Where have I been?

Me at  the Baltimore Half Marathon in October 2015

Last time you heard from me, I was lacking my motivation to run. Boy was that true. Over the last couple years, I have struggled with lack of motivation, sidelines from injuries and, a busy lifestyle.

Guess what!!! I am back!

I have decided to put myself first these days. I have been running and training. My last race was in October last year at the Baltimore Half. I ran on a sprained ankle and it was pure hell. I spent the rest of the year taking care of my ankle and getting back on track.

Now, as of February of this year...I am back on track. I am back to running with The Steeplechasers and, with my running best friends. I have signed up for The Coastal Delaware Half in April and plan to crush it! I am hoping to PR. But, lets be real...I haven't run "Fast" since 2012. I will try my hardest that's for sure.

So, what's the future for this blog?

I am hoping to come here weekly to let you know about my weekly training runs, talk about some of the products I am currently using, I'd still like to post race reviews too.

What about you guys? What would you like to see me post about?

I am also starting a 6 week weight loss/fitness contest with some friends as a local gym. Maybe I can discuss some of how that goes as well.

I hope to see some of my old blog readers back!! I've missed everyone!

Virtual Running

Have you ever participated in a virtual run/race? If not you're probably wondering what one is. I'll admit before last year I had no clue what one was. I had seen a couple tweets come up on Twitter about virtual races but didn't pay much attention to them. That is until one of my favorite bloggers Run with Jess posted about one on her blog. A virtual race is a “race” that can be run anywhere you are, no specific starting time or starting place. They occasionally have specific dates, or sometimes the dates will range a week or two to give you time to finish it.  Just pick your favorite course and run.

Last year, Run with Jess posted on her blog that she would be planning a race in her hometown a 5k with cupcakes at the finish. YUM! I wanted to run. However, Jess lived to far away for me to come run with her. She decided to allow others in other states to run with her "virtually". All you had to do was email her your time and you'd be considered a finisher. You could run the race at anytime during the week of her race. I thought it was a great idea. I decided to sign up. She had two options to join. You could join for free and be entered in the raffle or pay a small fee and, receive a race tee. I opted to receive the tee. 

Last year, I went out and ran it alone..came home and devoured my cupcake. It was a great way to get myself motivated to run alone. 

Last weekend, my Run, Mama, Run! running group decided they would all participate in Run with Jess Cupcake Classic 5k. We would all meet up and run it together. Then receive our cupcakes after. What fun!! I loved the idea of doing it with friends this year. However, I am in the process of training for some longer races coming up and, had 9 miles on the schedule for that weekend long run. My running buddies and I decided we'd run 6 and then meet up with the rest of the group and run the 5k. So we would get 9 miles in.

The first 6 miles went really great. I was in the zone. I was in minimal pain due to my PF but, I felt good. After the 6 miles we had to stop to meet the group. We waited about 30 mins. before the 5k started. I have no clue how some people do two a days. The 5k race hurt me like no other. I was in such pain. I think part was due to the cold weather and the stiffness of my muscles. Other was my PF was flaring up big time. One of my running buddies and I kept it slow and steady. We finally finished. Exhausted!! 

One of the ladies in the group had brought cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes, one of the most delicious cupcake shops around where we live. I opted for the red velvet of course. Yumm! It was heavenly!

This year, Run with Jess had a medal option you could purchase. I did not order a tee or medal this year. I'm disappointed I didn't, they were super nice.

Virtual Run's are a great idea if your looking to do something as a group or solo... yet, don't have the time to do it on a certain day. You have the freedom to get it done when you can.

Motivation Monday

Oh my goodness...It's already almost October, where did September go?

First off, I want to sincerely thank all of my favorite sista's from Mamavation for continuing to send me twitter dm's and tweets asking me how I was doing this past week. I am so amazed at how supportive this group really is.

Last week, I was extremely busy with stuff around the house and, a couple personal issues I needed to take care of and deal with. I was absent from Twitter and, I failed to post anything to my blog. To be honest with everyone I wasn't as active as I wanted to be. I was moving alot around the house cleaning and running errands but, I didn't sweat it out like I truly wanted.

Good news is, this week is a new week. I am officially starting fresh! I have promised myself to get on a schedule. A lifestyle schedule is what I would call this. I need to make time for Exercise, Mommy duties, Housewife duties, My blog, My extra activities. I really don't know how some of you mom's do it. Do you clean on certain days?  Do you write all your post on one day and, schedule it to post another day?Do you work out in the am or pm's? If you have any advice at all let me know, I will take all the advice I can get.

