CTS Day #3 (100% orange juice, maple syrup, water)

Today was a little tough....well at least in the morning. While I slept GREAT last night and awoken enerigized and ready to conquer the world, I did have a slight headache around 9am. They say that when you have the "hunger pains" (which in my case is the headache), you are to "take a shot" of your juice. So that is what I did....SHOTS FOR EVERYONE!!!! Lol. To also help "fill me up", I chased the orange juice (remixed) with purified water. This not only helped to take the headache away, but I am also staying hydrated as well.

For those who may not know, when I consume to much citrus (especially oranges) my face starts to break out. Some of you may experience the same, but many I know are not effected at all my to much citrus in there system. Me don't likey that...lol...but I feel the water as a chaser will help to keep me silky smooth...lol

I was a little confused on actually how much of the juice I was suppose to consume for today. If you look back at the link I provided for the information on the diet (click here), it doesn't really say how much on day 3 of the "ease in" phase you are suppose to consume...but 2 liters has been a consistent measurement throughout this entire process, so that is what I am trying to stick with. To be honest with you all, by the time I got to 9:30 am this morning, I only had 12ounzes of my first liter to finish....so I took a break and started on the water..that helped me a lot.

To switch things up a little (for my metabolism was on fire last night), I decided to go do my work out during my lunch time versus after work. This way, when I returned to work, I'm keeping myself busy as my body begs to be fed. I actually did 2.71 miles of JOGGING on the treadmill! Yaaay me!!!!! I have to definitely keep this progress up.

At around 4:30 pm today, I experience my "downer" moment. This is when my body started to get tired and wanted to sleep ASAP. To combat this (and a slight case of tongue coating from the juice...yuk!), I started drinking some purified water to fill me up and wake me up. That seem to get me back on track to finish strong at work and then to be productive for the evening.

Right now, I feel ok. I am tired, not weak, and just want to go to sleep. I definitely got my 2 liters of juice in....even though I am craving one of my homemade juiced fruit...but I will get threw it. Tomorrow starts the actually lemonade diet...and on NYE at that...lol. But I am sure I will be ok. Up until now, my body is use to not eating all my fav foods (like twizzlers, chips and salsa or pretzels and cheese.....I mean I can go on and on family...lol).

Day 3...out of the way...BRING ON THE LEMONADE. Lol. Be blessed family!

CTS Day #2 (all juiced fruit and veggies)

You all will be so proud of me today! I actually made it to the gym to work out. I did 3 miles of walking/light jogging on the treadmill. Since I am taking in way less than usual, I had to alter my work out plan to fit my current (and temporary) needs. I burned about 300 calories and walked about 2.5 miles in the process!

On today's menu, I went back and forth on soup broth mixed with vegetable juice and blended (juiced) fresh fruit. Heating the broth up and drinking it like tea was very fulfilling and I was able to "psych" myself out as well.

Only at around 2:30pm did I start to get a headache. I am still trying to determine where this headache is coming from.....hunger....psychological.....nerves, etc. In the end, it did not win (lol) and I did. Usually the headache is a cue to me that it is time for me to eat...so I broke out my veggie broth...yummy.

They say the way you handle the first few days of "easing in" will determine the success of the over all cleanse.....I guess we will see if I make it threw huh. So far, I've only experienced one time of ultimate hunger and two headaches. Again, I stopped and went to the thrown and asked for MORE strength and used scripture that I know by heart as personal motivation. I also received a woman's encouragement/inspiring/motivational book from my mother for the holidays...I began my day with a reading from it and plan to end on the same note.

Day 2 of the Lemonade Diet............SPANKED!!!!! Lol. Stay encouraged and be blessed family.

Cleansing the Soul (CTS) Day 1

A very quick check in from me tonight family. So far, day went great! No cheating and I stucked to my eating plan (click back to previous post). I will say that I did start to get headaches around 3:45 ish tonight, but I decided that maybe it was time for me to eat (lol), and I had dinner, water and some sugar free gum. In order to help conquer this (mind over matter), I actually stopped and said a small prayer to refocus me on what I was doing (folding clothes..BTW) and soon the headache was gone.

