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Fitness Friday: 2/21/14
Today is the last day of the Move, Nourish, Believe Challenge by Lorna Jane and Sweat Pink. I’ll be posting my recap tomorrow, and there’s a big Twitter party for the event next Wednesday (woohoo!).
I’m still participating in the Winter Miles Challenge, although I believe next week is the last week.
Activity:
Today has been a good week! The weather has been gorgeous- possibly the best week all winter. We’ve had temps up in the 50s and 60s for highs, perhaps even the low 70s. I’ve definitely taken advantage of it, and we’ve been outside, getting active.
I didn’t keep track, but most days this week, I have been doing pushups, crunches, various ab exercises, and free weights.
I’ve been reading a lot lately online about the benefits of heavy lifting for women. I don’t have barbells or a bench, but I do have adjustable dumbbells (they go up to 50 lbs) and an ottoman. That will have to work for now!
Obviously I need to be consistent about which days I lift and for how long. Right now my exercising is all over the place, which is totally me, unfortunately. I’m rarely organized and have difficulty sticking to schedules. :/
Monday– I skipped running today. Since I didn’t work out on Saturday or Sunday (other than some weights here and there), I probably should’ve done some cardio, but it was the coldest day of the week (high of 30s), so I decided to wait for warmer weather. Why didn’t I do a home cardio workout? Good question. Being more motivated and consistent is a constant battle for me.
Tuesday– I put 5.88 miles in. After reading about the benefits of interval training, I completed walk/jog/run intervals. I didn’t time them; I just went by landmarks, how I was feeling, and the wind. If I was on a really windy area of the trail, I walked. If the wind died down, I sprinted and then slowed to a jog after 30 seconds or so.
Interestingly, I felt exhaustion in my hamstrings more from the speed walking than the sprinting.
The Army has an alternate physical training test. Certain Soldiers that have “profiles” (due to injury, etc.) may be allowed to speed walk the 2-mile run, instead of running it. The first time I heard that, I rolled my eyes. But when I actually witnessed how fast some of these troops have to walk in order to pass their test…it’s no joke. Speed walking can be a great workout.
I think because I was trying to walk fast and push the jogging stroller into the wind, I must have been digging into the ground with my heel and pushing off more. Somebody who actually understands muscle can probably explain this more, but anyway, I did get a good burn from it.
My averaged out pace was 11:13 min a mile.
Wednesday– I was busy cleaning and blogging earlier in the day, but Baby J and I broke out the bike and toddler seat in the afternoon! We just did 3.34 miles, but it was very refreshing.
Thursday– More walk/jog/run intervals for us today. We did 3.35 miles. I also spent probably 45 minutes chasing Baby J around the playground and climbing equipment with him. It was a lot of fun! Average pace was 10:40 min a mile.
Friday– Well, the day’s not over yet! While I was babysitting earlier this morning, I spent a bit of time just playing outside with the boys, tossing and kicking a ball around. That’s one of the reasons I want to be in shape- just to be active with my family and friends.
I’ll update later this weekend, but my plan is to do a Brazil Buff Lift workout DVD this afternoon (it’s supposed to storm outside), and put a long run in tomorrow morning. I don’t know how far. Ten miles would be great, but I’ll be satisfied with 6.
As I mentioned above, I’ve been doing strength training every day this week, and that will continue today.
Diet:
I’m really struggling with this, but not quite as bad as last week. Earlier this week I bought ice cream from the grocery store and ate 2/3 of the pint in one night (Baby J ate the rest). Usually I can pass the frozen foods aisle, and yes, my mouth will start watering, but I’ll ignore it and resist. I just couldn’t do it! Then Tuesday I ate over at some friends’ home and instead of sticking to one brownie, I had two and a piece of cake. Yesterday at the grocery store, I couldn’t resist buying a deeply-discounted box of mini apple Danish. Today I’ve already eaten half a cinnamon crust bagel from Panera that someone gave me (this bagel is in no way healthy).
So clearly I’m having an issue with processed sugars. On a positive note, I’ve been eating lean protein, legumes, and tons of raw veggies and some fruit.
Statistics:
Next month I’ll measure inches and report back. My weight is still at 149 lbs., which is fine. I’m assuming this is a combination of building muscle and the crap I’ve been eating. But my arms look more muscular, so that’s great! I feel good too.
Goals:
I would like to get my sugar cravings under control, first of all. I did well for months, so I’m not sure why it’s flaring up suddenly. I guess I should do some research.
