Black Girl Gets Fit

A Good Day

2012-02-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day. Went to Eurostwp this morning. This class is a highly choreographed step class. It not only works my body, it works my brain to learn and memorize all the steps. I really love it though, the time passes so fast. I then went to Extreme Body Blast another fun time. I then headed to see Woman in Black with Daniel Rancliff aka Harry Potter. If you like horror movies this one is good, it is the classic horror not all that Saw/ blood and guts business.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Happy Friday Bloggers!

2012-02-10T05:52:00.000-05:00

I hope that today finds you trying to be the best you that you can be!

Last night I headed to Bootcamp Circuit and she whooped our a**es. 100 squats, 90 jumping jacks, 80 mountain climbers, 70 dead lifts to upright rows, 60 lunges, I can't remember the rest but the worst was the 30 burpees. I swear I thought I was going to throw up. When that was all over we had 5 minutes left, so we did modified suicides, joy. Since I smoked crack before the class, I decided to stay for Sweatshop class (actually the crack I had smoked was actually a chocolate bar I had purchased to support a friend's child's daycare). No biggie, because after the two classes I felt great!

Today we are tubing and and then later I am heading to Bootcamp and hopefully Hot Yoga.

Packed a bunch of fruits so that I won't have to buy crap at the tubing hill #winning

Have a great day!

How Could I Forget to Tell You?

2012-02-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

I booked a vacation for March Break! Yeah! I will be spending 8 days in Playa Blanca, PANAMA! I am so excited, we are going to be staying on a beautiful resort and I cannot wait to relax, kick back and do nothing but soak up the sun. If you have been to Panama let me know how you liked it. If you have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I love vacations and travel. I especially love the beach and the heat.

I am not going to stress about losing xx pounds for vacation. I am just going to keep doing what I am doing and focus on controlling my eating when I am out. This weekend, I have a birthday brunch and as long as I do not go buck wild, I should be fine.

Just as an aside, am I the only one that hates it when you have to be in pairs in fitness classes??? There is always that awkward moment when you are trying to make eye contact with someone to be your partner and then you get the shaft when they say that they are with someone else. Then when you ARE paired up, if your partner isn't on the same skill level as you then shit hits the fan. Personally, I like to find a guy as a partner if there is one in the class, because I am forced to work harder because they are usually stronger.

Yesterday was my rest day, but I still got a walk in at lunch with a co worker. I have been doing this more often. Our work is not far from a lake and it is nice to walk by the water for half an hour. Tonight, I am heading to Core Conditioning and Bootcamp Circuit. Fun times.

Eating is going better and drinking only water is challenging, but doable. When I want a hot drink I have hot water with lemon. I miss my tea though.

Tomorrow we are going tubing with the school for Winter Carnival. I love the exhilaration you get from speeding down the hill.

Spring Chick Challenge Week 6

2012-02-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, where have 6 weeks gone...Time to take a look back and see how bad I sucked this week (let us not beat around the bush, I was not at my best this week on any level). Weight is up 218.8 (up 1.6)
Last week:

Workout everyday FAIL, No workout on Wed. Thursday, I wasn't feeling well and Sunday I had a migraine (go to hot yoga on Friday NOPE and Tuesday YUP!)
Drink 2L of water a day Struggling! but this weeks challenge is making this easy, peasy lemon squeezy
Get in 3 sessions on the treadmill Got in one outside run and one walk
Only have 2 servings of starches per day Fail #2

Time to try and get back to 214! Fail #3

Last weeks mini challenge: was no caffeine I goofed once and then had a cup of coffee to help my migraine (it worked at least)

This Week:

Gym 6 times
2L of water a day
Hot Yoga: Friday and Tuesday
Run 3x this week

This weeks Mini Challenge: all water, all week, I have been doing this since Monday and it is going well.

Week 5 Review Probing Questions.

Best moment: Being told that I look slim by a college

Not so great moment: Seeing the scale go up and not being able to work out due to period pain and migraines

Any funny stories: Sorry :(

Are you where you hoped you would be in this journey: No. Not at all, I started of so strong and now I struggling

Tell why or why not? I am good during the week, but then I have an event and shit hits the fan, I need to control myself more on the weekends.

Would you like a buddy for the last 6 weeks of the challenge: Sure

Anybody wanna chat online sometime: I think I'll pass, son't really have time for this.

In other news the Ottawa Half (in May) is supposedly SOLD OUT! Good think I got my spot last week! This makes me so excited.

Friend Making Mondays

2012-02-06T09:51:00.001-05:00

This weekend was terrible; get together after get together, food, food and more food. I had a migraine on Sunday so no workout. Let me just say that I am glad it is Monday (crazy I know) and I am open to starting a new week.

Check out desperatestudent, I ~~stole~~ saw this on her blog and I love it! I REALLY love filling these things out.

Habits

Are you proactive, or do you procrastinate? I am queen of procrastination, the sad thing is that I produce better when I leave things for the last minute, I work better under pressure.
Do you eat breakfast everyday? Yes! I believe that this has been instrumental in my weight loss. During the week I usually have oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar and a cup of tea and hot water with lemon. One the weekend, when I have more time I will have eggs with toast or an omelette.
How much time do you spend watching TV on an average day? Maybe an hour, sometimes when i am on a machine at the gym I will watch a bit of TV.
Do you talk on the phone, or do you prefer e-mail and/or text messages? I have always had a weakness for the telephone. I am the type of person who loves to stay in touch and I will often call my friends. Second on my list is texts, they are quick and to the point.
Do you exercise in the morning, afternoon or evening? Evening during the week and morning/mid afternoon on the weekends.
Do you take time for yourself regularly? I try to. I find my gym time is a great time to reflect.
How often do you make your bed? Almost never.
Do you plan meals? If so, how far in advance? I might not write EVERYTHING down, but I do plan what I am going to have for lunch at work so that I am not eating crap all day.
Do you wake up at the same time everyday? Alarm goes off at 6:30 am, but I usually get up at 7:30 (don't ask). I get ready ,eat and I am out of the house by 8:30 latest.
How often do you brush your teeth? Twice a day.

Another Well Needed Rest

2012-02-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was exhausted. It is that time of the month and I just needed to rest, so I didn't work out. Today I feel much better and I am ready to take the world by storm. I slipped yesterday and had a bit of soft drink (I totally forgot about this weeks mini challenge of no caffeine, oops!)
On the radio this morning they were taking about a study that was done. This study concluded that it does not matter what diet you follow; low card, low fat, high protein. At the end of the day all that matters is that you cut calories and that will guarantee that you will lose weight, it doesn't matter what proportion of carbs, fat, protein you are consuming. I found this very interesting and simple at the same time.

Happy weekend!

A Decision

2012-02-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

I know that I stated in yesterday's weekly goals that I would head to the gym daily. I have come to the conclusion that for now, Wednesday will be my rest day. Wednesday at the gym is lame, there are no classes that I am found of and I find that I am tired in the middle of the week and it will make for a nice rest. In a few weeks, when I get back to the the run club, I will be running on Wednesdays anyway.

I was asked today by a co-worker if I had lost more weight, I told her that I am still working on it. It was nice to hear that she thought I looked slimmer, especially in the waist. I told her no, but I was also wearing clothes that are too big for me. When I lost weight I got rid of A LOT of my clothes. The problem is that there are some pieces (especially shirts) that I really like and although they are size 20 or XXL I still wear them regularly.

Tonight, is a fun night at the gym. Zumba, Core Conditioning and Bootcamp, oh my! I am working on getting my water in and I am really trying to eat more veggies and less sweets.

Tosca Reno or Clean Eating and Oxygen fame, had a great post on moderation yesterday, if you have a chance check it out.

Have a great day! Only one more day until the weekend!

Question: Do you find it hard to part with clothes that are now too big for you?

Spring Chick Challenge Week 4 and Week 5 Goals

2012-02-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

Week 4 was better than week 3. Weigh in showed 217.2 , so down 0.6. I will take it. These are the things that I wanted to get down last week

Get 2 sessions of treadmill work in -I got this done, but the sessions were short and sweet (15-20 minutes). Now that I am signed up for a few races, I want to increase the session number as well the length of time I spend running. I would also like to get in a run outside.
Go to the gym every day - I went everyday except last Wed. This week I am going to make it a full week this time
Drink at least 2 litres of water a day-Still struggling with this, the funny thing is that when I drink water out of 500 ml bottles, I can get more in, but whenIi drink from my stainless steel 750 ml bottle, I have trouble drinking more water, weird.
Eat properly, only have one small sweet a day- FAIL! But better than last week.

Mini-Challenge This Week: No Caffeine

Is tea considered caffeine? I will commit to no coffee and no soft drinks as of today, until next Wednesday.

This week:

Workout everyday (go to hot yoga on Friday and Tuesday)
Drink 2L of water a day
Get in 3 sessions on the treadmill
Only have 2 servings of starches per day

Time to try and get back to 214!

Tonight at the gym there are no fun classes, so I will just do my own thing.

By the way, even though I haven't seen a lose on the scale, my pants feel looser in the waist. My problem is that my thighs are thick, so the thighs of pants fit close, but the waist is big.

Have a great day!

A Little Bit Of This and That

2012-01-31T12:11:00.000-05:00

Hiddy Ho Bloggers,
Things have been going better, yesterday I went to Bootcamp and Zumba. We have a new Zumba teacher, Jorje and he is the bomb.com (Ro that was for you)! I am so picky about my Zumba teachers (I was spoiled when I first started with an AMAZING teacher, but can no longer take her classes). So I am always so snobbish when I go to a class and it is not what I expect, BUT this guy is GRRRREAT!!

LA made a comment the other day and I would like to address a few things, because a few really good questions were mentioned:

You workout so intensely and are so dedicated to the physical components of weight loss so I'm wondering how you have been gaining for the past few weeks? Can you track for maybe three days or so what you eat on a regular basis? Are you eating high calorie foods, or just eating a lot of food? Do you think this is the cause of our gain despite your immense workout efforts, or is there another reason as to why you gain? Just asking because I've been through the same situation.

I have always been in love with the gym. Even when I was 272, I went to the gym. Not everyday, and I didn't really have a routine like I do now, but I was still there. Exercise is not my issue. FOOD is, I have to eat so strickly to lose weight. I have seen it and I know that it is the only way for me to lose. I have to stay away from most starches, minimal bread, no pasta, no potatoes. I have to drink ALOT of water and I have to stay away from sweets. I cannot eat what I want when I want. I cannot have a cheat day, and I can barely have a cheat meal. Unfortunately, this is my reality. I have to hit the gym most days. If I do all these things the weight flies off. When I eat what I want, when I want, I gain weight faster than a mofo. I know that most my workouts seem intense, but that is just how I am, I love the rush that I get from the gym and I really like the workout. Even when I reach goal weight (notice I said when, not if ) I am still going to go to the gym everyday, it is just who I am.

I know that I am a day late, but I got this over at DesperateStudent,

FMM: Makeup Favorites

Do you wear makeup everyday? No, depends how much time I have in the morning and how I feel. Most days I wear lip gloss. This is also funny because I own ALOT of makeup, but you would never know from looking at me everyday.
Does your routine change if you’re going out with friends/on a date/to a party? Definitely, when I am out with friends it really depends where we are going. If I go out on a date (haven't been on one of those in FOREVER, but that is for another post) I would wear tasteful make up. If I go to a party that is when I pull out all the stops. I have always been told that I have a gift for make up the sad thing is I can do MY make up but I am hesitant to do others. I am always afraid that they won't like it.
Are you loyal to one brand, or do you use different brands for different things? M.A.C girl for LIFE! Except for mascara and eyeliner, I buy all my other make up at MAC. When I was younger it was so hard to find make up for blacks in Montreal. In High School every black girl wore Blackberry by Revolon. When I was in Grade 8 my friend got a MAC lipstick for her bday from her Mom. She didn't like the color and gave it to me, let me tell you that I used that lipstick like it was gold. I swear it lasted my 2 years.
Do you wear primer/concealer? If so, what’s your favorite kind? A little conceler under the eyes on special occasions, but it is the samples that I ask for at the store
What’s your favorite brand of foundation? MAC (surprise, surprise) I don't use a foundation, I use a tinted mosturizer. I have been blessed with nice skin and I try not to but to much stuff on it.
Do you use blush and/or bronzer? Sometimes, blush when I go out and bronzer in t he winter when I find that I look pale.
Do you wear eye shadow/eye liner? OH yes! I love liquid liner, I will wear any color eyeshadow, it depends on my mood.
What’s your favorite kind of mascara? No preference, whatever is on sale.
Lipstick? Lip gloss? Both? Favorite? I use Vaseline, with lipgloss, I have recently got into red lipstick and I love it when I go out. The first time I tried it I thought i looked like the Joker, but it has really grown on me. I love Pop Mode by MAC and I also love the Dazzle glasses. My new favorite lipstick is called Brave Red
Do you wear nail polish regularly? If so, share a few of your favorite brands/colors. Not really.
How do you remove your makeup at the end of the day? This is a must. I am faithful to the Body Shop Tea Tree line. I use the toner, the face wash and the face scrub.
Do you feel prettier when you’re wearing makeup? Not necessarily. I like the look when i am all dressed up to have make up on. It ads some glamour, but i also like just having a "naked" face.
Do you have any beauty tips that you could pass along? Don't smoke, don't drink to much, wash your face at night and keep it moisturized. Don't wear to much foundation/cover up and drink lots of water.

