Blueprint 2010 Basics

This will outline the plan I've laid out in order to achieve my goals for 2010. My Blueprint 2010!!! It consists of EXERCISE (strength training & cardio) and NUTRITION!

Blueprint 2010: Basics

EXERCISE
I will exercise 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday); Sunday will be my day of REST! My exercise program will consist of Strength Training, Martial Arts (Kickboxing & Jiu-jitsu), Jogging/Running (outdoors when the weather permits & the old treadmill on those crisp Canadian Winter days),Yoga and Swimming.

Weight Training
I will continue using the services of my incredible trainer, Rob Lagana (http://www.laganafitness.com). My strength training programs are personalized and customized by Rob to whip me into the best shape of my life. He's my Jillian & Bob all rolled up in one! These are total body weight training programs - sometimes there's an emphasis on specific muscle groups (legs, arms, etc.) but for the most part it is a total body workout.

Martial Arts
I will continue my Kickboxing and Jiu-jitsu sessions at Therien Martial Arts with Sensei Derek and Ingrid (http://www.therienmartialarts.com). These sessions range from 45 mins to an hour. One day a week (Monday), I will be taking 2 kickboxing classes for a total of 1 hour and 45 mins of exercise.

Jogging/Running
After running my first 5K last October, I was surprised to learn that I liked running or at least I liked the feeling of completing that 5K race!!! I wanted to continue running. I did for a bit but I have not ran in a few weeks and really want to get back into it. I used the Couch to 5K (C25K) program to get myself ready last year and I am planning on doing that program again. I have a link on the right side of this blog for additional information on the C25K program.

In short, it's a popular running program designed to get you off the couch and running a 5K in 9 weeks time!! It works - I did it!!! Each session takes between 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week. This will also keep me in running shape for when I decide to run the "Try-a-Tri"(mini triathlon)!!

Yoga/Swimming
Once a week, I'd like to get back into taking a yoga class. It's nothing crazy, more to stretch and relax than anything else. I'm thinking of doing this every Saturday. I'd also like to get back into swimming, it's something I actually really enjoy and don't even look at it as exercise. I'm thinking for now, I could alternate between the Yoga class and Swimming session, one day a week.

BLUEPRINT 2010: WORKOUT SCHEDULE

Monday

• Weight Training (1 hour, 30 mins)
• Kickboxing (45 mins)
• Kickboxing (1 hour)

Tuesday

• Jiu-jitsu (1 hour)
• C25K (30 mins)

Wednesday

• Weight Training (1 hour, 30 mins)
• Kickboxing (45 mins)

Thursday

• Jiu-jitsu (1 hour)
• C25K (30 mins)

Friday

• Weight Training (1 hour, 30 mins)
• Kickboxing (1 hour)

Saturday

• C25K (30 mins)
• Yoga or Swimming (1 hour)

Sunday

• REST!! :)

NUTRITION
My nutritional plan will remain the same, that is consuming foods that come solely from the Whole Foods group. I know this won't ALWAYS be the case, however my goal is to aim for eating whole foods 90-95 percent of the time.
I will also continue eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day. I will also drink 3-4 litres of water everyday (this is easier than it sounds especially when you're working out - I can usually down about a litre of water during/after my workout sessions).

My Food List
This list is certainly not inclusive of EVERY thing I will be eating, but it should give you a better idea of the types of foods I will eat. It's really just eating clean! This is the toughest part for me. I can work out until I puke, but where I really have to give 150% effort is with staying on track with my eating. Once I get going, it gets easier.

Avoid, Avoid, Avoid!!
I will avoid the following:

• Sugar
  
• refined, processed foods
• soft drinks/soda/pop
• alcohol :(

List
Choose from any of these:

• ALL vegetables, especially the dark green ones (spinach, broccoli, green peppers, brussel sprouts, romaine lettuce, kale, etc.)
• Fruits (melons, apples, strawberries, etc.)
  
