Week 4 Day 1: P90X

Today was typical Monday. I did NOT want to wake up but it was promising to be a gorgeous day. I had promised my kiddos an end of day "teacher led P.E activity" We played Freeze Tag and after two collisions we headed back to the classroom for some Yoga.

Today's Workout:
Today was Yoga X. I did 1 hour and 20 minutes of the 1.5 hour workout. I skipped the exercises that I am not able to do or hurt my back.

How do I feel?
I feel good. Nothing beats ending my yoga with some OM's.

Week 3/Day 7: Day of Rest

Today was my day of rest. I relaxed mostly. However, I did take a quick 2 mile bike ride.

Week 3/Day 6: P90X and Progress

I am blogging early today. I will be doing day 6 of my workout in a couple of minutes but I wanted to announce my progress on the journey.

We took my measurements today and they were interesting to say the least.

Chest: -.75"
Bust: - 2.5"
Waist: -1.0"
Hips: -.75"
Bicep: +1.25"
Thigh: +1.0"

Weight: +2.0 lbs.

Onward and Upward, I say!


Today's Workout:
Today's workout is Kenpo X.
How do I feel?
I am feeling better about myself. I was sad to see that I have actually gained 2 pds since I started BUT, after speaking to my friend Julian, I feel better about my progress. I do intend to make some attempts to get going on this diet as close as  I can. I may need that to jump start the actual pound droppage.

Week 3/Day 5: P90X

Today was great day! Since it was Friday, we had some fun at school. I put on my Bill Nye hat today adn taught the kiddos about erosion and different compositions of sand, soil, and clay. My buddy Falleur met up with me following school for another try at the P90X workout.

Today's Workout:
I did Legs/Back and Abs today with my pal from work that I affectionately refer to as We were able to do most  all of the workout-minus 2 of the switch grip pull up as I am still modifying by doing weights and let her use the band. Falleur and I also did my verison of Abs. We did some pikes, oblilque crunches, and some standing core exercises.

How do I feel?
I feel alright. My wrist is definitely still bothering me but I am doing what I can. I am still at the SAME WEIGHT! I may need to bite the bulllet and try to adher to the P90X diet. I just cant find the time or personal need to eat that much! Tomorrow is Kenpo as well as my going to the trail to get some couch to 5k in.. gotta start training.

Week 3/Day 4: Man Down!

I am late to blog but I have an excuse. My wrist and tendon by my thumb is very inflamed and hurting bad! I decided it was in my best interest to skip Yoga X as I did not think I could handle all the inversions with my wrists this week. I took a breather and had a date with icy hot and some ace bandage wrist band instead.

Week 3/Day 3: P90X

Today was an interesting day. My kids were a little riled up today as we were finishing up our unit with a long test and tomorrow is the 100th day of school. We have some fun activities tomorrow including my second day of staying after work to work out with my intermittent workout partner Falleur!
Today's Workout:
I did Cardio X today with my pal from work that I affectionately refer to as Falleur. We actually had a college class together back in the day and now work together at the same school. We were able to do most of the workout-minus the Dreya Roll which we all know is crazy hard. Falleur did a great job of keeping up and laughed when I ever told good ole Tony to bite me when I was getting tired.
How do I feel?
I feel good. I think my butt is getting tighter. Anyone that truly knows me is within the know of my not truly having a butt. I suffer from "noassatall" I swear it si getting firmer. My hubby says it still is not existant. Whatever! I am still running around showing people my cut line in my bicep. I am proud of my "lil guns".

Week 3/Day 2: P90X

What a yucky day! It was very windy, with tornado warnings, and raining. I had a great day in the classroom. I stayed after for a conference and ran to my car in the drenching rain. I must have been pretty tired as I passed out on the couch at about 7:00 and did not wake up til 8:00. I did get my butt up and start my workout after putting my son to bed.

Today's Workout:
I changed the workout a bit and did arms/shoulders as I do have a friend or two that want to try to workout with me at school and I felt that CardioX was a better intro to the program than Arms/Shoulder and Ab Ripper. So I changed them around. I was able to attack Arms/Shoulders with no problem this time around. I am still not a champ with the chair dips but I did get in 15!!!! Up from my 10 last week.

I was feelign a little off tonight, so instead of doing the regular Ab Ripper I did my own Ab exercises. I did  100 different "moves". 2 sets of 15 pikes, 3 sets of 15 crunches, 15 reverse crunches, 15 oblique crunches.

