Three posts in one! Yeah, this is going to be a long one...

Sorry I've been MIA the last few days.

Let's start off with the weekend recap:

Friday I headed to my aunt's house and stayed the night. Early Saturday morning we piled in the cars and headed to Louisville for The Color Run. This is the second year my aunts and cousins and mom have done this and I'm sure it won't be the last.

If you've never done a Color Run before, let me just tell you, DON'T TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! If you are an avid runner or training for a 5K or trying to beat a record or something, you are totally missing out if you just put in your headphones and run. Am I a runner? Yes. Can I run a 5k? Sure. Did I run any part of The Color Run? Absolutely not. AND I HAD A BLAST. 3 of my cousins and I stuck together and walked the whole way. We were people watching and snapping pictures after each color station. I even got down and rolled on the ground a couple of times to get more color on me. We had so much fun and that's what it's all about.

After The Color Run, we had time to kill before we could check into our hotel. The original plan was to pack a lunch, we'd bring a cooler, and after the race, we'd just hang out in the park and have a picnic. Well some people decided to just get Subway instead of bringing something... and by some people, I mean everyone except for me. Long story short, Subway wasn't allowing any color runners in and we had to find another option.

We ended up walking to a deli type restaurant, but damn it, I had my salad and I was going to eat it!

So I did.

Everyone else ordered food and I busted my salad out, right there at the table. I didn't care. I had already counted these calories AND I didn't want to spend the money. Double bonus! Topped it off with some yogurt and granola. Not too bad if I do say so myself.

We did end up hanging out in the park until we could check into the hotel. After washing my hair twice and getting dressed, we went to a comedy show (hilarious) and then out to dinner.

It was a great time, except for being sick. Started with a scratchy throat on Friday, then turned into allergies and sinus crap all day Saturday (pretty sure I had a fever by the end of the day) and Sunday it settled in my chest. Oh well! Nothing a little good ol' medicine can't fix.

Side note... I'm a big advocate of before and after (or in progress) pictures, so I thought I'd share this with you all...

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Next...

Last week's goals:

1. Get all of my runs in.

Did better this week about that, but still didn't get all of them in. I missed Sunday's because I got home and just laid on the couch. I was still feeling achy and sick and all that crap. (Excuses excuses)

2. Stay under my calorie goal every day.

I did this except for Saturday. However, for the whole week, I was WAY under my calories by the time I added in working out and stuff. Sad part is I only lost .2 pounds. I'm thinking I might need to up my minimum calorie goa.

3. Go to BodyPump at least twice this week.

CHECK! Plus I checked out kickboxing and almost died.

This week's goals:

1. Lose weight while in Gatlinburg.

Going on family vacation this week Wednesday-Sunday and I've got my whole entire meal plan figured out. I have packed a cooler with my own food and snacks and all that. I'll do another post on that later.

2. Get all of my runs in.

Seriously going to happen. Even while on vacation. Shoes are packed.

3. Water Water Water.

Been slacking so picking it back up. Downloaded an app to help me with this. Again, I'll do another post on it later!

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Finally...

Tonight was week 4 of speed training. My friend Allie told me that we would be doing stadiums once a month. I was excited.

Until I walked in and actually saw it... close up...

The plan was to do a 1 mile warm up, 1 set of stadiums, 800 meter recover, another set of stadiums, 800 meter cool down.

When I say a "set of stadiums" that means running up from the bottom to the top, walk over a section, and run back down, the entire length of the stadium, which equals out to going up and down 4 times each.

Yall...

THE ONLY REASON I DIDN'T HURL WAS BECAUSE THE FOOTBALL TEAM WAS THERE!

Seriously.

I thought I could at least RUN up one time.

No. That didn't happen. I took 5 steps and my ass was walking up the rest of the way... definitely NOT running.

I got to the top and wanted to die. But I wasn't anywhere CLOSE to being finished.

THREE DIFFERENT TIMES I had to close my eyes, breathe deep, and tell myself not to puke right then and there. Thank JESUS I did not. Can you just imagine how embarrassing that would have been!?!

I got done with my first set of stadiums walked a couple of laps, and I was done.

I told myself there was no way I could do another set.

Now that I'm home, I'm totally pissed off. I didn't even TRY to do a second set. Not going to lie, I am really disappointed in myself. You might be thinking, "You're nuts! You should be proud you did what you did!" and I am... but more than that I'm disappointed that I didn't try. So what if I had hurled my guts up? So what if I could have only done part of it? Ugh...

