Post-Sweat Selfies

Hey Jeni! 

How has your week been? What have you been up to? 

This week I've been doing pretty good despite being a little sick. I've been keeping active to keep things moving. Tuesday was Zumba and weights, Wednesday was weights and bike training and tonight I did WERQ- the hip-hop inspired dance class I wrote about before. Perhaps you can sweat out sickness?

One of the reasons I like going to classes are the fun people that you meet. It's also good to work on dance moves in case there is ever a spontaneous dance party where you happen to be. 

Anyways, you've inspired me to take some workout selfies, they are below:

This is Maya and Sareena! They were both in my 90 day challenge group and we continue to workout together. Maya organized the Kinesis group I took last week. Working out with others breaks up the routine of machines and weights. 

This is Meghan, our Werq instructor at Midtown. She also teaches an awesome core class that I try to go to (hello summer abs goal!). 

Overall we all had a great workout, it's always surprising how much of a workout dancing is! 

I'm going to have a special surprise for you tomorrow on the blog, I can't wait for you to read about it. 

Xoxo

Jenne 

Progress is a Great Reward

Jenne,

  What great progress you made in your challenge!  You set a goal and you reached it- that is so impressive!  I love goals.  I find they keep me focused and motivated.  I also love reaching goals.  I ran my 3rd half marathon on Sunday and I loved it.  It was such a different experience than my other races. At the end of my first two I was depleted and begged for the finish line.  This time around, perhaps because I had several more long runs in my training or maybe my dietary changes, it felt different.  I felt strong the entire race and I didn't need to distract myself from pain or discomfort.  Talk about progress.  I ran this race with my friend Melissa, it was her first race ever.  I registered to run this race WITH her which meant I let her choose our pace, we ran at a pace of 9 minutes and 35 seconds per mile, which is somewhere around a minute faster per mile than my last time around.  I also finished feeling as though I could have kept going, I could have sprinted.  It was such a show of progress that I felt elated all afternoon.  I registered for another half next month where I plan to run sub 2 hrs- which is a pace of 9 minutes and 8 seconds per mile- which I now know I can obtain with ease!  I plan to spend the next 5 weeks with varied training, adding sprinting and weight training, to really give myself some reserve power.
  As for your ride- I am so impressed by your strength and progress.  Now that you crushed the first part of 2014 with weight loss what is your next goal?  Do you have a goal time for your tour de cure ride?   Everett got me a bike for my birthday (yes, back in January) that arrives tomorrow, finally!  For months we have talked about our hope to start a weekly tradition of riding to a little breakfast spot we like called Murray's in Tivoli every Sunday morning.  I think we get to start this week!!  I can't wait.

Congrats on your hard work and results!

You amaze me friend!

xo
Jeni

The Big Reveal

Jeni,

On 1/4/14, I joined a 90 day transformation challenge at my gym.

Here is day one:

The challenge, as documented, had its ups and downs, but in the end I learned a lot about myself.

I met some inspiring people throughout the challenge and learned how others can help keep you motivated and bring you back when you are in the clouds or down in the dumps. 

Overall, our team lost over 75 pounds and achieved one of the highest weight losses of all teams. One of our team members even won second place for her category (Go Mary Jane!). 

So where did I end up? Well, in a pretty good place! I lost 11.2 pounds, totaling to an 8% change in my body weight. I also lost 2 inches off my waist. 

At the beginning of the challenge I took a photo. I wasn't sure what I would do with the photo. At the end of the challenge, I took another photo. Below share with you these photos... 

It wasn't until I saw them just now, side by side, that I saw the true transformation that took place. 

Jenne

Sugar Free and Happy

JENNE!

  I can't believe so much time has gone by since I have been able to really check in with you.  I am so excited for you and your final weigh in.  The Winter is such a hard time, for so many reason and much like Bears, I sometimes wish I could just sleep my way through it.  I know, that you have been working hard and getting closer and closer to your fitness challenge goal.  Just imagine the results you will have once you can head outside and on your bike!!  If it hasn't yet, I'm sure the sun will head to Rochester soon!  As far as Spring in Germantown, it has arrived- just yesterday.  It is 55* today and sunny and I can not wait to get home and go for a run!  I haven't been able to run for a week.  The last few days of our trip were so hectic and we spent a lot of time in the car.  My last run was in Arcata, CA (the picture above).  It was so beautiful there and so warm.  

