Highway 2 Healthy

Last Post

2009-01-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

This blog is done. The participants have decided that only one of them wants to continue blogging about their journey to health. Angel will continue to post about her journey on her family blog page. If you don't know that blog address, leave a comment telling us how you know us or why you want to follow Angel's journey and an email address so we can send you the link. Thank you for supporting us.

Wii Fit

2008-11-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

This is a late post, but I figured it would be good to post this anyways. For my birthday, Cameron got me a Wii Fit. Unfortunately, we are not home during the week and I have been sick or busy on the weekends so I have not been able to use it too much. I am currently on Thanksgiving break from work and was able to get on it yesterday and today. I spent a half hour of clock time on it yesterday and about 45 minutes clock time today. Total working out time was about 30 minutes! Whew! It was good! I am hoping to get on it each day this week and then try real hard to use it each Friday night and Saturday. I have also been doing the ab/core workout about three times a week. Hopefully, it will totally help me get back into a place where I can really work out.

50!!!

2008-10-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

So the other day I got really sick and tired of not doing anything to workout because of my shoulder and Richard and told me I needed to be careful so he wasn't letting me do any more then 5 pushups but while he was at work I had nothing better to do so I did pushups and crunches. I did 50 pushups!!! in sets of ten but I did them! 40 were on my toes doing regular pushups while the last 10 were on my knees doing diamond pushups. And I'm so excited because my shoulder was fine!!! I"m going to go do more today and crunches too!!!

Things to Help my Back

2008-10-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well, there are a few things that I can do to help my back. I have been going through a really bad spell (crying even while putting my shoes on). I need to strengthen my core muscles and lose weight. Well, I started today with strengthening my core. I am doing an ab workout once a day and hopefully that will help.

Disneyland 5k

2008-09-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

On September 6th, we participated in the Disneyland 5k. My mom, Sean, and Melanie all went too! The race was amazing! I will have to post some of my mom's pictures (from her own camera). There were characters along the entire route and music playing the whole time! It was fun! Cameron ran, I walked quickly, and the other three ran/walked while taking pictures along the way. I definitely want to get in better shape though! How do I accomplish that when I am only home on the weekends, and don't get to the apartment from work until dinner time? Any suggestions?

Oh Don't You Dare!

2008-09-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Angel don't say that. I know it is frustrating... I haven't been able to workout for sometime now because of my shoulder and I'm going insane! I've gained weight and I can feel it... I got on the scale a few days ago and sat there looking at the numbers tick up and I kept thinking in my head, don't you dare! I had made a promise to myself that I would never see a certain weight again and I was 2 pounds over it and I was mortified. Before I had to stop working out I was at 147... Ya... not anymore... People slip up and that is just how it is but you can't give up and you have to believe that you will make it. I'm doing all that I can now, like crunches and leg lifts and dancing around the house, but what I really wish I could do is RUN! I know I know, it's my shoulder that is hurt not my legs but the impact kills my shoulder... it really stinks... Hopefully I can get over this soon, I miss feeling that sense of power and freedom when I run. Keep it up Angel, and don't loose hope.

I don't think I can do this! Really!

2008-08-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Man, what is wrong with me? I do really well for about a week and a half and then crash and burn! This week, I was terrible. No exercise, little water, and who cares what I was eating! UG! The scale did not like that! I am wondering if I will ever be the perfect me?

Half a Pound

2008-07-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Oh well. As I said, this last week was not good. I did not exercise and my eating was not great. Plus, my baby sister had her 18th birthday yesterday. We had two parties for her plus a family get together yesterday. Let's just say: cake, cake and ice cream, brownies and ice cream....yea.

Anyways, somehow I still managed to loose half a pound. Maybe this week will be better.

Not as good.

2008-07-25T09:41:00.001-07:00

I have not done as well this week with my regiment. Chalk it up to traveling (for my new job). It is very difficult to maintain the type of diet I am doing while traveling, so I have been aware of my choices and done well, but I don't think I will lose as much weight this week. Oh well. Anyway, I have really started to crave my morning glass of water though! It is amazing, the first thing I want in the morning is a tall glass of cold water. I love it!

Four Pounds

2008-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

WAHOOOOOOO!

I lost four pounds last week! That keeps me on track for my crazy goal. YES! AND, I only was able to workout twice with a short walk once and I gave myself a "free" eating day on Saturday. So it could have been a little more...but I am happy with that! We'll see what this week brings. Talk to you soon.