Saw this on Pinterest this morning and saving it as my background on my phone until I do that second set of stadiums... I will be making that stadium me B%&$#.

Keepin' Up with the Big Boys

I've been waiting since Monday to post this NSV because I wanted it to be part of the linkup!

My workplace is currently in week 9 of 13 in our Biggest Loser competition, which consists of 10 people (2 girls and 8 guys).

Since starting, I've gone back and forth between 2nd and 3rd place. Well this week, I pulled ahead into FIRST PLACE.

We all know that guys lose weight faster than girls. It's a given. So the fact that I'm keeping up with the guys, this far into it, I'm fricken ecstatic.

Not even going to lie... I kind of feel like a bad ass right now and this is how I'm walking (or dancing) through the office... (at least I am in my head.)

2nd place isn't too far behind me though, so I can't slack off too much.

Color Run this weekend in Louisville so look forward to a Weekend Recap!

Workout Wednesday 6/5

First of all, I finally got with the times and added a Bloglovin button. Follow me yo.

But really, let's get onto what I want this post to be about...

One of my goals this week was to go to BodyPump twice. Might seem like a small goal, but I couldn't go Monday afternoon and I can't go Friday afternoon, so that meant going either yesterday morning or tomorrow morning. 

Well I got my butt out of bed and went yesterday. For a girl who usually rolls outta bed at 7:32 and has to be at work by 8, that's a big deal.

And not to toot my own horn or anything, but since it's Workout Wednesday, I will add that I also ran three miles yesterday when I got home from work. ... toot toot.

Not only did I do it yesterday morning, but I did it THIS morning too! HOLLA!

My friend Shanna and I decided to try out kickboxing this morning. We were all set with our gloves and I was ready to beat the crap out of a bag, something I haven't done in over 2 years.

We walk into class, (and I don't know what it is, but morning class people are SO much more friendly than afternoon class people!) and her and I are standing around, along with 3 older gentlemen (old enough to be my dad).

THEN the instructor walked in. 

Ladies, let me tell you...

If I knew that he was there EVERY Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning, I would have started a LONG time ago. 

*sigh... those dimples... those muscles... that smile... sigh*

Okay, enough of that... back to my post...

He comes in and said that we were warming up on the bikes. We quickly figured out through chatter of the other people, this was not kickboxing. 

Well crap.

What have we gotten ourselves into?

Turns out it was more like Cardio Blast and they must not have changed the name on the class schedule!

Lord almighty what a workout. We did everything from weighted squats, pushups, burpees, lunges, and the list goes on and on... High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

It was super intense, but I was excited that I could actually keep up for the most part, even with the burpees. I still hate them with a passion, but I'm not complaining that I torched 472 calories in the hour class.

I've decided that since I've done morning workouts the past two mornings, why not keep it going? What's that thing people say? 21 days and then it's a habit?

Only 19 more mornings to go.

Weekly Goals 6/3

As far as my goals go for this past week, I sucked big time. I'm going to blame it on the long weekend and that I didn't get them posted on Monday... yeah... that's why I didn't accomplish them...

HOWEVER...

I PASSED THE 50 POUND MARK!!! Stepped on the scale this morning and lost a whooping 5.4 pounds this week. I don't even know how I did that, but I'll take it. Actually no, I DO know how I did that. I worked my ASS off and I EARNED it. So I'll take it. 5.4 pounds this week which makes my grand total of weight loss 50.4. It's taken a little over a year, but hey... better than going the other way.

Anyways, onto the Weekly Goals Linkup...

Recap of last week's goals:

1. Clean my craft room. 

Didn't happen. I ended up having to make 200 masks for church for a family event they were having. I GROSSLY underestimated how long it takes to make 200 masks.

2. Do core work everyday.

Still haven't done that. I think it's because I have such a set workout routine now, that I forget about it and then think about it right before falling asleep.

3. Stay under my calorie goal everyday.

I went over on Memorial Day (damn cookouts) and Saturday. A friend came in town and we went to the hibatchi grill that night for dinner. It didn't help that I was still making masks that morning and then it was raining all day, so it was hard to get a workout in. (I know I know... excuses excuses excuses...)

4. Cook what I have.

I did do this! Success!

This week's goals:

1. Get all of my runs in.

4 runs a week and last week I only got 1 in. Unacceptable. All 4 WILL get done this week.

2. Stay under my calorie goal every day.

I'm going to Louisville this weekend so that will be hard, but I am determined to do it this week!

