28 Day Challenge

Over the past almost 2 years I have counted calories to drop the weight I have. But now I have gotten too complacent with my eating habits and I have stalled and gained some weight back. I tried the State of Slim plan and I failed at it miserably. I could not get past the idea of being in the same phase for more than one week at a time. It just did not work for me.

So my friend Jen looked into SOS and the Fast Metabolism Diet to see which one fit her lifestyle. She tried the Fast Metabolism Diet which has 3 phases that are cycled in one week. The first phase focuses on fruits and grains. Second phase is vegetables and protein. Third phase are a combination of the first two phases plus healthy fats/oils.

This program even tells you which exercises to do on each phase. Phase 1 is all cardio; walking, running. Phase 2 is all about weight lifting. Phase 3 is yoga, massage, stuff that centers you.

I decided that I needed a change, a challenge to get me going again. Here I am, day 1 starting of the 28 day challenge. Gone are my calorie counting days. Gone are my complete self control of what I eat. I am trusting the Fast Metabolism Diet to get the rest of my weight down. There is no cheating anymore, I am eating to the T. Here I go, jumping in to it, I am all in and ready to make a change. I am not sure what the results will be but stay tuned to hear about what happens!

Tuesday Weigh In

I knew going into this weigh in that I was going to be up. But I did not realize how up until I looked at the number on the scale. I am pretty sure I screamed like a little girl because I was in shock about how much it had gone up! 

2 weeks ago: 181 lbs

Today: 193.8 lbs

Holy crap! That is like a serious 12 lbs in 2 weeks! I know it is not 100% accurate but still that is a seriously scary jump in numbers. It certainly has me rethinking and retraining myself in a few different ways.

1. Listen to your body to identify when if you are hungry or tired
2. Determine whether you are hungry or thirsty
3. Leave 2 hours between meals.
4. Keep calm, the food will always be there!
5. Get reorganized and plan, prep and plan!

So here I am, recommitting as of yesterday to get my butt in gear again. Am trying the Fast Metabolism Diet to see if that will help jump start things once again. I am going to try something I ignore normally and workout just as they say. Hopefully next week will be much nicer to me. But only I have control over that.

Here I go, jumping in to another week but I am taking back control! I can do this! Check out Julie and Amy while you are at it. :)

14 Runs for 2014

I absolutely adore running. It is one of my go to outlets for stress relievers. It makes me a happy camper and I have the opportunity to think when I am running or just ignore the world. Depends on what the case may be.

Last year I was fortunate to run 3 races and I decided that this year I would tackle some more difficult stuff to see if I can do more than I ever thought.

My goal for the year?

14 races for 2014

Crazy I know, but it is a fun challenge and I love all the perks that come with running.. You know the technical shirt/jacket, mug, medal, endorphin's when the buzzer goes off to start the race, the feeling of accomplishment when you hit the finish line. Those things have driven me to meet my challenge.

So here are the races I have signed up for/done so far. I am still in need of 1 more race which I am sure will get fit in towards the end of the year. Currently I will have covered 75.5 miles!

March

30th Love Run - Philadelphia, PA - Half Marathon

supports Philadelphia Education Supplies Fund

April

6th Hot Chocolate Run - Philadelphia, PA - 15K

supports Ronald McDonald House

13th Rutgers Unite Run - Piscataway, NJ - 8K

supports Rutgers University

26th Tapper/Hicks Freedom Run - Atco, NJ - 5K

supports David Tapper & the Jon T. Hicks, Jr Scholarship Funds

May

31st Color Run - Hershey Park, PA - 5K

supports International Rett Syndrome Foundation 

June

8th Champions for Children - Bridgewater, NJ - 5K

supports Foster and Adoptive Family Services

29th Ice Cream Run - New Smyrna Beach, FL - 5K

supports Community Non-Profits

July

4th Independence Run - Berlin, NJ - 5K

supports Knights of Columbus

12th Dirty Girl Mud Run - Schnecksville, PA - 5K

supports Bright Pink

September

13th Diva Dash - Philadelphia, PA - 5K

supports 

October

5th Female 10 Miler - West Windsor, NJ - 10 miles

supports local charitable partner

November

8th Boardwalk Run - Atlantic City, NJ - 5K

supports NJEA

23rd Philadelphia Marathon- Philadelphia, PA - half marathon

supports Students Run Philly Style

Are you signed up for any races this year? With the weather warming up, it is a perfect time to put the sneakers on and get out and enjoy the weather!!