Happy Tuesday!

The Last Few Days...

2012-01-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

Thursday:
I went to Bootcamp Circuit with a new teacher that I love (partly thanks to the Spring Chick Challenge to try something new. I had to miss Kickboxing because of a meeting. The teacher whipped my ass and it felt good. I also took advantage of the steam room at the gym. I really don't know why I don't relax after a workout in this room more. The room is infused with eucalyptus and it is like heaven. I am really going to try and to go to the steam room after each workout more often. I also did 15 minutes of the treadmill.

Friday:
I was so sore, but still went to Bootcamp and Hot Yoga. It had been weeks (maybe even months) since I had been to Hot Yoga, I was so happy to be back and I must admit that I really wasn't that bad. Friday's at the studio it is a 5$ donation to take the 9pm class, I am really going to make more of an effort to go on Fridays. Also, as of Feb. 7th they are giving another 5$ class on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm given by a hot yoga teacher in training. So now I can go twice a week. My legs were so sore that I took a bath with two cups of Epsom salts and by Saturday my legs felt better.

Saturday:
Went to Body Design and tried Cardio Box, it was really fun. I thought the class was an hour, but it was really an hour and a half. Later that night, I went to visit my friend's newborn and ate way to much.

Sunday:
Only had time for 30 minutes of the Stair master, but chilled in the steam room for a few minutes. Ran into a friend from running at the mall and she thought I was injured because she hasn't seen me in so long. I told her I was just not in the mood to run anymore. I got home and realized that I have no excuse. I signed up for the Ottawa Half Marathon in May and a 5k at the end of Feb.

I know that I have gained since last week, this is both sad and unacceptable. To a new week.

Sigh

2012-01-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

I was so tired after work yesterday that I drove myself home and not to the gym as planned. Tonight, I will be there, ready and willing. I wanted to try that kick boxing class, but we have a meeting after work and depending how late it goes I may just have to go to Bootcamp and Sweatshop.
I have been very lax and I realised that this weight is not going to lose itself. When I am focused and on point, I can lose a lot of weight (dear self, remember 6 pounds in one week??) But when I am lazy, the weight starts to creep back up.

All, I have to remember is today is another day.

Spring Chick Challenge and Week 4 Goals

2012-01-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Week 3 is here and things are going, not so well. Weigh in showed 217.8 that is up 3.8 from last week. This is all my fault, I have not been drinking enough water, I had to take a few days off from the gym and I have been eating to many cookies. I need to refocus and get back on track

I will aim to drink 2 l of water a day- I think that I did this 4/7 days this week. I have got to do better.

I will try and do some sort of activity everyday. I will complete my half marathon in February in under 2 hours and 31 minutes ( my last time) Sunday, I didn't do anything because my heart was still feeling strange. So far this week I have been to the gym everyday and I am going to continue on that road.

Commit to blogging at least twice weekly and 1 of those times must be you check in with a complete up date on your progress. All other blogs could include new insights, results of weekly challenges, or just letting others know how you are doing.
Commit to support... both giving and receiving. Check others blogs and comment as you feel motivated to do. Once again, I just want to say thank you for all the support.

Mini-Challenge This Week: Try a New Exercise

I am going to try Kickboxing class at the gym this week. Yesterday, I tried a new class called TRIPLE THREAT, you do 20 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of weights and 20 minutes of core, the class was great and the teacher was in amazing shape.

This week:

Get 2 sessions of treadmill work in
Go to the gym every day
Drink at least 2 litres of water a day
Eat properly, only have one small sweet a day

Have a great week!

Oreos Are My Weakness

2012-01-24T21:15:00.000-05:00

Just ate a row of oreos, they were so damn good. Back at it tomorrow, sometimes you just gotta give in...I did two hours of class today at the gym, so I don't feel so bad. I know it doesn't make up for it, but it still makes me feel a little better.

You're Shedding!!

2012-01-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

This is what I was told at the gym last week by a fellow spinner. I thanked her sheepishly. Remember when I said I wanted people to notice my weight loss? I am going to take that back, I am a hypocrite. I say that I like when people acknowledge my loss, but really and truly, I don't. It makes me, embarrassed and shy. I want to hide in a corner. Man, I'm strange.

Today I did an hour on the stepmill, yeah me! I don't know why but my heart feels weird today. Hope I wake up in the morning....

Spartan Race: You'll Know At the Finish Line

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

I have signed up for the Spartan Race that will happen here in June 2012. Last year, I wanted to do this "race", but it was the same weekend as the Ottawa Half Marathon. This year it is 2 weeks later. The Spartan Race is a 5K race with over 30 obstacles including; running over a fire pit and scaling walls. Check out this video to see why I am officially crazy.

I finally made it to the gym last night, it was great. 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes on the step mill. Tonight I am going to head back. I am feeling much better than I did at the beginning of the week.

Have a great day!

Spring Chick Challenge: Week 2

2012-01-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

Week 2 is here and things are going. Yesterday, I weighed in and I was at 214. Down 1.2 from last week. I was in a bit of a funk, Monday and Tuesday, but today I am feeling better and plan to hit the gym hard for the next few days. Time to look at how my challenge goals are going:

My goal will be to fit into a size 12 piece of clothing or smaller. I have NEVER owed anything in a size less than 14. This is going well. I bought a skirt in size 12, so I am on my weigh.

I will aim to drink 2 l of water a day, ~~keep my calories under 1750~~ Except for yesterday, I have been drinking at least 2 litres of water. I think I am going to nix the calorie count since I don't have a great way to measure.

I will try and do some sort of activity everyday. I will complete my half marathon in February in under 2 hours and 31 minutes ( my last time) This WAS going well, until Monday and Tuesday when I stayed home. The race that I was suppose to run in Feb. is sold out, so I have been so bummed about it that I have been taking a bit of a break from running. I am going to sign up for the Ottawa half next week (hopefully I remember) that will make it official, then I will have to start training. Also, this may sound stupid, but the zipper on my winter running jacket broke so even if I wanted to run outside, I do not have a proper jacket and all you fellow Canadians know that when you are outside and it is -11C plus windchill, you need to be dressed properly.

Commit to blogging at least twice weekly and 1 of those times must be you check in with a complete up date on your progress. All other blogs could include new insights, results of weekly challenges, or just letting others know how you are doing.
Commit to support... both giving and receiving. Check others blogs and comment as you feel motivated to do. This has been going great. Thank you for all the support, it means the world to me.

This week:

Head to the gym everyday for the rest of the week, get on the treadmill as much as possible in the next few days

Have a great week!

Not Feeling It

2012-01-17T16:45:00.000-05:00

I don't even feel like writing this but here goes:
-I didn't go to the gym yesterday
- the weather is so bad that I didnt go today either
- I have been so hungry lately
- I just ate way to many crackers and pieces of cheese
-weigh in will be posted tomorrow
-debating about driving 2 hours this weekend to Ottawa for the lululemon warehouse sale.

Hope you are doing better than I am.

A Few Questions and a Weekend Update

2012-01-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

I love answering questions and I got these over on Tori's Blog. Feel free to copy the question s and answer them on your blog:

1. Do you have a favorite traditional “birthday meal”? If yes – what is it and what is the meaning behind it?

Every birthday, my family and I go out to eat. this is really the only time that we eat out. I usually like to go to an Szechwan restaurant.

2. If you’ve lost weight, has your style changed since you lost weight? Or what's your dream purchase when you do lose weight/hit goal?

To be honest my style has not changed. I can spend less on my clothes now (plus sized clothes here in Canada is so expensive). When I get to 199 I promised myself a Lululemon outfit.

3. Pick one question of the following two to answer: Who is your favorite Muppet and why? Or who is your favorite Smurf and why?

My favorite muppet would have to be Kermit, I always found him so sweet and funny. I love his relationship with Miss Piggy. I am not a fan of his "new" voice though.
4. When you buy a lotion or after bath spray or body spray or candle (not perfume) – what’s the “flavor” you always find yourself loving the most?

Lotion, I usually go with cocoa butter or vanilla scents. Bath/body sprays- mango, coconut all the way, I love the smell of anything sweet. Candels, I am cool with any smell.

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and in blogland.

Real life, same old, same old. Blog land, have some new followers that I am really excited about. I have started to follow quite a few new blogs that are keeping me entertained.

Weekend Update:

Friday: Went to the gym and did bootcamp, man it was insane. I really love this teacher, because he makes up do unconventional moves that really gets us going.

Saturday: Went to a great spinning class and then I went to crossfit open house. Man that was a mistake, bootcamp the night before AND crossfit= very sore body. My lower "abs" are so sore that every time I :cough, laugh, sneeze, go to the bathroom. I am in pain (a good pain though). I really wish I was rich and I could join crossfit as well as the gym, it is so much fun and a really good workout. I can see how so many people love it. I have been taking a warm bath with two cups of epson salts to relax my muscles.

Sunday: Went to the gym and did 35 minutes inclined walk on the tredmill and 25 minutes on the Stepmill, my body could not handel much more.

Tonight: I am heading to Tabata and Spinning.

Have a great day! Weight in tomorrow, yikes!

Have You Ever Been Jealous Of Another?

2012-01-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been jealous of someone else's weight loss? I ask this question because of something that happened yesterday. A co-worker of mine when to a conference and saw a girl that she used to know and also happened to go to High School with me. My co-worker came back from the conference and was shocked because this girl had lost 80 pounds, since the last time she saw her 5 years ago. The loss was so dramatic that she didn't recognize her. I had known of her weight loss and I have also seen her through the years, so the weight loss was not dramatic to me. Now the reason I am jealous is because here I am 60 pounds lighter than four years ago and I am sure no one is taking about me saying, "Oh have you seen Haneefa, she looks like a different person!? Wow. Oh. Ahh" As I reread this I know that I am being a hater and actually hearing about this girls loss, has re-enforced the weight that I ~~want~~ to lose.

So the question is: Have you ever been jealous of someone's weight loss?

Pictures!

2012-01-12T10:09:00.001-05:00

Jan. 1st PARTAY! I LOVE this pic I find my legs look so slim.

NYE, I call this the Kate Middleton dress

When I look at these pics I have hope that I am going in the right direction. My numerous squats, dead lifts and hours on the Step mill are working to get my legs in better shape. In the first pic I can still see my tummy poking out trying to say cheese, but I guess I can deal with that.

Last night I went to Pilates, soooo hard. My core is extremely weak, but I am glad that I stuck it out. I must admit that my 30 day yoga challenge taught me a lot of things that can be applied to Pilates. I then went to Salsa class, I thought it was going to be more of a salsa aerobics, but it was actually a salsa lesson, it was fun, but I felt like I didn't burn enough calories (i.e. I didn't sweat enough). So I headed to the gym and did 30 minutes with the Step Mill.

I am taking out my hair tonight, so I will have to head to the gym when I am done. I hope that I can make it to Spinning and then Sweatshop.

Have a lovely day and I am loving all the new followers that I have. Thanks for reading!

How To Lose 6 Pounds in One Week

2012-01-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

How to lose 6 pounds in one week:

Drink at least 2 L of water a day, tea or coffee are the only other beverages that you drink (milk 1% and a small amount of sugar is allowed to be added)
Work out at least an hour and a half a day (one hour of cardio and at least 30 minutes of weights)
Breakfast consists of 1/4 cup oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar
Lunch and dinner are fish (salmon, tilapia filets) with one or two sides of veggies (usually a few cups of cooked spinach, zucchini or whatever)
Snacks about 4 a day, include fruit (banana, oranges, grapefruit...) a serving of yogurt, a handful of nuts
A positive attitude
No alcohol
Almost no carbs
one small sweet allowed a day ex: 2 small cookies

I hope this gives you a glimpse into what I did last week to get my loss. I am using the same formula this week and I am hoping for a nice loss next week also.

