My Next Fitness Goal & Plans

This is how JuJu normally sits:

Always on Kepa, myself, or anyone that comes over really. She knows no boundaries in her quest for love and attention.

This is how JuJu sits post surgery:

The saddest sad that ever was sad. Yesterday when she got home she was so out of it and so calm and wanted nothing to do with us. She just laid on her bean bag looking around without any desire to move or interact.

Luckily today she is doing better and seems more like herself. Yay!

Now for some random thoughts about the next two months of my life:

Next fitness goal: Take a bootcamp class! I’ve decided to tackle that since when I logged on to look at my list of things to do/try it was what interested me the most. Plus I am going to be in Memphis for 9 weeks and the River Workout bootcamp class I want to do is an 8 week long bootcamp class.

It meets twice a week at a park by the river near my work so it sounds perfect for my temporary living situation. I’m excited about the idea of a bootcamp class. It’s completely different from how I’ve been training so I think that will be a nice change of pace, plus the girl who runs it seems really nice and good at what she does. I can’t wait!

Other Thoughts About Memphis… I’m both super excited about going back and hesitant. I don’t want to leave my little family here though I want to see my family at home. I don’t want to miss out of friend’s birthdays and events here but I can’t wait to see my best friends in Memphis. It’s a bunch of conflicting thoughts from living and loving in two places, but I know I’m lucky to get the chance to go back sooner than I expected.

So I’m going to make the most of it and see as many people as I can, do as much fun stuff as possible, work harder than ever, and enjoy the two months. I’m sure it will fly by in no time at all. I think it’s going to be fun. I’m most excited about trying to bike commute to work during the week… that is going to be an adventure.

Some Things To Read:

That’s it for me. Have a lovely day my friends!

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Rangitoto Island Hike

The day before my birthday we headed to Rangitoto Island to conquer a fitness goal off my list. You know, because climbing up a nice little dormant volcano is a great fitness goal!

Rangitoto emerged from the sea 700 years ago and today is recreation reserve. The island is well protected and there is no construction or anything fancy there. There are 10 short and long walks on the island. You could do all of them but we planned to do just a few.

We took the ferry across from Auckland on what was a lovely day.

It was sunny and just warm enough when we started. Kepa and I both had packs with some food and clothes to change into later. There are no shops on the island so you have to bring enough food and water to last your trip. My awesome “hiking” clothes for the day:

When we got to the island there were way more people there than I thought. It was the last Saturday of school holidays here so lots of people were out enjoying the nice day.

The summit hike started at the wharf where the ferries drop people off and goes all the way to the top of the mountain you can see in the background. The majority of the trail is rocks/gravel surrounded by lots of lava rock and tons of trees, shrubs, and wildlife.

Apparently the summit trail and most of the roads on the island were built in the 1920s and 1930s by prison laborers! They’ve made improvements and updates since obviously since Kepa informed me of new areas since his last visit 13 years ago.

I had a slight obsession with the lava rocks and kept taking photos because I thought it was so cool. Believe me, I’m showing you only a few of the photos I took! I found it so interesting to see where the rocks were and imagining the last eruption involving lava flowing. Volcanoes and lava are terrifying but luckily these days we get advance warning of eruptions!

The walk wasn’t too hard going up for about 3/4 of the way. There was a lot to look at including some areas with information about the island built as a resting spot with seating in several places along the way.

I found these leaves with such an interesting shape… there were tons of them growing from the ground!

About 3/4 of the way up we took a little detour to loop around a trail to see the lava caves. This trail was more woodsy and had rocks in the middle of the trail instead of being a flatter surface created with gravel/rocks. It was also less steep than the summit trail so that was a nice break as well as a change of scenery.

The caves themselves were a bit spooky but fun to explore.

We didn’t know we needed a flashlight for the caves (so we weren’t 100% prepared!) but still decided to go through at least one. Luckily between some natural light, phones, and the camera we made it in and out without breaking any ankles or getting stuck.

After the lava caves detour we climbed the rest of the summit trail. And climbed is accurate. There were stairs, a steep incline for several minutes, and then more stairs. We stopped to take a photo at the crater, which is where the volcano erupted/would erupt.

Then after a two minute walk up the stairs we reached the summit!

Gorgeous views, right?

You could see SO FAR from the top. It’s definitely the best view I’ve had so far in Auckland, even better than the skytower.

Another self portrait at the top. By that point I was getting quite pink from the sun despite my sunblock and hat.

