Fear

Fear .....

1.  a feeling of distress, apprehension, or alarm caused by impending danger, pain, etc.
2.  a cause of this feeling
3.  concern; anxiety
4.  to be afraid


Do you fear?  Really?  Of course, we all fear certain things.  Some of the time that fear can be all consuming.  Some of the time it can be irrational.  Some of the time it is legitimate.  Some of the time it is truly justified. 

Some fear snakes.  

Some fear heights.  

Some fear spiders. 

Some fear other people.

Some fear change.   

Some fear failure. 

Some just fear life. 

I can justify most of those.  Snakes  - really should some thing with no legs be able to climb a tree?  I think not!  Heights - if you fall from three stories it isn't going to be like jumping on a trampoline!  Spiders - furry little beady eyed creatures.  Other people - they can be judgemental and opinionated.  Change - every day is familiar whether liked or disliked you know what to expect.  Failure - looking the fool, feeling disappointed in ones self, letting other down.  Life - wouldn't it be easy to hide. 

I may have a DISLIKE of snakes (especially in my laundry room), spiders (in the wood pile in the fall), and heights (it is a long way down and won't be pleasant hitting) but I don't fear them.  I don't fear other people.  I do get the impression in many instances that others fear me.  What will she say?  What will she do?  Now what?  Oh well, they just need to get used to it!

And I decided a long time ago to embrace change!  Change is good!  Change is great!  Without change there can be no growth.  I try and roll with the punches.  On occasion, I do get down because I have a serious dislike for "same".  The "same" conversation.  The "same" eye rolls.  The "same" questions.  The "same" food.  The "same" familiar thing over and over and over and over and over and over ... you get the idea! 

Failure is a scary thing.  Right now I'm dealing with a little fear of failure.  I have a 10K coming up on June 2, 2012.  I have a complete fear of being last.  Really who wants to be last?!  I have this sense of impending doom.  A knot in my stomach.  A feeling of nausea.  Do you understand?  Have you ever had that feeling?  I could explain why but it will sound really, really, really bad. 

When it comes right down to it .. failure is a part of life.  And I don't fear life.  I want to live each day like it is my last.  I want to experience every minute of every day.  I want to make memories whenever I can.  Some would say "Hey, it was only $18.00.  Just skip it.  Really who is going to know!"  I will.  Deep down ... deep down ... deep down ... everything will be okay.  No matter when I cross that line ... it will be a success!  It will be a memory!  It will be an experience! 

So, are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?  Are you willing to make a memory?  Are you willing to go that extra step to make every day an experience?  Make a list.  Pick one item.  Decide that tomorrow morning you will start working on it.  Banish fear.....................................     

Here I am in week six......

Six weeks ago....well not really!  I started the two hundred squat challenge five weeks ago.  The goal is to work up to being able to complete 200 body weight squats in a row.  If you are a follower on Facebook, I started on week two because of the number completed on the initial test.  Over the past several weeks, I have completed endless amounts of squats! 

This is not my first go around doing this challenge.  In the past....a little boredom set in.  I'm feeling it now also.  BUT the end is in site.  The boredom doesn't come from doing the challenge.  But from .. how do I put this .. just standing there counting!  When you get to around 100 in a row ... my mind ... well  ... wonders ... I kinda ... birds flying by ... is that an ant on the floor ... what number was that ... Crap!  I need to count ... you get the idea.  Sunday was my week five progress test.  I really wanted over 150.  In my humble opinion, I'm thinking that it should be over 150.  I set out on my test.  I completed 152 good quality body weight squats. 

I could have squeaked out more.  But trust me the quality would not have been there.  No pushing yourself up when tired.  No swinging the arms.  A lot of sweating.  Even more grunting.  All in all, I'm happy with that for a week 5 progress test.  I'm giving myself a little "leigh way" because I am also doing Pump.  And lets' face it ... that is a good portion of squats with weights.  I will plug away for the remainder of the week.  My goal is Sunday to complete 200 good quality body weight squats!  I can't wait!  Maybe .. if I can figure it out .. I'll video it!  Just for proof.  If I do not reach my goal on Sunday ... I'll continue on until I do.  There is no plan on giving up! 

Next challenge .... 150 chair dips! 

Why not?  I completed the 1,000 push ups in a week ... actually completed 1,350 that week.  Working on the 200 squat challenge.  And I've got my ever present ... 3,500 push ups in May going on.  Now the question is ... does any one out there want to join me on this challenge?  Think about them triceps.  The definition.  The way your arms will look in a tank top.  Heck throw in a massive amount of push ups and everyone will be envious! 

Who is in?  ANYONE?  ANYONE? 

I can give you the information for the website.  Come on.  Push yourself.  Follow the schedule.  Work along at your own pace.  We can do it together.  You never truly know what you are capable of until you try! 

