Kickin' Up the Cardio

Cardio....what can I say?! I REALLLLLY don't like it, especially this low intensity bullshit that Dave has me doing. I feel like I have no endurance any more! So, I decided to take matters into my own hands(or feet in my case.) I'm kickin' it up a notch, making it fun, challenging, and a little higher up on the intensity. Dave can't be too upset...I'm doing some fun things...in intervals, so my heart rate has a chance to drop a little in between. Ofcourse, unless he reads my blogs(and i doubt it), he won't know. hehehehe.
I've been starting off with my usual, low intensity stuff...walking on the treadmill at a snails pace..anywhere from 2.8 mph - 3.2 mph(because that is an order from you know who.) Then I get bored as usual and take it up!!
After I've strolled along for about 30 minutes, I take the speed down to 1.5 mph. I do walking lunges(yes..on the treadmill) for 30 seconds(about 20 lunges) and then walk for 30 seconds. I repeat this for 10 minutes and change it up again!
I take the speed back up to 2.9mph or so and side shuffle! I'll turn to the left and shuffle for 20 seconds and walk for 20 seconds. Then turn to the right and do the same. Some of the shuffles, I'll stay up on my toes(makes my calves burn) and some I squat low, keeping all the tension on my quads. I continue this for 10 minutes. I LOVE it!
For my last 10 minutes, I take the speed down to 2.5 mph and raise the incline to 5.0mph...or higher. I've gone as high as 12.0mph on this one! I safely step off the treadmill, turn myself around and jump back on. Yep! I walk(sometimes I jog a little...bringing my knees up and steppin it back) uphill, backwards for the final 10 min!!
This is more fun and the time goes by so much faster! I'm sure I'll think of some other crazy stuff to do on there. I'm already wondering if I can skip or do kareokes on there!! :0) I'll let ya know how that goes!!
Hmmmm.....I think I should send the link to this blog to Dave:) He likes my sense of humor. At the very least, maybe he will laugh a little! Yes, I'm kinda crazy...so is he. That's why we get aloing so well!!
Now, go find a treadmill(or dreadmill, as I call it) and try my stuff out! You too Dave!!! hehehe

7 Weeks Out

So, I am now a few days less than 7 weeks out. My weight on Saturday(my check in w/Dave day) was 121.4 lbs. That's 23 lbs from where I started! My body fat was 10.8%!! I still have a ways to go, but I'm on the right track! My face is looking lean and chiselled. It's not yet to the ugly, sunk in look...give me a few more weeks. LOL. I don't have pics to post this time bc they were taken on Q's cell phone. My routine is also coming along nicely! I also got some new music! I need to start working on some choreography so I can have a new routine for JR's. That's all for right now on my progress!

Getting Closer

So, today when I was at my chiropracter's office, he let me get on their fancy-dancy scale. This thing asks your sex, age, height, athlete/non-athlete, etc....... It tells you your body weight, total body water, lean bosy mass, lbs of fat, etc. I was kinda scared to step on that thing today because I kinda fell off the diet wagon last night in a big way. I'm so mad at myself for that...and I took my anger out on the elyptical machine for an hour this morning...and heading back tio repeat that in a few minutes:) ANYWAY, that high-tech thingy made my day because it said my total body weight is 124.8 pounds(that's a 20lb loss thus far), my lbs of lean body mass is 110 lbs, my pounds of fat that I'm luggin' around is 14.8lbs. I had 80.6 lbs of water in me, which is well above the recommended 60%, and my impedence was 445(I think)..and I have no clue what that means.
When I left, I called up Dave to tell him! He said those aren't always accurate, especially the more muscular you are. However, since I don't carry an extaordinary amount of muscle, it's probably pretty accurate, is what he explained. He was pleased! My goal is to drop about 14 more lbs, but he said I only need to drop about 10-12 more!! YEAH!!! Besides that, I have 8 weeks left! I guess I'm doing better than I thought!!!
Ok, now I'm off to the gym again to sweat my ass off!! LITERALLY:)

I'm Hearing Bells

I'm excited because Q and I went ring shopping again yesterday, and we bought rings...BEAUTIFUL rings!!!! I fell in love with a particular ring....it's a 1 carat emerald cut diamond on a thin white gold band(classy) and we found a gorgeous wrap/guard to put with it(when we marry ofcourse) that has pretty round cut diamonds on the sides. It's a gorgeous combination!!!! I was totally thrilled that he let me get the one I really loved, even though it was more than he planned on spending. What a great man:) My ring will be displayed on a 16"shiny kinda thick snake chain around my neck(for the obvious reason.) Q's ring is also white gold with beautiful round cut diamonds all the way around the middle of the band. GORGEOUS!!! We are both very excited and giddy:) Now I'm just waiting to see how he proposes!!! EXCITING!!!! I'll keep you posted!