I am so excited this week is the start of the Mamavation mom auditions! I can't wait to see everyone videos and, to follow a new set of mom's through their bootcamp.

BIG congratulations to Joanna of @way2gomom for being the Sista of the Week!

This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Pete Cohen and his new nutritional program. Wow!! What a great prize to win. If you don't already know about Pete Cohen you seriously need to check him out. He is so inspirational! I am crossing my fingers for this prize as I need all the help I can get when it comes to what my body needs nutritionally.

I will leave you guys with a couple pics from yesterday. My son and, I participated in another running event. He ran the 1 mile fun run and, I ran the 5k! I was extremely proud of myself after this race. I managed to shave a minute off my last 5k time. Especially since this course was alot more harder with its many hills compared to the last event I ran which was mostly a flat course. I can't wait to continue getting faster and stronger!

Mamavation Monday

Hope Everyone is having a super Labor Day weekend!

Things are going pretty good here in my world. We are finally getting used to our new schedule due to my oldest going off to Kindergarten.

I finished my week of Couch 2 5k. As I stated in my last blog, I feel I'm not challenging myself during my runs. So I've decided to move a couple weeks up on the couch 2 5k. Hopefully this will help some. I got a video gait analysis done and, got a new pair of running shoes. I can't wait till later today when I get to go try them out for a run. I haven't lost anymore weight this week but, that's ok. As long as I'm maintaining I'm ok with that. I figured I'd be plateauing here soon. I've lost alot in the past 9 weeks. I also think I need to switch up a bit of my training too maybe help with the plateau Ive hit for the past 2 weeks.

I am still doing good on getting in my water. I don't even think about caffeine anymore.

I've been toying the idea of opening an Open Sky shop on my blog so, for all of you that currently do it I'd love to hear how its going for you. I am also in the process of getting a couple reviews/giveaways ready for my readers to participate in. If you aren't a follower already you should definitely sign up to be one so you can get the 1st update on my giveaways. Not to mention you should do it because my site is awesome! ;)

This week I will be participating in another 5k race for our local YMCA. My son will be running his first race. (1 mile fun run) I am so proud of him. He has been running with me the past couple weeks to get ready. I think he's going to do awesome. Also, this week I am going to be trying to eat a little more cleaner to see if this will help my plateau a bit.

My goals for the week:

Get in some more running!!

Monday: Kickboxing, Kettlebell workout (Kettleworx)

Tuesday: Week 6 day 1 of C25k

Wednesday: Kickboxing, upper body strength training

Thursday: Week 6 day 2 of C25k

Friday: lower body strength training

Saturday: Week 6 day 3 of C25k

Sunday: 5k race My son's first 1 mile fun run!

Mamavation deets:

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV. This week on Mamavation Media TV we will be welcoming Allana Pratt @allanapratt she will be discussing unhealthy relationship with our body and if it helps or hinders weight loss. She will also be giving us some tips on how to build a stronger relationship with our body. As we all strive for health. Come join us!

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Greta @Gretablau for being the Sista of the Week! Greta is such a funny, inspirational woman. Go over to her blog Middle Aged Jock and see what she's up to. She's always busy being active!

NEW LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: Congrats to all the Mamavation sista's who received new leadership positions this week. The Hydrator is @Rachel_L , The Regulator @Notdiyheather, Movement Motivator @Rachelsteffen, Mama Guns @Fitmomtraining, Comment Warrior @Gretablau Veggie Contessa @Ljenator, Food Truth Diva @waytogomom and Lori @gutimom Coven Coordinator. Look for them on Twitter to help remind you of some important things to do during the week!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Chefs Requsted. Chefs Requested is an official sponsor of the Mamavation campaign and sends their perfectly portioned steaks to the Mamavation Moms. They are sending product coupons for their 100 Calorie Portion Sized Steaks and plenty of discount coupons for any further enjoyment. There will be two winners of this blogging carnival.

My running gait analysis experience

I was told the most important thing to do when you start running is to have your gait analyzed. The reason for this is so that you know what type of pronator you are as well as, what type of shoe is best for your foot. I learned that a local running specialty store in my area performed video gait analysis's and, did so for free. So, yesterday morning I headed up there to receive this very important test. 

