A Bit of Ramblings & My Favorite Thing Friday: Pineapple Wedger

Before I dive into my Favorite Thing Friday, let me first go completely off topic and give a quick update on the detox.  Today - day 4 - the eating was much easier.  I managed to choke down the powdered supplement shakes with a new found grace.  I think...hope..that I am finally acquiring the bitter taste.  Apparently, my body is still going through withdrawals as the odd feeling muscle aches are still in full force.  I avoided taking any relief and instead just downed the water even more so than normal...It helped, some.  I knew I had to get in four miles today and was absolutely dreading it because of how tender everything was feeling internally.  However, as typical, I ventured out and had an amazing run.  It's funny how working out and eating right are the two things that I never go to bed regretting. 

Tonight's run was unusually grand thanks to some great advice from my Life Coach. We were chatting earlier today about running and she said something that really resonated with me.  She said (in so many words), "You know Tonya (me...Mrs. Skinny Fat), when it comes to running - there's no such thing as a free ride. Just like when you are strength training and visualizing each isolated muscle getting tighter, you need to give the same energy to visualizing each muscle group working for you while you run. Running is so much more than movement...you need to be strategic in your efforts - you need to see it - for ultimate results"  Her words were just what I needed to have an awesome run.  Rather than just letting my mind go adrift, I stayed focused on the movement.  Talk about empowerment! I'm learning that the best kind of strength is the one that comes from within...that's why I love my Life Coach - she always give me that extra swift kick to bring out the best in ME.

Okay, back to the topic at-hand.  My Favorite Thing Friday is a Pineapple Wedger.  I know, something so simple right?  I bought it a a Pampered Chef party...at the time I was skeptical of it really working, but I have to say it hasn't let me down yet.  I wasn't always a fan of pineapple...in fact, my love for the amazing fruit has come about within the last year.  One day a friend of mine broke out fresh pineapple and raspberries for breakfast...and I was in awe of how refreshing it tasted.  Yes, awe.  Evidently my taste buds has morphed some and pineapple all of sudden tasted like the most amazing delicacy.  So as you can imagine, the discovery of a pineapple wedger was right up my alley!  I use it practically every week as pineapple is now- for oh so many reasons - one of my absolute favorite fruits!

You gotta put a little muscle into it...

Comes out pretty much perfect each time. 
I just toss the wedger in the dishwasher when done.

Here's a quick video to show how to use it. Next time, I'll make my own :)

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

High Five to Me - Healthy, Happy & FIT!

It gives me great pleasure to give myself a "High Five" for finally gaining control of maintaining a challenging, and constantly changing, fitness regimen. This is, after all, a big portion of what this blog is about.  As I had noted in my posts early on, staying committed to my workouts has always been a struggle for me.  While I was four years into the clean eating lifestyle, I could not seem to get a handle on getting fit...leaving me to be as I describe skinny fat. 

During this time running was in the mix, but as I learned over the years just running doesn't mold the body to perfection (defined by me of course).  Yes, I ran several half marathons but it's not like I was speed training, or breaking new records...and I was surely not consistent.  I'd go two weeks on, one month off; one week on, one week off; one month on, three months off...so as you can imagine - gains in my quest to be fit was nearly impossible. 

In my desperation to tone my body, I joined several group fitness classes, the gym, a yoga studio, etc.  While all taught me new things about myself - especially yoga - it just wasn't a sustainable lifestyle of me.  In other words, I failed - at every single one of them.  First I missed one class here and there, then a whole week, and then I was too embarrassed to even come back.  I know that I shouldn't have felt ashamed for letting my life take over and not sticking to the commitment as I had promised myself I would...but I did. It was easier to not face the crowd and be out the money - in each instance - so I was left to start over time and time again. 

In June of 2011, in other words just four short months ago, I made what I can easily call now the best decision ever as it relates to reaching my fitness goals. Via a Google search, I discovered Cari's OneonOne Fitness Training.  I immediately clicked "How to Get Started" and after reading through the content, I was sold.  In addition to her words, Cari's overall fitness appearance had me rest assured that she didn't just talk the talk.  I knew without even speaking to her that she was capable of molding me - that is of course if I was ready to commit to the challenge. 