A big goal for me right now is to lift heavier weights and build muscle. I would like to see my jeans size go down, even if my weight goes up.
As far as running, I’m confident I could finish a half marathon in decent time if it were today or tomorrow. However, I may have to walk some of it. Because of this, my goal in the next 50 days would be to continue interval training and run longer distances, so I can at least jog all of the half (if not actually RUN).
Fitness sites I’m loving this week:
I’ve found a couple of websites this week that have really inspired me: NerdFitness.com and NiaShanks.com. They both share practical, realistic advice about fat loss and muscle gain. You won’t find any fat diets on these sites.
NerdFitness also has a couple of great articles that explain why the number on the scale doesn’t matter, lower body fat isn’t always best, constricting calories often backfires, and that what you eat is 80 percent of the weight loss/fitness battle.
And how about you? How was your week? Did you meet your goals? Do you have any plans for this weekend? Goals for next week?
Giveaway: “Mommy Must Haves” RV $412, 2/5-2/12 (US & CAN)
Thanks to the folks at Yummi Pouch, I’m participating in another fantastic giveaway for mom and baby! This one is open to my Canadian readers too! Scroll down to see what prizes you could win and enter the giveaway itself. Good luck. -Elisebet
Our collection of mommy must-haves features many fabulous items to pamper your new baby as well as some things for yourself! One lucky mommy will win this amazing gift set!
Undercover Mama
$30 Gift Certificate to Undercover Mama – Retail value: $30
Undercover Mama nursing tanks are the stylish and affordable alternative to an expensive nursing wardrobe. They attach to any bra. Make any shirt a nursing shirt with Undercover Mama.
Undercover Mama is a mom invented, mom owned and mom operated company. Our mission is to provide Nursing moms with stylish and alternative nursing tops that make nursing easier. For more information visit undercovermama.com.
Fairhaven Health
Milkies Milk-Saver and Milkies Freeze – Retail value: $58
The Milk-Saver collects your leaking breast milk as you breastfeed – allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly with each feeding! The Freeze provides convenient first-in, first-out milk storage in your freezer (stores as much as 60 ounces!).
Our mission at Fairhaven Health is to develop products to safely and naturally promote fertility, pregnancy wellness, and breastfeeding success. From preconception through pregnancy and nursing, Fairhaven Health is there – every step of the way – to provide clinically-proven products to hel you along your journey to parenthood. For more information visit fairhavenhealth.com.
Healing Hazel
3 accessories of the winner choice – Retail value: $55
Winner may choose from Healing Hazel, Hazelamber or 100% Baltic Amber necklaces and bracelets
Healing Hazel is your One Stop Shop for hazelwood, hazelamber and 100% Baltic Amber necklaces and bracelets. Now in more than 900 retailers in Canada and Usa. The 1st and only brand to meet CPSC (Consumer product safety comission) safety requirements. For more information visit healinghazel.com.
Yummi Pouch
Yummi Pouch Mini set of 6 – Retail value: $14.99
Yummi Pouch Minis are convenient, refillable and reusable food pouches to hold blended snacks for your child. Yummi Pouch Minis feature a resealable bottom opening and top mouthpiece. The contents are enjoyed by removing the large cap and drinking from the spout. Yummi Pouch Minis are great for easily feeding infants homemade blended snacks on the go.
Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches encourage healthy snacks for active kids. Our eco-friendly food pouches are freezer safe, dishwasher safe, BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and can be filled with healthy blended snacks and easily taken on-the-go, no spoon required! For more information visit yummipouch.com.
Ubbi
Ubbi Cloth Pail Liner – Retail value: $17
Using washable diapers? We have just the thing! Ubbi cloth pail liner is a waterproof, odor resistant bag. Bring out the green in your Ubbi diaper pail. Our pail liner is washable and reusable, biodegradable, and TPU coated. It has a 7 gallon (26.4l) capacity and is waterproof, PVC-free and odor resistant. Featuring a drawstring closure and door knob hanger.
Enter the world of Ubbi… where innovative products are created with parents and children in mind. Under the Ubbi name, you will find unique, quality products that are designed to be easy to use, helping to simplify parents’ lives while keeping babies as happy and safe as can be! For more information visit ubbiworld.com.
Toofeze
Toofeze Teether – Retail value: $19.99
Toofeze by Oh, That Baby! Ltd. is simply the COOLEST baby teether ever and an invaluable parenting tool. The cool stainless steel disk chills instantly in ice water for fast pain relief. The soft silicone handle is never too cold too. Made from all-natural ingredients, dishwasher safe, pediatrician recommended. Toofeze is award winning and can be engraved to create a unique gift. Ages 3 months+.
