Detox

I am WAY up on the scale and I feel like crap (mentally and physically). I have decided to do a little detox for the next two days to get my body back in gear.  Today and tomorrow, I will eat breakfast (oatmeal and fruit) and for the rest of the day I will cleanse my system.  I will have warm water with either freshly squeezed lime juice, fresh ginger or fresh mint.  I will drink this for the rest of the day as I see fit.  I am hoping that this will cleanse my system a bit, because I am feeling very bloated and all around gross.  I have been reading a few things on detoxifying my body and I find it VERY interesting.  I think I am going to try a few things this summer and let you know how it goes.

WINNER!

The winner of the magazine is Vilese over at Big Girl Chronicles !
Thanks to all who participated.

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Oh, We're Halfway There...

Oh, OH! Living on a prayer....No, no I did not become a Bon Jovi fan overnight. I am referring to Jillian and me and our 30 Day Shred!  Today was day 15!  I cannot believe it!  Jillian, I hate you less today.  I really pushed and tried to take as few breaks as possible.  I must admit that it is getting better.

Went to an Armenian restaurant with my department for dinner.  Let me just say that I have that I have that uncomfortable full feeling that I hate.  I am guzzling water like a mofo, but alas, I am sure that on Friday the scale will be my enemy. Geezzzz, I really need to get my act together.  I realize that I am 15 pounds away from 200, it seems so near, but at the same time so far.  Tomorrow is the last day that I have to go to work, wooo  hoooo, summer can officially begin.  When people ask me what am I doing this summer, I REALLY want to reply, "Losing weight``, but I know that they wouldn`t understand, so I reply," Nothing special".  I am determined to go back to school in August a new and improved me!

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My First Giveaway

Today I opened the mailbox and I got not one but two issues of Muscle and FitnessHERS for July/August (not really sure why).  The first thing that came to my mind was to give one away!  If you would like to win this issue all you have to do it the following:

1. Be a follower
2. Comment in this post and tell me why you want to win this issue and/or why you like love this blog ;)

Contest ends tomorrow (June 30) at 4 p.m. EST

Winner will be chosen by random.org

Good Luck!

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Cravings

Had a crazy sugar craving while I was at the store, had some chocolate covered pretzels and some yogurt covered almonds, yikes.  It's raining like a mofo so I am not going to run, hopefully it clears up later. I think I will take a nap and then hit the 30 day Shred. Today is Day 14,sigh.

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Blog Make Over and Workout Song Sundays

TADA!  This is the new layout of my blog that I won in the contest!  I am so happy with how everything turned out.  My blog looks beautiful! 

THANKS A MILLION!

to Selena at Workout Barby who designed and put this whole thing together.  She worked countless hours and I could not have done a better job myself.  The color combo is perfect, the fonts, the signature, it truly captures me!  I hope all my beloved readers like it, because I LOVE IT!

     30 Day Shred is going, Jillian and I are still in a love/hate relationship, she loves to inflict pain and I hate it.  Day 3 today of level 2 and I will not lie, I had to do it in two parts, is that wrong?  For more details on Jillian torturing me, click on the tab on the top.

      

     I got a wedding invite for my good friend's sister's wedding in September.  Now I have another goal besides my 30th birthday.  I am going to see where I am at when my birthday rolls around (hopefully under 200) and work from there. I would love to get a dress in a size 14, that would be AMAZING.

  The 5K is in less than 6 days. Today I did a 1 minute walk/10 min run twice with a 5 min run added, I covered about 4 K in 36 minutes, according to some Grade 8 math, I will finish the 5K in about 43-44 minutes, I can deal with that.

     My parents had some people in from out of town,  so they had a huge Trinidadian style brunch: curried shrimp and roti, saltfish and bake, mauby, sweatbread, YUMMY!  I had a bit of saltfish, bake and curried shrimp.  Really trying to have another loss this week.

I have decided that on Sunday I will post a song that I am currently feeling and hopefully you will like it too, download it and rock to it all week while you work out!  Today's song is Memories by David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi. Enjoy!