Picture above - Fit Girl Cari Draft, Personal Fitness Trainer,
& Owner of EcoTrek Fitness (outdoor group workouts)

Pulled from Cari's website she so eloquently says it just right...

"As a personal trainer who designs custom-made workouts for clients, I always get fired up when the peeps seem motivated to get in shape... but three months later, several of them have just “run out of time”, “run out of money” or simply lost their desire to get fit and healthy for whatever reason.  There are several stages a person goes through when they come to me for help. Stage one would be thinking about making a change; then there’s deciding to change, making preparations to change, and finally, initiating actual changes! Sometimes when clients contact me too early in their process, they are doomed to fail.  The most successful fitness clients I have are the ones who have linked regular physical activity to the things that are important to them. Everyone needs to see, at some point, that regular exercise is essential and has to be a priority; once you find yourself in the stage where you are ready to initiate actual changes, THAT is the time to contact me!"
 

It was as if her words were meant for my eyes only.  I was ready. I quickly filled out the required questionnaire, submitted it via email, and Cari reached out to me within hours. We chatted shortly about my goals and set up our first meeting at local park.  During that first workout together, I was quickly aware just how out of shape I was. As I told Cari, looks are deceiving - I may be "small" but darn it all I huffed and puffed my way through it.  She was encouraging and made it known that resilience and discipline was going to be key in my success. 

One of the first things I told Cari was,
"I need you to help me get arms like yours!"

I have since met with Cari a total of four more times.  Each time, I get a brand new strength training workout that I commit to doing twice a week at home (I do them right in my backyard), along with running four times a week.  I've gone from the girl who hated ab work to loving it, to dreading pushups to thinking I'm pretty fantastic at them.  While we only meet once a month, Cari keeps a pulse on my progress. I love bragging to her - she was the first person I told when I bought my size 2 shorts, and the first person I told when I bought my first size 0 dress.  Each and every time with every mini goal under my belt I asked her, "Is this for real?"  My waist has went from a 30.75'' (across the belly) to 27.75''.  I haven't quite reached all of my fitness goals, but I LOVE that I am finally on the right track.  I'm closer now than ever before to being truly skinny and FIT.  Skipping workouts is not an option.  I'm as committed to them as I am to clean eating and that right there is worth a whole lot of high fives!  

This is the Before Clean Eating ME...

This is the After Embracing Clean Eating & 3 Months of
Personal Training with Cari Draft ME

Calls for a High Five or two, right?

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Tribute to the Bride to Be

One of my best of friends Stefanie is getting married tomorrow. It's so hard to believe that the day is already here...just hours away!  When I think of people who inspire me most when it comes to achieving weight loss / fitness goals, Stef is surely at the forefront. 

Stef and I met in college - we were in the same sorority.  We became fast friends and during our last year in college we had the opportunity to be neighbors.  We dragged each other to the gym and cheered one another on when mini-goals were achieved.  Neither of us ever fully met our weight loss goals back then, actually we never came close, but it was fun working towards it and daydreaming of what the end result would look like - one day.

Those days, Stefanie HATED running. I can still remember so distinctly being on the track in the rec center, and me playing "coach" as I like to do, would force her to run.  Each and every time, she would glare at me with evil, "I want to hurt you" eyes...she promised me running was surely not "her thing". 

Fast forward to today, boy things have changed.  I would consider Stef my ideal workout partner.  While we don't live near one another (sadly), when we do have the opportunity to get together, going for a run with one another is always part of the agenda.  Always.  

This past week, we were blessed with a couple of opportunities to run together.  Our pace is always so in-sync; both deep in our own thoughts, no conversation is necessary as we both seem to find comfort just simply running side-by-side.  During these moments, I am always reminded by how far Stef has come...and always inspired.

Stef & I, after a four mile run in Higgins Lake.

High Five Girlfriend!

With Stef's big day right around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share "her story".
Her Story:  From One Runner to Another

MSF:  You've come a long way on your weight loss fitness journey, tell me a little about what worked for you?  What made you give running a try?