The walk to the top only takes an hour or so at an easy pace. I think we did the first part much faster than that and then the final part on that pace when it was steeper. It’s pretty accessible for almost any fitness level even beginners and kids. If you are in Auckland at some point (or live here and haven’t gone) you should definitely consider it!

After a few minutes up top enjoying the view we hiked around the crater rim and then down a new path. We stopped for lunch which was just a sandwich and chips and an apple – it reminded me of my lunches from school.

We enjoyed a nice shady view while eating.

Then we packed up and carried on!

Our next stretch of the hike involved a “road” that was gravel and lots of rocks leading down the back part of the mountain.

It said this walk would take 45 minutes and it probably did but it felt like it took forever! I guess because the scenery didn’t change much from the above photo and we were constantly looking down anyway to avoid rocks it felt a bit long and drawn out.

At the end of the road there was a cute surprise: a lighthouse!

I love lighthouses and didn’t even know there were any around here. It was nice to see this one at the end of the road at McKenzie Bay.

By the time we reached this beach at McKenzie Bay we were tired. We were a bit sunburnt and had hiked around 5 miles at that point. We actually spent a few minutes at the beach happily resting then realized if we left and booked it back to the wharf we could catch an earlier ferry.

That sounded like a great idea since we were already tired. There is nothing on the island beyond trails and a few historical bach houses (private summer home type of deal) so we didn’t want to get stuck on the island for more than an hour with nothing to do.

The last part of our walk was along the coastal road. It started off with these amazing trees.

And ended with a bunch of old houses and abandoned boat houses built in the 1920s and 1930s. Apparently people used to live on Rangitoto at the beginning of the last century but since 1937 no one has been allowed to build on the island.

The trail ended in the bach community. By the time we saw them and knew we were close we were slightly delirious from the hike. It was our longest and steepest so far, totaling 8 miles over almost 3 hours of walking. At the end we were tired and my feet were done. I definitely need better shoes than the old running shoes that are worn thin in the soles… they didn’t hold up well for that distance!

Needless to say, the appearance of the ferry at the end of our walk made us ecstatic.

Despite being incredibly tired by the end we were so happy we went to Rangitoto and explored it. It was a super fun day of hiking and hanging out in a gorgeous nature setting – the perfect way to celebrate my 26th birthday. And now I can cross this off my fitness goals and move on to the next one!

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Post Birthday Revelations

Birthday weekend is over!

I feel a bit hungover. Probably as one should, post birthday celebrations, but this feeling is mostly from food.

I ate out waaay too much over the last few days. So much that I’m feeling heavy and sluggish and just gross. I realized at dinner last night with Kepa’s family that I was really missing my food. The food I make myself, especially over the last few months, is so much better than the majority of what I had this weekend.

That was a revelation.  That is one revelation I’ve never had before because previously I’ve always thought my food was somehow subpar to what I could get at any place where they cook for me. Since I didn’t really start cooking for myself until I was 23 or 24 I didn’t have much confidence in my ability to produce amazing food. That changed when every meal I ate out this weekend gave me ideas for how I could make something better myself at home.

This birthday I gained confidence in my ability as a cook, without even cooking.

Needless to say, I’m happy to get back into the kitchen after a weekend of eating out. I know I can make more delicious, cheaper, healthier food and I can’t wait!

Be back later for a recap post on Rangitoto which was AWESOME and the best choice for a birthday activity. We ended up hiking 8 miles and went to the top and I loved the experience. More on that later. ;)

Side note: We dropped JuJu off at the vet this morning. She is getting fixed today! Poor puppy. Send her good wishes. xoxo

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How to Run: From Start to Race

The other day I had a friend message me on Facebook and asked me this question:

“…I want to learn how to run. I’ve never been a runner but I see a lot of your posts in regards to running. Any pointers for me?”

This got me thinking that maybe there are others out there who have the same question.  How do I start to run?

Three and a half years ago, this girl was not a runner:

I was not running anywhere!

She was not only NOT a runner, she wasn’t even a walker.  She was a non-exerciser.  Period.

If you would have told her that in three and a half years, she would run a half marathon, she would have told you that you were crazy.  If you then proceeded to tell her that not only would she run it, she would run it in two and a half hours and would average an 11:35 mile, she would have said, “Nope…not happenin’!”

Jen's First Half Marathon!

Well…guess what honey?!?  You did it and you rocked it and you have proved that if you just put one foot in front of the other, amazing things will happen.  They won’t happen overnight but they WILL happen.

I have come up with the 5 “S’s” for a beginning runner/walker.

