almost through the first month

Tomorrow is the last day of the first month of my challenge. I have worked out 26K calories in the last 29 days and I'm proud of that. I wish I was reporting that I hit the 30K but I'm not feeling defeated at all about not hitting it. I've put in place some very good habits and I see myself growing healthiers and stronger everyday.
March is going to be another strong month and I'm kicking it up on a notch and going back to my no booze for the month too. I find that the pounds just fall off when there is no beer in my life. And honestly I'm a dark beer girl who is really sick of drinking shitty low carb and light beer. And yes I am aware its St. Pattys day but I know that if there is one day that I will enjoy being the DD for everyone I know its that day. My favorite thing about my detox months is hanging out with people I know when they are drunk. Its always funny to be the only one who is aware of what is going on. Especially since I'm not very judgemental person so I really enjoy the silliness.

A solid core workout awaits me this afternoon. I'm taking a break on Milly today as I am still sore in my legs and bum and they need a break.

Where there is pain...

There is gain. Holy Shmoly! Is really all I can say to describe the aching in my legs. The run today was very difficult because each step has been like... OHHHH... but its like a good feeling at the same time that its a bad feeling.
I hope you get what I mean. Bad, because I'm sore, good because I'm doing the right things that are leading me to my goals.

This much I know is true.

My Arm workout totally kicked ass. I could feel that I was stronger today than even on monday. My push-ups had better form and the resistance band work was double time today.


inch by inch its a cinch right??

I've got a leg up!

Imagine the look of sheer disappointment when I finally got a chance to watch The Biggest Loser tonight around 9:30 only to find out that it was a two part episode and I didn't record the other half tonight. I am so pissed! My favorite part about that show is the weigh in!!!



Oh well!!! My Workout today was pretty great. I lost my phone last night so I spent the morning looking for it and getting the replacement sent. I'm big on my schedule so being thrown off was really eating away at me. But then the comments on the blog really inspired me to kick it out.



I did 3 hard and sweaty miles and I worked out my legs. They are not as sore as my abs and arms but I can feel them. And now for your viewing pleasure:

I am hard Core

Yesterday was maybe one of the most challenging and perfect workouts I have ever had. I can not tell you the amount of sweating and pain that went into the workout. I think I am still sweating. It was amazing. At one point my roommate, Pedro, came in and was talking to me and he finally paused and said "hell yeah, girl, you are working it!" It felt good to hear because normally he talks shit!

I only saw a portion of biggest loser last night so I am excited to watch the DVR of it today and see who lost what. Totally my favorite part of the show.

And since I'm totally going to keep going with my training this picture below will one day be me

Hello Arms... nice to meet you

I can't lift my arms over my head today and thats a good thing. I worked the crap out of them yesterday and I somehow also feel it in my upper abs too. The pain is a good one. I love it actually. For your viewing pleasure of nice arms I thought I'd share one of my favorite set of arms around


God I love her arms! They are sleek and still have muscles. So very sexy!

Strength training is awesome. I can feel my body burning in a different, almost more effective mode. Today is serious core training. Me and my ab coaster are very close this morning and I'm looking forward to a nice session with Milly and the body ball.

Ohhhh yes, I almost forgot... Its biggest loser day too. So here is another gal with sexy arms. Is she becoming my favorite chick? Sure seems like it.

Strength Training addition

Okay, So I've run my ass off this month but I seem to have hit a plateau in the actual weight loss catagory so I'm switching up what I'm doing to keep the body guessing. If there is one thing that watching the biggest loser has taught me its that I need to build more muscle in order to burn more fat. And so I am now adding in some strength training and shorting up the run to faster and harder miles.
Today was an intense arm workout while I worked this morning. My arms are a bit sore. I can feel the muscles ache as I type this. It feels good. I purchased a body ball this weekend and boy o boy are my core muscles sore. The core is key ot great running so I'm going to have major focus in this. Arms, Core, legs, running everyday as well.

Off to run three hard miles today. Wish me luck.

Don't put me in a box

This is my Favorite scene in Kill Bill. I love it because for me it really means that you let nothing stop you. This bitch is buried alive in a box and punched her way out. No matter what you feel is trapping you. Realxing and figuring the soultion out always yields a good results.

