KellyOlexa.com

This is how I felt last night, when, after a long day of work in Lake Tahoe, I went for my run. I RAN FOR 55 MINUTES NO STOPPING!!!!! Holy Smokes!!! I felt so proud of myself and it felt so awesome, words can't describe. I mean kids, running is the one thing in my life I've never been able to do. And of course now I see that the major obstacle to my succeeding was my own fear and self-doubt. 

NO MORE. 

I CAN do anything I set my mind to. When things don't go well, I make adjustments, and I KEEP PRESSING ON. I keep trying. I will NOT give up, or give in to doubt or fear. 

Enough said.

I am FINALLY home- been traveling all day. Totally beat~! But who woke up at 6:30a.m. today and went for a run BEFORE heading to the airport? ME!! I did learn a lesson though because I was dry cramping bad- dry cramping meaning I was getting stitches from not having enough water or no coffee before heading out. I simply couldn't run for more than 2 blocks without a cramp returning. So guess what I did? I used the whole time to do quick "sprints" where I ran fast for 2 blocks, then walked fast, then ran fast, then walked. If my workout clothes are ON, I am doing SOMETHING!!

;-) See you tomorrow! WOOT!!!!!

Hey Kittens!! How is your week going? Fantastic I hope. I'm still in Lake Tahoe, heading home tomorrow! Amen, a whole week without business travel!! That's a WOOT factor  in and of itself. 

I am really excited to share this week's Wednesday WOOT! Factor gal, Kelly - and NOT just because she has the same name as me. Kelly's blog, Fitting Back In has been one of my favorite reads for a LONG time.  This gal COOKS up a storm- always tries great new healthy recipes and plans her meals out like a month in advance. Seriously, she should have her own Martha Stewart show. I'm just sayin. Kelly is also the gal that got me started reading again- well, books for pleasure as opposed to just business. She reads and posts reviews on her site. She is gorgeous, funny, has a fabulous decorating sense, and knows what works for HER- how she lost weight and what she has to do to maintain it. Tune in and check out her blog. She rocks. ;-)

1.       When did you first start working out and why? I started working out back in high school. I was on dance line and had a trainer. Loved it! Then it fell by the wayside in college and I was on and off. My weight didn’t really go up… but once I finished grad school and moved to Atlanta I slowly started gaining weight. I reached a weight I wasn’t comfortable with (post-honeymoon) in February 2008 and was like OMG – must get back down before this gets out of control. I began working out with a friend 4 days/week in March 2008 and have kept that up since then!

2.       Are you at your "Happy Place" right now - meaning more of a maintenance mode, or are you still in a weight loss mode? I’m probably in more of a maintenance mode now, but would be happy to lose 5 more, but not happy to gain more. I think if I ‘maintained’ a few pounds lower I’d be happier, so it’s something I’m working on.

3.       If you are in maintenance mode, do you feel that you work just as hard to maintain your level of fitness as you did to lose it? I do. I feel if anything I have to work harder because my workouts get easier and I have to keep stepping it up. I kind of long for the days of weight loss rather than maintenance!

4.       What does your current workout "routine" look like now? I strive for about 21 miles/week (9 running; 11 walking); 1-2 days of upper body circuits; 1-2 ab work outs and 1 leg workout. The miles aren’t usually an issue, nor is the upper body ST. However, I tend to slack on abs and leg workouts but am getting better at making sure I fit them in!

5.       What do you do for cardio? How often? I walk at 4 mph or run at 6.3 mph. I began running in January 2010 (Couch to 5K program). I could barely run a minute. Now I’m up to 35 minutes straight at 6.3 mph (about 3.6 miles) – it’s crazy how much easier running gets as I plug along! I usually walk or run 4-5 days a week (usually walk during lunch and run after work).

6.       Do you workout at home or the gym? At a gym! Either the gym in my office building (small/couple of treadmills and dumbbells), the gym in my parent company’s office building (amazing; classes; all equipment) or the gym up by my casa (medium sized; good bit of treadmills and weight).

