Training Tuesday!

It's Tuesday, so that means a session with Kyle!  After the weekend I had I told him yesterday that he needed to kick my butt...and he succeeded.  I already can't get up from a chair without dying.

Here's the just of what we did:
Sprint set #1
5 minute bike warm up
10 minute sprint set on the bike 2 minutes easy, 30 seconds sprint

Set #1 (repeat twice)
15 squat presses with 10 pound dumbbells
15 lunges with plate over head (10 pounds) each side
15 kettle bell swings with a 15 pound bell
:30 second wall sit

Sprint set #2
10 minute sprint set on the treadmill
1 minute walk, 1 minute fast jog, 30 second all out sprint

Set #2 Plate workout (go through only once)
30 second over head plate hold
15 reps bicep curls
15 reps plate lift
15 reps overhead lift
15 reps overhead tricep
10 around the worlds (each side)
30 second bus driver

Set #3
1 minute crunches
1 minute russian twists
1 minute reverse crunches
30 second side plank (each side)
1 minute plank
Arm mountain (this was my suggestion and I definitely regretted it)
1 push up, one lat pull down (no equipment or weight, just the arm movement) then repeat all the way up to ten.  I can guarantee that your arms will be complete noodles.

Here's to another great day or tri training workouts!

Until tomorrow :)

C

Goals

It's officially race week!  My goals for this week may look a little different than normal.  This week is all about finding me again.  This weekend was awesome in the fact that I got to spend time with Bailey and some other friends, but there has been a lot of drama as well, so I need to re-find my center.

My main and most important goal for this week is to take the high road and avoid un-necessary confrontation.
Eat all healthy meals.
Workout Monday-Thursday.
Swim Monday and Wednesday nights (last swim seshs, hopefully I can find me a swimming buddy)
Stay Positive.
Rely on friends when I need to!
Get off campus when things are too tough.
Drink lots of water.
Have a killer workout with Kyle on Tuesday.

Until tomorrow :)
C

Great Weekend Visit

Bailey came up to visit this weekend and it was GREAT!

Saturday we started off the trip with a session from Kyle.  Her and Annie both got to experience the pain that he puts me through every week, but it was an absolute blast.
Then we had breakfast with the guys, came home, got ready, and went to the mall.

Naturally, we only went to three stores: JCPennys, Sheels, and GNC.  We tried these new post workout bites and my lord they were yummy.  I'd definitely give them a shot if you are looking for a healthy chocoaltely treat!  They taste just like malted milk balls.

After shopping we came home and watched a movie and made a delicious dinner.  Pecan crusted chicken, squash, pea pods, strawberries, and kiwi.  So healthy and so yummy.  Then we had to make the day complete with a froyo run.


I am so glad that we got to hang out this weekend in preparation for next weekend.  HELLO 6 days until this tri and it's supposed to rain every single day!  Ahhhh how are we supposed to train in this nonsense?

Until tomorrow, 

C

Tri Training

This week has been crazy with getting back into the school groove and training for this triathlon.

Yesterday, Nate and I did the entire thing.  It was intense to say the least and we stopped and ate dinner between the run and swim.  Since the pool didn't open until late we had to bike, run, and then swim.  I was absolutely dying on the bike...it was no fun and Nate was very obviously waiting for me.  Then we kept a good pace for the run (about 30 minutes from start to finish) and then the swim was cake (for me) but Nate would definitely tell you otherwise.  He did awesome though,  before last night he hadn't ever done a flip turn and by the end he was doing super well!  I was so proud of him, he's going to make a great tri partner next week.

I wore the official suit for the first time for the swim last night and everything was held in, so that's definitely exciting. I think I am going to run and bike in it this weekend too, just to make sure nothing crazy happens.

Today was Scholarship and Creativity day so we didn't have class.  So naturally I started my day with a session from Kyle (I can barely walk)  and after doing the tri last night his leg day was not a welcome burden, but I did survive. 

Then I had a poster session for my math class and here's a picture of Annie and I after our presentations! 

I did mine on how to teach rigid motions to a kindergarten class.  It was fun to see all the different ideas my peers had to teach the same themes. 

Until tomorrow (actually), 

C

Goals

Here are my goals for this nice short week back at school!
Increase water intake
Workout everyday
Get a run, bike, and swim in
Get ahead on homework
Spend as much time with friends as you can
Long run Sunday morning with Bails
Have a blast with Kyle for two workouts this week
Start food logging again (took a break to enjoy Easter weekend with the fam)

Set some solid yet attainable goals for this week! 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Easter Weekend Recap

This weekend has been insane!

