InSphireHer

2013-02-23T07:13:00.001-08:00

10K Training....

This was me on my first day of training (yellow Old Navy hoodie, yea I know, it's my uniform).... you can't tell by the picture above but I was really excited!!!! I had envisioned me being a strong runner, making tons of friends, purchasing some new kicks, and all the other fun stuff that comes with running. And thus far, I am 50% of the way there, and loving it. I have met some really nice folks and the encouragement is CRAZY.

I am proud of my self of course for taking on this challenge, but I am also proud of my self for checking in every single Saturday, running, pushing my self, and finding strength that I have let sleep for way too long.

Tap in to that inner strength, you'll be glad you did at the end of the day.

2013-02-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Today was the day that I reached a my goal of running 3 miles!!!!

Quick briefing, I am going to run the Monument 10k this April and I am so excited about this venture I am taking under my wing. For the past 3 weeks I have been training with the YMCA Downtown training team and it is so inspiring. Today I woke up to a very dark sky and large flakes of snow hitting the ground. When I warmed up my car those large flakes soon became droplets of rain.....

And believe it or not, in the back of my mind I was actually hoping and praying my training session was not cancled today, I really wanted to hit the pavement and get my run on.

When I arrived to the meeting location, only half of the participants were in tow but I will still full of excitement. And I did it. I ran an estimated 13 minutes a mile at a steady pace, with two ladies that made the conclusion feel like the last slice of your moms apple pie. It was so awesome. And I left with a tee shirt.... how about that.

When I got in my car I screamed with joy, overwhelmed excited because I stuck it out, I train weekly and I am tapping into commit to self, and I have to admit, this feels so rewarding.

Set your mind to something and do it, it sounds simple, and it really is once you sit and think about it. Get it done and make sure you celebrate with a bang when it's all over with.

Next Sat 4 miles...... It just keeps getting better and better.

Until next time.

2012-09-12T12:53:00.002-07:00

GOOD GAWD.......

So I have finally made my way back to the gym and it feels so damn good, I almost cried as I walked in the door (tears of joy of course). Monday I hit that elliptical gave it the "business" for 45 minutes and then conditioned these legs. Man I thought I was on to something!

Until.....

I decided to take a group exercise class.... Zumba, you must know I am an avid lover of it. I love dancing and Latin/salsa moves make me feel like a princess once it's all said and done. I mean come on, with all the hip movements and not to mention gyrating and jiggling there is NO WAY possible you can't love it.
But on this Tuesday I decide to take a course I'd never heard of NOR did I take time out to look it up to see what it was about. All I know is I made it on time, was number 5 on the list and I was "ret-to-go!!!!".

And then I see these suspensions hanging from the ceiling.... and nothing in me said "walk away".....
I actually stayed and asked for punishment.

And that is EXACTLY what I got!!!

This exercise helps rebuild your core, arms, legs, and back! It increases muscular endurance and it is great for all fitness levels!

In 60 minutes we touched on everything from squats, lunges, push ups, sit-ups, planks, even bicycles and so much more. When I left that place I had the walk of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the confidence of a millionaire.

I slept like a baby and woke up with sore muscles every where from my thighs to my damn forearm, now you know.... that is a work out!!!

So needless to say I will be there every Tuesday and Friday (6:45 AM - as long as I can muster up the energy to make it out that early) so I can get my body with this program......

Also try something new.
Introduce your body to it, learn it, perfect it, and always share it.

Until next time fam.........

2012-09-05T10:33:00.004-07:00

Breakfast.....
You know it's the most important meal of the day right?
Hell yes, you were already aware.... BUT question is how do you make sure what your eating is best for to keep that strong bod running through out the day?
If it makes you sleepy or sluggish.... Uh.... You probably shouldn't make that your daily staple.

I've decided to incorporate more fruits and veggies for breakfast may it be through means of whole or cut fruits and veggies or juicing..... either way I am getting it in and I don't feel like I need coffee to keep me going through out the day.