Whos' serve is it?!

Today was family tennis.  Well family minus one.  My hubby was working at our property.  The remaining three played tennis, fueled our bodies with lunch, and then went to help him.  The "Three Stooges" headed off to our local tennis court.  Just a little public park and playground about 2 miles up the road.  The tennis court needs a little TLC.  But all in all, it works for us.  We travel to a few different parks to play.  They wanted this one today! 

Muscles and Killer! 

Killer with her own racket.  I had to give in a purchase the child's racket.  The others were just to heavy for her!  She loves it! 

Muscles couldn't be left out!  He has the intermediate racket.  Just right.  Adult ones are a little to top heavy.  This racket is a little shorter and more stoudt.  It works well for him. 

They wanted a shot of us three.  Do you know how hard that is?  And trust me ... there is never anyone at this park to ask for help. 

You have to hit the playground!  Yeppers, she is getting a little big for it.  But she doesn't care. 

Don't mind me Mom!  I'm allowed to dig a hole here!  He just loves this thing.  Heck for that matter so does she.  But it is heavy and hard to maneuver for her. 

Best monkey impression!  She wanted to do pull-ups.  Who is she kidding?!  Daddy is the only one in this house that can do more than two.  I would love to do 5 quality pull-ups!  I just asked him to get me set up in the garage.  NEW GOAL! 

BAD PICK ALERT!  I was hot and tired.  No apologies!  Hope everyone else got out there and enjoyed the beautiful day.  We had a blast!  And I look at this day as a big success!  My family went to Dairy Quenn after all our hard work was done and over with.........I had a water!  Yep.  Nothing else.  It was great.  Didn't feel deprieved in the least! 

Now what did you accomplish today?  Anything you are proud of and want to share? 

What can a year do? Part 4

Here we are in May already!  May 1st to be exact.  Can you believe it?  If I remember correctly, my last post in this ongoing saga was not necessarily the most positive.  But I'm just going by memory.  I set out to "own" April.  In some ways, I've succeeded.  And in other, I've failed.  But I am accepting both with open arms.  On April 9th, I started Les Mills Pump from Beachbody.  So, I have a few more weeks to go in completing the first round of it.  To date, I'm liking it.  At first it seemed a little remedial.  It went over proper lifting, etc.  I know the purpose behind it but it wasn't some thing that I needed. 

The goal was and is to follow the 90 day plan and nutrition plan.  I was sidelined for 5 days due to a serious "cold".  You know fever, chills, coughing, can not breath type thing!  One thing everyone should know is that when I'm sick....food goes out the window.  I normally have a hard time eating enough calories.  When I'm sick it isn't an issue.  I have no desire to consume any single thing with nutritional value.  It is the strangest thing.  I will hardly consume any thing but it will be crap.  I have started using Shakeology by Beachbody.  It has really helped me get in my "calories".  And I must admit that I'm beginning to like it.  It is costly.  But I agreed, with myself, that it would be purchased for 3 months. 

If I have to rate myself this month, percentage wise, I would give myself a 85% on the workout side.  I've really pushed through some things BUT my running has taken a serious nose dive!  To rectify that I've signed up for a mileage challenge in May.  I'm shooting for 80 miles.  From about maybe 15 last month to 80 this month.  WTH was I thinking?  Don't worry about me.  It will make me push myself.  And I have found that to be a good thing!  On the nutrition side, I'll go with about 80%.  I could have been better.  And will be this month.  When I get stressed about one aspect in my life ... I eat.  The plan this month is to workout.  Have you heard of the "Deck of Death"?  Well it may resurface many times.  Or my little routine.  Or maybe just numerous push ups, crunches, chair dips, etc.  What ever to make myself not eat! 

Also, I've really been trying to log into myfitnesspal daily.  Logging the workouts bugs me.  I don't know how to list some of them.  But it has pushed me to pay attention to my nutritional intake.  The weekends might not see me visit at every meal.  Hey!  That is family time.  But I plan to check in at least 28 days out of 31 in May.  You see I have a plan for May......

No!  I'm not going to think about David Beckham all sweaty.  I'm gonna make May my bitch.  Can you believe I just said that.  OMG!  There is a reason that I want May to shine.  You see May 31, 2012 is my 39th birthday!  I wanna check in on that day and just blow myself away!  Now down to the nitty gritty details.........

Here are my measurements last month and this month.......

3-29-12                                                   5-1-12
Neck 14 5/8                                            15
Waist  38 1/2                                          37
Calf  both 16 1/2                                     R 15 1/2  L 15 1/4
Thigh  R 24 3/4 L 24 1/4                        R 24 L 24 1/2
Arm R 15 L 14 3/4                                 R 15 3/8 L 15
Weight ... I didn't write it down!            I can't find the scale!  SERIOUSLY! 

