when ya have a bad day...

Yesterday I was having a rotten day.  The day where you just want to go back home, put your pajamas on and get back into bed.  My boss was cranky, but that's ususal.  It's just some days are easier to handle than others.  I could go on and on about why I dislike my job, but I'll spare you the boring details.  I will admit that part of my animosity towards my job happens to be because I just want to be a mom, plain and simple.  And the other part is frustration with poor leadership.  Ok-rant over.  Haha!

So... in order to combat my stress I can deal with it in two ways. 

1) I could sit on the couch at home and stuff myself with chips & cheese, or ice cream.  Telling myself I deserve it because I've had such a bad day.  In the moment the food will taste so good.  I'll eat it so fast that I won't even be able to  tell when I've had enough.  Shortly afterwards I will probably feel even worse than I started and I will want to cry.

OR

2) I could do Turbo Kick (my favorite anger-releasing workout) and get out all my frustrations with punches & kicks...and lots of cardio.  And when the Turbo section comes along...I could push so hard that by the end I won't remember why I was so mad in the first place.  And after my workout I would feel on top of the world.


I chose #2!  And it was fabulous.  I had an amazing Turbo Kick class last night and by the end of class I completely forgot about why I had been so frustrated with my job in the first place.  My class had such high energy, everyone was working hard, having a good time---and I think we all burned off a little stress together.  I love it!!!

TURBO SECTION!!!! 
**Not from last night's class...but you get the idea.... 

The first 5-10 minutes when I'm stressed or "not feelin it" are the hardest to WANT to workout.  But, I always tell myself---just do 10 minutes and then decide whether you want to continue or not.  Usually once I get to 10 minutes I feel so much better and want to keep going.  So....if you are having a bad day and don't think a workout will cure it.... just tell yourself "only 10 minutes"...and then see where that takes you!!

How I Avoided Weight Gain on Vacation

Whenever I go on vacation, I am always fearful that I will come back feeling lethargic because of the extra weight gain.  But, this time I was determined.  And I did it!  I was so happy with my determination to have fun, yet be good while on vacation.   There were fried food and treats everywhere, but I tried to limit myself to one "treat" per day--and that was typically the beloved churro.  I love those things!    Here are some of the things I did to help me!

1. Buy healthy breakfast food & lots of water at the grocery store.  ---- Not only was buying healthy breakfast food & water at the grocery store much cheaper, but it was a healthy way to start the day.  Fruits, hard boiled eggs, & toast for breakfast.  And I ALWAYS had a water bottle in hand.  I even brought empty bottles into the parks so that we could refill them. 

2. Get a fun workout in early in the morning to give your day a jump start.  -- Now I will admit, I'm not usually good at this one, but the gorgeous views and the weather motivated me to get up early.  Plus, I didn't put too much pressure on myself.  I didn't want to set goals like "run 5 miles" or "run for 60 minutes" because I didn't want to fail.  Instead I made it fun, and brought my camera and decided that we'd give ourselves an hour and we'd just have fun taking pictures until we were ready to go back.   Usually we used up the whole hour because we loved seeing the sites.   I brought my husband on every run with me...for safety's sake.  Can't ever be too careful.  Plus, it was fun to take pictures of us on the beach.

3. Order healthy meals -- One of the hardest things to do on vacation is to eat healthy at meal time.  100% of our lunch/dinner meals on this trip were restaurant food.  Luckily my family has great taste in food and there were usually healthy options for me. Here's what I did on my meals out:

Friday lunch - Mexican Salad
Friday dinner- 2 slices Cheese Pizza  (my treat for the day)
Saturday lunch - Grilled Salmon & Veggies (Sea World)
Saturday dinner- Brown rice, veggies & orange chicken
Sunday lunch - Mexican Salad (Disneyland)
Sunday dinner- Grilled Chicken BBQ skewers & smoothie (Disneyland)
Monday lunch- Turkey, Tomato, Spinach Wrap w/ Cheddar popped chips (San Diego Zoo)
Monday dinner- Grilled Cod, veggies, potato
Tuesday lunch- Subway turkey sub  (Airport)
Tuesday dinner- Toasted Sesame Salad & Tortilla Soup

4. Walk Around-- You know how sometimes you go on vacation and you dread that you have to walk around all day at an amusement park?  Don't dread it...embrace it!  I was thrilled!  Usually I sit at my desk job all day long, so to be up and moving around during the day was great!  Not to mention it burned some extra calories. 