I wanted to share with you a neat thing I did with my veggies today. I steamed some corn and green peas. Threw both in a mixing bowl and added some chopped tomatoes...and discovered a delicious healthy dish. I only used pepper (black) and a hint of Mrs. Dash (no salt, butter, etc were used). The tomatoes gave the veggies some kick and added sweetner to help coat them to taste. After this is all over, I must try this again. I ate on this for lunch and dinner. I also warmed up some vegetarian broth and had as a snack..the morning was a little difficult so I had this in my stash.

Tomorrow is all juice. Fruit and veggies have to be in liquid form. Since I do not have a juicer, I have taken out ALL my frozen fruit and plan to blend it with some water to "juicify" (yes I just made up a word) it. Instead of the herbal laxative tea, I actually continued on with my ACV to help with daily toxin release until I start fully on liquids...then the tea will come into play.

Originally, I had planned to work out, but since I was up uber early for work, I decided to pass. Tomorrow, however, I plan to do 2-4 miles on the treadmill (walking...no runnin). I decided to take my work out down a bit for I know how my adrenaline gets pumping, and heavily desires food afterwards...but I will be on total liquids and water so that is a no go. Lol. I guess we will see.

As for vitamins, I was suggested to not take any, but I did take my allergy meds and some of my all natural supplements (joints, etc). This will all cease by Wednesday of this week.

Until tomorrow family...the orAKAle has spoken......

What's On Your Playlists.....

So I've been speaking with a few followers, and chatting with others about what music to listen to while working out. As you all are aware, I have a regimen that I try to stick with and the majority of the time I am using my Ipod to get threw my workouts (especially when I am forcing myself to stay on schedule:)

First, big shouts out to my girl TraBoogie (on twitter) for putting the question out to the masses, to gather ideas for her play work out list. Below are the top 20 songs (in no order) that always make the cute on one of my many list I've created to be productive while working out:


~ "Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas
~ "Imma Be" - Black Eyed Peas
~ "I Got A Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas

(can you tell I really like them...lol)

~ Technologic (radio edit) - Draft Punk
~ Working Day and Night - Micheal Jackson
~ Forever - Chris Brown
~ Universal Mind Control - Common
~ Pocketbook - Jennifer Hudson
~ Super Friend - Mary Mary
~ Get Up - Mary Mary
~ God in Me - Mary Mary

(great motivators and good steady beat for running)

~ Poker Face - Lady Ga Ga
~ Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus (don't judge me....lol)
~ Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
~ Thats Not My Name - The Ting Tings
~ Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
~ I Still Love You - 702
~ I'm Goood - Clispe (a recent addition)
~ Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
~ I Know You Want Me - Pitbull

I also listen to a variety of spiritual podcasts and gospel music. Some of my favs that I am cureently subscribed to:

~ ABP King James Version - One Hour a Day
~ Joyce Meyer
~ Joel Olsteen
~ Bill Winston Ministries


Honestly, planning out my work out play lists is a serious matter. I'm a firm believer that what I plug into my ears sets the tone for the attitude throughout my time at the gym, or outside on the pavement (running/jogging/walking). At times when I am feeling low or conscious (due to a set back or a bad day), my playlists, podcast and other music cheers me up to GET UP and GET MOVING.

What songs are on your playlists for exercising family........?

November Activity Plan

And I'm back family......

For those who know me or follow me on Twitter @efficient1, I like to switch up my workout regimen. I totally believe in tricking the body so it doesn't get complacent and stop burning fat (dropping unwanted pounds). Most health professionals will agree that switching up your routine every 4-6 weeks helps to restart the body so it will continue to burn fat and develop muscle. Also, it helps with keep your blood pressure regular and reduces your risk of heart attacks/strokes.

As I continue with my healthy living goals (and as I prepare for my international trip), I decided to implement a special exercise regimen for the month of November. Since this is the first month since August that I am not traveling all over the country(lol), I figure I could make some headway on my weight loss and body toning initiatives.

