Owl

Saturday 12 October 2013

The purge

Today I decided to go through my closet.  My friends started telling me that I really needed to get new pants (LOVE hearing that!!!), but before I shopped, I needed to make some space.  I have always hated going through my closet - because it usually meant all the stuff in there was too small.  This time was different...more than half of the stuff was too big!

I decided regardless what the size was I would try on every pair of pants in there.  I wanted to really quantify what I've been working so hard on for the past 9 months.  Yes, my biggest goal was to be a runner...but truth be told I wanted to be able to wear an amazing dress to hubby's Christmas party this year and that meant shrinking a bit.

So I did...I tried on everything.  And more than half were falling off me.  Even most of my "sizes I want to fit into" pants were too big! It really hit me - I've lots of wonderful people in my life tell me that they really notice how much weight I've lost but in my head it didn't seem like it was a big difference.  I know - I'm nuts.  But it's hard to get rid of the critical voices when you've lived with them your whole life.  I think I'm on the road to silencing them a little bit :-)

Now I have a big pile of clothes to donate, I feel fantastic (was back out for a run this morning and it felt great) and I'm healthier than I've even been.  Gimme a couple of weeks and I'll post a pic of the fabulous dress I'm wearing to that Christmas party!

Happy Thanksgiving all!!


Sunday 6 October 2013

Check that off my bucket list!!

OK so I finally get to check something pretty big off my bucket list.  Today I started - and more importantly finished - my first 5K race!  OMG...do you have any idea how long I've waited to actually put that in writing?!  Anyone who follows my on Facebook knows that I've run a few 5K distances at home, but to have completed a race is a whole new WOW in my book.

I didn't run it the fastest, but I also didn't cross last.  I got passed on the route by other runners, but passed a few of my own too.  I did discover that I'm not a huge fan of running in a big crowd, but I found a pocket where I could zone out and just kept putting one foot in front of the other.  As I rounded the corner to the finish line, I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.  I think I did a bit of both.  As I got closer, I got to see all the amazing people there waiting to hug me when I crossed - including 2 of my running buddies who did an incredible job today and beat me to the finish.  I am pretty darn proud of us ladies.  Thank you to Sonia, Tina and Kelly for keeping me on track leading up to the 5K day.

And here is the really incredible part...we're talking about doing another 5K at the end of October and - wait for it - a 10K in the spring.  I created running monsters with my little "let's do a run" suggestion and I love it!

I also need to give a shout out to my hubby here.  He is my biggest cheerleader, and makes it ok when I say "I just have to go for a run".  Thank you my love...maybe you'll run the 10K with us in the spring!

To anyone who thinks they may want to try running - do it.  I never thought I would be able to run at all, but with a little determination, alot of sweat, a few tears, and some fantastic friends anything is possible.

Here is our pic after we all crossed the finish line...don't think our smiles could have been any bigger!


Wednesday 2 October 2013

My experience with Isagenix

So let me say upfront - I am no affiliated with Isagenix other than being a user of their products.  Wanted to get that out of the way so you know that when I start to gush about my experience with their stuff, you'll know it's cause I really like them.

A friend of mine introduced me to their products a few years ago, particularly their 30 day cleanse.  I was skeptical - when I thought of a cleanse I thought of drinking nothing but juice and needing to be very near a bathroom at all times.  Was not thrilled at the idea of putting my body through something so drastic - and for 30 days?  Wasn't sure.

Lisa, the friend who introduced me to the products, convinced me to go to an information session.  Truth be told, what I was really interested in was to see how the products would taste.  If I was seriously considering it, it better taste darn good!  And it did!  I signed up and did my first 30 day cleanse that year.  Here's the thing - the program was shakes for 2 meals and you get to eat a sensible meal (plus all the other good stuff you take).  Within the 30 days, you do 4 "cleanse" days where you are drinking no shakes but more liquid.

So here's the thing...it was hard initially.  But the truth is it was more a mental thing than the program.  Small changes allowed me to fit the cleanse into my life - and I felt amazing after it was done.  More energy, food tasted better, didn't need as much coffee in my life.

I'm just about finished by latest 30 day cleanse...and I did it this time while I was training for a 5K.  It makes my mornings super easy to be able to throw a shake together as I'm running out the door - in fact I've decided to keep this part up outside the cleanse.  Oh and did I mention you get to eat chocolate?!  They are called Isagenix Delights and they are an amazing dark chocolate treat for when you need a boost.  I'm sure there is a scientific reason they let you eat chocolate, but really I'm all about being able to indulge once in awhile...and these little treats let you do this!

I have become a firm believer in these products - by far the best tasting protein shakes and protein bars I've ever had (chocolate tastes like chocolate!) - and the fact that I have a Coach who I can ask questions too (and who keeps me on track with her encouragement) makes the whole experience a good one.

Remember - like anything else you get out of it what you put in.  It takes some willpower to stick to it, but the beauty is even if you deviate from it, you can get right back into it.  If you want to chat more about the company and their products, or you want to see if the products are right for you, you really should get in touch with Lisa (http://LiveHappyHealthyNow.isagenix.com).  She is awesome, honest and can help set you up on your way to detoxing your life :-)  I know I thank her for introducing me to Isagenix!