Updates and Information...

I have not been posting much because I will be honest with you...I have not been running much and have felt a little less fit than usual.  I don't like to post the negative too much because I would much rather be inspiring than for you to read about my slump.

I've been running at least once or twice a week since taking the summer off of running. I've lost the 3 or so pounds I gained exercising too little and eating too much over the summer.  My body likes to run so I knew it would not be long before I felt comfortable in my jeans again.

I will admit to you that most of my slump has to do with not liking what I see in the mirror.  This age thing is not sitting well with me, and I would have MUCH rather have seen my birthday come and go without notice. Unfortunately the ever increasing grey hair, wrinkles and saggy skin just does not go away.  I know I'm being completely vain and that is a problem. I need to embrace my age as it is inevitable, but I'm just being honest here. I don't like my body right now but I have not yet found the motivation to begin the weight training that I know I should.
Weight training  is the ONLY thing that WILL help my muscles and skin tone. I know that. I guess I was and am still sort of hoping that I will be the only human being this rule does not apply to.  Running keeps me skinny, but skinny and flabby is not so pretty ;)

Moving on...

Other than wallowing in self pity for a few months I have also been doing a TON of research.  My son has been suffering from a SERIOUS rash since April of this year.  He has undergone a series of testing and we have concluded that he is allergic to both wheat and dairy.  This new information has sparked research on my part about wheat and dairy.

I have been BLOWN AWAY by the information I've acquired.  My new found knowledge is too vast for this one blog post so I will just say this....

The Wheat and Dairy industry is KILLING US.  That was pretty harsh right?  Well I have reasons for saying that but for now just trust me when I say that if you limit your wheat and dairy intake for a week or so you most likely will see HUGE improvements in your overall health.   That sounds a little better doesn't it?

If you don't believe me I urge you to read the book Wheat Belly NOW.  If you don't want to do that, go to YouTube and type in Underground Wellness and check out Sean Croxton's short and informative videos on wheat and dairy.

You will thank me later. ESPECIALLY if you are overweight in any way and are wondering WHY YOU ARE NOT LOSING THE FAT!! (yes I'm yelling at you ), if you suffer from depression, arthritis or any other autoimmune disease.

Moving on again....

This is what I get for not blogging in way way too long.

I do have more exciting news for you.

1) One, I had the opportunity to teach 2 health and nutrition classes in my kids school this past month. THAT  was probably the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me for so many different reasons...

2) It looks like the FULL MARATHON is now back on my event list for 2012. This I will definitely talk more about later as I'm doing it for a dear friend and her incredible boy and I'm going to be asking you once again to help me this year to change a life.

3) I've been working on giving up my addictions and crutches. This is a struggle for me but something I feel is necessary in order for me to become fit in mind body and soul.  You can pray for me on this one because let's be honest here...I'm a human being and I struggle just like you do.  When I'm feeling a little stronger I will blog about it but right now I feel like remaining a little more anonymous about my issues. 

That's it. I need to blog more often....

Perhaps soon.
Alyson

Back From Vacation!

I had an AMAZING vacation with my husband. It was filled with sun, fun and relaxation. I have come back feeling renewed in my mind body and soul.

Working as hard as I did on my body before leaving for the cruise paid off. I felt great and my body was not an issue for me. I was able to be in my bathing suit without caring at all what I looked like.

I even managed to get to the gym a few times with my husband. I'm sure I've fallen behind on my half marathon running schedule but I could not care less. With over a 100 days left to train I was thankful for the break.

The last few days of the trip I did eat more than usual. I definitely allowed myself to indulge...like a lot. I did not care as a couple of days of over indulgence is really no big deal. However I am suffering the consequences a little bit today. I am craving more sugar and fat and finding it less appealing to make myself something healthy. I find that so interesting how sometimes it just takes a couple of days 'off' to get back into old habits and unhealthy choices. Being a healthy and fit mom really does take effort and is a life long journey.

As funny as it was to realize that in one day I consumed about 4000Cals it would not be so funny if that continued. I'm a fit mom so I can allow myself those kinds of indulgences, but every day no. Oh...and most of those calories consumed were found in things like eggs Benedict, chocolate,and a giant pizza thingy from a fast food join. Oh my poor heart!!

I'm allowing myself one more day of 'vacation' eating. Tomorrow I need to get back on the wagon if I'm going to have enough energy and stamina to home school my children, keep a farm house, raise chickens,train for a marathon and still have enough enthusiasm left for my husband.

Oh y'a...I promised a before and after picture of my efforts to get into my bikini. I have the after shots but if you can believe it, I LOST MY MEMORY CARD for my camera the day before the trip. I had a spare but it did contain 1500pictures not yet downloaded or printed off :( So no before pics.

Flat Tummy Plans

I hate sit ups. I really do. That is a pretty good reason why I don't have a nice stomach. Well that and I carry ANY extra weight in my tummy. I always have.

I need to be in a bikini amongst a bunch of strangers soon and I want to feel as confident as possible.

I have 23 days to make some changes. I've taken some before pictures and after two weeks I'll post if there is a difference. I'm too embarrassed to post yet.

My plan?

Sit ups and crunches on a big blue ball 30mins a day during a favorite T.V show (to keep my mind off the crunches)
NO eating whatsoever past supper time. I find if I snack at night I always seem bloated in the morning.
Lots of fibre in good shakes to keep the food moving along in my system. Being regular definitely cuts down on tummy bulk ;) I'm also going to try really really hard not to OVER eat. Eat yes and plenty of it, but I'm going to try not to OVER do it at any meal.
I am running 3x a week and will be increasing my mileage by 10% a week to train for the Half so that HAS to make a little bit of difference.
Stretching and yoga.