Hello Again...

Hello to my faithful 5 followers and to those of you who will see this on Facebook:

I am back. My life has been a big fat mess...and I have been...how you say..."slacking on my macking." The brief overview of my life since my last post is this:
1. I was supposed to move, but I didn't.
2. I am going to court. I will elaborate when its over, but if people would just be honest, there wouldn't be an issue. And just to clarify...i'm not the one being taken to court...oh no, I'm the taker. LOL
3. I was appointed to an interim position. (yay!)
4. My grandfather, Moses Witherspoon (QEPD) passed away. I laughed and I cried, but I know he's doing better than any of us down here and if we asked him to come back...he'd say "Good Lord I reckon you need to get right and come on up here!"

Needless to say...I've fallen off the fitness wagon. I don't see how everyone in South Carolina is not at least 500 pounds. All I did was EAT EAT EAT while I was there. I went to bury my grandfather and I ended up almost eating myself into the ground. LOL, but I've left the fried chicken, fried fish, macaroni and cheese, cakes, cakes, donuts, pies, cakes, pop and sweet tea behind. (Even as I sit here thinking about a cheeseburger)

My next challenge is finding a way to be motivated to work out even though it keeps snowing. I'm so much more likely and willing to workout when i can do so outside. Well, thats just not an option so what do I do? I have my workout DVD's and the gym on campus so that will have to work.

Just wanted to re-introduce myself...I'll be back.......

When the Funk Hits the Fan- Reality Check

(So today, I have a new found respect for Jane Fonda...My least favorite exercise includes anything even resembling a Lying Leg Abduction. I actually am very jealous of her ability, but the more I look at this photo, I come to 2 conclusions: I hope leotards never make a comback, and the woman in the purple is a contortionist...O_o)

WHEN THE FUNK HITS THE FAN

First, let me say that I did NOT feel like working out today. I was so tired and I would rather wash dishes.Those of you who know me know that me opting for the dishes is a sign that something is NOT right, LOL. But, I put on my big girl pants and said "don't be a baby! just get it done!" and I did! **pats self on the back**

Have you ever, in the midst of a workout, said to yourself "I have been lying to myself for far too long?" I had one of those moments. I had somehow convinced myself that while I had gained weight, I could still keep up in the gym...NOT.I thought today would be a breeze since it was only a lifting day and I only have 2.5 and 5 lb. weights. WRONG AGAIN. It wasn't until I got to the Leg Abductions, though, that I couldn't deny it anymore. I am COMPLETELY out of shape. (Check the link, yeah, they don't look difficult, but do 2 sets of 20 then tell me how you feel!) I'm glad I had that realization though, because it was the reality check I needed. I'm happy for it. I'll post my workout separately in case you're interested.

HELPFUL TOOLS ON THE WEB

My brother and his girlfriend turned me on to this AWESOME site called MyFitnessPal.com  I haven't even checked out the whole site yet, but its really helpful for counting calories. I hate counting calories but the site makes it easy. AND, if you have an Android or iPhone, there is an app. (They're working on an app for us SUPERCOOL blackberry users...) You can also keep track of your workouts and it calculates how many more calories you can eat each day given the exercise you've done.

Weight Watchers does something very similar with their points system. I am a former WW member and it works!!! I did it for the first time in college with my basketball coach and as long as you track your points, you will lose weight. Has anyone seen Jennifer Hudson? WOW! She looks great! Of course, she has access to all of the expensive, exotic exercise equipment and trainers that we don't have, but I'm just sayin...it works.

(You can sign up for free when you buy 3 months now...)

I think that no matter what you're doing, keeping track of what goes into your mouth is important. If nothing else, it may make you think twice about that extra McChicken (its only a dollar!) or small French Fry (its kid sized!) 

To all my people on this journey with me: You are not going to feel like it every day, I promise. But everyday, remind yourself WHY. Let the WHY motivate you. Your health, your happiness...your skinny jeans! 

Much love always...

Peace,

Courtney

Billy Blanks Jr just kicked my butt

The First Workout Video I ever did (below)...sweet sweet memories! My brother and I were absolutely faithful to this video...well I will admit I was, I won't speak for him, LOL ( a little upset i can't find the whole thing on youtube. this is just the promo. Check the language though, "...forever, on cassette tape" too bad VHS cassettes from 87 are starting to disintegrate...lol)

I know that I've already blogged today, but I had to let you all know this: Billy Blanks, Jr. may be about sweet enough to put in some tea, but he sure does know how to make a workout DVD. I picked up the "Dance with Me: Groove and Burn" dvd ( i keep typing "video" and "tape" but I realize its 2011.) Anyway...It was actually a lot of fun and I am as TIRED as I can be. There are 3 routines; Disco, African and Latin...I loved it. All of the dances were a bit cheesy, and i am a little jealous of the way BBJ's hips move but a good workout. At the end of every routine there is a Cardio Toning Blast that is SERIOUS...legs, arms, and a weird jumping one...? Anyhoot, I would recommend.