My juice consist of:
1 Banana
4 Strawberries
2 Carrots
1/2 Mango
1/4 Pineapple
4 bushels of Kale
2 Celery Sticks
and of course a nice cup of ice, since there is nothing like a nice cool drink to kick your am off after a Sweaty AM session!!!

Never be afraid to experiment with the wellness and for the better when it comes to your health. Grab your favorite fruits and veggies (of course drop in some you've never tried before and give it a shot!) I promise you will feel great and have a much better day then being fueled off of greasy eggs and bacon.....

Your worth much more than that lol

2012-08-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned. Good stuff is in route!!!

In case you missed this summer.... plan on coming back with a bang for summer 2013!!!!!!!

2012-07-09T10:47:00.002-07:00

Today a question was passed my way: "What events in your life have impacted your weight gain?" and I said......

As for me, I grew up with my mom and my grandfather as major impacts in my life, mom was more so on the heavier side but my grandfather did his best to remain fit. And he always told me that a woman should take care of her body and mind her appearance. Also, growing up in the city I noticed how my friends (skinny chicks) were treated compared to me the rounder lady of the bunch….

As I got older, I then learned about medical hits my family was taking from diabetes. I lost one of my favorite great aunts to the disease, a disease that I thought was one obtained by just simple bad luck. When I learned it could be prevented and for some reversed (learned this with my husband in my head, Luther Vandross), I then began to take charge and look at the way I viewed food and physical fitness.

My final year in high school, I knew I was graduating and I knew that I would never see these folks again. My normal 170 frame blew up to 200 lbs in less than 6 months, all from sweet birthday cake, soda, pizza, and the wonderful fried foods.

When I hit my freshman year at NSU, I began making better choices with eating and fitting in physical activity when ever I could. When I officially cut out the beef and pork my wide statue became a sleek slender frame coming in at 1 motha-freaking 50…. Lawd the good ole days lol lol.

I now am not aiming to be small (although I am on a mission to get some type of abs lol) I want to be physically fit so I don’t feel like 35, 40, hell even 50!!!!

I also can not bear any types of surgery or shooting my self with insulin, those are not options for me. So I focus on steering clear of anything that can be prevented by moderation and exercise.

Now your turn....... what events have impacted your weight gain of loss??

Accomplishments

2012-03-20T08:09:00.002-07:00

I always manage to come up with tons of ideas, and guess what.... I usually don't follow through, bad yes, I know.

This time around things are different. I am not sure if I got tired of my daughter calling me juicy (her term for FAT!!!) or if I was just wanting my 30's to be completely different compared to my 20's.

How often do you sit back and think about your list of goals to meet? How many of them have you hit? What have you accomplished thus far? How often do you ask yourself this question; how often do you ask others this question?

Time to consider the possible along with the impossible and get on the ball.

Look forward to videos!!!

And soon to come, live meetings!!! Nothing like getting some exercise in while outdoors!!!!

Here is to a Brand Nu You!!!

A Journey Inspired

2012-02-28T20:41:00.002-08:00

I sat down with my best friend who is currently on her own journey with weight loss and management. Her over all goals inspired me to follow through with plans made and her story is one to share.

When inspired, share the story, it was created to touch others.....

1.      How tall are you?[Toccara Robinson] 5’11

2.      What type of surgery did you have?[Toccara Robinson] Gastric Sleeve.. its different from the gastric bypass because they do not cut your intestines. With the Gastric Sleeve, they pretty much remove a large portion of your stomach. It makes it so that your esophagus, stomach, and intestines are like one long tube or sleeve.

3.      I understand you and the gym have become best friends, what motivates you on a daily basis to live this healthy lifestyle.[Toccara Robinson]   I never thought I would ever say this but yes, the gym and I have become very acquainted. I am there pretty much 5 to 6 days a week and twice a day a couple times out of the week. My will to live is what motivates me on a daily basis. I watched my cousin die from her weight and I vowed at her funeral that, it would be me. Whenever I feel like not going to the gym, I just remember my cousin and how she would have given anything to have the opportunity to change her lifestyle. Trust me it’s not easy but when I see other morbidly obese people like myself, something insides me just won’t let me give up and quit.

