Happy Tuesday Update! :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Tuesday is really starting to become my favorite day of the week.  I usually flex into work on Tuesday's which means I don't have to be at work until 1:30 in the afternoon.  LOVE IT!

Today I've used my time to clean up the apartment a little and get my workout in for the day.  I ended up taking Friday, Saturday and Sunday off from Jillian which made yesterday and today a little tough on me.  However, it was nice to see myself push through a tough workout.  Today marks day 6 of level 2.  I had the goal of only doing each level 7 times but considering I took a few days off over the weekend I'm going to make up for that by doing level 2 a few more times before moving onto level 3.  I'm pretty excited to see myself get to level 3 because I have never even attempted that level even when I did the 30 Day Shred back in college.

I've really been struggling with eating like always but my mom made a good point the other day.  She said you now have a good habit of getting your workout in now just focus on getting the eating down.  As simple as this sounds it really made sense to me.  I ordered some protein online called Perfect Fit Protein.  I am in LOVE with this stuff.  I've been using it as a breakfast on the go when I don't have time to make something.  Yesterday I had a shake on the way to work which was around 6:15 am.  I wasn't even hungry until around 12:30 pm.  This is crazy to me because I am always hungry an hour or two after breakfast.

I've set another goal for myself that I would like to share.  After I complete Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred I plan to start Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD.  This is the same concept as the 30 Day Shred just geared a little more towards someone who has been working out.  I'm excited to start that DVD too.

The Tone It Up Bikini Series starts next Tuesday and I am really excited about this as well.  You can read about it at toneitup.com.  I have been a fan of Tone It Up for years but I have never actually completed any of their series or challenges.  I am excited for this to come around next week.  Let me know if any of you decide that you would like to join me.

Other then my workout and weight loss journey life has been fantastic.  I am also really enjoying the weather that we have been getting.  I am excited to see some more sunshine and warm weather.  Call me crazy but its so much more fun to get up in the morning when the sun is out.

Well I need to start thinking about getting ready for work and make my grocery list because I need to hit Giant Eagle after work today or Kyle and I are not going to be eating the rest of the week.

I hope you are having a great day.

-B

Today and Yesterday

Hello people of the world! 

Yesterday was the longest day ever.  I started work at 6:30 am and worked until 6:00 pm with no lunch break.  I love my job but everyone needs a break every now and again.  I got home last night with no intention of working out because I was so tired.  I laid on the couch, watched an episode of 7th Heaven, then Wheel of Fortune.  I started watching Jeopardy and was bored and half way falling asleep.  I decided to get up and work out.  This was a really proud moment for myself.  Even though I was more tired then I was before I worked out, I was proud of my accomplishment of getting my butt off the couch and getting something done.  

After I was done with my workout I stretched for a little while to loosen up my muscles.  Then I laid back down on the couch until Kyle got home.  I headed up to wings with Kyle and was there for a whole 5 minutes.  I got really hot and felt like I was going to throw up.  Kyle brought me home and well I passed out in bed for the night. 

This morning I was NOT excited to wake up to the snow!  Actually I couldn't even get out of bed for like 10 minutes because I am so sore today.  I decided I was going to have an active rest day and get a good stretch session in to help loosen up my body again.  I did a 15 minute stretching session on a DVD I have and then I continued to stretch out my hamstrings, back and butt because this is where I seem to be the most sore.   I also took a hot bath which seemed to help as well.  

I flex into work today so I am thinking I will get in my workout later tonight as long as my body stays loose.  I made homemade chicken nuggets for lunch.  YUM!  I added a bowl of watermelon to get some fruit in!  

After work tonight I am headed home to see Big Bob before my appointment to get my eyebrows waxed.  Then once I'm home I'll make the decision if I will workout or not.  As of now I am thinking I'll be able to get it in... BUT we shall see.  

Okay I'm off to get ready for the day and head into work.  

Happy Tuesday!

-B

Walk. Level 2. Motivation. Goals.

Sunday...  a beautiful day has lead into a relaxing evening. 

Today was a great day for me!

This afternoon my dad, my dog Cooper and I set out on a walk to enjoy the day.  We walked a near by bike path which took us about an hour from start to finish.  I'm estimating that we hit somewhere around 2 or 2.5 miles.  I didn't keep track though so who knows how far we really walked. 