Oh, That Baby! Ltd. is a mom/daughter owned and operated company based in Colorado. “Let’s face it, every baby cuts teeth. And when they do, everyone else close to them feels their pain! When we relieve a baby’s discomfort, we alleviate the stress, frustration and anxiety felt by those around them.” The company’s mission is to improve the lives of babies and their families during the most difficult phase of development. They believe every baby deserves a Toofeze. For more information visit toofeze.com.
Buttons Diapers
2 one-size Buttons Diaper covers, 2 daytime inserts, & small wet bag – Retail value: $36
A quality and affordable two-in-one diapering system that consists of: wipeable PUL covers, and super-soft absorbent inserts that snap into the covers to stay in place! They fit babies from 9-35 lbs, have two layers of stretchy waterproof PUL throughout, and double gussets at the legs to keep messes in. With 8 adorable colors to choose from, and a tiny red button logo on the back – your wee one will be as cute as a button!
Buttons cloth diapers were born at home. As a husband and wife team, we designed our diapers to be easy to use and affordable for everyone – the way it should be. We believe in keeping our lives simple, even when it comes to diapering. Our company is based in the beautiful Skagit Valley of Northwest Washington, where our family enjoys hiking, biking, sailing, and splashing in puddles. For more information visit buttonsdiapers.com.
Booby Trapper
Eternity Booby Trapper – Retail value: $48
Featuring an exclusive dual-rim design, Booby Trapper is the only nursing cover to keep fabric off the bust area to allow for complete eye contact and air circulation for the nursing pair. We are giving away our extremely popular Eternity pattern, a gender-neutral trendy print.
Designed by a mother of 3, Booby Trapper was born out of a recognized need for a superior nursing cover. Blankets and one-rim covers just wouldn’t cut it as her daughter hated having the fabric flop in her face and she was stuck using her only free hand to hold the fabric away constantly both for air, eye contact and to check for a proper latch. After many trials, Booby Trapper’s revolutionary, dual-suspension design was achieved and now mothers everywhere are able to nurse much more comfortably in public without having to fight with their covers! For more information visit boobytrapper.ca.
Koble
1 Stone Grey and 1 Big Apple Red Portable Changing Shield – Retail value: $70
- The evolution of the baby diaper changing pad is here. A large, clean surface in a clever little pouch!
- Completely covers all safety approved changing stations – no more disposable changing pads!
- Extra large size (27 x 40) shields even the most athletic babies from yucky public spaces
- Lightweight durable fabric easily wipes clean is machine washable and machine dryable
- Openings in shield allow safety belts to be used when changing on public stations
- Quilted body pillow for comfort
- Attached storage pouch makes it easy to store changing shield for transport and easy access
- Drawstring pouch closes tight to keep changing station germs contained inside
- 55% Polyester 45% Nylon. Free of BPA, phalates, and PVC. Scandinavian design born in NYC. Made in China.
Koble is Norwegian for “connect”. We use Scandinavian design principles to bring you attractive, clever, affordable designs that work to make your life better. Our first line of products are made for the special people who take care of the smallest people – moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, and many more. We know from experience that there are plenty of opportunities to make life easier for these folks! For more information visit mykoble.com.
Omaïki
Mama Maxi pads (2) + Mini-Maxi pads (2) + Bamboo panty liners (2) + snack sacks duo – Retail value: $63.50
Feminine protection starter kit (very comfortable and absorbent, made of bamboo/coton, holds in place with snaps closures) + one Gustö-duo, which includes one snack bag and one sandwich bag (Colors/Prints : winner’s choice)
Omaïki started in 2007, with Anouk & Ariane: moms, best friends and business partners. The brand offers a great and complete line of high-end products, made in Canada: cloth diapers, training pants, night time panties, feminine pads, swim diapers, snack sacks and more… For more information visit omaiki.com.
Enter to win this Fabulous Gift Set! Retail value: $412
Follow the social media pages of your favorite brands to enter this giveaway.
Tip! You are not required to follow all the pages. Each page you follow is simply an additional giveaway entry. If you would like to follow many of the pages, we recommend entering over the course of several days and liking a maximum of 20 pages per day so facebook doesn’t flag your account for unusual activity.
This giveaway is open to the US and Canada.
Note- My Life: A Work in Progress was not compensated for this post, nor is this blog responsible for prize fulfillment.