4.      Do you plan on making an impression on others? And if so, who is your target audience?[Toccara Robinson]   I definitely want my journey to serve as a motivator for other people. I want people to look at me and look back at my past pictures and say WOW, if she can do it, I can do it because this journey has very little to do with where you start but has everything to do with where you end up. I am open to inspiring any one that needs the inspiration but I am really passionate about helping those people that are at a point where they can’t even help themselves. I want to make a lasting impression on the folks that society has pretty much given up on. The people that look at themselves and say, being fit will never be me and that feel like there is little they can do to change because they are destine to just be fat. I want them to know that there is still hope and that they are worth the effort despite of what they think and what society wants them to believe. There is still hope for change.

5.      Name one thing at the end of every day you set out to accomplish? Is that target hit every day?[Toccara Robinson] Umm that is a hard one. Every day I try to accomplish celebrating the little things. I try to relish in the fact that it’s another day for me to try to do just a little more than I did before. To try something new and to push myself towards another goal. I have come to realize and my friends have been very instrumental in helping me come to this realization, that I am very hard on myself and that I don’t give myself enough credit for the accomplishments that I have made. So my goal is to take a few moments everyday to reflect and to give myself a pat on the back. There is still room for improvement but I can never forget where I came from

Stay tuned, we will definitely watch this woman succeed!!!

Go Toccara!!

Be sure to check out her blog; watch as learns, teaches, and shares with the world!

Click HERE to check out Toccara's Blog

Building this CORE

2012-02-28T20:17:00.002-08:00

The best way to gauge performance is to make sure it is tracked, researched, and rewarded of course silly!
I am proud of where I stand and the direction I am heading. I always find, and do my best to share stories of motivation and inspiration but I think I tend to skip my personal thoughts and consideration when it comes to those words (motivation & inspiration).

When it comes to your core, remember that is the center of where your energy comes from. As long as you work on making it stronger you can't go wrong. I've listed a few things for you to remember...

In order to join me on this journey in finding those abs kiss the spot reduction GOOD BYE..... doing crunches every day will do you no justice and will discourage you since results are at a minimum. Make sure your cardio and strength training are apart of your training routine.

Your abdominal muscles are just like every other muscle in your body, they require rest. Focusing on that core every other day will do just fine hun. And be sure to experiment with various exercises!!

If you'd like to have that strong core you'd better learn more about your back! There is no way to have a nice tight core yet a loose back. Be sure to incorporate some exercises that train that back, you'll thank me later.

Pay attention to what your body responds to since some moves are way more effective than others. I cuss the most when I put in some bicycles, a reverse crunch, and a stability ball crunch. This means they are effective!

Make sure you EAT your way to a flatter belly since we all know "ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN!". Avoid sugars (especially those good ole sweet beverages) and keep a clean diet.

Stay tuned more to come on the 5 topics just touched. Don't want to put you in info overload!!!

Great night Fam!!!!!

Motivation!!!!! - The Pics Say it ALL

2012-02-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

So I was working my way here, and was side tracked by my girls blog, Health4Life, and it blew my mind to see how much weight she has lost.

It takes me back to the actual act of inspiration. What inspires you? How do you remain inspired?

I must admit that I am inspired by others with out a doubt, BUT at the end of the day my goal is to inspire my self. Who better to cheer me on right???

Here are a few bodies I admire! I need to post these things on my damn wall so I know exactly what my focus is!!!

My girl Beyonce. Hands down, this woman is with out a doubt beautiful on the inside and out. I would love to have her core strength!

You hate to love her, but hell, you have to.

Mz. Kim Kardash!!!!

While her face has gone straight to hell, her curves are still in tact; you can't do anything but respect that.

While slim and always stylish, I love the risk she takes when she has clothes on, and from this peice of motivation you can see exactly why she takes those risks, Rihanna:

Last but not least, Rose, Amber Rose.

No hair, and extra curves, gotta love it!

If this didn't motivate you then I have failed....

But something tells me, that is NOT the case!!!!

Here goes all the hard work coming from within!!! (Don't worry - I've got your back!)