After the walk I headed home to hit Level 2 of Jillian as hard as I could.  I knew from experience going into this level it was going to be difficult.  However, I have completed it before and knew I just needed to hold on and continue to talk myself through the workout.  This level seems to focus a lot on shoulders, which made the half burpees, plank jacks and plank twists difficult to make it through.  During each of these exercises I did have to take a few seconds to give my shoulders a break.  I talked to myself a lot during this level to keep motivating myself to finish.  I also tried to control my breathing as much as possible which seemed to help out a lot. 

I also was reminded today that haters are gonna hate.  There are going to be people who are always going to look down on your goals, your successes and they will probably find joy when you fail.  Instead of being discouraged, I am more motivated then ever.  My goal to finish the 30 day shred IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Me changing my life IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Me being a more fit and healthier person IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Don't EVER let someone try and bring you down.  Use your own drive and determination to LIFT YOU UP.  

Before sitting down to type this up I also did a stretching routine which helped to relax my muscles.  I'm hoping that I will be able to walk and move like a normal person tomorrow.  :)

My goals for this week are as follows: 

1. Pack my lunch every day. I successful did this last week. 

2. Make it through level 2 without stopping.  This is going to be a challenge but bring it on! 

3. Get in a run a few times this week. 

A Sunday well spent makes for a week of content! :) 

I hope you have a great week! 

-B

Jillian Michaels, Sunshine and Goals

Good Morning all!

Its so nice to finally be able to sit on the patio and relax in the mornings.  I have really been enjoying this nice weather that we have been having the past few days!

I know I haven't posted much lately.  For awhile I fell off the ban wagon and was struggling this my motivation and my commitment to getting healthy.  Honestly this really doesn't surprise me that this happened.  I did not have a plan, a schedule or even goals that I was working towards.  The only picture I had in my head was the body I once had.  I needed some short term and some long term goals.

Recently I have started doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred again.  This is my program/schedule- everyday for 30 days.  Now I have  had to take breaks here and there because my muscles needed some recovery.  I have done level 1, 7 times through.  I've felt the pain of working out again and I've also had the excitement of working out again.  I actually look forward to coming home after work and getting my workout in.  In only 1 short week I can tell you I have seen a huge difference in endurance and my strength has really improved.  I have noticed small changes in my body but huge changes in my attitude!

I have a few goals in mind that I have decided to keep to myself until after I have accomplished them- then I will scream them to the world.  Short term wise I want to finish the 30 Day Shred.  My goal is to do each level at least 7 times through.  I have noticed my calorie burn has decreased a little with level 1 because it has become easier to me.  So this that being said...

I was going to wait until tomorrow to start Level 2 but I have decided to start today.  My goal is to also get outside and enjoy this nice day.  Maybe a short run outside or a bike ride!  Just something to keep myself going!

Last weekend I also bought a foam roller.  How have I been surviving without one my entire life?  They are amazing!  Run to the store and get yourself one!

Last but not least if there is anyone out there who can provided information to me on how to get my muscles to recover more please let me know your tricks of the trade.  I have had to take a few days off here and there because my legs just need a break.

I hope you all have a great Sunday.  Get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

-B

Sunday Runday and my weekly goals

Hey! 

Today I had the best run I have had in a long time.  I don't have a lot of time for a post because I should have already been sleeping.  But I wanted to share my workout.  

I warmed up for 5 minutes like I normally do 1.0 incline with a speed of 3.5.  After that I Ran for 2 minutes at 5.3 and walked for 1 minute at 3.5.  I did this for 30 minutes!  Seeing myself increase my speed and decrease my walk time was incredible.  I think this is what really made my run amazing.  Plus it is nice to feel the "runners high" again. I finished up my workout with 5 minutes of sprints on a 7.0.  I ran for a minute and rested for 30 seconds.  

Today was an AMAZING day.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will have some exciting news to share with everyone soon.  But until then I'll drive you crazy with anticipation! :)

Anyway, I am off to bed.  Tomorrow morning at work is going to be nuts and I need to be well rested and in the right frame of mind to really get through tomorrow.  I'm also really looking forward to my workout tomorrow.  

