I officially ran a 5K...and more!

My running buddy and I ran the 5K that I talked about in a previous post this past weekend.  The name of the race is the Get Heeled 5K (website: http://www.getheeled5k.com/).  Funds made from the race will benefit families with children suffering from childhood cancer.  My running buddy is a pediatric heme/onc doctor and signed us up.  He's pretty passionate about the topic so this wasn't a surprise.  But, I get to choose the next race.  Anyway, this was an awesome race.  There were lots of fun events for kiddos, food, music, etc.  The best part about the race events was the emphasis on remembering past patients who unfortunately have died from childhood cancer and also honoring current patients.

So about the actual race/run.  I ran the entire thing in 28 minutes.  Not the best time but I did it!  My initial pace was more of an 8 minute mile for the first 1.5 miles but then there were the unanticipated hills.  They almost killed me.  There were 3 large hills that seemed like they were never ending at the time.  I was taken by surprise by all 3 of them.  My running buddy and I ran the "route" twice but it was the wrong route so we were both surprised.  I think my time would have been better if I didn't have those hills.  Grrr!  I felt very old when little school-aged kids were passing me by sprinting up the hills. LOL.  I was like "what in the world."  My competitive self got the best of me and my pace was faster than what I usually run.  It was hard seeing all those people passing me. Hehe!  My running buddy actually gave me the ok to go ahead of him...so I did.  He wasn't mad, thankfully.  My favorite part of the race was sprinting across the finish line! Oh yeah and seeing my husband and son waiting at the finish line for me :)

In other fitness news.  I've been working out 5 days per week for the past 2 months I think.  On the days that I run I usually don't do cardio at the gym--just weight lifting.  I've been eating better (sometimes).  I just freaking love food but I've been doing a better job not eating what I want everyday.  I'm 31...not 21 anymore. LOL.  Anyway, I've lost 2-3 lbs over the past month--still not at my pre-pregnancy weight but I'm ok with my progress.


Mrs. K

Accidentally ran 9 miles today...who does that?

My running buddy and I accidentally ran 9 miles today.  I know it sounds silly but we ran the Tobacco Trail which is a common running area in NC (no tobacco is on the trail, btw).  It's an amazingly beautiful trail and the other runners/ walkers/bikers are so nice.  We were planning to do 6 miles today but my running buddy who usually keeps track of the distance messed up.  (I'm "directionally-challenged" so it's not my job).  I was wondering why my feet were hurting towards the end.  LOL.  So, we ran 9 miles and it felt great!  The majority of my life I've been a sprinter but I was never a good distance runner.  But "practice makes perfect," I guess :) I just feel good and I just wanted to encourage you all that you can achieve your goals and more too.

Good luck!

Mrs. K

What's on my mind?

Lots, but to name a few:

--I'm excited about running a 5K in two weeks with my running bud.  We've ran a few times over the past weeks in preparation for it and I think we'll do fine.  It's on September 14 but what I'm looking forward to most is running the 10K in the future.  It'll be fun to have hubby and my little boy waiting at the finish line for us.

--I love my husband and our son so much.  My husband is hilarious and he keeps it light and airy in our household.  He's the comical one and I'm definitely the more "serious one."  Although I'm not THAT serious.  But our son even realizes that he's the cool one.  He still prefers me but he goes to his dad when he wants to have fun. Ha!  Our son is such a great mixture of my husband and I (personality wise).  He is so much fun!  I could just eat him up.  That little booger told me a few days ago "no no go away" while I was kissing his face and fixing his hair.  He's only 18 months!  I could not believe it.

--Studying for my Boards right now sucks.  It's a necessary evil.  I just got done with my training and I have an 8 hour computerized test to take (about all the knowledge I've accumulated in training for the past 5 years).  The test is in less than a month. Yikes!  I'd much rather be doing something else but since I paid $3000 to take the test, I figure I'd better study so I don't fail.  It would really suck to have to pay another $3000.  Actually, what really sucks is that I have to take a second part of this test next year for a similar cost. Yeah!