• Eggs - I have eggs everyday
• Poultry (chicken, turkey, Cornish hen)
• Turkey Sausages
  
• Extra Lean Beef (sirloins, top round steaks)
• FISH (I love fish- TUNA, sardines, sole, haddock, salmon, snapper, tilapia, king etc) and seafood (shrimp & lobster, clams)
• Sweet Potatoes - these have been a God send this past year..it tastes like dessert on some days. It hits the sweet spot!
• Brown rice
• Whole grain pasta, multi-grain pasta (not everyday)
• Whole wheat pita (for wraps and/or baking to mimic a crispy chip, dipped in humus)
  
• Almonds (un-roasted, unsalted, "un-chocolated" :), Brazil nuts
• Oatmeal (I like the steel cut) - avoid the pre-packaged flavored oatmeal
  
• Cheese, yogurt (low fat - flavor with real fruit instead)
• Ice cream, chocolate bars, birthday cake - NOT!!!!!! Just checking if you're paying attention! :)

Overall, I am eating a lot of salads and mixed veggie dishes (stirfrys, steamed veggies, frittatas etc.) with some sort of lean protein. Omlets are great as well - you get your veggies and protein and you could have it for breakfast or for dinner! Occasionally, I had rice and pasta but no more than twice a week. I had sweet potatoes practically everyday (but I really like it)!

Towards the last few months of the year, I increased my protein intake based on how much I was exercising. I replaced one of my snacks with a protein drink (protein powder & water). I usually drank it after one of my workout sessions.

I'm sure there are other healthy stuff that I've left off this list, I just jotted these down based on what and how I ate last year. If there's anything that you think should be on the list, please write it in the comments section. Thanks

So that's the Blueprint for this year. Sorry for the lengthy post. This is exactly what I'll be following this year and I am confident that my goals are within reach.

Until next time...
Joania

Don't Ever Look Back, You're Not Going That Way!!!!"

My friend Mark sent me this quote yesterday, congratulating me on my 5K run!! I LOVE this quote - it is so fitting for how I'm feeling right now (thanks Mark)!! The way I'm feeling right now is just incredible. I am still on a 5K HIGH!!! Still amazed that I did that!! I feel like I can do anything.

I received such incredible comments from all of you out there in blog land...just awesome!! Your support has just been amazing! I truly appreciate it!! I am still walking on air!! I keep reading yesterday's post over and over and it makes me smile each time! I was (and still am) just so very happy, ridiculously happy. I think I ended every sentence with exclamation marks :D

With this latest achievement now behind me (but ever so fresh in my mind), I really want to use this momentum to propel me forward to success. I do not "ever want to look back, I'm not going that way!!"

Setting this goal and actually going through it - seeing it through was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. You may have noticed that I set rewards for certain milestone weight loss achievements (right side of he blog). Crossing that finish line was so far the BEST reward that I have obtained on this journey. If any of you out there are thinking that maybe you want to run a 5K someday....DO IT!!! REGISTER, SHOW UP and RUN IT!!!!

I'm telling you, I wasn't sure that I would show up to run this race. I had so many doubts and as the race day approached those doubts increased and I found myself contemplating whether or not I would go through with it. "Maybe I need to lose a few more pounds first" I thought to myself. "Maybe I should work on improving my cardio some more"; "I think I need more time". This silly voice inside of me which I had listened to for so long, telling me that I COULD NOT DO something!! Well not this time!! I really just decided to silence that voice and I told that little voice to SHUT UP!! I registered and went to the race with the attitude that I just wanted to FINISH the race regardless of how long it took me, whether I walked for most of it or ran for most of it, I just want to finish!! BOY, I'M SO HAPPY I WENT THROUGH WITH IT!!!

The benefits of that day, of those 43 short minutes and 48 seconds are immense and will be with me forever!

Anyway..................................

I woke up a bit sore this morning...I know I really pushed myself in that run yesterday. I RAN through my "walk periods". I was just so excited and full of adrenaline that it did not matter. So this morning, I was feeling it!! LOL!! I had my upper body workout (weight training), it felt really good to push through the soreness and get that done. I had my kickboxing class during my lunch hour today and God Almighty did it ever hurt. The teacher had us do this leg stretches and my goodness, I was groaning and moaning through the entire thing....then the workout started....it was intense and awesome!! I felt so strong!! He finished us of with a killer abdominal set...it was great. I'm really loving Kickboxing. Tomorrow is Jiu-Jitsu class and Lower body weight training. Looking forward to it.