How do I feel?
I am a little tired but I feel great. I can feel a difference from this week to week 1. I know I am stronger.

week 3/Day 1: Back to It

Ugh.. A case of the Mondays! So it was kinda rough getting back into the swing of things. It always is on Mondays. I had sent out an email to my work to gather up some folks to work out with me. Unfortunately, this workout plan is hard to commit to. It takes a chunk of your schedule and most teachers spend a lot of free time still working on school work. I do still intend to spend some workout time after school in the health lab to avoid my 9:00 pm workouts.

Alas, I decided to head home so I could get ready for a getting started meeting for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I attended the meeting and met some great new people and I am very pumped up to start my training- Did ya know some people lost their toe nails?

Today's Workout
It was Core Synergistics tonight. I did not start til 9ish. I had a hard time sticking to the 57 minutes and I punked out at 40. I do feel that I got a good enough workout considering.


How do I feel?
I feel a little tired but that is a result of my working a full day and not truly resting on Sunday.  I will survive.

Week 2: Day of Rest

Today was my day of rest. I did not truly rest as I drug the family out to the trail today and did a 4 mile walk. Corbin rode his bike while Chris and I walked. This did help me walk quicker. My RunnerGPS app on my phone was FAIL again so I don't have accurate mileage.

I officially signed up for the 3day in October. I am hoping that many of my 400 Facebook friends can ante up $10.00 towards my fund raising goal of $2300.00. I am also looking into a few more 5k's until then. Got to keep the momentum and motivation.


Tomorrow begins Week 3- Day 1. Woot Woot!

Week 2/Day 7 (actually 6): P90X

You may have noticed that I did NOT blog yesterday- again- I forgot. I was able to get my workout done last night at 8:45 pm. Then, I watched Idiot Abroad on National Geographic channel. It was hilarious! I love brits and this show is a great depiction of a british man traveling abroad- much to his dismay. I strongly suggest you check it out.

Today's (Saturdays) Workout
Today was Kenpo X. I love this workout. It holds a place in my heart as I adore my kickboxing instructor and was unable to make it to class in the morning.

How do I feel?
I pulled something in my knee which kept me from kickboxing class in the morning.I was feeling much better by the evening and had no issues with Kenpo. I am definitely feeling a difference in my stamina as I continue this program.

Week 2/Day 6 (actually 5): P90X

You may have noticed that I did NOT blog yesterday. I was in training again Thursday and picked Corbin up a little early from school so he could ride his new bike. We spent some outside, him riding and me walking, before dinner and had to finish his homework. By the time I was ready and able to take over the t.v to work out, it was very late. So I had to skip last night.

Today's Workout
Today was Legs and Back plus Ab Ripper. I was able to complete both videos. I did a few sets of 20, as opposed to 35, on a few abs exercises. As well as my having a bad back keeps me from full sit ups. I modified positions that were hurtful to my spine.

How do I feel?
I pulled something in my knee. I am hoping to be able to jog tomorrow in addition to Kickboxing class. I am keeping, adjusting my diet and trying to push it as far as I can to speed up the weight loss.

Week 2/Day 5: P90X - Down Dog, Up Dog, and a Curious Dog

I spent the day at training today. I spent a lot of time sitting on my butt. After leaving training, I spent 45 minutes chatting with my son's teacher at a conference- again on my butt. Upon returning home,  I was grading papers and finishing a project for the aforementioned traning class. 8:20 came quickly and I had to put Corbin to bed. At 8:35, I decided to get my workout- umm on. LOL

Today's Workout -
Today was Yoga X (Keep in mind I am a day behind on account of Monday) Just as last week, I had to skip Crane and Plow. I did stick with the video overall, completing my Vinyasa flow full of Up and Down Dogs galore, and finished my workout with the obligatory and relaxing OM. This leads me to the "curious dog" mentioned in the title. Apparently, Lilly is weirded out by my low resonating OM. She gave me a strange look, per my hubby, and then sat on my lap and stuck her head in my face. It was a nice show of love and distress combined.

How do I feel?
My arms were sore today. Just ask anyone sitting near me at training today. I felt the ache when doing my planks. I feel very relaxed from my Yoga and I am drenched in sweat- note to self: wait to shower next time.