--So yeah, I'm done with training.  I've been in school my whole life and now I'm finally done for good.  It's an awesome feeling.

--I'm not working right now (for the first time in a long time).  For close to a month I've been somewhat like a stay at home mom.  Well actually not really.  But I haven't been working.  I drop my son off at his home daycare in the mornings around 9am then run and/or exercise at the gym, go home, shower, pack lunch then go study, come home, make dinner, then pick up my son around 330pm after he wakes up from his nap.  It's been pretty nice because for the first time I feel very balanced.

--My goal is to get a part time job by January 2014 but for now I'll be enjoying some of the free time I have.  After Boards, I'll start picking up my son earlier so that we can go the library, park or just hang out. I'm looking forward to this

--Before 18 months ago I always thought I'd be working full time in my career but now I'm so content and excited about working part time.  I hate doing a crappy job at...anything.  Whenever I do something I like to do a good job or at least feel good about giving it my all.  I want to be a good wife, a good mom, and a good career woman.  I think that working part time will allow me the opportunity to do that.  I also love that I'll still have some time for myself too. 

 --We will likely be moving some time in the next few months.  It's a little frustrating not knowing when or where.  No we're not a military family--we're just at a crossroads in our lives and we want to do something different.  I know I need to be patient as we wait to hear back from possible job opportunities but it's hard.  I keep reminding myself that God has immensely blessed hubby and I individually and as a couple so I should just wait on him and be PATIENT! :)

--I check my weight in a few weeks (since I only do it once per month).  I think I'm looking fitter but who knows.  The scale may say something different but we'll see.  I do feel good though and I think that means a lot.  I've been eating better and exercising.

--Although I complained some I'm more than thankful to God.

Mrs. K

Post pregnancy body

So my baby  is no longer a baby.  He's my baby but he's a toddler.  He's 18 months old.  I have no excuse.  I breastfed for 9 months and pumped for another 2 months.  While breastfeeding I lost a lot weight pretty quickly.  At 8 weeks I was feeling pretty good about my postpartum body.  It wasn't perfect but it was heading in the right direction.  I started walking pretty quickly after I delivered but that ended as soon as I went back to work.  I went back to work after 12 weeks and since then I've been inconsistent with my nutrition and exercise.  For exercise I've done some Insanity here and there but nothing consistent (which is very much unlike me).  I've gone to the gym and running a few times but nothing consistent.  Our gym is actually great.  There are personal trainers, free classes, a pool, hot tub, sauna, and CHILD CARE.   I've never used the child care because I feel terrible dropping him off so I can workout, especially when I work full time and he's in the care of someone else.  

For nutrition, there was a time period where I ate whatever the heck I wanted.  About 1 month ago I weighed myself at the gym (and was not happy) and needless to say I've been working out consistently since then.  For the past 2 weeks my nutrition has been so much better.  I've been using MyFitness Pal app to track my calories.  It helps me to think twice before stuffing my face.  I've been eating so much better.  Well, I weighed myself today and was disappointed.  My weight is the exact same.  I'm one of those people who doesn't usually gain or lose weight quickly.  This infuriates me because I've been working hard (exercising) for the past month.  I'm also one of those people who start feeling better about my body when I eat healthy and exercise.  I thought I looked better (even if it's in my mind) and I still think I do although the scale isn't reflecting that.  I guess I have to just keep trying.

I'm surprised that I've lost my tummy, although it's not toned.  I thought it would be hardest to lose but it's actually my back and thigh fat.  LOL.  I'm still going to keep trying.  I still plan to work out most days of the week (at least 4 days) at the gym.  This includes elliptical machine, light weight lifting, abs.  I also plan to sprinkle some occasional Insanity workouts in there.  I plan to be more consistent with my running.  I have a running buddy and we plan to run on one weekend day and one weekday at least.  We have a 5K that we will be running on 9/14/13.  I can run it without problems but I want to make a good time.

Anyway, my overall goal is to obtain a "good" healthy body before my next pregnancy.  I'll keep you updated. I may never look like this again:

 

but I'll try to come close.  I think I can do it.  I'll post pictures some time.  What did you do to get fit?