Have a great week!  Aquafitness tomorrow (do I even know where my bathing suit is?)

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30 Day Shred--Day 12 and a Question about Polar Watches

30 Day Shred Level 2 Day 2 (Day 12, already!)....
Circuit 1 and 2 are good.  Hell begins when Circuit 3 comes around.  Plank jacks are a fail as well as those chair sits with arm raises.  I have to stop constantly my shoulders are on fire.

Practicing for the 5K is going well, did a 20 minute run today, trying to work up to 30 minutes, I mapped my run and I covered about 3K, trying to increase my distance also.  I cannot believe that at this time next week the race will be over, hopefully my life will not be, lol.

I have Zumba tonight, I am so excited!

Does anyone in Blogland have a Polar watch?  If so which one?  I have an opportunity to snag one at a very good price.  Please let me know!  The things I am definitely looking for is to monitor heart rate as well as count calories.

Thank you in advance!

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When 12 Inches Is Too Much

I'm talking about plate sizes and portion distortion! LOL!  Check out this very interesting video.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Summer Challenge--Week 5

Down 2 from last week, good stuff. This is a new low! Yeah!

Let's review how I did with this weeks goals:

1.Lose 25 pounds (193.8) CHECK! Down this week!  Woot Woot! Goal is to be down next week also, if I can do this I will be ecstatic--212 or lower next week that is the goal

2. Try a new physical activity each week CHECK! Did the 5K walk and I am going to a Zumba class tomorrow, I haven't done Zumba in so long and the class is with my favorite teacher.  Next week, I am going to try some Aqua Fitness classes, will keep you posted.

3. Make a new healthy recipe each week CHECK! I made these banana, cranberry, almond muffins and they were delicious.  Here is the recipe:

 Banana Cranberry Almond Muffins

2 cups whole wheat four

2 tbsp sugar (I did one sugar, one stevia--natural sweetener)

3 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 egg beaten

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup milk

3 bananas (they were going bad) but in reality you only need about 1 cup

Handful of almonds ground

Handful of dried cranberries

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.  Stir together.  Make a wheel at the centre.  In a medium sized bowl, beat egg until frothy.  Mix in butter, milk, bananas, cranberries and almonds.  Pour into wheel.  Stir only to moisten.  Batter will be lumpy.  Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400F oven for 20-25 minutes.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  remove from pan.  Serve warm, makes about 12-16 muffins.

For the first time since I started this challenge I have complete all the goals that I have set for myself.  I am happy about the weight loss, but I feel as if it could have been more.  I woke up this morning feeling very bloated and I am sure that it is from the Lebanese food that I had for dinner last night.  I am delighted that I am so close to my 211 goal and I hope that I can reach that by next week.
 
Summer is here and this means that I will need to revisit my summer resolutions.  Jazz Festival starts today so I will have to go downtown and check out a few of the free shows.
 
Started Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred and everything was going well until those damn front raises and chair sits.  I have come to the conclusion that my shoulders are very weak.  We then had to do plank jumping jacks which I had to stop and side twists that were a biatch.  Wow, Level 2 is not a joke,wish me luck.

Have a great weekend!

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5K Walk Semi Fail and The Dream That Scared The Crap Out Of Me

The 5K walk was yesterday, so was the convocation at my school.  I ducked out early so that I could be on time, but traffic was a mofo, so I got there 20 minutes late.  Everyone had left, so I looked on the map to try to find them, said hand drawn  map on a white board was a piece of crap, so I walked to a gas station looked at a REAL map, got a good idea of where I was suppose to go and began to walk.  Found the group and continued with them.  I was a little disappointed in myself that I was late and could not genuinely say I walked 5K.  The route was very loopy and it did not give me a better idea of how far 5K really was.  This is why I feel like this was a semi fail.  I was convinced that this walk would give me a good idea of what I was getting myself into, nope, not at all.

