I'm Sorry

Readers, I am going to have to put Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred on hold until next week.  The temperature here has been 40 degrees for a third day (104 F)  and I cannot do this video in my non air conditioned home.  I am still going to the gym (it is air conditioned) and working my butt off.  Thank you for all your leg and thigh suggestions.  TOM is here, so that means an increase on the scale, weigh in tomorrow is going to show it.  I am drinking as much water as I can stand, but I really feel like crap and this temperature is just making it worse.

Even though it is this hot, I would much rather this weather than -40 C (40F), yes it does get that cold.  That we have in winter.

Have a great day!

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You`re The Only Girl I Know That Goes To The Gym....

So can you help me build my chest?  Yes!  These are the words anyone would love to hear. A guy friend of mine asked me this today.  I was more than willing to show him a few moves to improve his already banging body (Chest flyes, chest press).

I wore shorts to the gym today, because it was so hot and I realized that I need to tone up my thighs, any suggestions?  They need to be a bit tighter...

This is the second day of a heat wave 40 C (100 F), it is suppose to last until Friday.  I am going to skip Jillian today because I have a headache.  But tomorrow I will begin Level 3 and finish this bad boy girl.  Because of this heat I have been running on the treadmill inside, but tomorrow I will run outside with the Running Room, yikes!

I have lined up a few more 5K to do in the upcoming months, there are none in the area in July, but August-Oct there are a few.  I will keep you posted and hopefully I can improve my time with each race.

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My 30th Birthday: I NEED Your Help!

Today is the last day of Level 2!  YEAH!  Next stop Level 3!

Just finished Day 20 of the 30 Day Shred, it is 30 degrees here and it feels like 40 with the humidex.  I do not have air conditioning.  I look like I took a shower!

 Just a few things to note:

• Went to the mall and tried on some stuff, smaller sizes left, right and centre, yeah!
• My 30th birthday is in a little over a month, I am looking for ideas on something special to do, can you please help me?

New followers, welcome, welcome, pull up a chair and stay awhile.

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My First 5K Run: One of My Proudest Moments

I can genuinely say this was one of my proudest moments, it is almost up there with the day I got my university degree.  Yesterday, I got up around 6:45, because I was so excited.  I had a mango for breakfast and headed out to the race area.  This is me before the race.

At 8 am the temperature was already 20 degrees and climbing.

I arrived to the race area early.  They had coffee, bananas, juice and granola bars for people to take.  I was nervous,but at the same time I was anxious to get it over with. There were three classes of people at this race: 5K walkers, 5K runners and 10 K runners.  The 10 K people were just going to do the 5K course twice.  We all did a group stretch and the organizers were playing music getting us pumped up for the race.  When it was time to line up, I positioned myself closer to the back, I had read that if you are slower you should go to the back so that you do not interfere with the faster runners. There were about 60 people in total.  When the whistle blew, I was off.  Let me tell you those first few minutes were a little overwhelming, all these people were racing to get ahead of each other.  I just kept my cool and kept my pace.  I was not going to be jaded my people who were passing me and let me tell you there were many.  Within the first 5 minutes there was a hill, it was a bit of a pain, but I did it. I was so happy when I saw the 1K mark, I looked down at my stopwatch at it said 7 minutes, not bad. I continued to run taking in the beautiful residential area that we were in.  There was not much shade, since we were running in the street, so I was sweating life a mofo.  I kept with my 10 minute run, 1 minute walk schedule and I saw that many people where doing the same with their stop watches, so I really did not feel bad.  By 2K there was a water station, I wanted to walk through it but then I noticed they did not have any garbage cans, and I DID NOT want to throw the cup on someones beautiful lawn, so I stood there and drank it, it was so cold and delicious.  I kept going and surprisingly the 3K and 4K  markers came quickly.  I loved the fact that there were people on their lawns doing their Saturday morning housework cheering us on. I must admit that at one point there was no one in front of me and no one behind me and it was a little discouraging, but I kept going.  When I crossed the 4K marker I knew that I was almost done and this pushed me even more.  There was a little boy on his lawn and as the runners passed he got so excited and kept yelling"Woohooo", it made me laugh.  Then I heard the music at the finish line, I knew that I was almost there.  I saw my Mom cheering (she came to supposed me ), I blasted to the end and my final time was........

37:37

WHAT!!!! Can you believe it!  I was ecstatic, elated, I still can't believe it!  I was so happy at the end I felt as if I could have done anything!  I am so proud of myself, all my hard work paid off.

MissHaneefa at the finish line, happy as a clam.  My Mom and I.

