Save A Sister 10k.
Here are some photos of the 10k I ran with some friends today.
It was me and my friend Amber, her unoffical sister-in-law and her friend Jessica.
It was my first 10k as well as Ambers. It was cool to accomplish this goal in 2009. We had a great time and it was for a great cause. 
I like to ride my bicycle...Trent, Tammy, Mark and I rode in this years Tour de St. George, sponsored by Red Rock Bicycle.
I was a great day for a ride. Trent and I rode the 65 mile ride, while Mark and Tammy did the century ride.
The ride started off a little brisk, but we warmed up within the first 15 miles or so. At the start of this ride about 2 miles in, there were about 4 crashes that we saw. The Summit Althetic Club was having a triathalon the same morning and had put out cones on the road. Since we were ridding into the sun at the first part, many of the riders couldn't see or just plane ran into these cones. There were a few people who defintily had broken collar bones. Very sad for that to happen at such an early part of the ride.
After the riders started to clear out it wasn't as much of a bumper car ride.
Trent and I rode together the entire way. After our climb up Sand Hollow, we ended up pulling about 15-20 people. It was crazy how we just started going and one by one, people jumped behind. It really is amazing how when you ride with that many people and draft behind one another, how much energy you save while going fairly fast. (we were around 20-25 miles an hour)
After a rest stop, the chain broke up and we headed out up another hill again. This part was probably the most tiring, but once we got up and over, my 2nd wind finally kicked in and I was ready to go some more. Trent told me that he needs to find me a jersey that says something like: I love to go fast! Reason he said that is because I absolulty love to haul as fast as I can down the hills. When I started riding I was a little scared. Now, it's what makes any hill worthwile.
Overall, we road the 65 miles in about 4:30 (actual moving time).
Mark wasn't too far behind us and he did the century. Tammy came in as well with no problems.
It was a great time and was especially fun to do it with family. We can't waite for next Spring's ride.
Well the day finally arrived! I survived a total of 30 days on the Jillian Michaels Making The Cut program. All I can say is that I am so proud to know that I accomplished this and it was so worth it. (I acknowledge some days were hard and mentally tough but that's part of the journey)
I took my measurements and photo last night and it was really amazing to see the changes - especially on the measurements.
In total I lost:
Day 25 already! The time is just flying by.
This week I was on the road again for work, and once again I had to improvise on some of my meals. I probably wasn't as good as I was last week on the road when selecting foods. One, because I went to dinner with a bunch of co-workers at TGI Friday's - I don't think there is anything healthy there! I was able to get a Asian Salad that wasn't too bad; however I am sure the sodium was higher than what I would have liked.
I did try my best with the options I had available. It's just a fact of life that eating while traveling is not that easy.
On a really good note...I have had a pair of pants that Trent bought for me Christmas 2007. I have never been able to wear these pants! I can get them on, but they were too tight in the waist to be comfortable and they did that unattractive "whiskers" thing on the front. (because they were too tight) After noticing how my body has changed and become more tone on my bottom half I decided last night to pull them out of the closet and try them on. For the very first time, I was able to put on these pants AND they were actually loose in the waist.
It was such an awesome feeling to put on pants that are 2 years old (with the tags still attached) and have them fit! I think that out of this whole program, that was worth it all! All the gross food and sore muscles can't compare to the feeling you get when you feel good in your clothes. It's amazing how feeling good about yourself, can make a difference in your day. On the flip side, I think about people who have horrible self esteem, or who are never happy with their body image; how sad it must be to live with that burden and never truly just be in a state of happiness because you are alive and you have been given the gift of a body (even with all of it's quirks and imperfections).
On another good note - while traveling for work, I saw a co-worker who I haven't seen in about 14 months. It was so awesome to hear her say "You've lost weight! How much weight have you lost?" Once again those simple words make all of the hard work worth it -100%.
Only 5 more days to go.
I am definitly seeing a change in my body.
This week flew by so fast! I can't believe that it is already day 21! That means I have less then 10 days to go.
This week I had some difficulty in following the plan to the letter thanks to traveling for work and a surprise dinner party. I thought for sure that I would see the effects on the scale; however I was excited to see that I actually lost three lbs! I think this just proves my theory that I am not getting enough calories in a day and subsequently my body is going into slight starvation mode. As I have said before and as I say to anyone who asks about this program - I hate the food. I think because I don't like it so much, I tend to not eat the full portions and end up short for my daily calorie requirement (which is 1513).
