Fashionista Fitness and What I Wore

If you are a new reader, back in January 2012, I decided to write a monthly post chronicling my goals, trials and triumphs. You can catch up on my older posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you!

Holy Bananas!

It has been one whole year since I started this journey and series. I cannot believe I survived! Lol. This has been a year of struggle, challenges, hurdles and TRIUMPH. It is not the end of the journey. Let me tell you. This is a true lifestyle change and I have another big goal to accomplish this year.

I am definitely planning on continuing this series and sharing more of my journey, cute work out outfits and thought process along the way. 

2012 Recap

Lost 40 Pounds

Worked out 5x a week for 50 weeks

Changed my diet numerous times 

Went Gluten Free

Found true HAPPINESS, like the happiest I have ever been

2013 Goals

Lose 20 more pounds

Consistently work out 4x a week

Hone in on my sugar intake and conquer that addiction

Continue a Gluten Free lifestyle

Make this year more INCREDIBLE than the last

I thought I would start this year off with a work out attire outfit post. This is me in all my glory before yesterday's work out. No make up, I seriously wash my face before any work out because I have acne prone skin. I always wear my hair piled on top of my head so that I don't have to worry about it falling in my face. The headband helps with sweat and keeping my baby hairs under control. I always wear layers and I dress like this even in the Summer. If it is SUPER hot I wear shorts, longer shorts to prevent chub rub, but I will wear a light weight sweatshirt or dri-fit long sleeved tee. I sweat so much and hate being slick. Wearing long sleeves and pants helps keep me dry. I also have on a sports bra and a fitted tank with a built in bra. I like to wear two sports bras for extra support even though they make me look flat as a pancake. ;) Another feature I want to point out is the thumb holes. At first I didn't get them but now I LOVE them. They help keep the machine dry when I have to hold on. Plus it helps keep dry and warm when working out outside.

 I picked up this outfit for $30 bucks from Old Navy. They have GREAT active wear and it is all on sale right now!

 Work Out Uniform

 What I Wore:

Top: Old Navy Stretch Pullover (I LOVE this top, I sized up so that it literally doesn't touch my mid section. You can see that it is looser than how it fits on the model. It feels SO GOOD on too!) I bought this style too!

Leggings: Old Navy 'Compression' (These SUCK everything in and are thick! I can bend over and not feel uncomfortable)

Shoes: Nike Free 4.0 (Free's are SO light weight and great for running)

Headband: Lululemon (Cheaper version from Nordstrom's brand, Zella)

What I Want Wednesday

Every New Year a majority of the population makes some kind of resolution to "lose weight or get healthy". I have spent the last year focused on doing that exact thing. I lost a considerable amount of weight (you can read about my Fitness Journey here) and have another goal set for 2013. One thing that really helped motivate me to work out and get my butt to the gym was fun, cute and flattering work out clothes. Since I run and do a combo of Yoga and Pilates I have to have different looks that are appropriate to each practice. I am looking forward to picking up a couple new outfits in the next month or so to help jump start my motivation in 2013. 

I am currently wanting these pieces...

Outfit 1: When I run I wear looks very similar to this. I ALWAYS wear a jacket or sweatshirt (even in the summer) because I sweat a lot and like to have a layer that soaks it up. I am loving the mock turtleneck on this jacket. This jacket also has mesh vents and wicks moisture away. I cannot think of better qualities of a jacket to wear while on a run. I also need a change in my bottoms and I love that these are solid but have details in the print that makes them a little different. I swear by the Nike Free's for running and working out. This look is a must have in my book.

Zella 'Fresh Take Z' Tank // Zella 'Victory' Jacket // Zella 'Live In' Leggings // Nike Free 4.0 Running Shoes

Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank: I am a huge fan of tanks that don't touch my mid section. They are perfect for Yoga and for working out in warmer temperatures. This one reminds me of the Lululemon 'No Limits Tank' but for a cheaper price. I will definitely be adding this tank to my work out wardrobe.

 Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank

Outfit 2: The girls in Orange County definitely take style in Yoga class to a new level. I need to step it up. I love the color and print in this look. I really love that the top is loose and drapy. Cropped leggings are a fun and sassy way to look different. This is a look that I may have to try when I hit the mat.

Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Tie Dye Capris // Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Knot Hem V-Neck Top

What do you wear while working out? Do you feel work out harder when wearing cute clothes? Would you wear these looks?

#StayFitandHealthy2013

5 Things I Cannot Live With Out {right now}

I think it is bizarre how some weeks I have so much to blog/write about and others I am scratching my head trying to pull something together. This week was not even that busy. My mind is on other things and a certain someone.

I have been reading some blogs and have noticed a lot of 5 Random Things, 5 Favorite Things and other variations. I have done a couple posts about random facts about me in the past so I am putting a little twist on this post and jumping on the bandwagon.

Without further adieu...

The things I cannot live without {right now}

MY iPhone

 Which is in this very cute Kate Spade case at the moment

My phone is always on me. It connects me to my loved ones. Facetime with my Nephew and Niece, Skype, Voxer, Texts and Instagram. I cannot get enough.

These Heels

 Shoemint 'Gelareh'

I have worn them with everything from dresses to a sweatshirt. 

I am wearing them today. 

My Planner

Erin Condren

{Ordered 2013. SO Excited}

The only way I can keep track of two jobs, my work outs, dates, parties and plans. I love the organization and how stylish it is.

<3

Working Out

While I still don't LOVE working out, it continues to change me physically and mentally. Yoga is doing WONDERS. 

Taylor Swift's RED Album

She gets it. I feel like this whole album explains how I have felt through the whole process of dating again. The excitement, let downs, the first dates, finding love again. All of it. This album has been on repeat. All day. Every day.

I get how she falls fast and loves hard. I am the same way.

I even mention it in my about me and in the random things pic at the top of this post. 

That's all.

For this post at least. I kind of like these kind of posts.

You get a glimpse of "me".

I hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend!

I know I am planning on it ;)

 

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader, back in January, I decided to write a monthly post chronicling my goals, trials and triumphs. You can catch up on my older posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you!

                                  Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net via Mandy on Pinterest

I just finished my FORTY SEVENTH week of consistently working out and eating correctly. There are five weeks left in the year and in chronicling my journey. I am blown away at how fast this year has gone. 

I think that it is time that I pour out my heart.
I want you to know how I am driven by my fears, how hard this process has been, the way I see myself when I look in the mirror or at pictures and truly what I have learned. While I still have not reached my "goal" nor do I think that my journey is complete, I think that reflection and recognition are an important part in reaching the next level.

My Fears
I have been taught that it is not healthy to be led by or to live in fear, and I wholeheartedly agree with that. Living in fear is letting the "what ifs", "coulda, shoulda, woulda" and "impossible" take control which is debilitating.  When I say that I am driven by my fear, I think that I am talking about overcoming the bad to let the good prevail. I am FRIGHTENED to gain the weight back. I do not ever want to be that person again. That fear is what motivates me when I feel like I have nothing left to give, when I have to dig deep just to do 30 minutes of cardio. 

Unfortunately, I also have some irrational fears that I am trying to conquer and smash! 

• I am afraid to ever get pregnant, yet I want a kid. I do not want my body to go through that process, I don't want to blow up and I truly feel like I will gain so much weight. 
• I am afraid that I will never lose the last 15-20 pounds. 
• I am fearful that I don't have it in me to buckle down and cut everything to hit the weight that I want to be at. 
• I am scared that I will always have to work out this much, eat this clean and never get to indulge again. 
• I am afraid that people only tell me I look good or that it looks like I have lost weight because I have been so vocal on this journey.   
• I fear that when people look at me they think that I have been lying about my diet and exercise regimen because I don't feel like my weight loss is representative to how hard I have been working.  

I think this gives you a light peak into what a mental battle I have been fighting along with the physical battle. I am working on silencing these demons every day. Deep down I know that I am strong enough to fight or I would have given up by now. I am just so thankful that I was READY to take this journey head on back at the end of 2011. AND I have had incredible support from everyone from  my family and friends to the Internet/blog/Instagram world. It has been amazing and overwhelming!