Still Sore

2008-07-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went for a half mile walk to loosen up and it helped but I am still sore. Yikes. I did well eating yesterday, but did not drink as much as I should have. Today is a new day. I am walking with an included jog today and going to try to drink all the water I should. See ya tomorrow!

did ya miss me :)

2008-07-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still alive. No, I am not at home right now; hince the lack of postings. The only time I can use the computer is at the office and let's face it, that's not the best place for personal business.
I am proud to tell you that I have been working out while I've been here. AND, I even got my not-so-little brother to work out every day with me before he goes to bed. We are only doing sit-ups and push-ups before bed, but I am doing more than that on a few other days of the week. Blarg, though. I feel like I am in worse shape for this race then I was for the last one. But I also think I feel like that just because I can't breath here in utah. But I am excited about it.

14 days later

2008-07-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so my last two posts were all motivation and success. Hmmm. Well, I still feel the same way as I did about the rock and hard place. After that walk...I was down for the count (2 weeks that is). For whatever reason my back just decided to have a flare up! UG! Anyways, I am feeling much better after many visits to my chiropractor, Jason Packer. I am discouraged a bit because I was supposed to be getting ready for a 5k where there is a pace limit of 15 minutes/mile! I can't do that right now!

Anyways, I decided that I want to be under a certain weight by the race. So, I got on the scale yesterday morning and....stepped off and tried again, that can't be right! I have never weighed that much. Much to my dissappointment, the scale said the same thing the second time. I guess the last two weeks of lying down and munching over the holiday really did a number on me. Ug. So, I am trying to lose 29 pounds in 49 days!!!!! I know, CRAZY! Now, I am not into crash diets or extreme weight lose measures. But for the next 49 days, here is my desired regiment.

I am going to do one hour of working out each day and drink a full glass of water at specified times to make sure I get my needed intake. I will be eating mostly fruits and veggies. I will add protein to two meals and a small amount of carbs to two meals.

Monday: I did really well. Got all my water in, a one hour workout from BYU TV, multivitamins, and ate well without feeling hungry.

Tuesday: Again, I did it! I missed one glass of water, but I walked for 50 minutes, and ate well even when we went to Taco Bell. The taco salad only has about 150 calories if you don't eat the shell which I don't because I don't really like it anyways! Also, Cameron makes these amazing Orange Juliuses without sugar! It is just OJ, milk, vanilla, and ice! So, I had one at night. Yumm.

Today: I am doing ok. I am really sore, so I am not going to work out hard today, but I will take a short walk to keep the muscles loose and stretch. I let you know my progress tomorrow.

Went for a Walk

2008-07-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so after I was so good two weeks ago, my back decided to freak out on me. I was literally in bed most of last week, icing my back 3-5 times a day, taking major ibuprofen, and getting adjusted three times. I finally started to feel better on Friday. Yesterday, Cameron and I went for a SLOW half mile walk. I iced my back when we got back. I am still feeling ok; not good, but ok.

We also started to change the way we eat. We are starting with breakfast. Breakfast is one serving each of fruit, grain/starch, and dairy. So a slice of bread, a piece of fruit, and a tennis ball sized amount of yogurt. Or, one of my favorites, a baseball sized amount of cereal with cut fruit on top. Be creative with the combinations, too. A little protein (like an egg) is fine also. The key is the serving size. We have to remember that McDonald's serving sizes are really two to three servings! Next week: breakfast continues and we change the way we eat lunch.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

2008-06-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

In the past few years, I have found myself in between a rock and a hard place. I hate to work out because it sucks and sometimes hurts, but if I don't work out I will stay the way I am. The problem? I figured it out. Last night, I think I began to have what is going to be a break through. Cameron and I came home from a "date" and (without going into details) something happened that made me cry. As I was explaining my feelings, I blurted out, "This is not who I am. I do not like my body; it isn't me! I feel like I am inside a body that doesn't fit!" BINGO!!! I had said it out loud and realized what a truth it is. I don't want to stay the way I am which means working out....rock and hard place.

Do you want to know who I am inside? Well, at least what my body would possibly look like if my inside matched my outside.

This is Alicia Sacramone, a world champion medalist, I think she has the muscular build and physique that I feel I am personality wise.

She is way strong and the attitude in the second picture is about right sometimes, too! :)

So, Monday and Tuesday I did the dance video with Crystal. Yesterday I took the day off and had a mental breakthrough, I think. This morning, at 8:00 a.m. I went for a jog. I did a 5 minute walking warm-up and then alternated 2 minutes of jogging and 2 minutes of walking for 20 minutes; I finished with a 7 minute cool down. I got home and did 100 crunchies (5 sets of 20: upper, lower, right oblique, left oblique, upper) and a 20 second plank. Then I stretched. Tomorrow, I will do some strength training. Hopefully, this is my point of success!

