MIA!

My Inner Athlete (MIA) went  missing about a year ago. Right about the time my inner "A student" showed up.

It's not that I haven't exercised in a year. It's just that the best of my energy and focus has been on school and my family.

But her absense has been missed and she's been asked to come back. So MIA is back. And her motivation has changed.

No longer does she care about being thin, or looking hot. Her newly found, stronger motivation is based solely on health and feeling good.

She's driven by the feel of endorphins pumping through her body. Driven by the knowledge that an exercised body ages well. Driven by the connection exercise gives to her and her studly swimmer husband.

To celebrate, the hubby and I bought the inner athlete a gift. It is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.

no, that's not me.

See, my inner runner has also returned. And she's starting a half marathon training June 5th.

Yes, I'm back. And I feel good!

No more excuses! I am finding time to break a sweat every day. I can survive without exercise. But it is essential if I want to thrive.

I had a little aha moment earlier this week when I realized: I wouldn't skip out on sleep for almost anything. So why skip out on exercise, which gives just as many immediate feel good benefits?

Today I did a workout DVD at home. It was the "Women's Health Total Workout in TEN" DVD. There are 4-10 minute workouts. I did all 4, to see if I liked it. I will say, they use each 10 minute segment wisely, cuz you get a really good, well rounded workout!

My daughter thought I could use some better instruction, so she picked up my light dumbells and showed me how it's supposed to be done.

She's got an inner athlete too. :)

like my messy house? Somethings gotta give.

Need some motivation to find your inner athelete? Check out my friend, the Goat's, blog. She's like a little Jillian right now. :)

Update on the Gold

photo found here

A couple of you have asked how my husbands swim meet and my training run went. Here's a quick update... they didn't.

Friday I shared that my husband shaved most of his body for a swim meet. He's part of a Masters Swim team and has only recently started competing in tournaments. He was so excited for his second swim meet this weekend, but woke up to a tweaked back on Saturday. The whole reason why he joined the swimming group was because he has a bad back and swimming is one of the only exercise options for him. Plus he's really good at it. His back is feeling much better and hopefully will stay that way so he can enjoy competing again soon. I'll be sure to post photos of him in a speedo at a meet. Ha! (Oh, but I might!).

And remember my early morning Saturday run? That didn't happen either. The kids were up not once, not twice, not three times, but FOUR times on Friday night - thanks to their various ailments. So when I woke up to pouring rain (as prayed for) I was happy to get right back in bed. I WILL join my training group next week though. I'm signed up for the mud run in June, and the San Francisco Half Marathon in July!!

On the bright side, we are all back to (pretty much) normal! One kid is on antibiotics for an ear infection, and the other, well, she's home sick again complaining of stomach pain. But she'll be better soon. In the meantime, she's redefining crabby!

Fresh Workout Playlist

I didn't realize how stale my workout music was until I downloaded some fresh, new music. It was so much fun exercising to this music, I didn't want to leave the gym!

Since it made such a difference, I thought i'd share my new playlist. You might need a referesher on your ipod too!

My new list was inspired by Oprah.

The Black Eyed Peas put on a performance for her kickoff, along with a dancing 12k person flash mob. It was awesome!! I want to be a part of a flash mob dance someday!

Here's the link... check it out! http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090908-tows-flash-mob-dance

In my car or house, I listen to country music or Jack Johnson. But when I am running, it's a different story. My running list is based on the beat alone. If it has a good fast paced beat that matches my pace (8-10 minute mile normally) then I usually like it. The only music I can't stand is hard rock or heavy medal.

Okay, so here it is. I listed my new 3 favorites first...

My New Playlist:

I gotta feeling - Black Eyed Peas

Hot n Cold - Katy Perry

Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus

Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas

Fire Burning - Sean Kingston

Halo - Beyonce

Lets get it started - Black Eyed Peas

Poker face - Lady Gaga

Replay - IYAZ

Right Round - Flo Rida

Showdown - Black Eyed Peas

Smile - Uncle Kracker

Sober - Pink

You belong with me - Taylor Swift - good cooldown song

Day 7 – Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism

My alarm went off at 6am and I struggled to pull myself out of a deep sleep and a good dream. I wanted so bad to hit the snooze but somehow I found the motivation to put my feet on the ground and stand. Once there, the rest was easier.

My daughter got up at 6:15, blessing me with constructive criticism about my form. This actually proved to be a benefit when she pointed out I was doing the same side twice… oops. It occurred to me this morning that, like Stroller Strides, it’s great that my daughter(s) get to see me exercising. If I were to hit the gym when they were at school, they wouldn’t understand firsthand what I go through to take care of myself. I watched my mom exercise my whole childhood, and I think it is one of the reasons I value health and fitness. My mom still exercises all the time and, since retiring, has taken up tennis and started playing on a competitive tennis team!

I feel great!!!

My workout: Jillian Michaels - Banish Fat Boost Metabolism (57 mins)

What I liked:
1. it was a whole body workout that got my heart rate up. She alternated between upper body and lower body moves, which Jillian claims burns more fat, since the blood is forced to move from one part of the body to the other.
2. I liked the boxing and standing oblique work
3. Each circuit was only 6 minutes long so it made the hour go by fairly fast

What I didn’t like:
1. Hopping and jumping. It’s effective, for sure. But it gives me popcorn knees. Also, note to self: wear a better exercise bra next time (good thing I was in my house!)

People often tell me that motivation doesn’t last and I tell them bathing doesn't either. That's why I recommend it daily. -Zig Ziglar