I'm ready to punch my way out of the fat box. Time to get on Milly and do some strength training too.

Enjoy the oscars.

TGIF-

We have seven days left of the challenege and it looks like I may fall about 4K calories short of my goal. I am however very determined to stay on the course and push through the finish like. 26K in a month is pretty freaking awaome and I'm confident that I've lost the weight I'm shooting for.
I'm looking forward to my run today. I have found myself calmer, more rested and happier this past week and I feel back on track.

See ya post run

First Crush

My first famous girl crush was on Kim Zmeskyl, the US gymnast that totally kicked ass in the 1992 Summer Games. I was 12 almost 13 and had just moved to Michigan from California. I hated every second and that summer I spent a ton of time collecting every article I could find on her and cutting it out. I thought it was more that I wanted to be an athlete. But looking back it was a total crush. I remember clearly the moment this issue of Time magazine came to our doorstep and how I would just stare the muscles she had forever. I've always liked athletic girls.

Today I feel Olympic powerful and I'm going to picture my muscles being this strong while I run.

Whatever it takes, everyday on the mill that is all that matters. I may never have the perfect body but I can get close with practice and determination.

one foot in front of the other

Today, was by far the best run I've had in ten days or so. Challenging and hard and sweaty. The stink was permeating. I loved every second of it. Maybe it was the DVR recording of the biggest loser I watched, maybe it was the fact that I was actually hydrated enough prior to getting on Milly, I don't know. What I do know its that I realized that this is a journey not a destination and that I need to keep at it always and that a few off days do not have to equal an off lifetime.

I feel so good this evening. Tired and happy!

See you tomorrow

Long time gone

Did you miss me? Did you give up on me? I sure hope not... I may have been down a bit last week in terms of being a goal hitter but never count me out. I'm back and ready to put on the Kmac attack. Here is whats gone on in the past week...
Last week I got totally off track due to going out and hanging out late every night with new and old friends. I think Thursday was the only day that I did absolutely nothing. That's not to say I was on a complete rock star kick or anything (although one or two were like that) but it was more just the late night/ early mornings that I just couldn't get my energy mojo going. It has been a minute since I have done any midweek fun and I was paying the old age price for it. Thankfully, I didn't eat like a monster or anything and pretty much stuck to overall healthy choices and the two workouts I did still let me lose three pounds last week. Not too shabby for a lazy week. Actually, I feel like its impossible to have happened but it did. Maybe it was all the worrying I did that the lack of activity would be bad for me. Maybe it was just that I needed good rest. Who knows. All I do know is that I'm ready to run my ass off today and feeling good to be back on track.

I won't let me down. I'm in for the long haul.

Flirty McFlirty

Well folks its tuesday and we all know what that means... its biggest loser makes me a better person day. I love this show and I can't wait to work out to it tonight at 8pm. I used to hate Jillian Michaels but everytime I see her I want to make out with her more and more.
Look at this pic and tell me you would mind her yelling at you to get down and give her 20.


I also met a seriously beautiful older woman last evening. Not that much older, only 6 years, but she was rocking on the fit level and very intellegent to boot. She just ran a marathon in october, hiked the Grand Canyon at some insane elevation levels and shes running another marathon in May. I have a thing for girls who keep fit, who doesn't though. But I mean people who pull out all the stops and really go at it. Its the ablitiy to keep going even when you don't want to that I find so sexy.

Today, biggest loser day, I get to watch lots of people pull out the stops. More importantly I'll be pulling out my own stops.

See you Post show.

One foot in front of another

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

Everything in my life that I have I have always had to work for. I've been working since I was 15 years old, I paid my own way through college, living abroad and since I've been home. I've built myself a pretty decent life and really truly the only thing I'm lacking is a level of fitness that I deserve.
It was a long day today because I spent more time working that I would have liked. Working is my true addiction that I need to control and have help for more than anything else in my life. Its the habits I've built that have made me a Go-To person in my profession. But its the drive that also has created stress, guilt and pressure that is not good for me.
I'm creating a paradigm shift right now and I need to remember that. I'll have slip ups and I'll have set-backs but I know that:
1. a set back is a set up for a comeback
2. inch by inch its a cinch, yard by yard it will be hard
3. I have to be willing to give up the good to get to the great
4. I create my own destiny

I have to keep my focus and keep my eye on the prize.

