Brand New!

 It has been so long since I've posted on my blog that I hardly even know where to begin.

First of all - Summertime Shape up - which was my last post here, was way more than that!  I finished my 80 day Obsession last week and have to say that I feel completely transformed. It has not only changed my body composition from flabby to firm, but also I have entirely new outlook and mindset when it comes to my nutrition. For YEARS I have been running and exercising until the cows come home and have been in a plateau as far as my weight and mentality are concerned.  I started out this summer by going ALL IN on this Beachbody program, 80 Day Obsession. And by "all in" I mean, not just doing the exercise portion (which is what I have done in the past when doing these programs) but also drinking Shakeology each day, and using the colored portion containers religiously.  I was determined to make a change because what I had been doing was not working!  You cannot just work out or run and expect to lose the weight or define your muscles if you aren't fueling your body properly.  Let me tell you, it is not easy!  I did sway from the program a few times (San Francisco trip in July and Sonoma wine tastings!) but the majority of the time I was/am following that plan (plan A for me) in order to stay on track and reach my goals.  It's working!  I am down 8lbs and stronger than ever, not only physically but mentally.  I feel so much better in my own skin.  It really is indescribable.  I have started to look at food differently and also have begun to feel more in control of that part of my life.  Too often I would eat healthy all day long and then end up sitting in front of the TV at night and eating a half a bag of almonds! Yes, almonds are healthy - but you can't eat your weight in them! LOL More importantly, it's a lifestyle change...meaning this way of eating healthy and mindfully will continue, even though I've "finished" the program.  It is a lifelong process and I am going to shoot for even more progress!

During my progression through the 80 days I felt more and more drawn to the idea of being a coach.  I feel compelled to share my story and journey with others. Although I am busy with a husband, two teenaged boys and a job as director of a preschool, I knew that I needed to do this!  So I decided about 2 weeks ago now, to become a fitness coach.  I am so excited to continue along this healthy path along with helping others to start or continue their journey in fitness and health. 
I am currently helping to run a challenge group in which we are doing the Beachbody On Demand LIIFT4. It is an 8 week program using a combo of HIIT, weights and core training, along with drinking our Shakeology and using the colored containers filled with nutritious foods.  I am excited about this program because it has 4 workouts per week which will allow me to integrate in 2 days of running in order to train for my upcoming fall races. (I workout 4 days, run 2 days and have one rest day where, like today I do some sort of yoga/stretch/roll session for recovery.) 
After this 8 week program I am planning to start a new challenge group using the 21 day Fix workout program. This is great for those that are just starting out on their fitness journey!  Please comment on my blog or message me on IG or Facebook if you want to learn more or want in on my October challenge group!!