Chapter 2 page 530–2 for Tuesday X3

As you all are beyond aware (and I’m sure, certainly board hearing about it twice a week) I take a Body Pump class and a Zumba class at the Big City gym every Saturday and as often on Tuesday nghts as I can get there.  Today – well, it’s Tuesday and . . . I got there . . . for a double shot of group fitness.  BUT today was unlike the other times – why you ask?  Because “C” and Kimberly were there too – F.U.N!  Such a fun occasion and yet such a bad blogger – no photos . . . so please just visualize for yourself (insert mental picture here).

Tonight was also a benchmark, so to speak – I bumped up my weights for the back track and the biceps . . .oh man, oh man, oh man – no doubt I’ll be regretting the increase tomorrow.  For the first time this month, I broke out the big plates (maybe they are 10 kg or 15 kg each) – oh yeah baby!  Because I’ve increased my weights for biceps, triceps, squats, chest, and back I know I’m getting stronger.  I still SUCK at lunges and fear they will never get easier.  I was able to do more reps tonight than ever before so that’s at least a small glimmer or improvement. 

The trio will be back together for another double up Saturday session – photos will definitely be taken – stay tuned!

Do you lift weights?  If so, do you increase the reps or the weight?  And, how often do you bump things up?

Chapter 2 page 529 - Weekly recap

Week of January 22, 2012

Sunday – If I told you that I was 703 calories below my daily allotment (which is based on the goal of losing 1 pound per week) – would you give me a high 5?  Hands up – I kicked calorie counting booty – BOOYAH!

Monday – What can I say – I pretty much missed the mark with this – I went over my daily allotment by 327 calories (sigh) – it’s a journey and although I am not perfect, I certainly am healthifying my diet and being more mindful.  I’m doing better and know that I have a LONG way to go. 

Tuesday – Oh yes, yes I did a 2 for Tuesday doubling up workout – body pump and zumba (though, a much lower energy class than I attend on Saturdays –kind of felt almost like a waste of time but I know any movement is better than none so . . . ); was 500 calories below my daily allotment – Boom goes the dynamite!

Wednesday – On this day, I am not feeling very sore after having done my 2 for Tuesday yesterday (kind of shocking since following Saturday’s classes I’m sore for 4 days) also, I was 12 calories under my daily allotment (how’s that for toeing the line?? Ha!)

Thursday – I went out to eat with my friends and our dinner which included a martini (a-maz-ing!) put me way over my daily caloric allotment for the day.

Friday – I ate leftovers from the previous night’s dinner out and . . . .went over my daily caloric allotment (sigh). 

Saturday –  Double up day at the gym – an hour of body pump, 45 minutes of a higher than average Zumba class, that combined with an uber healthy lunch (less than nutritious dinner) and add in a full  day of shopping with your mom and you have a fantastic day . . . one that was at least 274 calories under budget (finally)

Sunday – I would prefer to skip discussing this, but this weekly recap is about confronting the truth – I was 500 calories over, don’t ask –it wasn’t pretty.

And because of my less than diligent adherence to my daily calories, today I weigh the same as I did 2 weeks ago – back on track – this next week.

How was your week:  thumbs up or thumbs down?

Chapter 2 page 528–Saturday double take

As has become my routine, Kimberly from HealthyStirdes, and I have taken 2 group classes at a Big City gym – an hour of Body Pump, and 45 minutes of a crazy high intensity Zumba class. 

The past 3 Saturdays have yielded treacherous winter weather and thus making my 40 minute drive more like 60 minutes.  This morning the scenery was beautiful.

We had a new body pump teacher today and were able to do a new track (77 instead of the usual 79) – it was a sweat producer, but quite fun . . . and definitely challenging.  To the left is the picture of the step which serves as our weight bench – I had just done triceps and look at that sweat imprint left – gross.  To the right is my bloggy bestie who is enjoying well deserved gulp of water post triceps track. 