Stats update! (Fitness Friday 2/7/14)
Fitness Friday Details:
Each Friday, I’m linking up with some awesome bloggers at JillyConyers.com and Wedonthaveitall.com. We motivate each other on our fitness and/or weight loss journeys. We’d love for you to join! If you’re a blogger, visit their sites to add your post to the linkys. If you don’t have a blog, leave a comment here and tell me what your goals are and how you did this week.
Challenges:
Well, it’s another cold week, but the snow is gone at least. I know those of you who are in the single digits or negatives are probably rolling your eyes when I say that 30s are cold, but hey! It’s what I’m used to! The weather is unusually cold for this area.
Last week I did end up not meeting my Winter Miles Challenge goal of 10 miles per week. I missed it by one mile! I was really disappointed, but my son was sick, so I just couldn’t get out there to run. I ended up taking Baby J to the ER last Saturday night where they treated him for vomiting, fever, and his throat (croup). He’s much better now, fortunately, but I think since I’ve already met my challenge for this week (woohoo!), I won’t take him out in the cold today or tomorrow. I’ll probably start taking him back to the family workout room in the base gym next week.
I’m also participating in the Lorna Jane Move Nourish Believe Challenge throughout the month of February. You can see me and others meet our daily challenges on Instagram. My account is emegburg. I’ll post a recap here later today or tomorrow.
With the snow, cold, and illness, it’s been incredibly frustrating this year at how difficult it’s been for me to meet my goals. I decided this week that I really do need to start focusing on what I do accomplish. I have a dozen reasons (excuses) to not exercise or eat right, but I’m doing it anyway. That’s a victory. Maybe it’s not as grand as I’d planned, but any progress is a GOOD THING.
Progress:
Diet:
I do have something exciting to tell you! Did you see last week’s Fitness Friday post? One of the things I brought up was that I’d come to the conclusion that I needed to eat more. I wasn’t losing weight anymore, and I’m also trying to build muscle. I decided to eat 700-800 more calories a day. It sounds like a lot, but turns out my body needed it. After being stagnant for weeks, I dropped 3 pounds! Eating less is not always the answer to weight loss.
If you want, please add me on MyFitnessPal. I use it to track both quantity and quality of my foods. It’s very helpful to ensure I’m eating enough protein and fiber, but not too much fat.
One of these days, I need to post an updated photo of myself! I’ll try to ask a friend to take one of me next week or this weekend, and then I can post it with next Fitness Friday.
Exercise:
Monday– Jogged 1. 8 miles and leisurely walked for about an additional 25-30 minutes.
Tuesday– Took a break from running and did a home workout for about 40 minutes.
Wednesday– Jogged 2 miles at an 8:40 pace, woohoo! That’s an improvement. I haven’t run that quickly since probably October or November. Also did some light core and arm exercises at home.
Thursday– Jogged over 6 miles and walked about 1 mile. Did some core and arm exercises at home.
Friday– Well, nothing yet! I’m planning on doing a home workout today and tomorrow. Yesterday was really hard to run. Actually, it’s been hard all the week with the cold. That wind really catches the jogging stroller! So home stuff this weekend, definitely.
I did meet my goal to workout 4 days this week, woohoo!
Stats/Measurements:
As I mentioned above, I held steady at 152 lbs. for two weeks, until I started eating more. I’m now at 149 lbs., woot woot! I don’t think I’ve seen the 140s in about 7 or 8 years! Of course my body composition is completely different than when I was younger, but that’s okay. I’m a mommy now, so I’ve had body changes. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to be toned and trim, but it means my body won’t look like it did when I was 20. Baby J is totally worth it. 🙂
The last day I posted measurements was my January 10 Fitness Friday post. My measurements are taken according to Weight Watcher’s Guidelines.
Previous Measurements (1/10/14):
- Height: 5’10″
- Weight: 154lbs.
- Upper Arm: 12″
- Abdomen: 34.5″
- Waist: 31″
- Hips: 38″
- Thighs: 23.5″
Today’s Measurements (2/7/14):
- Height: 5’10″
- Weight: 149lbs.
- Upper Arm: 11″
- Abdomen: 33.5″
- Waist: 30″
- Hips: 36.5″
- Thighs: 22″
Goals:
I’d like to see my arms get bigger- with muscle! I’m not working hard enough at strength training. I’ve been saying I want to build muscle, but I’m not putting enough effort in. The weather next week doesn’t look great either, so my goal will be to just keep up with running (get at least 10 miles in), but work harder at lifting weights and calisthenics… do more sets of each exercise.