A VIKING, RUNNING

Last October I ran a simple, obstacle-free, breast cancer awareness race in something like 33 minutes. It was my first time to participate in ANY sort of race, because I'm not a big fan of running. I also recently joined an AMAZING boot camp that has pushed me to the limits. I have been sore to the point that I couldn't walk, tired to the point that I couldn't keep my eyes open and out of shape to the point that I couldn't lift a 20 lbs dumbbell! I overcame all of those obstacles in the last 3 months and became a boot camp junkie! 

So what now?

Well, I'm not quite ready to run a half-marathon. Baby steps people! I could run another simple, easy, 5K but instead, I am coming completely out from my comfort zone and doing something that scares me a little. April, 17, 2011 I will compete in...

WARRIOR DASH

From the Warrior Dash website:

Warrior Dash is a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell. This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with kick-ass music, beer and warrior helmets.

In real terms, it is a 3.2 mile run with 11 obstacles including a 4ft wall, crawling through mud under barbed wire and leaping over fire. And I know I can do it.

Today is another day.

POWER OF BOOT CAMP

As we all know, losing weight can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. It is completely up to you to determine your own success and set your own goals!

So, here is my take on it.

You set yourself back every time you have that treat or little bite of this or that or simply a glass of wine, which sometimes you feel you need…ugh! And even though you have that inside voice basically screaming STOP, you still end up reaching for that delicacy. Whatever your reason for wanting to lose weight, I congratulate you for taking the steps to be healthy. It's one thing that you will never regret! I applaud you for making that decision.

I have made that decision as part of my New Years resolution. But, unlike over 50% of other new years resolutioners, I stuck to it. And it has changed me. Not only do I get to socialize with amazing people while working out, I can also feel results. It is an amazing feeling when you can do things you have once struggled with. I have become a happier and more energetic person. And this is only 3 months into it. I can only imagine how I'll feel further down the road

Now, I am not saying that everyone needs to go find a personal trainer and throw away hundreds of dollars a month. If you are motivated enough to work out at home, try Beachbody Insanity (great work outs for self motivated people), if you can't do at home workouts yet are motivated enough to work out on your own at a gym, then maybe that will work for you. I am not that person. I need to be surrounded by others who constantly push me to my limits. And so I found the fit body boot camp. 

Life is too short to not have fun and I think to have fun you need to be healthy. Just saying! So start by getting your body ready, your mind open and your muscles screaming. :) 

"Make the world stronger, one screaming Boot Camper at a time."

On a separate note:

Research shows that protein is a key factor in weight loss success.  The way it works is through the thermic effect that it has on your body. In simple words, every time you consume food your body burns calories to digest that food.This is why I'm looking into buying a different flavor of Syntha-6 protein. I've been a huge fan of it for over 4 years now. Nothing has compared to it thus far. Time to branch out and taste a new flavor.

So, boost your protein intake with a protein shake.  Need a recipe? Here's one to get you started.

Verry Berry Good Shake

• 1 scoop of Syntha-6 Protein
• 1 cup of frozen mixed berries (half banana – optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup of (unsweetened almond - optional) milk

Blend and enjoy!

3-7 OPENING LETTER COLLAGE PICTURE FRAMES

After making Christmas presents for both, friends and family, I found this to be a very fun hobby. So if you live in OKC area and would like to save a few $$$ on a cool birthday, Christmas, anniversary, etc. present feel free to comment on this blog with questions/requests!

I can do a 3 to 7 Letter Collage picture frame for 4x6 OR 5x7 images (great for last and first names)! You can pick from a few simple frames (brown, black and white colored). There is also a choice of color, B/W and sepia photo effects.

I only have a few letter selections thus far but as soon as I get more I will create a flickr account, so you can pick and choose styles.

MANICOTTI WITH CHEESE

I made manicotti with cheese the other day and it turned out to be delicious! I recommend you try it if you like spaghetti/lasagna type food.

Ingredients:
3 cups spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1-3/4 cups (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 pieces (8 oz.) Manicotti, uncooked

Recipe:
Follow directions for pasta. Drain and cool pasta on foil (so they do not stick together). Heat oven to 350°F. In bowl, stir together cheeses, parsley, salt and pepper; spoon into cooled pasta tubes. Pour 1 cup sauce on bottom of 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish; arrange filled pasta in single layer over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over pasta; cover with foil. Bake 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil; bake 10 minutes longer.

Fairly easy and tastes way better than that Lean Cuisine manicotti dish.