After surviving 105 minutes of activity, we posed for some photos – this week my bondi band says “Operation Shrink-a-Booty”. 

Doesn’t she look amazing?  After the classes, I’m pooped (and stinky) and Kimberly is like a beauty queen(click HERE to learn more about her hair and pants … ha!)

How was your Saturday?

Chapter 2 page 527–(almost) Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkin Pie Dip (click HERE for the original recipe) 

That last one is what happens when you scrape the bowl a little too enthusiastically and it flies out of the bowl and plops all down the front of the stove. 

This is an awesome dip – you absolutely must try it!

Chapter 2 page 526–2 For Tuesday

After a crazy busy week of work last week resulting in my inactive patheticness, I was able to leave work at a decent time and attend not one, but TWO group fitness classes.  Booyah baby!  It was my normal Saturday “doubling up” except it is Tuesday!  It felt MUCH harder tonight – why?  Maybe because I worked all day?  Maybe because I didn’t have my partner in torture, Kimbelry, with me?  Maybe because I increased the barbell weight for the back and squat tracks?  Maybe because I wasn’t really into it?  No matter what the reason – I went.  I did it.  I burned the calories.  AND.GUESS.WHAT?  I was 500 calories under my daily allotment – BAM! 

A quick post double workout self-photo . . . that Bondi Band says “Sweat is my fat crying” – tongue out and thumbs down (outside of the photo – poor self-portrait I know) to demonstrate my being completely pooped!

Do you ever double up on group fitness classes or cardio equipment?

Chapter 2 page 525–Weekly Recap

Week of January 16, 2012

Sunday – went over my daily caloric allotment by 28 calories – not perfect, but not too bad; rested and watched football playoffs (I love me some football)

Monday – went over my daily caloric intake by 63 calories – definitely heading in the wrong direction.  I need to tighten it up!; didn’t get to run because I got sucked into a very time consuming project – this project lasted the rest of the week

Tuesday – I’m glad I’m doing this recap because I really thought I did pretty good last week on my calories, but it appears that I was 44 calories over my allotment on Tuesday (man, I have to get this eating under control!); I had planned to go to Body Pump, but the winter weather arrived and it was unsafe – so I stayed to work on the big project

Wednesday – Finally, I was within my allotment – actually I consumed 315 less calories than I was given for the day – BONUS!  No exercise because of work . . .I had anticipated being off work at 2, but ended up having to come back after my asthma appointment and working until after 8 (sigh).

Thursday – Boo I was 35 calories over my allotment; no exercise (I’m seeing a bad trend)

Friday – Went on a date with my hubby (per my 2012 goals) – I completely overate at the Chinese buffet, but enjoyed almost every bite

Saturday –  doubled up again this week by doing 2 group fitness classes:  Body Pump & Zumba (burning nearly 1,100 calories but tragically because of a party involving margaritas, I went way over my daily allotment (I did bring healthy foods to this party and was very focused on eating well, but the margarita was a LOT more calories than I had planned on consuming). 

Sunday – Stayed 700 calories below my daily calorie allotment because both Friday and Saturday I blew it (sigh!); rested, but should have gone for a run!!!!!! 

How was your week:  thumbs up or thumbs down?

Chapter 2 page 524– Friday 5

1.  Do you follow Kimberly at Healthy Strides?  If so, then you probably already know.  If not, then let me tell you . . . . she’s FAMOUS!!!  She has an incredible weight loss story and was featured in the January issue of Women’s Day magazine!  How cool is that!!!! Today, though, she was featured on the lead story tracker of yahoo.com.   WOW – I’m just so excited for her.  If you haven’t already, please go check out the article HERE and then check out her blog HERE. 

2.  Winter is finally here.  We have dangerous travel conditions, but absolutely beautiful delicate snow (and brutal winds).  It’s picturesque.  It seems almost to be a novelty since our winter (as has been the case in most of the country) has been much warmer than normal (we’ve had SEVERAL 50* days and MANY 40* days . . . unheard of here in Northern IN in January).  Fear not, it’s 16* here (mo’ like it for January).