Food
I did very well today with my eating. I had 2 eggs and a turkey sausage for breakfast, I had a grilled chicken salad from Subway and tonight I had roasted chicken breast with spinach and broccoli. I drank about 3 litres of water. I had a banana and apple for my snacks today!

I'm feeling good...really good...if I had wings right now, I'd be soaring!! (is that corny?) I'm just feeling amazing!

I'M NOT LOOKING BACK!!!:D

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!! MY FIRST 5K in 43:48!!!!!!!!!

ME!!! After running my first 5K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!43:48!!!!!!!!! Click on the pix to enlargen!! My hair was messy but who cares, I JUST RAN A 5K!! :D


Wow!!! What a moment!! Crossing that finish line today was simply one of the best and most amazing moments of my life!! Tears ran down my cheeks as I saw that finish line and it was within my reach and I felt amazing, full of energy, no aches!! My legs felt strong and I felt like I could run forever! It was amazing!!! I was thinking of my mom and my son, my husband, and my friends and family and my trainer whipping me into shape and the blog and readers/supporters!! I just wanted to run!! There were so many people running for the cure!! All these people (strangers) cheering me on as I got closer and closer to that finish line!

"I'm running!! I'm running and about to cross the finish line of a 5K race", I thought to myself!! I was in disbelief and juiced up on adrenaline!! It was incredible. I looked up at the clock and it said 43:48 as I crossed. WHAT!!!!??? How the heck did I do that??In all the weeks of training, the fastest I ran the 5K was 59minutes. I did not run the entire thing either...there were moments when I walked..but the walks were brisk and short, I REALLY JUST WANTED TO RUN!!! I felt such happiness and pride finishing that race...truly awesome moment!

Okay, so you can tell that I am still on an incredible high here!! Let me back up a bit!! I woke up this morning feeling nervous and anxious about the run but determined non-the-less!! I put on my "runfit" (run + outfit + runfit) and headed to the run site. I took my iPod with me, seeing that I was running by myself, I figured it would help me to stay focussed. I was listening to Robert Ullrey's podcast (the C25K program). I was accustomed to the music so it was great! It really did help as I found that I zoned everything else out and focussed on the run, my form and my breathing!

A little past the halfway point, I felt myself getting tired and quickly gave myself a little pep talk (in my head!!) which went something like this, "you're running a 5K, you registered and actually showed up, you didn't chicken out!! you're doing it, YOU CAN DO THIS, you told everybody you're going to do this so DO IT, NO PAIN, NO TIRED, NO EXCUSES!!!" It was amazing, I felt the energy racing through me. I just can't find the right words to explain the feeling!!

Throughout my 5K training, I truly felt that running was not for me. I didn't find it enjoyable and usually was spent after each training session so I was really worried about how I would perform today!! After today's race, the way I felt - and I don't know if it was a combination of nerves, excitement, adrenaline and determination, but I liked it!! I LIKED IT!! I felt strong and fit!! It was just great!! That "running switch" finally went on!!So will I continue running?? YEAH!! I WILL!! I will definitely continue running because I LOVED the way I felt today!! So to all my runner friends/bloggers who kept encouraging me to keep at it...YOU WERE RIGHT!! If this is the feeling you were referring to , I can definitely get used to it!!Incredible!!

Anyway, today was an awesome day!! I've just completed one of the items on my bucket list!! This gives me great hope that I can achieve so much more. 9 months ago prior to setting out on this incredible journey, I could barely walk to my car, muchless dream of ever running a 5K race. The possibilities are endless! I'm so excited for the future!! AMAZING

Oh, the only bad thing (not really bad, bad), but because of the amount of people participating in CIBC Run for the Cure race, it was difficult to get pix and impossible to get one of me crossing the finish line... WHO CARES??? I JUST RAN A 5K RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!


Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-in Saturday ~ Week 42

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 195 lbs (Sep26/09)
Current Weight: 192 lbs
This Week's Loss: 3 Pounds RETURNED!!!

Hi guys!!

AWESOME!! I stepped on the scale this morning and was so thankful to see that I RETURNED those 3 pounds I put on last week!! YEAH BABY!!! Back on track!!! The digital scale read 191.5, so it's actually 3.5 down..but that's cool ;0)

I'm thrilled about it!! Great news to take with me as I prepare to go into my very first 5K race tomorrow morning!!! Nothing but positive vibes!!! I picked up my run kit today (T-shirt and race number) so it's official, no backing out of this now.

