How 'bout that!?

First of all, I have to be a homer for a minute.  My 'Hoos men's basketball team makes me prouder by the day. They won a big one against Notre Dame today and showed some serious heart and selflessness.  They are total class and composure on and off the court! This does tie in to my post, I promise.

So, as I'm cheering them on today at the arena for the millionth time I realized something as all of the seats filled up around us.  I wasn't hot and sweaty. I wasn't touching my neighbor on either side. I could cross my legs.  I did not have armrests digging in to my sides, and I didn't have to 'plan ahead' by wedging myself way forward on the seat if I wanted to stand up. I guess this has been the case for a little bit now, but somehow I just took notice today.  I was comfortable, and I didn't even think about how I was fitting in the seat or anything else but the game. I remember my first season there.  I had to push myself in to the seats and wiggle myself out. Not anymore.  How cool is that? Little victory.

I also realized, when I changed clothes after the game, that I'm able to see progress again.  Remember those button fly jeans I talked about back in the fall?  I was wearing those - with a  saggy butt and I could take them on and off without undoing any of the buttons! How 'about that, y'all?  Very cool little victory.  I need some jeans. In fact I am almost out of non-gym clothes. This is great! I'm not going to go crazy though, don't worry.

I had a good night on my own at the gym tonight after a good weigh in this morning.  -Down 2.2 from last week. That was a nice start to my Saturday!

I committed to my two goal races this week by forking over the cash and officially signing up for them. I'm going back to basics for my 10k and am training "from scratch" using intervals.  I have moved away from that later and I honestly think that works better for me. I have a decent guide app. (10K Runner) that I'm using and I'm pleased with it.  Once i finish this program, I'll roll right in to training for my <eek> first half marathon!! I still giggle every time I say it or type it.  There's a partner app. (21K Runner) that piggy-backs right on to the 10K app. that will take me through to October and my 13.1 miles.  I'm so excited about both of them and can't wait to finish them- I don't care how fast!  I know I can do it, I just have to put in the work. Also, knowing that some special people will be running with me makes me so happy!

Nothing crazy going on for the upcoming week - just gonna keep grinding as my student-athletes at work say.  Here's hoping for more good results this week!

Keep it moving, people! Things to do!

Another week down and another pound and a half down, too!

A few snow days and a nasty cold impeded my progress a bit but everything will return to normal this week.  I think back to a year or two ago, and this cold I'm fighting off would have put me flat on my butt for a week and taking weeks after to return to normal.  This time around, I needed just a couple of days and I'm slowly feeling better.   That's a major victory in my book. Major.

I'm doing much better with food and am back on the track I was on before the holiday. I need to keep creating more good habits.

Major victory two? Blood.

I had a quarterly lab check-up with my primary doctor, Dr. Mom Jeans, this week.  Unbelievable.  All of my 'numbers' are not only normal, but better than that. It's the best blood profile I've ever had. EVER! My numbers had been great and I was off meds, which I wrote about before, but they're getting better. I was amazed and encouraged. I really wanted to cry. Dr. Mom Jeans even gave me a big ole hug! When I texted the news to my friend today, their response was that they were tearing up. Then I cried.  Also, then I wiped my eyes with tissues infused with Vicks Vapo-rub. Then I cried again. Seriously though, I'm so happy.


Major victor three? Jumprope.

Yes, I have three victories to report.  Tonight at boot camp I had a great time. Yes - I had fun.  I jumped rope, y'all.  This is a major win for your girl! And the second time around I did really well! Loved it.  That was a big deal to this girl! 

Major victory four? Team Cavanaugh
Ok this one isn't mine, but I need to send big big love out to the most wonderful husband in the world.  Jason is finishing up his final projects and is about to finish his degree…with honors! I'm so proud!! I can't wait to celebrate with you officially and open up this next chapter for both of us. I love you to the moon and back x Pi! 



So - lots of hard work. No feeling sorry for myself. No more road blocks (for all of Team Cavanaugh). We're doing it! I'm ready to keep going down this long road! Thanks for your continuing support. 


With that I have a new theme song / jam! (Warning - cuss words!)  I'm going to play DJ and send it out with a shout out to my trainer, my homey,  my friend, Big A. {Y'all send him some good vibes too, because he sure could use them!} He's taking on a big challenge over the next few days, so send him some good thoughts and prayers, or whatever you do.  He is my rock  every day at the gym and beyond so I hope he knows how much he means to us.  We'll be cheering you on from home.  You got this, B! Here's my jam for you: 

Here's a link for folks who can't get the video to play:

Kid Ink - No Miracles (Explicit Language)

Saturday part II - feeling like I'm back in the zone

It took a few weeks but I am feeling like I am back in the zone.  I am motivated. I am working hard. I have having fun. I want  to run. I want to be at the gym. I have 180'd my food in the past couple of weeks and I am seeing results again, inside and out.  I think I can officially say I am out of my funk.

So, my post from earlier today (http://angelcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2014/02/do-what-stats-tell-you.html) REALLY helped end this week on a high note.  I have been having bad hip and knee pain while running so I got fitted for different shoes. Jackpot! I was able to do that 70 minute run (first 4 minutes were walking), get just over 4 miles in, and do a full hour of Big A training today. And I feel great!! No pain - just sweat and I'm sleepy. :) This gives me hope about my commitments to run the 10K and the 1/2 marathon! I WILL DO IT!

I was already motivated this morning when I weighed in and was down a little over 4 pounds since last Saturday! I had crept back up to 245.9 and am sitting at 241.1 today.  I have found a way to jumpstart things again. Hopefully I'll have a few weeks of this and then I can consistently get rid of .5-1.5 a week after that and I'll be thrilled.  It's all about food.  I've realized during my little funk that I can use my crazy food obsession, but in a totally different way.  I just need to obsess about broccoli rather than chips and dip.

I also now know that maybe my funk was a good thing.  It made me realize that I have to start working a little harder and longer to get some more results.  That's a GOOD thing. It means I have made progress and my body will not let me get by with minimum effort.

How am I going to keep this going? I'm going to an extra boot-camp style class for 2 nights during the week and I love it. -Just started that this past week. It's not crazy at all and there are people of all levels there so it's perfect! (By the way, if you live near me you are welcomed to come with me!)

I've got some motivation shout-outs to give today.  So many of you keep me motivated and I appreciate it so much!! …from checking my desk for bad snacks and soda at work (Abbey) , to 'liking' Facebook posts or talking to me there about fitness stuff (TONS of you - but especially Missy, Teresa, and my new friend Sam who is killin' it in her gym across town!), calling me out on my lack of blog posts, telling me you're proud (My best husband in the world, and Mo Mo and Pete), reminding me how far I've come (Big A), or even telling me my ass looks smaller (You really think I'm telling you who said that??).  Oh - and of course my mommas.  All real G's thank their mommas.   I appreciate all of you! Thank you! I do really love y'all.  …and stop looking at my ass.

____________________

This week's obsession…my obsession for the past 2 months:

Do what the stats tell you.

So the famous "they" say that one is more likely (like 80%) to achieve a goal that he or she writes down. -and even more likely to achieve it if he or she visualizes it and speaks it out loud. 

Last night, I wrote down "4 MILES. RUN. 1 HR & 1/2."

I got up this morning and said to myself, "Self, I'm going 4 miles today without stopping no matter how fast or slow I move, I won't stop. I think I can do it in 90 minutes."

In the car I said it out loud to myself. 

On the treadmill I just saying that the miles number will flip to 4. It WILL flip to 4 before I stop. 

Boom.