My goals this week: Keep up with drinking as much water during the day as I can.  Half my body weight in oz.  Second I really want to start incorporating some weight training into my daily workouts.  And Lastly, I want to hit the gym at least 3 times this week.  My goals are based on keeping myself in the workout frame of mind this week but I am excited to see myself achieve these and to set even bigger ones for next week.  Anyone else setting any weekly goals?  I would love for you to share them.  

Have a great night and I will see you back here tomorrow. 

Brittnee 

Excuse me but your on MY treadmill!

Hey everyone!  Happy Wednesday!

Today seemed as if it was never ending.  The stresses of Enterprise had me pulling my hair out and for the first time in a long time I was excited to get on the treadmill.

I got to the gym today and someone was on my favorite treadmill. I wont lie, I was a little salty.  But I guess my name isn't on it anywhere.  This treadmill is the last one in the row right next to the wall and has a great view out the window. When I run I like to pretend that I am running somewhere and having a great view really helps that.

My run today consisted of a 2 on 2 off interval for 30 minutes.  After that I walked for 5 minutes then did 5 minutes of sprints.  Getting back on the treadmill running at a 7.0 really made me feel awesome.  I had no idea I still had it in me to run where I was a year ago.  It is so awesome to see that if I put my mind to it I can really do it!

I need to start incorporating some weight training into my work plan.  I know I need to but sometimes the gym is so packed it seems much easier to get my 45 minutes in and get out.

Also,  yesterday I bought a new pair of running shoes!!  Shin splints NO MORE! I can always tell when it is time to purchase new kicks because I get awful shin splints. Shout out to my fabulous gramma for the birthday money way back in December- you bought me Navy, Yellow and Pink running shoes.

And, I purchased a multi-vitamin.  I'm excited to try them out and see how I like them.

I have been struggling with drinking lots of water.  Maybe because it has been pretty crazy at work and I'm never in the office.  Does anyone have any tips that work for them on getting your daily recommended amount of water?  I try to drink half my body weight in ounces per day. What do you do?

Does anyone have any tips on how to wake up and get your workout in before work?  I have such a hard time waking up in the morning. I'm sure it is because I am not getting enough sleep but I'm sure you know ITS HARD.

Well this is all for tonight because I am having a hard time keeping my eyes open!

Have a great night!

Brittnee

Motivation Monday?

So the other night Kyle and I were leaving Wing Warehouse and a gentleman and his girlfriend were pushing through the crowd.  This gentleman was carrying his own bar Stool into the bar.  I bet you are wondering why anyone would ever do that.  Well, this gentleman was easily over 500lbs.  Some might look at this man as motivation to change their life or as an outcast.  However, I actually learned a lot from this situation.  As this man was walking into the bar I took a second to observe the people around him.  Of course people were judging him and looking at him funny.  BUT you know what!  This situation taught me to NEVER judge someone based on appearance.  What if this person has a medical condition? What if he has had hard time in his life?  What if, what if. All I can say is this:  The man was not my motivation to hit the treadmill but my motivation to be a better person and to look into someones heart to judge them.  How would you have reacted?  Just a simple thought for the day.

Currently, I'm sitting here on the couch watching the premiere of Season 6 of The Voice.  And honestly this is the first time in a long time I have not felt guilty for collapsing on the couch after work.  Today I put in 11 hours at Enterprise with no lunch break.  I felt like a chicken with my head cut off a few times but that's just part of the job.  Although it was a long day I was very proud of myself for making it to the gym to get a good run in.  I warmed up for 5 minutes walking on the treadmill then started running for 2 minutes on and 2 minutes off. After 35 minutes I walked on an incline for 5 minutes to finish up.  Its so nice to get back into the flow of running again.  After a long day my run actually made me feel much better!

On another note, March is right around the corner.  A start of a new month means its time to reflect on this month and set new goals.  I love to look back on the things I've done over the month to see what I'm truly proud of and what I think I could have done better.  Do any of you set monthly goals?  I know I will be posting mine after I reflect.

Food wise for today I didn't really eat well at all.  This morning I had toast with peanut butter and an orange.  My morning snack was cashews and raisins.  Lunch.... well I ended up ordering Panera with my co-workers.  I need to do an anti- Panera month again.  In Jan. I managed to not eat Panera for entire month.  This was a huge accomplishment for me.  Anyways, for dinner I had 2 eggs mixed with a splash of milk, toast and 1 oz. of cheese.  It was a nice protein packed meal.