Before we get started about my visit lets learn some basics about the test from The New Balance website:

  

What is the running gait?

"The running gait is a unique set of actions and reactions that your foot performs while in motion to support, cushion, and balance your body."

What is pronation?

"Pronation is simply a normal foot in motion, from foot-strike on the outside of the heel through the inward roll of the foot. Pronation occurs as the foot rolls from the outer edge to the inner edge. Everyone pronates, and the initial pronation is considered an important and healthy response to the intense amount of shock imposed upon the foot and is integral to propelling you forward. If the foot pronates too much or too little and does so frequently, several biomechanical problems may result that will cause a decrease in performance and increase the possibility of injury."

At the store they used a treadmill with a camera attached and, a TV to play the video back. I stepped on the treadmill and did a slow walk and, gradually started to jog. The employee watched my feet as I ran. She then slowed the video down and, looked at the results. She pointed out to me that my left overpronates more than my right but, they both showed some overpronating.

From the New Balance Website:

"Overpronators generally land in a pronated position and continue to roll significantly inward as they go from heel strike to toe off."

Unfortunately, I didn't have someone to take video or pics of my visit so, this quick cell phone pic will have to do. You can see the Overpronation on the TV here.

She suggested I look for a shoe that had some type of stability. She then measured both of my feet twice for size. Both measuring about a size 7. She then asked me what type of distances I would be running. I learned that if running more than 6 miles I should go up a size in shoe to make room for my feet to swell. I however, am only running up to about 4 miles at this time so we opted for a half size up. she brought me out several different types of shoes to try on. I first tried all pairs on stopping to take a walk and, short sprint through the room to see how they felt.  I narrowed down the shoes to 3 that felt the best on my feet. I then started to put one of each shoe on each of my feet to cross compare them. After a couple minutes in each shoe, I had finally made a decision. For once in my life, I had picked a pair of shoes that felt great on my feet not because of the color, style or, price.

If you have not already had a gait analysis I highly suggest getting one performed.  Having your running gait analyzed is very important to reduce the possibility of injuries.

And, the winning pair is:  The Mizuno Wave Inspire 6 I can't wait to go running in these!

Have you had a gait analysis performed? What type of pronator are you?

#5k Day!

Stephanie over at Fit Mom in Training has put together a day (October 2, 2010) where us fitness crazy bloggers can all get together virtually for a 5k session of your favorite workout. You can bike, walk or run, like I will be doing. This isn't a contest or a race. You won't be judged or scored. It's merly for fun and, to dedicate a day to fitness. Maybe this will be the first time your setting a goal to finish a 5k, maybe this will be a training for a 5k coming up. Either way, please go on over to Fit Mom in Training say hi to the other crowd who will be joining and, blogging along the way. Make sure you tell us your blog name so we can follow you on your journey as well. Also, don't forget when your done to upload some pictures of your 5k!

I'm super pumped about it and, can't wait to read everyone's experiences with their 5k!

My last week and I hit a goal!!

I can't believe it's the last week of Mamavation mom and, the Move it and Lose it Campaign. Jenny and, Lisa have done so well. I can't wait to see their journey to running a 5k!

Well, as everyone who follows my blog knows I entered the Move it and Lose it Campaign 7 weeks ago. It seems to have went by rather quickly. I am very proud of what I have accomplished in the last 7 weeks. I've joined a gym, quit drinking soda, ran a 5k,  loss some weight, but overall I have seemed to accomplish what I thought I'd never be able to accomplish. I have gotten my family on board with wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. My children are eating healthier options and, being a lot more physically active. Next week my oldest son, Big C is going off to Kindergarten. We have already discussed the options he has for food at school. We have opted to pack a healthy lunch and, if he wants he will be allowed to purchase a school lunch every now and again. I now feel that I am ready for the choices ahead on what to pack him because, of what I've learned the past 7 weeks from all the Mamavation Sista's!

So, I know why most of you are here...How much has Shannon lost? This week Ive lost a total of 4.5lbs. I wasn't expecting to lose any this after last week's big loss but, hey I'm not complaining. This past week I completed week 1 of C25k. It went great. I want to also start incorporating a little more weightlifting into my workouts too. I feel I'm losing alot of the weight but I think I might be losing a little to fast. I don't want to lose muscle mass.