  In diet news: I have been put on a non-yeast, non-sugar, non-gluten, non-processed food diet.  I was really sick the last week of our trip and it is a Candida issue.  That's the yeast that's naturally found in your body.  Sometimes it can take over and it is really bad.  5 years ago I was put on the same diet for a year and a half and I felt great... until recently.  Now it's back and worse than ever... the Dr warned that if a person has repeated issues with Candida overgrowth, it can be warning signs of adult on-set diabetes.  WHOA.  I cried!  Not only am I seriously and admittedly addicted to sugar, I could be giving myself diabetes.  WHAT IS MY PROBLEM!?!?  well the last 4 days I have been so good!  Eating so clean and so wisely.  I have taken the time to make all of my meals and to really acknowledge what it is my body needs.  With only 2 days sugar free, the rash on my face went away (it's been there for months).  I guess all of this is just my body telling me to straighten up!  

 How have you been doing with your chips and queso addiction?  Will you have before and after photos??  I'd love to see them!!

Looking forward to your updates!

all the best,

Jeni 

One week left!

Jeni! 

There is only one week left in my 90 day challenge and I am totally nervous.

I have been really staying on track since my change of mindset, I have been feeling the changes and it's great!

I am super nervous about my final weigh in :-( I want it to be good because out team was in first place at the midpoint for weight loss! I didn't contribute much to that and I want to do better in my last weigh in. 

Gah! 

For right now, this is really about it! I'm in the zone, hoping to meet or exceed the goal I have set in my head. I'm so close. 

I hope you had a lovely vacation. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Xoxo

Jenne

Keeping the momentum going

Jeni!

I may on a roll here.  I've again been active everyday this week. I feel so energized and happy. I'm maintaining my weight loss goals. I feel the transformation happening with my lifestyle and eating habits. Although I have been working out for awhile, I just feel different about it. I respect it more. I feel like it has more purpose.

My week so far:
Monday: weights and bike
Tuesday: bike
Wednesday: snowed in but did a strength and core based workout at home
Thursday: Zumba
Friday: Jungshin and bike

Today I am planning on weight training and some more bike work.

I am amping up my time on the bike to prepare for the upcoming cycling season. I can't wait until the snow stops and I can be outside logging my miles. I am curious to see any improvements from last season.

I hope you have a wonderful time on vacation.

Xoxo
Jenne 

Choose your Friends Wisely!

Jenne,

    Let's address these brownies...  First off, while reading your post I realized junk food is such a Fr-enemy!!  It is so seductive at first and you think that they will make your life so fun and be there to support you during tough times... the next thing you know, they are stuck to your hips and talking trash behind your back!!  Girl, we're too old for Fr-enemies!!  Alright, all joking aside, I think sometimes revisiting old habits is necessary to remind us why we wanted to make a change to begin with... When I have slip-ups I try to determine why (my fr-enemey is definitely Milano Cookies).  Here are the 3 reasons why I sometimes reach for the MC's.  #1. sometimes I don't budget enough time to be able to eat real meals or search out healthy options (that's a lesson I am learning- making time for proper nourishment should NOT be taken lightly).  #2. sometimes I'm having a terrible day or I am stressed emotionally and I think, Milano's will give me the answer I need (WRONG).  #3. sometimes I am around other people that don't make their health a priority and I pick up on nasty habits (let's hope they don't jump off a bridge...) I need to remember I'm an individual with individual needs and not to follow along with my friends, just " 'cause ".  So, did you consider why you ate the brownies?  In short, I'd say I would stop feeling guilty and evaluate your reason for your over-indulgence and then go Pin some healthy eating inspo's and move forward!

How was your weigh in??  I can't wait to hear all about it!

I hope you have a wonderful day!  