7.       When did you start incorporating the tracking methods that you use(that wow me)? Did you always do it or was this in reaction to needing something more? I began doing this in September 2008 when I started the blog. Basically, in February 2008 when I realized I had gained 10 pounds on my honeymoon I began working out 4 times/week – strength training and cardio. By August, my clothes had begun to fit better but the scale had not budged. So I decided to try Spark People to track calories (I had tried on paper several times and failed miserably – too much work!). So I started this in September and literally lost 10 pounds that month. I credit to the blog + working out + tracking through Spark. Now it’s second nature. All of my meals are in the system and I can literally spend 3 minutes to track a day’s worth of food! (unless I make a new recipe – takes a bit of time to input it into the system!)

8.       What about you planning your meals in advance~ is this a huge help for you in eating healthy? YES. It’s ridiculous. If I don’t have food ready, prepared and portioned I tend to eat high calorie, fattening, non-nutritious meals in huge portions. True story. I have no will power and no “I’m-full” feeling. It’s sad, really! However, I know this about myself and therefore can cut myself off at the pass by pre-planning, pre-cooking and having a lunchbox and fridge full of yummy, portioned meals!

9.       Has blogging about your fitness journey helped you stay accountable? YES. There are days when I don’t want to go to the gym. But I’m like dang. I already said I’m going. Kelly O went in 10-degree weather in Chicago. If I miss today I’ll miss my weekly go al numbers. I CAN DO THIS. And I just go. And I ALWAYS feel better after I do. Every. Single. Time.

10.   What do you say to those that haven't gotten fit and complain that they don't because they "can't get motivated"? I honestly usually tell them I’m sorry. Because I’ve been there. And it sucks to not be happy with how you look or feel but not have the motivation to change it. I try to tell them how I got motivated (with a buddy, with bloggies, with great resources and cookbooks), and I try to emphasize that it takes TIME. To really do it right, it is truly a lifestyle change and not a 7-day detox.

11.   What about any/all of the excuses like "No time", "No money", "no gym", "no support"? I stay quiet on these. I don’t know how to help because I always think about when I found out that almost every president of the U.S. took 30 minutes a day for a workout. If they can do it NO ONE is too busy. Get over yourself. Is that ugly?! Haha sorry, my patience level is low therefore I just keep my trap shut. I just feel that it’s so something people have to do for themselves and they’ll make it work if they want to.

12.   What does your "diet" look like i.e. how you eat, what is your Philosophy? My philosophy is really just healthified comfort food! I have breakfast casseroles, pizza, taco bakes, pasta – you name it, I just measure it all, use reduced-fat products, and mix it up to get in more veggies or lean meats. I really enjoy eating 3 350-500 calories meals a day and a few snacks – usually cheese/crackers, bars or treats like reduced fat cookies or dove chocolates. J

13.   What changes have you made over the past several years in your diet and/or workout approach and why? My workout approach has mainly stayed the same, except that this year I took on running (in past years it was all walking – 1,000 miles in 2009!). Eating though – wow. The pre-cooking approach has definitely been a departure but I’m SO happy I did it. I love having meals ready at my fingertips. Also the food scale. Wow – it changed my life for sure. My portions were definitely too large before, and I know that for sure now!

14.   What is your food weakness? Probably pizza. And French fries. It’s gotten easier but I could eat these things all day, every day! I try to make my own but sometimes it’s just not the same!

15.   What is your favorite healthy breakfast? 1 ¼ egg scambled and covered with ½ slice of fat-free sharp cheddar cheese over 2 pieces of turkey bacon on an English muffin. YUM.

16.   When did you start blogging and why? Really it was just another attempt to lose weight and track. It started very heavy on tracking calories and only my mom read it! Then slowly as I got more involved in the blog community and learned more things I began trying recipes, pre-cooking, working out more, reading, running and more – it’s crazy how things snowball. J

17.   What haven't you done (fitness wise) that you'd like to try? I haven’t run outside. Hehe I want to try a race one day. I also would love to try indoor rock climbing, step and more classes!

18.   What motivates you to keep at it? The way I feel. Do you ever just feel fabulous? Sometimes I feel like my energy levels couldn’t get higher. I just think that the way workouts and better eating make me feel impacts all areas of my life at home and at work. I LOVE IT and honestly can’t imagine working out less or eating less healthy. (I can imagine working out harder, running faster, eating more green, etc. – and this excites me).