I had the worst dream last night and it scared the crap out of me.  I was on my way to a 5K (not the one that  I am doing next week another one)  I show up at 9 am and there is a lady there who looks like she in charge.  I ask her where everyone is, she says the race started at 6:30 am and I am very late. She asks if I have ran a 5 K before, I say no. She laughs and says what makes me think I can run one.  She then proceeds to tear down everything from my outfit to my lack of water bottle.  I woke up divested and questioning if I can really do this.  I am sure this is my sub conscious, questioning my 5K choice.  I woke up and looked at my "I must be on Crack Schedule" and began to revamp:

Old Schedule:
"MissHaneefa's, I Must Be Smoking Crack" 5K Training Schedule

June 21-45 mins cycling
June 22- 1 min jog 4 min run for 20 min
June 23- 5K walk (10 min jog/10 min walk in the morning)
June 24- 5 min jog 3 min walk x 3
June 25-2 min jog 1 min walk for 40 mins
June 26- 12 min jog 12min walk
June 27- 8 min jog 1 min walk x 2
June 28- 15 min jog
June 29- 2 min jog 1 min walk for 40 min
June 30- 20 min jog
July 1-25 min jog
July 2-REST
July 3- RACE DAY!

**NEW**
"MissHaneefa's, I Must Be Smoking Crack" 5K Training Schedule


June 21-45 mins cycling Did a 40 min walk on the treadmill instead
June 22- 1 min jog 4 min run for 20 min
June 23- 5K walk (10 min jog/10 min walk in the morning)
June 24- 15 minute jog
June 25-2 min jog 1 min walk for 40 mins
June 26- 20 min jog
June 27- 5 min jog 1 min walk x 4
June 28- 25 min jog
June 29- 25 min jog
June 30- 20 min jog
July 1-20 min jog
July 2-REST
July 3- RACE DAY!

I overheard a lady at the walk yesterday, say that her first 5K took her 48 minutes to finish. Wow, I was hoping for under 40 but maybe that is the optimistic me (I googled it and it said the "average" person should take 30-40 mins).  I really have two goals for this race:

1. Finish.
2. Not be last

As for the 30 Day Shred, I finished Level 1 today!  YEAHHHHHHHHHH! *Doing the dance of joy*




 (remember Perfect Strangers?  Larry and Balki?).  Tomorrow I begin Level 2! I am actually sad to finish Level 1, Jillian it was great, I know that you will be beating my in Level 2, don't worry I won't call it abuse ;)

Weigh in tomorrow, I have been on the scale so I know what to expect and I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Have a great day!  Welcome new Followers!  To all my Quebec readers, Happy St-Jean Baptiste!

To change one's life:

1. Start immediately.

2. Do it flamboyantly.

3. No exceptions.

 – William James

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Discount Workout Wear and A Movie Review

       In Canada we have a lovely store called Winners, basically it has named brand clothes at discount prices. The only problem is you have to really LOOK and have patience.  I used to hate this store until a friend of mine constantly had beautiful clothes and shoes from this place.  So I began to have patience, every time I am in a mall with a Winners, I go take a look, if I find something I like I buy it, because you know what happens when you don't buy something you like, when you first see it, next time you go it is gone!  I always buy my workout stuff there, Nike pants and tops because they are always WAY cheaper than at the regular sports clothing store.  I got a hot pink DriFit Nike top for 23$.  I am going to wear it to the 5K walk tomorrow.  I saw the same ones at the Running Room for 45$.
I am keeping up with my crazy running schedule and I will review it on Saturday (one week before the race).  I have been working like an Alabama slave, I better have  a loss at weigh in on Friday.

I am excited for the 5K walk tomorrow, I am bringing some yummy watermelon for the potluck at the end.  You really can't go wrong with watermelon after exercise.

Got to go, Jillian is calling me.  Today is the 8th day of our relationship.  Things are going well.  Last night, I didn't really give her much attention, but we got through it.  I cannot wait for Level 2, bring it on!