Let's Do the Math

2012-02-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hey sis, did you know there are 3500 calories in one pound of fat? Does that sound like a lot? Hummm, lets see.

The average person takes in between 1500 -1900 calories perday (recommended) there are 7 days in a week!!! Imagine the numbers now!

I found a site that was useful in helping me understand, with numbers, the amount of energy (calories) my body could take in and still get me to my goal! (I vowe to make this as much fun as possible! lol). As well as the number of calories burned during daily activities!

Plug your numbers in: (The purple is an example of my layout email me if you have any questions or need help with your numbers.)

How many calories should you intake (max): 1570

How many calories to you take in during the week: (daily total X 7 days in a week) 10990

How many calories do you burn in a day (use this calculator for number) 508 (taebo)

How many caloris do you burn in a week: Number of days exercised x calories burned 3048 (6 days)

Calories consumed in a week - Calories burned in a week : 7942

Now: Divide your total by 3500: 2.3

NOTE: If it averages out to 2.5 or more calories, adjust your intake or calories burned, you may work too hard to achieve your goals, and burn out quickly!

Keep playing with the numbers until you hit something that is realistic.

Lessons for the day 2.21.12

2012-02-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

Did you know that one spoon of sugar shuts down the immune system for three hours!!!!!

Yes! So please re-think that sweet soda we give our kids early in the AM. Hell rethink all the sweet stuff we intake! Is it really worht it?

Did you know milk is Mother Nature's "perfect food"... for a calf, until it is weaned... Soooo

Why are YOU still drinking it?

ALL cows milk (regular and organic) has 59 (yea thats NOT a typo) active hormones, scores of allergens, fat and cholesterol.

Not trying to make you change the way you eat, if you really don't want to.

What I will do, is do my BEST to educate you! We have so much to learn!!!!

New to Yoga - Enjoy and relax.....

2012-02-21T06:52:00.001-08:00

Become stronger and flexible with this move from Marc McDonald and Jess Lpez. Recommended equipment: Mat and towel.

Begin on all fours with hands directly under your shoulders, knees under your hips

Walk hands a few inches forward and spread fingers die pressing palms into mat

Curl toes under and slowly press hips toward ceiling, bringing your body into an inverted V, pressing shoulders away from ears. Feet should be hip-width apart, keens slightly bent

Hold for 3 full breaths and repeat 4 times.

Abs - Bicycle Crunches

2012-02-21T06:48:00.001-08:00

A strong core of course says a lot bout your willpower, but it looks good and it means you have a very strong support system!

Lying on your back with knees stacked in the air over the hips alternate movement of right elbow touching or coming close to left knee.

Alternate, sweat and BREATH!!!!

You love what you see in no time!!!!

Gotta Love Strong Legs

2012-02-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

Alternating leg lunges are great for the quadriceps (legs) as well as the glutes (booty - yea I said it :) ).

Starting with feet side by side, abs tucked in, back straight, chest up and facing forward, step forward with the right leg. Bring it back to starting position and repeat with the left leg. Knee should NEVER reach past the toe.

Weights are optional.

If your a beginner (have been working out less than 30 days on a regular schedule) stick with weight free. Complete 3 sets of 10 (reps)

Intermediates should use weights ranging from 2 lbs to 5 lbs. Complete 3 sets of 15

The advanced group can begin with 8 lbs or more, work at a comfortable, yet challenging level - remember, you want to grow and progress. Complete 3 sets of 16

Am I Insane?????

2012-02-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Soooo, as always I find my self trying yet something else that is new!!! Have I completed my running phase? No.
Have I completed my Zumba phase? (what ever that means) Hell No!
But I have promised to find a way to incorporate everything into my life.

I now have the wonderful Insanity in my possession and I am going to ride it until the wheels fall off. This is the stage where my body will transform because right now, although I hate admitting it, I am in a stagnant position, and I need a bit of hands on assistance with a challenge.

So I will make sure I tell you day in and day out how this new journey makes me feel. In the mean time, I will also share some research on things we eat.... I have been running across some very interesting facts. Facts that can't be ignored.

And I will make sure I bring the humor back in this because it is soooooooo long gone! LOL LOL.

