I finally feel like I can fly.... Again.

It has taken me every bit of 5.5 yrs.

But today I felt it.

The passion, the desire to push farther then I did when I finished.

The love joy and somewhat psychotic freeing theraputic feeling that is running.


I had it once, then my body gave out on me in ways I didn't understand, you can read that story here. After that I sort of stayed away from running the way people stay away from driving after a bad accident.

But life is so different now and so I have ventured out to feel the love for something that carried me through all of my twenties.

The reasons I finally feel like I'm ready to conquer the ground beneath my feet again is for so many reasons. For quick reading I"ll narrow it down and share just two:

#1 My family: I want them all to experience a deep passion, for something and keep it going through their lives
#2 Beachbody: Yes the workouts, Shakeology and the fantastic people I have met are a huge part of that, but honestly its more then that. As a beachbody coach personal developement is strongly encouraged, and I can't tell you what that has done for my thought process and been a huge part of where I am today.

On my goal board was to run the Pittsburgh Marathon this year. Didn't happen - But congrats to all that did!

My heart was in the right place early on in the year and then poof it was gone. And then

WINTER JUST WOULD NOT END!

(Mom & Dad please disregard that sentence as I am still trying to work on you for how wonderful Pittsburgh would be to spend your retirement)

  I'm truly not sure if it has yet as we have had frost most mornings this week. Anyhow-

Spring arrived, and those crisp cool mornings with everything in bloom (thankfully I don't suffer from seasonal allergies) I just had to run.

So I dug out the jogger that I had just told Mr. Mancave I was going to sell. Strapped in the sleepless toddler and decided to find out if I could really get my running mojo back.

*Full disclosure-Things hurt at nearly -gasp- choke-cough-ahem- 35 - that did not at even just 28.*

The first few runs, were short slow and well slow. Then I'm not sure what happened, but it just happened, maybe its my mental clarity, maybe the cross-training from P90x, Insanity, Les Mills pump, Combat & turbofire over the last year have given me back my strength. Or maybe its because my new running partner sits contentedly in the jogging stroller shouting "go faster Mommy, I like the wind"....

Most likely its a combination of those things. All I know is that when I pushed the jogging stroller into our neighborhood for completion of my run this morning, I was sad.

Not because my time was slow(it was) or because my feet were sore (the were - runners of the world if I tell you how old my shoes are you might beat me with yours!) I was sad because I was done. And for the first time in more then 5yrs I ended a run knowing I had more in me.


So my question for your to ponder tonight is,

Do you have more in you? Not just for your workout, for your life? Do you go to bed at night feeling like you could have done more? Smiled more, Laughed more, hugged your kids a little tighter. 

Maybe it is your workout, could you have done those last 5 push ups so that tomorrow you can throw your toddler a little higher, or help someone with yard work, or maybe even just help a loved one get out of bed because there bodies have given up on them but yours is still going strong, or could be with just a little effort.

My day is ending, and i'm exhausted, and I'm sure you are also, but I feel good that found my wings again.

Can I help you find yours?

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Get Slim for Summer!

We all have our problem areas when it comes to working out and losing weight.

I DEFINITELY have a few!

That's why for my next challenge group we are doing Brazil Butt Lift and I am doing this one with my Challenge group! The group will open on May 20th we will all start together on the 27th!

Ok, you say so  exactly How does Brazil Butt Lift work?

 
Its all about the angles!  you’re also working the “heads” of the muscles, the parts that attach to the pelvic bone which provides support between the upper and lower parts of your body) and your hamstrings. This is what gives you the lift and shape that every woman wants!
Supermodels go to Leandro because his TriAngle Training method and signature moves help reduce the hips, slim the thighs, and lift the butt—without bulking up the thighs. That’s why Leandro is known as the Brazilian Butt Master. TriAngle Training works the three major muscles of the buttocks—the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus—working them from countless angles to help lift, firm, and shape the perfect behind, without adding bulk to the thighs.

This is one of the programs that has been on my to do list for awhile! Well with a beach trip coming up in July now is my time! How about yours? Do you want to be the next transformation story? All you have to do is join my next challenge group and decide to commit and succeed!

Whats holding you back? Check out Taras' transformation!

 She did 30 days of Clean eating and Brazil Butt Lift and got AMAZING RESULTS! Not only that but she gained back her health. A year ago she was in a hospital bed from a serious health issue. That day forever changed her life and she realized that in order to get her life back on track .. she needed to make some serious changes. From that day on she has been living a health and more fulfilled life and has dedicated to helping others change.
YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

Whats on your Mothers day menu?

Breakfast in bed made by your family? A large family gathering? Or maybe a quiet brunch at your favorite restaurant?

However you Celebrate you can make healthy choices without derailing your health and fitness progress in one day!

Eating out? Pre "shop" the menu so you do not feel overwhelmed when you arrive at the restaurant. Also eat something small or Drink your Shakeology before you go to keep yourself from overeating!

Family Gathering? Be the healthy change in what may normally be a sea of not so good options. Try the recipe below.

Need more ideas or ready to start on your journey? I would love to be a part of it!


                          Frittata with Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, and Parmesan
                                       (I use spinach! Use your favorite green)
Love this recipe? Sign-up for a free beachbody account and get access to lots of yummy!

 

Swap out chard for your favorite green in this easily-customizable recipe.

Total Time: 35 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 20-25 min.
Preparation Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
10 large egg whites (1¼ cups)
6 large eggs
¾ cup nonfat milk
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups chopped Swiss chard
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine egg whites, eggs, milk, cheese, salt (if desired), pepper (if desired), and nutmeg in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and chard; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Turn off heat. 5. Lightly coat sides of skillet with spray.
6. Add tomatoes and egg mixture to skillet.
7. Place skillet in oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffy and set.