Monday Monday week two begins

Okay Kids, I'm on track still to hit my goal. This weekend I was a dancing machine. At the club on Saturday I rocked the dance floor and even had a little person riding on my back at one point. And honestly, he wasn't that little so I I got a bit of a work out from that. I spent Sunday night at a girl party where the DJ was pretty good too. My legs are cashed out today but I'm going to make it happen this evening.

Of course its still pretty great outside here in michigan so maybe I'll take an afternoon stroll.

Talk to you later

Clumsy Girl + Melting Ice = Bad Idea

I had a fun time running outside today, except for the fact that it was icy all over the place and I slipped more than once. But if there is one thing this girl knows how to do its fall down. I have perfected the art.

Planning on being a dancing machine tonight. A fun way to burn calories. Not that it will be the main priority. I think the 42 miles I've done this week is plenty of working out. I feel sexy and young and good and I'm ready to have a good time.

Now for your Saturday night viewing pleasure here is a go go girl.

A Warm Saturday Morning

I do believe that I may actually enjoy the 50 degree weather that we are having here in Michigan and take my run to the streets today. I know a great six mile circuit from my half marathon training days and I think it would be nice to just soak in some sun while its also a little grey. You maybe can tell from my pictures already but I'm a pale girl and this is the kind of weather pale girls like. A long sleeve and scarf will do you just fine kind of day! I love it.

I'm glad yesterday I posted those tips on being healthy during the weekend because they came in handy this morning when my hung over roommate asked me if I wanted to order a Pizza because she was starving. Instead, I suggested I make her slice of peanut butter toast and a Banana along with a cup of very strong coffee. She was just happy with the idea that I was going to make it for her and settled.

Tonight I'm meeting a friends new guy for the first time and we are going to a dance club that is just down the street from me. Considering the weather is so great out I think I'm going to wear a dress. I haven't worn a dress in a while, and I'm going to look better than I ever have in the dress I'm thinking of. Plus this club has go-go dancers on the bar. I love it. It should be a blast.

If the weather is good where you are today too get out and enjoy it. It will make for a better Monday.

See you post run.

Time goes by so slowly...

Tough run today, and it probably has something to do with the amazing burger that I ate last night. But the entire day just seemed to tick tick tick by. I finished work early and I finished my run but it was a tough one. No inspired thoughts, no great feelings, just a lot of hard sweat and boredom. But I finished. 50 calories at a time. I can't tell you how many times I broke up if I quit how many more calories I would need each day to make it up. But I did it all the way to the finish line and I have a zero balance walking into tomorrow.

The weekend is here. All day to relax, get organized and enjoy a great run.

Stay focused on whatever your goals are. Don't get deterred and I'll do my best to stay the same.

See you in the am

TGIF!!

Whoo Hooo! It's Friday and that means I'm almost though the first full week of the month. This is technically day seven of this challenge but the whiteboard that I use, I track from Monday to Sunday on my goals. I know that weekends can the hardest time for me to stay on track for my goals. I used to get caught up a lot with my fitness goals, and totally ruin the work I've done all week with poor choices on the weekend. Here are some ways that I've found to keep on track for my goals:
1. Plan on Friday what you will be eating all weekend. I use to find that I would eat out a lot on the weekends. Breakfast with friends, order a Pizza with roommates and the next thing I know I totally ate garbage for three days. Now I make sure to have food in the house that I eat everyday anyway. Like Bananas, Tuna, Pasta, Soup and PB and J. Staples that I love and are easy prep so that I won't cave to the easy way of ordering in or just going out.
2. Workout no matter what. I'll tell you that in the month of December I spent way too many Fridays and Saturdays drinking. More than is appropriate or cool. But you know what? I would still get on my treadmill more often than not and punish myself through it. It made me want to curb my enthusiasm big time. Because sweating out booze sucks and it makes for a shitty workout every time. I Promise you! Now that I've been in a month or so of detox I feel amazing almost every run and for that fact most days.
3. Read something motivational. This is my secret to success in so many areas of my life. I read stories about people who do things that most people don't. It makes me want to be an over achiever too.
4. Just start. Its the start that stops most people. So you don't think you can break through your 1000 calories today. Just start and see how long you go. I bet after 200 hundred, you decide to just go until 250, 300, 350 etc. you can do it. Just start.
5. Plan an active activity with friends. Do something outside. If its warm, go golfing, swim, play beach volleyball. If like me you live in winter hell, go Ice Skating or Sledding. Running up and down that hill will be great exercise and fun.

