shredded in 30 days

"That knot (she meant to say SCREAMING MUSCLES!) you feel in your stomach- that's fear leaving your body"- says Jillian during one of the workouts. (I hope it was more than just fear leaving, and that some major muscle toning was taking place!!!!)

my story March 1, 2011

day 1
cardio workout was horrible. I was on level one. I discovered I can't even sit with my legs spread open wide and sit up straight (when stretching)- gone are my low back and tummy muscles. Muscles felt weak and wobbly afterwards (surprise- duh Amanda! you. are. out. of. shape.)

PRE Measurements:
biceps: a (flabby) 11.5" not flexing, 11.25" flexing
waist across belly button: 32.75"
just below top of hip bone: 36.75"
widest at seat: 41.5"
thigh: 23.75"
just above knee: 17"
just below knee cap: 14.5

Day 3 and 4 - I noticed I didn't feel quite as sore and out of breath. I missed day 5, oops.
Day 6 started level 2. May I just say I HATE "plank-jacks".

Lesson Learned:
Day 10 & 11 I messed my knee up pretty bad- doing level 2, pendulum lunges (w/bicep curls) in combination with the lunging skaters... I think that's what I've narrowed it down to... my form was pretty good, but as I've been doing these circuits I've noticed that I can't/shouldn't be doing them as quickly as they do them, for only one reason, I'm a lot taller and to lunge that far down will always take me longer than a 5' person, so I was getting hung up on the time lag, and probably lost track of my form, I shoulda just went at my own (tall) pace.

Day 12 I couldn't do anything, my knee hurt so bad.
Day 13 I feel horrible for not being able to keep going, but my knee is super injured. I did the video, but no legs. I will continue oscillating between levels one and two, everything but legs until it's healed.  :-( BUT I am starting to be able to sit up while stretching now!

Back on Track: (and when the weather permits Asher and I also walk outside).
Days 14-19 I had to stop completely. The knee was really bad. Note to self, precise movement is ALWAYS better than fast movement.
Day 20- eased back into it with level 1. skipped the legs and instead would hop on the elliptical machine.
Day 21 I'm noticing a difference in my stomach and arm strength! YAY! bumped to level 3!

Day 23-30 rotating between levels 1, 2 and 3. At full strength. Sometimes I throw a level three move into a level one because i know I've conquered that level 1 move. YAY! Progress!

Even though it's day 30 (3/30/11)- I feel I need to make up for lost time, and I have 4 more pounds to go until my goal weight. But I already see a difference. I refuse to remeasure until I've actually done all 30 days.

April 12, 2011
from 3/30 until now I've mixed up my routine and skipped a few days... I vary my workouts with running and various levels on the "shred" video, and sometimes even mixing different moves from different levels in one workout. I'm still building strength back into my right knee from the day 10 injury, but it's mostly healed. I can fairly effortlessly run 3.2 miles. I can sit up while stretching now!
I would do it again, because there were results!!
I plan to continue with runs, walks and doing the video a few times each week. -and lift my 22lbs Adorable Weight multiple times per day.

I lost a total of 5.25 inches and about 8 pounds!!!

Here's the breakdown:

POST Measurements:

biceps:  10.5" not flexing (I must have lost some loose skin! YAY!) 10.75" flexing (added visible muscle!)

waist across belly button: 32"

just below top of hip bone: 36.25"

widest at seat: 40.75"

thigh: 23"

just above knee: 16"

just below knee cap: 14" 

GO FOR IT!

early spring walks

 Last week Asher and I enjoyed getting out for neighborhood walks.  A few times Charlie joined us too. Asher seemed fascinated by the outdoor sounds- birds, dogs, and crisp wind in his face.

And without fail, he would fall asleep. Usually he would look around and make singing type sounds for the first 3-8 minutes, "oooooh, ahhhhhhh, erraaahhhh"... and then turn his head and he'd be out while we continued our stroll.  So precious.

Here's to many more walks together Little Man! kisses!

because of said wedding...

I guess I can't say "because" of the wedding- but it's definitely been inspiration for my wintery body.

I have started exercising regularly. Yay me.

(Someone had asked about my inspiration/motivation to get into a fitness program again; amidst this freezing arctic weather and ice. This is one reason- I'll post a few more)

Exhibit A: (one should not be as careless as I've been with my toning and expect to look good in a bridesmaid dress like this).

Exhibit B: Must get body in beach attire worthy condition before summer (nice to get a head start)!

My plan.

I have to have it in front of my face everyday or I'll skip it. I've given myself 4 acceptable options: 1. 1-2 miles on the elliptical (until it's nice enough to run again) 2. lifting for arms and legs, 3+ reps of 18 each. 3. Core yoga 25-30 minutes 4. Walking fast, 40 minutes

I have to choose to do at least one each day and record it. And then I've planned measurement checks ( I took some before I started) every two weeks. Im not concerned so much with the weight, I just want to get toned up.

