No more counting dollars, we’ll be counting stars

For the past three months, Faith and I committed ourselves to a 90-day health and fitness challenge. The main point of the challenge was to take control of our health and cut out the habits (aka weekly “treats” and weekends of alcohol) that were preventing us from achieving our fitness goals.

We made it public to keep ourselves accountable and committed to the plan by posting photos, updates and workouts so people could follow along.

This past weekend, we successfully completed the 90 days! Wahoo!

Biggest accomplishments:

• Getting used to 10:00pm bed times and 5:30am wake times (to workout)
• Getting deeper in my squat (ass-to-grass)
• Single-arm strict pressing 22kgs (almost 50 lbs)
• Deadlift PR at 240lbs
• Saving money (from not drinking every weekend!)
• Losing inches and weight (totals to come)
• Food prep is now a regular (and easier!) weekly routine

Challenges:

• Not turning to food or alcohol after a rough day (this was NOT easy at first, but got significantly easier as the weeks progressed)
• Having cheat meals (not cheat days – was necessary)
• Finding creative ways to enjoy the weekends (whilist not wasting money!)
• Celebrating special occasions (exceptions are necessary)
• Still struggling to get rid of body fat

So, what’s next?

The month of December will not involve shifting back to drinking every weekend for me. As much as I enjoyed a few drinks after a long week… I actually don’t enjoy the alcohol anymore (CRAZY, I know.. but it’s true). I won’t be indulging excessively (yes, occasionally) because I’ve worked too hard to get to where I am to throw away my progress.

Over the next few weeks I will be meeting with a holistic nutritionist to look at my nutrient and hormone balance. I’m hoping she will help me make changes that will allow me to get over this dreadful plateau so the muscles I’ve been building will look more defined!

I’m also still on the Body By Vi 90-day challenge (this will take me to the end of the year) and I’ve found it has helped me profoundly in recovery, staying on track and losing weight. If you are looking for a place to start – this is a great place! Please message me and I’d love to talk about how it can help you with your goals.

I know I’ve come along way but I have a vision for myself, and I’m not giving up until I achieve it.

SeaWheeze Half Marathon: Round Two!

A few days ago I received this in my email inbox:

After crushing last year’s goal of running my first half marathon, I was hesitant to run again because I hate running in the heat. But, if you know anything about me – I love a physical challenge! Last year it was hot, really hot, towards the end (and that was only a little after 9am!) so this year I’ve learned a few lessons that I know will help me this year.

2013 SeaWheeze tips:

Tip #1: Be prepared for heat. Wear very little clothing – trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Tip #2: Carry water on you. I didn’t train with water last year and I regretted it immensely when I hit the 15km mark. This year I’m buying a water belt!

Tip #3: Don’t change ANYTHING on race day. Make sure that you are 100% comfortable with all clothing, footwear and assescories you have on you. The only thing I wish I would have done differently here was fine tuning my play list a little better. I have a tendency to let my mind wander if I’m not feeling the music.

Tip #4: HILL TRAIN! If you take anything from this post, make sure you run the Burrard Street bridge and up West 4th to the lululemon store and back over the bridge. This was tough last year in the sun, I’m definitely going to do some practice runs over the race course – especially this league.

Tip #5: Have fun! I have many more friends running the race this year so I’m looking forward to doing some training runs with them. Go to the pre-race expo, get there early and do the group warm up, enjoy the after race brunch and go back to the yoga and concert to end the day!

It’s true that this is technically a race – but when it comes down to it, training for any kind of competition, test, presentation, performance – it’s all about enjoying the path to the race.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, but don’t cheat yourself either. Train hard, race hard!

2013 SeaWheeze goals:

1. Finish in under 2 hours. Last year (my first ever half marathon!) I was aiming for 1:50-2:00… and I crossed the finish line at 2:08.

2. Don’t stop. I let myself get overwhelmed towards the end of the last race and ran/walked the last 3 km – that will not be the case this time!

  There’s no backing down now!

Are you running the 2013 SeaWheeze? What are your goals for the race?