Nanci – Page 7 – This Crazy Life of Mine

Author: Nanci

15
Jan
2017

The One Where I Joined A Gym {Week 1}

categories: #contest, #fitfor45, #ggchallenge2017, bootcamp, Golds Gym, gym, health, healthy eating, hubby, plank, running

In my 2017 intentions post, I shared that fitness is high on my list this year. I’ve pretty much spent the last year slacking off. I ran some, but not nearly as much as in years before. I basically became lazy, also not caring about what I was eating or drinking.

Hubby and I both knew it was time for us to get back in shape. We’ve spent too much time eating poorly and not being active enough. So, we joined Gold’s Gym! It’s been awhile since we both went to a gym and I have to say that after being there just a couple times, I realize how much I have missed it.

[Tweet “The one where I joined a gym AND a bootcamp. #ggchallenge2017 #contest”]

For me, going to the gym is about structure. Going with hubby means accountability. I cannot workout at home and get the same thing out of it. I’m too close to everything I need to get done around the house or work on my desk. It’s too easy to not give 100%. I love going to the gym with hubby in the evening. We don’t work out together at the gym as we do our own thing, but we are there for each other.

The gym will never replace running. I love running too much to do away with it. But the strength training I do at the gym will be very beneficial to my running and will help it. That’s icing on the cake since I would love to focus on my 5K time this year and get it down.

We joined the gym a few days before New Years Day. Last week, we took it a step further and decided to sign up for the 2017 Golds Gym Challenge as even more structure and accountability. We had a formal weigh-in with body measurements and body fat analysis. This. Was. Terrifying. I am at my heaviest ever in all the 44 years (almost 45) I’ve been on this earth. They took before photos of my in shorts and a sports bra. As tormenting as that was, it was also huge incentive to get my butt in gear. We will do the same thing at the end of 12 weeks to see what are results are.

But the best part of the challenge? Besides actually getting in shape and feeling better AND the possibility of winning money? It includes 3 bootcamps a week for the 12 weeks. This alone made it worth it. I’ve never done a bootcamp style class before but hubby has and always did well with it and enjoyed it.

Last Wednesday was out first one and the good news is, I didn’t die. Our trainer Greg is great, he pushed us! We did 9 circuits 3 times, focusing on upper body and core. Me being brilliant, or so I thought, did my plank when we first got to the gym that night not even considering we might do some during bootcamp. By the end of the night I had done 4 planks. My arms and abs were jello.

I will never be that 126 pound girl I was back in 2006 after working hard on Weight Watchers and working out twice a day. My metabolism is not what it was then and my body has changed drastically since our fertility treatments. Even if I could get back down to that weight, I could never maintain it. I don’t want to be unrealistic in my goals. I want to be healthy and comfortable in my skin. I want to run better and faster.And I want to feel good. If I can do that at 145 pounds, than that will make me happy. No… It would make me ecstatic.

Because I am such an all-or-nothing girl, I also immediately dove back into eating healthy the second we signed up for the 12 week challenge. I downloaded the My Fitness Pal app on my phone and started tracking my food based on the calories it suggested for me at my current weight and activity. I already love My Fitness Pal because it works in conjunction with FitBit and the Endomondo app I use when I run.

So, for the next 12 weeks, I am going to document my journey here. I plan to weigh myself once a week, each Monday. It’s more for me than anyone else, but I always feel like if someone is inspired by what I’m doing, then that’s even better. Here’s the thing… It really stinks to start over. But, you don’t have to be unhappy in your skin. You can always do something about it.

Challenge Week 1

Official Weigh-In and Body Fat: 191 / 45.8%

Activity:

Monday – fit test for challenge sign-up and plank

Tuesday – plank

Wednesday – bootcamp and plank

Thursday – ran bridge repeats (3.76 miles) and plank

Friday – 2 miles on treadmill (run / walk), leg press, plank, crunches, sauna

Saturday – plank

Sunday – run 4.45 miles and plank

Food:

Tracked my food every day starting Tuesday morning. Did pretty well staying within calories each day except 2. Tracking calories which is so different than points on Weight Watchers. I am keeping an eye on my calories, fat, and carbs. Water is my drink of choice. Added fruits and veggies for snacks and for the most part, lean protein and veggies for dinner. I had Smoothie King for lunch one day to replace a meal.
It seems so cliche to join a gym for the New Year, but it was the perfect time for us to make changes. I am proud of us for this first week and look forward to this next week to see how hubby and I do.

12 Week Challenge Goal – 171

End of 2017 Goal – 145

Have you taken a bootcamp class before or joined a gym challenge?