My goals for this week:

Finish week 2 of C25k

Work in lifting weights to my schedule

Drink 100oz of water

Help support my fellow Sista's on Twitter

Comment on all the Sista's blogs this week

Take my mind off losing weight (the numbers are starting to get to me) and, put more focus on being more active.

Here are my numbers and, pics this week as Move it and Lose it Challenge comes to an end! Thank you Leah at Mamavation for everything you have done and, continue to do for Mamavation. Since my application for Mamavation Mom I have lost a total of 30.5lbs Wowza!! I'm so happy! Here's to the next 20! :)

164.5

Before 07/9/2010 After 08/20/2010

Before 07/9/2010 After 08/20/2010

I have also learned from the above pictures those shorts were probably the worst thing to wear for these pictures. They dont lay flat and, bunch alot. Oh well.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Shawnee Halligan @ShawneeH for being the Sista of the Week! Thank you Shawnee for showing my blog some love and helping support me on Twitter. You Rock!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Earth Footwear. The Move it and Lose it Campaign would not be possible if it weren't for Earth Footwear. Thank you so much for being such a great sponsor to Mamavation. Their shoes are incredible and, cute too! Come back later this week to check out a review I did on the pair of Earth Footwear I received at the Twitter Party at the beginning of this campaign.

See everyone at Mamavation Tv!!

I Finished.... With Burning Feet!!

Saturday August 14, 2010 I ran my first 5k since taking a long break from running almost 10 yrs ago.

I decided to run a local 5k with only women participants as my first race. The race I choose was the Women's Distance Festival. The WDF celebrates "the history of women's rights to participate in running events at any distance and at any age." [RRCA]

All the proceeds of this race went to a local fund called The Women's Giving Circle.

 Their Website says, "The Circle’s purpose is to provide opportunities for donors to promote and support programs that enable and empower women in challenging situations to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of those for whom they are responsible."

 

 

 

The early entry is $20 and, later in the week went to $25.  We received a cute black and pink technical tee! The course was a 2 loop scenic route and, walker friendly. I arrived early to pick up my race day packet and, bib. I'm not going to lie I was pretty nervous. The weather was nice out. I had thought it was going to rain but, it held out for us. The race was scheduled to start at 8am. We lined up around 7:50 and waited till a couple minutes past 8:00. I decided before the race started that I was going to go into this with no expectations except finishing. I headed near the back of the crowd. I wanted to start out slow and, not get trampled on. It was a great feeling seeing all ages and, sizes of women participating. I saw as young as 8 and, as old as a women in her late 60's. I was very glad I had chosen an all women's race for my first. Something about women coming together to better ourselves in health was an awesome feeling. 

 

The race started and, I started out pretty slow. I was relaxed the 1st mile through. I made a last minute decision when I left the house to skip my Ipod and, to bring my cell phone so I could keep track on my Run Keeper app. Sometime around my 1st mile I lost service and, my music stopped working. I didn't run much up to this point with out music. It was nice to others cheering everyone along. I had a chance to hear how my body was handling my run. Around the 2nd mile my feet were the only thing that was truly in pain. They were on fire.

The last mile did me in. I truly think it was more mental then my body giving up. I keep telling myself I couldn't do anymore my feet were hurting. I took the 2 hills in the course very slowly. I knew I could have taken them better. I wasn't proud of myself at that point. When I got to the last turn I ran fast to the finish. I heard someone shout out you can make it before 41 minutes!! I tried my hardest to get there before then but fell a bit short. I finished the race at 41:15. A 13 min mile. I'm not 100% ok with my race but, I'm by no means disappointed. I did what I had set to accomplish, I finished. This is just the beginning.

After the race we received lots of race goodies, water, bagels, bananas, and, watermelon. They had a raffle to win lots of cool prizes. The racing community there was so kind and, supportive.

Big C and, I after the race! Yes, I stole it of the photographer website ;)

Also, to those who were wondering about my feet being "on fire" I have come to find out my shoes are horrible for my feet and, for running at all really. I learned that I have what's called a Morton's toe. It's when your 2nd toe is longer than your big toe. Usually when running most of your weight goes on to your big toe. In my case since my 2nd toe is longer my weight is carried on my 2nd toe. This causes trouble for me when wearing a shoe that doesn't accommodate the longer 2nd toe resulting in nail pain. So, I will be making a visit to my local shoe specialty store to receive a video gait analysis ASAP!

