Day 5!! First week completed!!

So, today was my 5th day and first full week. I can't believe it's already here!

Today we worked out on the TRX and did some sprint interval training. For those that don't know what the TRX is here is a link: http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/trx-resources/trx-exercise-video.php. I have done workouts with the TRX before and it's great! It's basically suspension training that uses your own body for weights. I love it (even though it was tough), but mom didn't like as much I think. She has always said her upper body is not strong so her and the TRX do not get along. I told her by the end of the program she will love it!

The sprint interval training was good. For those of you that know me know that I don't really enjoy running, but this wasn't so bad. We basically only ran for about 20 minutes, but did heats. We would run for 20 seconds then slow our pace to walk for 10 seconds. We would do this about 6 to 8 times then after the heat was done we would get a 1 minute recovery so we could walk. I love intervals because long distance and continous running is not my thing!

As I have mentioned before were are supposed to get in at least 12,000 steps a day. After I left camp today I had about 4800 so I was very happy about that! Only 7200 to go!!

So, the weekend is here and the next two days are going to be the ones I worry about the most. The weekends have never been my strongest points, but I am determined to stick with it and get all my goals met.

Until next time! I'll let you know how tomorrow goes...

Thoughts & comments on Boot Camp.....

So, in just the first week I have learned a lot of things. Some I already knew which are being stressed more and those that are new. As I mentioned before this program focuses a lot of nutrition. We learned what our actual metabolism and how that affects our bodies. We have all heard and seen on tv and through other medias that low carb no carb or low fat are the ways to go, but our bodies need fats, carbs, proteins, and fiber to function properly.

I could go on and on about different things, but one thing I will say is that I have made the grocery store my friend and I have eaten a meal out in almost a week. That is an accomplishment in itself as being single I didn't used to like cooking at home. The biggest thing I have learned is that preparation is key! If you prepare ahead and are ready nothing can stop you. I make my lunches every night and also include snacks for the day. Another cool thing is the crock pot is becoming my friend!

If you know me you know that I like to try new things so this is just one of those. I hope through this that I can learn a lot and get back in shape. I know that this takes dedication, determination, and motivation. I have been good at being motivated through everything else that I have done in my life that I now see there is no reason why I can't be determined in this.

One thing for sure I know is that I don't have to do this alone.... 'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.' -Philippians 4:13

Till next time! I have to go to bed.... 4:45am is calling me :)

Day 4! (With recap of days 1-3)

Ok, so this morning I completed day 4 of the bootcamp. For an introduction I am attempting to complete the Upstate Adventure Boot Camp. www.upstateadventurebootcamp.com I was able to get my mother to take this adventure on with me and she is in the 3 day program while I am trying the 5 day program.

This program focuses not only on the workout portion of our lifestyles, but espeically the nutrition portion. I am very happy about this as being a former athlete I was able to eat lean and healthy, but also eat those nice not-so-good for you things without worrying about the additional weight. Now that I am almost 30 (ugh...can't believe I just said that) I am realizing that my idea of what is or isn't good for me is skewed and needs to be refocused. This is going to be the hardest thing for me so support is encouraged!

Our boot camp runs from 5:30am-6:30am...yes, I am AM! In order to get up, get some nutrition into my system, and get to the location I have been getting up at approximately 4:45am. This has taken dedication as in the past I could sleep till 6:45am and be at work by 8am. It has been hard, but I am pushing through.

So, far this week hasn't been too difficult, but I can tell you one thing. I don't think I have sweated as much since I was in college playing sports. It a tremendous workout!

The first day was mostly getting the group introduced to the different types of exercises that we would be doing. Not bad.... I think they were just trying to not scare us off :) Mom was almost late this day, but lucky made it on time. I think she enjoyed the workout this day as well. Just so the world knows if we are late.....we do PUSH UPS!! We try to avoid those at all costs!

Day 2 was mostly arms and interval training with sprints and jumping rope. For those that know me they know I DO NOT like jumping rope, but I stuck with it.

Day 3 was fitness testing day at the beginning. We ran the mile. I think my time was 9:40?? Somewhere around there. Not great, but I'm working on it. We did a 1 minute time push up test. I was able to do 20. I paced myself so I wouldn't burn out in the end. Mom did great on her mile and her push up test was tough, but she stuck through it and got it done. She has more determination than most anyone I know so I know she will rock it out come during our 4th week. After we finished the fitness test we had to intervals of lunges, step up, and squats....it was tough!

Day 4 (today) was again intervals. We mostly focused on arms and doing high knees during the high intensity part. Today was probably one of my 'internally' toughest days. I was tired and felt more tired than any other week so far, but I tried my best and pushed through.

I know this has been VERY long, but I really feel compelled to journal my time through this process. I am hoping to come out lean and fit and having lost some weight.

I will blog again later tonight on some other thoughts I have!! Miss yall!

Long time.....

It's been a VERY long time since I have updated my blog, but I have started a new fitness routine that I want to blog about my experience with. Look for my day-to-day publishes and help cheer on me and my mother as we go through this boot camp!

Hope you enjoy the reading!

Good time and good friends in Jacksonville!

This past week I was able to take some time off to drive down to Jacksonville to visit my college roommate. It is such a blessing that we have been able to stay in touch so well and so close even after....yes..even though I hate to say it...6 years out of college! I can't believe how time flies by. It's crazy! Anyway, Lauren is an awesome friend and she has some good people in her life down there. I was able to meet several of her friends and even catch up with a few I have met before through others. She will be driving up this way Memorial Day weekend, so I can't wait for her arrival in May!

Lauren and I my last night in Jacksonville

Group shot...AnneMarie, Lauren, and me (notice the nice poser in the back!..haha)

Another group shot of us my last night out

A good friend, Jacy that I was able to catch up with while I was in town

Lauren and her good friend AnneMarie

Jon & Kayla's Wedding Shower

My cousin Jon (he and his family lives in Tampa) is getting married this summer to a wonderful girl, Kayla. My mom, aunts, and uncle through a wedding shower for the two of them a few weeks back. It was a nice Italian themed party with great food, fun, and spirits! It was so good to see our family from Tampa because we don't get to see them often and to be able to meet some of Kayla's family prior to the wedding.

Here are few pictures from the shower:

Jon & Kayla getting ready to open some gifts

A photo opt for Kerri (my sis-in-law) at the shower...that weekend was also her birthday! Yeah for Lemon cake!

Another shot of Jon and Kayla while opening their gifts

JD and our cousin Kaleb...I promise you he is growing up to be a little version of JD. Watch out everyone!

Me and my beautiful mom...she is an awesome cook. The food was great!

Room remodeling....

So, a few weeks ago I decided to finally get on the ball and paint my room that I had planned to do months ago. My mom came over and was a huge help! She is the best person to have around for jobs at the house! A benefit of this remodeling was that I went through every piece of clothing that I owned and by the end of the weekend I had 7 bags of clothing, shoes, etc to donate to Goodwill! It's amazing what you can accumulate over the years. I am still working on getting all my clothes back in the room and hanging everything on the walls, but it will look really good once it's all done!

Below are a few before and after pictures:

Mom taking a wonderful picture of me (that I didn't want taken) at the begging. This was a sweats and shirt day as you can tell

One last before shot with all the furniture moved in

Camden and Spice loved the windows being opened....The window seal was a hot seat for the day

An after shot with all the painting done and furniture rearranged...I'm still looking for window treatments

Another after shot

Last after shot looking through the bedroom door