Yesterday I went to the gym and hung out with my best friend the Step mill for 30 minutes, chilled on the bike for 20 and ran on the treadmill for 10. I then headed to Body Design class. During class I was doing some push-ups and got a whiff of something funky. I looked around and realized it was me *yikes*. I ran to the locker room Usain Bolt style and applied deodorant faster than a mofo.

Tonight, I am trying some new classes at my Groupon studio; Pilates and Salsa. I bought a piece of mahi mahi at the grocery store yesterday and found an amazing recipe on-line today so I am going to wipe that up for lunch on Friday.

Have a great day!

Spring Chick Challenge Update: Week 1

2012-01-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

Last week went well, I weighed in this morning at 215. That is a 6.2 loss. I am not going to get overly excited because I have been here before. I can only start to get excited when I get below 212*. I went to the gym everyday except, Sunday and Monday, because I was sick. I have been drinking at least 2 L of water a day and I think that is what is really helping.

This week, I plan to do much of the same. Gym everyday and water, water, water. Hopefully next week I will down to 212, that is when the party starts!

*Why 212? 4 years ago when I started this journey (wow it has been four years already!) I was 272, so 212 is my 60 pound mark. From there I need to just go lower.

I Got Tagged!

2012-01-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

Hello Lovelies,
Over the holidays, I was tagged by the hilarious Dee, always fashionable Ro and and motivational Ebbs.

11 Random Things about MissHaneefa:

1. I love public speaking and always used to volunteer to present first in school

2. Three out of the four members of my immediate family have our birthdays on the 12th, Mom: June 12th, Me: August 12th, Bro: October 12th

3. I was in the audience of a few Japanese game shows when I lived over in Japan, it was great, I got payed just to sit and clap.

4. I love travelling, especially the locations with beaches, my favourites include Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic and ~~Koh Phi Phi~~ any beach in Thailand.

5. My first REAL job was as a cashier at Foot Locker, I LOVED that job so much. Always got to help cute guys, music was always on point. Fun times.

6. My most embarrassing moment was in University, when the school had a sex fair, you know where they give out pamphlets and stuff. I picked up a strip of condoms, on the bus ride home the bus jerked, my bag fell and all the condoms fell out. Everyone stared at me, I was so embarrassed I got off the bus and it wasn't even my stop!

7. Younger guys love to talk to me, a few months ago, I was talking to a guy in the club and I had to ask his age (I thought maybe he was 25), he was 21!!! That is 10 years younger than me! Yikes! I guess I just look youthful?

8. I travelled for a week in Bali by myself, fun times, but got a few questions from the locals as to where my `husband` was.

9. I love trying new things, I will try anything once. Activities,food, you name it, I live by the motto, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

10. I LOVE soca music, my parents are from Trinidad and Tobago and I was raised on it. It gets me through all my workouts.

11. I love to read and can finish a good book in a day or two.

My answers to Dee's questions:

1. If you could change 1 thing in your life what would it be? I would like to make more money.
2. What is your occupation? I am a High School Science teacher.
3. What was your favorite song of 2011? Hmmmm, I love Don Omar's Danza Kuduro and LMFAO's Party Rock
4. What are you looking to most in 2012? Getting to under 200 pounds.
5. What type of car do you drive? Mazda 2
6. Have you ever been head over heels in love? Head over heels, nope. In love, yes.
7. Ever do something that you are super ashamed of? When I was 18, I kissed another guy, while I had a boyfriend. Never did anything like that again.
8. What city do you live in? Montreal
9. What's your dream vacation? Maldives
10. Do you have a pet? Nope
11. Do you think the world will end in 2012? Nope

Ro's Q's:
1. What's your favorite cheat food: Fried calamari
2. Ever had 2 dates on 1 night: Nope
3. What's your go-to beauty item: Lip gloss
4. What's your childhood nick-name: Haneefa (Not a big fan of my name being shortened)
5. Favorite movie of 2011: Mission Impossible 4 I guess
6. Do you collect anything: Key chains
7. Favorite Book of 2011: Hunger Games Trilogy
8. Favorite age so far and why: 23-25, the years I was in Japan
9. What's your go-to snack item: Fruit
10. Do you work in the field of your choice: yup
11. Paper or plastic: plastic I guess
12. What is your number 1 goal for 2012: Get rid of this last bit of weight

Ebb's Q's

1. What is your favorite exercise? I love anything challenging, bootcamp or hot yoga
2. Can you rap/freestyle? not well
3. What was your favorite album of 2011? hmmmm, didn't really buy any albums this year, but i will have to say 21 by Adele
4. What is your favorite meal of the day? BREAKFAST (just not at breakfast time, too early)
5. Do you like chocolate (and yes I will judge you if you say no, LOL)? yes
6. Who is one person that has the biggest impact of your life? my mom
7. What is one of your goals for 2012? loss these last 40 pounds (see a trend)
8. Are you left or right handed? right
9. What is one place that you want to visit in 2012? Cuba(crossing fingers that this happens in March)
10. What is your favorite perfum? Anything sweet. I love Escada
11. And the last question, what is the biggest accomplishment that you achieve in 2011? Running my first half marathon.

Hope everyone is having a good start to the week. Tomorrow I will post my Spring Chicken Challenge Round Up for week one.

Sick Like A Dog

2012-01-08T21:37:00.000-05:00

Heyyyyyy! I am not feeling so hot, so I didn't go to the gym today. I stayed in bed all day. Sniffling, sneezing and all that good stuff. Yesterday was a much better day, I went to the gym, did an hour of cardio and half an hour of weights and ate well, dinner was a spicy, maple tilapia with a side of spinach.
Things have been going pretty well. I am sad because I have to go back to work tomorrow. I am going to try and be really good this month. I teach at a high school and we are always having bake sales to raise money and this month there is Market Week, were students come up with a concept and sell it to make a profit to the student body. Most of the teams sell food; shakes, cupcakes, crepes, you get the picture. This year I am avoiding the whole thing. I love to support my students, but it never turns out good for me and my waist line. Also in March I am going on vacation, I have 57 days until vacation (but who is counting)that is about 7 weeks, I will be lenient and say one pound a week, so I can be around 208 for vacation.

This week, I am heading to the gym everyday. I haven't been running besides a few short stints in the treadmill, because I am still down that I didn't get a spot in the hypothermic half marathon race. On my 'to do list' this week is to register for the Ottawa half marathon in May and for the Ile Bizzard blizzard race in February. Last year, the Blizzard race was my first 10 k race and I came in second to last ( I was the last female, I finished in an hour and eight minutes, these races are kinda fast). I am debating if I should register for the 10k again or just do the 5k.

Tomorrow I have to go and shop for my lunches for the week. I am on a fish binge. So it will be more tilapia and salmon with a side of peppers and/or spinach.

I am reading an amazing book, ROOM by Emma Donahue, the book is written from the point of view of a five year old whose mother was kidnapped and he was raised in a room for his whole life.
Weight in is Tuesday, tomorrow I will post my tag post, I was tagged by a few fellow bloggers. Have a great night.

Friday!!

2012-01-06T22:41:00.001-05:00

First of all I want to say thank you for all the nice comments that were left yesterday, you guys made my day! I went to Body Design class today and it was a killer. Multiple reps with light weights. My legs are killing me, I am sure they are going to be broken in the morning. I am going to try and make it to Zumba at 9:45 in the morning, but I love my morning sleep.

I have been eating tilapia for dinner with 2 sides of veggies and it has really been filling me up. I am sad because I have to go back to work Monday, I know that I really shouldn't be that sad since I have had 5 days more vacation than the average joe. Wishing everyone a great weekend!

All I Do Is Win, Win, Win, No Matter What...

2012-01-05T23:50:00.000-05:00

Ah what a day. I took a trip down to the States for a little shopping. Man, TJ Maxx is the sh*t! We have Winners here in Canada, but it is no where are good as TJ Maxx. The exercise clothes were half the price of stuff here. I had a field day. I love getting new workout clothes, because then I want to go work out and show them off.
I went to New York and Company and stuff was 60-70% off, so I found skirt that I really liked but the only had a size 18, I tried it (not really sure why) it was WAY too big, I shrugged my shoulders and tried on the 12, you know for sh*ts and giggles and it fit! *faints on the dressing room floor* After I got up, I couldn't believe it, granted the tummy part could be a little flatter, but we will work on that. I have never owned something in a size 12, *Carleton dance*.

To celebrate, I hit the gym, 30 minutes of the Step Mill, a 20 minute treadmill run and 20 minute of leg weight work. Can you say #winning???

Remember: Suck it up, and someday you won't have to suck it in

( I will in that skirt, but just for a little while) ;)

Really Scale? Why You So Mean?

2012-01-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

I know my body. I know that if I eat and drink like a damn fool, I will gain weight. I know that if I do not go to the gym, I will gain weight. I know that I drink like a mofo, I will gain weight. So I do not know why I was surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning and it screamed 221.2, a 4 pound gain from last week. So I cried for about ten nano seconds and got dressed and headed to the gym. There is really no use in crying over gained pounds. I headed to the gym did 30 minutes on my BFF the stepmill and did a boot camp class. Fun times! Taking advantage of my last few days off and might head over later to do some Pilates and salsa (not togather, but that would be kinda cool).
I ate salmon with spinach for lunch, yummy, yummy. Planning to have tilapia for dinner.

Hopefully, you are still fighting!

Remember: Losing weight makes you look good in clothes, exercise makes you look good naked!

500th Post

2012-01-04T00:48:00.000-05:00

Yeah!!!!!! *Throws confetti* Today was a crazy day. I have added one more resolution to my list; only eat out once a week. I don't really eat out much but there are some weeks( like these last two) that can get out of control, so I have made a vow not to eat out more than once a week.
Today, I hit it so hard at the gym. I went to Zumba, then did 15 minutes on the Step Mill, followed by 20 minutes of weights. Then in the evening I hit up the body design class, my arms are burning right now, just the way I like it. I had a groupon (you know those deals of the day, I LOVE them, my friends call me a Groupon whore) for one month at a local studio so I cashed it in today and I am going to alternate between my gym and this studio since that have some pretty cool classes that my gym does not (kickboxing, yogalates, pole dancing --> don't know if I will go down that ~~hellish~~ path any time soon).
I went to the grocery store and stocked up on some tilapia to cook for the next few days. I also hit my 2 l mark with my water today.
I did go out for Indian so no more going out this week( can you believe I had to turn down two offers, yikes, no wonder I'm obese)

Have a greet week! I am suppose to go running but the are calling for cold, so I may have to do that bad boy on the treadmill.

Welcome To 2012

2012-01-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Bloggerversary to me! This is my second year blogging and I couldnot be happier. I have a great, strong following (I think) and love that I have a space to all my own to share my experiences. Thank you and a toast to many more years of blogging!
The last two days have been a world wind. New Year's Eve parties and dinners, left right and center.I have not had time to workout, gym had crappy hours anyway. But now I am back at it 1500%, I sat down today and mapped out workouts for the week.

On a side note, I wore these crazy platform pumps last night when I went out and this morning I feel like I did a million squats.

Tomorrow IaAm going to head to the grocery store and stock up on fish and veggies for lunch and dinner.

I will weight in tomorrow.

Hope 2012 is treating you well so far.

Last post of 2011!

2011-12-31T15:15:00.000-05:00

Hey party people! I hope that all is well in your neck of the woods. This is my last post of 2011. You all read about what I did in 2011. This post I will focus on what I want to accomplish in 2012.

1. Get under 200 pounds and hopefully to 172.
2. Try Crossfit and maybe TRX , I love trying new exercises anyone have any ideas? I have tried Zumba, Pilates, aqua fitness, hot yoga, pole dancing, what else is there?
3. Find the love of my life. Or at least someone to spend time with until he comes along.
4. Pay down at least 2 out of the 5 pieces of debt hanging over my head.
5. Run as many races as I can this year ( I think I ran 5 this year). Take my 5 k time to under 33 minutes, my 10k time to under an hour and four minutes and my half marathon time to under 2 hours and 31 minutes.
6. Make more money

There we go! Simple yet satisfying.

I am not looking forward to the next few weeks at the gym. It will be packed with "new year's resolutioners", oh well things will be back to normal by March break, it always is.

I wish you all the best. A very happy New Year, see you in 2012 (hopefully less of you ;) ), for more blogging, more workouts and more fun.

