Wow...

So it's been three weeks since I last blogged. And I will admit what I told one of my best friends today - I have been slipping. And she told me that it's in my head. That I need to overcome my own mental blocks and then I will be able to accomplish my goals. I started classes again this week - 1 online and 1 on campus. My on campus class meets two nights a week cutting my available gym time down to 5 days. It's been very hard to keep on track. I'll go two or three weeks hardcore at the gym, and I'll see changes that continue to motivate me and then suddenly I am where I am now. I haven't been to the gym since Monday and I haven't been keeping track of my eating the way I should be.
But as my friend pointed out these are my own issues coming to light. I need to re-focus and keep myself on track. Tomorrow is a new day (again) and I have to wake up again and start over. And that's just what I am going to do.

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

It's been a while

Well my friends, it's been a while since I've written anything. I'm not going to make any excuses other than to say it's typical of me to stop something just when it's started. Luckily, my lack of blogging is no reflection on my overall attitude/exercise ethic.

I have again decided to make a change on my blog. I find it to be very time consuming and overwhelming to track my food and post it not only on Sparkpeople but then again here. So, going forward I will keep my blog simple and straight to the point.

My work outs have been going great and I've been trying my best to stick to my diet. It hasn't always been easy and there are many distractions, but overall I'm proud of my accomplishments thus far.

We have been doing a lot of work around the house and preparing for our new addition! That's right, we are adding a new member to our family! No, I'm not pregnant (yet) but we will be bringing home a Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy on June 28th! She was born on May 10th and her name is Bentley. We are super excited because we know having her as part of our family will only make us that more active, between outdoor hikes and walks. Now we just have to hope that this summer isn't like the ones of years past when it's been rainy and cold.

I can feel and see the changes in myself...but my abs are really starting to take shape. I can see the definition on all sides and when I look in the mirror I'm proud of them! I can't wait to see how my bathing suits look this summer!

Thank you for sticking with me even when I've been ignoring my blogging duties! Until next time...

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Bad Raichael!

Oh brother -- haven't blogged since SUNDAY! As B'Ster would say "Bad News Bears!" I'm not really sure I'm going to be able to remember everything since then but I'll give it a go.


I will start by saying I have not seen the inside of my gym since Sunday morning... The old me would justify it or make excuses, but there are none to be had. Monday night I was just lazy and knew B'Ster wasn't going to be home so I wanted some time to myself, Tuesday night I wanted to spend time with B'Ster and yesterday (although I had every intention of going) I couldn't tear myself away from the renovations we are doing around the house. At least yesterday I did something physical.


Somehow though I managed to also lose complete track of my eating this week. I haven't eaten nearly enough carbs to maintain my energy and the food that I have actually been eating has been fairly terrible. I can't even remember what I had for dinner on Monday so my numbers are all over the place!



Monday was a long day at work. First day back after a weekend usually is. Got quite a bit done however and felt accomplished. It was my first Monday since January without class (I have a two week break before summer session starts) and because of that I just didn't feel like going to the gym. I went home, curled up on the couch with some sort of food I'm sure and watched TV until B'Ster got home.

Food Diary:

• Breakfast: Honey nut cheerios, black coffee
• Snack: 2 rice cakes w/1 tbls low fat peanut butter eac
• Lunch: 3oz turkey burger w/1 tbls ketchup; 1 cup pasta salad
• Snack: Pure Protein bar - chocolate & peanut butter flavored
• Dinner: I truly don't remember!

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown (not counting dinner)

• Fat: 27.9% - under goal
• Carb: 47.1% - under goal
• Protein: 25.0% - under goal
  (**it seems a little strange to me that some days I eat 21% protein and I meet goal (see Tuesday) but today I'm under ... I still haven't figured out the tracking)

Exercise:

• Zip, Zero, Nada ....

Tuesday was a better day at work, my boss asked me to do a mailing to roughly 800 people so the majority of my day was consumed with reorganizing my list, creating the mail merge and the scouring the office looking for the appropriate labels. I spent about 3 hours on that project alone (and it continues today) so that was great. I was able to get out for a quick walk at lunch, in the freezing cold ... I don't know what's going on but seriously we're half way into May - where is the warmth?

Food Diary:

• Breakfast: Honey nut cheerios, black coffee
• Snack: 2 rice cakes w/1 tbls low fat peanut butter each
• Lunch: 1 can tuna fish 1/2 tbls Light Miracle Whip on a small hot dog bun; 1 cup pasta salad
• Snack: Nothing
• Dinner: 4 (yes that's FOUR) pieces Domino's pepperoni pizza

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 28.1% - met goal
• Carb: 50.1% - met goal
• Protein: 21.8% - met goal
  (see why I'm confused, something isn't jiving here with the numbers ... perhaps I'm doing something wrong? -- also while I managed to meet all my goals, I went over in calories due to the very unhealthy nature of my food)

Exercise:

• Quick (20 minute) walk at lunch

Wednesday I took the day off from work. With everything that went down last week I really needed the mental health day, plus B'Ster needed my help to finish putting the flooring down on our new deck! We woke up around 8am, made breakfast together, watched some old school TV (Fresh Prince & Saved By the Bell) and then headed outside at 9am to get started. We worked straight through until 7pm only stopping once for a quick lunch and to run to Home Depot for more supplies. By the time I had finished cooking dinner and we ate, we were exhausted! A very productive day nevertheless!

Food Diary:

• Breakfast: 1 egg + 1/4 cup egg white scrambled w/2 oz mozz. cheese; 1/2 hamburger bun grilled; black coffee
• Snack: 1 Nature's Valley Peanut Butter granola bar
• Lunch: 1 piece Domino's pepperoni pizza
• Snack: handful of Triscuit thin crisps
• Dinner: Cajun Shrimp Stir Fry w/brown rice

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 31.6% - under goal
• Carbs: 39.7% - under goal
• Protein: 28.7% - met goal
  (just adding to my confusion regarding the numbers... I think I'm going to have to spend more time looking at them)

Exercise:

• Does working on the deck, lifting 2x8's all day count for anything?

And today is a new day ... so far food wise I've been good and I'm going to go to the gym after work and try to get in two set of body parts to make up for my lack of intense exercise this week ... I have to get back on track - I keep letting stupid things sideline me and if I continue going like this I'll never meet my ultimate goal...

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

10 Days....

Until my next set of pictures! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the difference (if there is one) between the two sets!