See you post run

Putting whats broken back together

I'm big on Kabbalah. I actually have one of the 72 names of God tatooed on my wrist to keep me moving forward and away from my bad habits. To remind of what I'm all about and here for. Its the name that means "Victory over addictions" I've never been a drug or sex addict. I have been know to imbibe a bit too much here or there but I have also kind of re-grabbed a hold of that tendancy as I'll call it. I have never been a consistant fall down drunk for an extended period of time. Booze tends to make me very guilty, even if I have nothing to be guilty of. Or maybe I should say it tends to intensify the feelings since I am generally guilty for no reason anyway. See I was meant to be born a Jew. Hahaha.
Anyway, "what does this have to do with running," you ask? Well a lot, because today when I was on the mill I was thinking about the basic things running seems to do for me and one of them is rid my ego. "Ummmm Kelly, you are so vain that you think people actually want to hear about you running and losing weight everyday twice a day, how does that rid your ego?" you interupt again :) it rids my ego because every step I seem to take on that treadmill seems to pull back a layer of darkness and show a bit more light. Its the idea that the world revolves around me that can be my darkness. However, there is this thing in Kaballah and maybe in all of Judism, I'm not sure, called "tikkun olam" and its this theroy that the entire world is broken into scattered pieces and by revealing light to one another we can put it back together. And I was moved kind of to tears today during my run because I had felt this tremendous darkness in my heart today and when I felt this little piece of light show up around mile five it made me feel connected to bigger group of people and be once again grateful for my life. And I felt like somewhere someone did something good today and it made the world brighter and more whole. I hope that you felt it today too. Somewhere when you were hurting or felt lonely in a crowd that something changed and you felt the "tikkun olam"

see you in the am. run well

Morning thoughts a beautiful day

First of all, a good friend who has had a eating issue or two pointed out to me yesterday that striving to look like my top eight chicks from yesterdays morning post could be dangerous and that "having a six pack is easy when you don't eat" I couldn't agree more and want to make sure that I'm clear that I'm not trying to look like those girls. Maybe date them lol but not look like them. I think all of them look like they get thier shape because of the workout and the right food choices not by deprivation. Well maybe except Madonna because she eats macrobiotic and that's gross.
I love food! I love things that have flavor and taste and I'm a great cook. I've just realized lately, cooking my own food loses about 1000-1500 calories a day vs eating out. Yesterday I ate six meals including a giant bowl of pasta Alfredo. My total calorie intake for the day was 1200 and I was trying to eat closer to 1400-1500 yesterday. But I certainly wasn't starving myself I promise you that.
This morning I wanted to share Ten Reasons I love my treadmill
1. Milly is the first thing I see in the Am and the last thing I see at night- Its right next to my bed
2. Milly doesn't just avoid talking about my faults and is clear about them- If my run sucks my numbers will show it
3. I am Milly's first owner and she is my first treadmill- we have no baggage, ex issues or expectations of how a run is supposed to be
4. She keeps track of the details for me- the display rocks
5. She makes my heart jump.
6. I'm always in a better mood after paying her a visit
7. I can no longer imagine my life without Milly and fear the day she breaks down
8. Even when I neglect her she lets me come back and forgives and forgets
9. She makes me a stronger happier girl
10. Without Milly this challenge would be four times harder to complete.