19.   Are you a morning workout person or evening or lunchtime? Lunchtime and evening – NEVER morning for me. I like to go downstairs (at work) at 11:45 a.m. and walk 4 miles OR walk 3 miles and do upper body ST. Then at 5 p.m. I like to head over to my parent company’s gym to run! (only 2-3 days/week – the other days I head straight home!).

20.   What is YOUR biggest excuse that you find yourself battling in not wanting to workout a certain day? Too stressed. I’ll be overwhelmed with everything I have to do or “should” be doing other than working out. Then I tell myself how much happier I’ll be doing all of those things if I get a workout in FIRST. So I’ll workout… then go home, work more, hit the grocery store, do laundry, whatever – and I’m in SUCH a better mood.

21.   Do you weigh yourself or measure yourself? Both. I weigh every day and measure every few months. I find a daily weigh helps me stay on track, but realize it’s not for everyone!

22.   LASTLY, feel free to add anything that you want to share to those that might not have started working out, those that lack motivation or think they can't do it, etc. Oooh that’s a toughie. I guess for me what’s most important is figuring out what you like and what works and makes sense for you. I never set out to take a spin class each day at 6 a.m. This isn’t realistic for me both with the timing and with the activity – not a huge fan of bike riding or doing anything before 7 a.m. So I think it’s looking at what you can do, what you like to do, what you can do while you’re doing it (i.e. watching TV or listening to a book, etc.) and going from there to look at your schedule. Be realistic and honest with yourself about your schedule and physical abilities. Start small to avoid burnout and try to ENJOY it. If you don’t enjoy it or how it makes you feel, it’s likely you won’t keep doing it!

Hey Kittens!! How is your week going?? Fabulous I hope. This week should just show you that I'm so crazy busy lately and traveling so much that I don't even know what day it is half the time. What is UP with me forgetting Monday Manjoyment yesterday? FOR SHAME.

Anyway- today's post is, "Learn From Everything, Every Day" and that is because I just got in from an hour Run/Walk. Mostly Run, probably 75% and then walking. I learned a LOT about my body today, and I learn every day. 

DON'T VIEW FAILURES OR MESS-UPS as FAILURES OR MESS-UPS. Look at them as a way to LEARN SOMETHING. It's easier to move on then, instead of obsessing over what you did wrong or didn't accomplish.

Most importantly- I think a key to success in this "getting fit" game is to realize that we are all unique. What may work for me may not work for someone else. Recognize that and work within YOUR limits, preferences and capabilities. Some people kick butt at pull-ups, my own sister can do several and I've practiced for over a year and can't do ONE without assistance. Do I want to spend my time whining about it? No. I'm still gonna try, but I'm also going to focus on where I CAN excel. 

So....what did I learn today?

• I learned that 90% of the time I cannot do cardio - any cardio of the high-impact kind- on anything but an empty stomach. I have learned that my body digests food very VERY slowly and when I have food in my stomach, trying to do cardio....well it is challenging to say the least. I cramp up EASILY. 
• I have learned in general that I really excel with my workouts as early in the day as possible. Today, I went for my run around 5pm and - it had been 3 hours since eating but I was just NOT on my A-Game. I was tired and cramping from a full tummy.
• I have learned that I need to make sure my running GEAR or get-up allows me to run unencumbered. Today, I had this zip up sweatshirt on top of my running "gear" of Nike tank top and running pants/tights. The sweatshirt got too hot so I had to tie it around my waist, which left it needing to be fixed over and over again so it wouldn't fall off. I also need something to hold my ipod so I don't have to hold in my hand. I also had my crappy headset instead of the bigger ones I use at home that cover my whole ear- these kept needing adjusting and it just PISSED ME OFF to no end. 
• I have learned that having the fast, motivating rock or club music on tends to make me run too fast, and that I do a better pace with more mellow music. Who would've thought?
• I've learned that my stomach is a wimp. It is. Truly a wimp. I've mentioned that after having that bout of salmonella, I am more lactose-intolerant than before. And in addition, I am just MUCH more sensitive to anything...well out of the norm. I didn't THINK I had anything "out there" today- I chose a cucumber/tomato salad and a grilled chicken/artichoke/red pepper "toss" in like a vinaigrette. HOLY STOMACH-ACHE FROM HELL later. Seriously, you'd think I was 6 months pregnant the way my tummy was sticking out. 