That's all folks! More training tomorrow...
and then back home for Day 6 of Week 2 ( actually the real Day 5)

Week 2/Day 4: P90X and the Bike Fiasco

Today's Workout
Today was the first day of my work week and I was up and in my classroom at 8:15. It was a hectic day as I was planning for a sub the next two days as I will be at District Office for training Wednesday and Thursday. After work I came straight home to clean the rabbits cage and then jetted back out to get Corbin a much deserved new bike. ( He got all S's on his report card and has perfect attendance) We hit up Wal-Mart first to get a bike rack that took Chris 45 minutes to put on - the parking lot was dark and the directions were not clear. We then headed out to Toys R' Us to get Corbin his new bike - did I mention that it doesn't fit on that aforementioned bike rack very well. All of this running around ended with us eating dinner at 8p.m. and my finally being able to get to my workout at 9:45.

So... I made up the missed day with Arms and Shoulders as well as my version of the Ab Ripper and I upped my weights to 8lbs!  I will reiterate, this is harder than I thought!!!

How do I feel?
I am feeling pretty good about my effort as well as my dedication. I know that this is a hard workout and I am still trying to adjust to working out and working as well. I have NOT noticed a weightloss via the scale but my clothes are definitely fitting differently.

Week 2/Day 3: WOW, this is harder than I thought!

Who would have thought that a horribly gloomy day off from work would be the hardest day to stick to this plan. MLK Day was rainy, stormy, and I spent most of it planning lessons for the week.  By the time I was able to think about working out it was past 9pm and, well umm " I didn't wanna!", things did not work in favor of me getting on track.

So needless to say, it is apropos to title this post " WOW, this is harder than I thought!"

I will make it up, I have to!

Week 2/Day 2: P90X and Family Exercise

After heading out to dance last night and getting in rather late, I did what every late 30's woman does- slept in! I decided to try and start my walking training for the 3 day with my family and headed out to the park for a walk.

Today's Workout -My family headed to Starkey Park for a walk today. I kept a decent pace, although my Blackberry  app failed to properly record my stats, and I completed 4 miles total. I left my husband and son at the 1.5 mile mark and went on to the 2 mile mark then turning around to pick them back up and finish our total 4 miles. After having linner, which is lunch/dinner, we came home and I proceeded to do Cardio X. I will admit that I skipped the Wacky Jacks and the Dreya Roll. I do, however,think I did alot and if you don't that is on you.

How was it? How do I feel?
 As always, I am glad you asked. I really wanted to get in 5 miles today but I am happy with the 4. I can honestly tell you that my legs hurt a bit and my back is achey but I will survive. I am looking forward to getting Corbin a bigger bike so I don't have to hear him whine about the long walk.

Week 2/Day 1: P90X and Dancing

I started my week 2 today. Amazing how a slight change in my schedule, such as actually working, and some other minor health issues set me back ONE extra day but I felt it big time!

Today's Work
Today was the same as last weeks day one- Core Synergistics. I ended up lasting 40 of the 57 minutes as I had to sit out the Dreya Roll and the Prison push ups. I did make up this lack of activity by heading out to the local bar and dancing the nigh away.



How was it? How do I feel?.
I am feeling alright. I am tired and my muscles are sore but I need to work up to having the stamina to juggle all of this.

Sidenote -
Tomorrow, I plan on beginning my walking/jogging training for my upcoming 5K's and the Susan G Komen 3 day.

Day 7 and a Forced Break

Hello! I know I have not blogged in a day or two and I have a reason for this. Day 6 is an actual day of rest on the program- so I observed that day as a good participant would. However, my first week back in the classroom also proved to be the germ haven it is. I had a queezy feeling yesterday, what would have been my day 1/week 2, and decided to take a step back and recoup. Today, I am feeling my usual Friday blues of being exposed to germs all week and my body did it's usual routine of wanting to shut down today/ I crashed out on the couch as soon as I got home for work- full on snores and all.

So with all of this being said, I plan on starting Day 1/Week 2 tomorrow which should help me out by re-structuring my week a bit. I will now use Friday as a day of rest from work and the plan. Additionally, I can tell you that I have thought twice about my eating as I have lost 0, yes a BIG FAT ZERO, pounds this week. I believe that my morning shake is keeping me from eating snacks aside from not being able to when I am teaching. I am also not eating a quick small lunch on a account of my 25 minutes I get to prepare and eat it daily. This leaves me with dinner, when I get home, and a later night snack. I am NOT eating enough. I am planning on returning to Weight Watchers within the next two weeks.

Anyway, thanks for bearing with me as I figure out how to make this plan work best for me.

