Break Over. Back To The Plan.

Okay. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you have not been getting up at 5:30am for the last week to work out.
That's fine. It is always nice to have a little break. But the holiday is done and it is time to get back on track (if you got off track) and get back to working out (if you stopped). I for one have been daunted by the 20 degree weather at 5:30 am the last two days so I've busted out my old school workout videos. They are good, but I have to say I'm a little disappointed with how easy they have gotten. Tomorrow, the plan is to bundle it up and head out for a good run/walk. You know, run one mile, walk one mile. Second mile I'll bring my weights and do 50 bicep curls, 50 tricep dips and 50 shoulder presses. But that's me. If you think you may want to put the weights down at some point during the walk (which I don't recommend because you'll have to go fetch them or buy more weights) then skip the weight work until after the 2nd mile.
I really hope that y'all are watching what's going into your mouths as well. I personally have decided to eat dessert first (so that the carbohydrates are eaten earlier in the day) so I have more time to burn it off! AND PLEASE make sure that you are drinking enough water. Just because you aren't up at 5 sweating it out with us, your body still needs that water!

What's Your Gladiator Name?

This morning at accelerated camp SW somewhere after the delirium that sets in after doing running drills, super sets and "Ring of Fire" I mentioned that American Gladiators is returning to TV. Why is this significant? Well besides being part of my childhood, many of the gladiators are figure competitors like Amy O. and Stephanie McD. Not only is the show hosted by my friend Murph's favorite, Hulk Hogan, co-hosting is Laila Ali, who is one of my personal heroes.
As far as the show goes, they say that they are currently casting weekend warriors but what does it really take to be a gladiator? Well, in my case it will take a lot more upper body strength I think that I could do some damage in the joust but the wall. It scares me. Which means I'm going to have to find some sort of climbing wall/obstacle to tackle to get over it.
Speaking of television.
I've been watching The Biggest Loser as I type this article. It is just amazing to me the incredible weight loss they have accomplished. They did however mention a staggering statistic that 90% of people that lose weight regain it. I know this first hand because the first time I lost the weight (back in the day when I was living in Boston) I gained it back because I hadn't figured out the reason behind my overeating in the first place and I had no maintenance plan, I didn't have a plan beyond "Lose the Weight".
As we move forward to new goals and resolutions I suggest that you plan your strategy not only for getting through the holidays but beyond. Figure out a way to get regular exercise and continue to eat healthily.

Celebrate The Season of Giving, Help the Adoption Coalition of Texas!

This time of year is there is always a constant reminder to give and if you are like me you want to help but are not sure where to donate. Here is a really great option for you.

Long time Southwest boot camper Tracy Eilers works with The Adoption Coalition of Texas. They are collecting donations of warm winter clothes and money to purchase small gifts and necessities for a group of 25 teenage girls. Currently they are still in need of additional funds to make the winter season warmer for these girls.

These are girls in foster care who have been pretty severely abused. They are living in what is called a Residential Treatment Center, similar to a shelter environment. It is designed like a campus so it has a cafeteria, "cottages" where the girls live, an on-site Charter school, a petting zoo where the girls take care of the animals and a pottery place. It is actually a lovely facility.

The girls share rooms and have very little space for stuff. They have their bedding, clothes and a few small items. These girls come into foster care with the clothes on their back -none of which was warm clothing! Now that we are into the winter months they are in need of warm clothes. This is what they've all put on their lists along with 1 extra item each. So, we are asking folks to shop for them but purchase some of the following ~ hats, gloves, slippers, fuzzy socks, coats, jackets, sweatshirts and/or sweaters. They really need sweat shirts, coats and/or a jacket.

If you would like to donate money to help the Adoption Coalition provide warmth for these teenage girls please follow this link (no firefox browsers sorry!) to donate online.

Donate to the Adoption Coalition of Texas Fund Now!

• Select “ADOPTION COALITION OF TEXAS FUND” (it is, I believe the 5th one down in the menu. and follow the prompts.)
• In the comments section enter Secret Santa Donation.
  

If you would like to buy clothing items for the girls please contact me for the list of items needed and sizes.

Piano Run

Some of you know that I take piano lessons, which I feel is good exercise for my fingers. I have chubby fingers. Well, the exercise for my fingers part is not true but I do have chubby fingers.

On Friday night when I was having dinner at Waterloo Ice House, I couldn't help but notice that there was some sort of video footage running on CNN showing a young girl with a piano and they were giving out awards for the CNN "Heroes" of 2007. I made a mental note to look up the show later because I was curious as to who was getting an award for being a hero with a piano.

Since I have been on a 12 month news purge, I apparently have missed some actually interesting news bits like this one. An 18 year old girl named Kayla Cornale from Ontario developed a science fair project a few years ago linking piano keys with letters of the alphabet in hopes of helping teach autistic people. Her cousin was autistic and Cornale noticed how the girl was talented at memorizing lyrics of songs and connected with the piano. So she put a letter on each of the main 26 keys of the keyboard and started working with her on how to "spell" words by using the sounds of each key. She also designated some of the lower keys on the keyboard to make chords of emotion, so her cousin could express her various emotions.

Long story short, it worked and her cousin started to actually learn how to spell and could figure out the alphabet. It's really pretty incredible how it seems like such a simple idea, but one that is so very innovative.

Who knew a science fair could be so worthwhile. My foam-ball solar systems certainly never made any difference.