                          Source: Uploaded by user via Mandy on Pinterest

The Process

I feel like this process has had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. The first six months were the easiest. Seeing the changes and weight loss week after week was encouraging. Hitting goals like the first 30 pounds, running my first 5K and having a consistent work out schedule really kept me in line and helped me keep a positive perspective. Then I decided to start dating again, I had my Summer of Fun traveling every weekend, attending concerts and not saying NO to any opportunity that came my way. Living life to the fullest led to a very challenging schedule. Trying to fit everything in, eat the correct way and maintain the intensity was TOUGH. I was proud that I was able to maintain my weight through a couple months where drinking happened quite frequently. I still find the balance to be difficult. Then after a frustrating month in the gym I decided to alter my already good diet to a Gluten Free diet. That change was relatively easy yet that month was the hardest month I had getting to the gym. No motivation, lost mojo and quite emotional. The last two months have literally been the hardest. I am still working through the reasoning on why I have struggled so much during this time. I am hoping that I am over the hump. I am always trying to find new workouts, reach out for support and change up my routine to get out of funks and push through. But I want you all to know, that while I choose to talk about and focus on the positive (I believe in what I speak out being truth), I still have my bad/tough/sad/disappointing times. I think everyone does when they take on themselves!

                                                     Source: wonderfulsixpackabs.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Looking in the mirror and at pictures

   When I look in the mirror I still see the fat girl. I see every bump, lump and roll that should not be there. I see a double chin, round cheeks and a protruding belly. Don't get me wrong, I KNOW that my body has changed significantly but I have a hard time SEEING it. When I look at pictures I analyze everything (which sucks when you take pics of yourself daily for your blog). I also still feel like I look 10x bigger than anyone I take a picture with. It is crazy to me that your brain takes so long to catch on to the changes. I never realized how powerful the mental side of this really is. In a lot of ways, I blame it on my YEARS of working in the Fashion Industry, I still focus so much on the numbers. How much I weigh, what size clothing I am wearing and the pounds and inches lost really take over my thoughts when they shouldn't be. I am healthy, I am fit and I am changing my body. Those things should matter more.

                                     Source: shes-fine.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

 
What I Have Learned thus Far

• DO ANYTHING you can to love yourself, the transformation starts from the inside out and you have to love yourself first!
• NO ONE can do this for you, no one. You can have all of the support in the world but if YOU don't want it bad enough it will never happen.
• It isn't going to be easy, you will want to quit all of the time and you may hit more plateaus than you thought possible. PUSH through.
• So many people want to see you succeed. It is truly motivating, inspiring and humbling. So many people I had not talked to in YEARS have written to me, reached out to me via social media or called to encourage me and let me know that I was inspiring them. Best. Feeling. Ever.
• You need JUST ONE person that you can turn to through the good AND the bad. For me that person has been my trainer. Jonathan is so much more than my trainer; he is my friend, my confidant and my motivator. I can tell him anything, even the REALLY stupid/awkward things, and he talks me through it.
• This isn't a diet. It is not a fleeting fancy. This is my life. This is my future. I cannot go back to my old ways and I did mourn them! I committed to a lifestyle change. And it is a commitment that I don't intend to break.
• You cannot cheat and expect results. I know that sounds simple but when you have lived a certain way for a long time you bring those old habits with you. Every little bit DOES count. Don't fool yourself that 100 calories here and there won't make a difference. They do. And skipping one workout a week means (for me at least) 800-1000 extra calories NOT burned. That is almost 1/3 of a pound loss missed out on.
• Write, Journal, Blog. Keep track of your goals, accomplishments and thoughts through out the process. You learn so much from looking back on where you started and how much you have changed and overcome.
• You can do anything you put your mind to. I have always believed this phrase was true for everything EXCEPT weight loss. Haha. I thought that I was "trying" in the past. I wasn't. Once I was ready and in the right mindset I was able to begin accomplishing my goals.
• You have to be all in, balls to the wall, 100% ready to make a change. 
• My mind and my thoughts are my biggest stumbling block. No one else. I cannot believe how MEAN to myself I am. It is sad. I would never treat or talk to someone else the way I do to myself. It is weirdly a motivator but more of an eye opener as to where my self esteem REALLY is at.

