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So, three weeks ago I decided it was time to get serious about making better choices in regards to diet and nutrition. I went back to my good friend, Weight Watchers. I am sure there is no perfect plan out there, but it has worked for me in the past. I am pretty certain most diets have potential...

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Making Better Choices

So, three weeks ago I decided it was time to get serious about making better choices in regards to diet and nutrition. I went back to my good friend, Weight Watchers. I am sure there is no perfect plan out there, but it has worked for me in the past. I am pretty certain most diets have potential to work as long as we are willing to make it work. This one happens to work best for my lifestyle. I like that I can keep to a regimen, but I have freedoms to make some choices. If I want two girl scout cookies, then I can have them. It might take 4 points out of my bank of points, but if it is worth it to me then I will make adjustments. Maybe I won't go out to eat on BOTH Friday and Saturday, if it means I want to snack on a cookie or two here or there. I get to decide what is important to me. 

I think one of the keys of Weight Watchers is logging daily what you eat as well as all the physical exercise you do. It has graphing tools so you can set a baseline of your weight as well as the sizes of your arms, bust, thighs, hips, waist, and dress size.

I love data. I love being able to see the line on my graph going down towards my goals. When it doesn't go down, I am motivated to try harder to make better choices with my food. In 3 weeks, I have lost 3.5 lbs. I am already seeing reduction in my waist, hips and bust.

I have been maintaining a fairly steady workout regimen. But, today! Today! I started up with another Prettyfitchick.com Challenge. It's March Madness and we are doing a 31 day challenge to target both workouts and better food choices. We are expected to keep both activity and food journals. Weight Watchers is a perfect fit for this. I am already logging both my activity and food daily, but there is a Daily Note section which I have not used thus far. My goal for myself is to start jotting some notes about how my workouts felt. My other goal is to start using the Track Your Hunger feature. You can log how you feel after eating foods. Were you still hungry or are you satisfied? I think this can help me make some better food choices in the weeks to come.

So, that's that! I am so proud of how hard I have come in one year. The #PFC39 challenge that started in October jump started me into serious business. Once it was over, I kept going. Then the #PFC12 post-Holiday challenge came and gone. I kept going. Now, that I have that under my belt and 3 weeks into a serious diet plan, I am ready to bump myself up a notch to some new goals.

I am really looking forward to seeing my post #PFC31 challenge measurements on March 31st!

@KT1018

#weight watchers #nutrition #diet #health #workout #PFC31

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My workout has been cancelled due to abnormally cold temperatures. You can find me under a blanket. ~danag20

#workout #January #cold #cancelled

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Source: etsy.com via Katie on Pinterest

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I ran today for the first time in a while. Motivated by a new 10k running app, I laced up my running shoes and headed to the gym even though I had already enjoyed a nice 75 minute C2 yoga class earlier in the day. My run felt great. This app has workouts by week and day, allowing you to fast forward or repeat runs to adjust to your own pacing and fitness level. Since I've been pretty comfortable running around a 5k without stopping to walk, I figured I would fast forward to some more intensive running spurts rather than start at the beginner level. Good. Choice. I had an awesome workout and felt like I got a lot more out of my run than I do when my goal is just to run at a moderate pace for as long as possible - usually about 2.5-3 miles or 30ish minutes. During the running spurts, I maintained a much faster pace than I ever run at normally. During the longer walks I walked at a fast pace, up hill. So starting at week 5, day 1, we will see how long it is before I can increase my distance considerably. I am definitely a data geek and would not be as motivated without all these fun gadgets to keep me going. Whatever gets you moving right? I left the gym with a smile on my face and now will enjoy the rest of my evening in flannel pjs, wool socks, and some layers to keep warm. Just another January day. ~danag20

#running #10k #January

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you might get sweat on today

First day back at work after a two week vacation and what got me to the end of the day with a smile on my face was my plan for a great yoga class tonight. My plan was derailed when I noticed a sub had taken this teacher’s spot. #notimpressed. But, rather than get bummed and go home (because I could certainly just use the savasana), I rerouted to the nearest studio in my path and arrived in perfect time for a C2. Clearly I was not the only one with Monday yoga on the brain as the class filled up and soon the instructor was asking people to move over and make more space. And so there was yoga with about 60 other people. Some of my favorite lines went something like this:

“make space if there is a yogi standing next to you with a mat~ you might get sweat on today.”

on hurdlers pose: “try kicking back from hurdlers, but only if you don’t kick your neighbor in the face. I have some rules. They are just logical.”