Love you to pieces!

My Top 10 Workout Songs of 2011

2011-12-29T19:15:00.000-05:00

I love end of the year round up's. I went through my iPod and looked at the top songs that I listened to. Since I mostly listen to my iPod at the gym, these are my top 20 most listened to songs of the year;

1. Down On Me --Jeremih feat. 50 cent
2. Beggin -- Madcon
3. F**k You -- Cee Lo Green
4. Party Rock Anthem --LMFAO
5. Moves Like Jagger-- Maroon 5
6. Mr. Officer-- Vybz Kartel
7. The Show Goes On-- Lupe Fiasco
8. All of the Lights -- Kanye West
9. Born This Way -- Lady Gaga
10. Just Can't Get Enough-- Black Eyed Peas

What do you think of my list? Any song you would add?

2011: What a Great Year

2011-12-29T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hello! First, I would like to welcome all my new followers. Thank you so much for taking time to read my blog, it really means a lot to me. This has been my second year blogging and it continues to be such a positive experience. Last year I created 300 posts and this year I am close to 200. I went and took a look back on the highlights of this year:

- I went to Trinidad and Tobago in February 'played mas' and partied hard (take a look at the February posts for some great pics)
- I ran my first 10 k race in January and since then have completed 2 more races bringing my time down to an hour and four minutes.
-I ran my first half marathon in May (one year after starting to run). This was definitely the highlight of my year.
-Tried Pilates for the first time.
-Tried hot yoga for the first time, fell in love and completed 30 hot yoga classes in 30 days in November.
-Saw Prince in May
-Tried pole dancing, don't love it but I was willing to try it again.

I am happy to say that I am nowhere near the 238 I was at when I started the blog two years ago or even 272 that I was at back in 2008. I am still reaching to get under 200 and hopefully reach my goal of 172.

I haven't been to the gym yet today. I am suppose to run tonight but it is -15c (feels like -26c so I think that I am gonna stick to the gym. I think that I am going to go to spinning and sweatshop class.

Have a great day!

Bad, bad, bad....

2011-12-28T15:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I stepped on the scale at 217.6 starred back at me. Here we go again. I am just going to get back at it. The other bad news is the half marathon race in February is sold out. I am so sad. I put myself on the waiting list, but I know that it doesn't look good. I am going to sign up for the Ottawa Half that is happening in May this weekend so I am not disappointed.

Yesterday, I went to Pilates class (that shit is hard) and I did 30 minutes on the step mill and 30 minutes run on the treadmill, I finished with 15 minutes of arms. Today, I went to spinning class and did 15 minutes of running and 20 minutes of weights.

Tonight we are suppose to run 6 k with the group but the weather outside is bad.

In other news, I went to see the new Mission Impossible and it is really good. If you like adventure go check it out.

Have a great day.

Spring Chick Challenge For 2012

2011-12-26T17:58:00.000-05:00

This challenge is hosted by Stormy@Big Butt Theory and will start Jan 2 and end March 19th 2012.

So here are the focus points for this challenge:
Commit to a NSV (non scale victory) to be assessed at the start and the conclusion of the challenge.
For example it could be:
losing inches
improving your 1mile time
fitting into a pair of your used to be favorite jeans.

My goal will be to fit into a size 12 piece of clothing or smaller. I have NEVER owed anything in a size less than 14

Commit to a set of nutrition parameters and track via MyFitnessPal or Sparkpeople or WW. Whatever tracking works for you. IF you are on maintenance and do not really track. What nutrition goals do your have?
How many calories daily or weekly?
How much water will you drink daily?
What items, if any, will you limit?

I will aim to drink 2 l of water a day, keep my calories under 1750

Commit to a set of exercise parameters. These can be as loose or as flexible as you feel work for your personality, schedule, etc.
Think variety.
Start small and build.
Try to incorporate a variety of exercises as to avoid boredom

I will try and do some sort of activity everyday. I will complete my half marathon in February in under 2 hours and 31 minutes ( my last time)

Commit to blogging at least twice weekly and 1 of those times must be you check in with a complete up date on your progress. All other blogs could include new insights, results of weekly challenges, or just letting others know how you are doing.
Commit to support... both giving and receiving. Check others blogs and comment as you feel motivated to do.

No problem here we go!!!!

I'm Scared

2011-12-26T16:48:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is weight in day and I am scared. Last week I was at stellar 212. I hope it is not more than 217, after all the merry Christmas eating. I am off work two weeks so the plan is to try an work out twice a day. Last Saturday (Christmas Eve) I ran 14k with my running group and it was good ( considering I haven't run in almost three weeks) the only problem is that I need warmer socks and gloves. My hands were so cold in my Dollar Store gloves (did I mention that it was -14c?) we're not working and I had to borrow the mitts of a girl whose hands were sweating. I finally decided that I am going to sign up for the Half in February.
Today was a good day, gym opened at 1 pm so I did 15 minutes on the step mill, 15 minutes of arms and a spinning class.

Hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Have a great week!

I Give The Best in Me in Everything I Do

2011-12-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas blogger family!

Last Tuesday I was at 212, but now it is the holidays so I have relaxed a little. I ran 14k yesterday in -14c and let me tell you that it was no joke. Memo to self that I need some warmer socks and gloves. Tomorrow another group is going out to do another 14k depending how I feel I will join them.

Have a great day!

All is Well With Me Now

2011-12-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

I was a no show at the gym yesterday. I had to pick a friend up from the airport, then we went to dinner (we shared a salad). We then stopped by a friend to wish her a happy 30th birthday, we had a small slice of cake. By the time that all was said and done it was 10:45 pm. If I was still at the 24 hour gym I would have gone and done a quick workout, but my gym closes at 11 pm. Boo! I came home and lifted a few weights following the Nike training app. Tonight I am FINALLY heading back to my running group, I am sure they think I have fallen off the face of the Earth. We are running 5K tonight, then I am going to Sweat Shop class.

Tim asked what I have for breakfast during my liquid eating (I hate the word diet). I usually have a protein shake; 1 scoop of protein powder, about 1 tbsp peanut butter (the only ingredient is peanuts), 1 cup almond milk (vanilla or chocolate). Delicious, filling and nutritious.

Ms. Bad Mama Jama asked, "Is body design teacher new to you? Perhaps, she was worried you would get overwhelmed...as a "newbie"..." when I talked about my teacher's comment, when she saw that I was lifting 8 pounds as my "light weights". All I have to say is that I always get that comment. Everyone lifts 5 pounds as their light weight, so when they see someone lifting 8 pounds everyone goes cray. I don't mind.

Have a great day!

I Am Proud of My Accomplishments and Goal

2011-12-14T10:17:00.001-05:00

Things are going well, I went to Body Design class and it was great. My only comment is that I hate when people comment on the amount of weight I lift. Usually when you take a weight class you have to have a set of heavy and light weights. I usually take 8 pounds as my light and 10 pounds as my heavy. I am strong, I may look a flabby in the middle, but I am strong. I love lifting weights and I can really see a different in my strength from a few years ago. I love it. Yesterday the teacher tells us to grab our light weights and I grab the eight and she says, "Oooooooooh, 8 pounds". I don't know why that bothers me, but it does.

I then went to spinning, which wasn't bad, I think I am going to try another teacher, because I didn't work up as much of a sweat as I would have liked to. Tonight I have to pick up a friend from the airport so I do not think I am going to make it to running. I have reserved a spot in the evening spinning class, so hopefully I will make up.

I Believe In Myself

2011-12-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

I am up 2 pounds this week at 216, but I am not surprised because of the debacle of food and drink over the weekend. Like I said in the last post, I am sticking to a mostly liquid diet (soups, shakes, juice, tea, etc...) for the next week or two. I am pushing the envelop because I am just fed up of myself and I just want to be out of these damn 200's.
On the gym front, I did 30 minutes on the StepMill and 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by 30 minutes of weight training. Tonight, my goal is to do the Body Design class followed by Spinning (I have a reserved space today).

Have a great day!

I Am Achieving Important Goals Today

2011-12-12T13:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday bloggers! This weekend was interesting. On Friday I finally made it to the gym. Woo hoo! You know I really like the gym, just the feeling of being there lifting those weights getting all strong...I got in my hour of cardio; 30 minutes on the StepMill (I love that beast) and 30 minutes on the tredmill, I find running on the tredmill so boring (I would much rather run outside) so when I am on the tredmill I vary speedwork with incline stuff to really work up a sweat.

Friday night, we went out for a friends birthday to a bring your own wine restaurant. I am usually not a drinker, but one friend brought this yummy wine called Relax and it was so sweet and delicious that I had to have a few glasses. We had a great time. I had mussels with french fries and a creme brulee (I am a sucker for a good creme brulee).

Pic from the night

I thought my night was over, but then I got a call to pick my friend up from the bus station because she come in from out of town. She asked if I wanted to go out for our friend's boyfriend's birthday. Since I already had make up on, I agreed. We headed downtown and let me just say that these guys were ballin'. Bottle service a la max. The Grey Goose was flowing. The music started off questionable, but got really good quickly. Then at 2:30 (remember clubs close at 3 am here), FOUR bottles of champagne come to the table! BOO-YA! Fun times all around. I was in line to get my coat and the girl in front of me says, "I wish I had her boobs I wouldn't be cold" I look around and realize that she is talking about me! I guess I had a puzzled look on my face because her friend apologized. I just laughed inside.

Saturday was a bust. I did make it to breakfast with friends. Sunday, I finally made it to the gym. I need to get all this crap out of my system, so I am trying to stick to a liquid diet for a few days, until I feel better.

For all you readers out there you have to read Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Amazing book!

Have a great day!

I am full of enthusiasm and vitality

2011-12-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

*Sigh* I had another fail of a day on the exercise front. I had a meeting at work that finished late and then I had to head to the mall to pick up a give AND I was exhausted. For those of you that are counting that makes two days of no exercise, this is so bad for me, that I know that my weight has gone up.

I am dead set on getting in some gym time today. I am going to try and leave work a little early and head to the gym for a bit. I then have a bday dinner tonight. I am so happy that it is Friday!

I Feel A Sense of Belonging and a Sense Of Rightness

2011-12-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

Last night's workout plan was a bust. I had to wait an hour and a half for the car service from my car company to get me to pick up my car. I then had to go to a work function so there was no room for exercise. This made me so sad. Today is a new day, I am suppose to run 5k and then I am going to Sweatshop class at the gym.

I Celebrate Today By Looking My Best

2011-12-07T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hello blog world, as per usual my workouts never go to plan. The spinning class was full, so I did 30 minutes on the Step Mill, the devil but I love it. Followed by 5 mins of the rowing machine (I wanted to try it out and realized that I am not a fan) and then I hit the elliptical for 25 minutes. I had set out to do an hour of weight, but it turned into 30 minutes. In the last post LA asked about my weight training schedule. Here is an example of a full body weight training schedule. I usually do each exercise for 8-15 reps and I do 3 sets increasing my weight each time.

Whole Body Tight and Toned

bench press
chest flye
standing dumbbell press
bent over flye
one arm tricep extension
lying dumbbell extension
dumbbell front squat
dumbbell lunge
dumbbell stiff legged deadlift
hamstring curl
calf raise
bent over two arm row
seated hammer curl
standing reverse curl
dumbbell crunch
stability ball roll up

I do these one after another until I don't want to do anymore this can be 15 minutes or half an hour, or an hour. Yesterday, I did the first 6 exercises in half an hour.

If you need instructions to any of these exercises you can google or YouTube them or just ask and I can post some pics.

As for my resources I like the Nike Training app for my iPod.

I also LOVE Oxygen magazine and website.

Muscle Fitness Hers is another favorite of mine

I also tend to check out bodybuilding.com for ideas.

I hope this helps.

Tonight, I will head to the gym for an hour (30 mins Step mill, 30 mins weight training), then have running we are doing 5 hill repeats.

Have a great day!

I Enjoy Good Health And Energy Today

2011-12-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

I weighed in today at 214! Yeah, 2.4 down from last week. I am really working hard and I am really aiming for that first goal of 211. Last night I didn't want to go to the gym after work, then I sat down and started reading a few blogs and motivation kicked in. I read about all these people that are doing such great things and are trying so hard to lose weight and I figured that I had to go. I swear the hardest part about the gym is getting there. I was disappointed because the regular teacher of the Tabata class wasn't there. I don't know about you, but I hate when I take a class with a new teacher and it doesn't meet up to the usual teacher's standards. So I decided to do 30 minutes on the step mill and 30 minutes on the StairMaster. I then went to Aero step class. Today, I am going to an hour of weights (try and attack the whole body) and then spinning class.