Tip: You can use spinach, kale, or other favorite greens instead of the Swiss chard. You can also mix the greens for a total of 2 cups.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 131

Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 144g

Sodium: 273mg

Carbs: 4g

Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 3g

Protein: 12g

 

Fresh, filling, festive!

Really should have posted this on Sunday for Cinco de Mayo!

Call it chickpea salad or black bean pico I just call it yummy!

1 can Chickpeas drained
1 can black beans drained
I can of corn drained ( or fresh from the cob when the season rolls around )
1/2 red onion chopped
3 or 4 green onions chopped
3 tomatoes seeded and diced
Juice of one lime
Cilantro if you like it - I love it my grandmother has a very strong distaste for it and even though she is states away I always think of her and leave it out.

First thing I do after I drain the cans is to pour them all into a colander and give everything a great cold water rinse to get any excess salt or additives from the can off.
Then just simply mix everything in the bowl you plan on serving it in.

Drizzle evoo, balsamic and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle a little Himalayan sea salt, toss and eat!

It can be a salad on its own, or if its a day to splurge or you want to give your guests options serve with whole grain crackers or chips as a yummy more filling type of pico
Tonight I sprinkled in a little feta!

I feel like Chicken tonight......

Reading this recipe today this catchy jingle from a commercial from years ago stuck in my head except I have no idea what product it was for? Anyone???

Its another perfectly gorgeous day in Western PA, and another crazy running kids around night. Quick dinner on the grill that requires no kitchen mess is sounding like a plan this week!

A few things I learned from the Ultimate Reset, Dijon mustard is a tasty yummy ingredient in dressings and marinades and doesn't necessarily give you a mustard taste (I generally don't like mustard).  Fresh Garlic should be in every kitchen, and Salt is not the enemy when you use the right type of salt and in the right amounts! 


Enjoy this recipe courtesy of the teambeachbody website. All you need to do to have access to this and many more dishes of deliciousness, sign up for a free account today!

 

 

 

Grill it or broil it, this lean chicken recipe is a fantastic, healthy dinner you can make in 15 minutes or less. Add a green salad, brown rice or quinoa on the side and dinner is done!

Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:
2 (4-oz.) raw chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
6 fresh parsley sprigs (or thyme, marjoram, or rosemary), finely chopped
1 dash sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil

Preparation:
1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. Combine garlic, mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and oil in a small bowl; mix well.
3. Brush chicken breasts evenly with garlic mixture.
4. Grill or broil chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 199

Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 73g

Sodium: 397mg

Carbs: 2g

Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 0g

Protein: 24g

"NO, NO, noooooooooooooooooooooooooo......."

My 2 year old is not a Shaun T fan!  Really, really, wish I had my video camera running this morning, because as I was finishing my Max interval plyo workout S came down, she really has a no love for Shaun T lol, he was counting down and she kept screaming at him "no, no" everytime he said a #, I think she may be a mind reader because I said that for the entire hour! lol but I did it!
 
Tomorrow is a rest day,and I totally earned it!

In the second month, "the workouts get even sweatier and more intense. You’ll maximize your cardio conditioning, get your legs crazy strong with plyo intervals, and keep peeling off the pounds. Max Recovery gives you a much-needed rest one day a week".

The workouts are longer, harder and boy do I feel the burn!

Honestly there were days I saw what time was left and I really had to push myself to keep going, but when I did Insanity the first time at the end of 2011 that's what I did. I would stop do everything half way and basically give up. I am determined to push through and get the best results I can this time!

Challenge groups and support are the best motivation! Even if we are doing different workouts, I know that they all have things going on in their lives and if they can get up everyday and press play I can too!

Need help and motivation? Ready for a summer slim down?  I'd love to share more with you and listen when you want to scream Nooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


 

Insanity Month 1 Complete

Back to the beginning, but  not really.

When I started Insanity 36 days ago I decided to do it because it was the first beach body program I had attempted and my results were non existent.

Now that I am half way through for the second time I can tell you the reason:


I was lazy.  this time I made a point to not skip any workouts, make it through every part of the workout, and I feel amazing!

My results~

Right before insanity I spent 21 days doing the Ultimate Reset my eating was 100% clean, 14 of those days were spent vegan.

And Yes. I am setting you up for the I did not lose any weight in the first 30 days of Insanity. Full disclosure, my eating habits the last week took a nose dive.

This is actually not a bad thing though, its a great way for me too talk to you about the importance of non scale victories, NSV!

This time there are many!  Insanity starts you off the first day with a fit test that you repeat every 15 days. Thankfully I kept my results from my first attempt and the difference is amazing!    I did lose another inch from my thighs, but even better my most hated part of my body, my knees have appeared again!

Just a few highlights from my fit test :

Switch Kicks In October 2011 in one minute I was able to complete 80 Yesterday I did 126.
Push up Jacks I did not even attempt them in 2011 I even wrote on my fit test paper that I did "girl" push ups. Really? Who was that ?  I can answer that, a tired frustrated 30 something afraid to work for her goals.  Yesterday in one minute I did 30 push up jacks! Take that old self!


What will you do 60 days from now that you cannot right at this moment? Walk for 2 miles without stopping?  Run 5miles 5 minutes faster then you are right now? Hold a 30 second plank without dropping?  30 push ups without stopping? Get rid of the diet soda or that extra cup of coffee? Sleep a little better (or more) every night?

Make a plan write it down share it with someone make yourself accountable for it! Need someone on the outside to help? Send your goals to me!

Insanity sound interesting? A goal you want to accomplish in the next 60days? The deal is gone tomorrow!  Decide today to make a change we can do it together!