Thursday:
Came home after class.  Had a chiropractor appointment and got my hair cut, then went out to dinner with a family that I used to swim with.  It was really great to catch up after not seeing them in a couple of years.

Friday:
Full day of work at Granite then I went to Natalie's to pick Annie up for a GNO with Kenzie at Nacho Mama's.  It was absolutely delicious.  I had the street tacos and they were to die for.  All of the servings there are enormous, but this was actually moderately portioned, three corn tortilla tacos with chicken, cilantro, and pico.  I even had enough left for lunch on Saturday.

Saturday:
Full day of work at Granite then came home and had dinner with Mom and Dad.  It was nice actually getting to sit down and have a meal togehter.  After dinner, I worked on my final project for math class. I may have stayed up a little too late, but it is officially complete.  I seriously cannot believe that I only have four weeks of school left.  Where did the time go?

TODAY!
Happy Easter everyone!
I may have gone a little overboard today, but it was totally worth it.
I met Katie, Bailey, Brett, and Derrik at 6am this morning to do the Main Street Stairs, hill sprints, a Pioneer Park (arms and legs) workout, and a bike ride.  We worked out for about an hour and a half and burned about 850 calories.  Now bring on the danishes.
When I got home I definitely had two pieces of danish and some egg bake.  YUM!
Then we packed up the boats and headed down to the river.  It was great being back out on  the open water.  There weren't many people out so it was nice to just cruise.
And instead of traditional Easter food for lunch we had hot dogs, baked beans, chips, and smores.  Could it get any better?



I am so thankful to have spent my day with such great family and friends.


Until tomorrow,

C

Pilates + Kyle Workout Day 2

Today....this happened. 10 inches of snow. DISGUSTING! It is not supposed to look like this in APRIL! Does the man upstairs not realize that I need to swim, bike, and run my way to a finish line in like two and a half weeks? All I want to do is bike and run outside!

On a lighter note, I feel so much better today! Jaw is almost back to normal and I can eat some solid foods.  Score for me!  After class I did some homework and (didn't feel 100%) decided to be ambitious and go to pilates and see if I could squeeze some extra cardio in afterwards.  So naturally instead of just doing cardio and pilates I choose to do another Kyle workout after pilates. MY ARMS ARE NOW JELLO. That's why I pay him the big bucks I guess. Right?  As I was filling my sauce pan with the three cups of water for my noodles and my arm was legitimately shaking...for real....it's sad....but dinner was delicious so that totally made up for it! I am trying to do all three workouts in a row to see how I feel.  So tomorrow is day three (abs and core), so Bails will probably be dragging me up the stairs on Sunday if my soreness is anything like I imagine it being. Oh well, I have to think of how awesome it will be to wear tank tops and cute dresses to work this summer.  

WORTH EVERY OUNCE THE TIME AND EFFORT. 

1 serving Barilla plus pasta

2c homemade red sauce (turkey sausage, tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms)

Can't wait to be home again tomorrow and get all ready for a HUGE weekend of work and homework.  Welcome to the life of a college student. 

Until tomorrow, 

C

Goals

So sorry that this is a day late, but I promise I have a valid excuse.

After getting back to school Sunday night and going to work and class on Monday I couldn't talk or eat without being in severe pain.  Someone please remind me why I faint?  So I got back in the car last night and went home in hopes of seeing the chiropractor this morning.  I got my jaw adjusted this morning and already feel a little better! Yay! I have three more appointments this weekend and hopefully by Monday I will be back to my regular self.

Here are my goals for the week:

Not worry about what I am eating anything that is soft and sounds good is totally fine. I need to eat!
Workout at least four times this week.
Get a bike and a (short) run in.
Stairs with Bailey on Sunday! YAY!
Try to stay grounded with stress and homework


Until tomorrow :)

C

LaCrosse Game and Reconnecting

Last night was the big Tommie Johnnie LaCrosse game and in true Catherine fashion a crazy day can't go completely smooth...ever.