3.  I officially lost 2.2 pounds!  Woot woot!  I probably ate all 2.2. pounds of it tonight at the Chinese Buffet while on my date with my husband (a 2012 goal –the date that is, not the 2.2 pounds of eating).

4.  I have done ZERO minutes of physical activity this week – I mean ZERO . . . even less than zero because I have literally sat on my butt all week all day everyday at work!  I’ve been buried in work – and it’s all been at my desk!  The good news is that the photocopier is 78 steps away from my desk and I’ve made a million trips back and forth this week so . . . I guess that’s a tiny amount! 

5.  Tomorrow (if the weather doesn’t make the roads too bad) my famous bestie bloggy friend Kimberly and I will be doubling up on Body Pump and Zumba just like last weekend.  FUN!

What was remarkable about your week?

Chapter 2 page 523–Can I just tell you?

I really had another post I wanted to do tonight, but I’m going to keep that for another day.  I just wanted to share some good news and some amazing news with you albeit it less than official (NO, NOT pregnant!  NO!). 

First the good news . . .

One of my 2012 goals was to return my attention to things I have been neglecting because of the time it takes to run (remember I’m super slow so for me to run a 12 miler including driving there and stretching takes nearly 4 hours).  Today . . . I did something that I’ve been meaning to deal with but not had the time (and been a little fearful) – I went to the asthma doctor.  I have been diagnosed with asthma but not had real testing or an organized treatment plan.  My only goal today was to be officially evaluated and discuss treatment options.  The good news is that I do have asthma but that it’s not getting worse and that it’s not that bad.  The better news is that after a little negotiating the doctor actually said that my idea was a good one (ha!) and we’re going to start with a pre-workout inhaler.  If it works great, if not, then we’ll add a daily medicine.  She wanted to do both meds at the same time – umm, no, let’s try it my way – she agreed – woo!  Stay tuned . . .

Now for the amazing news (albeit unofficial) . . .

What’s the first thing they do when you go to a new doctor?  Yes, weigh you in . . .. Oh I was dreading it – I was wearing a cordinory jacket, a big scarf, my dress loafers and it was 3:30 p.m. (after all day of eating and drink – I had 64 oz of diet soda between breakfast and lunch – don’t judge some days are just like that . .. good for you if you don’t need a crutch every now and then).  Back to the scale.  I was scared . . . oh no, AMAZING  . . .I lost 2.2 pounds.  I’m thrilled BUT I also take it with a grain of salt:  no 2 scales are the same, I typically weigh in first thing in the morning without shoes or extra clothes – yes clothes, but no extras like my jacket or scarf, and the doc’s scale wasn’t digital.  Despite all the possible errors, it sure did make me feel awesome to be 2.2 pounds less on her scale.  I typically try to weigh in on Monday or Tuesday mornings so . . . .fingers crossed hat when I officially weigh in – I’ll be able to officially report great news!!!!

Have you gotten any good news lately (big or small)? 

Chapter 2 page 522–weekly recap

Here’s a first for me –  a weekly recap (can you believe I’ve never posted one?) . . . mostly I figure you’ve already read about it or you truly don’t care.  So . . .in either case, I’m sorry for boring you with this post – go ahead and skip it, you won’t hurt my feelings!

Week of January 8, 2012

Sunday – Started using myfitnesspal.com and FAILED staying within my calorie allotment BIG time (boo – I’m going to blame being new to such accountability)

Monday – ROCKED my daily calorie allotment; ran 6.5 miles

Tuesday – Another good day of staying within my caloric requirements; wasn’t able to run due to work

Wednesday – Went BERSERK and nearly doubled my caloric allotment for the day (sigh!); wasn’t able to run due to work

Thursday – Back on track and under my daily caloric requirements (thank goodness); wasn’t able to run due to work

Friday – Still on track and under my daily caloric requirements; did a 45 minute kickboxing dvd at home; went on a date with my hubby

Saturday – 600 calories OVER my allotment (sigh – when does this get easier????); doubled up by doing 2 group fitness classes:  body pump & zumba

Sunday – only 8 calories over my allotment; watched tons of football and had bicep DOMS from Saturday’s double classes

How was your week:  thumbs up or thumbs down?

Chapter 2 page 521–Doubling up

Saturday mornings have become a weekly “girl date” with my bloggy bestie Kimberly.  We attend a Body Pump class at the same Big City gym where we went to the December Boot Camp class.  It’s a LOT of fun and doing it with someone keeps us both accountable. 

Saturday was our 2nd class – it was more challenging.  Maybe it was because we knew what torture was still coming, or maybe because we bumped up our weights because we knew what to expect . . . either way, it was harder.  Last week, my quads and forearms were super sore for days.  This week, my traps and biceps are killing me.  Crazy.  Guess I can’t wait to see what hurts next week – ha!

I called this post “Doubling Up” because after an hour of Body Pump for we stayed for a 45 minute high energy Zumba class.  It was unlike any other Zumba class.  It was intense – especially on the heels of Body Pump!  It was fun – and I was forever going left while the other 50 participants were going right –I must have said “sorry” to the gals next to me a 100 times.

Some photos to share the joy -

		“Doubling Up” Body Pump & Zumba VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Chapter 2 page 520– Healthifying McDonalds

I REALLY hope you aren’t minding the additional food posts I’ve been writing as of late – it’s part of helping me stay on track with my Numero Uno goal for 2012 – Loosing weight. 

As I was driving home on Saturday after doing 2 group fitness classes (post on that coming soon), I was starving.  I ate a banana and 10 pecan halves during my 40 minute drive home but it wasn’t enough.  I was planning on making a hummus wrap for lunch at home, but was worried it wouldn’t be filling enough and I would end up eating other things.  So . . . I stopped at McDonalds on the way home and ordered a “naked” (no mayo – I also skip the tomato because I hate them) classic grilled chicken sandwich which contains only 300 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. 

Here’s how I healthified it. . .

1.  Start with a grilled classic chicken sandwich SANS mayo, tomato, and also the wilted lettuce leaf.

2.  Add Buffalo Hot Sauce to give it a kick of yum, add 4 slices of cucumber for a crunch, and add 8 slices of red, yellow, and orange bell pepper (I nuked them to soften them a bit).

3.  Top with fresh cut leaf lettuce and ENJOY! 

Do you ever eat fast food?  Yes, regretfully, it’s a pretty big component of my life (BUT in 2012 – I’ve been making the most healthful choices possible instead of just having a burger and fries which I always used to do).

If so, what are your healthy recommendations (and from where)?   My biggest tip, which isn’t going to be new to any of you, is to take a minute to look up the nutrition information BEFORE eating anything at a fast food restaurant.  On Monday I ate a naked baked potato from Wendy’s thinking I was making a VERY healthy choice.  NOPE!  That sucker had 270 calories (learned it after I ate it).  I was shocked and would have sworn a plain baked potato would have been a very healthy choice. 

Chapter 2 page 519–FAV workout DVD

There is a slow, quiet lifestyle revolution over here in this corner of the blogosphere.  I’ve been on this type of band wagon before but I’m hoping it sticks this time – with each passing day I’m gaining confidence.  Out of fear of failing, I’m not quite ready to share the details (it’s not really all that exciting so please don’t loose sleep waiting on the post where I reveal all – ha) but . . . know I’m trying and working hard to healthify my habits.  Fingers crossed – more details to come (promise!).

The old Wells L would have just sat on the couch (watching Dr. Oz) and enjoyed the super awesome wintery day . . . the 2012 Wells L says, “NOPE – get your gigantic A$$ off the couch and do at least some exercise” before going out to eat on a double date (DVRing Dr. Oz).