Stef:  A little over two years ago, I realized I was so unhappy with my body and uncomfortable in essentially every setting. I decided to join weight watchers because my mom had such great success on the program. I needed that accountability of weighing in in front of a stranger every week. It took me nine months...slowly but surely I lost about 20 lbs - just from making smarter food choices!  With new confidence, I decided to give running a try.  I was really worried, still am, that I would gain my weight back so I knew that I need to start incorporating physical activity into the mix.  I guess I picked "running" because it was something "free" and easy to do. I had no idea that I would actually end up being a "runner" - it's so fun to say that! 

The before "Stef" ...

Stef & I at my wedding June 21, 2008...time sure does fly!

Another "Before" Pic of Stef...

MSF:  What do you love most about running?

Stef:  I absolutely love the way I feel after a run...each and every time. It is indescribable...if I was forced to summarize in one word I would choose amazing!   Growing up, I always felt  that I wasn't very athletic, it's fun to finally feel like I'm good at something; running! 

MSF:  When did you actually start liking to run?

Stef: I don't think I actually started to like running until I completed my first race last November. My fiance and I ran the Turkey Trot in downtown Detroit together. My goal was just to run the whole thing and not stop to walk. I completed my goal and I have been addicted ever since.

MSF:  Any tips for people who say they "hate running" but want to "be a runner"?  How should they start?

Stef: I hate when people say they can't run!  Yes, yes I know that I was once one of those people!  My views have dramatically changed - everyone can run, you just have to start slow. I couldn't even run a mile when I started. The key is to build up your milage every week. Don't go too far too fast because you are going to end up hating because it'll feel "too hard".  I started with a three mile loop around my house. I would start running to a certain spot and every week I would add a few more blocks before I would start walking. Eventually over time I was able to run the whole loop...that was an awesome day.

MSF: You've now ran a 1/2 marathon, a 10 miler, and several smaller runs - how'd you stay motivated for the training

Stef: I make sure I am signed up or at least have a race in my sights at all times in order to stay motivated for training. I've learned that if  I am not signed up for a race I don't log as many long runs as I should. My soon to be husband also keeps me motivated. I get jealous if he gets a run in and I don't!  We designate a  few evenings a week to run together which is something I really look forward to.

Stef and I in July 2011 after completing the Warrior Dash, intense 5K obstacle course.

MSF: What would you say is the # 1 benefit of running?

Stef: The #1 benefit of running for me is the mood I am in after a run. It instantly lifts my spirits no matter how bad I felt beforehand. I can always count on running to put me in a good mood and to me, that's priceless.

Earlier today, I gave Stef a "Last Chance Workout".  It was intense!  A memory that will be with me forever...

"Tribute to Bride to Be"... to be continued tomorrow.

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Running in the Rain

There are some days when I only have a short time frame to get my workouts in.  This occurred again over the weekend, and during this same window of opportunity, a moderate to a heavy rainstorm was moving its way in.  Typically, this would be no issue as I have my treadmill to rely on - but being out of town as I was my options were rather limited; go outside and run in the rain or miss a work out.  I chose to run.

No more than five minutes into my five mile route, the rain picked up from a light drizzle to near downpour.  With each step I was treated with a splash in return.  My shoes were soggy, my clothes drenched and I still had four miles left to go.  To my sincere surprise, I was loving every "soaking" minute of it.  It felt unbelievably refreshing!  Not just physically, but something deep within was ignited...I kind of felt like a kid again.  There was smile on my face, a softness in my step, and a quickness in my pace.  I felt good...light...happy. 

I will forever have a different outlook when the clouds darken a bit on run days.  In fact, I might even prefer the rainy days as it's not nearly often enough that the kid in you has a chance to come out and play.  

Soaked from head to toe and loving every minute of it!

Of course the kid in me demands to wear these
rain boots for the rest of the rainy day!

Keep it Clean & ENJOY the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Photos courtesy of my gal pal, Dia, who was a true champ in bearing the rain with me to snap some pics!

...And Boy did I Run!

As my last post reflected, I was absolutely dreading my scheduled workout.  I purposefully vented my feelings to help find whatever motivation I could to push forward.  Even after publishing, I still moseyed about the house allowing my mind to humor all of the excuses that floated through...knowing all the while that I really didn't have choice in the matter; after all it was scheduled. 