I didn't have work or class yesterday so I got a lot done around here.
Laundry (check)

Great healthy lunch (check)

6 mile run (check)
Big chunk of end of the semester projects (check)
Faint (check)

Yes, you read that correctly. I fainted again yesterday. UGH! I am so frustrated with this.
ALL I WANT TO DO IS RUN AND NOT FEEL LIKE DEATH. And of course I hit my chin and so that is just a beautiful battle wound now.  My friends are also making sure that I won't forget these wonderful accidents, so the fainting jokes and their constant worry is quite hilarious.  Yesterday, my amazing roommate wouldn't let me go anywhere without a buddy.  I am seriously so grateful that she was in the room when it happened.  I got really lucky. I hit my bed frame and then landed on our very soft concrete floor right behind our door, so I am glad she was inside with me and not coming through the door.

Yesterday, right after it happened....

This morning, looking much better, but now my jaw is super sore.  It's going to be a soft food diet today.

After the game, I got to see a friend from HS that I haven't seen in ages.  Although they lost (insert mischievous laugh here) in a nail biter overtime, he played really well and I was happy I got to see and talk to him even if it was just for a couple of minutes. I really think that we take relationships for granted and we really need to take some extra time and preserve our friendships, no matter the distance.


Today, I picked up a shift at work, so it'll be a fun day at the office then a mother daughter date tonight!  I'll be sure to give you a full recap tomorrow :)

Until tomorrow,

C

Inspiration

Since we can never be too inspired to work our as*es off in the gym everyday.

For me I need to think of why the heck I do what I do when my clothes are soaked with sweat, my hair is all messed up when I am at the gym at St. John's, and when all I want to do is eat an entire cheesecake.  BECAUSE I WANT TO CHANGE MY LIFE! I want to be the best person I can be.

Today, I had a moment in the gym (at St. John's) I was doing the lat machine and I was working it hard core between a sprint set and a rope climb and some guy was just staring at me and I didn't realize I was doing 75 pounds of resistance....whoops.  I officially reached beast mode.

Since we all want to get the guy....

The five year reunion or reconnecting with a friend from HS tomorrow for the first time....

Because I want to finish my next half faster than my first. 

Because I will run a marathon.

 And for every other reason you can think of.

We can do whatever we set our minds to. END OF STORY! 

So what are you going to do today to make your dreams a reality?

Until tomorrow, 

C

Easy Food Ideas

Food. We love it.  We hate it.  We resent it.  We regret it. But let's be real, we need it! 

So here are some super easy and super healthy suggestions for REAL LIFE because let's be real no one has time for any of this crazy complex meal making.

Lunch idea: 

1c sweet potato and quinoa chips

1oz cheese (whatever is your favorite) 

3oz turkey breast (lunch meat)

2T salsa (My favorite is Minnesalsa) 

1 mango sliced

I heated the turkey and cheese in a saute pan so that it tasted similair to a grilled cheese. 

Snack idea: 

I am currently loving this for any treat or snack. 

1 part chia seeds to 2 parts almond milk

I let it hang out together in a tupperware container overnight mixing it a couple of times to make sure the seeds are not clumped together.  Then when I am ready to eat it I portion it into 1/2 c containers. I will be the first to tell you that I didn't love this when I first tried it (maybe last July), but I seriously cannot say enough good things about it now.  It keeps me full, it tastes decent, it's something sweet, and it's not bad for me! Top it with some whipped cream and it's a beautiful treat. 

Woot woot! 

Dinner idea: 

4 oz beef medallion (sliced) 

1c mushrooms

1c spaghetti squash

 Sautee the meat in 1T butter, then add the mushrooms and ta da it's done.  I also pre-cooked the squash so I just had to microwave it and toss it on the plate. Delish. 

Here are some healthy tidbits to remember.

Your weight is not your worth.

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Goals!

Here are my major goals for the week:
-focus on eating only when actually hungry
-use peanut butter and dried fruit as treats and desserts
-make every workout count
-stay focused on the long term, not daily trials and errors
-use training workouts as motivation for the goals I want to accomplish
-swim, bike, and run at least once this week

Countdown to TRI!
26 days

Until tomorrow :)

C

Scale Article

I hope you all got the chance to read the weight/scale article I posted yesterday!  This article means a lot to me because like I said I have been having some scale issues. When I met with Kyle the other day although it was at 5:30 at night) I stepped on the scale and saw 188 (usually I am between 175-178)....I know that isn't what I weigh and I had obviously eaten and drank water that day, but still that freaked me out A LOT! I never want to be close to 200 pounds again.  It is just very discouraging to see that my body fat percentage and bmi put me in the category of obese, but then the number of push ups (38) and sit ups (42) in a minute put me at the 90th percentile for my age group. Ugh. So frustrating. 

