Hard work pays off.

Sometimes you just need a small reminder to step outside your...

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:16:33 -0500

Sometimes you just need a small reminder to step outside your comfort zone and you’ll be amazed what you accomplish.

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” Bill..."

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:43:00 -0500

““In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”
Bill Cosby”

- So a few months and a couple days short but I’m back at it. I guess that’s what happens when you have no computer or time to write. Until you get inspired again (aka today), then you have so much to say. I’m going to make it a goal to write as often as I can. I spend enough time on the bus back and forth from work that I’m sure it will be possible. Also working on the whole ‘getting a computer’ thing so hopefully that’s sooner than later too :)

Anyway, it’s been a crazy few months and I’m excited about everything that’s happened. In December I landed a new job in Philadelphia (HOORAY!). It was a big adjustment but in a good way and something I’ve wanted to do since college. Not having to drive to work is the bomb (yes I just used a 90s reference) and my location is pretty awesome. I’m finally feeling like a real grown up even though it’s probably the last thing a lot of people want in life. I’ve always been ahead of my time though so let’s be serious. Other than moving (again, blah) I was really sad to say goodbye to my Crossfit Stealth family. I met a lot of people there who were willing to help me learn as much as I could in the short amount of time I was there. And I made some great friends who I hope stay in touch with and watch them grow.

I wanted to keep doing Crossfit (since I had already indulged in the kool-aid and loving every minute of it) so I emailed a few places and finally went to check out Crossfit 215. Needless to say, I joined as an official member in January and couldn’t be happier! I’ve met so many motivating and helpful individuals as well as coaches who welcomed me right away. I jumped right in with a Whole 30 Challenge that they had throughout January (2013) which went really well. We had a benchmark workout (we did this the first week and then the last - 500m row, 15 burpees, 30WBs, 30 KBS, 15 burpees, 500m row) which was where I saw most results, improving my time by 1:12! I definitely felt stronger and ready to take on the world once it was over and I plan to continue the routine throughout my daily nutrition.

One thing I did realize though was that I didn’t really lose any weight (which happens) and I came to the conclusion that I substituted fruit WAY TOO MUCH for the sugar I couldn’t have. So, I decided to take another challenge which I started on Monday known as the 21-day Sugar Detox. Basically I’m still eating the Whole 30 way but I’m only allowing myself 1 green apple or green-tip banana per day. Since I crossfit about 5-6 days a week, I’ve also allowed myself 1/2 a sweet potato for breakfast (and soon to be dinner). I’ve already started Day 3 and I feel ok. There was definitely a cranky couple of hours on Monday - the weather was gross so that didn’t help - but I can slowly feel it getting better. The headaches are definitely fading and I haven’t really been tired so I guess that’s a good sign. I’m hoping to stick to the 21 days and learn how to control my sugar cravings and not over indulge with fruit. I guess we’ll see how it goes.

I’m backkkk. It’s been awhile since I’ve had...

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:57:26 -0500

I’m backkkk. It’s been awhile since I’ve had time to get my thoughts together but I’m back and I’ve been pushing harder than ever. I went through Asylum Vol 1 twice along with an Insanity/Asylum hybrid for 30-days. It made me not only physically stronger, but I can say that I’m becoming more of an athlete every time I push play. A lot of people have told me that I’m too involved and if I miss a workout, I shouldn’t sweat it. But I do, not because I know that one missed workout or one missed opportunity to push my body to the next physical level but because it’s a lesson in mental fitness. Another way to make my inner athlete and brain perform as one.

I’ve recently stepped in Asylum Vol 2 and I’m pushing myself even more. I started Crossfit last week and this week I’ve started monitoring my eating habits and I’m trying to stay as close to the Paleo diet as I can. There are a lot of things to learn about the sport and the diet/lifestyle but I’m ready and I can’t express enough how excited I am. I’ve wanted this for a long time now and it’s finally my time to step up. I posted this video to remind myself and other fitness friends out there that’s it not about where you want to be in the end, but the inches you take to get yourself there. Your transformation isn’t going to happen over night and you’re not going to be able to lift your max weight in one shot. Everyday is a new beginning and new learning experience, both physical and mental. If you can focus and continue to motivate yourself, you will take those inches without even knowing it. I’ve been so inspired by so many people lately that I know this is where I need to be. I’m so ready for this and I can’t wait to share my experience with those who need the motivation to keep going.

Wow, onto my second round of Asylum - I can’t even believe...

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:21:06 -0400

Wow, onto my second round of Asylum - I can’t even believe it! Already 8 days in and I feel amazing. I have to say that it wasn’t easy at all the first time through and definitely pushed me even farther than I thought I could go. I’m excited to see what the results yield this round. I need to get my act together and send away for my shirt so I can represent my hard work in more ways than one.