Mrs. K

Post pregnancy body

No there will be no pictures in this post. LOL.  Maybe I'll post pictures (of before and after) once my body is in decent shape.  I've thankfully lost most of the pregnancy weight except for about 10 or so pounds but my body just does not look the same.  Even though I'm close to my pre-pregnancy weight I'm soft and mushy, totally lacking tone.  AND what is up with all the extra skin on my abdomen.  My belly has shrunken back close to its normal size (I think) but I have excess skin that I don't know how to get rid of.  The linea nigra on my abdomen is still there and apparently it'll be there for another 2 months or so.  My butt and legs are a lot smaller but not in a good way--haha! 

At about 3 weeks I was fitting into my old jeans.  Some tops fit but others don't for obvious reasons.  It took no time after the delivery for me to start losing weight but I no longer look athletic.  To get to this point I've mainly been breastfeeding, going on walks with my baby strapped to me about 3 times per week (I started doing this around week 2), dancing around the house occasionally with my baby, and eating like normal.  

My sweet tooth has come back by the way.  So, I figure I should start my workout routine so I can maintain my sweet tooth.  Just kidding.  Actually I had planned to start working out for real at 8 weeks postpartum so that's what I did.  My postpartum visit to the OB was fine and I got the green light to resume working out.  So, on April 2 I started Insanity again.  I love those workout videos.  I did the fit test and it was very similar to the first fit test I did over a year ago when I first did Insanity.  That's hard to believe because I almost died doing the first few videos this time around.  I think I forgot how much they kicked my butt the first time but I'm sticking with it.  Workout videos seem best at this time although we have a gym membership.  I do the workouts right after I put my baby down for bed.  This schedule will work great when I go back to work too.

As for stretch marks, I have about 4 short lines on the left lower quadrant of my abdomen.  Interesting because I didn't notice them while pregnant.  The belly button is slowly going in.  Shoe size is about the same.  No hair loss, yet.  But my hair is so thick that I wouldn't mind losing a few strands. LOL.

Anyway, I'm back on my journey to being fit.  I'm trying to not obsess too much about my weight and my body because I want to remain sane.  I'll update you all along the way.

What are you doing to lose the baby weight?   Or what do you plan to do if you are pregnant?  If you've lost baby weight in the past, what did you do?

Mrs. K

Being deconditioned stinks

OK, so after moving and all the various transitions and changes over the past few months, I've finally started back exercising.  I know, it's about time.  It's been over 2 months since I last exercised, actually maybe 3 months (I stopped counting).   Anyway, I'm just excited to have started back.  The first few weeks will be tough since I'm so out of shape but I know I have to stay encouraged.  I can do it.  Yes, I can.  

Anyway, I thought I hated the gym after my last few gym experiences but I realized that all I needed was a break.  It actually felt good going to the gym again.  I felt so accomplished.

If you've neglected exercising (as I have) I encourage you to start up again and if you've maintained, I say keep at it.  We can do it!

Mrs. K

Diet and Exercise

When I say diet I don't mean any of the restrictive things you may or may not be thinking of.  I'm talking about in general what foods I eat.

As far as diet goes,  I am trying to eat more vegetables and fruits.  It's so hard but I know I can do it.  I'm realizing that I have to plan for them in all meals (and not just at dinner time).  I am still eating 5 small portions of meals/day several times per week.  I like this better because I'm not starving in between meals.  I need to cut down on my sweets also.  Tonight I had a waffle with syrup, nutella and whipped cream AGAIN (that's 2 nights in a row).  I have been taking Omega 3 fatty acid tablets as recommended by Monique from Tipa Tipa a while back and it's tamed my sweet tooth a little but not enough.  I need a miracle. LOL

As I mentioned in my last post, I am continuing my P90X workouts.  I'm on week 7.  The pace of P90x is a lot slower and some days (well, a lot of days) I miss Insanity.  But I realize that Insanity is not a good maintenance workout (at least not for me and my already bad knees).  Also, in preparation for future pregnancy I don't need to be doing all that vigorous workout.  P90x is a little more toned down so I think it should be ok.  I'm also trying to fit in jogging a few times per week too.  I think that should be enough.