A few weeks ago I posted my current healthy living regimen (click here) that was inclusive of eating, spiritualitg and exercising (and a few other things). I'm still following those tips, but I wanted to be more detailed in the actual activities to get my heart pumping on a weekly basis. See below for this month's plan:


Workouts
Julian Micheals "30 Day Shred"
Beach Body's "Turbo Jam" and "Hip Hop Abs"
Gym regimen - 3m run on treadmill, row machine & stair climber/bike

Frequency
4-6x's a week ( a minimum of 4 is a must)

So what is your regimen this month family? Do you actually sit and plan out how you will get up and moving daily? Have you been wanting to try something different to spice up your workout life? WELL TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! I challenge all of you all to post your regimens this month on either your blogs, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. Feel free to put them in the comment section below as well. We are all in this together. Be blessed....

I'm Still Here

HEY ALL,

I'm still here. I know I've been absent, but my travel and work schedule is out of control this month (remember I warned you...). Anywho, I wanted to at least give you an update on my weight loss journey and the GF4C plan...

The marathon is this weekend and due to work commitments, I was not able to participate...but I will be there in spirit. If its any constillation, I am up to running 3 miles and over, so I definitely accomplished that goal.

While I've tried my best to eat on the eating plan, its been very difficult due to me not being at home and living in and out of hotels (which are always fun right.....:(). I've been pushing the water excessively and focusing on fruits and veggies (fresh as much as possible). I've limited or eliminated carbs in my daily meals (to have some self control) and I exercise as much as I can.

Recently, my knee has been very achy and sor so I've been taking it easy. This week thus far I've only worked out two days. When I'me exhausted, I take it easy so I don't get burned out. I originally planed to work out today, but I literally just got into my area of work and want to sleep. The goal is to work out at least Saturday and possible tomorrow so I can have 3-4 days work out this week.

When I weighed myself with Coach Johnson half way threw the program, I lost 5 lbs. While I felt like I was heavier, I was actually lighter (technically). Now, I feel as though my mid section is out of control but everything else is getting smaller. I can definitely see a little of the toning definition in my body and my clothes still fit loose, but that tummy.....I guess we will see huh...

Life happens you know...this is my current employment and October is crazy for me. But I am staying prayed up and positive even if the outcome is not what I want it to be. I ask that you all keep me lifted as I continue on my journey towards getting fitter for the Lord.

Be blessed!

Exercise Log #33

As you may remember, I mentioned that I will be in and out of my home over the next month. Its starts today. So to start my month off right, I decided to get up early today and work out. I plan to take the Get Fit 4 Christ DVD with me to do in my hotel room before I start my day. At least this way, I am still on the program's activity schedule, as I battle finding good food essentials to continue to drop the weight. Below is today's regimen:



+ MVP "Get Fit 4 Christ" DVD = about 37 minutes total

+ Biggest Looser "Cardio Max" warm up, level 2 cardio and cool down = about 15 minutes total

+ Knee drop exercises (specifically given to me by my physical therapist for my "special knee" = 3 minutes total



I usually like to pair my work out DVD's together to get between a 45-60 minute work out. Another thing I like to do right afterward is ice my knee and to do my daily bible study. This way I am keeping God all up in my daily regimen (lol) and also can give thanks and praise for the work out I just completed.

I give God thanks for waking me up every morning and reminding me WHY I am getting fit for him. I also give glory for allowing me the opportunity to read and study his word on a daily basis. Praying is becoming easier (and more comfortable) and I am noticing that I am starting to learn the order of the chapters faster as well...another goal I had. Once you start, it becomes habit.

I want to encourage all that are following my journey to try to do the same. Start off small and then build your way up. It will become easier and don't worry, God knows you are trying, but you are to meet him at least half way and you will be surprised at the wonders he will do. Be blessed family!

Exercise Log #32

I'm very excited about my day today. I actually had to work for 3 hours today, but got a great work out in...and I went to the gym. HA...haven't been there in awhile. Below is today's work out:


+ Stationary bike = 12 minutes (100 calories)

+ Ab work/knee strength training (bad knee) = 10 minutes

+ Elliptical machine = 20 minutes (300 calories...and yes I did that many calories in such a short time)

+ Treadmill (jog/run) = 15 minutes (200 calories)


My goal today was to do a work out under 60 minutes (kinda went over), and to hit a 600+ calorie burn...and I did. See what happens when your motivated and determined to hit a short term goal?