Well my friends, THANK you for reading such a long post!

I really hope that any of you on your own journey learn something from all of this, feel a little less alone and know that I understand.

Results:

I am still sitting pretty at about a 38 pound loss. 

I have been Gluten Free since October 1st (more on that next month).

I continue to buy smaller sizes in clothing

Goals:

Make it through the holidays :)

End the year at a solid 40 pound weight loss!

As always, I leave you with work out humor.... I LOVE to laugh!

                                  Source: someecards.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader I decided to write a monthly post about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs. I also throw some cute work out outfits into the posts every now and then. You can read my older Fashionista Fitness posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you.

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I have officially completed almost nine months of working out 4-5 days a week. Time has flown by and I am really proud that I have stuck to a routine, and made working out and eating healthy a part of my life. I will not say that it has been easy and it definitely has not been sunshine and rainbows. Lol. It is hard, continues to get harder yet it is SO fulfilling. 

This past month I really just focused on Cardio. My gym just opened a new, fancy location and having a TV on my cardio equipment has made the HUGEST difference. I do an hour of cardio without giving it a second thought. At least twice a week I do an hour and half to an hour and forty five minutes of cardio. I try and plan my work outs around shows that I want to watch and go from there. It may sound silly but it works. I make sure to always switch up my routines. I tried a Pure/Cardio Barre class and really enjoyed it. It is a mix of dance and Pilates but on crack. It is extremely face paced but fun. I need to go a few more times to really feel like I have a handle on the exercises to work the correct muscles. I have spent a lot more time with Jonathan this past month and he has been working me like no other. Such a focus on muscle toning, cardio and pushing myself to do more. I have loved it.

My diet continues to be my biggest focus. In fact I am going to try something for the month of October to see if I see a big change in my body and the way I feel. I am going to go Gluten Free. I am sure it will be a challenge but I think it is the edge that I need to really hone in on my belly fat. My family tends to carry our weight in the mid section. We are not super curvy, we have longer torso's and short waists. We all have seen great results when we tried fad diets like Atkins, HCG etc. which are diets that have very limited to no carbs (and are not healthy nor easy to maintain). I have a TON of research to do, I am hoping to find a good support system and I am going to have to mentally talk myself through this. If any of you have any suggestions, recipes or advice I would L-O-V-E to hear it! 

Source: coniconstantine.com via Mandy on Pinterest

The one thing that I really want to share with you this month is the weird body changes that I NEVER expected. Don't read that wrong, I knew and NEEDED my body to change but it happened in ways and areas that I didn't anticipate. So I thought I would share with you some little tid bits!

1. My Boobs have shrunk almost two sizes! Now I know that this happens to a lot of people, I do. I just never thought it would happen to me. I have always had boobs (I even had a breast reduction when I was 20) and I didn't start seeing a change until about a month and a half ago. I lost 32 pounds before losing an ounce in my chest. It is so bizarre to me. To be really honest, I hate it. I don't like how they look and I don't like being small there. If only we could pick and choose where we lose the weight from.

2. Stretch Marks are beginning to appear in the oddest of places. It is very common for the skin to do that when you lose or gain a lot of weight quickly. I have just found them in places that I didn't think I had lost a lot of weight or just seemed kind of random. My outer thigh, the sides of my stomach, my inner, upper arm and my cleavage have all suffered from those silvery lines. I have no clue if they will go away or lighten over time but I hope they do.