It's also only 12 days until my next set of measurements... twice a month measurements, once a month pictures.


T has me scheduled for my next body fat test the third week in June (8 weeks after the first one) but I'm hoping I can convince her to do one on the 22nd of this month (4 weeks). I emailed her to see if it would be counter-productive to my training and am just waiting to hear back... Eek!

Freaking out here! Gotta get back on track and FAST!

Stay Strong!

xoxox Raich

I have ZERO will-power!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Ugh, I don't even know where to start with this one. The only plus to my day was that I started it by going to the gym. I forced myself to get up (even though I could have stayed in bed all day) and get ready. It was surprisingly cold out yesterday morning, which was a bummer considering the amazingly beautiful weather we've been having lately. I actually had to put long pants on over my gym shorts!

I got to the gym and was surprised by how many MEN were there. I swear I only saw maybe a half dozen women in the time I was there. I sincerely hope that the men that were there either don't have wives or children because if B'Ster went to the gym on Mother's Day I'd probably kill him! Hehe!

Needless to say there was no difficulty getting the machines/weights I needed. I jumped on the treadmill for 30 minutes to warm up - set it at 10% and 4.0 mph. After that I headed over to do weights. I think I need to mix up my bicep/tricep work out. I've been trying to save my legs for when I work out with T because they need the most work, but I'm afraid that my triceps/biceps will start to plateau if I don't mix it up. She and I have worked my legs, shoulders and abs but we haven't hit back/arms so maybe I will rearrange my work outs this week so she and I can target those this week... we'll see how I feel.

Anyway, I was smart enough to bring all my shower stuff to the gym, so I got ready for the rest of my day there. By the time I was cleaned up it was 12:30pm. B'Ster was getting out of work around that time so I hit the road to try to get home before him. I didn't! He was already home and mowing the lawn by the time I got there. I walked around back to say hello and the first thing he said was "Wow! You look so pretty today!" ... It was awesome! And I felt pretty too.

After a brief conversation with him I went inside to start cooking and getting ready for dinner. We finished up our chores around 3:30pm and collapsed on the couch. His family wasn't coming until 6pm so we had some time to relax and watch TV. We caught up on a few episodes of Lost before everyone arrived.

We spent the next 3 hours eating, talking and laughing... this is the part that gets ugly. I tried to create a healthy BBQ with turkey burgers, hot dogs, whole wheat rolls, whole wheat pasta salad, regular green salad, potato salad (I didn't eat) and angel-food cake layered with vanilla ice cream & orange sherbet.

It probably would have been healthy if I had managed to control my will-power... but alas I did not and am horrified at what I ate. I honestly am afraid at what Sparkpeople is going to spit out at me for my totals... but here it goes...

Food Log:

• Breakfast: Honeynut Cheerios w/skim milk
• Snack: Nothing
• Lunch: Nothing
• Appetizer: Tricuit Thin crisps, tabbouleh salad; Wheat Thins, cheddar cheese
• Dinner: 3oz turkey burger w/cheese, ketchup & BBQ sauce on a whole wheat bun; hot dog w/ketchup & mustard on a whole wheat bun; 1 cup pasta salad; 2 cups green salad
• Dessert: 2 slices Angel Food cake

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 33.0% - over goal (by 3)
• Carbs: 50.8% - met goal
• Protein: 16.2% - met goal

I guess it really wasn't so bad after all considering that I did burn quiet a few calories at the gym before eating like a fool.

Exercise Log:

• Bicep Curls
• Hammer Curls
• Concentration Curls
• Tricep Extension
• Lying Extension
• Kick Backs
• Push Downs
• Treadmill - 10% incline, 4.0 mph

Tonight I have school which means no exercise but I think my body is dying for a day off anyway. As I said to my friend Jami today, I am super disciplined with my work outs (maybe overly so) but I just can't figure out the food thing ... I did bring a protein bar (a kind that T recommend) & rice cakes w/peanut butter for snacks today (T recommended) so hoping that I can eventually get the food thing down ...

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Rainy Gloomy Day

It's only 9pm and I am exhausted. Why you ask? Well, let's start with the thunderstorm last night, followed by the rain all day, the ridiculously amazing work out I had this morning and all the errands and chores I've been doing since - I truly could collapse. But alas, tomorrow is Mother's Day which means more cleaning, cooking and preparing before I can rest.

B'Ster and I woke up this morning (after tossing and turning all night because of the storm) and had breakfast. He's been so supportive about my new eating habits - he made me egg-white scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and a cup of black coffee. It was the perfect way to start my day. After breakfast I went directly to the gym to meet with T. She had some serious plans in mind for me this morning. She threw me on a few new machines today and my legs were total jelly when she was done with me. Unfortunately, because I was a little late getting to the gym I had to wait and do my cardio after my weight training. Needless to say, there was no running today. I set the Treadmill to 0.5% incline and walked at 3.5 mph. Then I jumped on the Arc Trainer for an additional 25 minutes. The Arc Trainer isn't my favorite machine. It makes me feel like Tony Little in those Gazelle commercials. The only reason I used it today because I felt like it would stretch out my legs - which it did.

After my two hour stint at the gym, I headed to the mall to buy my Mother's Day presents ... took me two hours due to the frenzy over Pandora bracelets and beads. Once that task has been accomplished I headed over to my in-law's flower shop. They are always insanely busy on Mother's Day so I tend to stop in with coffee and snacks as a little pick-me up. I visited with them for few hours then did a few more errands before coming home.

Needless to say I forgot to eat lunch today because I was so busy, so I ended up eating two pieces of cheese pizza at the flower shop.... I PROMISE one of these days I will stick to my food requirements 100%...

Food Log:

• Breakfast: egg-white scramble, turkey bacon & black coffee
• Snack: nothing
• Lunch: 2 pieces cheese pizza
• Snack: nothing
• Dinner: 6oz shredded chicken (there I go again), 2 tbls light BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup macaroni and cheese; skim milk

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fats: 31.7% - met goal
  
• Carbs: 37.4% - under goal
  
• Protein: 30.9% - met goal

Exercise:

• Hack Squat
• Leg Press
• Dead lifts
• Seated Leg Extension
  
• Lying Leg Curl (20/20/20/20lbs)
  
• Reverse Bosu Crunches (no weight)
  
• Regular Bosu Crunches (no weight)
  

(I didn't bring my book home today so I don't have my numbers - I will update tomorrow)

Overall, it was a good day - definitely lacking in the nutrition dept and I'm starting to require more and more sleep ... we'll see how I hold up tomorrow with Mother's Day and everything.