So, I can either ignore this stuff or adjust accordingly. I avoid foods that I don't know are made simply....whacky sauces and stuff- I can't tolerate, plus it's likely that they are "bad" for me anyway with hidden sugars and salts and stuff. I need to do my cardio in the mornings whenever possible. I need to get my running gear so I can run and think about just GOING, not fidgeting with my clothes.

All in all, good. I've been in Lake Tahoe 2.5 days and gotten in two solid workouts. Tomorrow morning I will get up EARLY and do my run, with weights in the evening. And for my "diet", Jenny has worked out a nice simple diet to follow while in my weight loss phase, incorporating what I can tolerate plus the ViSalus Protein Shakes that THANK GOD work well for my tummy. And they are YUMMY. 

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are there any foods you avoid or any dietary restrictions you have for overall health??

This is where I am, in Beautiful, Stunning Lake Tahoe. Kids - you've probably heard me say that Park City, UT and Seattle are two of my favorite places with that OOH AHH factor. I had a client once use the phrase, "God's Paintbrush". Lake Tahoe has to be #1. It is breathtaking out here. I left yesterday morning around 8am, arrived in RNO airport around noon, then drove to the hotel here. Um, let me just say that while I was OOOH-ing and AAHH-ing on the way, driving on a one-lane road up into the mountains, I wasn't quite prepared to get hit with fog so dense I could barely see a car length in front of me. Talk about white knuckle driving OMG!! Seriously- you can't pull off the side of the road BECAUSE THERE IS NO SIDE OF THE ROAD. 

Whoa. 

Anyway, arrived here last night and this is a picture of where I went walking then running. I started off walking because we are at 8,000 feet above sea level- compared to Chicago's lame 600 feet  - so like in Park City, I was worried I would have difficulty adjusting to the lack of oxygen. Turns out I was fine. I did notice some difference but I was able to run the better portion of the 30 minutes.

This really doesn't do the area justice. This path runs about 3 miles each way, surrounded by ungodly beautiful homes, half of which are on the water. Yea, Lake Tahoe. See below.

It is unbelievably stunning here. Just breathtaking. And I am SO missing my flight home on Thursday. LOL (You all know I am half serious, wondering how this could happen...)

Anyway, I have conference sessions to attend all morning and early afternoon, and then either tonight or tomorrow night there is a dinner cruise on the lake above. And the weather is amazing- it was chilly yesterday around 60 degrees (LOVED) and today it may be a bit warmer. I'm down with no more 90 degree days I tell ya. I'm OVER that. 

Below is a vlog I shot before I left. I've had a ton of you write me asking for the details and the lowdown on being a part of this 90-Day Challenge with Jenny Lynn and what is the Visalus business all about? This is VERY informal below but just enough to give you a taste. The bottom line is, we are all - or a good portion of us, are using protein shakes/meal replacement shakes as part of our overall healthy diet. Furthermore, we are all trying to focus on getting our daily vitamins and supplements for preventative measures right? Visalus is a company that provides all of these products - and the protein shake is nice, only 90 calories, 12g protein, 1g fat, 5g fiber- made with NON-GMO Soy protein.....very good stuff.

There are 800 other companies producing all kinds of protein shakes, supplements (essential fatty acids, vitamins, anti-aging, fat burners) and energy drinks. Visalus is one of them and the products are solid. And....I'm pretty dang sure Visalus is the only company where if you buy your goodies from them, and then you get your friends to try them, they like them and they buy them from Visalus, you earn actual money on it. Not the $.03 you earn on affiliate programs. Like, real actual part-time or potentially full-time income, from simply talking about and recommending a product you likely already use anyway.

**SPECIAL INCENTIVE** For those of you intense about your weight training and/or interested in maybe figure competition any time soon, Jenny Lynn and I are offering a kick butt prize!! Out of anyone joining our team in the next 2 weeks, we will choose one name and JENNY LYNN WILL FLY TO YOUR TOWN AND TRAIN WITH YOU FOR 2 DAYS PLUS WRITE UP A STARTING PROGRAM AND DIET FOR YOU!! 

If you are tilting your head wondering "Hmmph is this a scam??" or "Hmmm I want to know more!" - Leave me a comment here and email me at kellyolexa at gmail dot com. We will set up a time for you to talk on the phone with Jenny (Yea Jenny Lynn!) and she can answer any questions you have and tell you how SHE got involved with the company, after shaking her head and not seeing the great opportunity at first. 