Hugs and Kiss and Fantastic Fitness Wishes!

xo

Jeni 

No longer MIA!

Jeni! 

I haven't given up on us! I am here! It's been a busy past few days! But very productive! 

Let's see...  I've been to the gym everyday this week so far. I have been trying out different classes at my gym, it's fun to try new things right? It also lets me check on my progress.  Sometimes you start working different muscle groups and you realize there are some muscles you haven't been working! 

So on Monday I took this class called Cardio Strength. One of my areas for opportunity is strength training. I don't do a lot of it. I like my cardio burn! So I thought this class would be a good mix. Holy cow... The reps were fast, I'm not sure I even remember what I did. But it was a challenge! I hope to ace that class sometime in the future- it will certainly not happen overnight! 

Yesterday I did WERQ again. It was fun. I am definitely learning the moves so I feel less dorky! 

Today I also tried a new class! It was called Core Dynamics. It was core work, obviously, but there were some different exercises. I liked it! I tried my best in the class, I was really proud of walking in plank with sliders at my feet. I did need to take a few breaks but I found resolve when I did it to keep going. I felt the muscles working. We'll see what happens! I also rode on the bike for a bit too.  

I've made some really good recipes this week. Simple, fresh, and yummy.  But first, what have you been up to? Have you recovered? Have you been doing any core work? 

Xoxo

Jenne

Sneakers!

Happy Sunday Jeni!

They are essential to the gym. They are a fashion statement. They keep our feet supported and protected. Sneakers! 

I've had a pair of Asics running shoes from my college days. I'd been wearing them to the gym for the past year and had used them for spontaneous exercise and other activities in the year prior. The shoes were dated, they were for running, I was looking for an upgrade. 

First off, shoes make me nervous. I always get the wrong fit. Second, I loved my trusty Asics. The sneakers I had before were also for running. As we all know, I have been forced to retire from running (sad face). I decided to go to a local sports store where I could get more attention and work with knowledgable staff. This store was Fleet Feet. 

I went in armed with my old sneakers and determined to find a good fitting shoe. I also brought my parents so they could stop me from buying a bad fitting shoe. I tried in several different pairs, did lunges and squats and some Zumba movements in the store. I then walked on the treadmill.  I thought I found a pair of Saucony's that fit well, but then they started to feel a bit off after awhile. I was a little stuck and then Bruce, who was helping me, brought me out another pair of Asics! He said that although they were running sneakers, they were still a medium support sneaker that would work for what I wanted to do. Bruce had that extra knowledge of what I was doing because he also happens to be a trainer at Midtown, my gym! 

Not too shabby, right? I cannot wait to test them out! I am on the docket for Zumba and spin today, however, I am still feeling my hamstrings from my strength training workout today, so I may need to cut out Zumba so I don't overdo it. I'll report back on what I decided and how things turned out. What have you been up to this weekend? 

Xoxo

Jenne 

What if it's red velvet?

Dearest Jeni, 

Your post is funny. The problem is, red velvet is my favorite cake. I'm not too sure how I will handle the upcoming eating out and festivities that surround a birthday. It will certainly be a test for me. 

Tomorrow I have a big fitness day! Which is why I took today off. I am concerned about agitating an overuse injury that took months to finally feel better. My shoulders are feeling it today too, cool!

Tomorrow I am doing my second strength training class of the week. I may also pop on a spin bike for a bit of cardio. Last night I did Zumba, it was fun. I even had a mini dance party before to pump myself up. Not sure how I missed the Harlem Shake buzz, but I am having it now. Then I am going to a nutrition seminar as part of the 90 day challenge. Then, I am going sneaker shopping! I am a little nervous because my feet are obnoxious. I cannot ever find a decent shoe. Sneakers make me more nervous. I've been wearing my 5 year old running shoes for all things not running. I'm going to some specialty sneaker stores to see what the options are. I'm pumped! 

What are you plans for the weekend? I'm excited to share my nutrition knowledge with you. I've been trying out some food related changes, but I want to de what happens before I report. 

Xoxo

Jenne

You got to WERQ it WERQ it

Hey Jeni! 