Day 6: I am a warrior Woman

You know my first name means "warrior woman" in Gaelic and my middle name Louise means "warrior woman" in Finnish. Its a random act since my father would have named me Kelly even if I was a boy and Louise is the middle name of my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I'm a fourth generation warrior woman. And somehow it just confirms to me that everything happens for a reason.
These are the thoughts I had today as I was entering into my last 200 hundred calories. That I am someone who is filled with a lot of strength, determination, drive and a sense of time that is not always just in the present, but can span history both forward and in front of me.
I think of how if when I achieve this goal, there will be so many other goals that are going to fall in front of me and I will be able to accomplish those as well.
The first 800 calories were easy today. The last 200 hard. Its how I know that on Friday I'll be moving the speed up and making it tougher again. Sweating it out more.
since Sunday I've gone 28 miles. More than a marathon.
25K to go.

Top 8 women who look like they are actually healthy not like they need to eat a bagel

These women inspire me not just because they are hot but because overall I think they portray healthly images for women everywhere. It sure doesn't hurt that they all are easy on the eyes too.

Mia Hamm- Soccer



A leader on the field and off. Sexy as hell and a damn fine soccer player. She may have been the first female athlete that I was attracted to as well.



Laurel Holoman- Actress



Laurel gets lost in the mix of the L word beauties a lot and its hard when you are working next to Jennifer Beals. But if you've seen in her in the drawers these past two seasons you'll have to agree with me. Holy Shmoly!



Madonna- Entertainer



Do you see those thighs! When I'm fifty I'm looking like Madonna. Good Food, Running and Yoga thats how she looks like this.



Christine Arron- Track an Field



These are arms a person dreams of and that face ain't bad either!!!



Francesca Piccinini- Volleyball Player



UMMMM- I don't think any volleyball players I knew in high school or college looked like this. Otherwise I would've worked harder and definately made the team Junior year!!



Heather Mitts- Soccer player



I have a thing for soccer players. I can't help it! It's thier thighs. I want to bite them. Or at least lick them. I think its the way they walk all bowlegged and it makes them look confident. Sigh...

Kate winslett- Actress



Seriously, not only is she pale like me, I love her red hair too but its her natural body type that just makes my heart jump a bit when I see her. truely lovely.



Tina Fey- Funniest and most brilliant woman on the planet



One day I hope to find a girl like this. Someone who is really a big cute dork that makes me laugh. Smart and girl next door average joe (as in joe for a girl like facts of life) :)



See you post run. I know I'll be thinking of some of the ladies to pass the time today.

What really makes for a good workout

You know, today as I was running it was hard to stay focused. My roommate had just used my machine and changed some of the settings and I was running for about 30 minutes before I realized that I had been running with her programmed info. Kelly weighs considerably less than I do and I only noticed because it seemed like I was on pace for a ten mile run and that wasn't right, I knew. Anyway I did some math, reset the programs and finished it out. But I had to keep doing the math in my head. Not so easy when you are running... But it was a good thing and here is why. The best workouts aren't the easy ones. The best workouts come when you finish what you started whether you wanted to or not. That's the difference between goal hitters and goal setters. When I run outside I never bring my phone or money because I know I can always make my half way point than all I need to do it get my ass back home. And without a phone or money there is no way other than my feet.
Today I sweat a ton. I kept my eye on the prize and even though my feet are a little more sore and my legs a little more tired, mentally I feel like an Olympian. This evening in my work I've been on point and I feel strong and happy inside and out.
So remember, if you are feeling like your workout sucks one day, smile and realize that you are having a breakthrough and a great workout... afterall its called work for a reason.

Day 5: Ten things that keep me motovated

1. Trying on my old clothes that I haven't fit into in three years and actually looking pretty decent in them, and thinking how I'll have to donate them soon because instead of fitting they'll be too big :) I'm down to a 16 already!
2. Focusing on how great I'll feel after my run, no matter how I feel before or during.
3. Drinking a gallon of water before my run... It helps me not hurt during the run at all and drinkng at least another 32 during the run.
4. My DVR- I have no time to watch TV at all. But Lately I've been using my DVR to record things I would like to watch then doing so during my run. Its totally great and makes the time fly by. Plus I'm seeing movies I've always wanted to see.
5. Weighing myself daily. I used to hate this when I worked out consistantly before. Seeing a small change or even no change, or in the worst case seeing the number go up. But now I find that I like it because it keeps me conscious of my goal over all. 10 pounds this month! Its my mantra.
6. Thinking about how by the end of this month I will have run 196-200+ miles depending on my speed increase levels. Where could I get to if I was really doing that on foot. Cleveland is 90 miles away, Toronto 240 and Chicago is only 267 miles away!!!
7. Watching the biggest loser- If these people can do it so can I!
8. Thinking about how this could lead to a new career level for me in terms of my coaching abilities. I could go from being a great sales coach to being an overall great personal development coach.
9. Looking fantastic this summer in a bathing suit.
10. Focusing on how much I'm sweating and loving every drip drop. Gross I know... but it is what it is.

