Transformational Tuesday

A number of fitness pages I like on Facebook have posted a lot of before and after photos for Transformational Tuesday. I enjoy looking at these photos for inspiration, motivation, and just the sheer pleasure of being happy for another’s journey. As I looked at these photos throughout the day, I realized that despite any physical transformation the biggest transformation happens in the mind and spirit.

This is where I am at on my journey right now. More than being consistent with my food and exercise plan, I need to be consistent with my prayer and meditation. Lent starts tomorrow. For the past few years, instead of giving up something, I have been added something – more prayer and meditation. So, I am going back to the basics with my meditation practice. Staying present is going to help me with my nutrition and fitness goals.

Motivational Monday

Sweaty Saturday

Yesterday I wasn’t feeling well so I saved my run/walk for today, in addition to strength training. I can’t believe I good I feel right now.

First, I was bummed. I get on the treadmill only to discover the battery on my iTouch was dead. Run without music? Well, okay…. I then realized it was going to be hard without the prompts. I decided to run ¼ mile, walk ¼ until I completed two miles. Running that last ¼ was a bit hard but I did it.

I keep reminding myself how proud I am going to feel crossing that finish line. Today my mantra was “push – pray until something happens.” I am so grateful for the willingness to work on this fitness goal.

I am so worried I lost a lot of fitness when my back and knee was bothering me. Apparently, I did not lose as much endurance as I thought. I think I could have gone a bit longer but I did not want to push it too much and risk injury.
I’m looking forward to Aquafit tomorrow.

Couch to 5K: Week Eight, Day 1

Whew! I did it! I was so happy, so proud, so full of accomplishment and pride. I look down at my Nike+ app and it paused about10 minutes before I did! My heart sank. I was looking forward to seeing my pace and distance. I ran for 28 minutes and I wanted to see my stats! I guess that was a sign not to worry about those numbers.

I went from elated, to deflated, back to elated. The most important thing is that I completed my workout. I was so worried that I wasn't going to make it. I went from, you can do it, Sheila to Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!

Day Eight -- 30 Days of Yoga

“ Yoga accepts. Yoga gives. ” ~April Vallei

Day Six -- 30 Days of Yoga

“ If I'm losing balance in a pose, I stretch higher and God reaches down to steady me. It works every time, and not just in yoga. ” ~ T. Guillemets

Day Five -- 30 Days of Yoga

“ For me, yoga is not just a workout - it's about working on yourself. ” ~Mary Glover

Day Four -- 30 Days of Yoga

“Remember, it doesn’t matter how deep into a posture you go – what does matter is who you are when you get there.” ~ Max Strom

Day Three -- 30 Days of Yoga

“ Do your practice and all is coming. ” ~Sri K Patthabi Jois

Day Two - 30 Days of Yoga

“ Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame. ” ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Day One - 30 Days of Yoga

“ Yoga is possible for anybody who really wants it. Yoga is universal.... But don't approach yoga with a business mind looking for worldly gain. ” ~Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois

Motivational Monday

C25K Week Three: Motivational Monday

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.  Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

C25K: Week Three, Day One

I did it! I’ve been so nervous about today’s workout.  Thursday and Friday I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that I was going to have to run for three minutes today – twice! I prayed.  I meditated.  I did some visualization.  I whined to my friends Bianca and DJ.  They both truly understand what I’m going through.  They each have lost over 100 pounds and are now runners.  It’s always comforting to hear their words of assurance.

Today my mantra was:  My mind will quit before my body does.

This morning I got up scared out of my mind.  I prayed and did some positive self-talk.  I told myself that if others could do it I could too… all I have to do is trust the process and my God.  Well, here I am all sweaty, proud, and grateful!  Truthfully, I think I had another three minute run in me.  It wasn’t as bad as I imagined.

C25K Training: Week Two, Day Three

I did it!  My goal today was to finish all the runs strong and to have fun.  I did both!  I even picked up my pace a bit on the last run.  I'm gaining confidence and stamina.

The biggest lesson I learned this week is not being afraid to push myself.  I start to panic when my breathing gets too heavy.  I'm reminding myself that as long as I'm still breathing I'm fine.  I also make sure I'm not getting too tense in my shoulders.  I have a tendency to do this and start holding my head down.  I make sure I'm maintaining correct form and think of a mantra, quote, or scripture to get me through.  It worked.  Before I knew it my workout was complete.