Fitness With The Pros

2008-06-17T10:06:00.001-07:00

Crystal and I did "Fitness With The Pros" yesterday. We were both sweating and having fun!! Amazing! I know! Anyways, I highly suggest this workout. My legs are sore today and my core got a good work out too.

I'm feeling icky...

2008-06-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Okay seriously, if you start working out, don't stop. It makes you feel really gross. I haven't gone running since the 5k because of my knee and time and it's been getting really hot and I'm feeling disgusting.... I'm still working out with mom, most of the time, and I go swimming, and still do lots of handstands and other stuff, but its not the same. Running really does a lot for you... I need to start doing that again.

YES, YES, YES!!!!!

2008-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

YIPEE!!! I lost one and a half pounds this last week! I made a work out plan, did one day, got hurt, and wasn't able to finish. BUT, I was SOOO good about eating and drinking water! I have decided to only have two days a week where I get to have "dessert" and I stuck to that! It paid off big time! Oh, and only having one small helping of food instead of one larger one or more than one. It was a little tuff a few days, because my mind wanted to go back to my old habits, but I did it and am so happy!!!! YES!

Gaining!!!

2008-05-26T16:33:00.001-07:00

What! I gained four pounds this week! I was supposed to loose weight! ARG!! Part of it could be the 48 hour trip to and from Utah, spending a total of 22 hours in the truck! Oh well, I will try again this week.

Three Things To Do

2008-05-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this week I have decided to concentrate on a small checklist of three things each day.
1) Drink a full glass of water before meals.
2) Only have one small helping at meals.
3) Do something active (swimming, walking, work out video, cleaning, etc.)

I would really love to lose 5 pounds this week. I got new batteries for my scale and was sad by another gain! Gotta get back on track. I don't want to fight this yo-yo all my life. Realistically, I will be happy with 2 pounds lost, but really want 5. We'll see.

Dad?

2008-05-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello dad ...are you there? Speak up, we can't hear you.

Hiking Trip

2008-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm proud of myself for that title, haha ; read on to find out why.
So, Tony and I went hiking last Saturday and it was mostly good. We saw some deer, went around a pond full of birds, and were getting a good cross-training workout. There were a couple of really good places to look out over the valley and it was a beautiful day. I chose the park that we went to because it is supposed to be a good place to start and it was. The trail we went on was moderately difficult until the way down at the end. My knee had been hurting for awhile but I was trying to just push through it. Sure enough, I had just finished telling Tony that I have good balance when my knee gave out on me and I ate it hard! My legs are bruised and scrapped up, and my hands too. Thankfully, we were close to the end and I was able to hold it together long enough to realize how funny the whole thing was. When we got home I iced my knee for a long time and have done so every day since and now my knee feels better than it did before we went hiking. We are planning to go again later this week as one of our "runs" but we want to go to a different park this time since there is about 30 places to go around here.
And that's the story of my hiking trip.

Shoes and Scale

2008-05-01T16:07:00.001-07:00

I got new workout shoes! Yipee! They are heavier than my old ones, but they feel great!

My scale battery has died, maybe that is a good thing.

that was easy

2008-04-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was up in Rocklin the past two days and on Tuesday Angel was going for a 4 mile walk and convinced me to go with her. It didn't take much convincing; I just needed a pair of shoes to wear.

When we first got started I was thinking, Blarg - that's SO long. And the first mile did seem longer than the next three. David was with us for the first mile, but we had to drag him along. It was fun getting him to go with us, but its difficult to carry extra weight.

Once we got to the half way point, I completely forgot to think blarg. Angel and I were just talking, we just happened to be walking too. We got back to the house and I was just gonna keep going if she hadn't reminded me that we were back home.

So, yes my legs were tired afterward; I was expecting to be really sore. And now, 2 days later (and we went to the beach yesterday) I feel great. Not sore at all. And four miles is a lot but it was actually pretty easy. I' m glad that Angel was able to conquer the "you can't go 4 miles" demon and then help me conquer too.

Wrong Way!

2008-04-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ug! I weighed myself this week (after 24 miles of walking, remember) and was so dissappointed when the digits were more than what they were a week ago! What!?! How in the world can that be? I don't know, but hopefully my body will realize that it does not need to hang onto every calorie just because I am burning more. Hopefully, this following week I will loose some. I am certainly heading the wrong direction on the scale! UG!

Wouldn't it be weird if scales looked like this? I can't decide if it would be more or less depressing!Sherry, thank you for walking with me yesterday! That was so fun!