Have a great day!

I Focus on Positive Thoughts and My Body Responds

2011-12-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

This has been a good weekend. I raced in the 5K Santa Shuffle on Saturday, I had a time of 34:25 not the greatest , but I attribute that to all the hills in the race. I also ran 10.4K with my running group on Sunday. The weather is still nice thankfully, so I enjoy the long runs, next Sunday we are doing 10k again. I am going to have to start to walk with water and snacks because as the runs get longer, I get so thirsty and hungry. I usually munch on these energy jelly beans, but I think that I am going to try different types of snacks and I will let you know which ones I like best.
I got the December newsletter from the hot yoga studio that I did the challenge at and they are going to start Community Classes for 5$ in the new year. Once a week teachers' in training will give the class for 5$. I am totally down for this because I really cannot afford the 17$ a class price.

Tonight, I am going to Tabata class, followed by Aero Step.

Happy Monday!

I Enjoy Good Health and Energy Today

2011-12-03T19:48:00.000-05:00

I am done! 30 yoga classes in 30 days. I am so happy that I did this challenge I have seen so many improvements. My balancing is still crappy, but not as crappy as it was a the beginning. I did develop a little pain on my right side below my lower back but above my butt. Luckily, we had a physiotherapist come and speak to our running group, I asked him about my pain and he said it could be from the daily yoga, specifically posses like pigeon. Since Thursday the pain is much better but still present. I will monitor myself for a week, if the pain persists I will go see a physiotherapist.

I am now back at the gym.

For the month of November I accomplished my running goal of 68.7K, the goal for this month is 10% more which will be about 75.6 K. I can definitely do it.

Today I ran the 5K Santa Shuffle, the weather was great, no snow of ice like last year, but the hills in the race always kill me; the first 2K is all uphill, then another 1.5K downhill and the final 1.5 is uphill. It is that final section that is the killer.

Hope that everyone is having a great weekend!

I Focus On Positive Thoughts and My Body Responds

2011-11-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that it is the end of November. Where did the month go? Tonight is my last 30 days of hot yoga class, I am so happy that I did it! I think I am going to treat myself to a little something, any suggestions? Maybe a 15$ iTunes card so I can download some new workout tunes or a lululemon headband?...Tomorrow I am going to do a final detailed wrap up. In one of my posts from the last few days, Tim asked if I would do this again, I would have to say YES! I have really grown in my yoga practice and I do see improvements, not just in yoga but in other areas also such as weight training, running and general posture.

Hope that you all are having a great day!

I Have Faith, Optimism, and Perspective

2011-11-29T13:06:00.000-05:00

30 Day hot yoga challenge is almost done and I am caught up with all my classes (I pulled a double last night). I have one class today and one class tomorrow and I will have done! 30 hot yoga classes in 30 days, woo hoo!! On Thursday, two ladies from hot yoga (one of them happens to run with me also) and I are going to dinner to celebrate.
I weighed in this morning at 216.4 yeah! Down from last week. I am not going to get too excited, because I am still searching for 211 (that is the weight when I say that I have lost 60 pounds since March 2008, so I am always happy there). From there I am going to work my way down trying to get there by the year end.
I decided that I am going to do the half marathon in February and then another in May 2012 (I have to put my new shoes to work after all).

Thanks for reading!

I Welcome This Day Full of Opportunities and Challenges

2011-11-28T11:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday Mes Amis!
What a weekend! The 30 day hot yoga challenge is winding down to an end in the next few days, but my work is still not done. Since I was away last weekend I have to make up for those four days that I missed, I have come this far I am determined to do 30 classes in 30 days. Friday, Saturday and Sunday I attended 2 classes each day. Today I will also have to do two classes and then I will be fully caught up.
I went to a CFL Grey Cup party last night (CFL= Canadian Football League, think of it as the Canadian Super Bowl) and I was really impressed with myself, I enjoyed everything in moderation. I also ran 9k yesterday (oh crap, just remembered that I am racing on Saturday, the Santa Shuffle 5k). Good thing I got a new pair of shoes!!!!! So excited.

They were on sale AND the store was giving 20% off, so I saved like 60$!

They are so comfortable and light.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend, catch you later!

Photos From Last Weekend

2011-11-24T15:10:00.001-05:00

All ready for a night out

The flash was SOOOO bright! I look uber surprised!

Brunch the day after.

I Am Thankful For My Life As It Is Today

2011-11-24T11:32:00.000-05:00

What a coincidence that this is today's positive affirmation and it is Thanksgiving in the US. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! To all my US followers, have a great day!
Remember that episode of Sex and the City when Charlotte decides that she is going to tackle her dating life like a job? Well, I decided that that is how I am going to tackle my workouts. It is going to be like a part time job and I am going to give it 110%. I have been slacking on the weight training since I have been doing the 30 day hot yoga challenge and I feel like I am losing my strength, so I am going to start back doing a bit of weight training daily, even if it is 20 minutes.
I entered a holiday weight loss challenge:

Dates: November 23rd - January 4th (6 weeks)

HOW DO YOU WIN?
Plain and simple, biggest loser style, it will be % of body weight lost over the holidays. This competition should serve as a reminder to everyone to mindful of their consumption over the holidays. Moderation is key!

If you are looking for a challenge check it out!

My Starting weight is 218.2 (yeah I am going back down), let's see 6 weeks, 2 pounds per week would make 12 pounds leaving me at 206.2 and 5% body fat lost at the end of the 6 weeks.

I am back to running tonight doing a cool 3k and then I am heading to hot yoga. I am getting sad because the 30 day challenge is almost done and I don't know what I am going to do with myself. The good news is that a few months ago I bough t a Groupon for 20$ for 30 days of Bikram yoga, so I think that I am going to try and challenge myself AGAIN in the month of December, but this time try and go 6 days a week instead of everyday.

I have been paying really close attention to my food intake, trying to get more vegetables and protein and less cupcakes. This year have a student from Northern Quebec that hunts caribou with her family and they brought me caribou meat because I expressed interest in trying it. This weekend I am going to stir fry that baby and let you know how it tastes.

Have a great day!

Today, I Am Taking Control of My Life

2011-11-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your kind words yesterday. I really appreciate your support. I picked myself up, dusted myself off and headed to Athletic Training followed by hot yoga last night. Since I was away in Toronto I have four classes to make up so that I can say that I did 30 classes in 30 days. I will be doing a few back to backs on the weekend to make that happen. Because I have been busy with work I have not been running, it has been over a week. I am going back tomorrow, luckily we are doing an easy 3k. I have to get back at it, because I have the Santa Shuffle 5K race the first weekend of December.

As for food, I am going to try hard to write down what I eat, and plan my meals better. Trying to stick to protein and vegetables for most of my meals. I will have to get some fish to season and cook for lunches next week, as well as prepare my yummy quinoa stuffed peppers (I added the recipe at the end of this post). I also have to get back into the habit of drinking water I find that I am really not getting enough water. I drink about a litre a day, when I really should be drink double that minimum.

A for the scale, I am sorry but that is one thing that I cannot let go for now. I have to get on each morning to check my daily "progress", when I get back down to 211, I will then proceed to lighten up a bit and step on every other day.

Wish me luck!

Quinoa-Stuffed Red Bell Peppers

1 pepper (237 cal)

For all my Weight Watcher folks each pepper is 4 points!

2/3 c quinoa rinsed and drained

6 bell peppers

1 tbsp olive oil

¾ c diced carrots

½ red onion

1 10 oz pack frozen spinach thawed and drained

1 15 oz can red kidney beans rinsed and drained

1 tsp chilli powder (can add more)

½ c grated partly skimmed mozzarella

Garlic and garlic salt

*I found the original recipe a bit bland, so I added garlic (fresh and salt) to taste and more chilli powder

· Preheat oven at 350F

· Boil 1 1/3 c water in pan add quinoa

· Reduce heat, cover simmer 15 mins, keep covered set aside

· Remove pepper tops, stems and seeds

· Bring a large pot of water to boil

· Add peppers boil for 5 mins and drain

· Heat oil in a skillet over med heat

· Add carrots cook for 3 mins

· Add onion cook for 5 mins

· Stir in spinach and beans

· Remove from heat and mix in quinoa and chilli powder

· Fill peppers with quinoa mixture and place on a baking sheet

· Sprinkle with cheese

· Add just enough water to form a thin later at the bottom of the dish. Bake 20 min ENJOY!

I Am Concentrating on Top Priorities

2011-11-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

I know that I can use a little positivity in my life today. I stepped on the scale and almost cried, to the point that I had to step on again and then again. 223. Up 6 pounds from last week. I don't know what to say, writing this just makes me angry, sad, hopeless. I don't know what to do anymore, I am trying and I am failing.

I Am Moving Onward and Upward Today

2011-11-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

FRIDAY!!!!!!!! I am heading to Toronto to get some friend time in, I am really excited, when I am with these girls we always have a BLAST. I swear we could be stuck in a hole and we would still have a great time.

I have a confession to make, I stepped on the scale today *hangs head in shame* and I am seeing a loss. I needed this to affirm what I need to do this weekend while I am away, STAY FOCUSED!

Got some new hair and I love it and everyone loves it, except...my mother. Honestly, she can be such a pain in my side sometimes.

Have a great weekend!

P.S. Since I am missing 3 days of hot yoga due to my little trip I am going to have to make up for it! Yikes!

I Have A Positive Attitude Today

2011-11-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Having a positive attitude can be hard. Especially when the day is not working to your favor. I really try to have a positive attitude as much as possible, as a teacher negativity is picked up by students so quickly and can spread like wild fire, even if I am having a bad day I really try and compartmentalize my negative thoughts and build on the positive in my life. I always try and look at the bright side of things, I have been told that is one of my strong suits.

Last night I did not go to running, I was feeling light headed and did not want to run. I didn't want to go to Day 16 of hot yoga either, but I forced myself to do that (class was at 9 pm) and you know what? I am so glad that I went. I am really improving and I am so happy. The night before when I did the power yoga I told the teacher that it was my first time and she said, "Really? I would never have known and I can usually tell when it is someone's first time!" I was so proud of myself.

This weekend I am heading to Toronto to hang with my friends, I am really going to try and control myself and continue with the progress that I am making. I will have to make up for the 2 or three days of hot yoga that I am going to miss next week. The good news is that my friend that I am staying with goes to a wicked bootcamp, so we are going to head there Saturday morning. I am excited to try something new.

I am also going to the hairdresser for a new do tonight. I am giving my hair a little break and going to put a weave in. I will post a pic and show you, I love getting a new look!

Happy Thursday, Friday is just around the corner!

Woooo! We're Half Way There...

2011-11-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

I Celebrate Today With Success!

Last night was Day 15 of my 30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge! Half way there! #winning. I did a 75 minute power class:

A challenging and innovative flow class inspired by Baron Baptiste. Very cardiovascular, you are constantly flowing through poses. Power Flow integrates more advanced postures and sequences give the class a challenging and dynamic flavour. Prepare to get sweaty and have some fun!

Ha! "Get sweaty" is an understatement, I was exhausted by the end. I was once again humbled. Just when i think that I am getting a handle on hot yoga, I am put in my place. I was suppose to go to Athletic Training class after, but I was finished so I just headed home. Tonight, I have running we are doing a quick 3K and then I am going to head to hot yoga. Although I am training for the Half Marathon in February, I am not sure if I am going to run it. I am open to any comments/suggestions. I guess my main worry is that is WINTER here, there will be snow and running for two hours and a half when the temperature ranges from -3C to -13C is just not appealing, even if my body is ten degrees warmer when I run. I have placed a survey at the right of my blog, please vote. I have to register by Dec. 1 to get the early bird price, I would love some advice.

Have a great day!

This Is An Important Day In My Life...

2011-11-15T13:47:00.001-05:00

...That is today's positive self talk affirmation, smile, look in the mirror and say it three times.
I succeeded in keeping myself off the scale for the week *pats self on back* and when I stepped on today I was at 217.8 not bad, that is down 1.6 from last week. Still reaching for my 211 would be nice to get there by the end of the month. I am going to keep trying to monitor my calorie intake and record my numbers, since that seemed to work this week. This is week two of my 30 day hot yoga challenge and yes, I have been everyday so far, 14 days in a row *pats self on back again*. I also took measurements last week and compared them to today:

Last Week Now
Bust: 42" Same
Waist (at belly button):38" 36"
Hips: 44" 43"

Total loss of 3 inches that is great. I read somewhere that each inch you loss translates to a pound. I wish I had lost 3 pounds though...

