Sunday Weigh-In 009

I'm going to make this post short and sweet today. I am feeling really great this week. I finally got over my cold and I had a great work week. I worked out every day and I tracked everything I ate. It was pretty much flawless week. On Friday and Saturday I went out and had a few drinks. Prior to going out, I made sure that I ran or walked - at least burning 400 calories each time. 

My trainer, Palani, and I had a really great talk on Thursday. I finally had a chance to work out with him again. I was paired with a new client and Palani used me as an example to help motivate his new client. I felt like I accomplished a lot since March but whenever I hear it from my trainers, I feel it 10 times more. Especially when they use me as an example. My favorite story he told was how much attitude I had when I first started working out with him. Overtime exercising became easy and now he's pushing me to do more. Needless to say, I'm loving it! 

This week I started a "0 to 5k" training program. Running has never been my "thing." It's always been difficult for me. I didn't really understand how to pace my breathing and I always felt heavy running. However, the app, 5k Runner, I downloaded has been super helpful to me. In fact, I've been kind of bad cause I've used it on days that weren't my "training" days. Today I did a walk/run with my dog Junior and I almost ran the whole first 5 minutes of warm-up. I was so proud of myself. 

This was my walk/run on Friday. Local Natives definitely helped me move my butt!

Now it's time for my Sunday weigh-in result. I am very excited for this because I worked hard all week. 

209.8! I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am about that!

I know the number isn't always the "end all, be all" in weight-loss but I've been noticing changes in my body, changes in my mind, and changes in the way I'm able to be motivated. I'm just so happy these days because it doesn't take much to get me out of the house to walk or run or go to the gym. I'm very proud of myself. I have no other words for it! 

#nothingsgonnaknockthisgirldown

Until next time, keep smiling! 

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Scripps Coastal Reserve/Beach

The girls and I headed out for our Saturday hike and originally, we were suppose to go to Torrey Pines. I was slightly disappointed when I pulled up to the window and was asked for $15. I refused to pay the prices so we drove around to see if we could find some free parking. No luck! I quickly pulled out my phone and found another trail near by. Scripps Coastal Reserve here we come! While the view was very pretty I wasn't very happy with this trail, as it was literally a circle... a short 20 minute walk. The fog was rolling in making it a bit eerie but that's about it. I guess I should have stopped to read all the ecological signs but I wanted to get my heart rate up. It just wasn't happening with this trail... 

Hello little bunny!

We were on our way out when I decided to walk further down the street to look at houses (one of Jessica's favorite things to do!) That's when we stumbled upon an entrance to the beach. It was a downhill walk on a winding road with beautiful scenery. Jessica mentioned that it looked like Hawaii and I agreed. The whole way down I was looking forward to walking back up the hill because I knew it was going to be killer!

Made it down the hill!

This was a private residence. I thought it was a cool backdrop because it looks so sci-fi! How appropriate with Comic Con in town!

Jessica leading the way up the hill! She was tough to keep up with.

There she goes!

A cool view of the winding road.

This was a pretty decent hike because we were rewarded with a nice stroll on the beach. The hill was tough and got my heart rate up. I love when my heart is pounding and I'm dripping sweat. It feels like a mini-victory every time. 

Until next time, keep smiling.

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Cowles Mountain

Two Saturdays ago I went on a Saturday hike with my friends, Jessica and Maricela. I picked Cowles Mountain as our hike. I didn't do much research because I have heard about the trail before through people. I parked on the backside of the mountain and we started our walk. As we were walking in, I noticed an incline. The incline got progressively steeper the further we went. It was a rough start and I almost wanted to turn around. I slowly climbed up those hills and I was so happy I did. It was an amazing experience to get to the top of Cowles Mountain and to know that I kept going. 

The start of the hike.

The first hill of the hike and I thought it got better from here... pssh!

Steep hills around every corner... 

First summit! I couldn't be happier!

Looking head, there's our other steep climb in site.

Stella was pulling along... 

Another beautiful view of East San Diego.

Lake Murray in sight!

Made it to the top! Junior is also proud of himself. 

View from the top! 

Juinor taking a rest. He was tired!