For those of you with that skeptical thought in your head..."This isn't one of those PYRAMID SCHEMES is it?" Um, no. Pyramid schemes are illegal in the United States and I know a good bit about direct sales company, because I did my research before joining Arbonne, where I've been buying my skin care for over 5 years (and I earn extra income every month from it too). 

The "red flags" to watch out for with direct sales companies are:

• Companies that promise you that you can make "MILLIONS" without doing anything. Any real company should tell you that you can make $50.00 a month or $500.00 a month and that some people make thousands a month- but like a workout program, you get OUT of it what you put INTO it. 
• Companies that only focus on recruiting other people instead of an actual product or product line. These companies (I've had some friends get involved and I see it right away) focus only on "sign up 10 people a week, each person you sign up pays you $50....and all they care about is obnoxious recruiting and you aren't selling or talking about any product. That's not a business, that's a joke. 

So- like I said, for those of us regularly incorporating a meal replacement protein shake, vitamins, supplements or energy drinks- taking a look into this opportunity to earn some bank off of that makes sense. Some of you I have chatted with and you said, "Hey Kelly I don't really use protein shakes, I eat X or Y"- and we were like, hey cool. You won't hear me shoving this down your throat again and again trying to convince you. Life is too short. 

You will see me using the product line for my daily "diet" and get lean. I'll mention it and talk about some stuff Jenny and I are doing as we travel to different areas for fitness themed events with Visalus. But don't worry, my blog is not gonna change! This blog is about getting fit, working out, running, boys, good nutrition, and usually some Starbucks thrown in as well. 

;-)

Plus I am not keen on writing really long blog posts like this. Information overload!! 

I'm off to be a studious professional now. You kids have a kick butt day- and make it COUNT!

Question of the Day for today: ARE YOU MAKING PROGRESS OR EXCUSES?? 

KAPOW! Were you wondering if I crushed it today? Um, YES I DID. Although today was not a running day, I gotta tell you kids, I enjoy running more every single time I do it. Of course I'd love it even more if I had Hunk-O-Licious Bodyguard (like above) running with me. I could run for hours. 

I'm getting packed for my trip tomorrow so I don't have a WHOLE lotta time, but here I am giving you some bloggy love. What's up with that?? I'm a giver. 

Today was feeling a little LOW, I had a little post-MENS-Stress going on and felt big as a house. Wanted to throw in the towel and whine. But I had that inner conversation with my Lame Self. I'm starting to view this Ms. Lame Self as a person, in fact, per the suggestion of Amy, I've imagined this Lame Self to be someone I hold a lot of say, (trying to be positive here) DISTASTE for in my real life. So, now when I start to doubt myself or get pissed at a part of my body, I imagine that this Lame Self is this person in the real world that I would throw over a bridge stick my tongue out at, and I act as if THEY are saying those words to me. Why? Because guess what? If some jag were to say, "OMG Kelly, you may as well give up now, you're NEVER gonna get more fit, LOOK AT YOU, you look GROSS", I would roundhouse kick his a** and then step on his face as he lies on the ground quivering. I'd say, "I'm sorry, WHAT did you say I cannot do?? I didn't HEAR YOU!!". 

So if I wouldn't let another person talk to me that way or ruin my attitude, why do it to myself?? 

I am ELIMINATING the negative messages in my life.

• I am focused 100% on the FUTURE. 
• I am focused on what I CAN DO not what I think I cannot do.
• I am focused on the victories I already have, not what I have yet to accomplish.
• I will not pick myself apart in the mirror every day, looking for what is still sucky on my body. I will review my progress ONCE per week. PERIOD.
• I will speak positivity to myself every single day, because I CAN DO ANYTHING.
• God gave me this body and this mind with unlimited potential and I will not take that for granted.
• AMEN.
• Can I get an AMEN???

I am heading to Lake Tahoe for a conference tomorrow morning. I am there for 5 days and the HIGH temp will be 55 degrees. I am PSYCHED. I really have to find a solution for shooting/uploading video on the road. The challenge at present is that I shoot the vlog but my "high speed" connection is not high enough for file sizes of 350mb. I wonder if I get a flip-cam and shoot shorter vlogs on the road if that will work- THOUGHTS? Deep thoughts only please. Cuz I'm deep. hahahah

Question of the Day: What is your biggest excuse for missing a workout? 