What are some things that keep you motovated to workout?

I've decided to do two posts a day. One in the morning about general thoughts and things I think and feel about my fitness. And one after my run! See you in the evening

Day 4: Holy Shmoly Greatest Run ever

I seriously had the greatest run ever today! seven miles of pure sweating ecstasy. It was hard and good. I don't think I've sweat like that in years. Let me explain my love of sweat for just a moment. I have always seen each bead like a drop of pure lard rolling off my body. I love to sweat and today was so great that my pony tail was dripping. I never felt icky though because I had drank a gallon of water prior to even getting on the mill today.
I was going to run in the evening today. But around 1pm I felt a little cranky and I knew I had two options. One hate the rest of my day or two jump on "Milly" and get happy. I chose number two, a nooner with my treadmill.
There is something pure about the addiction of running. Like nothing else matters, like all of my other problems can be solved on that little rolling road underneath my feet, something I can control, something that the only thing standing between me and my end result is just a small amount of time in the grand scheme of life.
I have never felt so renewed when I stepped off the mill today. My hot shower my reward.
26K to go. I bet I sleep like a baby!

What was your best workout ever?

30K Challenge Day One... Okay actually its day three

This is my story... I'm a 29 year old woman who has decided to get back in the shape I was in just six years ago. At 23 I was fit and healthy. With the one exception that I smoked a lot. It used to take me through my workouts. I would say... "500 more calories and you can have two cigarettes in the parking lot before you even start that car." Then I quit smoking and working out almost at the same time. I clearly remember my pants getting tighter and tighter and the first time I bought a pair of size 16 pants. when I had bought the size 14s I was distraught but thought I was just bloated and had a gained a bit I could rid myself of quickly. I got bigger still. My tipping point came about a year ago in January 2008. I bought a size 22 pant. How gross is that. I had gain 75 pounds and was sitting at 228 pounds on my 5 foot 6 inch frame. I was "unfuckable" and maybe that's how I wanted it. January 2008 is also the month that I decided that I needed to come out as gay to my family and friends by the end of the year. I knew that one of the reasons I had not be keeping myself up was that my weight gain made advances from men fewer and further between. I bought a treadmill and I told myself I would lose thirty pounds and come out. But every time I hit that twenty pound mark I would get scared that I was going to have to do it and I would quit working out until I gained that 20 pounds back. Finally at the end of July 2008 I decided that I just had to do it no matter what because it was becoming clear that I would not be losing the weight first. Fate intervened and an old friend from high school and I reconnected. She was gay too and really helped me come out. By the end of October I had told everyone important in my life and by December I was living happily as a lesbian. Between Thanksgiving and today I have lost 28 pounds and currently weigh just under 200 pounds. My goal weight by December 19th 2009 will be to weigh 150 pounds. which is smack dab in the middle of the 147- 153 that I will be happy with. I can do it! This is my story of total transformation and I want to share it with you.
About a week ago I came up with the 30K challenge because I thought it would be something to work for, something to break through the worst winter month with and 30K calories is about 8 pounds. My goal for the month of Feb is to lose ten pounds.
If there is one thing I know its that the beginning of this journey will be easier for the weight loss than the middle or that last ten pounds. I have a game plan for that. At 170 I'm calling in a trainer twice a week to kick my ass down that last twenty pounds. For now its about eating right, staying focused and letting nothing stop me from achieving my goals.

I'm three days in and three thousand calories and 20 miles on the treadmill or as I like to call it "milling" 27K to go!

Feel free to comment on any of my post. Leave a message on your own challenge or give me advice. All are welcome.