Jessica and Stella taking a rest at the top of Cowles Mountain.

Time to head down... this had to be equally as difficult as going up. Junior kept pulling me!

Overall, the hike was awesome. It such a huge accomplishment for me. I was talking with my trainer, Palani, yesterday and I was telling him how much I'm enjoying my hikes. It's something different and it really challenges my body and mind. I thought I couldn't get up those hills, I was scared I was going to stop half way and want to go back down but I didn't. I kept going and that's what matters. 


If I learned anything from my journey, it's to not give up. Things are going to get difficult. Some days will be harder than others but I need to continue to focus on the big picture: health. 


Until next time, keep smiling!

Monday Weigh-In 005

Down two more pounds! GOOD BYE!

Wow, I can't believe it's already week five. It's been five weeks since my first weigh-in and honestly, there hasn't been much movement on the scale. However, there has been some movement in my butt! I've been trying to be active at least five days out of the week. Today I didn't want to go to the gym. San Diego has been beautiful lately - the sun is out and the wind is blowing - it's the best of both worlds. I asked my coworker if she would like to join me on the Balboa Park trail and she agreed. I was excited because I've been thinking about the stairs we climbed and I've been wanting to try them again. Balboa Park isn't the safest place to be alone so it's really important to go in a group. Last Wednesday, I went with a group of my coworkers. Cathy had us running a little and let me tell you, I was struggling but I managed to run 1/4th of what we did. Now THAT'S an accomplishment! This time, Cathy and I just walked the hills with her brother. It was very relaxing and after they left - I went back to the stairs! I ended up burning 477 calories in an hour. 

The girls running ahead.

Rex trying to keep up with Yavana's son! 

Beautiful view of Balboa Park museums. 

Here, Cathy is warning us that the best is yet to come!

The infamous stairs! 

And up we go. These stairs are killer - they're almost NEVER ENDING!

Thank you California Conservation Corps! 

It's been really important for me to get out of the house and be active. I may be losing weight at a slower rate but I'm happy that I feel more motivated to go work out. I'm still logging my food and keeping track of my calorie intake. This has been CRUCIAL to my weight loss. If I miss a day, I feel like I've cheated on myself. While I understand the need to have a "cheat" day - I feel for me, it's more important to just have one "cheat" meal a week. It'll keep me sane but it will also keep my calories on track. 

Do you have a cheat day or a cheat meal? Share your cheat! 

Thanks to everyone who has been commenting and supporting. It's been amazing to talk to everyone. Keep in touch! 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Kristen 

Thursday Workout

It's been a crazy end to my week but I am ready for Monday (shockingly!). Thursday was probably one of the best workouts I had at Fitness Together. First, I started with Palani directing me to the scale. I really appreciate that he's still keeping me accountable for the weekly weight in. I weighed a bit less than last week and he said he was proud of me. It's always a great feeling when someone is proud of you but even better to know that I was proud of myself. I love the support! 

As for the workout, Erin had us do a lot more TRX than what was listed and I was stoked. One of my favorite pieces of equipment is the TRX because I use my own body weight with it. Near the end, Erin asked us how we wanted to end our session and I pointed at the ropes, "Battle ropes!" She was shocked. I was shocked, too. Palani use to make me and Vanessa do them and they were awful. I couldn't move them long enough and I always felt defeated by them. However, after building up my strength and endurance I was able to do them for 45 seconds straight. Like it was nothing! I was impressed with myself. Then Erin had to introduce me to battle rope jumping jacks - there goes my celebration. Battle rope jumping jacks are my new challenge! 

 1 Client, 1 Trainer, 1 Goal

 The infamous battle ropes!

 Here's a better view of the day's workout. We did a lot more TRX then what is shown here.

After a good workout on Thursdays, I like to treat myself to some delicious sushi. Sushiya has 50% off cut rolls and specialty rolls on Thursdays so it's a cheap way to get some yummy fish. I always look forward to Sushi Thursdays! 

Pokie Roll and a Vegetable Roll

What do you like to treat yourself to after a good workout?

Lots of posts coming up this week! I celebrated Jessica's birthday this weekend and I have lots of pictures to share. 