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

TGIF!

Thank goodness Friday is finally here. This week has been fairly awful for me at work and I'm just so glad that I am going to be able to escape for the next two days straight. Granted, I have a ton of things scheduled over the weekend, since it's Mother's Day and all but nevertheless I can't wait until 5pm tonight!

Yesterday was an *okay* food day. But I have realized that I need to expand my food horizons. I have been eating chicken like it's going out of style. Part of the reason is because B'Ster is allergic (yes you read that right) to any kind of poultry and the other part is just solely because I like it! That being said, I really need to introduce other sources of protein into my diet otherwise I can picture myself falling off the wagon very quickly, very soon!

I also was able to muster up the energy to get myself to the gym last night. Around 3:30pm my eyes started feeling heavy, and I truly could have taken a nap at my desk, but I forced myself to go. And I'm definitely glad I did. Going to the gym has now become a routine instead of something I dread. It used to be that if I didn't go I felt guilty but now if I don't go I feel like my day isn't complete - and for that I'm very happy! The gym was practically empty last night for the first time in a while, but I'm starting to see familiar faces each night - I get the "head nod" from a lot of the guys now which makes me feel less like an imposter and more like part of the crowd you know?

So with tonight being Friday and it being a huge night in sports for the city of Boston (Sox, Celt & Bruins playing!) I anticpate the gym to be even more barren than last evening. At least I know I won't have to wait around for a machine. But, does it make me look pathetic that I will be at the gym on a Friday night until about 8:30pm? How I wish I had plans instead ...

Food Log:

• Breakfast: Nature Valley Oats & Honey Granola Bar
• Snack: Yoplait Greek Yogurt w/vanilla & honey
• Lunch: Grilled Buffalo chicken wrap w/potato chips
• Snack: Homemade trail mix (cheerios, almonds, pumpkin seed & semi sweet chocolate chips)
• Dinner: 3oz shredded chicken w/spinach, bread crums & pasta sauce; skim milk

Carbs/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 35.6% - over goal (by 1!)
• Carbs: 44.0% - met goal
• Protein: 20.3% - met goal

Exercise:

• 30 minutes Treadmill - 15 minutes running 5.5mph 0.5% incline, 15 minute 3.5mhp 12%incline
• 6lb Double Crunch
• 6lb Straight Arm/Leg Crunch
• 6lb Straight Arm/Leg Pulses
• Single Arm Raise (8/8/8/10lbs)
• Lateral Raise Machine (20/25/30/30lbs)
• Incline Bench Raise (8/8/8/8lbs)
• Calf Raises (62.5/75/82.5/100lbs)
• Seated Calf Raises (35/45/55/65lbs)

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Day #16

Wow - I've been at this for two weeks already? I swear it seems like so much longer! B'Ster made a comment this morning when I got out of the shower about how great I look, and for once instead of shying away from the compliment I said "I know!" My confidence is building more and more every day and it feels awesome.

People assume that just because I'm small means I have no hang ups with how I look and the second I say something about being insecure they get mad, as if I'm intentionally trying to hurt them. Self-consioucness has zero to do with one's size/shape and everything to do with what they think and feel. I'm finally starting to respect myself and my body. It's been a fun journey so far and I'm excited to see the difference in pictures and fat analysis in just a few short weeks ...

Food Log:

• Breakfast: banana w/peanut butter
• Snack: nothing
• Lunch: chicken quesadilla w/cheddar chz, guacamole & rice
• Snack: trail mix w/cheerioes, pumpkin seeds, almonds & semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Dinner: 3oz shredded chicken, 1/2 cup green beans, 1/2 cup pasta sauce, garlic bread & skim milk

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 45.9% - over my goal
• Carbs: 35.2% - met goal
• Protein: 18.8% - met goal

I don't think I've had a day yet where I've met all my goals. I inch closer to it every day but I haven't gotten there ... ugh!

Exercise:

• Incline Chest Press (15/15/20/20lbs)
• Incline Fly (12/12/15/15lbs)
• One Arm Row (20/20/25/25lbs)
• Cable Row (45/50/55/60lbs)
• Pull Ups (85/70/55/55lbs)
• Flat Bench straight leg ups (3x12)
• Decline Crunches (3x12, 10lbs)
• 20 minutes Rotating Stairmaster
• 15 minutes Elliptical

Felt awesome after my work out. Anxious to get back into the gym tonight to do legs ... I just need to keep focused. My upper body is quickly toning and getting bigger (like my trainer wanted) but it's my lower body that is requiring a lot more work!

Bad Few Days

Monday afternoon & Tuesday were really difficult for me. I got a phone call from my boss informing me that he will not be renewing my contract on June 1. This means that unless our manager can find somewhere else to "deploy" me to, I will be out of a job in 27 days!

Needless to say this has no only effected my emotional state of mind but also my physical state of mind. I barely ate anything Monday afternoon/evening and yesterday I was a wreck all day and didn't eat much then either. I've had that knot in my stomach since Monday afternoon and expect it will remain until I know what my "fate" is going to be.

Regardless, I promised accountability so here it is:

Monday - worked all day and then had class in the evening, which means no work out. Managed to stop crying long enough to do my final presentation in class and got a 98! Felt a little better after that but knew I had the awful task of telling my husband (who from now on we'll call B'Ster) that I was losing my job. He was really supportive and understanding. He said he knew it was coming (my boss is an awful person) and that we'll figure out a way to make it work.

Food Log:

• Breakfast: banana w/peanut butter; black coffee
• Snack: nothing
• Lunch: 4oz shredded chicken with
• Snack: nothing
• Dinner: 1 cup pasta salad with 1/2 cup broccoli

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 23.1% - under my goal
• Carbs: 54.5% - under my goal
• Protein: 22.4% - under my goal

Tuesday - was not a better day. I was scheduled for a conference call between my manager, my boss and myself regarding my boss's "issues". My stomach was again in knots all morning anticipating my call at 12pm, but one of my co-workers insisted that we go out to lunch after the call just to get me out of the office. After work I hit the gym to get out as much frustration as I could and then had dinner and watched Idol with my in-laws.