3. Acne, Smelling and Sweat...Oh my! You guys, I have zits like I did when I was 13. I smell SO bad after a work out. And I sweat like a whore in church. I have to admit that none of this is that surprising, just GROSS! I rush home to take my work out clothes off, I shower more than I ever have and I use a mask 3-4x a week. I do what I can to prevent the grossness but inevitably it still happens. I wish I was that girl that looked pretty after a work out, that I could go to work/lunch/appointment without having to shower and do my hair or just not smell!

Check out this scene from one of my favorite shows...
Start at :19 and ends at 1:09. I swear what she says out loud is what I think the whole time in my head!

 SO funny, right?!? Lol.

Results:

I am down 38.5 pounds, getting closer to my goal of 60 pounds by 12/31/12.

I am obviously seeing some differences in my body and I am officially buying smaller clothes. Slowly but surely plugging away.

Goals:

- Start a Gluten Free diet

- Lose 5 pounds by 10/31/12

- Keep up with intense cardio

- Continue muscle toning with Jonathan



As always, I leave you with some Fitness humor...

Source: tumblr.tastefullyoffensive.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader I decided to write a monthly post about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs. I also throw some cute work out clothes into the post every now and then. You can read my older Fashionista Fitness posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you.

Wearing a Zella top (similar color, similar shape)

Are you all still interested in this journey? Haha.
I completely skipped writing this post in July due to an insane schedule AND lack of motivation. I have really struggled the last couple of months of this journey. I am still working out 4-5x a week but my mind has not been in it. At all. I feel like I have lost sight of the goal. I keep looking big picture instead of the day by day. I feel like I need to train for something or find a new way to motivate myself through smaller goals. Not sure how or what to do...so any suggestions are welcomed! 

 Wearing Nike 'Critical Epic' sweatshirt and Old Navy Compression leggings

Last post I mentioned that I was about to run my first 5K. Well I did it, and I did pretty awesome. I talked about it in this post. The funny thing is that I have not been able to run like that since. I need to get to training again since I really liked the feeling of being a "runner". I have been really LOVING my Yoga/Pilates fusion class and make sure to go at least once a week. I also started seeing my trainer again every couple of weeks to get in a real kick ass work out. I have found that I don't need him to tell me how and what to do in a work out, I need his motivation, smart ass comments and support. It really helps give me the edge and push the competitor in me. If I am not at Yoga or working out at J's personal gym you will find me at my local 24 Hour Fitness. Luckily they just built a brand new Super Sport that opens this weekend and I am SO excited to work out in a new environment with all brand new equipment. It even has a pool. I think that will definitely help with my motivation!

 My routine ALWAYS includes Cardio on the Elliptical AND the treadmill along with the inner and outer thigh weight machines. Wearing Nike Free 3 running shoes.

My diet has been good...not amazing. I can definitely still make some changes and tighten up on some foods, like less carbs. I have had French fries a  couple of times which is a huge no no. I still struggle with my sugar cravings and probably give in more often than I should. I still rely on my meal supplement shakes. They really are a life saver. The past two weeks I have had them for breakfast AND dinner. A lot of you have asked what I take. I buy the Lean 1 shakes from Amazon or Drugstore.com. Each tub gives me about 12 shakes which lasts me about two weeks. My favorite flavor is Chocolate. I switch it up and have either Vanilla or Banana Cream on hand as well. The Blender Bottle is my favorite thing and I use it on my drive to work and to work outs. I just pretend it's my morning coffee ;) The shakes taste great and YES they do fill me up for about 3 hours. If you decide to try them then I want you to know the following... The shakes taste better really cold. I put water in the Blender Bottle the place it in the freezer for about a half an hour before I drink it. I use 8 ounces of water when I take the Vanilla or Banana shakes. It makes it a thicker shake which tastes better to me. It is like I am having a treat. The chocolate is richer so I use 12-14 ounces of water when I drink that flavor. 

