The things that keep me going....

So I thought I would share a few of the things that keep me motivated day in and day out. First of all I love motivational quotes a few of my favorites that I keep in mind everytime Im at the gym or I get a craving for something that I cant have just yet I think of these things...

and the one I tell myself during my final "sweat sesh" as Ilike to call it...

I also keep a "body binder" each day is a running countdown of the challenge timeframe and begins with none other than what I refer to as "fit quotes" that I look to every morning. Each day I track my workout and what I eat and when. The binder also keeps workout tips celeb hot body pics and a my diet rotation and guidelines so I am never at a loss for information.

& right now my new obsession is my Polar wrist watch and heart rate monitor which tracks the calories I burn every day the above was yesterdays count from the time I left in the morning around 7:30am to the time I got home a little after 8pm. Today I bypassed this number by nearly 1000 calories!

Most off al I couldnt do any of this without my amazing trainers that are a wealth of inspiration Thank You Larry, Nadia & Ryan and of course the HCF TRANSFORMERS of http://www.hardcorefitnessinc.com/ as well as Mandy and Cory of http://www.cardiogirl.com/

These are just a few things that keep me on my toes, what motivates you?

XOXO

Mid Challenge Assesments

The 11th marked the beginning of week 5 and with that came our mid point assesments, and I am happy to report I was quite proud of myself and what I have accomplished so far. First of all I made it thru the first 4 weeks that in itself was an accomplishment considering  those weeks came with the girls trip to Palm Springs, a Graduation party with my favorite food TACOS and this past weekend a birthday celebration and Bridal Shower for one of my dearest friends where an array of frosted sparkly desserts were at arms reach for most of my day. Second who knew I had it in me to continually workout up to 3 times a day and push myself with countless reps of weights and hours and hours of cardio. I guess you all knew... Ive had the most amazing support system and best cheerleaders and feel so blessed for all your motivational comments and sideline check ins.
This was me on my way to orientation (Im not quite ready to post my bikini clad "before" but I will I promise)

and this was me fri

look at those collar bones and the definition in my face Im making progress....

Ok so I promised some stats so here are a few that I was proud of ( I was proud of all of them but there are alot) I officially weighed in 12lbs lighter losing 3" off my waist and almost an inch of my hips. My upper arms as well as calves and thighs have all stayed about the same however instead of being jiggly they are getting defined by toned muscles meaning I will soon be selling tickets to the "GUN SHOW" and over all I have lost 5% body fat over the last month. I was also able to take another 15 seconds off my mile run time putting me 30 seconds closer to my goal of a 10min mile. This may not seem like much to some people but when the numbers begin to double over the next month it becomes a greater achievement than I could have hoped for.
I didnt set out very specific goals when I started the challenge but every day I find something to make me smile and some small feat to be encouraged by, its the little things that keep me going day after day.

XOXO

I am worth it...

As week 3 is coming to an end I keep reminding myself that it takes 21 days to form a habit. And I am now one day away... however I think my new habits have already been formed. I am already obsessed with my 3 a day workout schedule and if I dont make it to all 3 sessions I feel like I missed out on something. And I no longer have to refer to the clock to keep on track with my eating schedule, my body just knows.I feel like any type of cheat is only cheating myself and I know that I am worth everything I am giving up, beacause the reality is I am gaining so much more.
Now I will say this week was a little more challenging than the last two. This week I was tired, my body was drained, and I was having a hard time sleeping at night. I tried melatonin and sleepy tea, but neither did the trick. However last night I slept well and even let myself go back to sleep this morning after feeding the horses. I needed it and it is my off day so I deserve it. I know my body needs rest to keep going. There was one day this week however that I really had to push myslef thru... Thursday was a second day of arms at bootcamp followed by a 30 min cardio session on the treadmill where I literally just wanted to sleep on the screen. And then trying to get back in the evening for class proved to be even worse. I hit every red light on my way in causing me to be late and unable to do tread and I could not find my ipod (mind you I know I had it in the morning otherwise I def would not have been able to do cardio) AHH but alas it was found by Mandy, I had left it in the bathroom silly, and then there was a light at the the end of my dark tunnel day. Two of my girlfriends whom are trying to get back in shape have also now joined cardiogirl so I am getting two free personal training sessions with Cory the owner, what a nice surprise, it made my few bad moments fade away. But then friday morning came and I just couldnt seem to get a jump on it and I really just wanted to put on something cute and not my usual yoga pants and tank top. However as I was lying in bed I recieved a message from Nadia at hardcore fitness, asking if I would be interested in being part of a documentary that would follow 10 participants of the challenge. YES! then a moment of yikes someone following me around at the gym when Im all gross and sweaty... atleast when I blog you all cant see what a mess I am. But if Nadia and Larry ask you do it, it means they have faith in your progress and faith in your desire. I figure I have already put myself pretty far out of my comfort zone in just starting the challenge, the blog and telling all my friends as well as postings on fb that being part of the documentary would just be an extension of that. Needless to say this got me up and at it.
I am excited to see what the next 5 weeks bring. I know there will be more hurdles and more days where I have to defeat my inner demons and power on. But at the end of the day I know I AM WORTH IT! I am worth every drop of sweat, every calorie I burn and every little moment that makes me proud of what I am accomplishing day to day. It doesnt have to be big to define my process it just has to be my own!

XOXO