Day 6: P90X

Today was my reality check of getting back into the swing of things. Having worked all day and worked out, I was having a hard time to wake up this morning. Alas, I made a Vi Shape shake and headed out for my day. I brought my own salad fixings to school today with a grilled chicken breast. It was a definitely a great mid-day refueling. The weather was cold and gloomy as well which is always a mood dampener.

Today's Workout -Today was day 6, but because I did Kenpo X,on day 5 by accident, I did Legs and Back. I was able to work my legs very well but am lacking the proper equipment for my back. I need to get a mount for my bands. I did try to replicate the exercises with free weights. Some of the leg exercises were killers such as the wall mounted one leg squats and the various lunges.I was unable to get AbRipper done as a result of spending time at the tire shop after work, so I will do it tomorrow on my "Rest Day"


How was it? How do I feel?My legs were burning up! Arms do not feel as well as they could - I will work on getting the proper equipment. Trying to work all day and come home to get this workout done is proving to be challenging but I have to get them done, so I will try my best.

Sidenote -Alot of my friends on FB are stepping up to support me for the 3 day. I am going to go ahead and sign up and start raising my funds.

Day 5: Kenpo X and the Classroom

Today was our first real day back from Christmas break. I woke up a little late and made a Vi Shape shake before I headed out the door. The day was laid back as I allowed the kids to ease back into the swing of things. I noticed how relaxed I was, which surprised me, and felt it may have been a result of the previous nights Yoga.

Today's Workout -
Today was day 5, but somehow I misread the chart, and I did Kenpo X. I should have done legs and abs so I will be doing them tomorrow. Kenpo was an enjoyable dvd. I love my kickboxing class I take on Saturdays and this class had me to doing alot of the same moves from that class. We did a lot of different blocks and hits which really had my arms feeling the burn. We also did many different kicks leaving my legs feeling worked out but relaxed as well.

How was it? How do I feel?
I feel wonderful! I was worried that working all day would drain me enough to not feel like giving it my all BUT I persevered! I feel healthy, happy, and destressed! I will pick up tomorrow with legs and abs which is really day 5- I will get it right next week.

Sidenote -
 I have decided to join the Susan G Komen 3 day in honor of my Aunt. She has recently been diagnosed and undergone surgery for breast cancer. She is an amazingly strong woman with more class than you can shake a stick at. I have always looked up to her as a role model and she is the godmother to my son. I will be walking three days to show my support of her battle with breast cancer. I will do this for her!

Day 4: P90X and More Weekend Fun

Today was MORE fun with my son day.  We went to Congo River Golf and did a quick 18 holes of miniature golf. We had the hubster in tow to take score and assist Corbin with form and follow through. This may sound, okay it really does sound, ridiculous but I felt like I was putting my best today. Like I had a grounding of sorts that allowed me to stay within par or better on most holes - usually I suck and get mad because I do. I was very relaxed today.

Today's Workout -
I did day four of the Lean program which is Yoga X. This was a wonderful change from the actual cardio and strength training as I am returning to work from Christmas break and could use some help calming the mind and getting the body prepared for 15 first graders wanting to tell me EVERYTHING that happened of break all at ONE TIME. I will be honest and say that I am not a Yoga beginner. I did take Yoga for about 2 1/2 years at the local Y with a great instructor that had us practicing Hatha with some Vinyasa flow as well. It was not, however, until I lost the 40 pounds that I was able to finally touch my toes and do reverse twists with prayer hands. I felt a little more prepared for this workout as I did have experience with Yoga.

How was it? How do I feel?
 As always, I am glad you asked. I was nervous to take it on once I saw it was 1 1/2 hours long. Then I remembered that my old class was similar in length. I did, actually, have some help psyching myself out as an old high school friend told me, and I quote, " If you can last the entire Yoga X, I will have a new found respect for you." Yes, Matt, I am talking about you! I did take it all on and I rocked it! I have already stated this on my Facebook and page and received the aforemention respect and props from Matt!

All kidding aside, I feel great. I enjoyed rounding it all off with corpse pose and some wonderful deep breathing and having Om resonate throughout my home and within my chest.

Sidenote -
 Some more information on me. I was 194 pounds when I started this program. I am 5'3" and my BMI is in the overweight/obese area. I began losing weight in March/April of 2009 beginning at 228 pds. I tapered off in July of 2010 at 180 pds. ( So I have gained 14 pds since beginning teaching and having less time at the gym) I have taken all the pertinent measurements but will share those at a later time.
As always, thanks for reading. I will check back in tomorrow!