I'm a firm believer in setting short term goals to achieve your long term goals. Simple daily exercise goals in your healthy regimen can work wonders. So proud of myself today.....now I'm off to ice my knee AND use icy hot for my "special knee" is fatigue and I'm in pain. Lol

Until later family....

Daily Food Journal/ Exercise Log #31

Today's work out was the Get Fit 4 Christ DVD only. I had originally planned to do a 20 minute DVD partnered with it, but I ran out of time. Tomorrow, I plan to get up and do the GF4C DVD and the 20 minute Turbo Jam. I have to work tomorrow and want to make sure my bible reading and work out comes FIRST before I give "the man" my day. Lol. Below is today's food journal:

Breakfast:
+ 2 pieces of whole wheat toast
+ 2 table spoon of reduced fat peanut butter
+ 2 tablespoon apple jelly
+ 4-5 ounces of herbal tea (with raw sugar for sweetening)

Morning snack:
+ NONE

Lunch:
+ 1 salmon fillet (cooked with olive oil margerine, peppar and onion powder)
+ 1 cup of mixed steamed veggies
+ 1 cup apple sauce

Afternoon Snack:
+ 1 fiber 1 bar

Dinner:
+ Subway sandwhich (green veggies, provolone cheese, light mayo)

Evening snack:
+ NONE

Water consumption = 64 ounzes
ACV= 2 teaspoon
Vitamin and Supplements = 2 women's one a day multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel:
I finally ran out of my Bragg's ACV, and decided to try a new one...Eden Organic. Its not that bad, if ACV can have a different taste from brand to brand. Lol. It was more economical AND the salespeople at the health food store suggested for me to try it as well. So far so good....as long as it keeps doing its job.

I have a few days at home this weekend, but next week I am traveling the entire tine. I plan to implement the veggie and fruit system of overloading myself so I don't over eat. As for snacks, I have fiber 1 bars and trail mix. I'm nervous for the last few weeks on the plan I am traveling in and out of town, but that is my life right now. I am confident that 5 lbs will continue to shed off by the end.

I've learned threw this journey that life happens...but we can't beat ourselves up about it. We must forge ahead and do the best we can with the decisions we've made. I am ok with the decisions that I make daily...I can do better, but I am not ashamed. Please remember this family. You will fall short sometimes, but you have to get back up.

I'm now trying to be healthy, not necessarily to drop a bunch of pounds. I want to continue to get fit for God so he can use me as he see fit. He can't use me if I have no energy, I'm not hydrated, I'm not getting sleep, my stress level is up, my blood pressure and cholesterol is up, etc. This is my motivation to take the good and bad and make the best of the situation. I hope you will do the same.

Keep me lifted family....

Exercise Log 23

I'm really getting into this whole getting up at 5:30 am to work out family! Lol. For those who follow me on twitter, you know that I use to do this daily and would post what I did after wards....even had a few followers "joining me" in the mornings to work out.

The first day I felt like I felt like I was dragging my butt out of bed, but today it was by habit. That is one thing I've always said, once you start you can't stop. While I had I couldn't run yesterday due to time constraints, doing these morning work out guarantee that a 50 minute work out gets in daily.

My joints are a little sore and again I am trying to determine if they are just fatiqued or that is actual PAIN. I may not run until next week to give my knees time to seriously heal (and to check to make sure I haven't injured it). Below is the workouts I did today:



Morning (5:30 am)
+ MVP Fitness "Get Fit 4 Christ" workout DVD
+ Turbo Jam "20 Minute Blast" workout DVD
(total time about 50 minutes)

Exercise Log 22

Yeah, I'm still here family. Work has been crazy and I barely have been finding time to sleep. I've gotten a little off course, but I jumped back on the road of success and getthing fit for the Lord. While I am slightly disappointed in myself, I had to sit and think about how far I've come thus far.