Cheat Meal

It was YUMMY!!! There was 1 problem though.......my stomach has shrunk, and I couldn't eat half of what I ordered!! I ordered 3 delicious sushi rolls, but could only finish 1 roll plus 2 pieces of each of the other 2. I guess that's a good thing, but it ws a little disappointing because I LOVE sushi, and I can usually pack it away!!! For those of you who have been out for sushi with me, y'all know...I'm not kidding about packin' it away! iIm like a bottomless pit! Not tonight:( I did go 2 doors down after my food settled a little, and I made room for an ooey-gooey waffle bowl sundea at Ben and Jerry's.
I had the obvious..a waffle bowl....with a scoop of CoffeeCoffeeBuzzBuzzBuzz and a scoop of Phish Food, topped with a little hot fudge, a little caramel, and oreo cookie crumbs! It was GREAT! However, I think I'm falling into a diabetic coma now from all that. So, good night!

M.I.A.

I KNOW, I've been MIA for a few weeks. The holidays were very busy in my household! I now feel like, everything is back to normal again.

I must say, it was extremely difficult to stay focused during that few weeks around Christmas and New Years. I managed to stay on track with all my workouts and cardio sessions. I even managed to get most of my meals in! My downfall was all the holiday goodies, eating out, and going non-stop everywhere! I would eat my meals, that I always brought with me when we went anywhere, BUT then I would pick at all the other food. I hate to see good food go to waste. LOL. We were at McDonalds because all the kids(mine and my "sisters" kids) wanted to use their gift cards(Arch cards?) I ate my 6 oz of chicken and 1 c. of green beans, but those damn chicken nuggets were crying out for me to taste them, and someone couldn't finish his second double cheeseburger. So being the non-wasteful, nice mommy that I am, it's, "Oh, let mommy have a bite of this, and let mommy try one of those,"etc...... I don't know how I did it, but I did lose 1 lb during the 10 days of having company, Whew!!!

Anyway, now I have 11 weeks to go. I'm down to 129 lbs. I'd lie to still drop about 20 lbs more.

I practiced my fitness routine this week, for the first time since August(or July??) I was hurtin' after that! It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. usually the first practice is brutal. My endurance is down a little. i wasn't able to practice the entire routine all at once. I did it in bits n pieces and halves. Next week will be better!

I've gotten a few comments that my legs look leaner, or my abs are starting to show. Q said my butt is shrinking. I DO NOT see it, but I'll take the compliment! I just sent my pics to Dave. So I have no idea yet what he thinks. He's been very kind and encouraging thus far.

I get a cheat meal tonight! I cant wait! I didn't get one last week due to the fact that I didn't stick completely to my diet the week before. Tonight, I want some yummy sushi rolls and Ben and Jerry's ice cream! YUMMMMM! i'll let y'all know what I ate!

Stay tuned!

14 Weeks Out

I'm now 14 weeks out. I only dropped 2 lbs this week(12lbs. overall), which was a little disappointing to me, but Dave said 2 lbs is good. So, I'm gonna just try and trust him!!! I didn't even want my cheat meak tonight. Nothing really sounded good, and I wasn't in the mood. I would've been totally ok with turkey and nuts. However, i knew if I didn't take advantage of getting a chea meal, I'd go crazy by Tues. or wed. lol. So, we went to Carrabba's. I probably could have just eaten the bread with that yummy olive oil and herbs!!! I did eat a meal and dessert too, though. I love that place:)

I'm baking Christmas cookies this weekend with my kids and my friend April.. It's fun for the kids, but it's torture for me! I usually eat half of the dough before it even makes it into the oven! This time, I can't even touch dough or cookies to my lips! UGH!! Anyway, I'm staying focused, and I WILL survive!

Well, I'm exhausted, and I'm headed for bed now!! Good night!

15 Weeks Out

Here's your weekly progress report! I'm another week into it and 4 more pounds down!! I'm not feeling so bad any more! My brain is functioning again, and I can stay awake now! I'm still not my usual energetic self, but I've come out of my coma. LOL

I've lost a total of 10lbs, which is not bad for only 2 weeks of dieting!! Dave said my pics look much better than last week's. I don't see it, but I'll take his word for it!