I think if I saw the nutrition plan, I would have failed. Today I was HUNGRY. I mean hungry all day. I have my meals pretty planned out, but then there were the York peppermint patties. I already ate my dinner prior to going to the gym... Probably not the best choice because I'll be HUNGRY (!!!) after. I've maxed out my allotted calories for the day. 

I actually use MyFitnessPal. Have you ever tried it? It's a tracking mechanism for food. The challenge can be that you have to measure out your raw foods, but when I am on a kick, it do just that! It breaks down for your goals how much you need to eat each day, including the breakdown of carbs, protein and fat. I have only ever once met the goal for sugar. I was proud that day. I find this tracker really helpful. I am starting to use it again. Have you ever tried any of the phone trackers? 

Last night I tried a new workout! It's called WERQ. It's a dance fitness class similar to Zumba. Many of my transformational team members went! 

I thought it was fun. There was a dance move, I called it the Egyptian. At the end of class I told my team mates how I fail at that dance. Come to find out, it's the Thriller dance. Who knew? I guess I really missed the mark on that one! The most important thing was that it was fun and I felt Iike I was getting a decent workout. 

Of course... I was sure to wear a fancy outfit for this dance party. Well ok, not fancy, but a top and pants that were suitable. I also tested my new Athleta zip up jacket for our warm up. It worked nice although I really want to test it when skiing. Here's a question for you... When working out, do you like tees or tanks? Capris or full length pants? Sometime soon I will post my gym bag. She's definitely a keeper. I like having a bagged prepped at all times for working out. It helps to ensure that there are really no excuses! 

Tonight I am going to a strength training class. I haven't done one in months so it'll be interesting to see where I am at with weights. I am looking to increase my strength training and get it on my calendar as a regular occurrence. It's hard when I prefer to just spin it out on a bike or something. 

What have you learned about yourself this week? Any changes to your goals? 

Xoxo

Jenne

Yoga Time

Hi Jeni, 

How was your first day back at work? I cannot imagine 17 days off, I already have to hit the reset button on Monday because of the weekend! 

We must be on a yoga wavelength, my plan for this evening is vinyasa yoga. Normally I like to start my week with spin class to work off that stress and energy associated with it, but I didn't make it because of work. 

A challenge update: I am feeling good about the challenge. I am in the mindset, minus a few areas (we'll get to that later).  My team is already supporting each their. We exchange emails with our workout plans and try to fit in workouts together. I've already shared our blog with them so if any of Team Vibe Tribe is reading... Go team! 

The weigh in: I am not surprised, but I am surprised with my measurements, I thought they would be less. I am actually very disappointed in those because they make me feel like I'm back at where I started. The weight portion, I was not surprised about at all. I think I have a lot of work to do to get leaner. 

Motivation level: My motivation level is good! Today I feel a little guilty that I am not planning on any cardio, but that's ok. I need to ensure that my body is rested so I do not cause any injuries. I believe that yoga builds strength anyways! My second self guilt trip is due to soda.  I had a great day planned out with food and then during the day I felt the need for kettle chips and a diet Dr. Pepper. Naughty! I traded that out with another meal so from a calorie perspective, it balanced itself out. But that was diet soda that went into my body instead of water. I'm not so upset about the kettle chips because they have limited ingredients and non saturated fat. Whenever I track meals and really watch what I eat, I generally do not eat a lot of fat. I will need to explore the soda thing more. It's a sheer love of carbonation and diet soda taste. Perhaps this year I will get over my soda cravings. Right now I am going to aim for one 16oz. soda a week. This would be a decent goal I think. Then I can slim it down more. 

I find it interesting that when life happens, we often turn away from exercise when trying to cope. I got off the bandwagon when work got busy.  I was too tired, too stressed, etc. Well, exercise and yoga would have probably helped me more with that. I think there is a lot to be said for the power of exercise. I'm sorry to hear about V. 

How was crossfit this evening? I hope you had fun. Any updates on the sugar front? What workout are you looking most forward to this week? 