I went for a nice walk this morning...nothing too strenuous, just to keep my muscles loose!! Today just relaxing in preparation for tomorrow!

I will be posting results and pics tomorrow...wish me luck!!

BTW, I misplaced my cell phone so if anyone has been sending text messages or trying to call I will not be available. I've asked the phone company to temporarily de-activate the phone until further notice. I have an idea of where it may be but I will need to check on Monday.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Great Week!!

This week went by so quickly! This was my first week at my new job and it went really well. I will be working with a great group people who seem quite relaxed and fun. I'm truly looking forward to get started with them and to delve into the work.

This week I missed my Ju-jitsu classes. I will be doing a make up class tomorrow with a friend to try to get back on track. My weight training workout was great. I've been doing this program for a couple of months yet I still find it quite challenging. My trainer will soon provide me with another but I still feel like I have not yet mastered this one! It's a great workout...the lower body workout is a total killer!! My kickboxing classes were awesome!!

Food wise, I did really well this week. I did not stray from the diet and kept quite hydrated throughout (H20). I'm a bit anxious to see what the scale will show at tomorrow's weigh-in. We'll see!!

Well my mind has been filled with thoughts of my upcoming FIRST 5K RACE this Sunday. It's all I can think about, especially the last couple of days. Will I be able to finish?? I think I will but there is a crazy little voice in my head whispering, "bring your health card, just in case you pass out!" LOL!! Anyway, will fill you in with details and pictures on Sunday evening.

That's it for now, will be on tomorrow with weigh-in results.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!)

5 K Sunday!!

Hi guys,

I can't believe how quickly time flies!! A few months back, I decided that I was going to start training for a 5K run. I even started up a blog to keep track of my training. Check it out here (http://www.My5K.blogspot.com).

I decided that I would run the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure here in Ottawa on October 4, 2009. Well, it is ONLY 3 DAYS AWAY!! 3 DAYS!!!! By this time on Sunday, my 5K run will hopefully be a wonderful memory!!

I have not been as diligent with the "Running" training as I should have been but I've been doing other forms of excersise which I hope will help with my fitness and cardio. I think it will! The good thing about this race is that I have the option to walk or run. My goal is to run for most of the race if not all of it, but it's nice to know that I will be able to take a walk break if I need it and I think I just might!!

Crossing that finish line will be an amazing moment for me, just the thought of completing a 5K race brings me shivers and goose bumps. I think I'll cry even if it takes me 2 hours to cross that line!! This is one of the items on my bucket list, so I'm hoping to cross that one off the list as soon as I get home on Sunday!! :)

I must admit, I am getting a bit (okay, A LOT) nervous but excited at the same time. It's really hard for me to believe that I am here, in this position, getting nervous about running my first ever 5K race!! A 5K race!! I could barely walk to the end of my street about 9 months ago, and I barely moved my butt from the couch and here I am about to do this!! Anyway, wish me luck!! I had an awesome workout today at kickboxing class!! YEAH!!

I will be posting pictures on this and the other blog after the run!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

So You Think You Can RUN???

When I started this journey, I set a few goals...certain things I wanted to do...milestones, if you will. One of those milestones was to eventually run a 5K race. That's right, A 5K or 3.1 miles!! Yikes!! What the crap was I thinking???

Anyway a couple of months ago, I made the decision that I would start officially training for this run. I even started a seperate blog to keep track of my "5K run" training etc. I decided I would take part in The CIBC Run For The Cure on Sunday October 4, 2009!!

Well, October 4th is right around the corner and I AM SO NERVOUS!! I don't feel like I'm ready. I have been following the C25K or "Couch to 5 K" training plan. I found it tough as nails but effective. Even after 4 weeks of training, I am still a "struggling runner". Truth be told, I haven't been as disciplined as I should have been with the training. I really dislike running - maybe I haven't yet found my groove where running is concerned. It is tough, but I've committed, so I'm sticking with it!!

One of my girlfriends volunteered to help me get set up and registered for the run. I was very excited to get started. now I'm full of nerves. Gotta get it together! With the upcoming race only about 5/6 weeks away, the doubts are "TRYING" to creep in - but I won't let them.