I was lucky enough to have the team at Marika send me a Marika Tek Tee to wear during my work outs. I was really excited to try this brand because they are known for their breathable, super soft, high tech wicking fabric and finish (Dry-Wik®) for the ultimate in cool dry comfort. I sweat A TON (sorry for the TMI) and I need and buy clothing that specializes in getting the sweat away from your skin to keep you dryer. This top lived up to it's description. My only complaint is that the sizing was a little off. I had them send me an XL because I like my tops to be on the looser side. I think I have mentioned before that I hate shirts that hug my mid section. This top was like a second skin on. I threw on a jacket for my work out to help with my self consciousness. If you decide to purchase a top I would suggest sizing up one size for comfort. But overall it is a great product. In fact, they offering my readers TWENTY PERCENT off their purchase! I hope that you will check out their website and their products! Everything is made to mix and match at affordable prices!

Use PROMO Code TEK20 on the Marika Website until the end of September 2012. Here is the direct link to the shirt I am wearing.

RESULTS:

I am now down about 35 pounds. It is still slow going but I am still pushing for my final goal of 60 pounds in one year! 25 more to go by 12/31/12.

GOALS:
- To get my MOJO back!
- Run consistently each week
- At least one Yoga/Pilates class a week
- Spend more time with Jonathan to get my head in the right place!


I hope that you are all working hard towards your goals. I am here for support and motivation if you need a buddy, I know I always do!!

I leave you with some exercise humor...

 I am sure I say this at least 3x a week! Ha!

This is SO my life right now! EEK!


HAPPY, HAPPY Friday!
Have a GREAT weekend!!
XXOO

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader, I decided to write about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs. I also throw some cute work out clothes in, every now and then. You can read my older Fashionista Fitness Posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you.

                                              Source: Uploaded by user via Mandy on Pinterest

I have officially reached the 6 month mark. 
It is absolutely crazy to me that I not only hit my thirty pound weight loss goal (a week AFTER my Birthday) BUT I am actually enjoying my new lifestyle. While working out has become habit and part of my routine, I still have a love/hate relationship with it. I am continually talking myself through things, cheering myself on and often times YELLING at myself to push through. Now that I have hit the half way mark...I am determined to lose Thirty MORE pounds by the end of 2012. 

I mentioned last month that I was having a REALLY hard time seeing the results. I have not felt as happy as I should about the achievements I have made thus far. As I write this I am still trying to tell myself that I have done what a lot of people have not or are scared to do. I think when I look at the big picture I still see all that needs to be done to accomplish the next thirty that I have forgotten to celebrate along the way. SO I decided to pull some pics from last year. All of these pictures are from September 2011. I was smack dab in the middle of the break up, in a job that was not the right fit and starting a remodel on my home. I was unhappy and miserable. The pictures I chose were of outfits that I remember feeling really good in at the time. Now that I look back I want to cry that I was so misguided! I then put on each outfit and took pics of where I am at today. So this is the first set of Before and Afters that I have done.


THIRTY pounds weight loss

 I think that this picture shows the differences the most. The shorts are loose and longer. The top drapes so much more. You cannot see fat rolls in the tank. You can see that I actually have a neck. And my face is a lot slimmer, especially in the chin area.


Original Outfit post HERE

 This picture shows the changes the least. This top has always been too big and just hangs. I couldn't remember how I posed so its hard to see that these shorts are super loose in the legs now. You can tell the my midsection is quite a bit smaller if you look really closely!


Original Outfit post HERE

I see SO many differences in this picture. I think my face looks completely different. My face is angled the same in both pics and you can really see where I carry my weight. The top is a lot 'tighter' and actually skimmed my body originally. Now it actually drapes. You cannot even see my stomach protruding in the new pics. I see a large difference in my arms as well. Although they are a work in progress.


Original Outfit post HERE

I am excited to share these with you all. I am also really anxious too! It is NEVER easy showcasing yourself at your worst. The biggest thing that I am still learning is how to deal with the changes internally. I can change the outside but if I don't work on the issues, insecurities and self esteem process then I will never fully be whole. Let me tell you, dealing with the mental is 100 million times harder than dealing with the physical!

