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Introduction Text "People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." ~ Norman Vincent Peale It's hard to believe I've been on this journey with Spark People for over 4 years now. I have learned and grown so much and done so many things I never thought I would be able to accomplish. Every day brings something new to the table and it truly is an adventure. I have some goals I would like to achieve to round out the year (and beyond): *I will run the Kinser Half Marathon Oct. 23rd *I will seriously consider running the Okinawa Full Marathon in February 2012 *I will train with a pro bodybuilder to achieve my best physique in preparation for a comeback to Bodybuilding in 2012 (blog to come) *I will celebrate turning 40 in October in the absolute best shape of my life *I will take every opportunity to motivate others and help them discover health and happiness within themselves *I will dwell on the good things in life and not get caught up in what I cannot control *I will live in the state of Positivity (hey, its a great place to be!!) *I will continue to strive towards my goal of being 100 percent vegan, even if I never attain it (darn you, cheese!) *I will continue to work towards better time management (darn you, computer!) *I will continue to strive to be an awesome role model in life, fitness and otherwise for all the students I work with at school *I will NOT obsess!! I'll just keep it simple and end by saying: "Train hard, eat clean, sleep well and SMILE...being healthy is contagious." BELIEVE in yourself!!! Archive:This past year has been AWESOME!! I ran a half marathon, went vegan, starting lifting again (the right way), hit my goal weight and then some, got certified as a group exercise instructor, got down to 19% bodyfat, entered a bodybuilding competition and won my age group and 3rd overall, and now I am currently studying for my personal training exam...Update: I tested and I am just waiting for the results!! This is what my Plan looks like........ This is a typical day of eating for me: Breakfast: 1/2 C. oats, microwaved with Splenda & cinnamon 1/2 grapefruit 1/2 C. Silk chocolate soymilk 1 serving black coffee 1 liter of plain water Snack #1: 1 Clif bar 1 small Granny Smith apple 1 liter of plain water Lunch: 1/2 C. black beans 1/2 C. brown rice 2 C. salad greens or 2 C. veggies salsa, lime juice and/or balsamic vinegar to taste 1 liter of plain water Snack #2: 1 scoop GNC soy protein powder 1 banana blended into a shake with ice and water 1 liter of plain water Dinner: 1 serving (2/3 C.) Morningstar Farms crumbles 2 C. salad greens or 2 C. veggies 1/2 C. brown rice salsa, lime juice or balsamic vinegar to taste 1 liter of plain water Snack #3: 1 scoop GNC soy protein powder 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder blended into a pudding with water 1 liter of plain water I eat my meals/snacks 2-3 hours apart. My meal choices for Lunch and Dinner will vary, but my Breakfast is always the same. Every morning I wake up looking forward to this meal! If I am particularly hungry, I will eat a whole grapefruit at breakfast. Hey, I'm a creature of habit. It works for me. If I am traveling, I pack my food and take it with me. There are no excuses for eating badly if you plan ahead and take your meals with you. It takes a little practice and planning, but it is well worth it. If I am feeling the need to eat at a restaurant, I usually stick to Olive Garden and chow down on the endless salad bowl (no cheese) with lowfat Italian dressing. It is very satisfying and I feel like I got to "go out to eat" without the guilt. We have a regular waitress at the one here where we live and she knows the drill. Keep the salad coming and the tip will be very, very good. Here is my current workout routine: Mon: 45 minutes Yoga practice upon waking Chest/Triceps/Abs Circuit 1 hour of Zumba or 30 minute run outside or on treadmill Tue: 45 minutes Yoga practice upon waking Killer Leg Circuit 1 hour of Zumba or 30 minutes any Cardio activity Wed: 45 minutes Yoga practice upon waking Back/Arms/Abs Circuit 1 hour of Zumba or 30 minute run outside or on treadmill Thu: 45 minutes Yoga practice upon waking 2nd Killer Leg Circuit 1 hour of Zumba or 30 minutes of any Cardio activity Fri: 45 minutes Yoga practice upon waking Chest/Shoulders/Abs Circuit 1 hour of Zumba or 30 minute run outside or on treadmill Sat: 45 minutes Yoga practice upon waking 1 hour of any Cardio activity Sun: OFF This looks like a lot of exercise, but trust me, if I wasn't being active, it would be soooo easy to sit on the computer for the same amount of time and flake...so I PRIORITIZE my time and I do spend about 2 hours each day getting in much needed physical activity. There are days when I skip out on the Yoga in favor of the cozy bed and then some days I may skip the Cardio if my legs are sore from the Killer Legs workout...but I strive to follow this schedule as consistently as possible. This is what works for me. ARCHIVE: I'm ready to get off the weight rollercoaster I've been on most of my life. This is a positive and permanent lifestyle change for me. I am 38 yrs old, just shy of 5' tall (4'11 1/2") and those of us who are small-statured AND have a tendency to put on weight easily know all too well what a battle this can be....and I am going to win it!!!

I want to reduce my bodyfat percentage from 24% to 18% and build nice muscles all over. Update: Currently 20% bodyfat...will reduce to 15-17% for next competition DONE: 16.4% as of 8/12/10!! 2/1/09 I want to run a 10K race before the end of 2009. (DONE 3/21/09) 2/1/09 I want to run a half-marathon race before the end of 2009. (DONE 4/4/09 2:25:57) corrected time 4/5/09 I want to run a marathon before March of 2011. (FINISHER Okinawa Marathon 2/2012 5:44:11) 4/5/09 I want to run a faster 5K (PR 28:36)

Currently I am doing a lot of crosstraining and whatever I can do to stay active. I am training one body part per day following with 30-60 minutes of cardio. I love to lift and I love to run!!

I was a military brat from birth, then married military...so home is where you make it! I like Arizona best!



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