So why this post?


I put this out there before and a few of you had expressed interest in running as a team and/or running the 5K with me. If any of you are interested or still interested, please send me an email to journey2kmine@live.com or leave a comment on this post with your contact (email address) info. I just want to get as much info as possible before setting things up (registration etc.) with my girlfriend. PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2009!! Thanks!!


That's it for now...thanks.

Until next time....

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

VERY, HOT Power Walk...

Hi guys,

First off, thank you all for the wonderfully supportive comments on my last post!! I have put the 1-pound gain behind me and moving forward full force! As one of my girlfriend's said, "the body is weird - this could be muscle gain, water or poop and stuff!!"...hehee..thanks Fran. I've got to keep reminding myself to celebrate and not forget my accomplishments. As a few of you stated in your comments, "60 pounds is a huge amount of weight lost!!" I should be...I AM VERY PROUD of that and just need to not lose site of that. Thanks guys.

Anyway, continuing on, I had a fabulous cucumber salad with sardines for lunch yesterday...it was yummy and a grilled hamburger patty (homemade with extra lean ground beef) and a salad. Of course lots of water accompanied both meals.

This morning, I woke up and had two boiled eggs with a turkey sausage and water for breakfast. I then got my son, set him up in the stroller and went for an hour long 5+K Power Walk in the blazing heat!! It was awesome! I feel great...feel even better being indoors in my air conditionned living room :)

My husband grilled salmon skewers and veggies on the BBQ for lunch...

So far, today's been wonderful...

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Had A Good Week

Hi guys,

Just wanted to pop on quickly to tell you all that yesterday (Thursday) was a great day!! I ate very well for the ENTIRE day (including dinner at a restaurant with colleagues).

THURSDAY

For breakfast I had:
2 boiled eggs (egg whites only)
about 1/2 cup of fresh fruit (oranges, apples and cantaloupe)
yogurt
3 cups of water

Morning Snack
Small banana

Lunch
green salad
2 thinly sliced pieces of roast beef
a few pieces of raw broccoli
750ml bottle of water

Dinner
1/4 chicken (BBQ'd, sauce on the side)
Steamed veggies (mix of broccoli, red onions, zuccini, red peppers and carrots)
1 glass of iced tea (unsweetened-and not a very big glass I might add - it was one of those slim, sleek ones)
several glasses of water

FRIDAY

This morning I had a pretty good breakfast...
2 eggs with a sprinkle of grated cheddar and about 2 teaspoons of salsa
1/2 cup of fruit
2 cups of water

Lunch
grilled chicken, onions, red & green pepper wrap (ww tortilla) with a salad
591ml bottle of water

Dinner
Roasted curried chicken breast
2cups broccoli
3 cups water

It was difficult sticking to those choices, temptation was so strong but in the end I am so happy that I stuck with it!! I did not have one drop of alcohol of any kind!! Usually, when I travel, especially if I go out to dinner with colleagues, I tend to have a beer or a glass of wine. I think it's the whole social aspect connected to it however, this time around I made a point of not having a drink...it was tough but obviously it's do-able!

On the exercise front, I hit the treadmill hard and for the first time since starting to train for my upcoming 5k (October 4 - CIBC Run For The Cure - check out my training blog for details here.) I was able to run continuously for 10 minutes (at level 5.6 on the treadmill) and did the walk/run combination for the remaining 25 minutes. I felt awesome!! Tomorrow, I will try to go for 11 minutes! I did my weight training routine on Wednesday evening and it was awesome (still working on those pull-ups!!). Tonight, I will do my weight training routine and continue on.

Weigh in tomorrow...very interested to see the results especially because I really tried hard to stick to the program.

So overall, it wasn't a bad week with a few exceptions which I mentionned in my last post.

Until tomorrow...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

On The Road Again.....

Hi all,

Well I'm on yet another business trip. These are getting tough.. I'm just finding it very difficult to stay on track when it comes to my eating and exercising...MORE SO MY EATING!!