The good news with me not being able to follow the meal plans exactly, is that I was able to find foods while on the go that met the program requirements. The even cooler part was that I had the willpower to choose the better option when it came to ordering! This actually is giving me a boost since I know that when the 30 days is over, I will have learned enough about what foods are better for my body so that I can choose wisely.
I am on the road again for work tomorrow. Now that I know I can choose wisely even while traveling I don't have any room for excuses. It's all about the choices I make.
T-minus 9 days...
Today is Day #14 and I am on the road for work. I am thinking this is going to make this 30 day challenge even more of a challenge for me!
So far, I have had to overcome two hurdles as far as food goes 1.) Airport food 2.) Hotel food.
Have you ever tried to eat healthy while in an Airport? It really is not easy. Luckily as I passed down the temptation for Cinnabon, Pretzel Time, or Ruby's Diner in the Las Vegas Airport, I remembered that Starbucks sells of all things...oatmeal --- along side their 900 calorie muffins and cookies. So there I sat waiting for my flight, eating my oatmeal at 4:00 in the afternoon. First hurdle overcome!
Now for the second hurdle - Hotel food.
I didn't have many options when it came to getting some dinner. I'm kind of in no-mans-land as far as a grocery store goes. So I opted for the hotel bar/restaurant. I reviewed the menu to see what possibilities I had. Luckily I found a meal with steak medialtions, chicken and veggies - No problem right? Turns out the food wasn't too bad, however the meat and veggies came together on one footed plate and in the bottom the veggies were swimming in oils and juices. So, I ate as much meat as possible - however I tried to avoid things that were submerged in the lake of the unknown.
Tomorrow will definitly pose more hurdles like this for me. All day meetings, and a hotel "gym" with a total of three cardio machines. I will do my best to improvise - a phone book probably weighs 3 lbs, lift that enough times and you will feel the burn.
Overall as far as my progress goes, the scale isn't moving in a downward fashion as much as I would like - especially if I am going to loose a total of 10lbs by Sept 1. However, I am definitly noticing a difference in the way my close are fitting as well as my swim suit. Infact, Trent and I went to a birhtday pool party last night and I did notice my suit fit a little better.
The food still sucks - yes sucks - as far as I am concerned. But I am sticking to it and doing my best. This is turning out to be a great mental overhaul. I am thinking about food and my workouts in a whole different way.
Well, here is to Daty #15 - while on the road.
Well I just finished with my workout for Day #8.
Today has definitely been my worst workout day so far. All I can say is ugh. My legs are still sore in some parts - the parts that are getting more muscle -so some of today's exercises were really difficult. Also, today was a hard work out day because there was so much upper body. I seriously have no upper body strength! Today the first thing I had to do was 20 scorpion push ups - I can't even do that many regular push ups, none the less, scorpion push ups. (*scorpion push up is when you lift your right leg up and back towards your left shoulder as you move in the down part of the push up - yeah...not easy)
I am still having a bit of a rough time with the food. It really isn't appealing to me, so I don't want to eat it all, nevermind have seconds. Plus, I think because I don't really want to eat the food in the meal plans, I am not getting my required calories of 1513. (which is probably putting my body into a bit of starvation mode, thus not good for loosing weight) I need to get on top of this part or else my workouts won't be as beneficial.
I am noticing major muscle growth in my legs! I am getting very strong muscle on the sides of my legs and even up higher in to my hips. (thank you squats, & lunges)
Overall today is probably my least motivated day. I guess that is to be expected though. The newness has worn off and honestly - I can't stop thinking about The Cheesecake Factory's Chipotle Chicken Pasta or a Cafe Rio Salad. Not good to be thinking "once I am done, I am going to drive to Vegas or fly to SLC and eat at The Cheesecake Factory "
Oh well. This is part of the program. You have to get over these mental hurdles - it makes you stronger. Besides, the next time I do go to Cafe Rio or the Cheesecake Factory, I am going to savor my meal that much more!
Here is to day #9!
I made it through my first week of workouts! Now I get tomorrow and Sunday off - my legs are so happy!
The first workout was good. I was a little slow on moving from one activity to the next simply because this was all new for me and some of the moves I have never done before. Day two was tough! My legs were incredibly sore from Day 1 and to top it off, lunges and squats were both on the list. All I can say is ouch!
Wednesday was a rest day. I kind of missed going to the gym - weird I know. However I definitely know why it is a rest day. My thighs were still talking to me.
Yesterday's workout felt great. My legs were a little sore when I did the squats, but I really stretched after and that seemed to make a difference. Today was a great workout! I have done almost all the moves already so I was able to keep the pace when going from one circuit to the next.