Goal chain

2008-04-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm such a dork, haha. I was looking at how long we have until the next race and its 19 weeks til race week. That's a good amount of training time. So I made a plan and set some goals to hit along the way. Then I had to find somewhere and some way to put the goals so that I would see them and remember every day. I made a paper "chain" of sorts; one link for every week with my goal for that week on the back of it. Tony thought it was cute that I needed to create something in order to really remember what to do and when to do it.

Also, we have some more miles in our log, but we are NOT as on track as Angel... that's amazing.

24 miles down!

2008-04-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

What! Are you serious! Cameron and I walked 24 miles this week! That is almost a marathon! What?!? Crazy! We DID it!!!!! Whew! It is a LONG walk. Check out our new "options" on our website. Just click here. Keep up the amazing work, it will be SO worth it!

2 days and 8 miles

2008-04-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Whew! I have successfully walked 4 miles yesterday and today! Cameron walked with me yesterday, which was great to have that time to talk. Today, I walked after school was out. Needless to say, I am a bit sore and really not looking forward to four more days of walking four miles! UG! Oh well, no giving up. Even if I end up missing a mile here and there, I will just keep going the next time.

On the way

2008-04-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

I already joined in walking to conference with Angel. So far I have 6.94 miles logged. I should be adding another 2-3 today. This walking to conference will actually help me train and stay in shape for our next race. I want to be able to run at least 2 miles of it and I think that is a good goal for the race in August.

"Walking to Conference"

2008-04-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

You're Invited to walk with us to General Conference
For more information, please visit cameronandangel.blogspot.com

By the Way

2008-04-03T11:17:00.003-07:00

Hey I have my own little blog thingy on here so if you want. check it out. There isn't to much on it because I kinda died for a few months... after some events occured but I'm back and there are a few from this year... I think at least 1 every month. Go ahead check it out.

wolfheartpup.blogspot.com

Hey Pump it Up!!!

2008-04-03T11:17:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!!! Guess what? On Tuesday I ran two miles and did a pretty good stomach workout and I feel great! It's amazing! I was starting to get that feeling of laziness and felt like I wasn't doing anything and I could feel myself getting out of shape. Glug, I hate that feeling. So I ran two miles. All of it. Well almost two miles. Mom said it's like 1.85 or somethin. But it was close and I was proud of myself. My Stomach feels great too and I love the feeling of it after I have just done a huge stomach workout. It's all hard and I like to poke it(hehe that sounds weird) and feel the potential muscles there and know that I'm making progress. It makes me smile. :P lol. Anyway. Then guess what!!!! Oh my gosh it's insane. At my PE class up at Maidu we run half a mile every time we go. last time I got a 4 min 2 sec which I was so happy about! Well this time I totally flabbergausted (hehe I like that word) myself. I got a 3 min 44 sec!!!! AHHH!!!! I was the first girl in and I almost beat one of the guys! Course he had his shoes off... but still!!! He came in a second before me. I passed him at one point and I don't think he liked that much because he started running again. Anyways. There is my little boost of self confidence. Come on guys we can do this!!!

New Week - Same Goals

2008-03-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

So, how did I do last week?
Get 20 minutes of activity every day: ok, so I only got four days in, that is better than nothing right?
Drink more water: I did great for the first three days, then I seemed to forget that one.
Lose one pound: nope! Good news - I did not gain anything either.

So, this week. I try again. Same goals. I already need to alter the first one about activity. I have a rib out of place that makes it difficult for me to take a deep breath. So, until that gets put back...activity will be very limited! Hopefully, Dr. Jason will fix it today!

Dillon Beach

2008-03-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

I had a blast last Friday when 2 of my sisters came down to visit me! We went to the beach and took a walk in the rain. We were all freezing but still really enjoyed it. The next day, Tony and I went for a walk. Yippie!
I'm also working on actually doing all the creative things that are in my brain. I need to free up some space :) Actually, I'm working on doing things rather than just thinking about them. It's going well so far, but I'm probably driving my syblings crazy trying to get them envolved too.

Day 2 and 3

2008-03-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

Day 2: I did really well with drinking water, and went on a 20 minute walk/jog.
Day 3: I did not do well with drinking water and did not get in 20 minutes of activity. I was really sore from my walk/jog. I can tell it has been too long since I have been working out! Hopefully, I am not all the way back at the beginning. But, even if I am, my body should progress faster this time because it knows where I am taking it. Muscle memory.

Today, I am going to concentrate on water, and not sure about activity because my back is REALLY hurting today...maybe I will just slowly walk a mile. :)

Day 1

2008-03-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

I did well. I drank A TON of water! I was active for twenty minutes (10 for back exercises and 10 doing housework). Today - more water, and a twenty minute jog.