Most of these hotels are equipped with top of the line fitness machines/facilities so it's not really difficult to stay on track..it is however, a different experience as you go from hotel to hotel. There are different machines at each hotel, different set-up and different equipment!! It throws me off a bit, I must admit. It just makes it that much more difficult because it breaks my routine...however it does keep it interesting (so I should look at it as a positive).

Also, since I've been training for the 5K Run, all this travelling makes that difficult as well. I have a mapped out route that I use regularly when I'm at home. Being in a different city makes it difficult so I find myself training on the treadmill as opposed to running outside. Hopefully that won't hurt me when it comes to race day which is an outdoor event. I guess it's just about making the necessary adjustments at the time. Working with what I got!

Eating-wise, I messed up a bit today...nothing too damaging. I was in such a rush today, I ran out of the house without eating breakfast! I haven't done that in about 6 months - prior to this journey, skipping breakfast was a regular part of my day. I was so busy at work today, by the time I realized I was hungry, it was a little after 11 am. I bought a mini quiche. I ate only the middle which was eggs and veggies and I threw out the mini crust...I had that with a bottle of water. A few hours later, I was rushing to the airport, I grabbed a toasted bagel from Tim Hortins (it was multi-grain) with another bottle of water!! On the flight, I ate that little puffy-pretzel-snacky-thing they hand out with more water. Unfortunately, I did not properly plan or prepare meals for today and that caused me to slip up by grabbing crap.

Anyway, once I checked into the hotel, it was dinner time. I had a nice green salad with a light vinigarette and a couple of pieces of chicken breast (grilled) with more water. It was great. I'm back on track, tomorrow is a new day. My plan is to wake up at 530am get my workout in and have a nice healthy breakfast. A good start to what I hope will be a great and productive day!! Good night.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Scale Neglect...and Loving IT!!

Hey guys,

First I just need to say how much I've missed blogging and reading other blogs this past week or so....I feel like part of my routine is missing and I can't wait to get back to it. I plan to spend all of Saturday (or as much as I need) reading blogs and catching up on what I've been missing. I will also be back to posting regularly...I've really missed it! :)

Anyhoo, it's been 2 weeks since my last weigh in. Right now, I have no idea if I've gained or lossed weight. All I know is that I feel great and really that should be all that matters!!:) I haven't seen the scale and I don't miss it one bit. For the purposes of this journey, I will continue to weigh my self regularly to be able to chart my progress but once I reach my set goals and I get to the point of just maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one of the first things I'm going to do is host a SCALE-SMASHING party!! YEAH!!! I'll invite people over with their respective scales and at some pivotal point in the evening, we'll gather in my backyard and smash away!! We may even do it to music - maybe somethng by ACDC (Thunderstruck, maybe) Sounds like fun eh?? :D

Seriously, I'm pretty certain that I haven't gained any weight because I've been working out regularly, including regular "pullup" attempts - still the most difficult exercise EVER and so far I still can only complete ONE full pull-up!!! My eating hasn't been perfect but it hasn't been terrible either. I would say, overall it's about 80-85%! So that's not so bad...

I will weigh myself on Saturday morning (July 25th --omg, that's my husband's birthday - must plan something fun- he's been so amazing through all this) and post the results and get back to business 100%.

On another note, I saw one of my colleagues today, who I haven't seen in about 3 weeks and I must say that he looked fabulous. He has been extremely supportive of my journey, and we often speak of my struggles, triumphs, etc. He was inspired to start losing weight and he has. I believe he's down about 30 pounds since April - just by making some healthy changes (including exercising and nutritious foods). He is also training for a 5K run. I'm so happy for him and could see the difference in him (both physically and mentally). It's awesome....he inspires me to keep going. I just wanted to say, "GO Rob Go!!!"

It's funny, just a short few months ago, I could barely climb my stairs in my home and now I'm training for a 5K run...it's amazing to me how quickly your body adapts to healthy changes and how strong one can get...

Anyway, that's all the ramblings for today.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Trainer, 5K's, Belts and Things

Hey guys,

I have just been swamped of late with work and travel. I do have quite a bit more travel coming up over the next few weeks - by August, things should hopefully settle down. I have been so busy with work conferences and business trips that I haven't even had the time to see my trainer. We've been in touch regularly via email but I ABSOLUTELY need to see him. He has a new program for me which I haven't yet seen. He will email it to me and hopefully I can follow up with him after. In the meantime, I will try the new program and just email him with any questions or concerns I may have. So it will be on-line training...my e-trainer....should be interesting. I just don't want to fall behind and it is time for a new program (it's actually past the time - my fault).