Until then, keep smiling! 

Kristen 

Fitness is Better Together!

After I stepped on the scale on January 30, 2012 I made a conscience effort to look for a personal trainer. Unfortunately, I knew I wouldn't be able to self start because when it comes to working out, I'll start but I never finish. Even to this day, I have a difficult time just going to the gym, hoping on the elliptical and then doing some weight training. I get bored and I just want to leave so then I just end up torturing myself by being there. 


My friend, Vanessa, agreed to join me on my journey by being my workout buddy with the personal trainer at Fitness Together. It has been a great experience so far. I feel very supported by the staff but especially our trainer. We were held accountable every week to show up and keep a food journal (I use MyFitnessPal). Our trainer, Palani, would work us HARD. I remember the day I dragged my feet to go because I was just DONE. However, I paid, Palani and Vanessa were counting me and so there I was - out of my mind annoyed BUT I was there.

My thoughts EXACTLY.

Although sometimes I felt upset, I always knew that my trainer was on my team. He wanted me to succeed. Palani was great because he would take the time to answer our questions about our food intake and also give us advice on the work outs we were doing outside of FT. It was always helpful and really motivated me to move my butt! Also - he did weigh-ins every Thursday! Yikes! 

Right now, I'm working in a PACK since Vanessa went on a two week vacation. Erin is my new trainer and I really enjoy how she keeps me and the other women moving. My heart rate is almost at a constant 160 and I'm burning about 400-500 calories. I still dislike burpees, battle ropes, mountain climbers and the likes but I'm able to do them now. My first small victory was being able to do mountain climbers without stopping for 45 seconds. It might seem like nothing but that's a BIG deal to me. 

PACK Small Group Personal Training at Fitness Together Point Loma

Calories burned if elliptical is done first. This isn't the average for me - usually it's within the 400-500 range. (I'm going to do a review on my Polar heart rate monitor soon and explain my thought on this.)

Worst day to take a picture of the board but if you can read it, it's my workout for the hour. We do about 3 to 4 rounds of it depending on time and speed.

Working with a personal trainer was helpful to me. It makes me want to be active and it also forces me to go to the gym when I don't feel like it. It's been a great experience and if it weren't for the price I would do this all the time! I figured, I rather pay for my health now rather than later. 

What motivates you? 

Let me know! I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Until then, keep smiling! I smile more when my body is sore!

Kristen

Hiking a "Mountain"

Last week, Jessica (The Jessica L Blog) and I went on a hike in Mission Trails. It was a great 2 hour hike with lots of bugs and sweat! Jessica and I walked around the lake - or at least tried to - but we quickly realized that we were at a dead end. I decided to show her to dam and on the way we passed by a hill (pictured below). Jessica asked me where the hill went to and if I ever hiked it. I laughed and said of course not. That's when it hit me. I need to hike that hill. I felt challenged, not by Jessica, but by myself. I asked her if she wanted to and of course, she said yes. I dreaded walking up that steep hill (or at least it looked steep to me). I was worried I was going to get stuck half way and embarrass myself. I've never been much of an uphill hiker and so the thought of it was very daunting. However, I had my dog Junior helping me and I was so excited when I made it up that hill. Sweating and breathing hard - my heart rate reached 187. I was just so happy I made it up. I looked out and over Mission Trails and I felt proud. It made me realize how important it is for me to confront my fears and to challenge myself. 

Here's Junior helping me up the hill. Actually, he really wanted to meet the dog that the people ahead of me had walking with them. Of course, never thinking of me! 

The top of the hill! I made it! I danced! I laughed! I cried! I screamed! Okay, I didn't do any of that but I sure was proud of myself! 

Now, we had to walk through here and then make a right to the dam. Going down hill was difficult with a pulling dog.

A perfect picture spot!

Jessica and Stella taking the lead. It looked like we were in an "enchanted" forest. No, not really but it sure was pretty! 

Oh, thanks Junior for participating. The end of a lovely hike with a lovely girl and our lovely dogs! Now we get to celebrate with frozen yogurt courtesy of Golden Spoon!

Until next time, keep smiling! 




Kristen