5. Read a Book-- I tend to get the most snacky when I'm not busy or when I'm bored.  So, to keep myself busy on the flight, drives, and at night when everyone else was showering/watching TV I read a book.  Reading a book keeps the hands occupied so it's not as easy to mindlessly snack.  Plus, nobody likes having cheeto fingerprints in their book. 

5. Bring Snacks-- I'm the type of person who typically eats 5-6 small meals each day.  If I don't have a healthy snack inbetween meals I tend to overeat.  So, in order to keep myself energetic and avoid overeating, I brought small snack-sized zip lock bags with almonds or a granola bar.  I was very happy to see that each amusement park had a "healthy snacks" stand, they've come a long way.  At Disneyworld they had a California Trail Mix, grapes, fruit bowl, apples, oranges, craisins, etc.  They weren't cheap, but well priced, considering.  I never ever buy soda on vacation, I always buy water.  Water seemed to be just as expensive as the soda, and so much better for you.  And, like I said, keep your water bottle so you can refill it at water stations.

And those are just a few of the ways I avoided the dreaded vacation weight gain!  I felt really good coming back from vacation.  I was energized and I didn't feel like "I let myself go".  I also didn't feel any regrets.  When you make vacations about the memories and the things you do, rather than the food you eat, you tend to enjoy yourself so much more!!   

I miss a girl...her name is Sandy Ego Part 5

Unfortunately there was a time when we had to say Good Bye to San Diego....it was such a great trip and we enjoyed every minute!!  It's so fun to make memories with the ones you love.  And it was great to get out of the cold weather.  

Good bye beautiful beach running!

Good Bye beautiful house! 

Good Bye Hot Tub hang out!

Good Bye Hot tub!  Good Bye Patio!  Good Bye Sunbathing Roof!  We will miss you!

Good Bye beautiful condo!

I miss a girl....her name is Sandy Ego -Part 4

Day 4 of San Diego we spent at The San Diego Zoo!  It was a little bit of a chilly day...but not as chilly as Idaho.  We're talking like 55 degrees cold.  Not bad at all!  We had so much fun seeing the animals, and the zoo is so amazing!  Our favorite sites were the giraffes, monkeys, jaguar, cheeta & dog in the same pen, elephants, hippos, polar bear, panda bear...and so many more!!

SO happy to be on the beach!!  I love running and taking in all the beauty of God's creations!

Beautiful beach run...little chilly...but still gorgeous!  

Stop staring at my woman, you beady-eyed bird.

Happy Feet in 4D!  It was so fun!  If you don't know what 4D is...its where you watch the movie in 3D and then during certain parts of the movie special effects happen...snow is literally falling from the ceiling, wind is blowing through your hair, you get poked in the back by a fish hook (pretend, of course), and there was rumbling on the ground when the penguins danced.  It was so fun!  Don't ask me what my facial expression is here....we were being silly.  Unfortunately after many days of trying to duplicate that face...I cannot do it.  It must be a face that only San Diego can produce.  I guess I just need to go back!! :)

Polar Bear...he was wanting to mate, but it wasn't mating season...so he was burning off a bunch of energy by climbing up the rock, and falling back into the water, and he kept repeating the motion.

Keeping warm by snuggling in an ice cave.

Our favorite Mandy girl!

"What you saying? "

I'm a big boy now!
 

Typical sight....Dad stickin' with Mandy while we take weird pictures or take too long looking at the animals.  

SO GREEEEN!  View from the sky rail.

Haha...hair in my face.