Here is a pic of me after Insanity.  I will take one after P9oX (although I'm not as compliant with it as I was with Insanity) too with plans to post it.

I meant to post this a long time ago after I finished Insanity but I'm like 2 months behind.

BTW--thanks for all your sweet comments and birthday wishes from last post :)

Mrs. K

I'm back and hopefully for good w/ lots of pix to overcompensate

Hey there! Sorry I've been gone for so long.  Due to a combination of laziness and some I'm busy with life-ness I've been neglecting my blog.  I have been reading the blogs that I follow regularly and sometimes I would leave a comment or two.  Other times I'll start writing a comment then realize that I'm not logged in then delete it instead of logging in.

You may remember that we are moving in a few months--the anticipated time is late June.  We've been house hunting like mad (from 100s of miles away) and as you can imagine it's been a little challenging.  I do have to thank God for Trulia, Craigslist and the internet in general because it could be worse.  I don't know how people did long distance house shopping pre-internet when they worked a full time job.  I also really really appreciate a couple we know (living in our future home city) for visiting the houses and even videotaping them so we can get an idea of what they are like.  Isn't that awesome?

Anyway, we are excited about the move for many reasons but also there's a little sadness because I've developed some meaningful relationships here over the past 3 years.  At least we are moving to a place with lots of activities where people wouldn't mind visiting (well, that's what our friends and family say). lol

So what's happened over the past few weeks since I've been gone....hmmmm....

I went to a wedding.  It was my first IR wedding since ours.  It was so beautiful and it was great to see the families come together.  I love weddings in general.  You know how some old folks like to visit funerals, well I like to visit weddings.  It doesn't matter who's wedding it is, I always have a good time.  The ceremonies are usually my favorite.  Every time I've attended a wedding since we've been married I get warm and fuzzy inside thinking about the similar vows my husband and I took a few years ago.

Beautiful couple at their wedding

This is the only pic of myself in my wedding outfit (which you can't see)

I visited with an old friend.  She attends school in Wisconsin and she was visiting with another friend in Birmingham, AL.  I drove up to meet with them a few weekends ago and we had a great time.  I don't have too many girlfriends--well friends in general (by choice--lol) but it was great being in the company of like minded God-fearing women.  Actually we are pretty different but it makes our conversations that much more interesting.

In Birmingham, AL with friends at an urban park

More pix of the park--it's self sufficient apparently (which I think is pretty neat).  Very environmentally conscious park in the middle of a rough part of town.  It's a great way to get people to go out and enjoy the community.

More female bonding/supporting. Part of the UN is represented here from l to r: Jamaica, Haiti, Ghana

I've realized that I'm horrible with keeping in touch with people.  Well, I knew this from the get-go but it's pretty bad.  I have to do better.  Thank God that the people who matters the most realize that this is one of my character flaws and are willing to work with me. Right friends and fam? ::Wink, wink::  Lol.

I'm still working out regularly but not as much as I was when I was doing Insanity.  I'm doing P90X but only about 4 times per week on average.  I've also started back running too.  I was proud to get out there and run 3 miles on day 1 (this is after stopping in late fall--I know it's been a while but I hate cold weather).  Hubby is still a rock star with his whole diet and exercise routine.  I'm so proud of him!

I just wanted to show off hubby's hard work and his new beard.  He's never sported a beard before but I'm  surprisingly digging it.  BTW--the matching clothing is totally coincidental. 

The dogs are doing well...still nuts but I love them.  Eliza is so sweet to humans but she's a pain in the booty to her big brother, Gideon.  Gideon's still a punk and allow Eliza to take advantage of him.  We took them to the park yesterday and it was so much fun playing hide-and-seek with them. 

I have no words to describe these 2 lunatics right now.

I think that's about it for now.  I'll try to write more soon.  Thanks for hanging in there.  Oh yeah, today is my 29th birthday.  Hubby is working at the hospital tonight but he made me a yummy birthday breakfast this morning.  There was some left over Belgian waffles which I ate with syrup, nutella and whipped cream for dessert (of course it also satisfied my always raging sweet tooth). Ha!

