A New Routine

Not only was it a new routine, just because I’m working out on a Tuesday, but I was tired of jogging the same path.  I went all the way over to the other side of the park.  There was hardly anyone over there, and I was the only car on the lot.  Me and Nyah started off with a brisk walk and then I started my run.  I totally freaked out when about 10 minutes into my run, I started to run out of gas.  I quickly realized that sit-ups, push-ups and leg lifts don’t equal running for 3 miles.  My race is in a couple weeks, I felt so defeated, I joined boot camp to help me, not slow me down.  I love the definition I’m starting to see in my arms, but Michelle Obama arms won’t help me run.  If you look at my Nike Chart, you see where I slowed down.  A few minutes later, that DMX song “Up in Here” started playing through my iPod, I don’t know what it is about that song that makes me feel hype and invincible, but I started jogging again…then came Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor.”  That is my song!  I was running pumping my fists in the air singing “I’m a survivor, I’m not gonna give up, I’m not gonna stop, I’m gonna work harder!…I’m a survivor, I’m gonna Make it!”    And that’s just what I did and I finished 2.6 Miles. 

Your Thoughts Shape Your Life

Whew Lawd! I almost didn’t make it to boot camp this morning.  I was so excited to be home in my own bed last night, but for some reason I still couldn’t go to sleep, and I was up late watching the latest reports on Michael Jackson.  Then this morning I found out that Billy Mays, the oxy clean guy died; what an odd story.  Well despite all of that, I picked up my little sister for the next round of sit ups, push ups and jumping jacks.  One of the ladies in the class was a little slower than the rest of us.  She left in the middle of class, defeated.  My little sister said “That’s sad that she lacked self confidence and didn’t believe in her self.”  I was proud to see that she realized it’s your mental thoughts that actually shape what you can physically do.  I wanted to tell that lady, “Hey I was in your shoes this time last year, I couldn’t run a lap either.” But, instead of giving up, I said, “I’m tired of being last, I’m going to get better,” and you know what?  I did!

I Dream About Working Out

Dali Lights Dream

I’m a Soldier

I woke up this morning coughing up gross stuff, and still feeling a little under the weather. But, I got up and went to boot camp class anyway.  Boy, oh boy did he work us.  I had sweat dripping down my legs.  We really focused on intense ab exercises today.  The instructor knew we would feel the fruits of our labor when he told us, “don’t sneeze, and when you laugh think of me.”  Fitness coaches and their humor…

May the King of Pop R.I.P.

Michael Jackson - King of Pop

MY SPEECH IS BELOW THIS POST…I’m still in shock that Michael Jackson is gone!  I was a huge fan in the 80’s, I’m talking, posters on the wall that I use to talk to, and hide my change behind.  I had a belt with his face on it, that I treated like gold!  Well… I digress.  Today, I was asked to speak at “Healthy Happy Hour” about losing weight and living an active lifestyle. We dined on turkey lasagna made with whole wheat noodles, veggies and dip, and fruit kabobs for dessert. We did line dances and yoga stretches.  Then, they introduced me to the crowd of about 20 or so as an expert!  I’m by no means an expert, but it was nice to hear the applause as I told them my story.   Well here’s my speech, but I must tell you that my big little sister said I was “Ghetto” for adding a special shout out to Michael Jackson at the end of my speech LOL!….