I miss a girl....her name is Sandy Ego -Part 3

Day 3 we spent at the most magically place on earth....Disneyland!  We had such a fun time that we didn't take quite as many pictures.  We were enjoying the smells, the sights, the music....everything.  We went on quite a few rides...Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and attempted Thunder Mountain (it closed down half way through the line.  People were stuck.  It was awesome.)  It was great. .  But, we had lots of fun!

View of our morning run....absolutely breathtaking!

I LOVE THIS FAMILY!

SO excited!!

On Main Street....

Churro Mania!  I won't even attempt to count how many of these things we ate throughout the weekend.  I don't even want to know..haha!  So yummy.

Post- Splash Mountain.  We forced Justy to be in the front seat...because no one wanted to get wet.  He's such a good sport! 

Our faces coming down Splash Mountain...

After Splash Mountain...

I miss a girl....her name is Sandy Ego -Part 2

Day 2 of San Diego...

Every morning Justin and I got up and ran before everyone else got up......and despite the fact that we were so tired...it helped us to be more energized and it also helped us to not feel so guilty eating all the churros we ate! :)  We made our runs fun by taking fun pictures and checking out the sites along the way.  Our condo was right on the beach, so it made it easy to see some beautiful sights.  We were in good company...each morning there were TONS of runners on the same trails.  

We spent at Sea World.  It was a "cold" day for the California locals...but it was a beautiful 65 degrees!  Perfect enough weather to wear a light hoodie and enjoy the sun.  

I love Sea World and it was not crowed at all...so it was great to just let loose and have fun.  We went to all the shows that were going on that day...thanks to timekeeping Momma...and thanks to Justy and his masterful mapping skills.

My husband's youngest sister Mandy is mentally & physically disabled and it was a blast to watch her have fun.  She makes us so happy and lights up our world.  We love seeing her happy!

On the beach!!!   Beautiful run...we made it fun by posing for pictures along the way!

Dream fulfilled!  I ran on the beach!! :)  Although this was the last day we ran on the sand...my joints weren't used to that! :)

Surfers out early in the morning!

Sad face!  Mandy grabbed her milk cup too hard and ended up with milk everywhere.  It was pretty funny, she didn't think it was.  What a good sport!  

Beautiful Allie and Shamu!  It's so cool how the whale came right over to her and posed for a picture.   Pretty sweet!

Mandy petting the star fish  "Oooo pretty pretty fish"

Nerdy!  We are SO ready for Elmo in 4D!  Pretty much one of the funniest parts of the trip.  Mandy loves Elmo and she was a riot during the movie.  At one point Cookie Monster was shooting cookies and one of them was huge and started moving away and getting smaller and Mandy yelled "Come BACK COOKIE!!!"  We laughed so hard.   Or how about when Ernie was getting attacked by an octopus "Ernie!  No Ernie!"  

Attempting to feed the sea lions.  Check out Mr. Begger down below.  Those things were LOUD!  And the sea gulls pretty much attacked Justin when he had his fish food out for the sea lions.  Justin-0  Seagull-1

I miss a girl...her name is Sandy Ego

For Christmas my in-laws bought the family a vacation.  It was glorious.  I'm getting a little too old for presents...I mean, I love gifts and all...but as I've gotten older I've realized that all I really want for Christmas is time spent with family.  Playing games, eating good food, watching movies, not having to go to work, relaxing, running, sleeping, pajama parties, playing in the snow...and the list goes on.  But, this year my in-laws decided that we were all going to San Diego for about 5 days!  I was so excited.  I had never been to California, plus I was sick of my job and needed a break, and I wanted to be warm!!

The trip was wonderful...the memories we made will last forever.  We ate more churros than I can seem to remember... we were crazy and acted as if no one else was watching us....we let loose...we enjoyed the free time....and we just had plain old fashioned fun.  We were able to relax as well...not being in our typical surroundings there wasn't much to distract us from just being together. 

Since the condo we rented was right on the beach...I made it a goal to get up at least 4 mornings to go for a run on the beach.  There were paths along the beach as well....and it was beautiful.   My pictures don't quite capture it all...the smells, the breeze, the beauty....but it makes me want to go back.