Anyway, I've started my 5K training and holy crap it's tough. I'm blogging about it specifically at http://www.my5k.blogspot.com/ , so please check it out. Jogging is excrutiatingly tough for me but it really is one of those things I want to tackle in my lifetime and I've started. My goal is to run a 5k race in October and I will!!! One of my girlfriends has actually started the training as well. She's in a different city but following the same program. Right now, I think she hates my guts for asking her to do this with me..lol!! She told me how sore she was after Day 1!! Hang in there BEH and keep it up!!

Something else I wanted to mention which I just found amazing, is that I can no longer leave my house without wearing a belt!!! I remember days when I left the top button of my pants un-done (so that I could breathe)....and my pants could stay up for days!! LOL!! Belt??? There was never a need. Now, most of my pants require one! It's amazing to me. As I was walking from a meeting today, I could feel my slacks slipping down, I kept tugging at them to pull them up...this stuff just freaks my freak!! So my plan is to go and purchase a couple of belts (pairs of belts?? I don't even know what it's called - 2 or more belts) lol!! It's something I never thought I'd have to purchase.

Anyway, I will weigh myself and take some pics in the morning and post tomorrow. This month the weight has been coming off literally 1 pound at a time...hey, at least it's not a gain. This is my big flashing sign that I need the new program, one that is just that much more challenging than the current!! I think I'll see a jump in the loss once I start that!!

All in all, I'm still feeling great...I've noticed that extra effort is required on my part to stay with it, but I try to re-focus daily and remind myself of the reasons why I set out on this journey in the first place.

Anyway, that's it for now...

Until next time

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Updates and Things...

Hey guys,

I just wanted to come on quickly to thank all of you for all the nice comments regarding the citizen article and just the support in general. Thanks!

On another note, I just finished my very first run today (as part of the C25K -Couch to 5K Training program) in quest of my first 5K race later this Fall. Check out my training blog for details here. It was quite intense.

Tomorrow I will be heading out of town once again on business. It won't be a long trip, I should be back home Thursday evening (Friday- the latest). I will take my lap top with me so that we can stay connected.

It's a really busy time for me at work right now, however it should hopefully quiet down next month.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My 5K Blog

Just a quick post to inform you all that I have started another blog (in addition to this one). It will be used predominantly as a training log for my upcoming 5K! I will log all my workouts and any and everything relating to training for this race!!

I just bought new running shoes...check it out:

http://www.My5K.blogspot.com

Thanks!!

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

New Adventures...

Hi guys,

I have decided that I will be running a 5K this Fall - October 4, 2009 to be exact. The CIBC Run For The Cure, here in Ottawa.

My trainer gave me the okay to start training for it and we've incorporated the running plan into my regular training - it will replace some of my cardio sessions. I also decided to start a "5K Training Blog" in addition to this one. It will be just for keeping track of my training and anything to do with the 5K. More like a training log. Check it out @ http://my5k.blogspot.com/

I only just decided to train for this run this week so I'm still in the planning stages. The first thing I'll need to do is get a good pair of running shoes and some more courage 'cause I have to be honest, now that I've committed to this, "I'M SCURRRRED, Y'ALL!!"

Also, about 4 people have offered to train for and run it with me, some are avid 5K runners, others are in that same big-bright-beginner-boat that I currently sit in!!! It would be great if I could put together a team for this race..that would be so awesome - trying to work out the logistics. A post will soon follow soliciting interest and offering more details!! One of my fellow bloggers was also a running coach with the Running Room and has offered to share advice/tips etc...Thanks VegNext Door...Check out her site here: http://thevegnextdoor.blogspot.com/

Anyway, that's it for now...excited!! Check out the other blog!!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My "Other" Big News

Hi all,

So I guess I've teased for long enough!! Really, I wasn't teasing!! :)

Anyway, my news is that I have decided to embark on a new adventure ....(and some of you may think I'm nuts)......

I've decided that I want to to start training for a 5K RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it??? Am I nuts??? I HATE running!!!