1.  “Start“- No matter how much you weigh, no matter how out of shape you are.  GET YOUR BUTT OFF THE COUCH!  You can walk.  You can walk to the mailbox.  You can walk around the block.  You can walk across the parking lot instead of parking so close.  Start walking.  Take 10 minutes a day to walk somewhere.  It doesn’t even have to be fast.  Just start.  You will get faster.  You will be able to go longer.  You will be amazed with yourself if you just START.  After you have started, go…

2.  “Slow” – After you start, go slowly.  Don’t try to set any world records with time.  I promise you that you will get faster and you will be able to go farther if you just start slowly.  If you try to go too fast, you will either burn out, get frustrated, or injure yourself.  PLEASE go slowly.  It is more important you go LONGER than faster!  Slow and…

3.  “Steady” – Start, go slow, and do it at least four times a week.  If you seriously want to start running, you must be consistent with your walking.  Eventually walking will lead into jogging which will lead into running. However, if you are not consistent and train your body that this is the new “norm”, it will take much longer for your body to adjust.  When I was training for my half-marathon, I walked/jogged four times a week EVERY single week.  This was the only way my body grew stamina.  I went every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  You must be steady and consistent and you must…

4.  “Schedule It” – Put your daily walks/jogs on a calendar somewhere.  Plan ahead.  If you know you have a super busy day and you won’t have time after 8:00 a.m., get up earlier.  If you know you will have an hour window before dinner, schedule your walk then.  If you don’t plan ahead and write it down, something is always going to come up and you won’t have time, or you will be too tired, or you just won’t do it!  Once you have scheduled your walks and you are into a good rhythm with walking/jogging…

5.  “Sign Up” – Nothing motivates me more than a race.  If I know I have a race coming up, I will train for it and I will be more likely to stick to my plan.  Start small by signing up for a one mile fun run.  If you think you can walk for an hour without stopping, sign up for a 5k.  A 5k is 3.1 miles and you can walk that without a problem.  There are so many people out there who walk 5k’s.  When I was my heaviest, I walked a 5k with my sister in her town.  Yes, we were close to the back of the pack but you know what?  We did it!  We finished just like everyone else!  We went the same 3.1 miles that everyone else did.  It just took us longer!  To find a race in your area, look on Active.com.  If you sign up for one and do it, you will LOVE it and want to do more.  They are very addictive.

If you are thinking of becoming a runner, I just want to tell you one more thing.  YOU CAN DO IT!  Do not doubt yourself!  You are stronger than you think.  You will be able to go farther than you think.  You can be a runner if you decide to just start.

Now, start, go slow, stay steady, schedule it, and sign up for a race.  You’ve got this!

Just start moving!

Photo Credits

Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon 2012 – Race Recap2011 Gobble Jog – Race Recap

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Lose Weight, Stay Fit & Look Beautiful with a Smart Diet

Guest Post by Lisa Ball….

Do you think that dieting can only help you lose weight and make you look slimmer and energetic? Well, it’s equally important to remain fit and strong by adopting health building strategies. Nowadays, men too diet for not only retaining good looks but attaining good health. However, it has been found that women with the intention to shed too much weight land up with severe health complications.

According to health experts, a good percentage of women run on strict diets for months and years without knowing what may or may not favor one’s health. Consuming artificial pills and health drinks often result in side effects that gradually diminish one’s health standards with time. In fact, several underlying health conditions often bring complications in stimulating the hair growth in women. Therefore, they are always advised to consult health experts the moment they decide to take up weight loss programs.

There are several weight-loss programs for women designed to improve health standards and other physical complications. However, it’s true that one needs to choose a good and effective program by taking suggestions from health experts. In fact, a compact and healthy weight loss program will work wonders in improving one’s health as well as hair conditions.

Lack of vitamins – Those who are experiencing severe hair loss must live on such food containing considerable amount of vitamin. B-Complex vitamins are highly essential for retaining healthy hair. Doctors also advice to take foods rich in 8 B vitamins.

Eat green vegetables – Green vegetables are considered best for letting people regain not only quality hair but good health as well. Those who are vegetarians must consider B12 supplementation. Moreover, Vitamins A and C are also important for hair loss victims.

Eat lots of fruits – Fruits are always rich in vitamins and minerals which work wonders for the human body. In fact, those who remain worried with their hair prefer to have lots of citrus fruits to regain shiny hair.

Drink lots of water – Needless to say, water is extremely essential for every human, be it men or women. Whether you are planning to stimulate your hair growth or improve your health conditions, a minimum of 2 liters of water must be consumed on a daily basis.