The "Get Fit 4 Christ" plan is suppose to help you shed 10 lbs in 40 days. To date, I have melted away 5 lbs, but I have to stay focused in order to shed 5 more (and hopefully more). I've been working out and attempting to eat on the plan, but it is a days journey family. I too have set backs and indulge, but with God as my strength, I can sit here and type this now and start again on m quest.

You know its hard to keep this blog and put myself out here to you family. Having another person(s) see you fail and succeed all at the same time is a very hunbling experience. While I don't mind sharing my journey with you all, sometimes (or at least I do) its embarrassing to log to the masses what you ate OR to admit you havent worked out in three days. Lol. Below is today's workout:


Morning (5:30 am)
+ MVP Fitness "Get Fit 4 Christ" workout DVD
+ Biggest Looser "Cardio Max" DVD (level 2 &3 workouts)
(total time about 50 minutes)

Exercise Log 18

Aaaaaaw shoot....I'm switched up the font AND color on your family...must be a good sign for today's workout. LOL. You would be right.

My body has recouperated all. My knee is not hurting as much AND my muscles are not super sore. Because of this, I took full advantage of today and working out. Below is a description of today's workout:

MVP Fitness - "Get Fit 4 Christ" Workout DVD
+ 5 four minute circuits in total
+ strength, abs, cardio and full body workouts rolled ALL INTO ONE
+ 3 spiritual messages (breaks in workouts) by Pastor Winan
+ 30-40 minute total time

While it may not seem like much, it was kicking my butt. I was soaking wet as if I just came back from running. Coach Johnson's method works family. If my body is perspiring in such a short amount of time (and I'm fatigued and muscles are burning), that means I am pushing my body in a short amount of time....and I love.

I don't know you about you family, but I have a busy life. Getting a quick 30-60 workout into my schedule is a challenge..but feasible. Thanks to Coach Johnson, the strength from God and MY OWN SELF DETERMINATION TO GET INTO SHAPE I'm making the time and making it work.

Today is a new day family! Be persistent, positive and proactive!!! Do not sit and make excuses for yourself. Whether you need to loose 100 lbs or 10 lbs you too can get fit for the Lord.

Be blessed!

Exercise Log 17

If you keep up with my post you would see that I have been hitting the work out hard and because of that dedicated work my joints are killing me...significantly. The only way I will make it to the marathon is if I pace myself BUT stay on track. How do I propose to do this.....I have no idea actually. Lol. I guess I will hit it hard on good knee days and then rest when I feel like it is about to give out...and fall off...:(

Today I did my Saturday cycle class for 50 minutes, with the intentions to run afterwards...but I couldn't get myself to do it....for I couldn't feel my knee...seriously.

What is the lesson, you can not push yourself over the limit, for you will be unproductive and not achieve your goals. Some of us are plagued with ailments and some of us are not, but I refuse to let that deter me from God's plan and the work he wants me to do. BUT I can not be a good servant if I can't walk.

The moral of this story is that, when in pain (or I've reached my limit)...imma take a seat, heal and then get back up and keep it moving. Be blessed family......

Exercise Log 14

I was on it today family! Coach Johnson was able to fit me into his busy schedule and I am so appreciative. Now I don't feel like the step child of the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program. Lol.

At the studio, I did multiple circuits from his work out DVD (which can be order by clicking here). While I felt like I was in there for a long time...and the exercises kept going FOREVER...lol...I actually was not there that long. I think in total I was there for 30 minutes. In that time, I did strength training (using weights and my body), cardio and ab work. That is the type of workout I'm talking about...straight to the point.

I'm so encouraged right now since I've lost 5 lbs. I knew walking into the studio today Coach Johnson was going to want to weigh me..lol..I mentally prepared myself..but stop and remembered that God told us that "no weapon shall form against you" and so I stop worrying about if "fat/pounds" (my giants) were going to win and conquer over me today. See its a lot of mental self control too family...you have to speak positive words into existence over your life. Do not allow the status quo or your past faults keep you in bondage (mental and physical) from achieving what God has in stored.