Anyone up for a serious challenge? Get at me, I’ll make it happen.

Almost.. there.. just.. one.. more.. day..

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:21:00 -0400

So, I probably should have kept a more accurate log for Asylum but I can say I’ve almost made it through 1 full week (Sunday will be “1 week”). Today is my first rest day - there are only 2 in the whole 30 day program- and I’m GRATEFUL. I’m so sore and I can feel muscles in my body that I didn’t even know existed! My back is definitely becoming more defined, both upper and lower and my leg muscles are building even more since Insanity!

I think this is definitely a mental challenge since it is an ongoing schedule and not scheduled by weeks like Insanity. It is fun though and new moves make the videos go fast so I don’t even look at the clock. I burn a great amount of calories and my heart rate definitely stays up a lot of the time. I think I’m going to pick up a mat this weekend so it’s not as rough on my hands doing it in the backyard. Just something I can lay out that’s a little bigger than the ladder and I can roll up when I’m done.

I’m so excited to also mention that after following the meal plan *LOVE IT* for just a week I’m down 6lbs! Right now at this time, I weigh less than I did in high school!! It’s extremely exciting because I thought I had hit a plateau and was never going to lose any more weight. I don’t typically concentrate on my weight, more how my clothes fit and how I feel but it’s definitely an added bonus :) I can’t wait to see what it does for another week and I’ll probably even continue this eating habit after!

For now, I’ll enjoy my rest day. Tomorrow is supposed to be extremely hot (like 106F) so I’ll mentally prepare today for tomorrow’s Speed and Agility :P

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve updated last but I...

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:55:00 -0400

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve updated last but I did it. I’ve completed my 3rd round of Insanity and I feel great! I didn’t really lose any weight since I didn’t follow a very strict diet but I DEFINITELY gained more muscle and I was able to do a lot more of the moves, in the right form. I was also able to get two more people on board to take on the Insanity challenge and I can’t wait to see their results! I know from experience the first time is SUPER challenging but they are strong minded and I’m sure will get awesome results :)

I’ve also begun my next challenge - Insanity: The Asylum.

I just have to say that it’s honestly, one of the hardest workouts I’ve done yet and it’s definitely going to be a mental battle as well as physical to push myself through the 30-day program. With Insanity, there is a weekly schedule so you can follow it and have a rest day (one day per week) to get back on track. With Asylum, there are only a total of 2 rest days however a few days of ‘Relief’ which will aid in stretching the muscles and a relaxation from all the jumping and agility drills. I’m also trying out the meal plan that comes with the program (which basically means 6 meals a day and NO dairy for at least 2 weeks) and it’s already shed some results. I’m down 4lbs in the first week! The hardest part about it is that I can’t have any frozen yogurt which I LOVE so that’s really my only struggle so far. Other than that, I’ve been decently surprised with how full I am from each meal and I’ve tried to squeeze in at least 5 meals per day (if I’m not hungry for the 6th) to keep my metabolism flowing.

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Since I last posted, I got my very first Foodie Penpal box in June! I received a great box from Colleen Bell (hawkeyes2longhorns.blogspot.com, previously everydaycritter.blogspot.com). It was a great package FULL of Texas love and I definitely enjoyed it! Here’s just a snapshot of some things I got this time..

If you are interested in joining the Foodie Penpal network, I’ve included some information below for how it works, cost, etc.

And now it’s time for some details about Foodie Penpals. In case you’re a new reader, here’s a reminder of what the program is all about:

- On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
- You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
- The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
- You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
- Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
- Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re interested in participating, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

Almost completed this round of Insanity! Bracing myself already...

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:01:33 -0400

Almost completed this round of Insanity! Bracing myself already for the next challenge.. Insanity: The Asylum :)

Foodie Penpals!

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:16:31 -0400

So after surfing around Instagram today I found this awesome site that allows you to become a “Foodie Penpal”. This basically means that once a month, you are paired with another Foodie Penpal and you supply each other with awesome food! It’s a $15 limit and of course, you need to ask about dietary restrictions, etc. but it’s a way to share local foods or your favorites with others around the U.S.. I’m really excited to try this out, it’s a great way to try new things and see what other people do to keep fit :)

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Thu, 03 May 2012 17:40:32 -0400

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Wed, 02 May 2012 15:25:00 -0400

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Tue, 01 May 2012 16:29:25 -0400

Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:38:29 -0400

Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something.

It’s Just a Ride..

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:20:00 -0400

It’s Just a Ride..