DAY 1 (Day of arrival....relaxation & beach walking)

We're here!  Eating grub outside, in the sun.  Doesn't get much better than this!

View from our eating adventure....

Justin & Momma relaxing in the sun...

Me walking in the sand.....looking for cool shells

Justy found himself a lobster tail

SIL (sister-in-law) sleeping on the patio deck.

Running on the beach.  Literally running.

Sweaty...but check out that sunset!!!  Couldn't pass it up!

I wrote this in the sand...but I confirmed it with him...he does.  Haha!

Moster lobster washed up on the beach. 

Sunset on the ocean...so beautiful.

I know what you're thinking....

Ok ok ok...I know you're thinking I fell off the Fitness Planet.  But, good news...I DID NOT!  It's been a crazy beginning to a New Year.  But, I have been having a GREAT time being super active and getting my workout on!   Here's a re-cap:

Jan 1st- Rest Day
Jan 2nd- Strength Training 40 mins (ChaLean Extreme PUSH 3) + 3 Miles Running + Pilates
Jan 3rd- My Bootcamp 60 minutes (2 min intervals of cardio + endurance lifting) + Pilates
Jan 4th-Strength Training 40 mins (ChaLean Extreme LEAN 1)  + 4 Miles Running + Pilates
Jan 5th- 20 minute jog + Yoga (it was a lame yoga workout I found online)
Jan 6th - Turbo Kick Class @ a local Middle School (SO MUCH FUN!!!)
Jan 7th- Strength Training 40 mins (ChaLean Extreme LEAN 2) + 5 Miles Running + Pilates
Jan 8th- Rest Day

I've been really amping up my strength training workouts and trying to do them at LEAST 3 times a week.  I feel like thats the area in my life that is slacking, and even if I don't lose weight..... toning up and getting compact would be great.  I'm noticing a difference, and I love it!

I know you're wondering what "My Bootcamp" is I will tell you.....and if not...I'm still going to tell you.  So, basically I love getting a good workout in, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood to fight the crowds at the gym, or it's too cold outside for a run, and I already did heavy strength training the day before, etc.  I have many excuses in my book, trust me.  So, in these cases...I use a stop watch (on my ipod), a set of 5lb weights, a note pad with your plan, and a good TV show.  And I get my intervals on! It's a great cardio workout.  Here's a sample:

Warmup-- (I use my 5 min Turbo Kick warmup...but you could do just about anything- run in place, jumping jacks, 5 minutes of your favorite workout DVD, kickboxing warmup, etc)
(2 min cardio) --2 jumping jacks + 8 high knees
(2 min strength)-- squats
(2 min cardio) --2 knees + 4 punches (split evenly between left & right sides of body)
(2 min strength) --overhead press
(2 min cardio) -- switch kicks
(2 min strength) -- reverse lunges
(2 min cardio) --  one-leg basketball shoot (lunge down, touch floor with opposite hand, jump in the air- split evenly between left & right sides of body)
(2 min strength) -- overhead triceps (use both weights)
(2 min cardio) -- 1 minute mountain climbers + 1 minute burpees
(2 min strength) -- bicep curls
(2 min cardio) -- 1-2-3  Knee (Heisman)
(2 min strength) -- push ups
(2 min cardio) -- 4 hi-lo punches L&R + 4 Tuck Jumps
(2 min strength) -- double row

Repeat......

My TV show of choice was Biggest Loser.  Nothing quite as motivating to workout to as watching people work out to the max while Jillian Michaels is yelling "Unless you puke, faint or die...keep going".  The girl is crazy.

source

I have to admit I had never seen The Biggest Loser until sometime in September.  I saw it on our Netflix and decided to start watching the series.  I'll also admit that at first I really did not like Jillian Michaels....but over time I've grown to like her a little more.  I won't say that I'm a big fan...but I don't cringe as much when I hear her talk to contestants.  

Also...if you are planning on attending my TURBO KICK classes they will be held Tuesday & Thursday 7pm @ The Hart Building.  First day of class is Thursday January 19th!