Talk to you soon :)

Mrs. K

Updates

Good news.  Hubby is back so I don't have to live through another tornado watch by myself (at least not for a while).  If you don't know what I'm talking about check out my last post.  It's so great to have him back.  

He's been on this whole health kick which is highly unusual for him but I love it.  He is more health conscious now than he's ever been.  He is continuing to workout regularly and get this...he's even watching what he eats.  You have no clue how amazing that is.  He's always been the "I can eat whatever I want just as long as I workout" kind of guy but now that we are getting older he's had a change of mind.  Or he could have changed his mind because we both have got a little more junk in the trunk since we've first started dating (over 10 years ago).  

Anyway, his whole healthy mission is working well for both of us.  No more let's go eat pizza here or pasta there several times per month week.  I'm glad that we are getting this healthy lifestyle under control before we have kids.  I figure if he have a routine now it would be a little easier in the future when we have several rugrats running around.  That may be just my ignorance talking but as they say "ignorance is bliss" or it may just be "wishful thinking" on my part.  What can I say, I'm an optimist.

On another note, we got a new computer in the K-household so that's one less excuse I have to make about not blogging more frequently.  Hubby had a computer but it was giving us some trouble so we have been sharing a computer for the past few months.  Finally, we just got another MacBook Pro and he is thrilled about it.  So am I.  We are definitely an Apple family.  I look forward to blogging a bit more.

Mrs. K

Pre-pregnancy prep

I don't know if you remember a few months ago me talking about needing to go see an ob gyn.  You can refer back to this post.  I hadn't gone in 2-3 years (I know that's awful) and wanted to go for routine follow but also for preconception check up.  I was contemplating about which ob gyn to see.  Well, I finally saw one recently but what it came down to was cost.  I opted to stay within the University Hospital system that I work in (as far as the ob gyn that I see) instead of seeing my friend or another physician at her "posh" practice.  Call me cheap but I don't regret it.  100% of the cost was taken care of--and I like that.

Anyway, I hate going to ob gyn visits almost as much as I hate going to the dentist but I figured it was a necessary evil.  Especially if I wanted to make sure I was on the right track (just in case I was to get pregnant).  And, I must say that my experience wasn't so bad after all.  I had to get blood drawn to check a varicella titer since I've never had the chicken pox.  This was probably one of the worse parts.  I hate sharp objects piercing my skin...creeps me out (even if it's a teeny tiny butterfly needle).

Per my ob gyn I don't need to make any changes as of right now...except to decrease the intensity of my exercise routine if I do become pregnant.  Also...

-I need to eat more fruits and veggies (but she didn't say that). 

-I've been on prenatal vitamins for over 6 months and the ones I'm taking are good during pregnancy too. (this is great since they are the cheap Walmart brand)

-I take Omega 3, 6, 9 (one pill that my husband insists I take) which is also ok in pregnancy.  

-I'm on a few allergy meds which are safe during pregnancy.  I'm not convinced so I will continue to be non compliant with them. (unless my eyes are swollen shut, I start wheezing or I'm so congested that I feel my head will explode).

-I need to cut back on the sweets.  This has been out of control since my vacation last week.  I've got this ridiculously raging sweet tooth that's intermittent.

Oh yeah, I had to be weighed at the ob gyn's office and I was not happy with the number.  This further reinforces my not wanting to weigh myself.  Remember I hadn't weighed myself in months prior to this.  Although I know I'm not obese or even overweight I miss seeing 120-something pounds on the scale.  My husband tells me all the time that weight doesn't matter but what does matter is "overall health and how you look naked in the mirror." He is so funny but I think he's right.  I do feel better and I've been more consistent with my workouts and eating better and that is what matters.  Besides I'm more muscular now than I was then or at least that's what I tell myself. LOL.  I'm really trying to get over this complex before I have kids, especially daughters.

By the way, you may remember me saying that we are not TTC  (trying to conceive) but we would be fine if we got pregnant.  I'm not sure what they call where hubby and I are at but I'm calling it NPC (not preventing conception).  What do you think?