I am sure I have made some people at the gym wonder what on earth I am doing. I am running around from weights, to circuit to treadmill for 45 mins. Definitely not the normal work out routine.
The food has improved as the week has gone on. We had fish on Wednesday that was good. Then yesterday for dinner we had lamb. I really enjoyed the lamb. It was so tender. The side dish was baked eggplant which I have never had before. It has an odd texture, but no real flavor by its self. I liked the lunch today and actually enjoyed eating it. Tonight was good as well, Apricot Chicken and Spaghetti Squash.
Overall things are going well. I haven't really been craving anything sweet - I thought that would be a struggle for me. The lunches have been so-so, the dinners are improving, but the workouts I actually love!
Only 25 days to go...
Over the July 4th weekend, Trent and I went to SLC to spend time with the family.
Teresa, Taran and Rylee invited us to go to the ReAL Salt Lake game, so Spencer, Trent and I all went.
None of us had been to a game before so we were excited.
When we arrived at the Rio Tinto Stadium I was so impressed by how nice it was. There defineitly was some money put into this place.
Teresa & Rylee got to enjoy the game from a box. We visited them for a little while. It was really nice in there! Catered food, drinks, a t.v. if you wanted to sit in side at watch it - don't know why you would.
SLC ended up winning the game and then after we got to watch fireworks. It really was great time. I'd love to go again!
This past Friday night and Saturday, we had Trent's nephew, Taran come stay with us. He had been in St. George for the week, hanging out with his grandparents.
On Saturday we wanted to get out and do something, but didn't want to be in the heat so we went to Pine Mountain. It was so pretty up there and 25 degrees cooler!
We did a little bit of hiking and just enjoyed the outdoors. We took Missy with us as well and she had a good time too.
She had so much of a good time that she found some cow poop and decided to roll in it so she would be pretty. Trent ended up washing her off in the water there. After he got her somewhat clean, she then decided to roll in the dirt because she was now wet.
It was one of those things where rather than get mad at what is happening you just sit there and laugh because it's one thing after another.
We finally got her all washed and headed home after about 2 hours. It was a great time just to get out of the St. George heat and enjoy outdoors.
I found out from some friends at work about the Jillian Michael's program called Making The Cut. I purchased the book in July , and have read it cover to cover and decided August is the month to do this. I decided that during this time I will make some journal positing so 1) I can see where I have been and where I am going and 2) so I make sure I am held accountable by those people who see this blog.
Today is day number two of 30 and I am feeling yesterday's work out!
So far the food has been a little difficult for me. Lots of "new" foods for me as well as a total shock to my tastebuds. (although, fennel smells amazing! I have never had fennel until today - smells amazing, like licorice. The taste is fine.)
The work outs have been amazing though! I really actually enjoyed my work out yesterday and felt really good after, although the lactic acid in my legs and arms is definitly talking to me!
Today's workout was a little more difficult simply due to my legs aching and burning from yesterday, but I still had a good time.
As far as weight goes, I am hoping for 10 lbs in total after the 30 days is over. As of today the scale showed I had lost 2 lbs - not too sure if I am really buying that as "weight loss" yet.
Regardless it is good to have these little "projects" for yourself to keep your body challenged as well as to remind yourself that you are capeable of more than we give ourselves credit for. Besides, my saying in life is: "If you aren't uncomfortable, then you aren't doing it right". We need to get a little uncomfortable in life if we are ever going to make changes and progress.
Here's to day three...
On Saturday, March 28th was the Tour de St. George bike ride. This was my first ride and Trent's second. Mark, Teresa's husband, his friend Richard and wife, Billy Jo also rode with us. I ended up riding the 30 mile ride, Trent did the 65 mile ride and everyone else did the century (100 miles).
It was a great time! Turns out I was the first female to finish the 30 mile ride which was pretty cool. Trent was able to complete the 65 in about 5 hours and everyone else was about 7 and a half. 
It was so fun to start with such a huge crowd of people. It was close to about 300 riders. These rides are definitly addicting, so there will be many more to come.
This past weekend, Trent's nephew, Taran, was in St. George for some pre-season soccer games with his team. (Bingham High School). We were able to go and watch his game against Snow Canyon High School and Dixie High School.
He has really become a great 'keeper'! Trent is definitly a proud uncle. 
I wanted to share some pictures of my latest quilt that I made for my dear friend Kelly. She just had her third baby - Beck Robert Patrick Healey - and I wanted to make something for her that represented her style, yet would be something that Baby Beck could use past his baby years. I had a great time making this quilt! It turned out better than I expected.
