Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Finished.

The Advocare 24 day challenge I participated in with an awesome group of people is now over. It ended Wednesday, October 30th. Just in time to derail all progress with candy from my kid's trick or treat basket….. Just kidding. I did have a few pieces, but nothing too major. Anyway, I really enjoyed the challenge. I also signed up as a distributor so that I could get a discount on the products, (best way to do it) so any link I post will be directly to my page. 

Here are my thoughts after the challenge (I wrote this in an email to my Advocare advisor who hosted the Holiday Hustle 24 Day Challenge, and it was LONG- so I am just copying the exact text here):

I can tell you I lost 10 pounds during the challenge. I can also tell you that my jeans are too big (as are my bras, but I'm not as excited about that one!). I am very happy about the weight loss and the clothing changes, but the main changes have been internal for me- and these are the ones I'm most happy about. 
First of all, sleep. I have struggled with sleep issues for as long as I can remember. I was not able to fall asleep. It took hours, literally (and I mean the real definition of literally, not the trendy way people use it now!!!) for my brain to wind down so I could fall asleep. I have tried/taken everything short of prescription sleeping pills (because I was afraid of becoming dependent/all the crazy stories I've heard about what people do in their sleep while taking those). I have eaten "clean" before, I've been paleo/primal, etc. so the dietary changes weren't necessarily new to me. That has helped other things in the past, but never changed the sleep issues. I make it a point to not drink anything caffeinated past noon, and have for a very long time. Longer story shorter- while on this 24 day challenge, and adding in Sleep Works/Nighttime Recovery, I can now fall asleep within 30-45 minutes of taking it. This is unheard of for me. I also wake up without the "hangover" or fog that I had when I'd take other things (Tylenol PM or even Benadryl when I was desperate for sleep). Which is so amazing. Because the side effect of taking hours to fall asleep means you are still exhausted when you wake up after a few hours of sleep. And that lack of energy/fatigue carries into the day.  
Which brings me to the next benefit. Energy. I actually have it. And not the crazy, jittery energy that makes your heart race and you can't focus that I've experienced from other supplements/energy drinks. I have tried a weight loss formula (supposedly all natural) before where 6 hours after I took it, my heart rate was 103, and I was just sitting still. However, this is controlled, focused energy that allows you to think clearly and get stuff done! This is something I have not experienced in quite some time. I have existed in a fatigued state for probably the past decade (actually, probably longer). I have needed this energy back for so many reasons. My husband owns his own business and travels extensively. That means I'm home raising our daughter. And for much of her life, I've not had the energy to be the parent she needs me to be. Which has made me feel like a huge hypocrite, since I work with children and their families and counsel parents to be involved! Don't get me wrong, she has never once been neglected and she has what she needs, plus gets to participate in many activities and I'm always there for those. But I truly just wanted to "check out" mentally and was so exhausted I just wanted to go home. And at home I would just want to lounge around and watch TV or read, which is fine to a point. But it consumed me, because I was exhausted the majority of the time. 
Another good thing? Focus and mental clarity. I have ADHD (actual diagnosis), but only the inattentive type, not the hyperactivity. I've tried prescription medications, supplements, naturopathic, homeopathic, chiropractic, etc. treatments, and nothing made it better. I'm not saying I'm 100% "cured" from this, I still have my moments. But I have noticed a difference in my ability to focus and my mental clarity. Which is a bonus when you have to listen to people for a living! 
Health-wise I have noticed a drastic change in my digestive system. I am more regular, I don't have the after I eat stomach distress/discomfort (unless I eat JUNK). My husband made the comment about me actually getting through a meal and not saying almost immediately afterward, "my stomach hurts." It's nice to not have to include Maalox as one of my main food groups anymore. That was something I relied on, even if it was what one would consider a "good" or "clean" meal.  
Anyway, I will wrap it up. I know this is long, but I am really happy with my results. I wish I would have worked out harder during the challenge, but I had been training for the trail race that fell in the middle of the challenge, and have been trying to avoid re-injury so I could continue my running, and I made that a priority over other exercise. I don't have regrets about that necessarily, because I feel I made the right choice for me during that time. I am definitely continuing on with the products, and am planning on introducing a few new ones into the mix. 
So, there's that.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Life

It's hard to make this blog thing a priority, but I'm going to try. At the very least use it for accountability. Here's what's been going on:


  • I'm on day 22 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I have seen some results as far as weight loss and clothes fitting differently, as well as my relationship with food. I will post a full recap of the challenge and results when it's officially over.
  • I am applying for a part time job that I am actually kind of excited about. Not sure that I will get it, but it's okay either way.
  • The Dogwood Canyon 15k is over and I survived. It was hard and awesome and we are going back for more!