3. Go to BodyPump at least twice this week.

We are doing speed training tonight, so that means I'll have to go tomorrow morning and Wednesday.

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Summer Bucket List

What a perfect time for a Summer Bucket List Linkup. 

Obviously, for some of these I'll need some help. I mean, who wants to day drink by the pool by themselves?

What's on your list?

Workout Wednesday 5/29

Wanted to linkup again with Skinny Meg so I thought I'd throw out a short post about yesterday's speed training.

Ran my test mile in 11:02! Not to shabby if I do say so myself.

What are you all doing this fine, lovely Wednesday?!

Weekly Goals 5/29

A little late, since I like to do these posts on Mondays, but better late than never. Memorial Day threw me all off. However, I wouldn't have traded it for anything!

Recap of last week's goals:

1. Clean my bedroom.

DONE. And it is fabulous.

2. Actually stick to my plan.

Better than the week before, but not 100%. That's okay though. Life happens.

3. Get all of my runs in.

I got 3 out of 4 in. I didn't get my Sunday run in, but my friend and I did go hiking on Monday.

This week's goals:

1. Clean my craft room.

Yes, I have a craft room. No single person needs two guest rooms so why not use it for something functional? Right now it's kind of a "catch-all" and just a mess.

2. Do core work everyday.

I said that I was going to do a 30 day ab challenge, but I haven't. 

3. Stay under my calorie goal everyday.

I tend to go over at least twice a week and that crap adds up.

4. Cook what I have.

I do NOT need to go to the store before next Tuesday. I've got a pantry and new fridge full of stuff so I need to make that work.

How did you do last week? What are some of your current goals?

I think running has ruined my life of TV watching and couch potatoing

It's true.

I think I'm "outdoorsy" and it's all running's fault.

When I started running, I did it because I wanted to burn some extra calories. However, I think it has changed me in more ways than just my pants size. I actually WANT to be outside DOING things now! This weekend was seriously the best weekend I've had in a LONG TIME.

Saturday, I ran a 5K, went to Zumba, and stopped by the farmers market, ALL BEFORE NOON. I don't even know what was going on with me. The 5K was awesome. My goal was to finish in 39 minutes, and I did it in 37:58. Big shout out to my gym buddies who did it with me. One of them even texted me the next day and said, "I've got the bug. When's the next one?!"

Saturday night my neighbors invited me over for a cookout that consisted of lot of food, lots of people, lots of cornhole, lots of laughs, and lots of drinks for those over the age of 21. It was fabulous.

Sunday, I went to TOWN on my closets. Guys. It's ridiculous. I've got 3 closets FULL of my clothes and there was no rhyme or reason to any of them. At one point while going through all of them, I looked around and I was literally surrounded! Check out this mess...

Sunday afternoon, my friends Scott and Robin (or Scobin as I like to call them) had a bunch of us over to cookout and just enjoy each others company. I seriously want to move in with them. They have the best place out in the country, surrounded by fields. SO PEACEFUL. The "boys" got there early to shoot their guns on Scott's course that he made. This thing is intense. The boys were having a hay day.

Scott even set up a shaded area for us women-folk to hang out, complete with a couple of couches and a shade tent. Some might say the word "redneck" comes to mind, but for realz, it was the best afternoon ever.

After grilling out, we ate dinner and then busted out the dessert. I brought a peanut butter pie that I thought was going to be wonderful.

I was wrong.

VERY WRONG.

The recipe was peanut butter and greek yogurt in a oreo cookie crust.

Yall...

It was the worst thing I've ever tasted. My friend Drew took a bite and spit it out it was so bad.

So I had an idea.

Blow it up.

And that's what we did.

After all of that excitement, we started a bonfire, watched some hilarious ultimate frisbee played by guys who are definitely not teenagers anymore, and sat around the fire drinking wine until about 10:00 at night.

Perfect. Day.

Got home and realized that my room was still a mess, so I said screw it, and slept in the guest room on the air mattress. Please tell me I'm not the only one to have ever done this.

Monday morning, back to work on my bedroom. Ended up with the guest room closet full of winter clothes, and a bin of clothes that are too small but I don't want to get rid of (they WILL fit one day). Another closet holds shoes, purses and bags, jackets, and dresses. Finally, my third closet holds jeans, dress pants, shirts, and I even made two bins designated for workout shirts and workout pants so I don't have to dig around for them when getting my bag together. Folded the MILLION tshirts I have and put them away. Stocked my winter boots up on the top shelf. And got rid of everything that's too big, out of style, or I just haven't worn in ages.