I had my first cheat meal last night...at my favorite place...The Cheesecake Factory!!! I had 2 pieces of bread, 1 1/2 sweet corn tamale cakes, 1/2 ranch house burger, some fries, and about half(or a little more than half) of a piece of cheesecake...the one with the fudge cake layers in between the cheesecake layers. YUM!!!! Ofcourse, Q came...and so did Jared, who slept the whole time, and Mary! She ended up taking Q's leftover carrot cake home for breakfast. She said with some egg whites and expresso, it was a perfect meal! I'm jealous! haha

So, on to another week of dieting and training, and cardio!!!!

My Work is Cut Out For Me

Today, I am 16 weeks out from my next competition...March 28, 2009. Q took my first set of pics today so we can track my progress. I e-mailed them to Dave, as I am supposed to do on a weekly basis. I also sent them to my trainer, Mary, and I said, "My ass is huge!! Look at this thing! It's a big ol' ghetto booty!! I gotta get rid of this! Holy moly!!"

I've been on my diet since Mon, Dec. 1, and it is kicking my ass BIG TIME!! I feeli like I'm just one giant brain fart all the time. I am totally useless without carbs. My brain doesn't work, and my body doesn't wanna go. i feel like total dog crap. Hopefully next week will get better. I've never felt this bad until usually a few weeks before show time.

Anyway, I want everyone to e able to track my progress with me. So, I will post them here every week...no matter how embarrassing(like today.) I hope you enjoy watching me transform!

I Am READY

Our Thanksgiving feeding frenzy is over, and I still feel stuffed to the max! I feel like s**t, really. I'm starting my diet and contest prep TODAY, and I am ready! Dave said we'll start it up on Wed, when he gets back from Aruba, but...I'm starting NOW! I'm ready to get this lard off my butt and start feeling good again!! I'm excited to start practicing my routine again, which I probably won't do until Jan. or so. I'm ready to look and feel like the athlete that I am! I'm just ready, man!!!! Woosha!!!!

Christmas Shopping

Christmas time is here, and new year's resloution time is just around the corner!! If you're looking for unique gift ideas, check out what I've got in my store!! http://www.fitnessunarmed.com/store/index.html There are some really cute clothing items that would be nice gifts and stocking stuffers! There are some unisex t-shirts that sport the FitnessUnarmed.com logo in black or white. There are also a few girlie shirts: gray super soft tee with my motto, "CAN'T" is NOT an option! and a pink burn-out tee that says, "Do it Barbie style..with a smile" They're both very cute and super comfy! How about some ultra comfy yoga pants? The rear says, "Got Glutes?" These are very popular! I even have a ball cap...perfect for outside or in the gym!!!

For anyone looking for a great way to conveniently get in all their protein without alot of calories, try Egg Whites, Intl!! There is a banner at the bottom of every page on my site to order them! http://www.fitnessunarmed.com/bodybuilding-protein.htm This is perfect for anyone trying to shed body fat and/or gain muscle. You can order them and still recieve them in plenty of time to begin those new year's resolutions!!

Fitness Unarmed

My site is finally up and running!! Check it out! I will be adding a few new items to my store in the next month or so...boy beaters for the ladies! I will also be joining up with Femme Athletic! Soon, you will also see Femme Athletic gear in my store! I have been working with them for the past few years(on Fitness Unarmed gear).. They are an excellent company to be involved with. They really have their clients' best interest at heart! I'm really looking forward to linking up with them!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just want to say "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" to everyone! I hope everyone enjoys lots of yummy food, family, and friends!!
This is my first Thanksgiving with Q; so I'm very excited about that! I've already begun cooking our feast..for 12(?) people!!!
We are going to Houston's Uptown Park to run the 5k Turkey Trot bright and early Thanksgiving morning. This is a tradition of mine and Jordan's. Q and Jared are just going to watch and be supportive.
My friend/trainer, Mary, is coming over too, which I'm also very excited about! I can't wait to see her relax and enjoy herself...and EAT! She's been dieting basically for a year and has competed several times. She needs a break..and food!
April and her hubby may stop by as well, if they have time between meals:)
Well, that's my story..........Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!!

My Gallery

My web site is almost completed! The store is being worked on. I'm hoping it will be functioning properly sometime today. Good news though! My photo gallery is up!! I think Melissa did a beautiful job with the photo gallery. I love it, and I hope y'all do too!!

