Four Months Later

Today before I went on my walk/run (aka 5k Training) I decided to sneak some pictures of myself in the bathroom at the Y. I say "sneak" because it's against policy to take pictures in the first place and secondly, it's embarrassing to get caught (which I did but I quickly ran into a stall). When I got home I decided to see if I could find pictures of myself from a few months back. Success! Although the picture of me in the pink shirt isn't the greatest angle it gives me a good idea of where I was. I should note that the reason I have my hip jutting out is because I was trying to appear more "curvy." As you notice in the second picture, the "curviness" of my body didn't matter because I liked what I saw head-on. 

It's only been four months and I swear, I don't know where time went. When I started this blog I thought it would be a great motivational tool. I also wanted to document my journey (are you getting tired of that word yet?) Last Sunday marked my 12th week blogging and it feels empowering to know that I've made it this far. I've committed myself to something bigger than myself. Every step of the way I make mistakes, I trip and I fall, but I've decided that I'm not going to be the victim anymore. I'm not going to beat myself up over a cookie or a pasta dish. I'm going to say, "Well, that sucked" and then move on and do better the next day. I'm tired of scolding myself. I am human and as a human, I make mistakes. Four months ago I was positioning myself to make myself look different - I wasn't happy with my body and I was very insecure. Now, I'm facing myself head-on and I'm not ashamed. I am proud of myself. 

April 2012

August 2012

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.

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

"Take a Hike" Saturday: Florida Canyon Trail

Another beautiful day in San Diego called for another hike with Jessica (The Jessica L Blog). I loaded up Junior and we were on our way. This time we decided to tackle a trail by Balboa Park. We've both seen these trails and always wondered where they started and ended. It wasn't the most scenic trail but it was easy, I will give it that. I actually wanted a bit of a challenge so I asked Jessica if we could walk up the hill (at Pershing and Florida). It wasn't the worst hill of my life but it was a good climb since it got my heart rate going!

 Junior posing for a photo! Hello, Junior!

 Jessica walking with Stella. Jessica walks really fast but it's good because it forces me to keep up!

 Florida Canyon Nature Trails

 And so begins the hill! Not very challenging (like I said) but a good hill none-the-less!

 Junior with his buddy, Stella. Leading the way on the trail!

Jessica taking a picture of me taking a picture of the trail sign. This trail went back to Morley Field. It was a pretty quick walk. 

A great photo spot! A nice trail in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city.  

 Leave it to Jessica to find a cupcake place! 

Tired after an hour long hike. Good job, pups!

This hour long hike allowed me to burn about 477 calories which only meant ONE thing - FROYO!

Chocolate/Peanut Butter frozen yogurt (100 calories!!) courtesy of Golden Spoon!

Later, I went with Jessica, her husband, Scott, and her parents to dinner for an early birthday celebration at BJ's Brewery in Chula Vista. Good food, good company. I also felt really good in the outfit I was wearing. 

 This skirt is from 2009. It looks WAY better on me now. 

And I'm happy! 

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I am so happy because I gained 2 new followers. Don't be shy! I'm friendly! Look at that face! ;-)

Anyway. Until next time, keep smiling! 

Kristen

Monday Weigh-In 003

It's time for my Monday weigh-in. I'm a little nervous due to the weekend that I had. My sister had her graduation BBQ on Friday, I spent time with my friend, Alex, on Saturday, and then Father's Day was on Sunday. I really dread weekends because I'm unable to follow my routine. During the week it's easy because I'm at work but once the weekend rolls around I sleep later and I eat at odd hours. It's something I really want to work on and with that said, it's something I will definitely make a better effort of doing. 

Me, my sister, Karina, and my friend, Alex at Slaters 50/50 located at Liberty Station, San Diego for Father's Day

Top: Forever 21+, 1X

Skirt: Target, XL

Belt: H&M, L

Sandals: Target, 9

Lately, I've been really tired. I did manage to work out on Saturday. I joined my coworker at her friend, Kelly's, workout class, Leash Your Fitness. It was a great way to work out with my dog, Junior! He was such a great sport and allowed all the other dogs to treat him like the "new" guy. I enjoyed the workout because it involved a bit of running (something I'm terrible at) and I burned over 500 calories! Not bad for an hour. 

Back to what I was saying - I've been tired lately and I don't know why. Today I was suppose to go to the gym but I ended up going home. I tried working out in the pool but that got boring and I decided to sit in the hot tub. I'm hoping to get more sleep tonight so that I'll feel refreshed tomorrow. Any tips of gaining more energy? My diet hasn't changed... I'm not sure what's going on. 

Well, to end the post here's my weigh-in. It's a pound less and I can be happy about that, especially after a weekend of disastrous eating. 

And there you have it. I hope YOU had a wonderful weekend. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Kristen