Well Well Well

2008-03-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of a title... haha. So, I am proud to say that starting today I am going to start working out Again. I miss that feeling of knowing that I actually did something and the numb ache in my body from it being a little tired afterwards. Oh! And you can't forget the feeling of being a little 'stronger then yesterday'. Come on people, pick up your feet with me okay? Get out there and run, jog, walk, bike, swim. Just do something with your feet. We can do this! I love you all. And I agree with Sherry. Right now I am happy too, happier then I have been in a while. I'm doing good in school, my friends are good, I am back with the guy who can make me laugh no matter what, and I'm working out again (starting today). I love you all! Lets get out there and pick up our feet!

New Plan

2008-03-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Now that we are back in this beautiful state and have so many things available to us, Tony and I want to get outside more often. We're planning a kayaking trip and we want to go hiking, biking, and even down to the beach a few times. I'm glad to be back in Cali. My heart is happier and I love that Tony will be able to came home every day instead of every other month. My mental health is great and my soul feels good and happy! That's what I wanted. And now I have the ability and desire to do the things I used to love, and Tony has the time to do them with me. I love being home!

I'm not that bad

2008-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've been really hard on myself but in actuality I haven't been that bad. I never made it to the gym during the couple weeks I was in Utah. But, I was putting in 12-16 hour work days 7 days a week at the Office trying to get it ready to open at the beginning of March and I was eating pretty healthy for not being at home. I was painting, building, cleaning, reupholstering, shopping (for office equipment, mostly) and, during the very few hours I did have down time in, I was playing ping pong with the boys or fetch with the dog.
I then spent a few weeks in Cali. at my in-laws house where Tony and I played a lot of horse-shoes, went for a couple walks and one jog, and also spent some time doing yard work (which is to be expected any time we go over there for more than a couple hours).
We moved into our new place in Santa Rosa on the 14th and have been busy unpacking and getting settled in. The weekend before Easter, I went to spend the night with my sisters and mother. While I was there, I worked out in the mornings and even went for a long beautiful walk with my mom. When I got back home, I walked to the grocery store (about 1.4 miles away) and then took the long way back home after I ate my lunch.
So, all in all, I havent been that bad. Tony and I have both revamped since getting here and we have lots of plans in store.

Renew

2008-03-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

Ok, I don't know what happened to this blog. I think after the race we all just kinda stopped our routines. Well, no more excuses. I have been struggling with my back lately, but really need to just get back to it. Now, Sherry, you are in Cali near sea level. Atmosphere can no longer be your reason either. I am going to go "running" on Tues., Thurs., and Sat. this week. I am on spring break so I will have plenty of time. Run with me! I will be back to check in, and want to know how you all are doing too! Talk to you soon!

Renewed desire to get healthy. This week's goal: Be active for 20 minutes each day. Drink more water. Lose one pound!

I walked today.

2008-03-15T12:04:00.001-07:00

I walked to the Rocklin Library today. It is about 2.2 miles away from our house. I decided that instead of driving I would walk and then have Cameron pick me up. It worked out really well and it got me moving! I need to get back on a schedule. Ug.

Gets in the way

2008-02-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Life. Yup, my plan was to run on Th, Sat., and Mon. Last week was going to be my first week doing this and getting back on track. I was hit HARD by the cold/flu that is going around this year and ended up sleeping for 30 hours on the weekend instead of working out! Today, I am taking it easy because my back has been really hurting. I have a theory for this. I have not had my regular chiropractic care sense before the race, I have not had a massage for about a month (I know it sounds like a luxury but really it helps me get through the week much better, and it isn't a girly feel good massage either!), and I have not been regularly running. The three combined pack a deadly punch and I am feeling it. I am getting back to a regular schedule of care, and hope this will help me get back on track with running. On Monday, if I feel better, I am going to run after my appointment. I hope I can.

Running, what's that?

2008-02-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

Props to Angel for changing her schedule in order to be able to work out and remain focused on health. I havent been running since my last post either - blarg. It just seems like one thing after another and now I am moving tomorrow. I will not be able to run outside in Utah; I can barely breath in Utah. I am going to see if I can get into the gym down the street from my dad's house at least 3 times while I am visiting there for a couple weeks. Maybe then I can get him to go with me since I know he has a membership already. Hint, hint. After that I will be in Petaluma for about 6 months and have access to a good gym for free. So hopefully I can motivate myself to get to work. I'll let you know how it goes.