This chick is BAD ASS. Period. 

I realized something this week. I realized that a shift has occurred somewhere between me starting up running (Thank You Amy) and then deciding I could do a 5K, and then deciding to run a 1/2 marathon. I no longer want to just participate in these sports as A HOBBY. I'm in this to win it. And by WIN IT I mean, I'm competing against others in a way, but I am competing against myself. I've never wanted anything MORE than to take a hold of the potential that lies within this body God gave me and just CRUSH IT.

I know that seeing Dara Torres at the MORE Magazine Reinvention Convention blew me away. Seeing her do her BEST work in her sport in her forties and smoking past the twenty-year-olds? That's hot. Watching my friend Amy start running and then KICK ASS at her first 1/2 marathon only months later ~ that rocks. She rocks. And hanging around Jenny Lynn in person, after watching her videos and knowing how HARD she works and the dedication she has, and how she is STILL kicking butt, just getting started after retiring from Figure Competitions....that's awesomeness. 

I am so inspired and it feels SO great to be IN THIS ZONE....I've been "in the zone" before sure, where I'm working out consistently and such, but never with this level of DRIVE and FIRE inside of me. I see myself in a different way. I've put the past year of medical issues behind me. I've let go of being disappointed in my inevitable "three steps back" that happened in 2009. I'm over it. I'm focused 100% on the FUTURE. I'm in it to WIN IT. 

I'm not just running or training in the gym to lose a few pounds. I'm training for marathons, and I aim to make each marathon better than the last. I'm in the gym to build and condition my muscles so I am stronger as I get older, not weaker. I'm building the physique that I aspire to and that makes sense for my bones- I'm NOT trying to be someone else or get a look that some guy expects me to have. This is about being the BEST that I CAN BE. This body, this healthy body with 2 working legs and strong arms has more potential than I can even grasp and I will NOT take it for granted. I will squeeze every drop of potential out of this body, OUT OF THIS LIFE, that I can.

I'm not just PLAYING. I'm here to BLOW MY OWN MIND. 

I am STRONGER today than I was yesterday, both physically and mentally and emotionally. I AIM HIGH and I NEVER SETTLE. 

Every day, I am STRONGER, FASTER, FITTER, BETTER, WISER AND HAPPIER than yesterday. 

I refuse to give in. I refuse to give up. I refuse to believe anything other than that I CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO. 

I am UNSTOPPABLE. And, I'm JUST GETTING STARTED.

This evening's vlog was shot in my office, and I had to be quiet because I was babysitting for my neighbor, and her daughter likes to sneak in when she knows a camera is on. Go figure. Excuse the slightly mellow mood.....regular KO MOJO tomorrow. ;-)

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What do you want to accomplish next that will blow your own mind??

Are  you 100% Satisfied with your body right now? Do you wake up every day feeling that you have reached all of your goals? 

If not, and I believe I speak not only for myself but for many of us out there, YOU MUST PUSH YOURSELF EVERY SINGLE DAY. You want this?? PUSH. 

Every day, SOMETHING will come up that will get in your way. Meetings, kids, social gatherings, traffic, illness, you name it. You keep giving IN, you keep taking a few steps BACK and you get closer to GIVING UP.

THE ONLY WAY TO FAIL IS TO GIVE UP. THE ONLY WAY TO WIN IS TO PUSH HARDER.

I woke up this morning in Seattle and my legs were ACHING from DOMS. I walked around my room and I'm saying to myself, "This hurts a lot, I really shouldn't do it this morning. I'll run when I get home tomorrow night..." SCREW THAT. 

I thought about what I was saying and realized that this is how WIMPS talk. Do you think all the badass runners, Olympians, marathoners, fitness competitors - DIDN'T WORKOUT WHEN THEY DIDN'T FEEL WELL??? Do you think they said, "Nah, I'll just sleep in...." 

THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE.

You want the physique and level of fitness that 95% of the population doesn't have? THEN WORK FOR IT. Wimpyness and Whinyness have no place here. 

I listened to my inner wimp and thought, "Kelly do you want to be a RUNNER? Because a REAL RUNNER runs when it hurts. You think a marathon is gonna be light fluffy kittens and cappuccino?? Think again! Get your sorry A** out there and RUN".