Day 3: P90X and Family Fun Day

Today was fun with my son day.  We went to Crews Lake Park and rode the trains there. We also took a leisurely walk to the playground where I mostly stood around talking to other parents while he played. Sitting on, not as padded as I would like, bench seats was not the highlight for my already sore inner thighs. Alas, I enjoyed the great outdoors as it was a beautiful day!

Today's Workout -
I did day three of the Lean program which is Arms/Chest as well as Ab RipperX. I met a new nemesis which actually was two exercises requiring the same movement I was not capable of. The first was the ladder climber and the second was the push up to V crunch- I think. Anyway, I am not able to actually come up into a sit up. My core is non existant but moreso than that I have a horrible back. So I modify those to high crunches and hope that I will eventually be able to roll all the way up and toe my toes rolling back to a V position.
How was it? How do I feel?
 As always, I am glad you asked. My thighs and glutes are still a little sore. My arms were rubbery immediately following the workout. I did not use a heavy weight as I only own 5 pound weights. I will be picking up some 8 and 10 pound weights also. Over all I feel pretty good. I definitely think I will be sore in the morning.
Sidenote -
 The aforementioned "before" pics that were taken yesterday are still on my camera and I looked again and thought- get it on and get going Heather. So, I will keep on trucking. Next Saturday I will add my usual Kickboxing to my daily workout.

Thanks for reading. I will check back in tomorrow!

Day 2: P90X and Back to Work

Today was Teacher Planning Day so I spent my day, from 8:30 to 5:00, at school. I did not actually get much planning done as I spent the bulk of my day pushing my tables and filing cabinets from one side of the room to another and back again- Yes I am indecisive. One would think that was a workout in and of itself but I can home to get my P90X on. 

Today's Workout -
I did day two of the Lean program which is CardioX. Once again the Dreya Roll proved to be my nemesis. I decided to just do the reverse crunches and leg lifts to work the same ab muscles in hopes I will someday get to do a roll like the people on the video.

How was it? How do I feel?
I am glad you asked. My thighs and glutes are on fire! The video was not that hard as I have an amazing Kickboxing Aerobics instructor that works me harder for 45 minutes every Saturday a.m at the YMCA near my house.

Sidenote -
 Took some before pictures today and wanted to cry. OMG. I will NOT share them until I have a killer after shot to go aside them as I am embarassed to admit I look as I do currently. I will, however, keep them on my desktop as a sort of visual warfare to motivate me to get my butt moving and achieve my "just deserts"

Thanks for reading!

Day 1: P90X

Today was the first day of my transformation.

Today's Workout -
I did Day 1 on the P90X Lean routine - Core Synergistics.
How was it?
I was good. I was able to follow the entire routine aside from these roll back manuevers which required me to roll back onto my back and do a reverse crunch and then roll back on to my feet and into a standing position - totally not happening.  I woke up late and did not eat breakfast. I did not realize this until I was completing my routine and decided it was best to make a Vi-Shape shake. It is now dinner time and I am just beginning to feel hungry. I will be eating grilled chicken and a tiny square of my neighbors lasagna.

Anyway, I will be back tomorrow with a report as it is Teacher Planning day and I want to see how I fare with having to work before I work out.

Welcome to the Blog!

Before I begin to explain the reasoning behind the blog and it's title I want to school everyone on a very interesting fact I learned about the saying, "She is getting her just deserts." I, like you, thought it was "just desserts" but apparently it is not. According to snopes and many other sites it is indeed desert - and does not bear the extra s one would put when referring to the tastey after dinner reward. (one which I looove so much) Anyway I decided it to be apropos to name my site "just deserts" as I believe I am indeed going to get what I deserve in life by changing my outlook and the methodology in how I approach it. Additionally, I too thought it was "just desserts" and I LOVE cake and pie - er, desserts. This is actually what has placed me in my current situation of wanting to make lifestyle changes which are permanent so I can finally lose ALL the weight I want for good. But I digress, and have now explained the reason for the blog whilest rambling about the title.

So sit back and enjoy the ride while I sweat, wimper, cry, and shed mental and physical weight in an attempt to achieve " My just deserts"

* sidenote- I know there are people in my life, such as my dad, who will say that I am giving out "too much data" by having a page like this. I believe that sharing my struggles and triumphs with the world without too much TMI is an inspiration and motivator and hope it is viewed as such by others.*