I've been giving it a lot of thought lately, so I checked with my trainer and once he gets back to me, the process will begin!!!

I started a new blog that will be dedicated solely to My 5K Training. It will serve more like a training log than anything, outlining exactly what training I will be doing, including pix etc.

Check out the blog, I put my first post up yesterday. Here's the link:

http://www.My5K.blogspot.com

Until next time....

Joania (2KMINE!!)

Have You Tried to Cut Your Own Wood??

Cut Your Own Wood And It Will Warm You Twice!! Henry Ford

That is one of my favourite quotes by Henry Ford. What he meant was that the person who chops their own firewood, not only enjoys the heat from the logs burning in the fireplace, but also gets physically warmed from the exercise involved in their labor.

If you really want to enjoy your workout/exercises and benefits thereof, you should “cut your own wood” by doing things for yourself. For years I looked for the quick fix, the miracle drug, the easy solution. If I could just take a pill and have all the weight just fall off!! Let the "science" of that wonder drug do the work for me and I reap the rewards. Well, I know better. I've realized that I will be "chopping wood" for a long time but the "warmth" I will receive will do me wonders!! It already has.

Two weigh-ins back, when I had my first gain, it really got me thinking. I really need to give this my all and continue "cutting that wood". I can't miss workouts and "hope" that the weight will continue to fall off. I can't sneak in unhealthy foods and drinks here and there, and expect those same results!! I must remember to drink enough water throughout this process. I need to consistently and continuously put in the work to see results. I need to chop my own wood!!

Anyway, I'm just trying to regain focus and keep myself on that right path!! I've been really battling it out in my head lately. I mentioned briefly before of my past history of "self-sabbotaging" when it comes to getting fit, "enjoying" the comforts of being fat. I've lost 50 pounds and somewhere in my head, a little voice is saying, "You've lost 50 lbs!! That's awesome!! One BIG MAC won't hurt!!" But I know that 1 big mac will turn into a meal with supersized fries and a large coke (plus 2 apple pies and possibly 6-pc chicken mcnuggets)!! I can't let myself fall back in that cycle. So right now, it truly is a mental battle for me. A head game, you know?

I think back to what my FB friend, Mark once told me, "If your head is right, your ass will follow!". It is so true. Your head really has to be in the right place. I'm starting to think that the mental journey will be more difficult than the physical one.

My trainer, RobLagana once wrote, "the weakest link to the body is the mind!" I can totally see where he's coming from with that statement, and I believe it's true, HOWEVER, I also believe (and I think he does as well) that the mind CAN BE the strongest link. One just has to train the mind to be strong and efficient and that's what I am currently working on, where this journey is concerned. Right now, I do feel like my mind is not as strong as it needs to be, but I'm doing some "mental strength training" right now to get it where it needs to be for me to succeed and achieve my goals AND I WILL!! I AM WOMAN, afterall and everybody knows we can do anything!! ;)

I am not at all bored with my exercise program, it is extremely challenging even at this point and it frequently and progressively changes. I still can't get through all my reps of certain exercises. So, I can't possibly see myself ever getting bored with my training program. Eating is posing a bit of a challenge and I just can't figure out why. I make different meals all the time, and they're tasty!! Always trying new recipes. So I really just think it's my mind right now!!

To be completely honest, I just sometimes feel like I should take a break. Maybe a week or two of eating whatever I want - BUT I KNOW that's not a good idea. That would just set me so far back (maybe not physically), but mentally!! I've worked so hard the past months to adopt this new lifestyle, I really DO NOT want to throw that away, not even temporarily! I'd feel like I was going backwards - and who wants that feeling?? NOT ME!!

So as it stands, I'm still on track but the view is just a little blurry right now. I just need to regain that focus!! I've been really thinking of training for a 5K this fall (Sep/Oct). It would be to benefit Cancer research - so that would be a different type of reward for me. I would have to start training next month, if I decide to go that way. I think just having a different goal (apart from just losing a certain amount of weight - not that anything is wrong with that) may help me to re-focus!

What do you guys think?? Gosh this journey is hard. It is filled with SO MANY ups and downs and bumps and hurdles. I am determined though!! I will keep chopping that wood!!:)

Anyway, that's it for now...

Until next time...

Joania(2KMINE!!!)