I want to thank everyone who cheered for me online and off! The support has been awesome. I don't think I would have gone through this with each and everyone of you.

Here's to training for the next one!!

*Update: Wanted to answer another question I keep receiving. Was I sore afterwards? I'd say yes my body was tired and, my muscles were sore. I did ice afterwards and, took a nice warm shower this might have helped. Like I mentioned above the most pain I had was in my feet. Oh...and, the dreaded "chub rub" is what I call it. My legs did chafe a bit. I did not Body Glide them :( This reminds me to get some for my continued training. Maybe I'll hit them up for a giveaway!! Body Glide if your reading this, lol. Email me ;)

 

 

 

Semi Wordless Wednesday: A little Teaser!

So how did I do at my first 5k since close to 10 yrs ago?

Ooops..You will have to come back later this week to find out!!

It's paying off!

This past week has been pretty awesome! I totally felt back in the swing of things.

My successes: I worked out for a total of 30 min everyday! I felt so much better this past week. I drank around 90-100oz everyday. I also managed to eat pretty good as well. I finished a 5k! (More to come about this later on another post!) I actually feel pretty high on life at the moment.

My failures: I can't really call this a failure for the week, it's really a failure from the past couple weeks. I'm not running. I kind of stopped running at some point during this journey to try to lose weight. I am still getting in my workouts but, I really need to get back into running. Another failure for me this week was there are a couple personal things in my life right now that have been bringing me a little down. I haven't been getting alot of sleep and, Ive been pretty stressed about this. I have a really bad ulcer that acts up when I am stressed or eat the wrong types of foods.

My goals for this week: Run!!! I am back to the drawing board. My weapon of choice, Couch 2 5k program. I have another 5k I have signed up to run in September so, I for sure want to beat my time. Another goal for me this week is to get to bed at a decent time. I have been dragging in the morning. Lastly, I still need to get my butt in gear on Twitter. I can't seem to make time to visit. My oldest is starting school next week so I think I'll have alot more time after that happens. Please know I support all my sistah's!!

A quick question I'd also like some input on. My oldest son (5 yrs.) went to the 5k with me this past weekend and now wants to run one with me. There were a bunch of children running and, I think this is why he got kinda bummed about not running and now wants to run one. Do you personally think 5 is too young to run 3.1 miles?

Now for the really great news!! My scale pic...I lost a whopping total of 8lbs this week. Holy Moly! I'm shocked!! I knew I did a pretty good job but had no clue this well! That is a total of 26lbs since my application for Mamavation mom a little less than 2 months ago!! I am super stoked!!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

SISTA OF THE WEEK: A big congratulations to Kimberly @christlikemommy! Congrats girl you definitely deserve this, you are always there supporting everyone!

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesday's over Twitter.

See everyone on Mamavation Tv!!

Get my butt in Gear Monday!!

Happy Monday everyone!! This past week was a pretty good week for me. I reached a couple goals I wanted to reach. There were a couple I didn't quiet reach just yet but, will continue this week to make that happen.

So, this weekend is "The Weekend" I will be participating in my first 5k since last running one 10 yrs ago. I'm extremely nervous. I don't think I'm ready for what I want to accomplish. I think I set to high of standards for myself. I did not train as hard as I wanted to. After I get this race under my belt it will be full speed ahead to train for the next ones coming up in Sept and, Oct. I would love any and all advice to help me reach my goals on these next to races. I'm going to kind of use this race to give me a reminder of what I need to do to finish a 5k. I've ran some 5k's on the treadmill and a couple on the road but, they weren't outstanding. My goal is to finish this 5k with out stopping. Wish me luck!!

Last week I did pretty well with getting in my workouts at the gym and at home. As of this week I will be adding more running to my workouts!

My goals for this week:

Commit time to be more active on Twitter.

Commit time to comment on the sista's post's.

Drink more water. (I have skimped on this and have been feeling super dehydrated)

Add more running to my workout.

My Scale Pics:

I lost .5lb this week resulting in a total of 18lbs since my application to Mamavation Mom!! I'm so happy with my results so far!!

My Measurements:

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Julie Mansfield @jamnsfld76 for being the Sista of the Week!