Happy Tuesday Biachaes!!!!!!!

Running???

2012-02-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

Guess what I've started doing........ Yup, walking really fast and making it looking like my feet leave the ground at the same time! lol.
I am currently preparing to run a 10K 44 days from now. That means I am currently training because I can run a full mile with no interruptions but I've bumped up to 3 miles and I tend to break when need be.
This run has come with so many laughs, aches, pains, and that wonderful feeling of accomplishment! When I make it home after a run I am full of so much energy and life! I want to dance I want to jump around, I want to play games, it's all so crazy.
Why am I running? Because it is the one thing that I have always wanted the ability to do. I feel you have got to be full of mental strength and a bit of physical strength doesn't hurt either! I have told individuals I would sign up for half marathon's only to quit and never join the group that follows through. This time is different.

Watch me run, and stay tuned!!!!!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-09-09T13:22:00.001-07:00

I missed out yesterday due to the fact the people that pay me to work, actually put me to work... ummmhummm go figure.

With that being said lets officially get this party started. First and foremost I have to shout out the two people that make this blog possible my other half and my Twin. LOL.

While riding into work today and bassing the ABC and Twinkle twinkle little star song, I thought to self, "Self, what are you going to accomplish today?"
Today I am going to make sure I let my loved ones know just how much I love them. I am going to actually go hard at selling some halloween tickets if I expect any one to be there, and I am going to stop letting my child ask me to listen to the Stanky Leg.... yes somethings must come to an end.

And while today is tasty Tuesday, I wont let that get to my head..... I will NOT pick up the bottle tonight!!!!

...... Now tomorrow is a different story! LOL

Past, Present, and Future Love

2011-09-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

I fell in love last night. I fell in love with a man that has been a part of my entire adulthood. I fell in love with a man that has molded me into all of the womanliness I possess. I fell in love last night with the first man that has ever had my heard, mind and soul in his hands all at once.I fell in love with my child's father, my husband of eight years.

And it truly felt amazing.

Love is a powerful force, it can make you smile or cry all day long. Some times it can leave you in a state of complete confusion. Other times, and these are the best times, it reminds you that nothing else in the world matters besides love. Nothing.

I had a unwanted period of separation from my husband and now that he is back I feel so elevated.The vibe between us seems to be off to a great start. I am so nervous.

NTW

2011-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

When I hit my late teens and started learning what life was focused around ($$) I had it stamped in my head NO KIDS FOR ME!!!!

That was all until I somehow let my self fall in love and then had this urge to create, share, and duplicate, gotdamn mother nature!

And now here she is 4 years later. Making me laugh, cry, dance, shout, read, write, and confess. Never had I thought a seed, a creation could give me the feeling that I feel when ever I am with and with out her. It is amazing! I find my self thinking about her future, wondering what she is going to be like as a teen, and as an adult. Will she always love me this much? Will she always kiss me this much? Will she always feel like she needs me? Will she always want to talk to me? Honestly?

I make sure I tell her, that I want her to be honest with me. When she wants to talk about having a boyfriend, I don't shoot her with the, "NOT NOW, don't say that, just think about school" because I know the conversation is going to come up if not with me it will be with one of her pick-a-niny friends, and I DO NOT WANT THAT, ugh.

I love my mini me.

...Next How I Met and fell for Mr. CLW.....

No Kid No Hubbie?

2011-09-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

This week has been a very trying one in regards to my relationship and while it appears I have been brushing the seriousness of it off, I have been playing in my mind, my next move and how it may affect my future. Better yet, I am going to dig deep with in my self and do what is necessary for me to overcome this storm and move right on along.
I am going to DC this weekend, and this is going to be the first trip I have taken in a very long time with out my husband and with out my child. This is going to be interesting. I am so ready to site see. I am ready for the change of environment, and I am ready to just take my life to another place via bus lol. Next stop NYC for Halloween! LOL LOL

My clothes are packed, my outfits are decent, nothing on the raunchy level. And shoes aren't loud... not to mention its time for a new pair. I am just ready to link up with my girl meet some new folks, chalk back a few drinks and keep the party rolling!!!!!

