Sunday, September 9, 2012

Introduction

I'm just another girl trying to make changes in life. I need a health makeover. I have recently registered myself for the Warrior Dash in Las Vegas taking place 40 days from now. My goal is to complete all obstacles without passing out or crying, and not having the slowest time. Sounds easy enough, right? HA! But I want to tackle the run/walk portions of the course as well.

My history of successes and failures with dieting and exercise has taught me one very important lesson... I do better with someone holding me accountable. I've come to the point, however, I need a lot of people holding me accountable. Hence, starting this blog.

GOALS - SIMPLIFIED:
1. Eat less processed food.
2. Eat under 1800 calories per day (this may sound like a lot, but I'm including "treat days").
3. Lose 10 pounds.
4. Run/Jog one mile without stopping.

PLAN OF ACTION:
I'm hoping to keep it simple.
1. Plan meals for each week ahead of time (generally on Sundays).
2. Complete minimum of five 30-minute cardio sessions each week.
3. Complete three strength training sessions each week.
4.  Keep a diary of all food and workouts to hold myself accountable and on track.

I'm sure there are other goals and other plans of action that will come into play, but as I've said, I'm trying to keep it simple. I don't want to look at this as a gigantic undertaking, it's just making better decisions in my life. We tend to place far too much pressure and emphasis on ourselves when making changes in life. I want to approach this aggressively, but not beat myself up if I slip up. Life happens, and I refuse to let daily mishaps or mistakes determine the success of my goal toward a better life.

Feel free to comment or provide feedback. But please understand, I am not following any specific diet or eating program, and I will not accept anyone claiming their way is the only or best way. I'm working on discovering what is best for ME.

Thanks!

7 comments:

  1. Good luck! You can do it and if you want a workout/running buddy let me know!!!!

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  2. Hi Toni! Good for you girl! This is so exciting and I would love to help hold you accountable. We haven't connected since our days at UW but I'm now a personal trainer Plug me into your life and I would be happy to help you achieve your goals, give you pointers, tips, etc. I'm currently working with a client who has the very similar goals and has the exact goal of jogging a mile without stopping. I'm going to message you on FB with the plan I sent her to achieve this and hopefully it will help you too.
    Again, let me know if you need anything or how I can help you.
    You're a rock star for putting yourself out there and going for it! GO GIRL GO!

    Courtney (Lake) Downey

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  3. Nevermind...I decided it should live here for you and anyone else to see. It's a really basic start to reach your goal of run/jogging a mile without stopping but it's a 4 week plan. Here's how it works:

    Week 1: Run/Jog for 1 minute / Walk for 4 minutes
    Week 2: Run/Jog for 2 minutes / Walk for 3 minutes
    Week 3: Run/Jog for 3 minutes / Walk for 2 minutes
    Week 4: Run/ Job for 4 minutes / Walk for 1 minute
    Week 5: Run/Jog for 1 mile! No walking!

    You want to do this at least 3-4 times a week and feel free to move it up if it get's easier faster. Let me know how it goes!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the info, Courtney. Is each session for a set amount of time? :)

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    2. I have my client(s) do their regular strength workout and then use this as the cardio portion. What I failed to mention was that you do this 3x through. Each one is 5 minutes so you'll workout for 15 minutes total. If you're used to doing more cardio, then do the remaining once you're done with this.

      Sorry I forgot to mention that vital part! Let me know if you have more questions (courtneyerin@gmail.com)

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  4. Hey Toni,

    I am sure you already have a tracker - but if not - I love the 'My Fitness Pal' for iPhone. It keeps track of foods, calories, workouts. I'll be in town next week - maybe we could hit the gym together a few times?
    Good luck my friend! I know you can do this!
    -Jessica (Otto) Johnson

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    Replies
    1. I do have that app! :) Get a hold of me when you're here next week, we'll see if we can meet up. That'd be fun!

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