 

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Lori @gutimom as an Avon Representative. Here is all the swag she is giving away:

Cherry Blossom Naturals Set - $32 full retail value

Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Body Spray, Cosmetic Bag

Haiku Fragrance and Body Set - $49 full retail value

Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Shimmering Body Powder, Roll On Antiperspirant, Perfume

Foot Works Hodge Podge - $33 full retail value

Watermelon Foot Scrub, Spray Gel, Cooling Lotion; Original Conditioning Foot Soak, Exfoliating Bar Soap; Green Tea & Mint Exfoliating Scrub

Advance Techniques Professional Hair Care 2-IN-1 Healthy Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (Daily Results) - $4.00 full retail value

Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus - Expedition Insect Repellent with SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray Pump with Vitamin E (Gentle Breeze) - $14 full retail value

Magix Face Perfecter with SPF 20 (Clear) - $10 full retail value

Spafinder Callous Remover - $10 full retail value

Spafinder Gel Eye Mask - $10 full retail value

These items will be divided up for the Blogging carnival winner AND a winner at Mamavation TV.

Wow!!! Thank you so much Lori! I love Avon item's. I actually used to be an Avon rep myself back in the day. I had to stop because I was buying more products than I was selling. Lol.

SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter.

Getting back on track!

 This week went somewhat better. My overall fitness and eating was alot better. However, I felt extremely lazy this week. Even today as I write this I didn't really want to sit down and write it. I didn't make time for alot of things this week and, totally regret it. I HAVE to make these things priority this week.

Get in more exercise

Eat more clean

Make time to post at least 2 times on my blog.

Make time to visit other Mamavation posts.

Make time to show my support to the other sisters on Twitter!!

The scale pic doesn't look to horrible but, considering I'm loosing the pounds I just gained the past week, I'm not completely happy with it. Total this week I lost 6lbs. These 6lbs make up the overall 17.5lbs lost since joining Mamavation. Not to shabby I'd say!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.
SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Rachel Steffen @RachelSteffen for being the Sista of the Week! Rachel has always been there for me!! She is such a kind person. She def deserved this title!! Congrats girl!
 
BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Gruve Solution. The Gruve is a handy little gadget that learns your body mechanics and then helps you burn more caloris throughout the day. Basically, it monitors how many calories you are burning and encourages you to burn more throughout the day by taking more steps, etc. And then it starts to vibrate on you when you are sitting too long. If you would like to be entered to win one please visit Mamavation's site and sign up to participate in this weeks Mamavation TV!
 
SISTAHOOD: If you are interested in pledging to the Mamavation Sistahood, Monday is the time to do it. Please go here for instructions. Invitations are done on Wednesdays over twitter. (Or later if I get swamped) I can't thank the Sistahood enough for the kind support they have given me the past 3 months now!!
 

See everyone on Mamavation TV!

What a week..

This past week has been the worst pretty horrible. Yep, I'm admitting it. I am in fact human. Last week I didn't exercise like I had been, I didn't eat the best and, I definitely didn't feel the best.  My niece and nephew came to visit me and, this turned our world a little upside down. Going to the pool almost all day every day and, to the zoo made it hard for me to concentrate on eating as good as I was. Don't get me wrong I didn't veg out on a bunch of bad food it just wasn't nearly as good as it has been. I now know some weaknesses of mine and know I need to pack healthy snacks. I was beating myself up all weekend. I know what it is I have to do so, I'm over the pouting and downing myself. It's a new week.

Let me tell you though, I so know now that not exercising make me feel like crap. I felt slow and sluggish all week. I can't wait to get back to the gym and sweat!! It also didn't help I had almost no time to get on twitter. I missed my #mamavation ladies. I can't wait to catch up with everyone.

So here's to a better week this week!!

My Scale pic:

Yep, that's right as a result to my not so good eating and, not being as active I gained 5.5lbs. I knew I was either going to maintain this week or gain a bit but, wasn't expecting that much. Bye Bye 5.5 lbs I'm going to lose you this week!
 

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

Tonight we chat with special guest Carla Binberg, a.k.a. @Mizfitonline you can find her blog on my right sidebar! I am super excited to hear if she has any special tips on training to run a race. As you all know I will be running my first 5k in August!