Although I’m hardcore enough to run outside in wintery conditions (remember THIS recent run)  today is a bit too extreme.  The wind chill is below zero, the visibility is about 200’, and the ice is plentiful and the snow is driving . . . I think I’m going to stay inside – thanks Mother Nature.  I don’t have any home equipment or a gym membership, but I have some workout DVDs (remnants of my skinnier days . . .now collecting dust).   Seems like a good enough set of circumstances to bust out one of my FAV DVD’s . . .

You can click on the picture (if I did it right) and it will take you to the Amazon page where it’s available for $17.99.  It’s by far, hands down, one of the best workout DVD’s I’ve ever done.  I always hate complicated steps and can easily feel overwhelmed when I can’t remember the next move . . . Kimberly (the lead instructor. . . yeah, we’re tight enough to be on a first name basis – don’t be jealous you can be friends with her too) perfectly times her verbal cues.  I used to attend Kick Boxing classes when I lived in Virginia so this DVD uses the basics I learned in that class.  New to kickboxing?  No problem, there is a tutorial section.  Too advanced for most workout DVDs?  No problem, this DVD has combat intervals that can be done in between the cardio sections.  For a little more value, there is also an abs section and there is some balance activities mixed with the cool down. 

Do you do workout DVDs?  If so, what’s your favorite? 

Chapter 2 page 518– Salad Sun-Sation

I’m getting spring fever.  For the 2nd week in a row, the temps are in the upper 40’s and even hitting 50 degrees.  It’s killing me because I know that we are going to have winter and it’s going to feel extra harsh given we are having this incredible spring weather. 

The other day I was desperate for one of my favorite summer time salads so . . . I made it -

Fresh cut red and green leaf lettuce, feta cheese, mandarin oranges (should have used a fresh Sugar Belle – oops, forgot), fresh strawberries, craisins, pistachios, pecans, and a drizzle of Balsamic Vinaigrette. 

A close up for your taste buds . . . doesn’t it just look like summer?  YUM!

What are your favorite salad toppings?  Depends on what kind of salad I ‘m hungry for.  I like feta or blue cheese.  I like eggs and sunflower seeds.   I never liked fruit on my salads until a year ago, now I’m a big fan! 

Chapter 2 page 517–Sugar Belles

In the February 2012 edition of Runner’s World, there is an article about trying new produce.  Since I’m doing new things in 2012 (N2U CT Challenge), I thought I might as well add trying new foods to the list of 2012 activities as well.   As I’ve said dozens of times, I live in a small town and we have very limited options for grocery shopping.  We have a Wal-Mart (which I really try to avoid) and a Kroger.  We also have a little mom and pop meat market that has a small produce section.  If I want something more, I have to drive to Meijer or Fresh Market about 45 minutes away in the Big City. 

Recently, I went to Meijer – WOW, they have EVERYTHING!  It was amazing.  Yes, I’ve been there before, but not often and wow – the produce selection is unbelievable. 

So to start off the year with trying at least one new food a month, I opted for Sugar Belles.  You can click on the photos to enlarge.  Did you know Sugar Belles were created in 2009 by the University of Florida?  Click HERE to learn more. 

Sugar Belles are not large – bigger than a clemantine, but not as big a s large navel orange.  They are about the size of a female’s fist.  They are SUPER SWEET – wow!  If you are trying to “healthify” your diet and sweets are your downfall (like me) – I think this might just be the solution!  They are easy to peel and have very few seeds.  At about fifty cents each, it’s a pretty good deal.  They are very seasonal so enjoy them while you can.

Have you tried a Sugar Belle?  These are a hybrid of a clementine and a Minneola both of which I have had before, but never this delicious citrus variety.  I would get them again. 

What produce item do you think I should try in February?  I’m not overly adventurous or gifted in the kitchen . . .and well, you know that my options include Meijer, Fresh Market, Kroger, and Wal-Mart.  I’m open to finding new healthy options to include in my diet so lay your ideas on me.

