What's SUP?

So, in an effort to do things that I am not comfortable with, felt I was "too heavy for" etc, today I tried something new again.  SUP- or Stand-up Paddle boarding.

Here were my fears going in:
-People will start at me as a big girl in a swimsuit
-I will not be able to balance even kneeling on the board
-My upper body would be too weak to paddle for very long
-My balance would not let me be able to stand up
-I would spend more time in the water than on the board
-Once I fell in, I would not be able to get myself back onto the board
-I would fall off and hit my head on something and knock myself out
-I would end up going round and round in circles because I could not paddle strong enough
-The poor instructor would have to rescue me and come get the darn board/paddle because I would not be able to get myself back to shore

But, I signed up.  It helped that a good friend of mine was teaching the class.  And that another friend agreed to come along and be my buddy (She is the one that did the great graphic above)

So, then we get there.   As you can see, the boards are BIG..... 11'6".  And it was threatening storms.....  (See dark clouds behind me)

After a lovely safety talk in which it became clear that my fears above are VERY normal.  Ok....was feeling a little better....but still nervous.  OMG, what was this girl thinking.  (Glance at my big pasty thighs......OMG.....What am I doing in the middle of this park w/ no shorts on.)

OK, finally we are getting in the water.  In the water nobody will see my thighs.  (Oh wait, we get right on the board.)  OK- so busy balancing I stop thinking about my thighs....(and that they are likely visible on any overhead GPS as they are so darn white)

OK......   out we go.  Hey, this paddling is not too bad.  (HMM....these things on my shoelaces are not comfortable digging in....might as well try standing up as the poor knees just don't like this kneeling and the lace cinch hurts)  HOLY CRAP-  I was able to stand right up.  NO PROBLEM!!! I GOT THIS!!! And I start paddling.  OK. This is going well too...... YES!  I am way out in front, I am across the pond.  Hmmm, time to turn.

SPLASH- got a little to cocky on the turn.  In I went.  Followed the directions that were given at the beginning of class on how to get up.  OK.... life vest and boobs are an issue.  Move a bit further back.  BAM!  And I am back on the board!

And cruising along.  It is so peaceful on the water.  My legs feel strong.  My arms and shoulders feel great.

Chatting w/ another person......  SPLASH.  YUP..... did it again- turned around to talk to someone.  Ummm, standing on a board.  Right back up first try.

All told only hit the water 3 times.  Got back up w/ no problem.  Towards the end we started messing around.  Was able to do Downward Dog on the board!  Was able to get the board out of the water myself.

Nobody stared at me.

I did not knock myself out.

Nothing I was afraid of happening occurred and instead the most wonderful thing did.....  I found a new pride in my strength.  My friend and I can't wait to do it again.  And maybe try kayaking?

Be bold, Be Brave, Be Strong my friends- you will be surprised how fun it can be!!


***IF you have an LL Bean near you, check for classes-well run and affordable- if you are near Hoffman Estates, IL- Cassi Ams is the BEST instructor!!!

Getting back on track.....

So, as I posted the other day it has been a bit crazy in my life.  Isn't that how it is for everyone?  We have the best of intentions but then life gets in the way.

So..... fitness-wise I have only done a few runs- A spur of the moment "Dirty Girl Run, The MELD run on 7-4-14, a Virtual Run and then yesterday I did a Color Blast 5k.

One of the coolest things I have had happen is I was matched through iRun4 with a Buddy.  I run for an adorable little guy named Brody.  Brody is 20 months old and born with essentially 1/2 a heart!  He is an amazing little guy and I dedicate all I do for him.  His family cheers me on and makes me feel more motivated to work out.  Brody is truly a Heart Hero!

That said, I have been inconsistent w/ working out w/ the trainer and working out on my own.  I have gotten in the miles but not the weight training I need to keep the scale moving.  My body is aching from slacking.  It NEEDS the training.

In my head I would tell myself "Oh, but w/ all the packing and moving I am getting in workouts". And my BodyMedia would show that my calorie burn was around where it needed to be.

BUT-- the scale started creeping up..... first a pound, then two.  I am now up 5 pounds from last October.  YIKES!!!  My clothes still fit so it may be transient. (It fluctuates between 3 and 5 the past few days)

But it is still up.

AND-- I am not feeling ready for my Spartan in 5 weeks.  I really, really need to find my motivation and my mojo.

One thing I did was take what I like to call "Accountability Pics."  Stripped down to my bra and panties and a few very personal selfies.  Front, side and back.  It is the first time I have ever done these but I really needed to do it.

This has helped me to realize that the belly bloat is creeping back.  Truly, our belly fat is made mostly in the kitchen, not in the gym and I KNOW my food has been bad.  Conviennce has won over quailty the last 6 weeks.

SO.... back to my supplements.  Back to MyFitnessPal and logging my food, back to REALLY being serious about working out at home and at the gym.

So hang in there my followers, I am rededicating myself to this journey. 34 days to Spartan (OMG!!!!)

OK, few pics from the last month- if you think of it, please hit me up from time to time to see how I am doing and help hold me accountable.  Food, Fitness and FUN!  Gotta get working on all three!

I think I am in LOVE with this pic!
I was actually teasing the Camera guy who
was WAY to clean "Come on, Don't you
want a hug?" but this pic just really makes me see
how far I have come physically and also self-esteem wise.
When I started this journey I would NEVER have been out in a
Tank-top and compression capris that tight nor
published the pics for the whole world to see!

MELD 4th of July 5 miler-PR at 14:00 min/mile

Door County 5k Hike w/ my Step-Mom Margi- WAS A GREAT WEEKEND!

Post ColorBlast 5k- SUPER Hot and Humid-
Popsicle not only hit the spot but matched me

Me and a few friends after the ColorBlast!
Congrats to my Friend Sandy for finishing her 1st 5k!

WOW----has it really been that long?

Today I was thinking and said to myself "I really need to get back on track.  Start logging my food, following a training schedule, blogging".  Take a little trip over here and OMG- I have not blogged here since June 1st?  How can that be?

Life has been a bit crazy.......   Since my last post there have been a lot of "non-fitness" upheavels" and they have taken their toll fitness-wise.

To name a few.....  

Needed to move for a variety of reasons since the old place was not working for us anymore-looked, found and place and moved in a period of three weeks

Health-scare w/ the kid that required a number of tests, doctor visits and sleepless nights.  Thankfully all is well and he is back to his baseline health stuff.

Lost someone that while I was not close to them, was still someone important in the family and someone close to many people I love.

Work...... that is just a constant pressure cooker- I love it more than any job I have ever had but let it get to me and wore me down...likely due to the above.

The actual MOVE.....  it has been nearly a month and my house is still disorganized.

The boy started High School..........  


BUT-- I have a Spartan in 5 weeks....(EEEK!!!!!!)  In between I have a ColorBlast 5k, a WalktoCureAlzheimer's 5k, a virtual 10 race and then the day after the Spartan I am doing the AHA Heart Walk.

Sorry for being MIA.....  I will be posting some race updates and such tomorrow........

Focus.......