http://www.FitnessUnarmed.com/gallery/index.html

A Little This and A Little That

Well, I'm just sitting at home, talking on the phone, flipping through tv channels(and finding nothing to watch), waiting for Q to get home from MMA class, and trying not to fall asleep. WOW!! What an exciting night! hehe
Today was progress report day for Jordan, and I'm very proud of him for bringing his grades UP!! He definitely still has room for improvement, but he has been working hard to get better grades. We wanted him to be rewarded for his efforts. So, we went out to eat...he picked the place. We(Q, me, kids) had a good time together at Outback Steakhouse!
Tomorrow is the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. These kids get a whole friggin' week off!! I NEVER had a whole week off for Thanksgiving. Oh well.
Friday is Pilates day for me...and of course, cardio! Friday night is also date night!! Oh yeah!! I have a HOT date....every Friday!!
My bestie, April, is in ATL(at Nationals) and I miss her!!!! My trainer, Mary, is competing there this weekend as well. I can't wait to hear how she does! I'm pretty confident she'll be coming home with her pro-card!! Whatever happens, we are celebrating when she gets back....she's been dieting basically for this entire year. UGH!!!! She's coming to my house next week for Thanksgiving, and I'm gonna make sure she EATS!!! That is SOOOO exciting!!!!!!!!!!!
The only problem here is...now that April and Mary will be done dieting...I have to begin...right after turkey day:(
Oh yeah! I almost forgot! I found the cutest shoes at TJ Max today! Woo-hoo!!!
I also polished off the rest of my Ben and Jerry's today. So, I would have to say, it's been a productive day!!!!

Still Under Construction

www.FitnessUnarmed.com is still undergoing some changes. Please be patient. My web master has been very sick with the flu. So, it is taking a little longer than I was expecting. You can still go on my site, but there are some bugs being worked out. The store is not all uploaded yet and isn't functioning at the moment. Also, the photo galleries have not been re-uploaded yet. I just sent her the pics a few minutes ago. It is still going to be a while before my members area is ready to go, too. I need to get a few more photo shoots under my belt before I can start that!
Anyway, just sit tight...it will be all done soon...at least I hope. I'm keeping my toes crossed;)

Chunky Monkey

OMG!!!! As I've stated before, I am in love with Ben and Jerry's ice cream. WELL, I haven't had the Chunky Monkey flavor in a long time....until yesterday(and today.) It is SOOOOOOO friggin' good!!! how am I going to start dieting in a feew weeks

Chunky Monkey

OMG!!!! As I've stated before, I am in love with Ben and Jerry's ice cream. WELL, I haven't had the Chunky Monkey flavor in a long time....until yesterday(and today.) It is SOOOOOOO friggin' good!!! Did I mention I also love the Coffee Heath Bar Crunch...and the Phish Food...and the Half Baked....and so on...and on..and on. YUMMMMMMM! That stuff is the bomb.com!!
Being that I need to start dieting for my next competition soon, I'm thinkin' I'd better eat as much of this stuff as possible!! In fact, I'm gonna go eat some more right now!!!!

Fireproof

My favorite man in the world decided to take me to see "Fireproof" this afternoon! I have been wanting to see it since before it even came out!! I knew it's not a movie that he really wanted to see, so I was surprised and excited that he wanted to take me....just in the nick of time,too because today is the last day it's showing in theaters.
I loved the movie!! It was very insightful, moving, and entertaining. It really got me thinking...that's for sure! I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed Q seemed to be enjoying it as well. He actually said he thought it was a good movie! He also enjoyed watching me cry cuz...uh...I'm a cryer, especially during all the mushy parts:)
We both totally recommend seeing this movie, especially if you're married or in a relatioinship...even if you're divorced!
Go see it! Oh wait, you can't...unless you go today! So, as soon as it's released in stores, go buy it and watch it with an open mind and heart.
Remember, "Being fireproof doesn't mean that fire won't come. It means you'll be able to withstand the flames."

Sadness and Blessings

Today is a very sad day for me and my family. My grandfather passed away last night around midnight(EST.) He was in his late 80's and living with Alzheimers(early stages). My grandmother, 72, was in constant worry for him, especially when she had to leave him home alone for any length of time. Last week, she asked him to help her carry the groceries into their apartment. They live on the second floor. He was behind her, going up the stairs, when he tripped and fell on the top of his head. He broke his collar bone, 3 ribs, and his brain hemmoraged. They really aren't sure if his brain was already hemmoraging, and hat's what caused his fall...or if the fall caused the hemmorage. We will never know. It's not important anyway. It has been a long week for my grandma and the family who is there. His last days, they just kept him comfortable until he passed.
This is sad, but at the same time, a blessing. My grandma said she hates to see him suffer from the Alzheimers, and she would hate to have to place him in a nursing home...which is where he would have had to go if he survived. I know how much my grandma loves him, but I also believe she will be able to live HER life again, not having to worry so much about him.
Sometimes life can be over, without warning. They were just going about their usual activities...carrying in groceries! He never got to tell her he loves her again. He never got to hear those words from her again either. This is why I think it is SO important to tell the people you love as often as possible that you love them. You never know when you might not have the chance again. Take the time to let them know how you feel before it's too late.