Food Log:

• Breakfast: banana w/peanut butter
• Snack: nothing
• Lunch: Salad w/grilled chicken & feta
• Snack: Apple
• Dinner: Chicken Caesar Wrap

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 14.3% - under my goal
• Carbs: 47.4% - under my goal
• Protein: 38.3% - met my goal

Exercise Log:

• 15 minutes rotating StairMaster
• 25 minutes Elliptical machine
• Bicep Curls (15/15/15/20lbs)
• Concentration Curls (15/15/15/20lbs)
• Hammer Curls (10/10/10/12lbs)
• Tricep Extension (12/12/12/15lbs)
• Lying Extension (30/30/30/30lbs)
• Kick-backs (10/10/10/12lbs)
• Push downs (45/50/55/60lbs)
• Bosu Knee Ups
• Bosu Lever w/6 pound ball
• Bosu Obliques

Measurements

Seriously if I actually blogged over the weekends I would overload myself on Mondays! :)

I promised an update on my measurements so here they are:

Weight:

• Starting: 124
• New: 126
• Difference: + 2 pounds

Waist:

• Starting: 26.5
• New: 25.5
• Difference: - 1 inch

Thigh:

• Starting: 20
• New: 20.5
• Difference: + 1/2 inch

Hips:

• Starting: 35
• New: 34.5
• Difference: - 1/2 inch

Chest:

• Starting: 32.5
• New: 32
• Difference: - 1/2 inch (figures)

Arm:

• Starting: 11
• New: 10
• Difference: - 1 inch

Overall:

• Weight: +2 pounds
• Inches: - 2.5 inches

As much as it stinks to see the needle on the scale go up I know it's because I'm building muscle mass... but it FANTASTIC to see my inches going down! That means I am reducing fat all over!

Great boost to my motivation to start the week! No exercise today because I have class tonight so that kind of stinks, but it's my last Monday class for a few weeks so next week I won't have to worry about having too many days off!

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Nutrient Goals

After my first meeting with my trainer, we'll start calling her T, she suggested that I track not just my calories but also my fat, carbs and proteins. She said I need a 40/30/30 breakdown - having never tracked anything but calories in my life I didn't exactly know what that meant. But instead of asking her (which would meant admitting I didn't know something) I just nodded.

Luckily my fabulous friend Jami knew exactly what she was talking about and pointed me in the direction of Sparkpeople.com! Since then I have become almost addicted to inputting my food. I will input the littlest thing, and have gone so far as to Google almost all my food so I make sure the nutrition amounts are correct!

According to Sparkpeople.com my breakdown ranges are the following:

Calories: 1,480 - 1,830 (this isn't taking into account any exercise that I'm doing)
Fat: 33 - 71 grams
Carbs: 166 - 297 grams
Protein: 60 - 160 grams

It's really not that easy to do off the bat. I'm still looking at labels questioning myself when I eat something.

I bought a new food scale over the weekend so hopefully that will keep me within my limits in terms of protein weights! We'll see!

Stay Strong!

xoxox Raich

Day #11 - 13

Here it again, Monday and I didn't blog a single time over the weekend. Let's see what (if anything I can remember)

Friday was another long work day. I'm really reaching my complete breaking point here. But I have to keep reminding myself of all my amazing benefits, and the fact that the pay really rocks! I didn't go to the gym on Friday because my hubby and I were supposed to have a date night. Turns out I could have since he didn't get home until almost 7:30pm - ugh! Last time I alter my plan for him! We had dinner at home - because I'm determined to eat out less (saving money and my waistline) and then we hit Bed Bath and Beyond for some goodies for the house.


Food Log:

• Breakfast: 1 piece egg white frittata; banana
• Snack: nothing - lost track of time
• Lunch: 1/2 Meditteranean Veggie sandwich, 1/2 cafe salad & a lemonade from Panera
• Snack: Apple w/peanut butter
• Dinner: 6oz Ancho-rubbed flank steak with fingerling potatoes & green beans
• Water: 60 oz

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fats: 34.3% - met my goal
• Carbs: 40.8% - under my goal
• Proteins: 24.9% - met my goal

Saturday was a great day! I had a training session at 10:30am and we spent our hour working on my abs and my shoulders - she killed me to the point where it was difficult to drive my car! It was fantastic! After my work out I ran around like crazy running a million errands for my grandmother's birthday dinner! I picked up her present, fish from the market, flowers from my in-laws - I was beat by the time I got home at 5pm. I had literally just enough time to cook dinner and get the house ready for them at 6:30pm. Thank goodness my husband was able to get home earlier than expected to help out!

Food Log:

• Breakfast: Banana w/peanut butter
• Snack: none
• Lunch: 4oz shredded chicken on whole wheat wrap with ranch dressing
• Snakc: none
• Dinner: 6oz almond crusted tilapia w/green beans & mashed potatoes
• Dessert: Miniature Turtle Cheesecake

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fats: 40.7% - went over my goal
• Carbs: 39.5% - met my goal
• Protein: 19.7% - met my goal

Sunday was another busy day of running around. We got up early and went to Jordan's Furniture to buy new bedroom furniture, and then of course because the furniture was new I had to also have new bedding and a new chandelier. While my spirit is happy (because I love new things) the wallet wasn't too thrilled. Luckily we were able to finance the furniture over 24 months with 0% interest and the bedding was on HUGE sale! So I don't feel too badly about it, and truthfully we really did need it! We stopped at the grocery store on the way home because my in-law's were coming over for a BBQ and we had no food! I know I didn't do well eating because my husband made his famous bacon cheeseburgers .... oops! Will I ever be able to have any willpower?

Food Log:

• Breakfast: 3/4 cup cheerios with 1/2 cup skim milk, banana w/peanut butter
• Snack: none
• Lunch: 4oz shredded chicken, 1/2 avacado, 10 grape tomatoes, lettuce, low fat spicy ranch
• Snack: none
• Dinner: 5oz beef burger w/bacon, provolone cheese & roll, 1/2 cup pasta salad, 1 cup broccoli, BBQ potato chips & 1 cup salad
• Dessert: Miniature turtle cheesecake

Carb/Fat/Protein Breakdown:

• Fat: 37.3% - went over my goal
• Carbs: 44.4% - met my goal
• Protein: 18.4% - met my goal

I'd say over all I ate pretty well, although I could stand to cut out the excess fat and sugar that I notice I have been eating ...

Oops!