P.S.  Just came back from Toy Story 3, if you like cartoon movies (The Incredibles, Monsters vs. Aliens) then you will LOVE this.  A must see if you have kids (or if you are a kid at heart like me!) TWO THUMBS UP! BTW when you go to the movies order the kids combo, I always do it now.  It's cheaper, you can satisfy your popcorn craving and you get a small chocolate and a "small" drink! I able to enjoy the movie without the guilt!

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Learn to Run--Week 4

Today at the Learn To Run clinic, we talked to about what clothing that we should wear to run, we talked about everything from bras and underwear (cotton is bad) to what to wear in the winter.  I found a really nice Under Armour top that I think I am going to buy to wear for the 5 K race (I need to look good when they take me to the hospital I cross the finish line).  We then went for our 20 minute run, 1 minute walk ,3 minute run.  To be honest it really wasn't that bad.  I found the transition from running 1 min to running 2 min alot harder that running from 2 to 3 minutes.  Wednesday is our 5K Weight Watchers walk, the only problem is they are calling for thunder showers, uh oh.

I am sticking to my ridiculous schedule, I am really excited about the 5K run on July 3.  I told my friend that the only thing is I do not want to come in last, he replied, "Someone has to." Everyone is a comedian.  Today I did a 40 min walk on the treadmill instead of the 40 min cycle I stated in the One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest schedule.  While I walked I watched some Cake Boss, Intervention even Last Comic Standing, it was great.  I must admit that my feet are hurting a bit.  I really think that it is time for new shoes.

When I think that I can shower and go to bed, no, no ,no, I have a date with Jillian.  I think that I am going to meet her in the mornings from now on because it is too late to be out with her at night, she gets me all sweaty and then I can't sleep.  Today is Day 7, I am almost done Level 1 , I really cannot believe it.

I have turned a new leaf in the relationship department, instead of saying I will never meet anyone, I am changing my tune,  I wake up and say maybe today I will met someone.  I still think I need a bit more time before I can believe it.  My mom is always dropping little comments my favorite one is,"I wonder if WE will ever have a wedding..."  Ah mother's you have to love them, but there are times when you just want to tape their mouth's shut.

Hope everyone enjoyed the longest day of the year!

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it.

 Establish your priorities and go to work

--H. L. Hunt

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I WON!

Third place in the make over contest given by Selena over at Workout Barby!  I get the following as my prize:


3rd Place Winner

1.Background w/ CSS Design
2.Header
3.Signature
4.Watermark (for images)

5.[If the winner has a Twitter Account] Twitter Page Design



Thank you so much and keep an eye out for a new page layout!

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Less 2 Weeks Until The 5K

That is what I realized today, time to get uber serious about this, I don't want to look like a fool  wait a minute, that is not possible ;)  I have made a "little" schedule from now until race day, I know, I know it looks super ambitious but that is the point, GO HARD OR GO HOME!

A lady at the running clinic saw me sign up for the 5 K and asked if I wasn't scared.  I replied, "Of course, but what is the worse that can happen?  I walk the whole way?  Then in the next race, I can only do better!"  She said that she would think about signing up too!  Hahaha, I am converting people, I love it!

"MissHaneefa's, I Must Be Smoking Crack" 5K Training Schedule

June 21-45 mins cycling
June 22- 1 min jog 4 min run for 20 min
June 23- 5K walk (10 min jog/10 min walk in the morning)
June 24- 5 min jog 3 min walk x3
June 25-2 min jog 1 min walk for 40 mins
June 26- 12 min jog 12min walk
June 27- 8 min jog 1 min walk x 2
June 28- 15 min jog
June 29- 2 min jog 1 min walk for 40 min
June 30- 20 min jog
July 1-25 min jog
July 2-REST
July 3- RACE DAY!

Running everyday? No Rest? I know, I know, I am in it to win it.  I will try and keep to this at least my heart is in the right place.  Wish me luck!

30 Day Shred Day 6--Good, damn bicycles are hard again!

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30 Day Shred--Day 5--I Did It!

I did the whole thing without stopping!  No modified push ups, all bicycles!  I can't believe it! Hahahaha, Jillian, I have won (until we meet again in Level 2)!