One of the best parts about living in Western Kentucky, is an area called Land Between the Lakes (LBL). My friend Shawna and I went on a little adventure and took a hike around Lake Hematite. Here are a few pics of the area...

 

There is also an area in LBL called the Elk and Bison Prairie. Paid 5 bucks to drive around in this Jurassic Park like area and at one point, the Bison were about 10 feet from the car.

We finished our adventure with a trip to Belews Dairy Bar. I may or may not have had a chocolate and peanut butter milkshake with a grilled cheese and onion rings. (Okay, who's kidding... of course I did. It was amazing.)

Got home, showered, and went (yet again) over to the neighbors for another grill out and more cornhole.

All in all, this weekend has made me realize that I really do like to be active and outdoors. 

Can't wait to do it again next weekend!

Call me a hippie, but get outside and enjoy nature!

A Dolla Makes Me Holla DietBet

Have you heard of DietBet.com?

I'm not even kidding you, I wish I had come up with the idea, but unfortunately, I did not.

DietBets.com is a sight that basically coordinates a competition between your friends and even strangers. You set up a game, invite people to join, throw some money into the pot, and then you have 4 weeks to lose 4% of your body weight. Whoever in your group loses their 4%, splits the pot.

I did one of these last month and ended up making some money, so I've decided to started another one.

Dolla Makes Me Holla (round 2)

Buy In: $25

Starts: June 1, 2013

In no way, shape, or form is DietBet paying me for this. I just want more people to join to make the pot bigger inspire others to get healthy.

So get to movin...

Put down the fast food...

and maybe a dolla will make YOU holla AND move a little fasta!

Click here to sign up!

If I Won the Lottery...

It's funny that Beth over at Hang On, Honey is doing a link up about this very topic because my friend Meagan and I were just talking about this subject.
I honestly feel like if I won the lottery, I wouldn't change my standard of living very much. I probably wouldn't go move to New York or buy and island or anything like that. If I won the lottery, the first 10 things I would do are as follows:
1) Tithe. Yup, 10% would go to my church because really, when you win 632 kazillion dollars, what's 10%? Plus, I know my church. I can't even imagine what awesome things they would do with that money!
2) Pay off my house. I like my house, so why move? 
3) Update my house. Renovate the kitchen, the bathrooms, the flooring, add on a huge deck or screened-in porch, convert my carport to a garage, and on and on and on.
4) Buy a new car, but probably not a Bentley or anything like that. An Acura or Lexus SUV would do just fine.
5) Adopt a kid, because damn that's expensive... and probably pay for my friends' adoption too, because I really just want them to have a kid.
6) Pay off my parents' house and pay them back for my college.
7) Buy my brother a house and pay for the rest of his college.
8) Pay for all of my friends to go on an AMAZING vacation. 
9) Wait until Christmas and go to WalMart and just give crazy amounts of money away and pay for people's purchases and all that. How much fun would that be?!
10) Pay Dolvett to be my personal trainer.
No, they aren't really fun, but it is fun to think about! What would you do if you won the lottery?

Speed Training and NSVs

You might remember from my Workout Wednesday post, I said that I was excited about speed training. 

Umm... yeah.... what's wrong with me?

My friend Amanda and I met Allie at the high school track and we started with a 400 meter (one lap) jog. Then started the sprints. 

Holy. Moley.

Seriously thought I was going. to. die. We were suppose to sprint and then jog but there was NO jogging. Only walking. I don't even know if I'd call it walking. It was more like dragging my ass to the next line so I could sprint AGAIN. I'm not even going to lie to you and say that it was awesome. It was hard. It was painful. I sounded like I was having an asthma attack. But we did it. 

Took a cue from Amber over at Crafty Healthy Mommy with the selfie. :)

What's even more exciting is that I posted something about this on Facebook and some of our other friends said that they wanted to join us next week! So we might have a big ol' group of us next time! I texted Allie this morning and said I felt it in my abs and she said that meant I was doing the sprints the right way.

In other news, lifebylex and ktjweighingin have their Non-Scale Victories Linkup going on again and I just love Linkups. A few weeks ago I put on a pair of jeans and they were way too big so I threw them on the closet floor. Ever since, when I put something on and it's too big, I've just thrown it into the pile. Last night I tried on a bunch of shirts and had to throw them in the pile as well. So I guess my NSV is that I've got a lot of clothes to donate to Goodwill!