“take a yogi squat~ malasana”

on upside down birds of paradise: “careful not to face-plant on this one…”

I left like I was moving through molasses for most of the class~thanks Ballet Burn. And is it bad if savasana was my favorite part? 

~@danag20

#yoga #sweat #notimpressed #savasana #molasses

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ballet burn

So, I often run and I often pose, but I rarely dance. Though I greatly appreciate this form of movement and am envious of those who are able to dance with grace and agility. When offered the chance to try a new class at the gym called Ballet Burn, my interest was peaked, even if I was a bit worried it would require some sort of performance situation. For my benefit, and more importantly for those around me, it did not. What it did require was a lot of strength, stamina, and sweat that I am sure I will feel tomorrow. We progressed through ballet based positions and movements, engaging every muscle from shoulders to toes. My balance and stamina were already being challenged and then we added weights! Mat work with weights for the core, followed by what felt like a 10 minute plank. OMG. I most certainly hope I feel those core muscles tomorrow. The instructor was upbeat and engaging, offering feedback on form and posture throughout. This class was an enjoyable challenge. I only found myself looking for a clock once and realized it was nearly over. Ballet Burn could easily become part of my weekly routine. While no actual dancing was required, I can still classify this workout in the “dance” category. Perhaps in the new year I will also muster up the courage to try the cardio hip hop class I’ve been eyeing for so long. Whatever gets you moving…

~@danag20

#dance #ballet #EAC #move

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Simplicity allows the true character of our lives to show through.

-Duane Elgin

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new year. new start.

new year. new start. and good news... My workouts are much more consistent than my blog posts. I have been on winter break for 2 weeks now and am enjoying every moment. Almost everyday has included a sweaty yoga class. As an alternative I have mixed in a couple runs and even a new cardio core class. gasp. However, this didn't end so well for me as I dropped a dumbbell on my hand on the way out and have a lovely bruise to show for it. I hope that is not the only result of this good workout. The hustle and bustle of gyms/ studios this time of year is frequently frustrating to those who visit often and come to find a lack of parking, a crowded locker room and longer lines in your usual spots. I think it's something about feeling a sense of ownership because you know you are not just there because it's January 3rd but because its Thursday and that means just another run or yoga class. But really I guess it doesn't matter the reason people decide to get moving. Whether its "peace" of mind at the end of a long day, training for a marathon, or an ambitious new years resolution, the action is the same. Hopefully those setting new goals have a plan and support system to be successful. My goals for the year include making good nutrition choices and running more races. There has been mention of a 10 miler in May. No hardcore commitment to this but I'm not closing the door on the idea just yet. Whatever races I plan to run, I know they will keep me accountable to maintain a regular running routine. I'm excited about some new running friends to share my goals with this year. Having friends to meet you at the gym or yoga studio makes all the difference in keeping fitness and activity part of your routine. Yoga will continue to provide the balance that is needed in my busy schedule. An hour to slow down, be present, and just breathe. Now there is a simple goal. new year. new start. new breath. 

#goals #yoga #running #breathe

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The past couple of weeks, I have dealt with some days where my plan for an exercise class was trumped by parent/teacher conferences, illness, unexpected interruptions to my routines, and special events. So, I've recently discovered the benefits of online yoga and exercise videos. www.thatprettyfitchick.com has shared some pretty good yoga videos by Tara Stiles that I have enjoyed. But, I have particularly enjoyed the videos that I have found on yogaspot.com. What I really like about this website, is that it offers you options. You can choose videos based on a time frame that works best for you, the level of video you want to try, or choose a video that targets a certain muscle group. What I love the most is that it has saved me from failing to obtain my exercise for the day. I am hoping that now I know that I can gain fitness and enjoyment from these videos, that it will help me remain committed towards my fitness goals for the 39 days of this challenge and beyond!