Apparently my goal of blogging over the weekend didn't work out! We have had a crazy busy weekend, date night Friday, dinner with my grandmother on Saturday and then today was spent running errands, buying new furniture, cleaning the windows and then BBQing with the in-laws. With all we had going on I'm proud to say that I stuck to my food goals the whole weekend! Will update you all tomorrow with my first new set of measurements (eek!) since this journey began two weeks ago ... it feels like so much longer!

Until then.....

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Craft USA

Craft is one of my most favorite clothing brands for my work-out gear. I own everything from a casual sweatshirt to socks to shorts and even a tri-suit! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for incredible quality items. The Craft brand goes hand-in-hand with Karhu and if anyone was watching the Winter Olympics you would have seen the Sweds donning the brand!

Just a few of the many Craft items I own!
I wear this in the hot weather if I'm running outside
These are the most comfortable underwear I have ever worn for my work outs. They never ride up!



My favorite sweatshirt. I wear it to the gym, I wear it around the house, I wear it running errands - it's so comfortable!

The tri-suit I wore when I raced in my very first triathlon. I felt like a pro and got lots of compliments on it.

www.craft-usa.com

Stay Strong!

xoxox Raich

Day #10

I have decided I'm going to stop posting calorie numbers, since I am not trying to lose weight. It is becoming increasingly distracting for me to include these figures in my food diary. Going forward I will post what I've eaten and include a daily breakdown of carbs, protein and fats (the things I should be concerned with).

Food Diary:

• Breakfast: 1 piece egg white fritatta; bagel thin w/low fat cream chz; black coffee
• Snack: 1 small apple w/2 tbls peanut butter
• Lunch: Whole wheat wrap w/4 oz shredded chicken, provolone chz & light BBQ sauce; tomato & mozzarella salad w/balsamic vinegar
• Snack: 3/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios
• Dinner: 5 oz filet Mignon w/grilled onions, scalloped potatoes & salad
• Water: 90 oz

I have been using Sparkpeople (www.sparkpeople.com) to track my food and according to website I hit each one of my food goals for the day - this is the first time I've been able to do that since I started this journey! I am definitely psyched about that!

A funny thing happened when I was at the gym today. As I was getting ready to do my power squats, I looked up how much I had done last week, then I added 5 pounds to each side. I added another 5 pounds for the next set and finally I added the last 5 pounds to each side. By the time I was done I had added what I thought was 15 pounds to each side... but as it turns out I'd been adding 10 pounds to each side. So what should have been 15 pounds total ended up being an additional 30! Somehow not knowing exactly how much I had added enabled me to get out the same number of reps as last week.

On my way out of the gym I ran into my trainer and told her what had happened - perhaps an error in judgement - and she said "if that's the case I'm never telling you again how much weight you're lifting!"

Saturday could be really dangerous! :)

Exercise:

• Power Squats
• Leg Presses
• One Leg Standing Hamstring Curls
• Dead lifts
• Abs w/6 pound weighted ball

I am really starting to look better and feel great! I can see the change in my body. In fact I was able to put on a pair of pants today that haven't fit me in three years! Not only was I able to put them on, but I was able to button them and still have room in them!

I feel more confident every day and I hope that this feeling continues!

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Day #9

I have decided that going forward (starting later tonight) I am going to write my blog entries at night. That way I can accurately remember the day and what I did.

Yesterday was an okay day - dreary and cold out so I wasn't in the best of moods. Toward the end of the work day I felt a migraine coming on and found myself glad I wasn't going to the gym. I had a meeting with some classmates from 5:30-6:30pm and was pleasantly surprised when I got home to find my husband cooking dinner.

He had taken one of my new healthy recipes and started cooking. It was so nice to not have to worry about that when I got home! We opted to eat dinner in the dining room; something we haven't done in a long time. It was a change that I think we needed because instead of rushing through dinner and ignoring each other while watching TV we actually had a conversation.

After dinner my husband decided it would be a good idea to make chocolate chip cookies -- are you serious? He knows those are my downfall! But I am happy to say my will-power kicked in and I did not eat a single one. They are however sitting on the counter as I type taunting me to eat them when I get home ... hopefully I'll be able to walk away again!

Food Diary (previous day):

• Breakfast: 1 piece egg white, spinach, onion & pepper frittata & a bagel thin w/low fat cream cheese - 300 calories
• Snack: 1 small apple w/2 tablespoons peanut butter - 280 calories
• Lunch: Turkey & provolone on a whole wheat wrap - 250 calories
• Snack: 3/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios - 100 calories
• Dinner: 6 oz pork tenderloin w/roasted broccoli & scallop potatoes; 8 oz skim milk - 450 calories
• Water: 90 oz
• TOTAL: 1,380 calories (pretty good for a non-workout day)

Stay Strong!
xoxo Raich

Day #8

After work last night I hit the gym for a double work-out. I figured I owed myself from the weekend and also because I won't be able to go tonight. I got in 30 minutes on the Elliptical and then spent the next 90 minutes doing my entire upper body!

As I was standing at the weight bench looking at myself in the mirror I realized that my entire outlook has changed. When I used to watch myself lift, I would focus on the bad parts of my body, the things I didn't like. All I would see is the cellulite on my legs or the fact that when I bent over I could see rolls on my stomach. Now, when I look in the mirror those things are still there (albeit, less) but instead of getting frustrated or being angry I look at them and see strength! Those legs that I hated so much can Power Squat almost 200 pounds already and that stomach that used to drive me nuts is starting to take shape and there is visible definition!

This attitude change in the gym has spilled over into my personal life. When I get dressed in the morning I no longer allow myself to say negative things about myself or get angry if something doesn't fit the way I would like it to. I remind myself that I'm building muscle and that my body is changing so things are going to fit and look different for a while - but I'm proud of that!

I really enjoy my time in the gym and I'm becoming more and more anxious to see where I am at the half way point ... is it bad to wish away the summer just so I can see the change?

Yesterday was another not so good food day. But I was able to get to the grocery store after the gym so now the house is stocked with delicious and healthy items!

Food Diary (previous day):

• Breakfast: Bagel thin w/low fat peanut butter, black coffee - 200 calories
• Snack: Nothing - 0 calories
• Lunch: 1 can shredded chicken w/low fat mayo & cheddar cheese crumbles and Triscuit thin crisps - 300 calories
• Snack: Nothing - 0 calories
• Dinner: 2 oz whole wheat pasta w/half cup pasta sauce - 260 calories
• TOTAL: 760 calories ... (I don't even have anything to say about this)

Exercise Log:

• 30 Minutes Elliptical
• Bicep Curls
• Concentration Curls
• Incline Chest Presses
• Tricep Kickbacks
• Tricep Push-downs
• Seated Cable Row
• One Arm Row
• Upright Row
• Pull-Ups
• Bosu Obliques
• Bosu Lever Crunches
• Bosu Knee-Ins

Work out was incredible. By the time I was done, I felt like my arms were going to completely fall off! I had a hard time pushing the cart at the grocery store!