Back to It

2008-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

I went running today for the first time since my last post! UG! The problem: my old running schedule wasn't working any more with student teaching. So, I decided that I needed to change the routine. Now, I will run on Th, Sat, and Mon. It went well today, I ran 3/4 mile and walked 1/4 before and after the run. I can actually say that it feels good to be running again. I don't like it yet, but I love how it makes me feel. How are you doing?

I did WHAT???!!!!

2008-01-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Thursday, was a run day for me. I did not want to go run at the track this time, so I chose to go to a park near my house. This park has a cement trail around the perimeter that is 2/3 mile long. My goal: 2 miles. The thing I was concerned about was running on cement and the small hills (a track doesn't have hills). So, I walked 1/4 mile to warm up and then started to jog. While I was jogging, I decided to just jog until I needed to stop and see how far I went. Well, I need to say that I have never run farther than 1/4 mile at a time. I figured it out and I went 11/12 of a mile without stopping!!!!! WHAT? REALLY? I had to do the math a few times. Math and running don't mix, just so you know! Hehe! I ended the two miles with having run 1.25 miles total and walked .75 total. I am SO happy! A little sore, but so amazed! Since it is on concrete, I will only do that run once a week though. It is too hard on my shins and knees. When the weather dries out, I can run on the grass next to the trail though, that will be great!

I guess the coolest part is that I know where I was about 8 weeks ago. I could not jog 1/4 mile without feeling like my legs were going to fall off, my lungs were going to come out, and having major charlie horses at night! Slow and steady really pays off! Being consistent makes a huge difference. Never give up. Even walking to the mail is all you can do, do it often and soon you will go to the corner of the street! I promise! I never thought I was going to be able to run a consistent mile until much later. Amazing!

Hurts So Good

2008-01-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

I went running last Saturday (the 19th) and had to overcome a huge inner battle. When I went to the track, there was a high school soccer game taking place and all of the players' families were in the stands! YIKES! What was I to do? I wasn't going to waste the gas and go home, so I thought, I could just wait till the game is over. But, how much longer does it have and what if there is another one afterwards? I could just go on the cross-country trail, but I don't want to do that alone and I would not know how far I had gone. I wanted to go 1.5 miles on Saturday. Hmmmmm. Well, I decided to bite the bullet of embarrassment and took the long bleacher steps down to the track. I ran in the outside lane to stay away from the fast, in shape soccer players and only ran from goal post to goal post on the visitors side so I was not in front of the crowd running! Silly, I know. But, it was really weird and uncomfortable. At least I ran!

Yesterday, I added another element to my highway 2 healthy. I did strength training (weights)! It was a total body workout and today, I can feel it! Whew! I am not SO sore that I can't move, but when I do move...it hurts so good! Hehe! I am going running today so I am glad I did not do more than I should have. Still, running is going to be interesting. I plan on doing strength training twice a week for now and continue my running schedule.

Already?! hehe

2008-01-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

I went running yesterday morning! I do have to say that I still hate running. It's so boring. But I do like the way I feel afterward. I just need to make sure that I can motivate myself enough to go on my own since Tony is about to be leaving on patrol again on Monday. I'm so excited that it will be his last one before we move back to CA for his trainning school.

Also, I'm so glad to have inspired my younger sisters into running with us. So far Angel and I have 2 more races lined up for this year and hope to find a 3rd sometime near Thanksgiving. Our younger sisters are joining us for the race in August! I can't wait!

A Quick Thank You ~

2008-01-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say thank you to all who have left comments; it's great to feel the support from so many friends and family! For those who are trainning for their own races or working on other health goals, keep up the good work and we truly wish you good luck as well.

The Golden Name Tag Goes To:

2008-01-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

After a few suggestions, Crystal has decided on the one she liked most. The Golden Name Tag goes to......Drum roll please.......
Mel, we love you! Congratulations! This is a highly esteemed award! Treasure and guard it well!

Official Race Pictures

2008-01-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Race had a company doing the official pictures. Each bib number was then sent an email with their pictures in it. You can order them for a crazy amount or get around it and save the image. They are NOT print quality but are great to view online. So, we thought we would share. Here is a picture of the start, firework smoke and all!

A great picture of Tony, Sherry's husband. Love it!Here is Sherry finishing the race. Is that a smile?! LOL! It was great to finish! And I love that our bibs had our names on them. Other racers and the water people were able to cheer you on by name, that was cool!

Cameron and Sean caught in a picture together.

Cameron nearing the finish line!

Cameron finishing the race.

My mom and I were always in the pictures together, since she decided to stay with me the whole time. Here we are during one of my walking intervals.

Here is our big finish when I sprinted through the end, although you can't really tell.