#pfc39 #fitness #health #exercise #yoga #yogaspot #tara stiles #thatprettyfitchick

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highs and lows

So, it has been a rough week. It actually started off with an awesome 5k run in the HotChocolate 15/5K run last Sunday. That run felt great. The running was easy. As expected, running with some 40,000 other athletes, young and old, is more motivation than you can ask for. After finishing, I thought, I need to do runs like this more often. A friend recently posted a photo of all her race bibs and I immediately was jealous and wished they were all mine! I have two. This may seem trivial to many who races often and to far distances, but to me they are milestones in my accomplishment to keep running. I never thought I would be a runner and still get excited when I finish 3 miles. So, after finishing the Hot Chocolate, I planned to run a Flying Turkey 5k on Thanksgiving with my sister n' law. Seems like the perfect way to start a day that revolves around food, family, and thankfulness. On with the rest of the week... Monday I was able to squeeze in a nice long walk with my dog when I got home from a long day. I wish I had time for that every night. The rest of the week was a blur of stuffy noses, headaches, and sore throats. I did manage my usual Wednesday yoga class of awesome, but not many other fitness activities occurred. Saturday's run felt great in the 60 degree weather but left me with some sort of mysterious knee injury that has me hobbling around. I followed the run with a steamy yoga class. That proved to be difficult as my knee was not cooperating with bending much. With good intention, I still aim for a fitness activity every day but have to be ok with taking some cues from my body to take some extra rest days. Every day is a new day and a new opportunity. Make the most of it. 

#running #5k #walking #yoga

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"Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It's the rhythm of your life. It's the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy."

~Jaques D'Amboise #PFC39

Just took the best dance class. I love when a really good, challenging dance teacher pushes me to my limits, encouraging me to move beyond technique.

#dance #fitness #PFC39 #health

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“This is the part in the movie where that guy says, "Zombies? What zombies?" just before they eat his brains. I don't want to be that guy.”

― Holly Black, Kin  #PFC39

You might ask, what on earth do Zombies have to do with exercise, health and fitness? But, if a Zombie was chasing you, wouldn't you RUN FOR YOUR LIFE??? A few weeks ago, I learned about the Zombies, Run! app from a friend of mine (Thanks Curt!). At the time, I was exploring the idea of taking on more cardio exercise and attempting some intense walks mixed with jogging, something I lovingly call, jalking. So, when I heard about this app that is made JUST for Geeks like me, I was sold.

Today, I embarked on my first mission. I took on a 30 minute mission and evaded 3 hordes of Zombies. I kept up a fast-paced walk, and then broke into a run when the Zombie hordes approached. You can choose a playlist from your iTunes account for the app to play while you are on your mission, and it always makes sure to pump up the music to help you outpace those Zombies as they approach. I really don't like running all that much, but I will say that the Geek in me actually gets a smile on her face when she has successfully escaped a horde of Zombies. So, if you are reluctant to get outdoors and exercise in this manner, I suggest some jalking using this app.- Zombies, Run! It will feed the Geek in you!

~ @KT1018

#health #fitness #exercise #PFC39 #zombies #running #walking

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"Somebody slipped a hangover in my drink last night."

~ Anon #PFC39

Sometimes your best intentions for exercise are set up for an epic fail. Today was going to be my day to attempt some "jalking." At one point yesterday, it was actually discussed that I would attempt a little run AND do a yoga class. Then last night happened. You know. Life's little interruptions filled with things like fun and alcohol. Open bar is not a good cocktail for fitness success. So, today I really didn't meet my challenge goals, but tomorrow I will attempt to make up for it with two rounds of exercise. A lower intensity workout and a higher intensity workout will hopefully balance out the absences of a work out for my body today. 

~ @KT1018

#fitness #health #PFC39 #hangover

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patience tested

So I am running the Hot Chocolate 5K tomorrow and just returned from picking up my race packet. Expecting this to be a short pitstop of my afternoon, it was a true test of patience as I waited for over an hour in the cold to get inside the expo. Still exciting to see how many people were also eager to get their racing bib and take part in the race tomorrow morning. I was thankful to have the company of my best friend so I didn't have to wait alone. Ironically, the time it took was over double what it will take me to actually run the race. I'm glad to be participating even though I haven't been able to dedicate as much time as I would like to running recently. In the end, I'm sure it will be worth the chocolate. It's all good. 

#hotchocolate15k running patience friends