Stay Strong!
xoxo Raich

Day #7

Mondays are always tough. I have school from 7-9:20pm and because of that have to remind myself all day to eat even more healthfully. Unfortunately, I still haven't had time to get to the grocery store so it was left-overs again. My trainer did say however, to eat up everything in the house first and then start fresh that way I won't be tempted down the line.

I think that I might invest in one of those foldable stair-steppers for my office. There are days that I can't get outside to walk either because of meetings or due to bad weather. I feel like if I have something at my desk that I can use while I'm on the phone it would at least be a small help.

Food Log (previous day):

• Breakfast: Bagel thin w/low fat peanut butter - 200 calories
• Snack: Yoplait Vanilla yogurt - 180 calories
• Lunch: Left-over chicken parm from the Olive Garden - 545 calories
• Snack: Wheat thins - 150 calories
• Dinner: 6" turkey sub on whole wheat w/all the veggies & baked Lays from Subway - 455 calories
• Water: 40 oz
• TOTAL: 1,530 calories

Exercise:

• Zero - didn't even walk at lunch because it was raining.

Day #4, 5, 6 - Weekend

I have to admit, I was contemplating not blogging about my weekend because I can sum it up in one word -- FAIL! I completely fell off the food wagon starting Friday at lunch and continuing straight through last night. I am so disappointed in myself, but it's a new day and a new week - time to start fresh! (I've also decided I can't try to blog on Monday about the weekend as I tend to forget things)

Friday. Day #4. Another long day at work. Reached my breaking point and almost quit. But with no other job possibilities and a new house I used my better judgement and decided against it. Doesn't change the fact that I hate my job! My husband called to ask if I wanted to go out for a dinner date (something we haven't done since we moved). We contemplated going to a new restaurant in the town I work in, but figured it made more sense to go home and change first. Needless to say we ended up at Uno Chicago Grill. I was more than a little nervous that I wasn't going to be able to find anything to eat on the menu, but if you really take your time to read it and think about what is in each item you can find something filling and delicious. Unfortunately, on the way home my wonderful husband decided he wanted dessert. Having lost all will-power for the day we ended up at Friendly's...

Food Log:

• Breakfast: Bagel Thin w/low fat cream chz & tomato slices - 185 calories
• Snack: Yoplait Vanilla yogurt - 180 calories
• Lunch: 1 can tuna fish w/light may & relish, triscit thin crisps - 320 calories
• Snack: piece of vanilla birthday cake - 200 calories
• Dinner: Herb crusted chicken w/steamed broccoli & mashed potatoes from Uno Chicago Grill - 600 calories
• Dessert - Peanut Butter cup FriendsZ - 860 calories (this makes me furious at myself!)
• Water Intake: 60 oz
• TOTAL: 2,345 calories

Exercise:

• No exercise for the day

Saturday. Day #5. Woke up to a gorgeous day! The sun was shining and I had a busy day scheduled. Met with some girlfriends to go to a huge yard sale - didn't end up finding anything but had a great time with the girls. We went to breakfast after and then I headed to do some errands.

Did you ever notice that when you have new, cute workout clothes you have a better work out? This is how I feel every time I have something new. Dick's Sporting Goods was having a huge sale on Saturday and since I needed new weight lifting gloves I figured I'd swing by. I ended up leaving with a new sports bra, a pair of gloves, a really cute tank, 6 pairs of socks and an awesome pair of Nike spandex shorts! My credit card wasn't so happy but I was thrilled.

After leaving Dick's I headed to the gym for my training session. We sat down and reviewed my food log for the previous week. She gave me a ton of great pointers. According to her, I'm eating way too much sugar, no enough protein and not nearly enough calories (which we knew). She gave me a few ideas of ways to revamp my diet, adding protein powder and cutting out the sugar. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to hit the grocery store to shop, but hoping to get there early this week.

Anyway, Saturday morning we did legs and abs. She said she is so impressed by how much more I can already lift. We added about 10 pounds per exercise on Saturday and when we were done I was again dripping in sweat and feeling great. I can't wait to get back in the gym this week and keep pushing myself!

Just a warning - my food log for Saturday is worse than bad... it's HORRIBLE!

Food Log:

• Breakfast: Egg-white omelet w/tomato & feta, wheat toast & potatoes - 300 calories
• Snack: Nothing - 0 calories
• Lunch: Nothing - 0 calories
• Snack: Nothing - 0 calories
• Dinner: 2 Tacos - no shell, on a bed of Spanish rice w/chz, guacamole, diced tomatoes & sour cream - 700 calories
• Water Intake: 80 oz
• TOTAL: 1,000 calories (terrible)

Exercise:

• 15 minutes Treadmill - 1.5 mile run, 5.0 mph, 0.5% incline
• Abs, Legs & Shoulders

Sunday. Day #6. I knew I wasn't going to get to the gym today, Sundays and Mondays are typically my "rest" days, because Sunday is the one day my husband and I get together and I have class Monday nights. However, given the fact that I wasn't going to the gym, I figured I'd get some stuff done around the house. What started out as a day full of laundry and cleaning ended up being a day full of deck demolition and post hole digging (yay! exercise)

We spent the morning jacking up the parts of the deck that were sagging and reinforcing them with new beams and stronger nails. We then dug three 4 foot holes in which we poured concrete (that we mixed by hand might I add). Given that the concrete takes 24-48 hours to set we spent the rest of the afternoon doing yard work, pruning trees, cutting the lawn and neatening up.

My in-law's had joined us in the morning for "moral support" which I was very thankful for, because it keeps my husband from swearing as much as he normally would have. When we were finally finished with the yard my in-law's suggested that we go to the Olive Garden for dinner. Three nights eating out in one week is not a good idea for any one's diet but I wasn't going to say no.

Overall, despite my lack of exercise and my huge food fail, the weekend was nice and it was hard to come back to work this morning - especially since it's raining and cold.

Food Log:

• Breakfast: 1 piece of coffee cake - 150 calories
• Snack: 1 cup cut pineapple - 100 calories
• Lunch: Nothing - 0 calories
• Snack: Triscit Thin Crisps - 150 calories
• Dinner: 1/2 serving of chicken parm w/salad & bread stick from the Olive Garden - 895 calories
• Dessert - 1 piece Boston Creme torte - 230 calories
• Water Intake: 20 oz
  TOTAL: 1,525 calories

Exercise:

• Yard work

This entry was hard for me to write, because as I look back at what I ate over the weekend and the lack of true exercise I did, it makes me wonder if I'll be able to reach my goal after all. To say I'm disappointed in myself would be an understatement. I guess each day is a chance to start fresh - let's just hope I don't fall off the wagon again anytime soon.

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Day #3

Last night's work out was awesome!

After meeting with my trainer for my fat analysis I took to the floor. I was again determined to push myself. Sometimes it's hard when she isn't standing right over me saying "No, you are NOT going to quit!"

I hit the treadmill first. I won't tell you how long it's been since I ran, but I turned on my iPod, hit Nike+ and I was off. I set the treadmill at 0.5% incline and at 5.0 mph. I KNOW that I can run faster than that but my goal for last night was to get in 3 miles and I knew if I went 6.0 mph there was no way I'd get it in. 36 minutes later, I'd hit my goal and my HR was at 173! I cooled down for 5 minutes then stretched before hitting the weights.

Another observation: when I was working out in the ladies section between 6-6:30pm it was empty, and I'd have the floor to myself. On the co-ed side it's the complete opposite, all the men show up around that time so the floor is super crowded.

Anyway, depsite the massive number (and size) of the men there I was able to find my newly self-designated flat bench and begin my work out. I was again, one of the only women on the floor last night so I got a few funny looks.

At one point while I was doing my decline chest presses the guy next to me asked if I could "actually lift that much" (I was doing 20 pound dumbbells). When I responded that I could he looked shocked and said "well if you need a spotter don't be afraid to ask." Now, a part of me was thankful for the offer but at the same time I felt a little insulted. I lift with proper form and the correct amount of weight so as not to hurt myself, unlike MANY of the men in the gym who lift as much as they possibly can despite the fact that they are doing it incorrectly. (I digress)

I spent the next 60 minutes doing my chest and back exercises - no abs tonight and then spent an additional 20 minutes stretching so I wouldn't be sore this morning.

My poor husband called me 3 times while I was there wondering what time I was going to be home, but since I didn't have my phone I missed his call each time. When I had completed my work out I looked at the clock and was shocked to see it was almost 8pm! This meant I had to hustle home and have a very light dinner before going to bed!

Food Log (previous day):

• Breakfast: Bagel Thin w/low fat cream chz & tomato slices - 185 calorie
• Snack: Yoplait Vanilla yogurt - 180 calories
• Lunch: House Salad w/grilled chicken w/2 tbls low fat Italian & 1/2 pita bread - 300 calories
• Snack: Triscit Thin Crisps - 150 calories
• Dinner: Chicken burger (no roll), 1 cup mixed greens w/2 tbls low fat Italian & 1/2 cup Spanish rice - 400 calories
• Water Intake: 80 oz
• TOTAL: 1,215 calories (getting better)

Exercise (previous day):

• 41 minutes Treadmill - 0.5% incline @ 5.0 mph - HR 173
• Incline chest press, decline chest press, push ups, incline chest fly
• Seated cable row, one arm row, upright row

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Body Fat Percentage Analysis

Good morning! And what a morning it is. Woke up to clouds, but it's supposed to clear up and be sunny today so I'm looking forward to that.

Last night I had my fat analysis at the gym. To say I was nervous was an understatement. A lot of people assume that just because I'm petite means that I'm in shape and that isn't the case. You can be very thin but still be carrying around a lot of extra fat on your body and not even realize it. Stomach fat is the worst, according to my trainer this is the most important area to slim down because it can lead to all sorts of health problems. Needless to say, I was anxious to see my numbers.

If you've never had a professional fat analysis done (not the one they do in high school gym class), here's the low down. First you get weighed, then the person giving you the test pinches and pulls at your fat on three areas of your body - your tricep, your thigh and your abdomen. You are supposed to have this test done before you work out so it gives accurate results. Then the machine uses some calculation to put these numbers together and come up with your overall body fat percentage.

My trainer had no qualms about telling me that she was going to hurt me! She said that she has made clients yelp in the past because she is tough. She makes sure that the numbers she gives are as accurate as possible, but as they say "no pain no gain" right?

As I stood there with her in the training room, she started telling me that over the last 3 years she has maintained the same body weight, by losing fat and gaining muscle mass. She said this is our goal for me. She explained also that most of her clients have a body fat percentage of 24% and higher.

She didn't let me see my results until the end. Here is what they were:

• Weight: 126
• Tricep: 15% body fat
• Thigh: 24% body fat
• Abdomen: 7% body fat
• TOTAL: 17.7% body fat

According to my trainer these numbers are actually very good. She said my over all number is amazing and that if we continue to work hard it will be easy to get me down to 12-15% overall! Exactly where I want to be.

As for the individual numbers, we both know from previous years training together that my upper body tones much faster than my lower body so we are not even remotely concerned about my tricep percentage. My abdomen is "fantastic" (in her words) - but she'd like to see that number come down 2-3% as well. And just as I suspected (since I know my body pretty well) my legs do in fact need the most work. She said that during our sessions together we will spend the majority of our time focusing on my legs and I can be responsible on my own to do upper body & abs (although she'll tell me what to do). She is going to mix it up each week to see what will work best but we are both determined to get me there.

I'm really glad we took the time to do this analysis because now we have a true starting point, and these numbers combined with my measurements will make it much easier for me to visually see my progress!

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Day #2

I've been going to the same gym since I was 16 years old and until I started working out with my trainer again, I never dared venture out into the co-ed side of the gym. I'd always hide myself away in the women's area. I felt "safe" there, like I wasn't being judged and the range of ages and body types just made me feel more comfortable. However, I realize now that has been one of my biggest downfalls.
I went into the women's area last night to grab a magazine and for a breif moments I stopped to watch the other women. I realized that for most of them, going to the gym means getting on the Treadmill or the Elliptical machine for as long as they possibly can (while chatting on their cell phone, reading a book or talking to a friend) and then they lift light weights (if they lift at all) for fear of getting "bulky". Their main goal is to lose or maintain their weight. Now, I'm not saying this way of working out is bad by any means - I've been doing it for 10 years, but going forward it just won't work for me.
I took my magazine and headed out into the co-ed side of the gym. I climbed up on the rotating Stairmaster and typed in Level 12! Until now I've been maxing out at Level 8 (out of 20) but last night I was determined to push myself to my limits. After the 30 minutes I felt great! I had burned almost 300 calories and was dripping in sweat ... suddenly I felt confident - that I could work out in the co-ed area and not feel intimidated.
I headed over to the free-weight area and immediately planted myself on a flat bench with my notebook, my water and my head phones. I got a few glances from the men in the room but I just smiled and got to work. Over the next 70 minutes, I grunted, huffed and heaved my way through my work out. Every time I picked up a heavier weight I felt more empowered, I would look around at the men out there and think "wanna see something impressive?" The men that I was so scared to be intimidated by have now become my "competition" - being out there with them has given me this inner strength to prove that I can do it!

Food Log (previous day):

• Breakfast: Bagel Thin w/low fat cream chz & tomato slices - 185 calories
• Snack: Yoplait Vanilla yogurt - 180 calories
• Lunch: Chicken burger (no roll), 1 cup mixed greens w/2 tbls low fat ranch - 300 calories
• Snack: 1/2 medium orange - 50 calories
• Dinner: 6 oz grilled pork chop, 1/2 medium grilled green pepper, 1/2 cup Spanish rice - 350 calories
• Water Intake: 72 oz
• TOTAL: 1065 calories (not nearly enough)

Exercise (previous day):

• 1/2 hour walk at lunch
• 30 minutes Rotating Stairmaster at level 12
• Bicep curls, concentration curls, Preacher curls & hammer curls
• Tricep extenxion, lying extension, kick-backs & push downs
• Resistance abs with 4 pound ball

Today is another day - working until 5pm then hitting the gym for chest & back! :)

Stay Strong!
xoxox Raich

Starting Point

Starting Photos: (please excuse the black circles, I don't want my face plastered all over the internet!)


I think my legs need the most work - but I can't wait to see the overall results!

Water

Part of my new routine is drinking more water. My trainer has said I need to drink a minimum of 64 oz a day plus an additional 12-20 oz during the course of my work-outs. I've never been a huge water drinker but I'll do whatever I have to, in order to reach my goals.

If you've never drank 64 oz of water in a day ... I dare you to try it! I have never used the ladies room more in my entire life than I have over the last three days. I've kept track today and so far in the last 7 hours I have gone 14 times - yup TWICE an hour ... it's insane! I think my co-workers are starting to think there is something wrong with me.

Hopefully it's cleaning out my system and eventually the need to pee all the time will stop!

Stay Strong!

xoxoxo Raich

Day #1

Not a great way to start my journey, but I promised to blog every day so here it goes. I haven't been to the gym since my training session this past Saturday. I made excuses every day as to why I "couldn't" go, but today is a new day and I will go tonight after work.

Woke up this morning feeling very energized and ready to take on the day. Per usual, I'm working until 5pm and then am heading to the gym. Today is bicep/tricep/abs day -- actually my favorite work out of the week!

My husband has offered to cook tonight and has promised that it will be healthy and clean! We'll see what he comes up with! I'm looking forward to the rest of the week and the weekend since the weather is supposed to be nice and I can get outside for my cardio!

And now..... for the REAL accountability -- my tracking:

Photo 04/21/2010: I took it last night but haven't uploaded ... will do tonight for tomorrow's entry

Measurements:

• Weight: 124 pounds
• Waist: 26.5 inches
• Hips: 35 inches
• Bust: 32.5 inches
• Thigh: 20 inches
• Arm: 11 inches

Food Log (previous day):

• Breakfast: Quaker Oats granola bar - 100 calories
• Snack: Yoplait Vanilla yogurt - 180 calories
• Lunch: Smart Ones Three Chesse Ziti Marinara - 320 calories
• Snack: Triscit crackers, medium orange - 200 calories
• Dinner: Chicken burger w/avacado & tomato (no roll); 1 cup salad w/oil & vinegar; grilled corn on the cob - 640 (roughly)
• Water Intake: 60 oz (three 20 oz bottles)
  

Exercise (previous day):

• 1/2 hour walk at lunch - this is no NEARLY what I should be doing...
• no weight training yesterday as we had dinner plans last night
  

Stay Strong!
xoxox - Raich

My Inspiration

Jamie Eason

What I love about Jamie's body is that while she is muscular & toned she still maintains a very feminine figure.

She is 5'2 - during her competing season she maintains 7-9% body fat and weighs between 98-102 pounds; during the off-season weighs between 108-112 pounds and maintains 12-15% body fat.

Her figure is all natural, she does not use any type of steriod or body-altering drugs/supplements.

Contemplation...

So it begins. I have attempted to write blogs in the past but always end up abandoning them shortly after starting. With this blog I am hoping to keep myself accountable for all my fitness accomplishments and failures over the next 365 days. I will try to blog every day about what I have eaten, what I have done for exercise and how I'm progressing toward my goal - be a Fitness Model by May 2011.

This time last year I was determined to run the Boston Marathon in 2010 - well the marathon happened yesterday and guess who wasn't running... yup, your's truly. As I watched the race I got emotional, thinking that I KNOW that could be me if I had just trained hard enough.

I have told my huband over the years that I have wanted to train for a marathon, become a personal trainer, take up Tae-Kwondo, run a triathlon (which I actually did do) and now my most recent dream is to be a fitness model.

I began working out with my personal trainer again (after a 3 year hiatus) and she is competing in her first fitness competition in 8 weeks. When I look at her, I see what I want to be - healthy, fit and happy.

While I'm not over-weight or even out of shape, I'm definitely not where I want to be. For the last two Saturdays she has really kicked my ass in the gym, and the emotional high I get after working out with her is amazing. During the week I have felt even more motivated to get into the gym on my own time, so that when we meet again I can show her my accomplishments. I've been so focused over these last 14 days, and I am telling you I can already see a difference. I'm feeling stronger and I can already see my muscles starting to take shape.

She and I have discussed my goals and she has told me that there is no reason why I can't get there, but I have to stay committed and focused. This week we are going to take my beginning measurements, my body fat percentage and my weight - then over the next 12 months we will track those numbers and watch my progress. So, consider this my official commitment to myself and to all of you - by this time next year I will be happier, healthier and in the best shape of my life! Wish me luck!