GUESS WHAT? I kicked that sidewalks A**!! And then some. Ran 30 minutes and then came back to the hotel gym and did a shoulder workout - AND THEN I got on the treadmill and ran 10 more minutes, and THEN I did some of Jenny Lynn's TORTUOUS ab moves AND THEN I got back on the treadmill for a 3 minute sprint. Heck yes I did.

I OWNED IT. And it felt AMAZING. Now I am channeling my inner Amy Burford when I stand here feeling my lower hips and getting annoyed at what I am still able to grab onto- and I say, "Hello there you flabby piece of crap. I like you because you are part of my DNA at this moment but I want you GONE and guess what? I will eliminate you like yesterday's email. Get ready to MAKE LIKE A TREE AND LEAVE."

I am unstoppable. I own this 90-day Challenge and the rest of my LIFE. I will surpass ALL OF MY GOALS AND THEN SOME. I CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO. And so can you.

Are you in? Are you positioning yourself as a WIMP or a WARRIOR??

1.  When did you first start working out and why?

While I gained the typical freshwoman forty (wait what? not everyone gains the forty? duly noted.) I really didnt care all that much. I gained it in the name of having (perhaps too much) fun and enjoying life. It was only after I graduated college and realized my interview suits no longer fit I decided it mightcould be time to shed a few pounds.  Quite frankly it was more the cheap (aka poor) than anything else which initially motivated me. Then I saw a picture of Linda Hamilton circa Terminator2...

2.       Are you at your “Happy Place” right now – meaning more of a maintenance mode, or are you still in a weight loss mode? 

I’ve pretty much been where I am now for the last 16 years.  I'm not a weigher but I'm also not much of a fluctuator now that I eat and exercise intuitively.

3.       If you are in maintenance mode, do you feel that you work just as hard to maintain your level of fitness as you did to lose it?

I preach this all the time---but it's merely because Im so passionate about it.  When I was working to lose weight I only did what I knew I could do forever.

At that point (no kids. no job. a whole lotta memememe time) I probably could have done 2 hours of cardio a day then weights then yoga etc.

I realized, however, that I needed to find something that worked then and I could do through marriage, kids and right on into old age.

As a result I probably lost bodyfat more slowly--but I do now what I did then and *easily* even with a husband child job and blogging.

4.       What does your current workout “routine” look like now? 

Dizclaimer. Don’t be me. I’ve slid back into a workout rut currently mainly because I’ve got a lot on the proverbial plate with regards to work and life.  Also this is what works for ME.  Yada yada yada took me 41 years to figure out what works for me.

In addition I tend to lift MORE frequently because I am in and out and DONE with my lifts in 20 minutes maximum.

I’ve found a child in the gym daycare for short spurts is a happier child.

6 days a week of cardio. Approximately 30 minutes. I MAY do 35 if I’m sucked into a trashy magazine article. NEVER more than that.

Lifting five days a week (chest, back, biceps, tri/shoulders, legs)

5.       What do you do for cardio? How often? 

Ideally I shall be running more as I've committed to running a half-marathon in December.  Typically I plop my arse on a recumbent bike with my smart phone and myriad magazines.

6.       Do you workout at home or the gym?

Cardio always at home and weights always at gym.

7.       What do you say to those that haven’t gotten fit and complain that they don’t because they “can’t get motivated”?

I could answer this question in book form (and I actually am! thanks for asking (wink)) but the bottom line for me is twofold:

First, it's important to write down, tease out, figure out WHY you want to 'get fit.'  For me the reason needed to be about far more than looks as I'm simply not motivated by that.  For other people it may be different----but only you (one) know what will motivate you to succeed.

Until you find that motivation (and as a counselor and trainer I could assist but not define) you're destined for fits and starts when it comes to fitness.

Secondly, and this isn't a popular belief but it's a firm one for me, once we have children I believe we lose the "choice" when it comes to motivation. We shed the luxury of being able to not have workout mojo and simply STOP for months on end.  I believe we owe it to our children not just to be healthy role models but to LIVE and live vibrantly & energetically.

8.       What about any/all of the excuses like “No time”, “No money”, “no gym”, “no support”?

No Excuses!