Tonight I am going to head to hot yoga (Day 15! Yeah I am half way there) and then try to make it to Athletic Training class.

Happy Tuesday!

Le Weekend

2011-11-14T09:51:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! I experienced another great running moment. Before I tell you what it is, let us take a look back, remember my first 5K ? Remember my first 10k? Remember my first half-marathon? Well last Saturday, I ran another 10K race and broke my record from the week before! 1:04! An HOUR AND FOUR F**K'N MINUTES! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!! I am still ecstatic!
After the race, I had to get in my "30 days of hot yoga challenge" class (Day 12 by the way). I went to a yin class;

Yin is both a gentle and challenging yoga practice and is often called a "moving meditation". Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Poses are held for 2-5 minutes to stretch deep muscle tissue and fascia. This is a great aid for opening up the body and increasing flexibility and range of motion. A great compliment to your regular practice. Suitable for all levels.

Don't be fooled. This description makes it sound so all nice and easy. But it was really hard, I had trouble holding the poses for the full time and had to let them go for a bit. I enjoyed it because I got to really stretch out my legs after the run, I will definitely try this class again now that I know what I am in for.

Sunday, I headed to a baby shower and let me just say that I ate WAY to much cake.I woke up this morning and I am still full.

I found a list of Positive Self Talk Affirmations and I will be listing one each day:

Positive Self Talk Affirmation of the day: Today is a winning day for me

Friday

2011-11-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of calorie counting and it wasn't bad. I finished with 2000 calories, not bad for my first day. I am really trying to stay in the 1700-1800 range, just like anything else it is going to take practice. I am back at it today. Man, I never realized how calories can add up so quickly, especially in drinks. I am going out for coffee with a friend later and we are heading to Starbucks so I went to the Starbucks website and they had a section called "drinks under 200 calories". this is what they had to say;

Hot Drinks (Tall)	Calories	Fat (g)
Brewed Coffee	5	0
Brewed Tazo® Tea	0	0
Nonfat Tazo® Green Tea Latte	150	0
Nonfat Cappuccino	60	0
Nonfat Caffè Latte	100	0
Nonfat Caramel Machiato	140	1
Soy Tazo® Chai Tea Latte	170	2
Nonfat Caffè Mocha – hold the whip	170	2
Skinny Vanilla Latte	90	0
Steamed Apple Juice	170	0
Nonfat Vanilla Crème – hold the whip	150	0
Caffè Americano	10	0

Good to know.

I have noticed that my stomach is feeling a little flatter since I have been doing hot yoga. But I still have the lower part of my stomach that I find sticks out a lot. I really have to find a way to reduce this part of my body, it is really starting to bother me. Since I have lost weight I find my lower stomach hangs. Does anyone else have this issue? How do you deal with it?

I was at the Running Room and there are two pairs of shoes that I have my eye on:

Nike Lunar Eclipse 139.99

New Balance 860 109.99

They are both super comfortable, so I am going to have to decide in the next few weeks...

LA commented:
Haneefa, thanks for the tips on working up to an 8k race. Since your post, I've been running outside; however, it's soooo much more challenging to run outdoors than on a treadmill. I've realized that I can barely do 2 miles outdoors (with running up hills etc). When you train, do you train outdoors for races, or how do you transition from running on the treadmill to successfully running outdoors. I feel as if it would be so much easier to run the 8k on the treadmill, but outside it seems nearly impossible. Thanks!

I run 95% of the time outside. On occasion I will run on the treadmill. I like the treadmill to work on speed, because I can control the speed, so I will sprint for 30 secs -1 minute and then I will run at a normal pace for a minute or two. The only suggestion I have for you is that when you run outside try to pick a place that has minimal hills, (save the hill work for a separate day). Also try and go at a regular pace, you should be able to talk. Save the race pace for another day (NOT a hill day). Take you time. Slowly build up and I know that you can get to your 8k outside.

Have a great weekend!

Trying Something New

2011-11-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your comments yesterday. I have put the scale away until next Tuesday and I am going to calorie count and stay around 1700-1800 for the next two weeks. I did a little research and they say that you should take the weight that you want to be (around 172) and multiply it by ten to give you your calorie intake. I am also going to try and eat more fish and go back to my wicked stuffed pepper recipe (which I will post later next week) for next week.

Last night was Day 9 of the 30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge and I have to admit that the classes are getting easier. There are a few poses that I could not do when I started and not only I am getting them and able to hold them for a short period of time I am starting to feel more confident in my practice. I am taking the rest of the month to really improve on the poses that I can do (hold them for the whole time required) and to get a handle on the poses that I still cannot do (bow is REALLY a struggle for me, I can usually reach one leg but not the other). I have also noticed that the room does not feel as hot as it used to. I also find that the time goes much faster and the class is done before I know it.

Did I mention that I am doing another race on Saturday? This one is also a trail race, but the group of runners in more elite. So even if I finish in the same time as last week, I will probably be one of the last ones to finish. We are also competing as a team, THE RUNAHOLICS (thanks Ro!) I will let you know how that goes.

Have a great day!

That's me, racing last Saturday!

Putting The Scale Away

2011-11-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

I have retired the scale until next week. This is really hard for me, since I am obsessed with getting on it everyday (and sometimes night) to see where my weight is at.
I am trying to cut added sugar out of my life. Last night I went to Bulk Barn and bought; dried cranberries, unsweetened shredded coconut, walnuts and almonds to add to my oatmeal in the morning. I usually add brown sugar , but I want to get away from that. When I had it this morning for breakfast it was delicious and very filling.
Tonight I have running (3K steady) and then I am going to head over for DAY 9 of the 30 Day Hot Yoga challenge.
I have a random question; does anyone cook bok choy (aka chinese cabbage)? DO you use the whole thing or just the leaves? Thanks in advance.

30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge: Week 1 Done!

2011-11-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

As of yesterday, I have done 7 straight days of hot yoga (accompanied by other activities) and when I stepped on the scale today I saw...a gain of 0.4 (219.4). This is really frustrating that I have been working really hard, but I am not losing the weight that I want to loss. I know that I have to be more careful with my eating. I eat well 90% of the time, but then I will have ONE meal (out or at a party) that is fried of fatty and I will gain 3 or 4 pounds over night! No joke. I do not know what to do. Why is it that I cannot have one meal a week that is not "one plan" without ruining everything that I have done for the week? I was down to 215 last Thursday and then Friday I went out and everything was done. I cannot even say that when I went out to eat it was all that bad. I watched my portions, but the food was obviously not as healthy as if I would have eaten something at home. I am really trying to analyze and understand my body and I am starting to see that I have to "be on" all the time. I don't know/think that this is realistic for me, but I really have to get rid of these 20 pounds so that I can get until 200. I am starting to think that this may never happen. Now marks 3 years and 8 months that I have been working on this and I am sitting at 52 pounds lost. Last year at this time I weighed 208 (granted i just had surgery and could not eat), all I am trying to say is maybe I can't get any smaller. I already work out almost everyday and i have been doing this even before I started to watch my weight. maybe my body knows this and can't do anymore... I don't know. I really just want to be rid of this fat and back to living life.
The plus side of this week of hot yoga is that my stomach feels flatter and I know that my balance has greatly improved. I was in an aerobics class yesterday and we had do do some balancing possess and I was much better than I was a few months ago.
I also need to stop being such a slave to the scale this week I am not going to step on the scale until next Tuesday. This is going to be really hard for me since I do weight myself daily. I also think that tomorrow I am going to take my measurements and keep track of those on a weekly basis also. I am curious to see if my waist is getting smaller or if it is all in my mind.

LA left a comment in my last post asking about race training advice (I still can"t believe that people are asking me for advice!).

Try and run at least three times a week. In your comment you said that on average you run 3.5 miles (about 5.6K). One of these runs should be a long slow run. Try this week to have a 6k run (3.7 miles) , a week from then try a 7K (4.3 miles) and then finally a 5 mile (8K) run. you should try and run the race distance at least once before the race. Remember that you should take these runs S-L-O-W. Don't be nervous about your first race, you can only improve from there. Also if you feel the need to walk, there is no shame in that. Last Saturday during the 10K race there was a monster hill. I tried to run as much as i could but i had to walk the rest of the way to the top. Once I felt like I was really (about 2 minutes) i started running again.

I hope this helps!

Boo-Ya!:A New Personal Best

2011-11-07T12:29:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday I ran a 10k race in Oka national park. The trail was beautiful and luckily the weather was perfect, not too cold and nice and sunny (although I could not keep my sunglasses on because my face was so sweaty). All I wanted was to beat my last 10k race time of an hour and eight minutes and guess what!? I did it in 1:05:07 THREE WHOLE MINUTES FASTER! WOOHOO! I was so excited. This Saturday and I am doing another 10K race and I am aiming to get the same time or better.
In hot yoga news, today I am on day 7 and I have been going everyday (yes, even after the 10K race on Saturday). I am noticing improvements in my possess and I am able to hold posses that I was not able to do a few months ago. I am also noticing that I am not finding the room as hot as I used to.

I hope that everyone is having a great week and take care!

Fit To Fat To Fit

2011-11-04T11:04:00.000-04:00

On my way home from work yesterday, I was listening to the radio and they were doing an interview with a guy who was a personal trainer and was aiming to gain 100 pounds and then lose it again. This guy (I am sure that you can Google to find his name) was about 190 pounds and a personal trainer. He decided that he wanted to gain weight so that he could see what it was like for his clients who were struggling to get healthy and lose weight. In the last 6 months he has gained almost 80 pounds. He stopped exercising and ate like the "average American"; macaroni and cheese, white bread and pasta, fast food once a week and soft drinks two or three times day. Now he is going to start to lose the weight, first by watching his diet and then incorporate exercise.

What do you think about the notion of gaining weight just to lose it again?

In 30 Day hot yoga challenge news, last night was day 3 and it went well. I went for a 3k run before hand. I am excited about my Half Marathon clinic and there are some familiar faces in my group. Tomorrow is my 10K race, I better get a good night sleep tonight!

30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge: Day 1 and 2

2011-11-03T13:19:00.000-04:00

I have been participating in the 30 Day hot yoga challenge for 2 days now and things are going well, but I am tired. I am still running and yesterday we were suppose to do 4k but we ended up doing 5K and then I went to hot yoga so I was exhausted. The same thing is going to happen tonight, since I am starting my Half Marathon Clinic tonight, thankfully we are only running 3K.

So far, I am seeing weight loss, but I am not going to report until next Tuesday.

My big race is on Saturday, wish me luck!

Ready...Set...Go!

2011-11-01T11:47:00.000-04:00

Today I am going to begin my 30 day hot yoga challenge. I am so excited, I am heading to a moksha flow class tonight. Moksha flow focuses more on breathing during the class. Here is the excerpt from the website on the class:

Emphasis will be on the synergy between breath and movement to help you deepen your practice. This class is always moving. It is great for upper body strengthening and improving cardiovascular health.

I am really excited. I am starting the challenge at 219, in 30 days I would like to be at 209 or lower.

I am also starting to train for another half marathon in February. I am not sure if I am going to actually do the race in Feb., but I am definitely going to run the Ottawa half next May. I really like the teacher than is leading the training clinic at the Running Room and I know that we are going to have a great time. In other running news I am going to be running a 10K on Saturday. I am hoping to beat my time from last winter of 1 hour and 8 minutes. I have been training and I feel really confident about what I can do. Nevertheless, it all depends on the day and since they are calling for snow here on Friday, the trail may be a bit slippery, which can be really dangerous. Also since it is a trail run I know that here are a lot of roots sticking out of the ground and people have tripped on the roots in the past and gotten hurt, so I am really going to have to be careful.

I now challenge all of YOU to be active for the next 30 days! It doesn't have to be yoga it can be anything, zumba, walking, whatever. Also if you really can't for 30 consecutive days try to beat what you usually do. If you exercise 3 times a week try to exercise 5 times for this month! LET'S GO!

I love this quote from Arthur Ashe:

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

30 Days Of Hot Yoga Challenge: Let the Games Begin!

2011-10-31T09:35:00.000-04:00

Friday night I went to Karma hot yoga class (the studio gives the class on a donation basis and donates the proceeds to a local charity, so you can pay 5$ instead of 17$). Even though I only do hot yoga about once a week, I see a difference in my flexibility and balance compared to when I first started in May. My balance has improved in many poses (there is still a way to go, but my dancer is much better) and I am more comfortable in the heat. The studio is hosting a 30 day challenge for the month of November. 30 Days of hot yoga at the studio for 30 consecutive days and improve your yoga practice. You know me and challenges they had me at hello! If you miss a day you can double up on another day. I think that this will be a great challenge and further help my weight loss. I start tomorrow!