I hope you had a great Monday!  I look forward to seeing you back here again tomorrow.  I can't even begin to explain how excited I was to come home and type up my blog.  :)

Have a great night!

Brittnee

The beginning!

Hey everyone!

Welcome to my new blog- Brit Gettin Fit!  I've decided that I need something to help hold me accountable while I embark on a new journey.  I am going to use this blog as a way to help me through my weight loss/ healthy lifestyle journey.

For the past few years I have struggled with my weight and living a healthy lifestyle.  It all started when I started college.  Rewind with me to the fall of 2009 when I entered College.  My starting weight was 118 pounds and I was a size 2.  I was a runner and a cheerleader and I ate basically anything and everything I wanted to.  In November of 2009 I broke a rib from cheering.  I was out for 8 weeks, no cheering and no working out.  I gained 10 pounds.  No exercise and my bad eating habits really slapped me in the face when I started cheering again in January 2010 I weighed 128 pounds.  A 10 pound gain in 8 weeks!  YIKES!  So I hopped back onto my training cycle and I was determined to lose the weight.

In February 2010, I tried out for the Cleveland Gladiators Kickoff crew.  During this tryout I was probably the most self conscious I have ever felt about my body.  Our tryout attire was a sports bra and black spandex shorts.  I made the team, which was AWESOME, but I also knew I needed to train hard to get into shape.  At a random practice the couch looked at me and said "Don't forget the photo shoot is coming up." I responded with "Yeah I know I am so excited!".  She responded with "Well I haven't seen a change in your body yet.".  WOW!  What a slap in my face.  I responded with this "(Coach's name) I was only cleared a few weeks ago from my broken rib, I'm working on it.  It's going to take some time".  After practice I called my mom and told her about our exchange and how I hated this coach because she a was a "B".  However, it was just the motivation I needed to train even harder.  I went out and purchased the Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred DVD and some weights.  By April 1st I was back into my size 2 jeans and loving life.

By the end of the Gladiator's season I was back to where I had started before I made the team.  Of course I was still working out but not as hard as I should have been. In the fall of 2010 I got a concussion from cheering which caused me to be out for 10 weeks.  Here I was again, no cheering and no exercise until I was cleared by the doctor.

Hop over to the summer of 2011 with me.  I was running again and I was enjoying it.  Every evening after I was done at my internship my dad and I would go to my old Highschool track and run.  I was back up to running over 2 miles and I had lost weight and inches that I thought would never come off.  In the Fall of 2011, I started my final year at BW.  I wasn't cheering and found little time for exercising.  By the time graduation rolled around in May of 2012 I weighed 131 pounds.

Since graduation almost 2 years ago I have been all over the place weight wise and size wise.  I've been a size 4, 6 and an 8. I've weighed has much as 145 and as less as 135.  It wasn't until last week that I regained my motivation and drive to put myself back on the track to a healthy lifestyle of eating correctly and working out.  This is what happened:

Last week a pageant friend of mine posted a photo of herself.  That day marked 1 year since she started on her journey.  I was immediately inspired by her hard work and dedication.  Seeing the hard work someone put in for a year was incredible.  Honestly, this was my "Ah Ha" moment.  I was so inspired I worked out that night and ate a healthy dinner and it was all because of her.

Since then I have been slowly getting back into the swing of things.  I've shopped for healthy food, I've planned and prepared my meals ahead of time, I have planned my weekly workouts and I have started this blog or journal as I am calling it.

The soul purpose of this blog is to help keep myself accountable.  This is also a place that I am hoping I can share my successes, my struggles and my new adventures.  I have seen a few people do online fitness journals and it seems to be helping them.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a positive outcome for me as well.

Also I want to say this:  My journey is not about the weight I want to lose and it is not about being a size 2 again because I am well aware that this will probably not happen.  My journey is about finding an inner peace with my appearance, living a healthy lifestyle and doing something to take care of myself.  I want to change my bad habits and adopt new ones that will ultimately change my life.

If you are out there doing the same thing I would love to know what is working for you and how you are doing.  I also hope you will continue to come back to my journal and help hold me accountable.

Until next time!

Brittnee