 Stress and anxiety are the biggest factors that make women lose hair to a huge extent. Consequently, these affect their health standards thereby resulting in weight loss. Losing a good deal of weight in quick time can also make women physically weak. Exercises are a must which lets the blood to circulate in the body with perfection. This too stimulates the blood supply in the hair scalp allowing hair to grow. As mentioned earlier, dieting is always good for your health provided you maintain a proper diet. For instance, if you don’t consume vitamins and minerals regularly, you might be subjected to impaired health and even lose hair. So, a sensible diet will always keep you healthy and beautiful.

Lisa Ball is a Hair Treatment Expert. For Hair Loss Treatment, she suggests you to visit hairtreatmentexperts.com.

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Against the Wind – Weekly Weigh In

How close are you?

Well, my weigh in surprise from last week caught up to me.  Ten fold.

I didn’t go to Weight Watchers for several reasons but like always, I weighed in at home this morning.  Up 4 pounds.  Yep…4 freakin’ pounds.

So…I know that can’t possibly be “accurate” and it will even out next week.  No…I didn’t have a stellar week, however, I surely didn’t have such a “great” week that I gained 4 pounds.

I love how things happen that make me laugh and realize that this truly is a journey I am on.  I love how God places things smack dab in my path to get me to realize something.  Today was one of those days.

I had some time after school so I went to my mom’s house and we went on a walk together which we used to do quite a bit before I got a Monday afternoon tutoring student.  I have missed that time we spend together.

It has been VERY windy in Atlanta the past two days.  So much so that there has been a wind advisory.  Today, while we were walking, there were huge gusts of wind.  I mean HUGE!  You know, the kind of wind that when you are driving, you have to compensate a little bit in your car to stay in your lane?

Well…imagine that kind of wind while you are out walking.  Regardless, we were out for a nice long walk and the prettiest red bird flew in front of us.  At about that time, a huge gust of wind came and the bird was flapping his little wings like crazy but because of the wind he was just staying in the same spot.  He was  trying so hard but not going anywhere.  Eventually, the wind died down and he was able to get to his destination.

My mom and I started laughing hysterically.  We have never seen such a thing.  Poor little guy.

How many wind storms have we been caught in during our weight loss journey?  How many times have we been that little red bird flapping our arms as hard as we can to just feel defeated?   How many times have we stopped flapping because we feel the wind is too strong?

That little bird today did not stop.  He flapped as hard as he could even though he wasn’t going anywhere.  He did not give up.

No matter what storm you are going through, no matter how hard the wind is blowing, don’t give up.  Keep flapping those wings and giving it all you’ve got.  Eventually, the storm will calm and you will make it through to your destination.  Whatever you do, don’t give up!

What are your storms?  Have you reached a plateau?  Are you tired of flapping so hard and feel like you are standing still?  Keep on flappin’!

Photo Credit

Kicking and Screaming – Weekly Weigh InNegative Nelly – Weekly Weigh InNew Beginnings – Weekly Weigh InNo Excuses – Weekly Weigh InMeasure It – Weekly Weigh In

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Searching For Peace

Searching for Peace

Peace is a hard thing to attain.  Life throws so much at us, constantly, that there is ALWAYS something.

I have had a hard time lately with finding peace.  There is a lot going on in my life right now.

I am busy.  I am so busy that I sometimes feel like there is never time to just “be.”  I am thankful for two jobs that I LOVE that keep me busy.  I am thankful for a thriving blog that keeps me busy.  I am thankful for a home that keeps me busy.  However, I am busy and sometimes that busyness becomes a little much.

I am also struggling with disappointment.  I am disappointed in some areas of my life that I have no control over.  Lately it seems people are disappointing me more than usual.  I feel like maybe Satan is trying to get into certain areas of my life and I am fighting hard to keep focused on Christ and not let Satan get anywhere near me.  That is hard.

This afternoon, I was having a quiet moment thinking about things and I was led to my room to find the book, “Jesus Calling.”  I looked up the page for yesterday and it read:

Peace is My continual gift to you. It flows abundantly from My throne of grace. Just as the Israelites could not store up manna for the future but had to gather it daily, so it is with My Peace. The day-by-day collecting of manna kept My people aware of their dependence on Me. Similarly, I give you sufficient Peace for the present, when you come to meby prayer and petition with thanksgiving. If I gave you permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall into the trap of self-sufficiency. May that never be!

I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining My resources at all. Approach My throne of grace with bold confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart.

Weight loss is hard enough when things are going RIGHT in your life.  When things aren’t going so well, it makes it that much harder.

I am asking God right now to meet my needs with only the power He can.  I need His peace in my life and I am quietly asking Him for it.

Photo Credit

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