On a happier note. The NYC pounds are gone! Now lets us work on getting back to 209. Have a great day!

10 Pounds in 4 Days

2011-10-26T13:55:00.003-04:00

I wish that I could say that this was loss, but it was a gain. I have 2 words for you NEW YORK! **Sorry, I actually wasn't done this post when i posted it yesterday and was shocked when I started to receive comments. I was going to attach pictures (hope you like Tim).

In front of the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art

Fun times in Central Park

Ahh yes, so it begins, 5$ Godiva chocolate covered strawberries on 5th Ave. SO WORTH IT! At least I had dark chocolate...

Yes, I had a cupcake from here also (located outside the Met)

Amazing vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Greenwich Village

I think it is called Red Bamboo
(tempura veggies)

My fav, coconut covered "chicken" with chili sauce

Peanut Heaven cake, was like heaven

Yes, ANOTHER cupcake (from a food truck in SOHO)

I had steak quesedillas from a delicious food truck on Broadway. The burritos were also great (according to my fellow teacher)

Oh look! A food fair in Time Square, I guess I have to eat chocolate covered stawberries AND chocolate covered OREOS.

This is just a sample of what i ate in the four days and I do not regret it because I am in NYC only once or twice a year. I am detoxing (fruit, veggies and water) until I get back to where I wanna be.

Happy Thursday!

Feeling Good

2011-10-20T14:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a great day. I got in my 30 minutes on the step mill (this machine is so hard, but I love it). I then did 100 leg raises and headed to meet my group for a 5K run. The run went well, the weather was cool but pleasant and I can really see that I have made improvements in the last year as far as running goes, I have more stamina and I am not as tired when I am done. The only problem is that after I do all this exercise I am famished. I am trying to choose healthy snack options and I had a almond, sunflower seed, dried cranberry mix (about a handful of eat in a bowl) and that satisfied my hunger. Today my legs are in pain from the Athletic Training class that I did on Tuesday, I am not going to complain too much though, I welcome that pain it means that I am working hard.

Winter is fast approaching and one of the things that I love to do in winter is take a long hot bath after a long day. I was reading an article about adding essential oils to your bath. By adding essential oils to your bath you can awaken your senses and the smells can help relax you and the oils can have contact with your skin and help sooth your body. Here is a list of a few oils and what they can do.

Juniper berry: great to use if you are feeling low on energy, helps to reduce anxiety and emotional overload.

Rosemary: helps relieve muscular pain

Cedar wood: helps to focus the mind, helps reduce stress and nervous tension

Roman chamomile: helps to reduce headaches, insomnia and can treat dry skin.

Apart from oils, salts can also be great in the bath. I am a big believer in Epson salt baths. If you have sore muscles, run a bath with 2-3 cups of Epson salts (I like the ones infused with eucalyptus) and just relax. If you want you can light a few candles and play some ~~Boys II Men~~ soft music. I guarantee that you will feel like a new person once you are done.

Tonight, I have a few errands to run, since I am leaving for NYC tomorrow, but I am going to try and do those before and then head to the gym to get in my workout; 1 hour cardio, core training class, easy yoga class.

Have a great day!

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie

2011-10-19T11:36:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's workout was a success. I did 25 minutes on the step mill and 25 minutes on the stair master. I then attended Athletic Training class where we alternate cardio moves with muscle moves in one minute intervals. I love the teacher that teaches this class I always leave drenched in sweat.

Tonight I am going to head to the gym for another 30 minutes on the step mill and the a 5K run with a girl from our group. I am going to get some muscle work in there also. I have been eating well and trying to get in as much water as possible. Unfortunately, the weather here is so cold that all that I have been drinking is tea with milk and sweetener. I have had 3 cups already today.

Someone at work sent me an email entitles PUNS FOR EDUCATED MINDS and I thought that I would share a few with you (let the groaning begin!)

The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
If you jumped off the bridge in Paris, you'd be in Seine.
A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'
Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says 'Dam!'

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Have a great day!

This weekend was a bust

2011-10-18T14:01:00.000-04:00

I went to a 35th bday party and didn't get home until about 5 am. I was suppose to race at 9 am...Let us just say that I did not make the race. Oh well, what can you do. I got to hang out with some friends that I have not seen in awhile so that was really nice and at the end of the day I am glad that I got to catch up with them even if it meant missing my race.

One of my good friend's is leaving for Spain to do his Masters, so we met up for brunch on Sunday and reminisced about old times and looked at some old pics and boy oh boy let me tell you that I really saw the weight loss in these pics. I look like a different person. Sometimes I still can't believe it.

Yesterday, I called in sick from work because I was having stomach issues, but I am back at it today and I feel much better. I am heading to New York and Friday with my students so I am going to try and get a good workout in today, tomorrow and Thursday, because I am sure that I will not have time to workout on the trip even though we will be doing lots of walking.

Today: Cardio for an hour (30 minutes step mill, 30 mins stair master), Athletic Training Class
Wed: Hill Training, weights
Thursday: I hour cardio, core conditioning, gentle yoga

I am really frustrated with my body, I am writing down what I eat and drinking water and it is as if my body is just holding on to everything and the scale will not move.

I saw this on Twitter and I was dying of laughter!

I'm Just A Soul Whose Intentions Are Good...

2011-10-16T16:32:00.001-04:00

I have been on track, but the scale is acting like a spoiled 14 year old stubbornly not moving. That's cool, I'm not gonna let that bother me, nope not this time.
Remember when I said I would run 8 k on Thursday and Friday? Well, this did not pan out the way I wanted. After work I went to run and I had forgotten my running watch. A girl from work wanted to come with me but didn't have a lot of time, so 8k became 4k. I did head to a Core Conditioning class followed by an easy yoga class which is exactly what my body needed.
Yesterday, I had such a long day. I had to attend a conference, pick up my race bib for the 5k in Sunday and meet a friend for coffee. When this was all done in was 9 pm. Now, I could have gone home and put my feet up but I didn't I went to the gym and did some weights and Cardio. Nevertheless, no 8k run was had.

Earphones and Photos

2011-10-13T11:54:00.000-04:00

HELLO! How are you my lovely readers? I hope that this email finds you happy and healthy. I headed to the gym after work to get a little workout in before I met up with my running group. I get into the parking lot and I am missing my earphones! Uh Oh! If there is one thing that I must have when I workout it is my music. Not even my iPod because at least I can plug the earphones into the TV connected to the machine and watch a show while I workout. I looked high and low and I must have not put the earphones in my gym back. I head to a furniture shop next to the gym that also sells electronics. Hey you never know.... they might have earphones for sale. NOPE. I head to a fitness depot across the street. Do YOU have earphones NOPE. At this point I figure it is not meant to be so I just head to my running group. The moral of this story is that I am going to go to the dollar store and keep a cheap pair of earphones in the glove compartment in case something like this ever happens again.

I went to run with my group and we did a 7k steady run. It was great. I ran with this girl that I see often that is super nice we had a great chat and a great run. We talked about running the Ottawa Half Marathon next May. Speaking of Ottawa Half Marathon, I got the picture that I ordered in the mail last night, but it was bent! UGHHH! I was infuriated. I spent 20$ on a baby 5 x 7 photo to have it come in the mail bent, when it CLEARLY says on the envelop in 25 point font bold, DO NOT BEND PICTURE ENCLOSED. I called the picture company today and they are going to send me another one. I hope that this one comes in better condition.

Tonight, I am going to try and get in an 8K run. I am logging my kilometers and I am trying to increase my total by 10% each week. I am going to try and run 8k today and tomorrow, for a weekly today of 23k. I am going to take a rest on Sat and head out on Sunday for the 5k race.

Have a great day!

H.A.M

2011-10-12T13:51:00.000-04:00

Hard As A MotherF*****! That is how I have been tackling my healthy living these past few days. I have been at it for 5 days. Five days of eating right, working out and getting water in. I am proud of myself. I think that if I can keep this up until Saturday I will treat myself to a magazine, I have been eyeing Oxygen's Off The Couch Special.

My new favorite things are podcasts. I have found a few Soca ones on iTunes and they have really reved up my workouts. I didn't make it to hot yoga, but I have been hitting the gym 120%. I am going to go run with the group tonight we are doing 7K, woo hoo! We are wearing pink in support of breast cancer month.

Happy Hump Day!

Back at It

2011-10-11T11:02:00.000-04:00

I am back at it (again). I stepped on the scale on Saturday and 221, slapped me in the face. At least today I down to 217. But I have been taking it one day at a time. I have been writing in my food journal and going to the gym daily, getting in an hour of cardio and at least half an hour of weights. I have started running again and I ran a 5K race to weeks ago with a time of 33:20. Considering that I have not run in a while I am proud of myself. The day after the race I ran a 10K with the local running group and I have to say that I kept up pretty well. I am really proud of myself that I haven't completely lost my stamina. I have signed up for a few races in the upcoming weeks and that should help me get my running mojo back. I have a 5K this weekend (in which I hope to beat the time of my last race) and a 10K at the beginning of Nov. (I hope to beat Feb.'s 1 hour and 8 minute finish) I am also going to do the Santa Shuffle at the beginning of Dec. and I will hopefully beat last year's time. I am also going to do the 5K Resolution Run. One last thing on the running front, In Nov. I am going to start training for my second half marathon. I am not sure if I am actually going to run the race in Feb., but I am going to train.

I got one of those deals of the day for a hot yoga studio for a month and what better time to sweat off some pounds. I think that I am going to try to hit them up tonight.

Have you tried this?

Let me tell you that it is YUMMY! I picked some up on the weekend and they are already done. They make the perfect snack. I must admit that the honey makes it really sweet, so I do not mix it up, I just eat it and scoop a bit of the honey while I am eating.

In other news I will be heading to NYC on the school trip next week, so excited! Four days in NYC checking out Broadway shows and museums, the only down side is I have to watch my ladies all day ;)

Hope that all is well with you my lovely readers and with this new found hutzpa, I am going to try and blog more, since I have been embarrisingly absent.

Day 25-30: Finishing the Challenge

2011-10-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry that I have been so lax with this challenge. I will take this post to wrap it up. *(I have been working on this post for 7 days! I do not know what is worng with me!!!!)

Day 25- What I would find in your bag
I am not a big fan of carrying a bag and usually I like to go out with just my wallet. But when I do carry a bag I usually have:

my wallet
cell phone
lip gloss
iPod touch
pen

Nice and simple.

Day 26- What you think about your friends
I love my friends. Over the years I have realised that when it comes to friends it is all quality and not quantity. I find that it is really best to have a small number of friends that you can really count on, as opposed to a large number that are no where to be found in a time of need. Over the last few years I had to "cut" a so called friend of because she was talking about me behind my back. I am too old for that. I love that even though I do not speak/text/email to my friends everyday, when we do get together it is like things have not changed. They are always there for me when I need them. THANK YOU!

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
I am doing this challenge so that my readers can get to know more about me.

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Last year at the end of Oct. in NYC

Me -- two weeks ago

In the last year not much has changed. I am still around the same weight (boo). , but I have not really gained any weight which is a good thing. I got my thyroid removed and I am cancer free. I ran my first half marathon which I am really proud of that. I haven't lost much weight but in the same vain I haven't gained much either.

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned

I have learned that I am more interesting that I give myself credit for. I love my blog and I really need to give it more attention.

Day 30- Who are you?

Can I really sum myself up in a few sentences, no. But, to be honest you get what you see. I try to be honest and I am outgoing and fun!

MIA: Days 21-24

2011-09-28T11:18:00.000-04:00

Wow, I haven't been here for a LONG time. Did you miss me? Cause I sure missed you. Before I begin with the 30 Day Challenge, I am back at it. I am back running again, I am going to race this Saturday 5K and I have signed up for a 10K in Nov. I am also planning on doing two more races before the year is through. I want to commit to running three times a week at least and racing as much as possible. I think that I am going to run another half in Feb. and I am contemplating signing up for the full marathon next May.

Day 21: Something that makes you happy.

Going on Vacation! I love going on vacation and I swear if I was rich I would be on a constant vacation until I got bored. I LOVE the beach. The sound of the waves the blue water, a sweet drink in my hand and a good book on my lap, what is there not to love.