                                            Source: kaftanbikini.wordpress.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I also mentioned last month that I was on the hunt for some running shorts and tops that I can wear as the weather heats up. I found a pair of shorts at Old Navy that I am very pleased with. And on Sunday I found the most perfect, somewhat sheer layering 'sweatshirt' that I can wear all Summer long. I have found that I do NOT like to wear sleeveless clothing when I work out. I sweat too much and like have sleeves to hide that. Since these tops are loose and over sized I can wear them with just a sports bra and bottoms. It doesn't cling to my mid section. YAY!!! I am still really self conscious of tight tops around my belly. The top is made of a Dri Fit fabric so it wicks the sweat away. It is also mesh at the neckline which lets the air flow. I originally bought it in the lime color and then headed to the Nike store and bought the white and ordered the black. I will warn you that it isn't cheap! BUT since I work out so frequently I justified the expense. I am thinking about cost per wear!

 Top: Nike 'Critical Epic' Sweatshirt
(I am linking to Nordstrom but the Nike Store and Nike.com carry it as well in more colors)
Leggings:  Under Armour (old but HERE is a fun option)
Shoes: Nike Free 3.0 (LOVE this color) 


I don't know how much I have shared with you about my running BUT I started the Ease to 5K running program four weeks ago. It is an 8 week program but I decided to join some girlfriends and sign up for a 5K that goes through Knott's Berry Farm and ends at Knott's Soak City. It's tomorrow! EEEKKKK! I think I am going to be fine since I have been running since March and have built up my stamina. BUT I am not going to lie...I am SCARED! My only goal is to finish. I am not worried about my time. I just don't want to be last :p

So this is what I will be telling myself through the run...

                                   Source: believe-toachieve.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

AND I know that someone/thing will be cheering me on...

                                            Source: someecards.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Results:
I am down about 32 pounds! Woohoo!
28 more to go!!

Goals:
- Complete the 5K
- MAKE SURE that I am going to AT LEAST one Yoga/Pilates class a week
- Finish the Ease into 5K program so I can run 30 minutes straight without walking!
- Tighten up the diet as I have been a little lax the last couple of weeks

HAPPY FRIDAY, friends!
Have a FABULOUS weekend!



***THANKS for reading this EXTREMELY long post***

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader, I decided to write a monthly post about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs with some cute clothes thrown in every now and then. You can read my other Fashionista Fitness posts here. I am really excited to share my journey with you all.

                                         Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

My birthday is in TEN days. Goal day.

I am so wrapped up in my fitness regimen that I haven't even focused on the fact that I am turning 30. I am actually really excited to start my thirties. I have been working SO HARD these last few weeks. I have been doing two work outs a day several times a week. I am LOVING yoga. I can feel the difference in my body. It is so crazy. I have been able to run for almost fifteen minutes straight and I am increasing my endurance every day. I can officially say that I am slightly addicted. I don't have a clue what to do with my time if I am not planning around my work outs. Haha. A couple days a week I have been getting up at 6am to go to the gym. I shock myself every time I do it because I am NOT a morning person. There are not many people in the gym at the time and I have the machines to myself. It gives me time to think. 

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I have mentioned before that I am SUPER hard on myself. Regardless of how far I have come the only thing I can focus on is how much more I need to accomplish. I tend to focus on the areas that I hate (which of course are the slowest to lose fat. My core and inner thighs) and it is hard for me to see the changes, even if they are slight. I continue to hit speed bumps mentally in this whole process. It continues to blow my mind how much I have to work on the inside as well as the outside. This is definitely a marathon and I am slowly making my way to the finish line.

I haven't talked about clothing the last couple of months because I have had the hardest time finding things that I truly like. I am continually buying my basics from Target when they go on clearance. I am always browsing the Nordstrom website looking for new items and markdowns. I did go into Lululemon but was intimidated by the prices and the sizing. I am still hoping to pick up a no limits tank when I lose some more weight. I love the idea of that tank. I have been on the search for tanks that are loose around my midsection. My search intensified when I became obsessed with Yoga. I found a couple in the last week that fit my needs. They are both Zella, from Nordstrom.

