Working on toning, strength building and endurance

It's been a minute since i've posted but i've still been on my grind.  I've been getting in my  runs (both on the treadmill and outdoors) and feeling stronger each day.  My legs are looking more defined, my waist line is trying to come togther and i'm getting tougher (physically and mentally).  A good friend of mine, who is also a personal trainer, suggested that I begin to shift my focus toward weight training.  Her reasoning behind that was so I can can build more muscle which burns more fat.  As I continue to lose weight the tone will be become more prevelant because of the weight training.  So, I started lifting with light weights this week.  She suggested that I do this for 39 minutes at a time.  Right now, i'm doing about 15 minutes (upper body) because my lower body is getting a mega workout with my runs and such.  I plan to increase that over time.  Here is a quick picture of where I am now and I will update in the months to come.

Well, my kids (all 3 of them) have officially started their spring soccer seasons!  This past Saturday we were at the field from 9:30am-6pm!!!  They each have a different practice time throughout the week on different days.  This coming Saturday, they will all have different games at different times of the day!  CRAZINESS!!!!  We'll make it through, I suppose.  Be on the lookout for pics and updates about their season.  This is my sons first season playing soccer so he's super excited to get out there and make things happen.  We are hopeful that this will help to improve his speed, footwork, coordination and agility for the upcoming football season that will soon follow.  I'm an offical SOCCER MOM and I never thought in a million years I would be saying that :)

Shoe Shopping Experience...

After spending an hour with this amazingly knowledgeable saleswoman I learned that I have an overpronation, a flat foot w/ a low arch and an excessive inward roll. She examined my bare feet (bless her heart), had me squat, walk (frontward and backward), balance on one foot, jog outdoors (with several pairs of shoes and a variety of arch supports) and try on sweat reducing socks!! Almost $200 later I proudly walked out with comfy sweat reducing socks, high end arch supports and a FRESH pair of kicks! I didn't look at the price until I got home. If you're serious about running PLEASE go to a running store (not foot locker and etc) and don't judge a shoe by it's looks or price. You're worth the investment and your body will thank you!

These are my wonderful shoes that I will hopefully grow a tight knit bond with over the next 400+ miles of wear and tear... Asics GT-2170

What's funny is that I actually wear a whole size larger than i've been buying my entire adult life (thx to the saleswoman who brought this to my attention)!!! This is also why you NEED to go to a running

store to make sure your running/walking/exercise experience is as enjoyable as possible! ~s/n I got a 1/2 size larger shoe (once my true size was determined). She said that runners should buy 1/2 size larger. It makes a difference for sure!  I have to walk in these shoes ONLY for the next 2 days or so before actually running in them.  I've been told that I need to give my feet a chance to get used to them so, I WILL WAIT :)

Pattin' myself on the back...

Pattin' myself on the back for BRINGING IT yesterday during my workout. I power walked & jogged 4.02 miles (around the lake at hubby's business park), had a deliciously healthy lunch with hubby and then did another 2.04 miles. Whew... 6 miles, freeing my mind of everyone else's problems/issues/concerns/drama while putting in some training for my 5k was quite rewarding! It was a good day :)

I originally set out to do 4 miles and call it quits... in fact, I did!  Then hubby sent me a text and asked if I wanted to have lunch at one of my favorite organic places to eat (Earthfare), so of course I accepted!  They sell fresh produce, meats, household items, dairy products and etc... but they also have a wonderful buffet of organic foods to choose from... fresh deli sandwiches, hot meals, fruit and salad... a soup bar and a dessert bar (which i stay away from).  Here are a few pics of what they have to offer...

And here's what I had to eat... Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad with a mixed salad and fruit :)

Hubby had a caesar chicken wrap with soup.  It was super delicious!  Today, I will take it easy and powerwalk at least a mile on my treadmill and allow my body to rest.  Hubby is meeting me for lunch and then we're going to pick out a new pair of running shoes for me.  Sooo excited.  I cannot wait to break them in during my workout today,  I'll be sure to post about it :)

Still working it out!!!!

Just dropping in to say that I won a recent weight loss challenge with the help of God, Family and a wonderful support group of women (via FB).  I feel ohhh so good!  I finished off the month with 52.55 miles and tons of countless hours of fitness tapes.  I completed Jillian Michaels "Ripped In 30" and Hubby and I are now doing P90X.  My goal for this month is to continue to focus on my speed, time, distance, endurance and breathing as I prepare for my 1st 5k!!!!  YES!!!!  I cannot wait!  I have 3 5k's scheduled and so far i've registered for 2 of them.  The first 2 are in March (10th & 31st). I am meeting up with a few of the girls from my FB group to run a 5k together.  It will be our first time meeting and we plan to have loads of fun!  Of course I will take plenty of pics (or hubby will) and post them on here for you all to see.  I am soooo proud of myself for making it this far.  I am currently able to effectively run for 25 minutes straight and complete 2.50 miles.  The 5k is 3.1 miles and I want to run it in 40 minutes or less.  Let's see how I do!  Hubby and I are also powerwalking/jogging at night in addition to everything else.  God is soooo good!

Here is a pic of a recent meal I prepared for the fam & I a few days a go... keeping it light and tasty!!!

 The weather was nice so we grilled some Marinated Lemon & Garlic Chicken Breast and paired it with a side pasta salad (with light balsamic vinegarette) and a sweet potato (with cinnamon & a little agave nectar)