While my joints still ache (sp), I am still pushing threw SAFELY for I believe in the power of prayer and I serve a healing God. So I guess we will see. Tomorrow is boot camp with other program participants. Keep me lifted family....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #13

Yesterday's post is late I know, but better late than never family. I was super busy with work has to eat two meals outside of the meal plan...unplanned. This is the ways of my job, but I am excited to report that I am making good choices.

I'm feeling a little better on this day, then the day before. I have to stay focus and keep praying and reading so God stays the focus of my life. I'm so very blessed and gracious for Coach Johnson choosing me to be apart of this program. I want to make him proud, but also inspire my followers to try some of his techniques as well. I hope I won't let you down Lyle!

Please see below for my meals and workout routine for today:


Breakfast
+hard boiled eggs
Morning Snack:
+ 1 cup vanilla non fat yogurt
+ carrot sticks
Lunch (portions are estimation)
+ mexican rice (1 cup)
+ refied beans (1/4)
+ 1 cheese enchillada
+ salsa (1 teaspoon)

Lunch Snack (was like 3 hours later)
+ frosted flakes
+ soy milk
Dinner (was at AppleBee's with a work client)
+ Cajun Lime Talapia meal w/all broccoli (no rice)
Water Consuption: 64 ounzes
ACV: 1 tablespoon
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 pomegranite margarita



Workouts:

+ MVP Fitness Dumbell Blast circuit (2x) = 8 minutes

+ MVP Fitness Abs from Hell circuit (2x) = 8 minutes
+ Tabe Bo Basic Boot Camp = 35 minutes

Exercise Log Day 12

Today I did the MVP Fitness Boot Camp Workout DVD and I must say, I was sweating. Lol. I felt like I was at the actually boot camp sessions. I'm into this whole maximizing my lunch time, so I did both circuit workouts at my lunch time. Below is a list of my activity today:

Lunch time
MVP Boot Camp DVD - dumbell circuit (3xs) = 12 minutes
MVP Boot Camp DVD - Abs from Hell (2xs) = 8 minutes


Evening
Ran 3.6 miles in minutes


How do I feel:
I always get a little nervous as it gets closer to my weigh in time, for when I think I've done well, I get on the scale and I'm either really disappointed (gained) or content (stagnant)...I dont know. Tryin to break the cycle, but it is a challenge at this weight. Again, like I mentioned in my previous post, I am only really 20 lbs away from where I need to be, 30 lbs away from MY goal. I have a lot of muscle on my body, so to me its a challenge to get creative to trick the body to burn the "hidden" fat....oh but the scale doesn't lie. Lol.

Sorry for the short post and lack of inspiration to all, but even the motivational speaker gets down. I guess we will see if I can get it together and start fresh tomorrow....keep me lifted....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #9

I honestly planned to work out today, but due to my schedule, the fact I didn't take a vitamin AND I'm just plain exhausted from all the travel this week, I did not. That puts me at ONLY 3 days of working out. Tomorrow I have already mentally prepared for the my AM cycling class, along with running for 25 minutes. I do have a meeting to be at (that is an hour away may I add) so I will be pushing it, but I will make it work.

In my post yesterday, I mention the frustration and difficulty in sticking to an eating plan and traveling....I will continue to pump that message today in this post, for I still have not found a solution that works for me...BUT at least I am not eating fast food :)

Since I failed so horribly yesterday, I wanted to try day 3 of the eating plan again...I think I did pretty good. See the details below:

Breakfast
+ 3 egg white omelet
+ 1 cup spinach
+ onion and green peppers

Morning Snack
+ 1/2 cup cottage cheese
+ carrot chips
+ 1 small apple

Lunch
this meal was provided at my meeting, so I made the best choice possible...I was hungry
+ Veggie sandwich from domino's (it was not that good)
+ bad of chips
+ chocolate cookie

Afternoon Snack
+ Protein drink

Evening
+ Salad w/:
= 1 1/2 cups of spinach leaves
= 1 1/2 tablespoon of cottage cheese
= 2 tablespoon of FF italian dressing
+ 1 talapia fillet (seasoned with black peppar, ms dash and a hint of garlic salt) i don't eat shell fish, so I substituted the fish for the shrimp
+ 1 cup of mixed veggies (green beans, corn and carrot mix)