In slow motion, I got myself ready, walked to the end of the driveway, started my watch and iPod, and literally forced myself to make the running motion.  About one minute in to it, I felt different. My abs were engaged, my posture in check, and my legs were moving - I felt strong.  Just one minute later  ... I couldn't believe how different I felt after only sixty seconds!

Two miles came quick and I decided to add the extra mile in for a total of five.  My mind was open and a massive brainstorming session was taking place - if only moments like this allowed for a note pad!

Adele 21 turned out to be great addition to the iPod.  I was surprised by how much it allowed my mind to get lost in the moment. 

I finished the five miles a whole three minutes faster than normal.  I can't believe that I actually was dreading this moment.  So glad that I did not allow myself to miss out on the best run that I have had in months!  

Kudos to my Brooks for taking a beating tonight!  Love these shoes!

As I was cooling down, I thought of five things that help me get through my runs...

1.  Telephone Pole Theory -  I thought for sure I was going to need to rely on this tonight - but as you now know my luck was different!  Telephone Pole Theory is simple and can be used with any landmark. It's especially helpful to those new to running.  As your running, just focus on the next goal - aka telephone pole - and as your reach that goal, immediately focus on the next closest goal.  It takes your mind off the fact that you have to finish a whole five (or whatever) miles and instead helps you stay in check and celebrate all the mini-accomplishments along the way.

2.  Get Lost in It - I love it when this happens!  Allowing your mind to get lost in the run is exciting and exhilarating.  To me, this means my mind is fully in-tune to my body and everything just feels right and in check...thus confidence ensues.  I knew I was running faster than normal tonight, yet I had so many exciting thoughts going through my head that each mile completed was almost a surprise.  I found myself thinking, "Wow, I'm already here!"  Mind you, this was coming from the same girl who was dreading the run just minutes before! Good music, such as Adele, certainly plays a big role in achieving this. 

3.  Solve the World's Problems - okay, maybe not the world's but yours will do!  Often, I will take one problem/issue, or even opportunity out on the pavement with me.  It's amazing what I can come up with while running.  Sometimes, it's hard to focus and other thoughts will try and flutter in, but I just force myself to circle back (repeatedly) to the task at hand.

4.  Run Like Someone is Watching - Okay, fess up, I know I am not the only one who does this!  When necessary, I pretend that all of the cars passing by are truly intrigued with my running...like I am inspiring them to go home and go for a run themselves!  I notice when I think they are watching, I typically pick up my pace and make sure my form is truly in check.  I like to pretend that conversations take place in the car about my running...such as, "Wow, she's in shape."  - or - "Man, she's cruising!" - othertimes, I pretend that someone I know is about to drive by (ie. my husband, personal trainer, etc).  Haha, I know it's silly but whatever works, right!?!

5.  Take a Partner - in my case, that usually means my pup, Miles.  He was named before we even knew him as I was bound and determined he would get a lot of miles under his belt throughout his life!  Most of the time, I love taking Miles as he normally pushes me, but tonight, as you know - I was in a funk and wanted to just be by myself.  Human partners are of course great too! I would love to have a local running partner...but that hasn't fallen into place yet! 

Dirty paws Miles pouting because I told him he didn't get to go with me.

The moral of this story - don't allow yourself to miss out on what could be your best run (or workout in general) yet.  Just get up and do it! I am oh so glad I did! All it took tonight was sixty seconds to a "new" me.   

Trust me, I too will need this reminder before too long... 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride
MSF

Today I Must Run

Today, I'm scheduled to run four miles...and I'm absolutely dreading it!  I know that if I don't get out the door in the next 15 minutes then it's just going to be that much harder to part from my never ending pile of work.  In an attempt to make the run more appealing, I've decided to download some new tunes to my iPod.  Got to give this girl something to look forward to!

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night
Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

and Adele 21 - yes, the whole album.  I hear it's amazing!

Okay, here's to No Excuses right!  Time to lace-up the running shoes, throw my hair back in a pony, visualize the fat melting off, and go out and pound some pavement. 

Cheers to listening to my inner baddass...

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat