Wordless Wednesday 10-3-12

Shapely Girl Fitness Challenge

I'm super excited to be participating in the Shapelygirl Fitness Review and Challenge this month. First a little about  Debra Mazda and then on to me and the challenge.
I absolutely LOVE Debra Mazda's philosphy on fitness. She describes her fitness program Shapelygirl   "...as a safe, fun and energizing program for women of all sizes to move, breathe and feel great. The ShapelyGirl Workout is more than just an exercise routine. It's a positive way of thinking about your body and your health. Debra says, "most women believe they have to lose weight before they can take a fitness class. They often feel too intimidated to walk into a health club. They put off thinking about exercising - in fact many women I know really put their entire lives on hold until the "someday" when they reach that magical number on the scale. That scale that is supposed to let them know that it's time to start living. I'm encouraging women to start moving and start living now. Whatever size you are or want to be, whatever diet you intend to start on Monday, no matter how many times you've tried and failed to make healthy changes in your life, you need to start moving today! That's what The ShapelyGirl Workout is all about."
 She describes a Shapelygirl as-  She's passionate, positive and confident in her curves. She is moving forward to better health. She's comfortable in her body and knows FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES. A ShapelyGirl doesnt let her dress size dictate how she feels about herself. She knows who she is, gets up when she falls and never gives up. ShapelyGirls are re-defining what fashion, fitness and beauty mean. No matter where you are on your journey come and join us in the ShapelyGirl Community for ideas, motivation and success stories from ShapelyGirls everywhere."  I love this! I want to be a Shapelygirl. No wait I WILL be a Shapelygirl!  I also love that she has a no diet contract. Debra encouarges healthy eating and movement not diets. You can download your own copy of the no diet contract here. 
You too can become a Shapelygirl! Debra Mazda's products are available at Shapelygirl Fitness  You can also follow Debra Mazda on Twitter @DebraMazda . You can also connect with ShapelyGirl Fitness on Facebook. 
I will be reviewing Debra's Let's Get Moving 2: Cardio with Weights for the the entire month of October.

I've agreed to work out 3 times a week to the video. I am reviewing this video for the Christian Woman's Review
Now for a little about me
I've been chubby all my life. I am guilty of emotional eating. I am very slowly but surely making progress in this area though. I have medical issues that affected my weight and my life. I have been over weight as much as 300 lbs. My husband and I started eating heathier and exercising several years ago but  I just recently started getting serious about my health. I know I will never be a single digit size of clothing. I am totally ok with that. I am not okay with being unhealthy anymore. I want the last three fourths of my life to be the best it can be! I'm 5'11" (one inch away from 6"-so near yet so far! ) I am currently down to 244 but my goal is 200. Here's a picture of me now

No, it is not pleasent for me to look at this picture. But It's me- The good, the bad and the ugly. I am not where I need to be but I am thankful I am not where I was. I am also going to measure myself (actually my wonderful husband is-thanks my love)as well as weighing in each week. I have discovered that you can lose inches but still weigh the same or more because muscle weighs more than fat.

Here are my mesaurements: 

Bust:   48"                              Chest:     42"       Waist:51"     Hips:  50 1/2"             Thigh:   29"            Calves: 17 1/2"

Upper Arm:   16"          Forearm:  10 3/4

I will be posting every Monday about my progress, struggles and breakthroughs. I'd love to have you join me. I challenge you get get up and move three times a week for 30 minutes. I will be posting a button so you can link up each Monday with me and we can share our stories. I can't wait to hear from you! Together we can achieve more!

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  #cwareviewcrew

Motivational Monday for 9/3/12

Friday Fragments at Little Early 6/7/12

1. I have a book review due in the morning so I decided to post my Friday Fragments early.

2. School is finally out as of Tuesday. It has been a very long year! By God's grace alone have I made it through this year! I have learned so much about God and life by being in the SILC class.

3. Our six students were challanege and completely stole my heart!

4.I have continued to run. I want to run a half marathon in December. Crazy hunh!?

5. I'm start to train now because Texas summer are brutal! I'm not big on running outside to begin with and this running in the heat is for the birds! I'm trying to run either really early or really late at night.

6. Speaking of heath and fitness my hubby just bought me (okay I should say us-becasue he uses it too) a Bowflex! It's so cool and so easy to use. I'm feeling muscles I didn't know I had before! :)

7. Also, I want to thank everyone for their prayers. My husband started his new job today and so far it sounds like a great place to work! :)

8. I still do not have a permanate job yet. I don't like it at all either. Instead of worrying I am trying to trust God but some times it's easier said than done.  I am supposed to have an interview some time the week of June 18 for a permanate positon in the class I worked in this school year. Please pray that God's will be done!

9. Since I've been working out I've really been struggeling with eating sugary stuff. Particulary cottan candy. It's like I cravy the stuff. I'm not sure why? If this is what exercise causes maybe I should stop! LOL :)

10. My baby girl has been on puppy vacation this week with my mother in law. Boy do I miss her! I've gotten a lot of work done but I miss the pitter patter of puppy paws on the floor! I hope she comes home soon!

11. Sunday I'm voluteering at another triathalon. They are so much fun to work and such an inspiration.
What are your plans for the weekend?

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend!

 

Runtastic!

Saturday I competed in my first 5k race. Okay not first but more about that in a minute. I ran in the Houston Astros Race for the Pennant 5k.

 I was super nervous the day of the race. You see I've competed in a 5k before but I did not finish it. That day my shins started killing me ( from not running outside enough) and I just got intimidated by everyone leaving me. So I quit before I finished the race. There were several times Friday night and Saturday morning that I would have given up without the love and unfailing support of my husband. He was there with me every step of the way--loving me, encouraging me and pushing me.

Well when it was time for the race for race you feel the energy in the air. There were about 2500 people running the 5k and 10k so I kinda felt like I was part of a heard of cattle waiting for the race to start. Still I had a peace.

 Well the bell finally sounded and off we went. The first part of the race was easy. Then we got to the bridge. Yeah. For one thing I almost trip over part of the bridge. Then my calves  started killing me. I just had keep telling myself "one step at a time." Well finally all those steps go me to the finish line. I was exhausted when I got there but so happy. I had race against my fears and I won! Below is the picture of me my hubby took just past the finish line. Yes those are tears of joy!

What fears have you over come that have been the most rewarding?

Top 10 Exercise Tips

1. Start off strong but go easy on yourself. You didn’t get this way overnight so you’re not going to fix it overnight. Focus on establish an exercise routine and then get build up your workout.

2. Stay hydrated before, during and after your workout. You’re body needs it to stay cool.

3. Comfortable shoes can make or break a workout.

4. Don’t obsess about your weight. Focus on becoming healthier. If you do this the number will take care of itself.

5. Make a commitment to work out for 30 days. It doesn’t have to be every day but at least 2 a week. After you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit.

6. Make exercise YOUR time. When I’m working out I turn my phone to silent and don’t answer any text or anything. It’s my time to recharge my batteries!

7. If it’s nice exercise outside. It will give a nice change to your workout and a great way to soak up some sun.

8. Enjoy what your doing. If you don’t enjoy it you won’t follow through with it.

9. Workout with a buddy. Whether it be a two legged or four legged companion-it’s always fun to workout with someone else.

10. Before you start your first workout get a health assessment and get someone to explain to you how to use the machines. That way you will know what areas you need to focus on and how to use the machines properly.