Day 22: What makes you different than everyone else

I am one of the most outgoing people that I know. I am game to try anything once. I am open minded,outgoing and personable. I always try and look at the bright side of things and I am always game to have a good time.  I have learned that a smile goes a long way and there is no need to be in a bad mood because like cancer it spreads. I am a jack of all trades and I can do almost anything, but I am not really a master of anything.

Day 23: Something you crave

CHOCOLATE! I love dark chocolate, especially when it is paired with nuts/ peanut butter or mint. Yummy!

Day 24: A Letter to Your Parents

Dear Ice Cream and George-cream*,

      First of all let me say that I love you so much. You have done more for me than anyone on this planet will ever do. You made me who I am today. I am smart, strong and confident and that is all because of you. When I was called Sasquatch and Dolly Parton in elementary school and I can home bawling, you told me to stand tall and shake it of. I was smart and beautiful. When I was the only black student in class, you told me to show everyone that I was as smart if not smarter than them. You reminded me that some people have not interacted with black and that I was an ambassador to be proud of who I was and to make the best of every situation. Those days when we had to make our own salad dressing (I always thought this was cool) because we couldn't afford it or when you went without, so that you could send   Jelani and I to private school, piano lessons, Europe and more. I knew that you wanted the best for us.
    You taught me so much; Dad you taught me the way of the streets. Never go out with your wallet when you are on vacation use a zip lock bag (I get so many comments on this). Put your smaller bills on the outside. Sleep with your passport under your pillow, whenever you go anywhere sit with your face to the entrance, always know where the entrance is. Never put down you drink (it was funny when my dad told me this at a CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL dance). Even though I would roll my eyes when my Dad repeated these things I am now thankful that he put them in my head.
   Mom, thank you for making me the loving person that I am. Never go anywhere without bringing a gift (" You can't go with your two long hands swinging"). Always write a thank you card. Always give 100%, don't be vindictive. Empty wagons make the loudest noise. Children should be seen not heard. All disappointments are blessings in disguise. You are the queen of sayings.
      My only wish in life is that I can give you as much as you have given me. I want to have the life you have. I wish tat I was rich and could get you what ever you want. I would give the world to you.

Thank you,
Miss Haneefa

*My mom's name is Icis so I call her Ice Cream and since my dad is George he naturally because George-cream.

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

2011-09-21T09:56:00.000-04:00

Sorry to be a downer on this post, but I really do not see myself getting married. Don't get me wrong I would love to. The idea of waking up next to the same person forever is so special to me. I have yet to find someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with, I have been told that I do not look approachable and that men are intimidated by my confidence and intelligence. I honestly don't go out that much so I cannot say that I am putting myself out there.
I have a my own issues to deal with and I hope that in the following year I would like to meet someone nice that I can perharps spend the rest of my life with.

Menage A Trois

2011-09-20T21:17:00.000-04:00

Each birthday girl had a special drink you could order at the bar!

Is the name of the WICKED party that I went to on Saturday. Three beautiful women turned 30 and two of them are my good friends. They rented a loft, had a great DJ that played tunes for the 90s (Blu Cantrell!? Remember her!?), the drinks were flowing and fun times were had by all.

Getting ready to PARTAY!

Helping out at the coat check

Birthday girls!

Watch out Cat Woman!

Beautiful venue

The party went until the wee hours of the morning. Let me just say Sunday was a write off. Ahhh fun times!

Big G Cereal Give-A-Way

2011-09-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

Check out Hunger Fix's blog she is giving away boxes of cereal! Yummy!

Day 19: Nicknames

2011-09-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

Han-Han

Hanee

Hanee Sensei

Haneefo

Haneef

Neefa

Neefers

These are all names that someone in my 31 years on this Earth has called me at some point. To be honest I am not a fan of nicknames. I will let certain people get away with calling me certain things, but they are exceptions to the rule. When people ask me what I am called for short I answer Haneefa. I just feel that when it is shortened it is not the same....

I did this KILLER leg workout in Saturday and for the last two days I have been walking like a Granny and I can barely sit down to go to the bathroom. Today, I am a bit better but I cannot believe that a few sets of jump squats and jump lunges could have such an effect on my legs. I think that I will be better to go to the gym later today.

Have a great day!

Day 15- 18: Catch Up Time

2011-09-19T11:37:00.000-04:00

Sorry I am a few days behind on my challenge. Here are Days 15-18. Enjoy...

Day 15: Place your iPod on shuffle and list the first ten songs that come up.
I put my trusted iPod in shuffle and these are the first 10 songs to come up...

Shut up -- Black Eyed Peas
Love Game -- Lady Gaga
Let's Do It --Gucci Mane and Wcka Flacka
Down on Me -- Jeremih and 50 Cent
Free Your Soul (Lose Control) --Elephant Man
Dutty Wine -- Tony Matterhorn (BIG TUNE!)
Waka Waka --Shakira
Just Dance -- Lady Gaga
Love Somebody --Destra
Money Maker --Ludacris and Pharell

Wow, I have a real assortment. Funny that Lady Gaga came up twice, i can't say that I am a huge fan but her songs are great to work out to.

Day 16: Another Pic of Yourself.

This weekend two of my good friends had their 30th birthday party. The theme was boudoir/bedroom chic. There was a third girl so they titled the party "Menage a Trois". I know, I know we are so cheesy. Here is a pic of me before the party. I will do a post tomorrow on the party so you will get to see a few more pics.

Ready to Party!
Funny, you would never think I weigh 214...

Day 17: Someone You Would Like To Switch lives With For A Day and Why

Hmmmmm.... I would like to swiitch lives with Kim Kardashian. Why? I would really like to see what it would be like to be in the spotlight for a day.

Day 18: Plans/Dreams/Goals

To find someone that loves me for who I am and who I plan to be...A family with 2 kids and a place to call my own...teach abroad again or up North, working with Aboriginal students has me really interested in their culture I would love to go up North for a year and see what is it like...Travel some more, I want to see Brazil, Greece and all the beaches that I can...Get under 200 damn pounds..Run a marathon before 35..Be debt free by 35...

Day 14: Family Picture

2011-09-15T21:05:00.000-04:00

Our Family at a Wedding in 2004

Day 13: A Letter to Someone Who Hurt You Recently

2011-09-14T10:54:00.000-04:00

Dear __________,
I am sorry that things had to end like this, but I cannot do this anymore. I am 31, my life is not getting any shorter, I am not getting any younger. I want a family, I want kids. I feel as though we are at a standstill, stagnant. For five years I have waited for things to progress, move forward and nothing has happened. I guess for the first time in years, I am ready for this to be over. I am done, I have had it , I am ready to move on. You know how I feel about you, about us. I am sorry that you do not see things the way I do, I really wish you did, but at the same time I know that you have your own issues to deal with. I wish you all the best in the future, I am just sorry that said future does not include me, but I do still love you, that will never change; how can it after all that we have been through together. At this point in my life I would rather be alone than waiting for things to progress. Thanks for teaching me so many things about love and life, hopefully I taught you a few things also.

Always,

MissHaneefa

Day 11: Blogger

2011-09-13T14:07:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers New and Old,
Today's question is : How you found out about Blogger and why you made one. I had stumbled across blogs while I was in Japan. Every Tom, Dick and Junko, had a blog about life in Japan. I hate being like everyone else, so I just read blogs and never wrote. Then I found weight loss blogs and read and read, I was amazed at people who documented their lives online. I then began to say to myself,"Hey my story is just as good as everyone elses." So I began to blog.

Read a really great quote on Twitter a few days ago..

Yes, time flies, but you are the pilot

Day 11: Another Pic of You and Your Friends

2011-09-12T22:17:00.000-04:00

E and Misshaneefa at Tokyo Disney

While I was in Japan E was my best friend. We did everything together, shopped, karaoke, travelled. Then after 2 years I left and he stayed. Unfortunately I lost touch with him, but e was a great friend and there are days when I think about him and the great friend's we once were. E was from Southern California and introduced me to Radiohead,Oasis and Jimmy Eat World. He played the guitar, I "sang". We had so many fun times. I miss you E-kun.

In other news, I went to the gym today and the battery in my iPod was dead. Uh Oh, that means no workout. Did I go home? Nope. Behind the cash I spotted a computer that looked like it had an iPod charger connected to it, so I boldly asked the girl to charge my iPod for half an hour while I ran on the treadmill. She did it!

Day 9 and 10

2011-09-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

Day 9-Something that you are proud of in the last few days...I lost a little more than 3 pounds this week! I have been on track and eating well. I have a new long term goal of getting under 200 by Christmas, 13 pounds to go! (I tried last Christmas and failed, if at first your don't succeed try and try again!)

Day 10- Music that you listen to when you are bored, happy, sad, hyped and mad...

Bored: Anything I guess, I love soca music and can listen to it all day long. I love Faye Ann, Machel Montano, KES, and I am really feeling Blaxx this year.
Happy: Soca! Kanye, Jay Z,anything current.
Sad: Amy Winehouse, Mary J. , Lauryn Hill, R. Kelly, old school 90's R and B (Usher, Total, Aaliyah, Rome...)
Hyped: Anything that will get me moving, I also love dancehall reggae. Nothing beats some Sean Paul, Lady Saw and good ol Buju or Beenie Man. I have Vybz Kartel's "Summertime" on high rotation right now.

Day 8: Short Term Goals for the Month and Why

2011-09-09T17:08:00.000-04:00

Sheesh, a third of the month is already gone, I swear time is flying so fast...
These are a few things that I would like to do this month:

Get down to 208 or lower (going to weigh in tomorrow at WW and I hope that I am back to 211, so I can work with this....)
Go to hot yoga every Friday
Work out as much as possible (aim is for 5 times a week at least)
Stay on track with my eating
DRINK MORE WATER!
Get back into running and sign up for a few races. I have just signed up for a 5K on Oct.1 hoping to beat my recorded time of 33:04 and I want to do a 10K at the beginning of Nov. in under 1 hour and 8 minutes.

Have a great weekend and please take a moment to pray and/or reflect for all those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, ten years ago, as well as their families.

Day 7: A Pic of Something That Has A Huge Impact On Your Life

2011-09-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

In 2003 I did not know what I was going to do with my life, I had just finished University and I was looking for a job with no luck. One day I was reading the paper and there was an article about a law student that went to teach English in Japan. From that moment on I knew that was the next step inmy life. I applied even though I knew zero Japanese and no one going. My family and friends thought I was crazy, but I didn't care I had my mind set. I got accepted to the JET program and set of on a two year journey that has let me see and experience things I would have never otherwise.

While I was in Japan I realized I loved teaching and applied to teacher's college from there, got in and the rest is history.

Day 6: Favorite Super Hero and Why

2011-09-07T11:28:00.002-04:00

I have discovered a new hero in the last few days. I was watching the Track and Field World Championships in Korea (On my TV, I wasn't in Korea) and I was introduced to this guy....

South African runner Oscar Pistorius

Oscar was born with congenital absence of the fibula in both legs. When he was 11 months old, his legs were amputated halfway between his knees and ankles. I don't know that much about him, but I do know that he is F-A-S-T, he won a gold medal in the 400 m last year in Italy.

Not only does he not have legs (he is known as the "fastest man with no legs"), he is one of the fastest men on the planet. I really have to bow down to people like this, they leave me in awe. I have so much respect for him, I know that if I had my legs amputated I would probably lock myself in a room and wallow in my pity.

In my books he is so damn "super", that he puts Batman that i was going to write about to shame.

*Thanks Anonymous for the comment, I made the correction.

Day 5: Pic of Me in A Place I Have Been

2011-09-06T19:49:00.001-04:00

I have been blessed that I have been to many places on this beautiful planet. A place that is especially close to my heart is Japan. I taught English in Japan from 2003-2005 and it was the best 2 years of my life. Enjoy!

Golden Palace Osaka Japan

Big Buddha

Buddha's Slippers

Day 4: Name Your Bad Habits

2011-09-05T12:53:00.000-04:00

Hello my lovely blog readers! I hope that you are enjoying this 30 Day Challenge. Today, we will be discussing my bad habits. My main bad habit is that I am president of the procrastination nation. I have always been this way and unfortunately, I work best when I work at the last minute. I admit that there have been times that this has been really stressful, but I am working on getting more done sooner rather than later. I have recently cut my nail biting habit,but there are times when I am really stressed or anxious that I go back. I have let my nails grow and then I get a mani and then my nails look so nice that I can't bite them.

I saw THE DEBT last night, it was great! If you like drama (laced with some violence) check it out.

Happy Labour Day!