Keep me posted on your end of yoga mediation and relaxation, I should try that sometime, I am always raring to go at about 10pm.  

Xoxo

Jenne 

A Little Intentional Breathing

Hey Girl,
So tomorrow is my first day back to work in 17 days.  Well, technically I have been working the whole time, sewing and making dresses.  But school starts back up again and I'm afraid I have forgotten how to teach!?!?  I always get a bit anxious after big breaks.  So today I decided to skip the hot yoga in the morning and get things done.  I started to feel the anxiety building up during dinner and knew I better get in touch with some proper breathing and stretching to let it all out.  I turned off all the lights in the house and lit some candles around my mat.  It was superb- I think this might be my new nightly ritual.  Lighting makes a huge difference! I can't find my favorite yoga dvd, which super bums me out.  But I did a yoga search on youtube and ended up really liking the video I chose.  Bonus, this teacher is right in Kingston, so just 25 mins from me!  It had a lot of deep hip work, which is where I hold all of my stress, so it was perfect.  I'm posting the video for you- check it out!

Now, how about you.  How are you feeling about the challenge?  How did you feel about your initial weigh in?  Was it better/worse than you were expecting or right on what you thought?   Do you feel motivated to eat right and workout?  Do you like your teammates?  How many other teams are there?  Is there any sort of competitions between the teams? What types of workouts are you going to be doing mainly?

After work tomorrow E and I are going to Crossfit in the evening.  I am super pumped.  We had been going so regularly and I was feeling so strong and cool and then 3 weeks ago when V got put down I was so sad and depressed that I didn't go at all.  This last week I feel like I am finally getting out of my sadness rut and I can't wait to push myself tomorrow night.

Alright, it's now 11pm- aak, how did that happen.  I better go to bed.  Can't wait to hear from you.

Until tomorrow,
xo
Jeni    

 

It's Challenge Time!

Hey Jeni! 

I'm so glad you got out and enjoyed the snow today! I haven't cross country skied in a really long time- I tried it once. I am looking forward to downhill skiing this winter with my family. At chance you want to try and meet up on the slopes? 

This is my transformation challenge team. Today was our kickoff and we had a group workout! I am certainly feeling my core right now. It's a good thing! 

After that, I went grocery shopping at a few different stores. I am evaluating my eating habits. Some new and old items that I got today: tilapia filets, frozen vegetables, chicken breasts, kombucha (I am sure you aren't surprised), and Greek yogurt. I picked up baby carrots, bananas, pomegranates, and an avocado. I even bought multigrain rolls. This week I want to get back into cooking some more classic meals (read- no queso), and try eating eggs for breakfast, hence the rolls. I'm not a fan of eating eggs outright, they gross me out a bit, but they can be good for you, so I am going to try it out and see what happens! 

I am glad that you bring up sugar. One of the things that I discussed with my transformation coach was nutrition. I am looking forward to the nutrition seminars that they are having during the challenge! I've also been modifying some of my recipes to reduce sugar. Sugar is in everything. Even "good foods" like yogurt have sugar in them. Add in the flavors of the yogurt and it adds more. It's like the other "S"- salt! I have been reviewing everything I purchase for sugar and salt content. I also have been sure to try and eat portions of fruit, not binge on fruit. I am replacing that with veggies! We definitely need to check in with each other on our sugar intake! Good for you on refusing the brownies, by the way, it can be so tempting to eat these things! 

Speaking of other goals and nutrition, one of your goal this year really resonated with me: increase water intake. I fully support that goal. I am also trying to reduce coffee intake. Last year at times I would drink over 24 oz. a day! Right now I am happy with green tea throughout the day as well. Diet sides is also in my list to give up- I did that before for a long time, but I like fizz in my drinks. I am looking to get pure ginger juice and put it in with my soda stream with a touch of lemon. I love how refreshing ginger is. 

Let me know how to yoga is, I can't wait for us to meet up in a few weeks for a hot yoga class. Tomorrow I'll be on my feet during the day while I moonlight at the mall, I will report on how I feel to tomorrow after today's workout. 

Xoxo 

Jenne