Chapter 2 page 516–TR 185 when a suckfest = success

I had such high hopes for a great run . . . turns out I was just plain delusional.  Here’s a list of my delusions versus the realities:

Delusions/Reality

I can run 6,8, or 10 miles NO PROBLEM!  OMG I can’t!  I really can’t!  How sad that I can’t! 

I love running.  WTF (no offense for my strong language) was I thinking – I obviously must have been captured by aliens!

Running is getting pretty easy for me!  Not today!  Nothing about today was easy – NOTHING!  I fought for every single step.  The entire time was a fight not to quit, not to cut it short, not to just say “screw it” and walk.

The weather is going to be amazing today (forecast for 50* and sunny).  Liars!  Liars!  Liars!  It was 43* with 12 mph winds making it feel like it was 35* – dang, that’s cold .  . . though I was beyond thankful I threw on a second long sleeve shirt seconds before heading out (oh such a great decision).  I was also thankful that I unintentionally had a route where the wind was at my face for the first half and at my back

I can leave work early enough to get in 8-10 miles NO PROBLEM! Didn’t happen.

I have become a strong enough runner to run any distance alone.  NOPE – not true.  Every single step was a mental fight to keep going.

I really enjoy running with music.  In real life I hate music.  I have about 30 songs on my ipod that are my favorite songs from various aerobics classes in my life.  I like the songs that are on there, but today – today they were all just annoying!

This was one of the hardest runs I've done in a LONG time! I fought to do every step. Only in the last 1.5 miles did I stop hating every second and rather just merely disliked every step. Under normal circumstances I would be extremely disappointed with my performance, but today - today I think this was a gigantic success (albeit a less than fun one). I wanted to quit SO many times. I wanted to cut this run short SO many times. My lower back was killing me (no idea why – boo!), but still I went the distance and fought to the finish. I did this all by myself. I have grown so much as a runner and a person. As sucky as every step felt, I feel amazing about the overall accomplishment.

That bondi band pretty much sums up tonight’s 6.58 mile run . . . “Run, walk, crawl, FINISH!”

Quick run stats:  6.58 miles, 1:33.28 (14:12 m/m – which seems incredible to me given how much the entire thing sucked – last year such a sucky run would have easily been 16:00 m/m or more), 1:1 interval used but miles 3-5 I ran 2 and 3 minutes at a time and walked 1-2 minutes.  I just did whatever I felt like doing.  The last mile was pretty amazing – I ran 7 straight minutes . . . who knew I could do that?  Nice!

How does a sucky run affect you?  Does it impact your confidence as a runner or just shake it off?

Chapter 2 page 515–Hum Hum Hummus

I love hummus.  No, I really really love hummus.  Hummus is healthy and can be made or purchased fairly cheaply.  Hummus has 101 ways it can be eaten and comes in at least a dozen flavor variations. 

Recently I enjoyed a hummus wrap for lunch AND.IT.WAS.SOOOOO.GOOD. I had to share it with you . . .

1.  Start off with your favorite bread, wrap, pita, or flat bread.  I really like these (purchased at Fresh Market).

2.  Select the hummus of your choice.  My BBF introduced me to this – OMG it’s out of this world delicious!!!!  I got it at a little café, but use any kind you like.

3.  Spread the hummus on the wrap (I like to use my off set handle frosting spreader – makes for quick work).  The hummus I was using had olives in it, bonus!

4.  I added about 1 cup of broccoli slaw.  You could use leaf lettuce or actual broccoli florets or anything that you like. 

5.  I added some fat free feta and a little sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese.  I cannot tell you how much I adore feta and hummus together!

6.  I added some thinly sliced red bell pepper.  You could add cucumbers or other types of olives or really anything that makes you happy.  You can even add shredded tuna (I’ll never do that but you can) or shredded chicken or heck even strips of steak I’d guess.  I also drizzled a tiny amount of fat free Italian salad dressing on top – just gives it a little moistness and pulls the flavors all together.  It’s optional and other options include:  Oil & Vinegar, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or Greek dressing.  Other topping options that would make it OH-SO-TASTY:  craisins, thinkly sliced bartlet pear, sprouts, water chestnuts, walnut pieces, or green onions.

7.  I microwaved it for about 30 seconds just to soften it up.  I don’t usually “nuke” it if I make it early in the day and take it for lunch at work, but since it was all fresh from the fridge I thought it would help take the chill off.  Serve with anything you want (I’m such an American and have to have a "chip-like-thing” with my sandwich so I ate a few whole wheat Triscuts.   Enjoy!!!!

 

Do you eat hummus?  If so, do you make your own (wanna share your recipe?) or do you buy it?  I obviously buy mine, but my mom makes hers from scratch . . . and it’s GOOD!  I’ll have to get the recipe from her. 

What is your favorite way/ways to eat hummus?  I like it LOTS of ways.  The wrap above is one of my favorite ways.  I also like to do THIS with it

Chapter 2 page 514–new “training” plan

You may remember that 3 of my 2012 goals are to A.) loose weight, B.) run faster, and C.) return my attention to things I’ve abandoned (includes cross training).  Well, today I’m launching my new “training” plan for at least the next 30 days (February 6th)

Mondays – longest run (this will likely be a 4, 5, or 6 miler)

Tuesdays – Body Pump (as often as I can make this Tuesday class; I occasionally work on Tuesday evenings and the gym is 40 minutes from my house so winter weather may impact my ability to drive)

Wednesdays – short and faster run (winter conditions will impact my ability to do speed work, but I’ll do the best I can)

Thursdays – long interval runs (this will be the run I use to try to run longer and walk less – I hope to run a full 5K by this summer); also I will do a few reps of some boot camp exercises

Fridays – rest & hopefully date night with my husband

Saturdays – Body Pump class with my BBF (bestest bloggy friend, Kimberly)

Sundays – rest or maybe an easy run

As Kristin at Bigger Girls Can Run Too said earlier this week, this is my ideal training plan – I’ll do my best to make it happen!

What does the rest of your January training look like?

Chapter 2 page 513–N2U CT Challenge January edition

Surely by now you’ve heard about (Just) Trying is for Little Girls’ New 2 You Cross Training Challenge?  No?  Click HERE and get signed up – it’s fun, it’s easy (okay so that’s up to you), and it’s free.

Today, Kimberly from Healthy Strides and I did Body Pump this morning at the same Big City gym where we did Boot Camp back in December.  The gym which is a 40 minute drive from my house is just launching this class so it began today with a FREE intro class- can’t beat doing one of my favorite group exercise classes WITH my friend and for FREE!!!!

I used to do Body Pump more than 10 years ago when I lived in Virginia and FELL.IN.LOVE!!!  Today’s hour long class was just like I remember – so challenging, but so fun. 

I was able to snap a few photos for your entertainment -

After our sweat fest, we went out to eat breakfast . . . and to have a little Auntie time with Kimberly’s A-DOR-ABLE son (happy 6 months Mr. Miles!).  Kimberly made a wise protein rich choice with a Greek skillet. Me?  Well, I had heard a-maz-ing things about Angle Food French Toast and just knew I needed to try it  . . . it would make a GREAT dessert.  I brought one slice home for my husband – he loved it.

So our New 2 You Cross Training Challenge Update . . .

January – Body Pump  . . . DONE!

Do you prefer to exercise on your own or participate in a class?

I’m 100% a group exercise FAN (no doubt you all already knew that about me – shocker, I know.  If it involves being social – I’m there!)

What’s your favorite group exercise class?

I LOVE several of the Les Mills classes including Body Pump, Body Attack, and Body Flow.  I really like doing Zumba as well.