Today is the day!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:53:00 -0400

Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream a vision. –Muhammad Ali

Today is the day that I’m signing up to become a Team Beachbody coach. Over the past year and a half I’ve realized what motivation and hard word is. I’ve seen the changes my body can make and I know that I can continue to push myself to make even more. I’ve learned more about nutrition and fitness than I ever thought I would be interested in. This program has changed my life drastically, both physically and mentally and I would have been lost without it. I would have been stuck in the same boring gym rut and doing other things incorrectly, probably eventually injurying myself. I’ve learned what hardwork can do and I want to motivate others to do the same. I want others to have happy, healthy lives and see that the hardwork and dedication does actually work. Eating clean is not just a diet or another fad that’s going around. It works and if you keep with it, you’ll see the results. I’m not a thin girl by any means and I never will be, but I’m fit. I’m doing more to help myself than most of those people who blame everything on society. Each day that they wait around for something to change, I’m becoming stronger and more in shape than they ever will be. I want others to get as motivated as I am to do an Insanity or P90X Ab Ripper workout. I want other women to know that lifting weights will not make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger but could actually help to lower your blood pressure and make you feel that much more healthier.

Of course, this is is all up to you on whether or not you want to take the challenge. I’ve seen what it can do for myself and others and I’ve been amazed every time. We all have the drive within us and are born to be a strong as we can with a little push every day. If you want to know more, feel free to message me and we can talk more in detail. I’m in no way an expert or certified with superpowers to change your life but I can help. I can help start to get you in the best shape of your life starting today.

Dear Hard Work,I used to hate you,When you called my name,I...

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:29:48 -0400

Dear Hard Work,
I used to hate you,
When you called my name,
I heard it but ran away from you,
When I knew you were coming,
I used to hide from you,
When you influenced others to talk to me,
I quickly made excuses to get away from you.

Afraid of the pain because I didn’t want to get hurt
Afraid to fail, so I didn’t even try
Afraid of the shame that you might put me through and
Afraid of your name because of what you have done to others

Who do you think you are?
Making me so afraid of who you are?

Reflection in the mirror,
Shadow behind me,
I take one step and still,
Your ahead of me,

Sweat on my face, tears in my eyes,
I keep on going,
I heard you tell no lies,

You turn the poor to rich,
F to A’s

Is there anything that you can’t do?

Now look at me,
You made me who I am today,
and because of you,
I have this never losing, never giving up attitude

Quitting?
That is not in my vocabulary
When they quit, I keep going,
When they sleep, I work harder,
When they say that I can’t and count me out, I show them that I can

When I tell them about my dreams,
And they laugh, I make sure I laugh last.

I’m a dream chaser, that means I chase my dreams, and not no one else’s
Only I can defeat me,
It’s me against this work you put on me,
There Is no losing – I will not lose,
I came this far and I’m not stopping now

O Hard work,
My dad was right about you, you do pay off, and because of that I love you.
How can I not?
I’m no longer hiding from you, I’m waiting for you.

Matter of fact, where are you?

I need you, because in hard work- I trust!

New favorite site

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:10:42 -0400

http://www.proteinpow.com/

Spend some time here, you’ll learn a lot :)

It’s been a few days but I ended up with a sweet double ear infection over the weekend so I...

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:45:40 -0400

It’s been a few days but I ended up with a sweet double ear infection over the weekend so I just sort of laid low. Spent some time in Connecticut (which was gorgeous) on Saturday and some car stuff Sunday. All in all it was a good time. I’m feeling MUCH better (after I spent $75 to see a doctor) and got some antibiotics that I guess are working?..

Anyway, I’ve continued to work hard and it’s starting to really become second nature to workout twice a day. The clean eating has helped TREMENDOUSLY and also inspiration from @kmaecags and @petitefi on Instagram (follow them if you have it!!) with new workouts daily, I’ve been pushing myself to get better. I have also decided that I needed to up the anti because I didn’t feel like I was working hard enough to get the results I wanted so alas, I’ve started another round of Insanity. I am continuing to lift (Mon/Wed/Fri) with the P90X workouts but I’m going to continue with another round, hopefully to be even stronger by combining the two! I will get in some cardio as well as using weights of both my body and the gym.

I’m also pretty stoked that I get to workout with Shaun T in less than a month!! Insanity will help me prepare and focus on my form before doing that and I know my limits. It will help me to focus on getting stronger and pushing those limits a little further every time.

TRUTH.

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:18:32 -0400

TRUTH.

Beyonce has always been one of those women who I’ve always...

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:45:34 -0400

Beyonce has always been one of those women who I’ve always found to be completely gorgeous. She’s in shape and carries herself so well. A modern day Marilyn Monroe for sure.

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Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:38:48 -0400