In my humble opinion, I think Tony got the best official photo! We had a great time. I look forward to the next one with all of us.

What an Accomplishment!

2008-01-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

Wow! The weekend went by so fast, even though my run wasn't. Ok, really I feel great about the accomplishment. 5 weeks ago I struggled to jog 2 minutes. Now, I can jog 4-5 minutes at a time with 5 minute walks in between. I could go longer on minutes, but I was going for distance so I needed to have the pace. I DID IT! After the second mile, I knew I only had about a mile to go. I also knew that I was not making the required race pace. We had been told that if we did not keep the pace, they would come around and pick people up and take them to the end! At this point in the race, runners did a hairpin turn to continue on the route. As I was looking at all of the people behind me, I also saw a tram go by at the end. I had to really concentrate not to cry! I felt I had come so far and I just wanted to finish! My emotions were really getting to me, but I decided to just keep going and if they came to pick me up I would desperately plead my case! Well, I passed the 3 mile marker and rounded a corner to see the finish line! I also saw all of my family yelling for me to finish! They also had a sign that was encouraging me to keep going! This meant so much to me to have their support. I am so grateful that I even have tears of joy as I write this. I decided to sprint to the finish line. This was the farthest I have sprinted, but I did it! to top it all off, I beat my own personal best by about 5 minutes! What an amazing feeling! I was exhausted and sore afterward, but so happy to have been there and made my body and mind healthier. After we ate and drank some food/water/power aide we went back to the hotel to shower and get ready for the day. Here is a picture of me at the hotel after the race. I am holding the medallion that all of the 5K finishers got. I am proud of that!

This is the race shirt that all runners got. We all wore it during the day! All day long the workers were congratulating us for doing the race! We had a great time and I cannot wait to continue training!!!! What!!! Did I just say that? Yes, I did! And I actually mean it! My next 5K is in May and I hope to be able to run the entire distance!

The Finish Line

2008-01-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

We did it!! Race day finally came and Angel and I both completed it and beat our personal best times! I finished in 44 mins and 47 seconds, and I will let Angel tell you about her time. We started together but then I broke away and was able to cheer her on later when the track doubled back and I passed her. Also, when I got to the 3 mile marker, I ran through the finish line slowly speeding up as I approached so that I sprinted through the end. I heard Tony yell for me and then saw him holding a sign and it was just what I needed to finish strong. I wanted to get to him and be able to cheer on Angel as she came through the finish so I ran right past all the food and the "medals" they were handing out, haha. But one of the workers grabbed me and made sure that I got my medal. I actually really enjoyed it! (accept for the little old ladies shuffling past me hehe) When I saw the finish and heard my husband cheering me on, I knew I had made a huge step in my progress. It was so cool. That finish line was a great start line for me!

Naming Contest

2008-01-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hey all you readers, we hope there are lots of you! Anyways, you may have noticed that we each have a picture and title on the side. Crystal isn't too excited about being "Cool Crystal" and wants a better name. That being said, we throw it to you the readers! This is a contest (if you win, you will earn the prestigious Golden Nametag)! Wow, I know! Anyways, the rules are: find an adjective that starts with C to go in front of her name. We would prefer adjectives that have to do with being healthy, strong, active, etc. but any suggestions are allowed. While your at it, if you have a better one for the rest of us, throw those in also. Good luck. We will judge in about a week! Leave your suggestions as a comment.

bathing suite

2008-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

do I have to wear one of those too!!? Oh Dear! I think I should wait.

me too!?

2008-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to keep off the weight and not gain any more. As was my new years resultion for 2007 was to reach my body % fat of 18%, and that is my goal again. that means that I have about 70 lb to loss and I think I can. after the horse accident I gained 40 lb back ;(. so start again.

it is body fat % that you should be after and that transilates into pounds off and looking good and feeling great!

lets' go.

Daddy

2008-01-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

I hope that this is on the blog with 2 health

I did it!

2008-01-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

I successfully completed three 5k distances this past week. The first was difficult because it was the first time going that far. The second one was great and I felt amazing! The third (yesterday) was SO hard. Mentally, I did not think I was going to make it and felt like crying during the run/walk. Physically, I was tired, my body did not want to keep going. But, I would not quit because I did not want to be mad at myself for giving up. I did it! I am still not at race pace, but I am happy to have made the progress that I have. The race is this Friday and I cannot wait to see Sherry and run with her in person. We have gone together on the phone before, so this will be fun. See you on Thursday night, hun!