I corrected for 10 hours today (and that is only one set of exams!) I wanted to kill myself, I am almost done. Tomorrow morning is running clinic yeah!  Monday is 1 min walk/3 min run....*gulp*

Eating has been OK, had two gin and tonics today, don't usually drink, but I needed some liquid correcting fuel.

Happy Father's Day to all the Daddy's in your life!This is my Dad and I at a wedding last Nov.

Even though we may not always agree, love ya George! Mine is in Toronto for a 40th Wedding Anniversary.

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Summer Challenge--Week 4

Boo, up 1.4 from last week, I think I need to start going back to the gym, Jillian is just not enough for me.  I am still down from the beginning of this challenge,  but 2 pounds in four weeks is kind of sad.  I really need to step up my game for next week's weigh in.  I am so close to my mini goal of 211 and I want to get there ASAP!  I need another 4 pound week!

Let's review how I did with this weeks goals:

1.Lose 25 pounds (193.8) FAIL!  Up this week (can there ever be two weeks that I am down in a row?That will be the goal for the next two weigh in's)
2. Try a new physical activity each week CHECK! Sort of.  I signed up for the 5K!  There is no turning back now! Another teacher at work who has signed up for a half marathon in the fall might do it with me, so that will be great to have someone by my side. Also signing up for some aqua fit classes that will start in 2 weeks!  So excited!
3. Make a new healthy recipe each week FAIL!

One out of three not so hot.  I feel really good though, I am not going to let this get me down, I am going to keep pushing.  I am really also really close to 200, which I have never seen before (203 is the smallest number I have seen on a scale). This weekend I have to finish correcting my exams and get the report cards together, so I will be working all weekend. I can make this happen!

30 Day Shred will have to be done later today.  Keep a look out for notes on that!

 Have a great weekend!

P.S.  THANK YOU all for all your wonderful comments on the Prom Night pics!  It is just the drive I need to keep going! Compliments always put a big smile on my face!

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Prom Night

Tonight was the Prom (Grad) at our school, so I went got my hair pressed and got all dolled up

Not bad, not bad.  I see the hard work is paying off, but I still have a little bit of a way to go!  By next year I will be HOT HOTTER than I am now!

Here are a few pics of some of my beautiful students and I:

The girl in red in the first pic, had my favorite dress of the night, although you can't see it  the back was all embroidered in silver, simply stunning. The dinner wasn't that great, but I had a great time due to the fantastic music, way better than my prom 13 years ago!  I even broke a sweat on the dance floor! Congratulations Class of 2010!

Weigh In tomorrow.

P.S. 30 Day Shred is getting better, I am not sure if I am getting stronger or it is because I did it in the morning.

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Wet But Smiling

Even though the weather looked like this:

I still went to my running session. It really wasn't that bad. I was soaked to the bone, but I finished and I felt like a million bucks.

Look at this face: What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

Can you tell my shirt is soaking wet? (This shirt is supposed to be LIGHT grey)

By the end of the run I was carrying an extra 5 pounds of water because said shirt was dripping wet and made of cotton(It was the only long sleeved sporty shirt I had).

I think I am going to sign up for a 5K on July 3rd, do you think it is too soon?

P.S. Did 30 Day Shred Day 2,only 28 to go. To all my Shreddettes have you done your Shred today? See side bar for all the details.

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30 Day Shred--Day 1

Today, I wasn't in the mood to go to the gym. The weather outside was great and I could not bring myself to go to my gym.  Times like this I really wish that my gym still had classes, I could use a good class right now.  Just follow along and not think about what I am going to do next.  I went home and began to think;should go for a walk? Run? Rest? Then VOILA!  Jillian popped in my head.  I dusted of my 30 Day Shred DVD and got to work.  I must say that Level 1 is much easier this time around.  The only thing I had issues with is the bicycle crunches (damn you weak core*shaking fist to the sky*), even the jumping jacks weren't bad. I am going to try and do this for 30 Days (10 days at each level) along with whatever else I can muster, just to give myself a little change.