 MY SPEECH…

• Hi, My name is “Carli”, I’ve pretty much struggled with my weight since adolescence.  In June of last year, I joined the Weight Management program at Washington University.  Since that time, I’ve lost 50 lbs and made many drastic lifestyle changes.  Before I joined the WM program, a typically days meals would probably consist of a breakfast sandwich, hash browns and orange juice, lunch of chicken fingers and fries and soda, donut sticks for an afternoon snack, and a double cheeseburger meal with a soda, and usually dessert with dinner. Before loosing the weight, I would get out of breath doing everyday activities.  I got out of breath putting on shoes, walking up a flight stairs, and even getting out the car.  It was a miserable way to live life, that’s when I knew something had to be done, so I joined the WM Program.  The 1^st 20 weeks of the program are very strict.  I thought that I would most certainly die when the dietitian said Mountain Dew would not be a part of my new food regimen.  A typical day’s food turned into a  High Protein Shake for breakfast, a salad for lunch, a Protein Bar for snack and a healthy choice frozen meal for dinner.  I stuck this meal plan about 90% of the time.  In the beginning, I slowly became more physically active by joining the Wash U “On the Move” program, an exercise program designed specifically for overweight individuals.  After Stage 1 of the program ended, and new foods were added to my meal plan, and I stopped loosing weight.  I realized I had to get even more active and dedicated to my weight loss.  I started a blog online called www.runningintoshape.com.  I used my blog as a journal to track my ups and downs as I trained for several months and ran my 1^st 5K in April of this year.  I never thought in a million years I would be able to jog for 3 miles.   I felt like I could do anything! Often times at work, my co-worker and I will walk a mile around downtown on our lunch break, and I consistently work out at least 3 times a week in the gym or jog in the park.  In May, Kay Quinn from Channel 5 interviewed me as someone who participated in a Wash U program, and lost weight and changed my lifestyle.  After half of St. Louis saw me on TV, and told me how my story inspired them, it was only then that I actually was able to see my accomplishments.    I walked the Komen 5K Race for the cure with co-workers a couple weeks ago, it was a great feeling when I reflected on the fact that this time last year I wasn’t even able to walk from the parking garage to the Weight Mangement clinic without huffing and puffing and complaining about the distance.  Currently, I’m still blogging and training for my 3^rd 5K.  I will be running in the All Star race next month, My is goal to beat my time from my 1^st race.  I’m still adjusting to people calling me skinny, and telling me, I inspire them to work out. People constantly ask me, “how’d you do it?”, my response is “the only way you can, eat less and move more!”  My advice to you would be to find a long term Weight Management  program that works for you, find new fun ways to get active, surround yourself with positive people who support your goals, and accept that sometimes you just might eat  a donut!.  I still have many pounds to go to get to my healthy happy weight, but with the continued support of my family and friends, I know that I can do it!  As difficult as it may seem, Just remember the basics, “Eat less and Move more!”

“How Are You Feeling Today Champ?”

“Oh only ’bout 70%” as Sam Jackson said in the movie Resurrecting the Champ.  I slept under the fan for a few days and came down with a cough, a sore throat and severe nasal congestion.   I missed boot camp class, and was going to work a half day until I got called in to return an important document.  I took allergy medicine, cold medicine, and a couple vitamins, and prayed I wouldn’t have the same fate as Anna Nicole, although, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t taking Claritinand vitamins….anyway, after work, I was still feeling only about 75%, but I knew I had to get in a work out.  It was hot as the devil’s kitchen outside, so the gym was my only option.  It was hard, but I jogged on and off, and finished about 2.2 Miles.  It was nice to see that today, I crossed the 75 MILE MARK! 

Boot Camp Class Was Great!

I was actually able to go to bed at a decent time and get up and go to boot camp class at 6 this morning.  When I picked up my little sister, the thermostat in my car said it was already 80 degrees.We ate peanut butter crackers to give our bodies a little fuel.  When we got to the park, we jogged 4 laps around the tennis courts, ran in place, and did toe touches and windmills.  Then Coach Lee said, “Okay, that was great warm-up!”  I knew then we were in for a serious workout.  By the time we finished, I had so much sweat dripping down my arms, it looked like I just got out of the shower. I think this will be the kick I need to get my weight moving a little faster in the right direction.

Medieval Warriors Saved My Life

Cell phone Pic of the Warrior who Saved Me

      Let me start by setting the scene…it’s a scorching St. Louis summer day and a humid 89 degrees at high noon.  I thought jogging outside would help prepare me for my summer 5K run.  BAD IDEA!  About 1 mile into my run I though I would die.  Sweat was dripping everywhere, I had to use Nyah’s leash like horse reins just to get her to keep moving.  Carli asked though my iPod, “Okay, ready for your 3 minute run?” “No Way” I yelled back to my alter ego….however, it was entertaining though to see an elderly Asian couple pushing a 5 gallon paint bucket in a baby stroller down the bike path….Well anyway, about a 1/4 of a mile from death and my car, a friendly gentleman dressed in Medieval fighting attire, sword and all, offered me and Nyah cold water.  Who knew that a group of Midevil reenactment warriors would quench my dying thirst?   After 2 long tortuous miles, and a strong body odor that resembled onions and mustard…Nyah and I made it home safely.  We now know that next time, we will have to get up and beat the sun, so that the sun won’t beat us!

Other Warriors