It may be a challenge but I’ve witnessed too many women overcoming amazing obstacles to believe that there aren’t ways around everything.

I could easily claim I’ve no time for working out.  Instead I get up at 4a to make it happen.

9.       What does your “diet” look like i.e. how you eat, what is your Philosophy?

I’ve talked specifics on site before but for me it's all intuitive now.

I listen to my body in all arenas (finally) from food to fitness to fun.

I tend toward few process carbs, avoid gluten (can’t tolerate. 16 yrs gluten free), and lottsa protein and whole grains.

10.   What changes have you made over the past several years in your diet and/or workout approach and why?

This is a tough one for me as I've really not changed all that much since my awakening 16 yrs ago.

I’ve tried new things (NIA, bodybuilding, fitness competition, Bikram yoga, hula hooping...) but mainly in the name of fun and keeping things fresh.

11.   What is your food weakness?

You know, PRE-intuitive eating Id have had a list as long as my arm (hello! Entenmanns chocolate covered donuts!) and interestingly enough Im coming up blank!  Now that everything is an option the concept of "weakness" has vanished.  

12.   What is your favorite healthy breakfast?

Protein pancakes!

I laugh that I love them so much I wrote about them for my third post ever at MizFit.

13.   When did you start blogging and why?

Ive been blogging since 2001 (I was hired to blog for a now defunct fitness site) and at MizFit for almost four years.  I started it and stil do it because I want to help people.  I also wanted to save people making mistakes that I did along the way and blogging seemed a great way to do it.

14.   How has blogging enhanced your fitness efforts?

Sadly it hasnt.  Blogging is a big time commitment and it is a delicate balance to strike avoiding WRITING about fitness so much that you have no time for FITNESS. (anyone else feel this way?)

16.   What haven’t you done (fitness wise) that you’d like to try?

Belly dancing!!

17.   What motivates you to keep at it?

My daughter.  I am determined NOT to be the old-mom at her college graduation and I know I need to start (and not stop) now! 

18.   Are you a morning workout person or evening or lunchtime?

CRACK OF DAWN. Not by choice---but by virtue of the fact I refuse to seize the excuse that my days are too hectic for exercise.

19.   What is YOUR biggest excuse that you find yourself battling in not wanting to workout a certain day?

Every day is a battle for me to do cardio. I love weight training. I DO cardio for overall health and balance.  

20.   Do you weigh yourself or measure yourself? 

Once a year at the doctor.

21.   In Carla’s Words:

Fitness isnt about fitting in is my tagline and also the way I live my life.  We may all want to  get to the same destination with regards to fitness (living longer, feeling better, looking good etc) yet that doesnt mean we all need to take the same path to get there.  Listen to gurus, read books and magazines, talk to your friends about what worked for them but remember that you are the expert of your own body.  Carve your unique path to health and wellness.  Just get to carvin'

 Follow Carla on Twitter @mizfitonline or check out MizFitOnline.com

Hey Kittens!! Boy, it has been a long long LONG day. Up at 4:45a.m for a 5:30a.m. limo to the airport. Four hours of flight bliss to Seattle....and by flight bliss I mean sitting in the window seat next to snoring older woman with friendliness issues. And by friendliness issues I mean STOP LEANING ON MY SHOULDER! 

Anyway, got to Seattle, ready for bed frankly, but headed to a lunch meeting at a sushi spot called FLO. Dude, what's UP with the name?? It was MEH on the sushi but I loved loved LOVED the green tea....I'm looking up where to buy it because I loved this taste. The brand is "SA". I also picked up some Coconut Water for my post-run drink this evening. Yea, I'm gonna head out and do a run- although to be honest, I am SO SO SORE from my run/lower body blast yesterday I may walk for an hour. We'll see. 

Have a big day tomorrow, so here is another vlog from this weekend featuring Ms. Jenny Lynn- remember I told you how she was correcting my form on shoulders and back? We ran over to the gym at her condo place and shot this quickie:

Let me know what you think. And for our QUESTION OF THE DAY: How sore do you have to be with DOMS to "take a break"?? I'm torn on pushing it today or waiting and kicking butt tomorrow....

LASTLY I am so behind on reading blogs; please bear with my sporadic catching up on y'all. I got mad love for you but I'm in the weeds big time!! ;-)