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Body Image and Race? Is there a link?

Tonight sets off week 3 at the Running Room, we did 1 minute walk and 2 minutes run,7 times.  Let me tell you ,there is a big difference between running 1 and 2 minutes.  The first 2 minutes felt like an eternity.  Nevertheless, I made it and it was more challenging, but still very doable.  I have 2 more practices; Wed. and Sun. to get used to this run and then next week are at 3 minutes.  We then had a speaker come and talk to use about stretching.  To be honest with you, I hate stretching, I find it SO boring, so I usually skip it (I know I am so bad).  I remember one instructor at the gym used to say that stretching is the dessert after a workout.  I know that it helps relieve soreness, as well as aids in lenghtening your muscles, as well as prevents possible injuries.  I really need to get into the habit of stretching more.

Let me ask you a question; do you think body image depends on race?  My friend at the gym (he is black), says that black women have better body image perception and that is why you do not see many of them in the gym until later in life, what do you think?  I think black women are more comfortable at a bigger size, because they have been told many times in their lives that it is ok to have curves/booty/thickness.  Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with this, but there are many women that confuse thick/with overweight and or obese. I am all about health, sure you can be 300 pounds and swear up and down that you are the shit and you look good, but that is NOT good for your heart.  We as black women really need to watch ourselves because we are getting heart attacks and heart disease younger and younger.  Like Jamie Oliver said this will be the first generation that may not outlive their parents.  Just something to think about...

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Bulletproof

Mom's bday went well, she loved her Lionel Ritchie tickets, the problem is Dad was sad, because he really wanted to go, so I told Dad that HE can go with Mom instead of me and that can be his Father's Day gift.  I can always watch Lionel on YouTube.  We went to this Italian restaurant last night for dinner and I had the swordfish with veggies instead of potatoes, it was really delicious.  I skipped the Sangria, but I had to taste the bread, ate some calamari (I love that stuff) had cake and a Dairy Queen dessert :s.  No worries, I went for the run today and it was great, I am scared because tomorrow is walk 1 min run 2 min!  Yikes!  I then hit the gym and did some abs, biceps and triceps and 30 minutes on the StairMaster.  I am really trying to have another great week. Maybe not another 4 pounds but at least 1 or 2, I would love to be at 213 or 214, that would be a new low.

Two challenges this week:

1. Prom:  No not mine ;), since I work at a High School, this is one of the highlights of my year, every year I get to go to prom and see all the students look like Princesses (I teach at am all girl school).  I get to dress up and trust me the last four proms were all better than mine!  The food there is never that hot, hopefully, I won't indulge too much.

2.  Staff Party:  End of year party is on Friday.  We are eating at a Greek rotisserie restaurant, so I think that I will be good, there is chicken and salad, so I will stick to that (but I will have to have some of that calamari).

Thank you for all your kind words and welcome to all readers!

Here is another song that I am really feeling, it is by La Roux who is from the UK (Nona is that right?).  So catchy! "This time maybe I'll beeeee bulletproof!"  I love that it has that 80's electronica feel.

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Sigh

Last night I was at the gym, I saw this couple working out.  Both of them were overweight and the man was hitting the weights hard, great.  Now the women is who I want to talk about, the whole time that her man is doing his thing she is looking at him, that's it. Not once did she even try to do one weight lifting exercise!  All she did was give him a peck between sets, really sweet. I don't know why this makes me so mad.  What is she afraid of?  She is at the gym with him, so why not try and get yourself into shape one time? Kill two birds with one stone, date night and getting sexy! Sigh, I wish I was the type of person that could go up to her and say something....

Run tomorrow, hope that it is not raining, the weather man says 40% chance of rain.

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Summer Challenge--Week 3

Yeah!  Down 4!  I am so happy!

Let's review how I did with this weeks goals:

1. Lose 25 pounds (193.8) CHECK! Lost 4, so I am on my way!


2. Try a new physical activity each week FAIL!  Boxing gym idea did not work out, aqua fitness is in the cards in a few weeks, but until then I will have to find something.