Workin Out

2008-01-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, so it's been a while since I worked out other then my job and winter guard and it was hard! I didn't really expect myself to do as much as I did... Mom told me about this exercise that works all parts of the stomach as that is my main problem and i decided to try it out... well silly little me, I decided to do everything else first. So by the time I actually got around to doing the exercise I could barely accomplish it. And I can already feel the side effects and i know i am going to be sore. But I actually really like being sore because... although it is painful... sometimes more painful then i can bare, it lets me know that I actually did something! Anyway... I'm going to be sore... but whatever. I love you both. Keep it up Sherry, I know it's hard... I love you.

I want a healthy soul

2008-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

One of my biggest struggles is that I hold myself back. I'm so scared of failure that I just don't even try. My mental health is a huge part of why am am still stuck at the same place I was back in May '07. I WANT A HEALTHY SOUL. I want to wake up every day and believe in myself. I want to accept myself for who and what I am currently because if I can do that, then I will be able to move forward. I must know and understand the truth of me now so that I will know where to start in order to succeed. Knowing where to start will help me make realistic goals and not just get frustrated that I cant currently do the things I could in peak condition.
I read a really good article in Fitness magazine about having a healthy mind. It really helped me put things into perspective and realize that I need to focus on my mind and soul in order to help my body. I am naturally a pessimist and a perfectionist without much patience. It makes for a wicked combination. I want to be able to do things perfectly right away or else I just stop trying. SO...my focus for the first three months of this year is going to my healing my soul. There are some things I am still hanging on to that are continuing to hold me back and I can't wait to break free! I'm ready to be healthy.

It's not easy

2008-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am Crystal. Sister to Angel and Sherry who are also on this page. They are both inspirations in many different aspects and I look forward to living a full life with both of them!
A few years ago I was at the weight of 180 and when I finally realized how over weight and out of shape I was, I wanted to change. Thanks to sports, marching band, running with my mom I was down to 160. When I moved to Utah I was able to back down my weight to 145, but I recently put some of it back on and I was back to 160. Now from recent activities and watching my food intake so I'm not over eating, I am down to 152, 17 pounds away from my goal weight and I'm very excited!!!
One of my role models is my Mom. She is truly an inspiration with how much weight she lost and how long she has kept it off and it has kept her body young. We play tennis, swim, run, bike, basketball, catch with the football... and pretty much everything else! Thanks to her fitness she can still be there and keep up with every thing that happens during the day.
Another is my oldest sister Angel. She has had many injuries and yet she is still determined to pull this off and get to the weight that she has set her goal to. She has lost quite a bit of weight and continues to do so as she is now running! She is even running a 5k in a week. I'm so proud of her and I want her to know that I'm right behind her the whole way.

I heard someone once say, "This isn't easy, if it was everyone would be out here doing it." But that is the point. We are the ones that ARE out here doing this and we are making something of ourselves. Those people who are sitting at home on their couch while we are working out? They are the ones missing out of something, because thirty years from now they will be the ones wondering what happened while we are out having the time of our lives. WE are making a difference and WE can do this.

This is me

2008-01-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I'm Sherry. I'm very excited to be on the road back to good health. I am Angel's sister and I'm so grateful to have such a supportive woman in my life. I can't wait 'til the 11th of this month when we are running the 5k at Disney World together! This will be the first time we have seen each other in almost a year and not only do we get to see each other, we get to support each other in this fitness trainning.
I have been battling with my health for a few years now and one of the effects I have had to deal with is close to a 70 lb weight gain. But I am happy to share with you that I have learned enough about my disorders that I can finally focus on getting my life back and really feeling like me again. Last March, when my husband went to Boot Camp, I decided it was time to take action. I lost 12 lbs while he was gone and have kept it off. The picture of me, to the right, is one of the first that I have taken in years that I actually liked!

Background Info: Angel

2008-01-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

I am Angel Call. I am a fun, happy, teacher in training! I will not say how much I weigh, yet. I have a long ways to go. Five weeks ago, I started slowly working my way up to a two mile walk/jog workout. On the 11th of this month, I am participating in a 5K fun run! Yikes! Last year, I succeeded in losing 15 pounds. This year, I want to loose the rest of what I need to loose. Why? Because I want to be healthy! I want to have less pain, I want to be able to do active things with my husband, I want to give myself a better chance at finaly getting pregnant, I WANT TO LIVE LIFE!

Here is a fun little thing to get me motivated. On the left is my "before" virtual model; on the right is my HOT "after" virtual model. You can do it too, if you want. Click HERE and make your own virtual model; then, select weight loss simulator.
Over the past 5 weeks, I have struggled but seen some small benefits. I know that it will continue to get easier and I will get healthier. Join me on my journey!