Sunday, January 17, 2016

The Beginning of the End of a Good Thing

In December, 2013, I took on a new job opportunity at work and went from PT to FT, from nights to days, from home to away. The first thing to go was my trainer, followed closely by my lifting, running, spiking, and lifestyle change.

 December 2013

Then, the weight came back!!


March, 2014

August, 2014

November, 2014
*at this point, I was not taking many self-photos

 Summer, 2015
July, 2015 
 July, 2015
August, 2015 
*In the 160s

My 40th birthday, December 2015, approx 170+ lbs

Lifting & Spiking 2013

After the second half Mary, I began spiking, lifting, and anything I was recommended by reliable lifters/runners/weight-losers. On March 9, 2013, I attended my niece's wedding, weighing in at 145 lbs & wore a gown I had bought in 2001!




I had not been this size and so
confident about my appearance
since J and I dated!!
 

I had began lifting with a personal trainer at this time and we were lifting some major weight for me. Squats, lunges, bench, dips, dumb-bells, I was doing the "Basic 5"& NROL. My smallest weight recorded was 145 lbs! 


 
      My arms with muscle definition.


     My legs with muscle definition.

 
 I could finally see a hint of my abs!

You can read a detailed report and see additional photos  here

My 2nd Half "St. Jude Memphis, TN"

My second 1/2 Mary was just a few short months later, December 1, 2012, in Memphis, TN. The St. Jude Memphis half Mary, a race I had wanted to run my entire running life! This one I did solo and was accompanied by my #1 supporter--J ;-) I was in the best shape of my 30s, around 148 lbs.


 


My first 1/2 Mary "St. Jude Nashville, TN"

I did manage to complete a couple of major goals in my 30s, including two 1/2 marathons. The first one was with a colleague (Pam), in the St. Jude Nashville Half. The race was April 28, 2012. My time was 2:45:10, which was great to me, considering back injury and the terrain (mainly uphill)!! I weighed approx 145 lbs.


Pam and I pre-race



I earned my 1st sticker!

Friday, January 15, 2016

A Few Recaps

My bio profile is quite outdated.

So, here is a recap of some major highlights since I last blogged.

In October 2014, I made a very heart-breaking decision to put my 18 yr old (at the time) K9--Jaxon--to sleep. To be extremely brief, it was his time.  I will always remember this sweet, sweet boy. He was the source of much happiness for me and my family for all of my adult life.


I could not image not have a proper funeral service for such an important part of our family. So, my sister, my mom, my dad, my MIL, and my mate all chipped in to bid him rest.

Handmade Safehaven for rest, made by my dad.
Handmade floral wreath, made by his Aunt Tammy
Jax went to sleep peacefully in the arms of his mom and dad Monday, October 13 @ 09:40am.


In January, 2013, I became the proud K9 mom to another rescued lab, a Redfox lab we named Kanu.
He is so loving and child-like, with a warm spirit. I cannot imagine our lives without him. He is very goofy and extremely spoiled!

 His first night with us.

 He loves to swim and play in the mud--and hunt anything moving, especially squirrels!

100% Lover and Cuddler


I cannot conclude this post without mentioning their sister, River. She is now 6 yrs old and the apple of my eye. I love her to pieces. She is loyal, a HUGE swimmer, hunter, and protector. She isn't much into cuddling unless she is completely worn out or afraid. She loved her big brother, Jax and tolerates her younger brother, Kanu. 

 My BIG girl at the beach, August 2015

 River missing her brother, 1 yr later, October 2015.

River and Kanu "Opposites Attract" skijoring, Colorado January 2016.

The Beginning of Another New Thing

Well, I am starting January 2016 in a new decade for myself (40 YIKES), prayerfully-a new career tract, and at an all time high weight of somewhere in the 170s. I haven't been on a scale in months and the thought of depressing myself by getting on 1 of the 3 I actually own just seems non-productive. 

It has been a long time since I blogged about my weight loss journey, a long time since I've been accountable, a long time since I've had a plan, a long time since I've been excited about an exercise regime, a long time since I've really done anything other than work and travel.

However, ALL things--rather good or bad--eventually come to an end.

And this is where something new can begin.


Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV


18“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19Behold, I will do a  new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert."

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Double Dense NOW Green Monster

Have you been thinking about a Spike Day or a High Calorie Dense Food that will help you achieve your fitness goals? I sure am right about now. I am really ready to change some things up and get over this plateau already! So, I came up with a protein shake that is super filling, tastes incredible, and packed with energy.

Double Dense NOW Green Monster

Ingredients

NOW Whey Protein Isolate, Vanilla 1 scoop (62g)
Hodgson Mill Flax Seed 4Tbs (26g)
Almond Breeze Unsweetened Chocolate 2 cups (240mL)
Fresh Bananas (190g)
Maranatha PB 4Tbs
Fresh Spinach 6 oz (85g)

Place all ingredients in a blender and process for 1-2 minutes. Add ice cubes, process another minute! Serve cold!

Nutritional Info
via MyFitnessPal
Calories 1054
Carbs 84g
Fat 50g
Protein 82g
Fiber 23g
Sugar 35g