We are also going to be chatting with Katy Bowman. Katy is a bio mechanical scientist and, the creator of the Aligned and Well DVD series providing simple, mechanical solutions to diseases commonly associated with aging. I hope to hear from her about ways to prevent injury while training to run 3 races by my goal date of  Dec. 5th.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Rita @lovelyritaann for being the Sista of the Week! Yay!! I LOVE Rita!! She always takes the time to visit my blog and, give me some big words of motivation. Way to go Rita!! 

See everyone tonight!!

Semi Wordless Wednesday...My Refrigerator

Top shelf: Milk, Juice, Corn, my leftover from dinner (fish and, veggies) and, one of the worst drinks in the world...Pepsi (Don't worry Mamavation ladies I def don't drink it)

Middle shelf: Eggs, blueberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, apples, a single lonely plum

Bottom shelf: Greek yogurt, clementines, green grapes, ground turkey

The left crisper: organic yogurt, carrots

The right crisper: Spinach, green peppers, broccoli

Nervously..excited

Today is the day @bookieboo makes the final 5 choices for the Mamavation mom campaign 5. I am so nervous to read her decision yet, so excited to continue on in the Mamavation mom journey if chosen or to compete in the move it and loose it campaign.

This week I faced a couple challenges. First of all I ended up hurting my bicep muscle in my good ole Body Pump class and ended up having to take an extra rest day. Lesson learned though, make sure you take a rest day in between Body Pump classes or you will regret it. Secondly as you all know it's the 4th of July weekend. I didn't binge eat but, I didn't eat exceptionally healthy like I should have. Saturday and Sunday I had deserts after my meal and, I'm not even a big dessert eater. I did drink lots of water due to the extremely hot temps here in Maryland. Then to top of my week Sunday after lunch I started feeling sick to my stomach and getting a sharp pain around my chest. This lasted all night I'm pretty sure that it is my ulcer back in action. So I didn't eat any of my healthy snacks or even dinner last night. I did wake up at 4 am still feeling pains but, also hunger pains so I did eat a slice of wheat bread.

So even though my food consumption wasn't on par. My fitness was pretty good with the exception of an extra off day. I made sure to hit the gym 5 days out of the 6 planned.

My goals for next week are to get in 6 days of exercise and to continue to eat healthy.

As far as the campaign goes, I just wanted to wish all the ladies good luck. This group of ladies are the best and I give all the credit in the world to @bookieboo for having to make this decision. No matter who gets chosen I will continue in my goals as well as helping to support the ladies chosen!!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Congrats to @MMScarlett for being the Sista of the Week!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by @BSkinz. BSkinz is a fitness line for women full of patterned and colorful compression wear. The winner of this week's blogging carnival will get a bottom and sports bra of their choosing. The value will be about $50. @BSkinz look extremely cute, I would love to win these to wear to my 1st 5k in August!

Now for my Weigh in!!

I LOST 3lbs!! Wahoo!

Failure and Goals

After writing out my last post I realized it was the first time I had ever told someone a goal I wanted to accomplish. I have always felt uncomfortable speaking of goals I had set for myself for fear of not meeting my goals and failing. Since I have joined Mamavation a lot has changed. I’m not afraid to tell my fellow sista’s my goals. I know I wont fail. I know that they will not let me fail. I know there are a lot of other moms out there who do not have a support system at home like myself. If you are reading this and you are not a part of the sistahood, please consider joining. The support you receive is phenomenal.

I want everyone to see my goals I have set for myself so that you can help me reach them!!

Overall Goals

10%: 19.5lbs loss

Halfway: 25lbs loss

Pre-pregnancy weight: 150lbs

Ultimate Goal: 145lbs

2010 Fitness Goals

Run 5k under 35min

Run 5k under 30 min

Run 3 Races

So there you go, I can’t run away from it now. I can’t wait to come back here and cross these bad boys off the list!!

If you would like to check out Mamavation, Monday's are a great time for you to do so!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Yay! Congratulations go out to Rachel Lacy @Rachel_L for being the Sista of the Week!! Rachel was one of the biggest reason's I joined Mamavation. Seeing Rachel and Kim's  videos and hearing them speak about the support they had was so inspirational!

This week Mamavation Tv is being sponsored yet again by @subwayfreshbuzz You can never go wrong with Subway! My fav at the momment is their new Orchard Chicken salad sub!! Yummy! Also, this week Shay Sorrells a contestant from Biggest Loser will be on Mamavation TV!! Shay will let all us moms in on how she handles working out, eating right and, living a healthy life all while being a mom!!(Oh did I mention she's also participating in the NYC Marathon, Wow! )I can't wait!! Come join me!