  • I will be doing the Go Girl 1/2 marathon in April. I need to find a training plan to stick to. My Dogwood partner in crime and I have decided to do the 25k next fall. I think we might be crazy. I would like to just build up my base to where running a half is not too much of a challenge at any time. Not sure how feasible that is, but we shall see.
  • Just as I was getting used to the fact that fall weather is upon us, we have high 60s temps and the chance for severe storms this week. MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
  • I've been prepping food in advance. No, I mean for more than 4 hours later. Like for a few days.                                              
Who am I with this? Sure it's boring food. But it tastes pretty good, and it's helping reset my brain and tastebuds for the food is fuel mentality and not every single thing needing to be unhealthy.

Anyway, my child is hungry so I suppose I should go make her dinner. It's been a good couple of weeks, and that's saying a lot for me. I'm looking forward to continuing with this mindset!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Randomness

1. I am getting ready to start the Advocare 24-Day Challenge on Monday. I am taking part of the http://mealsandmovesblog.com/HH/ with Janetha. 

2. I got my first paycheck of my new career today. I've been seeing clients all summer, pro bono, as I wait to be added to some third party payer provider lists..... So the fact that I have a paying client- awesome!

3. I'm super tired and might actually make it to bed before it's tomorrow. This is rare.

4. My best friend's (for 28 years) dad is in the hospital, and has been for around 4 weeks now, and isn't doing so well.

5. I'm going on a field trip with a bunch of 3rd graders tomorrow. Pray for me. ;)

6. I ran today and my right calf muscle was not having any of it. Decided to stop and walk the rest of the way back. I have 7 on the books for Saturday morning. 2 weeks until the 15k trail run. I'm excited!

7. I'm boring myself so I think I will go to sleep.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Never forget. 9/11/01

Today I ran for Sandra Bradshaw, flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 93. She left behind 3 kids, a husband, and parents. She was 38. The reason I chose her is that we share the same last name.


This video, Boatlift, brings to light something I hadn't heard anything about in the past 12 years and is an amazing thing. It's worth the watch.


Please, never forget the events of 9/11/01 or the those who lost their lives and the families that were never the same.

Insomnia.

I wish I could sleep. Last night I went to bed at 8:15, woke up 30 minutes later- had to make sure my daughter went to bed, oops. Then went right back to sleep. I didn't have clients until the afternoon and was still exhausted and having some allergy issues this morning, so I came home and ended up taking a nap. Oops. Now I have to run and go to boxing tomorrow. That will be fun on the amount of sleep I will end up getting.

I was looking back at my minimal posts and decided I should update my shoe situation. I really love shoes. I really loved those Kinvara 4's that I had. But they didn't love me. I guess when they updated from the 3 to the 4, they made the back part that goes along your heel/ankle more slanted. That did not work well with my practically straight up and down backs of my ankles. I tried different socks. I wanted them to work because I loved everything about them. But no luck. Back to the running store I went. This time I ended up with these:
Saucony Virrata

They are the men's version because they didn't have the women's in size giant. That's okay. They aren't purple, but they are still bright. I am loving them so far. I've also been wearing my trail shoes too since I'm training for a trail run in October........ So far, so good on the shoe front. Guess it's a good time to try to go to sleep. 


Sunday, September 8, 2013

Say It, Do It Weekly Workouts 9/8/13-9/14/13

Sunday: Rest day
Monday: HIT @the gym and run 3 miles
Tuesday: Boxing
Wednesday: Run 2 miles
Thursday: Boxing
Friday: Walk or hot yoga
Saturday: 4 miles on the trail