 Zella Stripe Pointelle Babydoll Tank

Zella Back Cutout Layering Tank

 

I am also on the hunt for some shorts. I do not want booty shorts. They are not comfortable for me to work out in at all. Zella has a pair that hits right above the knee and a bike short pair. I am hoping to try on both and see which length is the most flattering. I am dying to find a cropped legging that hits about 2-3 inches above my ankle and just under my calf (similar to these but without the price tag). I have pants to my ankle and just below the knee. I think that this length will elongate my leg. I am having a great time buying work out clothes. I am finding a way to shop even as I lose weight. Shocking, I know! :)

Results:

I have about 7-8 pounds to go in the next two weeks. I don't know if I will hit the thirty pounds by my birthday. You would think that the pounds would be dropping off of me as much as I have been working out. Unfortunately that hasn't happened. I know that my PCOS has a lot to do with it. While it sucks and it is hard to overcome mentally, I am proud of myself for doing all that I can.

Goals:

- Stay on track and push myself

- Continued Discipline in diet 

- Overdose on H20

- HAVE FUN!

Thank you all for your love and support! 

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader, I decided to write a monthly post about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs with some cute clothes thrown in every now and then. You can read my other Fashionista Fitness Posts here. I am really excited to share my journey with you all.

Last month flew by. Too Fast for my comfort.

I just began Week 16 of my 5x a week work outs. I have exactly FOUR weeks (as of yesterday) to my 30th Birthday. I am not ready, I still don't feel prepared and I am kind of scared. I decided to LIVE IT UP this last month in my twenties and while I have some fun things planned, the events are going to make it challenging to stay on the straight and narrow. I have some plans to try to counteract the damage that could potentially happen.

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I struggled quite a bit last month. Mentally more than physically. I hit a couple of slumps where I was going through the motions but not quite feeling it. I cannot quite put my finger on WHY I felt a lack of discipline but every day I woke up FIGHTING just to go work out. Food is a whole other story. I continue to be on a stricter diet. But I will be the first to admit I could be doing better. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the importance of food. I completely understand that weight loss is 70% eating right, and working out is 30%. I HAVE to pull my diet together. And quick!

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On a positive note I am actually running. Running for ten minutes at a time. Straight, solid running. This only happened in the last week and I am SO PROUD of myself. I think that I can actually do a 5K Mud Run. That is something on my bucket list. I have really been amping up my cardio and focusing my individual work outs on my core. I make it a part of every work out to really stretch my muscles and that has helped with my shin splints and overall body aches. I am going to be trying some different work outs the next few weeks to continue to be challenged and to keep my routine interesting. I will be doing pilates/yoga and an entire work out on giant trampolines. Sounds fun to me!

RESULTS:

I have only been on a scale once in the last two weeks and that was with Jonathan. I actually didn't look at the number because I was getting to stressed with meeting the number and not looking at the big picture of what I have accomplished. If I can guess I believe I am at about a 20 pound weight loss. I continue to see small changes here and there but don't feel like the weight loss looks dramatic. I think I have a long way to go before people are dropping their jaws :)

GOALS for April:

- Put my entire focus on my food discipline. Get the diet right!

- Run for fifteen minutes straight (this was a goal in February that was quite ambitious. I think I can do it in the next four weeks)

- Stop being so damn hard on myself! 

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I will leave you with a funny story that got me motivated to work hard.

Last night I ran into an ex fling (from when I was 20) at the gym. I have not seen this guy since 2003. It has been almost ten years since we were a thing. He is a very good looking guy. Dark hair, crystal blue eyes, 6'3" and a great body. I thought he was such a catch! Well my friends...he is hotter and his body is even better now. I had on zero make up, adult acne in plain sight and my hair piled on top of my head. Not exactly the look you would want when running into an ex. We chatted and I headed to the treadmill. I ran faster and longer than I ever have. Having him in plain sight and catching his eyes periodically was enough to keep me moving. I had to show him how hard I work out! Haha. I have no clue if I will run into him again but I will definitely keep that in the back of my head!

How are your fitness aspirations going? Are you meeting your goals?

I love hearing your stories and successes! Please share.