Ch-Ch-Changes

So first, sorry I haven't blogged in almost a week (or maybe you liked that!) and second, sorry that this is a text heavy post with no pictures!!

On January 1st (I know, I know), I set a goal to lose 30 pounds by the end of June. Being that 30 pounds seems like a whole lot of weight, I made 6 mini goals:  lose 5 pounds per month. Completely reasonable being as most sources seem to agree that healthy weight loss is around 2 pounds per week. So far so good, I lost 5 in January and I'm set to do well for February also.

I'm hoping that the mini goals will motivate me and provide the difference between this time and the last million times I've tried to lose weight. Usually I just say that I want to lose XX pounds before summer or something. Only when it's a week before vacation does it hit me that I'm not where I wanted to be. I always lose a little, but never enough to make a signifant difference for me.

What am I doing differently?

• I'm using an app on my phone called "Lose It" to track calories.
• It's free if you want to check it out (and you can add me as a friend by searching my email address -- 3xacharmrunner@gmail.com).
• You tell it what you weigh and how much you want to lose and it gives you calorie limits for the day.
• You can follow your friends to provide motivation to each other (they can't see your weight, don't worry!!). They can see if you aren't tracking your calories (and scold you) or see how many awesome workouts you're doing (and praise you!).
• HOW HAS IT HELPED?
•  I seriously had no idea how many calories I was eating and how out of control I was. There were times when I was consuming more than half of the calories I should be using for a day in ONE MEAL.
• I do really well with numbers and small, achievable goals. This lays it all out for me and I have small things to work for each day. When my motivation is low I just think, do you really want to eat that fill in the blank with some crap food? You're going to have to log it and it's going to stare you in the face every time you open the app. Or I look back on all the days I've done so well and stayed within my allotted calories. I don't want to throw that work away!
• I am learning how many calories my workouts deduct and how to use those calories but not abuse them. Many workouts deplete your body and you need to refuel, but you don't get a free pass.
• I'm trying to work out five times a week.
• I've started going back to the gym in the mornings (unless I have a reason to go at night).
• I love to sleep in, but what I love even more is having that awesome feeling all day that I've already accomplished so much!
• The gym is WAY less crowded in the AM so I am less self conscious and I can get everything I need to get done in less time.
• I've mixed up my routine.
• I'm not strictly following a running plan. I'm aiming to run three times a week but I'm not stressing about doing a certain amount of miles on a certain day. I'm trying to listen to my body more. (Not following a plan could bite me in the ass but this has yet to be determined!).
• I'm adding weight training at a goal of three times per week. Remember when I told you about the plan my little brother made for me? I did it for one week in December then quit when we went to Colorado and never started back. That resumed this past week.
• I'm trying to add yoga on AT LEAST one of my rest days. My body seems to do so much better when I take the time to stretch and clear my mind.

Do you have any advice for me?
Have you ever had a huge goal that seemed unachievable? What did you do?

My Top Five Tips For Getting Your Workout In Early

So as you may or may not remember, I set a goal 21 days ago.  I'm proud to say that I pretty much kicked it's butt!! Did I get up first thing EVERY morning? Nope. Did I get up and work out before work, church, and my other activities. YES.

It's true what they say that the hardest step is the first one. But once I made it to the gym, I found myself wishing that I had gotten up earlier to have more time!

Will I continue to workout in the morning? Absolutely! It's not always the most practical choice, but more often than not it is! It's great to be in the gym when it's quiet and almost empty. I'm not going to lie, it kinda makes you feel like a badass just being there!

I also get ready in less time (less distractions while getting ready) and I'm earlier to work. All great things!

So I thought I'd share what has worked best for me. So here are my top five tips for getting up early and getting your workout in:

5. Think about how awesome it will be to get off work and be able to come home and hang out with your family/put your feet up/eat dinner/watch tv/whatever.
4.  Get to bed at a decent hour. My goal was 7 hours of sleep minimum but hoped for at least 8.
3.   Avoid Nyquil. :)
2. Pack a dedicated gym bag (mine has a travel hairdryer and straightener, shower shoes, shower kit with shampoo, conditioner, and face wash, etc.). This way you don't have to worry if these key items are in your gym bag or your bathroom.
1. PLAN AHEAD. The first thing I do when I get home from work is change out my towel, unload my dirty clothes and pack tomorrow's outfit. That way it's ready to go in the AM. It takes 10 minutes and then it's done.

Another logistical thing I learned from the other women who shower at the gym... When you're finished with your towel, hang it on a clothes hanger then you can hang it in your car. Helps dry it out.

I hope this helps you out if you're thinking about trying to work out in the morning. I never thought I'd be the person to get up and work out before work. But I LOVE it and I feel so great for the rest of the day. It's 'my time' and it allows me to focus on the day. I'd encourage you to give it a shot!

Hope you all are having a great week so far!!