DC Here I come!!!!

I feel like I have said this before! lol

Work out

2011-09-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday I had the best workout of my life. Sweating is the best way for me to release energy, stress, anger and anything else built up inside of me. Talk can help soothe these niches but there is nothing like getting on a machine and sweating it up.

I am ready for a girl filled weekend of fun relaxation, no men, no kids and PLEASE no drama.

I want to find a spa and get some aromatherapy in my life. Hell I want so really 1 on 1 therapy, I am in need of it right now!!!!!

School, my relationship, my job, my child all if it is just so up in the air, nothing has any balance or stability right now. Neither does my personal well being. I am playing a role and pretending I am making well but goodness, this is so much for one girl to take!

Stick with me on this journey, it is going to get interesting world. My life, as we know it.

Honesty and Loyalty

2011-09-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have taken my past for granted. I have made bad decisions and at times I never took them on as lessons. One decision I will never ever be able to take back is lying and cheating. Yes, the worst of the worst. Right now I am having this on-going mental battle with my self as my husband explains how and why he is at these crossroads. I've lied and yep I too have cheated, but I feel so misunderstood because I was not alone in this battle and I with out doubt didn't kick this party off.

So now everything that is said and just about everything I do is second guessed and linked to another man. What is so mind boggling is the mere fact that I am not doing it.

So on to a better question, why not?

Let's think about this, really.
I would still have to deal with the same things I deal with on a daily basis, but it would be true!
I would probably have more fun!
And, my husbands assumptions wouldn't bother me at all.

But what about everything else.
What about the time invested in my relationship. What about forgiving and forgetting. What about personal growth?

I have never been so stuck. I am at this point where I am leaving all of our mutual beings and decisions (in regards to being together) up to him.

What I find funny is the fact he can start this party and not have the guts or the strength to finish it.

Either be together or walk away. This is not a game that is built on torture.

And that's where I am right now.

Pull my hair out my head one strand at a time. I want to walk away instead of dealing with the cards that are being dealt to me, but I love that man with all my heart, and if he or I decide to have a side piece and the other still sticks around there should be no argument.

My point: if you feel so passionate about what you think is true, than accept it or move on.

I've made my decision and I am very content.

Annual Blogger

2011-08-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

I really should be ashamed about my level of dedication when things come to mind or cross my path that spark my interest. I LOVE writing, so why is sitting down for ten minutes to entertain my self and stick to something, seem like such a chore. Ahhh who knows. So lets give this another shot.

I am 10 pounds lighter, still working to get rid of yet another 10, and it is do-able. I can feel it!!!

I have been in my natural state for almost two years!!!! See - I have so much to blog about but I have been depriving the world! LOL LOL.

My child is big, my husband is teaching me something about my self every day.

I am grateful, and lucky. And it has taken tons of frustrating days, nights, weeks, months even years, for me to realize this.

I thank my team. With out them two, I really don't know what life would be like.

Until then.

To stay or to leave..... Is that really a question?

2010-11-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so why the hell is life so stressful. And why is it so difficult to gain control of things that seem so within reach. I have worked with the same organization for almost six years. I watched just as much wrong doing as good. But why is it that i am still never amazed at all of the things done that's wrong???

Cause my ass is a slave to a pay check.
Now ain't that a bitch.

So now is the time for me to free my self and venture off into my new world. I am awaiting the over due return of my husband, the union of my family, the introduction of the raw lifestyle and so much more.

I am not sure how I ever became so complacent and comfortable with my current situation. I am not sure how I let them win me over by giving me a raise one year and nixing out on me the next. The bigger question is WHY did I let them do it.

But I guess there is no need to cry over spilled milk. I have learned a lot and now it is time for me to move on. I am really excited about relocating. I will be close to my mom, so she can spend more time with our kid and me and hubby and re-connect the way we have envisioned for some time now. With this extra help the financial strain will be lifted off my shoulders for a bit so I can then focus on school - just saying that is exciting.

From the looks of it I think next week is the week that I drop my notice in... this should be exciting lol lol lol