Now,  I know that I can do a 5 K.  What is the next step?  I thought you would never ask. Sign up for a few more 5Ks improve my time with each race and try to bring my time eventually under 30 minutes (I am not even sure if this is possible but I will try).  Running clinic at the Running Room will be over in a few weeks.  Since I know that I can do a 5K, I am going to sign up for the 10K clinic at the end of August.  My November, I should be running a 10K!  OMG! I cannot believe this.  If you had told be a few weeks ago that I would even be thinking about running anything, I would have laughed in your face.  This just proves that if you want something and you work for it you can do it. I know this sounds cheesier than a grilled cheese, but it is so true!  Thanks for all your support!

P.S.  I didn't do my 30 Day Shred yesterday, I know that you will understand.  But today I am back with Jillian!

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Summer Challenge--Week 6

Week 6? Already!  Well after all I have been through this week, this is what the scale said

Yeah!  Down only 0.4, but at least it was not a gain.  Next week I need to go down further 212 is really what I want to see.

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

1.Lose 25 pounds (193.8) CHECK! Down this week, barely. Last week I wanted to be at 212 THIS week, so i will have to hope for that for NEXT WEEK.

2. Try a new physical activity each week CHECK! 5K is tomorrow, picked up my number and I am ready!  Didn't make it to Aqua Fitness this week, but I will try for next week.  Might also be in the mood for some Hot Yoga.

3. Make a new healthy recipe each week CHECK! I made Carrot Oatmeal muffins for our breakfast party at work, yummy!

Scale is going in the right direction, but I want to have less fluctuations during the week.  Tonight I am going to a vegetarian Thai restaurant for a friend's birthday and Monday I have a sushi lunch date with a friend.  The rest will be clean.  Remember when I was taking about eating raw for a day, my local health food store puts out a monthly magazine and in this issue they have a whole section on raw food!  I think I will try one next week and I will let you know.

Have a great weekend and to all my American bloggers, HAPPY 4th of JULY!

30 Day Shred is coming along nicely, I cannot believe that Level 2 is almost done!

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Happy Canada Day!

To all my Canadian readers, HAPPY CANADA DAY!  Take this day to RELAX!  Enjoy your day and take a moment to give thanks that we live in such a wonderful country.

    Today I ran about 5.3K and it took me about 41 minutes, this is with a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk routine. I am very confident that Saturday's race will go well.  I am still aiming to finish under 40 minutes, tomorrow will be a day of rest and all I will have a is date with Jillian and the 30 Day Shred.  I also have to go to the Running Room and pick up my race package tomorrow.  The detox is going very well, I am feeling much better and when I stepped on the scale this morning the numbers are coming back to normal.  I REALLY want to be down for the weigh in tomorrow, but I am not sure if I am going to make it.  My weight fluctuates so much, and I am sure that this is not good for me.  I am really trying to stay consistent with my weight heading in the down direction.  I have also realized that my birthday is in 6 weeks, I have 6 weeks to loss about 15 pounds, it is very doable and it would make me ecstatic if I could around 200 for my birthday.

     I have been reading alot about detox lately, and I think that I am going to to some type of detox once a week for the summer, I have to figure exactly what I will do, but I will keep you all posted.  Maybe like Ro, I will try and have a raw food day during the week.

    Today is Day 17 of the 30 Day Shred, wow I really cannot believe that in a few days I will be onto Level 3!  I am excited!

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Oh, We're Halfway There...

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

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

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Cravings

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

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Blog Make Over and Workout Song Sundays

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

THANKS A MILLION!

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

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

      

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have Zumba tonight, I am so excited!

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

Thank you in advance!

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Summer Challenge--Week 5

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

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

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

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

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

 Banana Cranberry Almond Muffins

2 cups whole wheat four

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

3 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 egg beaten

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup milk

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

Handful of almonds ground

Handful of dried cranberries

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

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

Have a great weekend!

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

1. Finish.
2. Not be last

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




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

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

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

To change one's life:

1. Start immediately.

2. Do it flamboyantly.

3. No exceptions.

 – William James

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Discount Workout Wear and A Movie Review

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

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

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

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

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Learn to Run--Week 4

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

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

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

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

Hope everyone enjoyed the longest day of the year!

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

 Establish your priorities and go to work

--H. L. Hunt

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Less 2 Weeks Until The 5K

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Prom Night

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

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

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

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

Weigh In tomorrow.

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

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Wet But Smiling

Even though the weather looked like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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30 Day Shred--Day 1

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

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