It has been FOREVER!!!

I need to catch you guys up on a few things in my life. First of all, I did complete my first half marathon, YEAH! I did it in September and I completed it in 4.5 hours. I believe that is correct. I have been exercising on a regular and I even added weight training. I have to say I am truly enjoying exercising. It is my goal to keep you guys updated more. I hope you follow me on YouTube because I post there every week. My channel address is www.youtube.com/nappybeauty, check me out. So, how is your journey going?

Half Marathon

What Is Really Going On?

So, I have decided to do a half marathon! Now, what was I drinking when that happen....LOL. Nothing, I just think it's time to take it to the next level. I need to take all of my efforts to the next level including eating. I have been so bad about not eating properly. I skip meals, substitute meals for snacks all kind of craziness is happening with me and food.

Why is this? It really drives me crazy! I have been so committed to the gym for this past year and I have made gains but it makes me mad to think only if I would have focused on food as much as exercise how far I would have been right now. But I can't cry over the what ifs and should've, could'ves I must move on. I am ready to really do this! I want this, I need this for me. Now, I have I to decide how to do this. I will be back to tell you more because this journey is not OVER yet!

The half marathon is in September and I now have to choose the right training program to follow. I will keep you informed as I make my decisions along the way. Are you ready for a challenge?

Quickie!!

What do you do when you have little time for exercise? You have a quickie~I mean a quick and intense workout. This morning I only had time for 25 minutes so I got on the elliptical and I worked out HARD!

I feel incredible!! I love when I find a way not matter what to get my workout in. This has truly become a way of life for me. I can feel the difference when I don't workout. I may can get by one day but 2 no way. Keep It Moving, Keep It Positive!

IMJ 2- It's My Journey

IMJ 2

I have to apologize to you all for posting this so late! IMJ 2 started January 30, 2011 and we have been exercising away. I do weekly posting on YouTube (NappyBeauty) so I hope you have been following me there. Anyway, for this challenge we have only 2 challenge check points. The first one has be completed. We did it on February 20, 2011 and we have a winner.

So, I guess I should tell you about the challenge, huh? LOL... This challenge will last for 60 days. It includes 2 challenge check points, a finale and prizes. The first challenge was February 20, 2011 and the challenge was to walk/jog on the treadmill for 30 minutes, 15 minutes had to be on an include of 6-15. Then we had to jump rope 300 times. This was a tough challenge but it was COMPLETED!!!

The second challenge will be March 20, 2011 and it includes: 45 min walk/jog (30 minutes with incline 12-15), 25 push ups, 100 sit ups and 10 maneaters!! Talk about tough, this will be a killer challenge. The finale for IMJ 2 will be to complete a 5k or 10k. The end of IMJ 2 is March 27, 2011. There are prizes for each completed challenge. The first challenge the winner gets a t-shirt, for the second challenge the winner gets an interview on this blog and a gymboss. The grand prize for completing the challenges and the finale will be: an Insanity DVD pack and a gift card.

Good luck to everyone!

Shaved 2 minutes of my 2 mile jog!

I'm a RUNNER!

All this week I have been going to bed telling myself "I'm a runner," and I believe it is making a difference. This morning when I went to the gym I got on the treadmill with the intend to shave time from my 2 mile jog. I did just that I'm currenty running at 3.3-3.5(being my max) so I did 2 miles in 35 minutes. Just Thursday it took me 37 minutes to do 2 miles so I am definitely improving my time. I will get to 30 minutes then it's all down hill from there. I was only on 3.3 for about 3 or 4minutes to warm up and then the real running begun.

My breathing is getting better each time I get on the treadmill. I am so proud of myself. I can just see the day when I will jog 5 miles like it was nothing. I think my only problem will be boredom on the treadmill but I will cross that bridge when I get to it. I'm ready for this week's challenge- 200 sit ups/crunches. This one will be very challenging as well but I will get it done. I can already see changes in my abs. I can see the start of ABS!! Guys, stay on the path and keep your vision of yourself in the front of your mind at all times. It's my journey is truly a great challenge so just us www.youtube.com/nappybeauty.