Water Consumption = 59.9 oz thus far (but it will be at 64 by the time I go to sleep)
Vitamins = B12,Iron and Biotin (totally slipping with my multi vitamin today
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

Very good question...how do I really feel. Its hard a times is my answer. I know that God will:
~ fight my battles
~ provide me with all my needs
~ keep his promises
~ use me to do his will
~ manifest blessings on HIS time
~ will not let anything come against me...for I am child of his

but even with this, I struggle to not revert back to taking back the burdens I laid on him (weight loss, success, etc) and fully trust that he will bring me threw. I open myself up like this to you family to show that we all have some doubts, but we have to remember to lean on the word and in times of doubt, stop and go to the throne (asking for more strength).

I'm reading Acts now (slightly behind with the program reading but trucking threw) and I love how the disciples were questioned and beaten because they were proclaiming the gospel to all and leading people to join Christ church. I guess my thought is if they can stand against those who were willing to beat them, lock them up and event condemn to death....can't I trust that God will deliver me from the mountains of insecurity with health weight management in my life........ponder on that family and be blessed.

Exercise Log Day 8

I know my post from yesterday is late, but better late than ever right!!!!

Family I did it....yes I got up at 5:30 am and was early to yesterday's boot camp. I actually showed up right before Coach Johnson (sorry I had to mention it). Lol. I worked out for less than an hour and had a GREAT work out. Thank goodness for this for the rest of my day (as far as eating) was a flop. Below are the details.

+ Boot Camp = 45 minutes

+ 1 mile run = less than 10 minutes

This post is short and to the point due to my crazy schedule today. On the agenda for tonight, TaeBo's Basic Boot camp and hopefully a 25 minute run. To be conitnued....

Exercise Log Day 6 (late edition)

Disclaimer - I had wireless connection issues so I apologize for the tardy post!

Every day I am so thankful that God gives me yet another day to be active and to get physically in shape. Through out my day I see many people who are either wheelchair bound or need some sort of assistance to do daily things. That is my motivation for given God all glory and taking advantage of the opportunity, to participate in this program, to train for a 5k.

Last night I participated in the MVP Boot Camp (info can be found here) for the first time in over a month. Coach Johnson never lets us down with those sessions. Lol. It was very invigorating and felt good to get back into my activities. Waking up this morning I felt sore, which is always a good sign.

Today I plan to run 2.5 miles straight to continue the training for the October 5k. I am confident that I will be able to complete it under 45 minutes (that is my goal).

Until later family....

Exercise Log Day 5

While I know Coach Johnson sent out the DVD work outs via you tube link, I have not had the chance to do them...yet another thing I plan to start tomorrow. Considering its the holiday, I am proud that I was able to get to the gym today. Below is a detail of what I did:

+ Warm up - Upright bike for 20 minutes (level 5-10) + 30 minutes on the ARC trainer (legs and arms moving...strides = running). This was the "fat burner setting)

+ Ab work out (laid on matt, held sisters ankles and she random threw my legs from rt/lft and center). Very difficult exercise. Did two reps of these

I plan to do better tomorrow for I will FINALLY get to attend the evening boot camp. I hear its more advance and am very excited.

How do I feel
While at times I feel at a disadvantage, I like the fact that I am altering the program as needed, as an online person. I feel I have a good work out regimen at home, so I have been incorporating that into my GF4C program as I go. Instead of complaining or looking for ways that I am NOT receiving, I'm instead given God all honor and praises that I get up every morning and can actually work out daily.

My joints have been holding up well. Considering last week I ran over 2.5 straight, I feel confident that I will be ready for the 5k on October 10th. My issues is will I be 10+ lbs lighter? At a smaller size (but still over weight) it is harder to drop pounds. I've been trying to find ways to trick my body to shock it into dropping lbs and not the muscle i've gained. I guess we will see in four more weeks if its working.

To be continued family....