My hubby thinks he left it in the garage.  I will 100% add them in my blog tomorrow night.  PROMISE!  Do you want to see pics?  Must warn you that the "horrible photographer" was in charge again.  One plus is I did go look at new cameras.  Maybe that will help him out.  Doubt it! 

Full on!  Hey.  At least I don't have a "do rag" or hat on this month?  LOL! 

Needless to say, I'm a little happy with the results of the crunches and nutritional side.  Just imagine if it was 100%.  We will see at the end of the month. 

No.  I do not like my butt.  But my photographer always takes pics of it.  So I have a pretty good little picture diary. 

Sorry!  You have to love those.  I love calf muscles.  Love.  Love.  Love.  Can't wait to see what is in store! 

I'm telling you....it is THERE!  Damn it!  The massive push-ups this month have really added to the definition of my arms, shoulders, triceps, etc.  They are 100% staying in the routine!  I highly recommend them. 

So you can't really tell in this pic but the definition is really getting there.  My hubby grabbed my arm and proclaimed "Momma is getting all muscular on me.  You will be my protector!"  Yes honey.  I will protect you till the end as I have in the past.  That is a story for another day.  I should note that these pics were taken in my front yard.  I live about 30 yards off a main road.  No one is surprised by any thing they see here any more! 

Anyone out there want to make May their bitch?!  Come on.  Join me.  Let's make sure this month rocks!  How about a mileage challenge?  You can walk, jog, run, bike, crawl, hike, skate, whatever!  Pick a distance.  Post it to LoveLaughSweatFuel tomorrow and lets' get this party started!  Also, anyone up for a 3,500 push-up challenge?  Yep.  I mean 3,500 push-ups in 30 days.  That averages out to like 117 a day.  That is off the top of my head.  If you don't think that is attainable, just push yourself.  Like never before.  See how many you can do.  I would like to say full out push-ups but if you need your knees bent.  Or even from the counter/wall to start....I'll take it.  You had to think when I came up with a challenge it was gonna be kinda big.  I do like the saying ... GO BIG or GO HOME! 

So let's get this party started!  Come on!  Follow me on this killer roller coaster ride through May! 

    

A blog post? What!

My blog posts have become far and few as of late.  You see many times it is just a normal day in the life of Jen!  Wake, meditate, exercise, kiddos off to school, laundry, clean, kiddos home from school, dinner, and evening activities.  Not really spectacular stuff!  Seriously.  Does that sound like interesting reading?  With that said ... I've decided that the blog posts will be more frequent.  Whether it be exercise, thoughts, interests, food, or life .... I really want this blog to be what I intended!  Sound good to you?  Sounds good to me! 

As most of you are aware, I started Les Mills Pump 10 days ago.  It is definitely a departure from P90X.  Which is good.  Lord knows that change is good.  And I do embrace change.  Although, I must admit to feeling like I'm cheating on Tony.  He has become a mainstay in my life.  The irony is while doing push-ups, endless push-ups, the other day ... I watched the P90X infomercial while I worked out.  Nothing like sets of squats, push-ups and an ab workout to an infomercial! 

But back to Pump.  Not going to lie.  At the beginning, I found it a little remedial.  I know every one out there hasn't been lifting weights since the age of 16.  And I learned early on that good form means a TON!  But the "basics" seemed a little condescending to me.  Really is there any adult out there that doesn't know how to properly pick up a barbell?  Or set their legs for a squat?  I know there are but hey .... this wouldn't be my blog without a little complaint!  I continue on.  Fully committed to this 90 day challenge.  I have taken measurements.  I have taken the before pics.  We won't talk about those right now!  You can be sure that I will share them when the time is right.  I've shared "scary" things before.  And I will do it again! 
The Pump is interesting.  It is always difficult at first.  Watching, listening, and trying to do every thing at once.  When the screen asks if you want subtitles it worries me a little.  Most of the instructors are from New Zealand.  But I don't find their accent hard to understand.  I kinda like it.  There is one particular women ... ugh ... she just irritates me.  And that is saying a lot since I'm a Tony fan!  And while I'm being honest, this may be TMI, there is one woman on Pump and Burn .. oh .. damn .. can't believe I'm admitting this .. I think she has the best legs and butt I've ever seen.  If doing this for any period of time, even years, will get my lower half to look it's best like hers ..... I'M IN!  I know mine will never look like that ... we all have to make our body the best it can be. 

I'm eating better.  And getting closer to consuming the correct amount of calories.  Starting tomorrow, I will be logging into myfitnesspal.com with all of my nutritional information.  My account is LoveLaughSweatFuel.  With my new Fire logging will be so much easier.  I really feel good.  And I don't intend to stop!  Over the past week, I've taken serious steps in effort to get in calories.  I don't starve myself.  I just don't have a desire to eat after exercising.  But as I said ... small steps ... small measures ... over time ... hopefully big results! 
I leave with this .. for the first time in a good while, I'm really excited about doing my "What can a year do?" check-in.  It won't be at the 30 day mark for this challenge but I'm feeling a difference.  It may not show in the numbers or pictures but I know it will at some point.  So come one, strap yourself in, and let's go for a ride!  LET'S MAKE 2012 AMAZING!       