What I Learned This Week

I feel like this was a really big week for me.

I feel stronger. Hm. Well, that might have something to do with the 3,542 push ups I did. Or perhaps the 2,173 lunges. Whatevs. I feel strong and empowered this week.

I feel like 2008 I am really going to take by the horns. I think I committed to doing the Master Cleanse for 10 days in January last night. Which I feel like I could pull off, if so inclined and my social calendar allowed.

I feel good about myself. There is nothing like sculpted arms to make a girl feel good about her body, am I right?

Make a Plan: Dealing with Holiday Eating

First off I'd like to thank all that offered support and praise during my 10 day master cleanse. I'm here to report that I feel great, lost weight and inches and am happily moving back to solid foods.
I decided to do the cleanse pre-holiday break as a way to keep myself in check. I am notorious for letting the holidays take over, long days inside watching movies wearing sweatpants, and coming out on the other side unable to fasten my suit pants. No Longer. Now that I have spent 10 days cleansing, I am paying a lot more attention to what I am putting into the system from here forward.

My holiday goal: Enjoy the holidays and come out smaller on the other side.

Now, I know that holidays are tough on people trying to keep fit and healthy. There are temptations everywhere, stress levels are high (which is no good for those of us trying to lose weight) you've decided to find out which coffee shop has the best Egg Nog Latte--but listen you can get through it. Here are some tips to make healthy eating during the holidays a little easier.

Situation 1: The Office Party - Eat before you go. Make sure you have lots of healthy snacks, maybe even a couple to tuck into your pocket in case they don't have a health conscious treat. This way you won't be the only one not eating. While at the party choose wisely, pick 1 treat and eat it slooooooowly. Skip sodas and opt for water. If people offer, just say 'no thank you' you have no reason to explain what you are doing if you don't want to. No need to get on your high horse about calorie counting either. Take care of yourself and make sure that you are working towards your goals.

Situation 2: The Family Gathering- This is a tough one. Many times relatives do not understand why you aren't having a double serving of marshmallow topped brown sugared yams. Balance your plate, get your proteins and veggies (if they are all covered in butter or creamy sauce take a small portion or pass) take it easy on the carbs. Loading your plate with rice, potatoes and biscuits will not help you any in your battle of the bulge. If you know your family will not be making food that is healthy enough, volunteer to bring a big salad or platter of healthy fruit snacks that you can munch on for dessert. Most importantly go in with a plan so you don't have to stress about it. Decide how much you will eat and what you will indulge on. My mom makes these delicious rolls, I'll pass on stuffing if it means I can have two rolls. Also be strong with your decision, you can decide to mention you are watching what you are eating or not. If someone asks why you aren't packing it in like you did last year you can always say "Its all so good I want to really take my time and enjoy it." After dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood to burn off some of dinner and take a peek at all of the festive lights.

Situation 3: Out with Friends- Friends can be great supporters or even better saboteurs. Remember its not what you are drinking, it is who you are drinking with. It should not matter if you are sipping club soda instead of champagne. If you want to have a drink try this rule which I stole from Unibroue: "Drink Less. Drink Better."
Don't be bullied, if they want dessert and you don't need it don't order it. Or there is always ordering one dessert and splitting it four ways option. Just remember that restaurant portions are often double or triple servings (ask for a take home box when you get your meal if it is tremendous).

Remember, just because it is there doesn't mean you have to eat it. Make a plan and stick to it.

Also you should make a plan to stop by The Marq Thursday night for Show Us Your Goods, a shopstravaganza to benefit Dress for Success.

Once, Twice, Three Times as Sore

This weekend, as I explained on my own blog, I made the terrible decision to double up my work outs. I obviously didn't think that one through. But the choice was made and I'm a bit of a strange bird when it comes to certain things, so on Monday morning I dragged myself out of bed for 100's Part Un.
Fortunately McD revised the 100's to "I Love the 80's" which is kind of weird because no one actually loved the 80's and no one actually loves the I Love the 80's workout.

(If that last sentence made no sense, I can explain: I have zero brainpower left in me currently)

I made it through I Tolerate the 80's and then went to "work" and tried to use my arms. My coworkers always know when I go to boot camp because I hobble around like Nostradamus. By 5:30 (that's PM, not AM), it was time to change and go to Part Deux. I changed at the office and then came to the terrifying realization that in my half-asleep stupor when I was packing my bag, I'd forgotten...socks.

I have one coworker who is...well, for lack of a better word, he's a push over. And he knows it, so I can say it on here. So I went over to him - "Maaaaattt..." Matt turned around from his computer and looked at me, knowing I wanted something. "Can I have your socks?"

I think he was just glad I wasn't making him fix the copy machine or get down something heavy from storage, because he said "You really want my socks?" and started untying his shoes.
So we turned them inside out, I asked him a few questions regarding foot hygiene, and then put them on. Putting on damp socks is like putting on a wet bathing suit - just. plain. disgusting.

Some people might have seen not having socks as an opportunity to skip out on the evening class. But I knew no one would believe me if I said I forgot my socks and I couldn't wuss out on my first day of two-a-days.

Tomorrow I have another round of two-a-days and will be bringing a bag to work with me again. When I was in 4th grade I forgot my homework at home one day. When I called my mom at work to see if she'd bring it to me, she told me no and said "I bet you won't forget it again."

Tomorrow I will not be forgetting to pack socks.