I will probably be posting more pregnancy prep related posts in the future since I'm heading in that direction (in life) right now.

Mrs. K

North Carolina vacation recap

A brief update on life since I've been missing for over a week.  Lots of pix included.

Vacation went well in NC.  On the way we got to hang out with some good friends.  We did look at some homes but it's too early to seal the deal on anything.  We are planning on renting for several reasons: 1) we bought the house that we are living in now but can't sell it because we will lose tons of money so we will rent it.  We don't want to have to be juggling two mortgages 2) We will be in NC for at least 2 years.  We are not sure if we will settle there once we are done with our training.  We don't want to purchase a home then move again in a few years.  3) If we do decide to stay in NC, we'd like to stake out neighborhoods before we jump into a purchase.

Hun checking out one of the houses we liked in NC

The most fun yet relaxing were the last few days that hubby and I spent with my cousin and her fiance'.  They are really cool down to earth people and we had such a good time.  At the cabin we had no cell phone signal so we were cut off from civilization for a few days.  I didn't mind though.  The cabin was in the mountains and it was so peaceful.  I would have preferred to be there in the fall for the foliage but it was beautiful regardless.

One of the trails we went on, the trail map described a beautiful waterfall (see above).  It was beautiful but a lot smaller than expected.

Future Mr. and Mrs. S

Mr and Mrs. K

Goofy cousins pretending to be serious for the camera

Guys will be guys (notice the distance btw them)

My future cousin-in-law.  He is such a sweet guy and compliments my cousin so well.

Mrs. K

Vacation, pregnancy, and more...

I was a Good Samaritan on Valentine's Day.  I may be exaggerating a bit.  But on Valentine's Day my husband and I were in Bed Bath and Beyond just looking for random things.  This random guy was yelling to get my attention so I could help him out.  I know he didn't think I worked there because I wasn't dressed in "work clothes."  You see he needed my help (as a female) to help him find something to set the mood for he and his lady for Valentine's Day.  He said that he had already bought her a gift but wanted candles or one of those oil burning thingies to help set the mood.  I thought that was so funny but I was excited to help this fella.  I wanted to make sure it wasn't anything sleezy first though so after gathering some more info I proceeded to help him.  By this time my husband had wandered off somewhere else.  

At the end of my investigation I felt I knew enough to help him.  Well, I knew enough at least to direct him to a different store.  He was wanting to buy two of those smell good oil burning thingies.  BBB only had a few available and the oils they had were not so good.  When I directed him to the Body Shop and Bath and Body Works, he was like "oh, this is not one of those places."  He was looking for Bath and Body Works but came into Bed Bath and Beyond instead.  At least I was able to help him brainstorm what colors, scents his lady friend would like.

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I've started the P90X workouts and they are going pretty good so far.  This is only week one but I've noticed that these videos are very different from the Insanity workout videos.  I'll try to compare the two but I think that's difficult to do because the concept behind them are different.  P90X is slower paced and to me less intense.  I mean, I still get a good workout but it's different.  I think P90X is a better maintenance video as compared to Insanity.  Insanity was kind of rough and I can't see myself doing that year round but I can take pulses of it once in a while.  

I was used to the fast pace of Insanity so it was weird switching to P90X.  I miss getting my heart rate up rapidly then bringing it back down slowly.  Also P90X videos are longer, which is a pain in the butt because I do most of my workouts in the morning and this means I have to wake up earlier -- no hitting snooze a few times.  But that's ok, I feel good at the end of both workouts.  Anyway, I hope you guys are starting up are maintaining some kind of workout schedule too. Oh by the way, I'm so proud of hubby -- he's been working out regularly and eating better too.