Bring on the challenges.........

Hello!  How is everyone tonight?  It has been a rough day in my world today.  Started around 1:30 am with the stomach flu, maybe food poisoning.  I don't know.  Much better now but still not 100%!  But I will be "back in the saddle" again tomorrow.  Not going to be down for long.  I'm gonna own April if it kills me! 

As you might remember, I received this in the mail yesterday...........

I spent my sick day reading.  I covered all the information provided....paperwork, manual, nutrition plan, and basically any thing that was in print!  As I stated yesterday, I purchased the "challenge pack".  It includes the workout system, Shakeology, and some sort of coaching that I won't get into.  The Shakeology is not some thing that I would normally try but since I have issues with consuming food after working out.  My plan is to give it a shot.  It was purchased.  It will be used. 

It seems all Beachbody systems revolve around a 90-day plan.  I'm sure there are ones that are shorter.  Les Mills Pump is no different.  I have decided to commit myself to the 90 day challenge as set forth in the manual.  I will start on Monday, April 7, 2012.  My 90th day would be Wednesday, July 4, 2012.  Seriously can you think of a better day to end on?!  I will follow the charts and workouts as planned.  Plan to take my measurements and pictures.  By george, I'm getting that shirt for sending them in!  And I will continue my 200 squat challenge, April Kick-Ass challenge, and my running.

I should mention that starting this Friday a 1,000 push-ups in a week challenge will start also.  If nothing else comes out of this .... makers of OTC pain medication should love me!  You all know that is a joke.  I rarely take a thing other than my daily vitamin.  Also, my plan is to follow the nutrition plan as close as possible.  I eat pretty much every thing that is in the book.  I will need to calculate the amount of calories that will be consumed daily.  Since that is a problem for me, I think this could be a good exercise for me to do.  My goal is to stick closely to it .... calories, fat, protein, etc.  I just need to make adjustments to some of the proteins.  I don't consume much meat at all and I need to make the proteins ones that I consume. 

So, here I go.  Taking what I believe is a step in the right direction for my health and wellness.  I'm very excited to see what these 90 days will bring.  I'm also very excited that I'm taking this commitment.  Let's see what comes out on the end of this 90 day journey!  Wish me luck!!!!!!

Some girls

Some girls have all the fun.  Some girls do nothing but complain.  That was my said attempt at remembering the words to a song.  I don't know the name nor did I look it up!  Some girls get excited when they receive ......

Yeppers!  Those are my big ole' fingers.......trust me for a woman, they don't get much bigger! 

Or these!  Trust me, I was excited to get these also.  Damn those big ole' fingers!  They have cost us a lot of money!  When you where a size 10 1/2 & 11 respectively on your ring fingers ....  believe me when I say you don't purchase from the case.  Most rings can't be sized that big!

Dang it!  I've gotten of the subject.......I get excited when these types of packages show up! 

I wasn't here when it was delivered.  Or trust me, I would have gladly ran to the truck and got it myself!  I would have gladly carried it out of the truck.  Up the sidewalk.  Onto the porch.  And in the door.  No it was left on my front porch ..... very out in the open! 

The Beachbody Les Mills Pump ..... Yippee!  Yahoo!  I purchased the challenge pack and the remainder of the items will arrive another day.  Barbell and weights ... I already had those.  I do like that the bar is padded.  But I've got plates out the "wazoo" so if a time comes that more weights are needed, I will just use what is already in the Brereton house. 

Seven workout dvd's plus a bonus, the nutrition plan, a instruction manual, tape measure, padded barbell, two 5 lb. plates, and two 10 lb. plates.  My hubby was so excited to see the weights.  Do you want to know how I know that?!  From what he said of course!  And I quote ... "Oh wow!  You got more weights with it.  Just what we need.  MORE WEIGHTS!"  You don't think he was being sarcastic do you?! 

I watched a little of the instructional tape.  Did find it humorous!  Listening to them explain how to properly lift was very comical.  I know there are people that don't know and it serves a purpose!  I learned, over 20 years ago, that proper form goes a long way.  So this was old news to me.  And just from that dvd, I can tell the one women is going to get on my nerves.  But hey, I love Tony Horton don't I? 

So here I am!  Like a kid in a candy store.  I looked at my hubby and told him that there is a possibility something could be "off" with me.  Most women get excited about jewelry, flowers, clothes, perfume.  I get excited about new exercise equipment.  Please tell me I'm not alone!