3. Make a new healthy recipe each week CHECK! I made some delicious sweet potato fries and homemade ice tea with fresh ginger and fresh mint.

Two out of three not bad.  Tomorrow is my Mom's bday, so we will be going out to eat, I will have to be very good.  I want this momentum to keep going!

Have a great weekend!

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Happy Wednesday!

Tonight did run/walk for one minute each again and dare I say that it was easy, I actually did not break a sweat this time.  You know what that means?  On Sunday I am going to have to push myself harder.  Eating is going well, although we had ANOTHER going away party for a staff member today.  I controlled my cravings and only had one cupcake.

Wanted to add some fun, got this from Muscle Fitness HERS, but modified it a bit:

MissHaneefa's Quiz

One word to describe your personality: Outgoing
What do you think of during your cardio sessions: What!? I still have 25 minutes to go!t
One thing that I cannot do without at the gym (besides music): Water
The best way to make it through cardio: Good tunes
The body part I notice first on guys: Besides face? Arms
My favorite cheat meal: Butter chicken with naan bread or Thai green curry with sticky rice
I could most easily go for a month without: TV, but I need my Internet (trust me I won't watch shows)
Whenever I need a pick me up I: Call a friend
Three of my favorite training songs right now are: 1. All I Do Is Win--DJ Khalid 2. OMG-Usher and Will.I.Am 3. Imma Be--Black Eyed Peas
When I am at the gym I wear: Close fitting T-shirt and leggings
The best part of my body is: Smile, but that doesn't count. Breasts, I guess.
The number of minutes it takes me to get ready for the gym: 5 or 10 minutes
The person who reminds me of me is: Looks wise--Gabrielle Union/Jill Scott (so I have been told), personality--hmmm, maybe Queen Latifah?
The best boy band of all time is: Boyz II Men HANDS DOWN, I killed that II CD, remember On Bended Knee? Water Runs Dry?
I am really tired of hearing about: Gary Coleman's Death, let the poor man rest in peace!

**Feel free to borrow ;)

P.S. World Cup starts Friday!  Ole!Ole!Ole!Ole!
P.P.S.  Got tickets to Lionel Richie with Cassandra Wilson opening..  This is for my mom for her bday!  She is going to flip!

Start by doing what's necessary;

then do what's possible;

 and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

--Francis of Assisi

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Model Face

I saw an acquaintance that I haven't seen in awhile at the mall today.  This is the coversation that ensued:

Acquaintance: Hey!
Me: Hey wussup
A: You lost alot of weight eh? (YES, we are Canadian!)
M: Yeah the gym is keeping me fit
A: The gym eh? That's all? Your face looks (insert model face that you make when you suck in the sides of your cheeks and pucker you lips
M:*quite for a second* I guess.....

Don't know why but this bothers me.....

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Learn To Run Week 2

Today was the beginning of the second week at the running clinic. Today we ran 1 minute and walked 1 minute. It really wasn't that bad. I am happy that when I run/walk I am not at the back of the pack but closer to the middle/front. Also we got a nice shirt with our sign up and I took a large instead of an xl! This is such a victory, I am usually the one who is in the largest shirt or wearing a men's size and I wasn't! Yeah me! Next run is on Wed.

I was suppose to try the boxing gym for a week ( I had a coupon), but now I can't find said coupon and I am really sad. I think that I will try and see if they can let me have the week minus the coupon, hey it's worth a try.

I am tired of this up down crap, I made a vow to myself, that as of TODAY, I am going to lose two pounds a week, I CAN DO IT! I really want to hit the big 6-0 loss mark and that is 212 (211.8 if you are counting), I am about 7 pounds away I can do that in four weeks (July 5). I am trying to eat super clean for the next four weeks. I have to do this.