Keep it MOVING, Keep it POSITIVE!

IT IS WORKING!!

I can finally feel my body changing. I can see it and I know I am getting slimmer, healthier and tight! I have been working out since May 2010 and I have noticed small changes but nothing big. Some morning I feel like I'm going through the motions. Don't get me wrong exercising has enabled me to do 2 5Ks and many challenges along the way but to actually see my body changes EXCITES me.

I can feel it in my stomach, my legs, and even my breathing as I jogged this morning. I haven't jogged since my last 5k and I hurt my knee. I was a little afraid to jog on it again but this morning I decided to give it a try. I was able to jog 15mins straight no problem! I also notice my breathing was great. Can it be I'm becoming an athletic person? LOL, let's not push it. I even rode the bike for 1 hour and 35 mins totaling 31 miles on Saturday. Now, can we say I am connecting to this exercise thing! On a real tip, I am loving EXERCISING.

IMJ- It's My Journey!

I. M. J. - It's My Journey Challenge

It's that time again, time for another challenge! October 31, 2010 will kick off the IMJ (It's My Journey) challenge. This challenge will go from Oct. 31-Dec. 31, 2010. If you haven't viewed my videos on YouTube please do so; I go into great details about this challenge. I will also state the rules below.

IMJ will include 4 challenges to be completed by all participants by the due date. There are also prizes for each challenge completed. Okay, here are the challenges and the due dates. Prizes will be given out to the first people to respond to my video posted on the week of the challenge. I post on Sundays. There are four dates to keep on your calendar; Nov. 14, Nov. 28, Dec.12, & Dec. 19, 2010. The challenges are:

1. To jump rope 200 times in one day/one exercise session. This is to be completed by Nov. 14, 2010. Prizes will be given to the first 5 to report to me that they completed the challenge (done after I have posted a video on that Nov. 14, 2010). The first round of prizes will be 5 POOW NOW believe t-shirts.
   
2. To do 200 sit ups/crunches in one day/one exercise session. This is to be completed by Nov. 28, 2010. Prizes will be given to first 4 to report to me they completed the challenge (done after I have posted a video on Nov. 28, 2010). The second rounds of prizes will be 4 exercise inspired tools/gifts.
   
3. T0 do 1 minute plank and 15 minute jog in one day/one exercise session. This is to be completed by Dec. 12, 2010. Prizes will be given to the first 3 to report to me they completed the challenge (done after I have posted a video on Dec. 12, 2010). The third round of prizes will be 3 POOW NOW t-shirts.
   
4. To do 100 jump rope, 100 sit ups, 1minute plank and 15 minute jog! All in one session by Dec. 19, 2010. This will be our finale! Prizes will be given to the first 4 to report to me they completed the challenge (done after I have posted a video on Dec. 19, 2010). The finale prizes will be 2 gift cards (1 per person) 2 t-shirts (one per person).
5. Must be a member of my POOW NOW group on YouTube and a subscriber to win the prizes.
   

Please note that prizes will only be given to the first people to comment to my video that corresponds with that particular challenge. As most of you know I post on Sundays and as soon as you see my video, post a video response or just a simple comment telling us that you completed the challenge and how it was for you.

I want to encourage all of you to take pictures of yourself before the start of your journey, you will truly be amazed. I will even encourage you to take a picture before the start and after a challenge. Pictures show you what the scale doesn't sometimes! Everyone participating should also weigh or measure themselves before the start of the challenge. Don't forget to tell me what you want from this challenge. You can also find me on Sparkpeople.com under the name NappyBeauty and I also started a POOW NOW group there. There are many ways to get connected to me and the IMJ challenge. See you at the finish line!

Remember we can do this together! If you have questions email me.