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Hubby and I on vacation in Utah last year--at the Jazz vs. Hornets game (in the nosebleed seats--lol)

In other news hubby and I have a week vacation off together and we are so looking forward to it.  We will be going to North Carolina.  The first few days will be for work -- trying to find a place to live since we'll be moving there (NC) in less than 6 months.  The last few days will be for play.  We plan to stay in a cabin in Asheville for a few days and relax.  Of course we'll be doing some sight seeing, hiking and other outdoor stuff.  I can't wait.  I'm mostly looking forward to having a few days off with my honey.  I think the last time we had that much time off together was in October (I think).  We are trying to cherish those moments because once we have kids we know this will be more difficult to do (solo that is).  Oh yeah, we'll be meeting up with my very close cousin and her fiance' for 2 days so I'm looking forward to that too.  We are usually crazy when we are together.  Her fiance' is goofy like my husband so I know we'll have a good time.

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I'm definitely becoming more comfortable with the whole getting pregnant/baby idea.  I love kids and for sure want them but I'm an organizer (when it comes to my life) so I've been waiting for the perfect time.  I know there's no such thing but I think there's a better time.  I think we are at "that better time."  We are not trying to conceive right now but we are at a point that if it was to happen we'll be fine.  It's kind of nice to be at that point.  There's no pressure to conceive but there's no fear of getting pregnant either. LOL.  I like that and hubby does too.

Mrs. K

Final Insanity Results

So the Insanity is over and I've been on my rest week.  I was planning on resting for 2 weeks but I know myself very well.  Two weeks would turn into a a few months so I've decided to only take 1 week.  I've been doing light cardio this week and my knees are so grateful.  I plan to start P90X on Monday.  I'm getting excited about it.  I've got a few other blogging buddies who are getting/staying fit.  I love it.

Anyway, here are my final results:

MOVE	FIT TEST 1	FIT TEST 2	FIT TEST 3	FIT TEST 4	FIT TEST 5
Switch Kicks	60	63	66	66	77
Power Jack	53	57	66	73	75
Power Knees	63	92	109	117	125
Power Jumps	31	39	39	45	60
Globe Jumps	4	7	10	12	12
Suicide Jumps	13	16	17	17	19
Push-up Jacks	8	20	25	33	34
Low Plank Oblique	36	56	68	75	75

I'm pretty proud of what I've been able to accomplish over the past 2 months.  I'm very much looking forward to the next few months with P90X.  It's so good to have an alternative to going to the gym.  I will keep you updated on my P90X progress.

Get active and stay active!

Mrs. K

Fit Test 4 Results

I'm in my final week of the Insanity workout videos.  I can't believe I've been doing this for two months.  Here are my Fit Test 4 results (the second to last fit test).  I'm about 1 week late with posting it but here we go.

MOVE	FIT TEST 1	FIT TEST 2	FIT TEST 3	FIT TEST 4	FIT TEST 5
Switch Kicks	60	63	66	66
Power Jack	53	57	66	73
Power Knees	63	92	109	117
Power Jumps	31	39	39	45
Globe Jumps	4	7	10	12
Suicide Jumps	13	16	17	17
Push-up Jacks	8	20	25	33
Low Plank Oblique	36	56	68	75

I was telling Rhonda not too long ago that another reason why I like Insanity (despite the 1 million other reasons) is because of the easy to follow calendar.  I think it's one of the main reasons I've been so compliant with it.  I just look at the calendar, pop in a video and start working out. 

A few days ago I had the "now what" thoughts.  I was wondering what I would do next since Insanity was coming to an end.  I knew I did not want to jump into another round of Insanity right away.  Besides I don't think my knees would permit that anyway.  But I wanted to remain active because I know myself very well.  A short break will no doubt turn into a long journey to a place called...sedentary.

Knowing this I came up with a plan.  I will finish Insanity on Sunday.  I will do 1-2 weeks of yoga/stretch (not so bad on the knees) then start up P90X.  I probably won't do Insanity again until another few months.  I'm getting excited about P90X.  Since I like the format of the Insanity calendar, I've created one for the P90X with a similar layout.