You can get started too!

my man

I didn't get to post anything about our fun day skiing with our little brother Andrew in early January. So I thought- better late than never...

We like skiing together. :-)

Charlie is just the sweetest ever. I went to Iowa for two nights (horrific ice while there!) and came home to these roses. - That was Jan. 20. It's February 11!! They're still beautiful! fully opened, not loosing pedals! They're like super-roses. (I think he bought them at Cub). But in any case, I've enjoyed smelling and looking at them for a while now. They remind me of the awesome, caring, thoughtful and loving man I have in Charlie. Love ya babe!

Happy Valentine's Day- EARLY!

wedding and whimsical walks in Chi-town

We got to celebrate Ruth and John's marriage with them! (My dear friend Anna's little sister). It was wonderful to see Anna and Paul again and hang out with the fam a little too.

Then Charlie and I had a small getaway together in the city. It was great to just "be" together. -no plans, to-do lists, phone calls, rushing, etc. I'm so in love with my Babe.

the frolicking five mi

Manda uses MotionX-GPS (app) on the iPhone 3G and is sharing with you the following track:

Name:	The frolicking five mi
Date:	Aug 26, 2009 9:14 am
Distance:	5.00 miles
Elapsed Time:	1:01:31
Avg Speed:	4.9 mph
Max Speed:	9.5 mph
Avg Pace:	12' 19" per mile
Min Altitude:	844 ft
Max Altitude:	984 ft

Start Time:	2009-08-26T14:14:45Z
Start Location:
Latitude:	45.055029º N
Longitude:	93.443847º W

End Time:	2009-08-26T15:16:16Z
End Location:
Latitude:	45.055163º N
Longitude:	93.444048º W

Click on this link to display the track in Google Maps. This link will be valid until Sep 25, 2009 8:19 AM PDT.

I just thought this was pretty cool, and thought I'd share (not that my speed/time ratio was very good today). But if you're a runner and have an iPhone, this is a fabulous application.

I'm on a sewing machine quest. The first one seems to be a lemon. I'm so frustrated by that sort of thing. Probably because sewing for me is a form of artistic expression, and when I can't do it the way I think it; it destroys the mood for me. I expect highest performance out of my machines. If anyone who sews often has a favorite, I'm open to suggestion.

Anyway, hopefully more interesting blogs to come very soon.

hugs.

pretty's

This morning I went away from my neighborhood to run my 2.5 miles. (I was getting bored with the same sights). French Park in Plymouth was the perfect cure for my running dun-drum.

I learned that:

• Running is much more difficult on unpaved hiking trails
• Running on said hiking trails with hills makes one's out of shape leggo's burn
• I don't like soggy running shoes
• I got to see a fawn enjoying some breakfast munchies
• I like summer- even running in the humidity and sweating like crazy
• I discovered that my broken heart is mending quite nicely. (I often do self inventory -on situations, emotions, life, etc when I run). I find myself thanking God for where He's taken us this this summer. It's been quite the journey. I do know I picked up a nugget of truth along the way...God wants my heart-in every situation. He wants me to want Him to have my heart. More than I desire anything else (and believe me, I want to be a mommy desperately!) more than I feel anything else. This is something I had started pondering while reading a great book mid-June before all this started called, Prodigal God. I don't want to live just a moralistic or irreligious life. I think I'll post some further thoughts on the book and what I learned in my next post.

100% Irish (for the day) join me!

Irish for a Day 5K!  I would love to have ya join me (and maybe Charlie too) at this fun run on St. Patty's day! And if you don't think you can run the WHOLE way, just a walk a little and run a little! Just get out there and do it! (think of it a head start on summer).  

If you're interested in all the details click here.  The basics are as usual -be sure to pre-register by 3/12 (it costs less)  -starts at 9am -plan for lots of fun

Post a comment and let me know you're interested or registered or need encouragement.  :-)

I'm hooked

Well, thanks to my Anna-banana and Splatty Patty, I'm hooked on running.

• The "endorphina's" as Patty calls them. {edit: this, I guess was termed such by Anners}
• I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I'm done.
• I love feeling my muscles get stronger!
• I love comradery among my running friends!
• I love clearing my head when I'm pounding the pavement.
• I love the nature and people and activity I see along the way.
• I like having an excuse to buy cute work-out clothes.
• I enjoy going to race days- the thrill and energy the beats through the event!

Things I don't like but choose to overlook:

• "Bonking" -a bad run, hitting a wall-physically or mentally
• Not having the "gumpsion" to just get off the couch and DO IT. (I'm always glad I did when I'm done)
• I admit I don't like running in the cold, but I'm getting over it.
• Sore tendons
• Feeling guilty when I don't get myself out there...