By the last routine, I was ready to QUIT, but I DID NOT...it may seem very small, but it is a victory. DON'T QUIT even though you want to. You'll feel better about it later. The great and revered philosopher Jay-Z once said "...can't run from the pain, go towards it." He's right...the only way to begin your journey is to step into the unknown...go an extra 15 minutes, do just ONE more pushup, ONE more rep! Yes, it hurts, and you will be sore (as I am right now)  but as T.I. (is he in jail again? if so, may he rest well in his jail cell) said "you get courage from your fears right after you go through it" Think about it.

Tip of the day: Instead of that Ice Cream that you want to eat, try eating a sweet fruit like Mango. I just did it and it worked! I had the frozen mango chunks (i hate the word "chunks" it sounds so dirty) from Dole that come in the bag. Moderately expensive, but delicious!!!

Texts from my Mom

My mother is a great motivator. She is very caring and compassionate and always ready with a word of encouragement. Last night, right after my 10 minute Billy Blanks Jr workout, my mom and I were BBMing (she's fancy) and she sent me this:

"You just got back in the game...you have to pace yourself."

How true is that? For all of my ex-athletes, you know how it feels to not workout and try to all of a sudden go to the gym and try to do things that your body can no longer handle. It doesn't usually end well. It is really important to pace yourself. You didn't put it on in a day, and it won't come off that way, either. (More wisdom from my mother ) I love my coffee and I can assure you that I will NOT be cutting that out of my diet, but I will limit myself to one medium sized travel mug per day and not the 2 of those plus the peppermint hot chocolate with whole milk that I would like to have.

Pace yourself! Push harder every day!

Today is a cardio day for me. I was going to go to the gym, but my head is aching something terrible. INSTEAD, I have to run to wal-mart to fix my glasses so while I'm there, I'm going to pick up one of those cardio workout dvd's. I like those things because they are usually pretty entertaining. I love the "dance" dvd's. I mean, I'm clearly not dancing, but at least the music is generally okay and it keeps you moving. I didn't do so well on the eating today--had sausage peppers and potato casserole from a cool italian place...and the itis to go along with it...So clearly, i need to have a good workout tonight.

Remember, PACE YOURSELF! Don't be discouraged...YOU CAN DO IT!

Peace.

Courtney

P.S. About that pic...it was taken a CRAZY long time ago at my church. Clearly I was the coolest kid for learning how to wink. LOL

Allow myself to introduce....myself

Hello! Thanks for joining me on my journey to salud (health) and skinny. For me, skinny IS NOT a size zero...it's fitness...fitness of mind, body and soul. I'm just a young woman...(25 in a few weeks) looking to improve the quality of my life and my health. I also just want to get back to what I love, playing basketball...

The change for me came my freshman year in college when I had to hang up my sneakers because my worsening asthma made it impossible to play. For me, basketball was part of my identity. When basketball was gone, I didn't know who I was. At the time I thought I would die, but God gave me a blessing...I became involved in lots of activities on campus and stayed connected to the basketball program, which has helped me in my post grad days. More about that another day. One thing that I struggle with is working out on my own. When you play sports, you have no choice...you workout every single day, doing what you love. Without practice, I've gained about 90 lbs since my sophomore year. This is where my journey begins.

This past summer, in preparation for my sorority's banquet in Miami, Florida, I lost about 13 lbs. I worked hard, and it felt great! However, life happened and all of my cardiokickboxing, walking and healthy eating went out of the window. Meanwhile, my brother (whose blog you can check out HERE) was getting into the shape of his life. My father was in on this too...leaving my mother and I ashamed and wanting to compete. My brother agreed to help us and so now, my mother, myself, and my brother's girlfriend have started our journey to fitness.

This is a year long process...so I hope you all stick with me. I'll post my workouts, my thoughts, tips, tricks, struggles and accomplishments...

If there is anyone out there who is in the same boat...WE CAN DO IT! in the words of my mother: "AINT NOTHIN TO IT BUT TO DO IT!" let's gooooooo!

Peace,
Courtney