Anyway, I'll keep you updated.   Get active and stay active! :)

Mrs. K

Ice packing it

I'm still liking Insanity overall.  During the workouts though I hate it but I feel so good after.  Hubby and I are working out together most days.  I'm having problems landing softly but can you blame me...I mean, I'm not a cat.  Cats land softly...I can't.  Anyway, partly due to my inability to land softly and my poor coordination my knees have been "jacked up."  I stole the phrase "jacked up" from my husband.  They've been hurting like crazy.  The past few nights I've been icing my knees and occasionally my ankles.  I had knee trouble also way back in my track and field days but I forgot how painful it was.  Anyway, although I would love to ice my knees tonight I won't because my hubby needs the ice packs more.

My hubby went to play basketball tonight.  He text me on his way home saying that he had some bad news.  I called him (worried) then he proceeded to tell me that he hyperextended his left knee and he is on his way home.  My husband loves to play basketball and he is pretty good at it but he has had some pretty painful injuries over the years including: breaking his fingers multiple times, multiple ankle sprains, broken toes, knee injuries, getting elbowed in the eye, etc.  He had been injury free for some time now so I guess it was time for a new one.  I feel so bad for him because he's limping around. 

I figure he should use the ice packs tonight since he has an acute knee injury.  He needs it more than me.  This also means that he will be taking a break from Insanity because he can't be doing all the crazy jumping and maneuvers.  So it looks like I may be finishing up the rest of month 2 by myself.  We'll see.

Picture Credit 

 

 

 

I'm not the person in the picture above but I wouldn't mind having that ice pack and those fab abs right now.

Mrs. K

Update on lifestyle

So as you may know my husband and I have been doing the insanity workout videos together (mostly).  If you don't remember you can refer back to this post.  Anyway, we are on month 2 day 3.   I am happy to say that I've been sticking with the workouts (as painful as some of them may be).  

When I first started in month 1 I thought it was the hardest workout I'd ever done.  I kept asking myself "why?" then I remember Shaun T saying on one of his videos "because I wanna look good." Ha. I could not stop laughing mid-stretching when he said this because he was right.  However that's not the only reason.  I want to be healthy.  I love the energy that I get from working out.  It's good for both physical and mental health.  I also love feeling that good post workout burn in my muscles.  They hurt so good. LOL.

I was somewhat getting used to the month 1 videos (except plyo--still can't master that one).  Actually I can't master any of them but plyo kicked my butt repeatedly.  Then it was Recovery Week.  That was the best but don't be fooled by it's name.  I thought recovery meant sitting down chillin' or stretching the entire time but it wasn't.  I still got a good workout during the Recovery Week.  I was able to get through the Recovery Week videos without much problems.

Then came the month 2 DVDs.  I thought month 1 was the hardest I've ever worked out but month 2 proved me wrong.  The intensity is higher and the videos are a little longer.  Besides loving the "good burn" I like that Shaun T motivates you while you workout.  I also like that the people on the videos are struggling like I am because this is hard stuff.  I like that you use your entire body and there is no need for weights or other equipment.  I like that I feel stronger and more flexible.  I still gotta work on the balance though.  I think it's probably because I'm naturally uncoordinated why the balance is such a challenge.

These videos work for me.  They come with a calendar so I know exactly what I'm doing when.  So far, I've only missed one day (plyo--was not intentional I promise) some time around Christmas when I was sick with fever, cough, body aches etc.

Anyway, this is not a product review, it's just me being excited about my workout and wanted to share my excitement.  There's a meal plan that comes with the DVDs.  I honestly have not stuck to it much.  I don't eat horrible to begin with.  I have been trying to eat smaller portions more frequently but I don't do this everyday.  Also there's no way I can eat tiny portions for dinner.

So with all this being said, here are the results from my Fit Test 3.  I am mostly impressed by the increased strength in my upper body.  I used to only be able to do "girl push-ups" but now I can do real push-ups. Yay!

MOVE	FIT TEST 1	FIT TEST 2	FIT TEST 3
Switch Kicks	60	63	66
Power Jack	53	57	66
Power Knees	63	92	109
Power Jumps	31	39	39
Globe Jumps	4	7	10
Suicide Jumps	13	16	17
Push-up Jacks	8	20	25
Low Plank Oblique	36	56	68

Good luck to you on your current or future healthy lifestyle!

Mrs. K