What, you didn't know THAT?

I thought I'd take a little break from all the fitness & health post and bring you a little something fun!! Here you have it...Ten things you didn't know about ME!!

1. I eat things in 3's and by colors like 3 red gummi bears.

2. I don't like coconut, raw carrots or, coleslaw.

3. I used to be a Kindergarten Readiness Teacher before deciding to stay home after my second child. It was a lot of fun but, also very stressful.

4. I have never really taken up a hobby. Unless you count eating gummi bears or reading trashy gossip mags as one.

However, I do feel as though running is becoming one.

5. I am not a morning person but, am a night owl. I will stay up till 2am but, hate waking up before 9. My youngest son however, wakes me up daily at 7.

6. If you want to bore me to death you should talk about basketball. I do love me some hockey though!! Go Caps!!

7. I'd love to take cooking classes one day. I'm constantly visiting food blogs.

8. I want to participate in at least 3 races by the end of the year. Then next year attempt to do a 10k, 1/2 marathon and a marathon!

9. I don't like to wear socks if I don't have to, or shoes for that matter!

10. This post took me all day to write because the oldest has been complaining of his chicken pox itching and, the youngest is in a cranky mood!

Help A Sista Out!!

Sitting down to write this blog I wanted so badly to be like a lot of the ladies and, shout out a weight loss. However, I realized today I never weighed myself at the start of Mamavation. So I really don’t know how much weight I have lost or if any. I will weigh myself, take my measurements and get those up for everyone.

I don’t know if this happens to you ladies or not but sometimes I get on the scale it says one number I get off the scale thinking "Really, do I really weigh that?" I will move the scale back down to the floor, get back on and, it says another number. I don’t know, maybe its time for a new scale!! Maybe I will use my Wii scale it’s pretty accurate right?

I think that my diet was pretty consistent this week. Stayed away from the sugars and, junk food. Late night snacking is pretty much gone from my life as of lately. If I do decide I need one I’ve been reaching for a handful of almonds..Yumm! I’ve been following my menu I made for the week and it went very well. Being prepared really helps. This time around though I think I’m going to do them 2 weeks at a time and make the grocery list a head of time. I think it will help me with seeing what we have extra of and, what were missing. The hot temps around here have made it very simple for me to drink all my water. I am downing it bottle after bottle. Lol. Even my oldest has been asking for it more and more.

If you notice on the left hand side I have added my google calendar to my blog. This is to help hold myself to a planned workout. It also emails me a reminder. So, If your not busy during the day after of course you've gotten in your workout visit my blog, look at my training calendar and please HELP A SISTA OUT send me a nice little message on twitter saying “Shannon have you ran your 3 miles today?” Or, “Shannon get your butt in gear get on that Wii fit and tackle those 30 minutes.” This would help out lots!!
Oh and, follow my blog...do it..right now...you know you want to!!

Wish I looked this good using the jogging Stroller!

We visited the park twice this week and took a walk as a family it was nice to chat and get some exercise in. I have a new found respect for all those jogging stroller mommas out there. Pushing 60lbs of children and, another 20 or so lbs of the stroller is a lot of work. I was hurting afterwards. If you read my previous post, you know my shins have been killing me. I’ve iced them like crazy and now am taking it slow cross training and walking. I’m going to attempt to run again this week starting a little slower to see how it goes.

Goals for this week:

Follow my training schedule

Continue to make better food choices

Attempt to run again

Buy a pedometer to track my steps

Buy a measuring tape to measure my inches

Find a fun run for Big C to enter

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Congrats to CJ @CJinKY for being the Sista of the Week! Thanks for all the support CJ your such a sweet person!!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Flatout Bread. You NEED to check out their website if you haven’t already. It has so many great recipes and, their blog has some of the best fitness and safety tips out there!! At my house we LOVE the 5 Grain Flax Fold It’s for our Turkey Burgers!! Their only 100 cals and whopping 9g of PROTEIN!! I love my protein :) My favorite snack is to cut the Flatbread’s up and toast them a little in the oven to make them warm and crispy. I then dip them in my favorite hummus. Yumm!!
Flatout Bread is giving away 4 baskets with lots of goodies on Mamavation TV tonight! I hope I get a chance to win this basket and, try some of the products I haven’t tried yet!!