I emailed Sara and naturally she had some great insights:
Totally ditch the scale.  The scale is a simple measure of our weight.  Not our lean weight or fat weight.  That being said, getting to your 1/2 marathon goal or even tri and weighing more than you thought could take away the powerful meaning of those huge triumphs.  I know it's hard, hard, hard to not get stuck on the scale, but it never really helps us in the big picture.  Weighing once in a while (once a month) isn't a bad thing, but use other sources of accountability to note your progress.  Perhaps a pair of jeans or something.

When I train hard and my body fat goes down, sometimes my jeans get tighter.  I can see the muscle tone, and I can tell my butt looks higher and better, but I can also let them bug me.  I know if I stopped training hard my jeans would get loose due to muscle loss, but I want fit and health more than I want loose pants.  

I am suggesting you give up the pursuit of what you think is perfect and go for the goal that will keep you feeling good, confident, and strong.  That, in almost every situation, will result in the other things you are  hoping for, but you won't need to fixate on them. 

I hope that makes sense.  You have changed so much since the day I met you and I do find your inspiring and beautiful.  I would never want some number on a scale or pair of pants to say otherwise.  You've come too far for that silliness.

Everyday, ask yourself how YOU can improve your health, confidence, and strength.  I think you will find motivation to eat for health, and exercise for strength and confidence.  Don't be hard on yourself, see the best in everything you are working on - if you've been critical of yourself, I think the attitude shift could make a big difference.  

I know that's long and drawn out, but I took a lot away from what she said and figured I would share in hopes someone else can gain something too! 

For a mid-weekend recap...I did come home this weekend for a family funeral.  Although this was a sad time for the family I am very glad that I came home to share this time with them and see family that I hadn't seen for quite some time. 

Friday- 
Came home after class 

Made a great dinner. 

Whole wheat pasta from Trader Joe's 
Peas and Broccoli
Shrimp
Salsa de Parmigana from Brine's 

Then made a quick run to Charming Charlies to pick up B's birthday present.  Of course, I couldn't just go in and buy one thing, so I came out with two things for me. 

Great nude necklace

Cute wedges for work

Saturday- 
Stairs at 6am with Bails
Funeral 
Papa Murphy's DeLight pizza for dinner...God's gift of pizza in a semi healthy form. 

Tried Arctic Zero Ice Cream.  SUPER GOOD, a definite recommendation. 

Make the rest of the weekend great! 

Until tomorrow :) 

C

Scales....

I have been struggling with the idea of the scale and my true weight and what it means to be healthy lately.  I want to encourage you to read this article today and later I will provide my own commentary. 

Give it a read and then I'd love for all of us to share our thoughts. 

http://www.tonygentilcore.com/blog/should-you-use-scale-weight-as-a-measure-of-success/

Until later :)

C

First meeting with the new trainer!!

Today was a HUGE deal!  I finally got to meet with a personal trainer.  I am so excited that he is so willing to help me on phase two of this crazy journey.

Kyle is part of this new program called Johnnie Fitness. Check it out here!  During the session today I got weighed, BMI, and body fat measured (I hate that....ugh....never good news) and did some fitness testing.
A mile in under 10:00 (check!)
38 push ups in a 1:00 (check!)
42 sit ups in 1:00 (check!)

I cannot wait to see how these things change over the next six weeks.  I will be meeting with him once a week to train and get new workouts.  This is such an exciting time for me I now have the fire under my butt to really get me on track with eating totally healthy, not splurging on crap food, and working out harder than ever before. (Obviously because I need to show Kyle what I can do!)

I also had the chance to share my story with Kyle.  He was so interested and even said he was "inspired and motivated" by me!  ME! I can't believe it.

So excited to share what he has to teach me!  Stay tuned.

Until tomorrow :)

C

P.S. I officially registered for the tri today!  One month from tomorrow and I will be biking, swimming, and sprinting my way through another finish line.

April Arm Challenge

Happy April Fools Day!

On another blog I follow (and you should too) Tanee proposed an April Arm Challenge, so naturally WE ARE going to do it!

http://fromfattofitchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/april-arm-challenge.html

Here's all the information you need to get started.  It'll seriously take 5 minutes a rep and if you do it two or three times your arms will be fabulous by the end of the month!

On another note I am meeting with a trainer at school tomorrow and I am SUPER excited :) You'll obviously get a full recap tomorrow night.

Until tomorrow :)

C