Oh, and I found out I'm actually completing about 3.4 miles these mornings.  I continue walking after my cool down. My guessimate was 2 miles.  So, my goal will be running the entire course, nonstop, once I complete the Couch to 5K. 

I really nervous about starting Week Three on Saturday.

C25K: Week One, Day Two

I was so nervous about today’s workout.  I’m not a morning person but getting up early and getting it done is the best way in Hotlanta.  So, I set my alarm for 5 am.  I dressed, prayed, and repeated an affirmation my friend shared with me:

Let my child-like faith dissolve my grown up fears

I did it! I was so happy.  I had a little trouble with one of the runs because I was going up a little incline but I will eventually conquer it.  Today I give myself two thumbs up!  The fact that I’m sharing my C25K workout on my Facebook page is going to give me more incentive to finish.  I have to admit that the naysayers really motivate me.  I’m also aware that this enthusiasm wears off really fast.  We’ll see how I feel next week when the alarm goes off at 5 am! 

Couch to 5K Prep

My Elliptical workouts have been going really well.  I’m up to 25 mins 2x + 30 mins cycling.  I suspended my weight training for the past two weeks because I hurt my back.  I do see how  the Elliptical is helping to strengthen my knee and improve my cardio health.  I’ve been focusing on some new stretches for my quads and hamstrings.  I can’t believe how tight my quads are. 

I’m getting really anxious about trying this Couch to 5K again.  The third time is a charm, right?  My friend who has completed it gave me some great advice.  I’m probably going to repeat weeks until I feel comfortable.  I’m not going to push to move on just for the sake of completing the program “on time.”  I have plenty of time (three months) to train for my race.  So, I’m going to take it slow.  I’m also going to train outdoors instead of the treadmill.  I am also doing something different and asking for more help.  I’ve asked her to train with me every once in a while.  This will also give me a good feel for what it’s like to run with another while focusing on my own pace.  It will be good practice on learning how to run on own race.

On another note,  I’m a little frustrated that I’m not dropping any weight.  I switched back to eating five to six times a day.  I stopped because it felt like I was eating all the time and I was afraid it was going to trigger bingeing.  The compulsive overeater in me is better with this approach now.  My new mantra is food is fuel, not therapy.  So, when I eat, I remind myself that I am fueling my body and taking care of myself.  I remind myself that this is a lifestyle, not an eating plan. 

The last thing I’m doing is my mental training.  I work with my affirmations, prayer, meditation, and my vision board.

UPDATE:  My friend just sent me a text.  Apparently, I'm started Day 1 tomorrow.  Too funny! I thought she wanted to meet for coffee.  I'm ready!

I'm Going to Run

Today I took my first steps to become a runner. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill: alternating between 5 mins walking, 1 mins jogging. I’m going to do this for three days a week for two or three week and then officially begin a Couch to 5K training program.


It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I can’t believe I’m so nervous about doing this. I have so many negative thoughts going on in my head about trying to achieve this goal. I already know most of my work is going to be mental.

Overall, I’m excited. Never in my wildest dreams would I think I could run. But, I’m going for it. I am going to be a runner! Hmm…does this mean I should change the name of my blog to “Run with Me.” Lol!

I Have a Dream

In honor of Martin L. King, Jr. Day I decided I would blog about my fitness-related dreams for 2010:

1. I want to be healthy. I dream of a day when I will no longer be taking medication. I know it is possible for me to get off these meds. I affirm that healthy living will allow me to accomplish this goal in 2010.

2. I want to be a "normal" weight. I dream of a day when I buy my clothes in a "regular" store. I know I can make this dream a reality. I will continue to make healthy food choices, exercise, and maintain an active lifestyle.

3. I want to complete a destination event. I have a dream to complete a fitness event in another state. This is a dream I plan to accomplish this year. All I need to do is choose an event, plan, and make the arrangements.

New Year, New Gear

I am back from Big Peach Running Co. It was time to get a new pair of sneakers. I am such a creature of habit. I have been purchasing the same shoe for a year. So, I forced myself to get a different shoe--Saucony Progrid Ride 2.

I am learning that this journey is about embracing different experiences. Something as simple as purchasing a pair of sneakers has become an empowering, exciting experience for me. Even though I had a little anxiety attack when I decided to purchase Saucony shoes instead of my usual Asics, I was making a symbolic choice to continue trying new things.