to manually lift my legs to move them. And my butt is swearing at me. Today I'm taking off, but tomorrow morning I'm running with a couple friends.

Went shopping today in the hopes of finding a new bathing suit, bikini preferred. Apparently summer is over though and the best I could find was a few odd pieces that didn't match.

I did try on a few clothes, though nothing that screamed my name. I was very happy to try on a skirt that I eyed a few weeks ago. I think it was either late May or June when I first tried it and the 9/10 was a bit snug. This time I tried it and it was at least a full size too big - YAY!!!

My closet is ridiculous right now. All my bottoms are too big and I can pretty much only wear them if I can put a belt on and cinch it up. It's a good problem, but I wish a winning lottery ticket would come my way so I can do a full makeover.

I leave you with a few pictures from our trip down the Oregon Coast last month (better late than never). I have more to post but some editing needs to be done as some of the people in the pics I do not have permission to post:

This is me at the top of the Watchman trail overlooking Crater Lake. If you ever have the chance to visit Crater Lake I strongly urge you to - it's gorgeous!

My husband, son & his friend climbed on top of one of these huge rocks and he is taking the picture from up there. In the lower third of the picture in the middle you see a white dot and a black dot. I am the white dot (in my PJs - haha), and the other is my little dog, Tia.

And speaking of Tia .... here is my little Superdog!!! :) This was also up at Crater Lake. She looks like she's getting ready for take-off.