Did you know that this week is clean-eating week? Readers try and eat-clean at least one day this week. Here are the eat-clean principles:

• Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day
• Eat every 2 to 3 hours
• Combine lean protein and complex carbs at every meal
• Consume adequate healthy fats eat day (nuts, oils)
• Drink at least 2 liters of water a day
• Never miss a meal especially breakfast
• Avoid over processed, refined foods, especially white flour and sugar
• Avoid chemicals, preservatives and artificial sugar
• Avoid colas and juices
• Avoid alcohol
• Depend on fresh fruit and veggies
• Stick to proper portion size

Try it!  I cannot say that I eat clean all the time, but I will admit that it is in my head most of the time.

Have a great week!

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Running in the Rain

Today we had a walk/run with the running clinic, but it was pouring rain.  This was my first experience running in the rain.  It wasn't to bad, but by the end I was cold and my socks and shoes were wet.  Nevertheless,  I felt great.  Tomorrow we start the 1 minute walk/1 minute run circuit.  I know that I will be fine with this because I have done it on the treadmill.  What I am worried about is when we get to the 1 minute walk/ 5 minute run and more. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there.
   After that I headed to the gym for a quick workout, which was delightful (except for me standing in front of the dryer in the changing room drying my socks!)

They are going to have some summer aquafit classes at my local community centre at the end of June until August.  I think that I am going to sign up. The only time that I have even done aqua fitness was at the resort in Dominican.  I was the youngest person in the pool (besides the hot instructor) but it was a blast.

Another song that I am really feeling at the moment is Billionaire by Travis McCoy (from Gym Class Heroes).  When I hear this, I can't help but have a smile on my face. Love the line,  "I'd probably pull a Angelina and Brad Pitt,  and adopt a bunch of babies that ain't never had sh**t"



Happy Sunday!

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OMG

Here are two songs that I am currently really feeling at the gym, they make those last few reps/5 minutes very doable!

ALL I DO IS WIN, WIN, WIN, NO MATTER WHAT!

Have a great weekend!

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Summer Challenge -- Week 2

Boo, up 3.4.  But that is what end of year parties with cakes and chocolates will do to you.  Time to get back on track!  Next week I am down, down , down , down ,down!

Let's review how I did with this weeks goals:

1. Lose 25 pounds (193.8) FAIL! Since I am up this isn't going so hot...

2. Try a new physical activity each week CHECK! Joined the running clinic, for next week there is a new boxing gym that opened and I got a free one week pass in the mail. EXCITING!

3. Make a new healthy recipe each week FAIL!  Cut some out but didn't make them

I have signed up for not 1 but 2 activities with the running clinic and I am very excited:

1. 5K Walk on June 23

2. 20 Minute Challenge July 21

In other news, I went to the surgeon today and I will definitely have to have my thyroid removed.  The good news (I guess) is that due to the summer schedules I will not have a date for the surgery but it should be in about 8 weeks.  At least I can enjoy some of the summer without worrying.

Take Care!

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Computer Fixed

The computer is fixed, so I am back to my regular postings.  Tomorrow is weigh in and I am going to be up because of Taste of the Caribbean as well as all of those end of year school treats.  Gotta get my ish together!

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Learn To Run: Week 1

Last night I went to the first meeting of the Learn to Run clinic at the Running Room.  I had a fantastic time.  I am not sure if I am going to sign up, because I am meeting with the Dr. on Friday to find out the date of the surgery.  If it is not in the near future, I will sign up.  I am very excited.  On Monday's we meet and have a speaker some in, some of the topics include: Nutrition, Shoes, Stretching, etc....  We then go for a run.  This week it is a 2 minute walk and a 1 minutes run for 20 minutes.  I did it yesterday and it was fine.  We will build up every week, until we can run for 20 minutes.  We then meet again on Wed. and Sunday to repeat the run.  I am sure that I can do this all by  myself, but I really like the fact that I am running with others.  The dynamic of the clinic is really varied, there are older individuals as well as some people who have tried the clinic before and failed.  Everyone is in different shape ,so  I really feel comfortable.  My goal at the end of the 10 weeks is to be able to run a 5K, that would great.  I will keep you posted.

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