10
Jan
2017

Top Ten Tuesday – Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Me

categories: #TopTenTuesday, blog hop, Run Chew Sparkle, ten things you may not know about me, Top Ten Tuesday

My bestie and I are going to keep up with our Top Ten Tuesday posts this year after some pretty epic brainstorming last week. But, we’re going to change it up a little and do two weeks a month and pick from our list as we choose.

For my first Top Ten Tuesday of the year, I am going to do ten things I bet you didn’t know about me!

[Tweet “10 things you probably don’t know about me! #TopTenTuesday”]

10. I have lived in 4 states, at least two times in each state. Born in Long Beach, California – moved to San Antonio, Texas – moved to Bel Air, Maryland – moved to Corona, California – moved to Houston, Texas – moved to Clearwater, Florida – moved to Baltimore, Maryland – moved to Houston, Texas – moved to Clearwater, Florida. Whew! I’ve now been in Clearwater since 1993, the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere.

9. I am in a science textbook, thanks to my Uncle Bruce who worked for a publishing company. It’s such an old science book, my picture is in black and white.

8. I took dance when I was younger. I’ve taken tap, ballet, and gymnastics.

7. I played tennis from when I was 7 – 10 years old and I loved it. I really wish I had not stopped playing.

6. I once wrote a poem that my mom had printed in our family Christmas cards and she had it copyrighted.

5. I love The Carpenters. My music tastes include so many different types of music and artists but I get teased about this one. I could listen to the beautiful voice of Karen Carpenter all day long.

4. When I was in high school, I visited my Aunt Darlene out in California and we waited in line in the wee hours of the morning to be in the audience of the Arsenio Hall show. I loved his show and I was so excited. Sadly, he was a totally different person when the camera wasn’t rolling and I didn’t like him very much after that.

3. When I was little, I was a baton twirler. I would probably hurt myself or others, or break many windows if I attempted it now.

2. I have never seen any of of the Indiana Jones movies. Is this weird?

1. When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I would be the teacher to my “doll” classroom. Then I wanted to be an architect and I drew houses all the time in a notebook. All the houses I drew looked like the Brady Bunch house.

What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that others may not know?

Be sure to visit Run.Chew.Sparkle and see what her Top Ten Tuesday is!

We would love to have more bloggers join in our Top Ten Tuesday posts, so please let me know if you’d like to participate by emailing me at crazylifeofmineblog at gmail dot com.

07
Jan
2017

Working toward my goals with Smoothie King

categories: #ChangeAMeal, #ChangeAMeal challenge, 2017, 2017 intentions, Change A Meal Challenge, fitness, health, healthy options, meal replacement smoothies, Smoothies for weight loss

Today’s post is sponsored by Smoothie King, but my content and love for their Meal Replacement Smoothies is all my own!

Take the challenge as part of a low-calorie diet and daily exercise program. Weight loss depends on individual needs.

For many of us, January means changing our eating habits after the holiday parties, celebrations, and family get-togethers. It’s not uncommon to splurge more than usual during that time. By the time January 1st comes along, we’re all ready to get back to better eating habits and feeling better overall.

One of my big goals for 2017 is fitness. Hubby and I just joined a gym, after a very long time not being gym members, and it has led to us making better food choices. While some of the steps may be baby steps, we both have goals we want to reach and will work towards them.

Both of us are busy between work and life in general. Adding the gym to our schedule 3-4 times a week makes us even busier. I tend to be on the road a lot. For me, the ability to pick up something on the run, that is quick and easy AND good for me, is key to working towards my goals.

The other day I was helping a friend and I knew that lunch would be a challenge. I stopped at Smoothie King on my way and picked up a Lean1 Pineapple Mango smoothie to take with me and and it really hit the spot. Mostly, they had me at mango, but I was also happy to know that I was having something good for me that would keep away the hunger for awhile.

While I was at Smoothie King, the gentleman behind the counter told me how he has worked at Smoothie King for six months now and has replaced one meal a day in that time and has lost weight and has curbed his afternoon hunger. These are the things that I like to hear and I told him he would see me often.

2017 is already off to a great start with the healthy meal replacement options at Smoothie King, giving me more time to be active in my busy life! Now, I want to help you reach YOUR goals!

Visit your local Smoothie King to learn more about the many #changeameal options they have. There are over 20 meal replacement smoothies, all under 400 calories and with at least 10 grams of protein.

• Greek Yogurt – Pineapple Mango, Strawberry Blueberry, Peach Papaya
• The Shredder™ – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla
• Lean1™ – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Pineapple Mango
• Original High Protein – Banana, Lemon, Pineapple
• Coffee High Protein – Vanilla
• The Activator® – Chocolate, Vanilla
• Gladiator® – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla
• Vegan – Dark Chocolate Banana, Nutty Super Grain, Mango Kale

You can also enter their #changeameal challenge with a chance to win up to $500 in Smoothie King gifts cards, a Fitbit, or a new bike!

What is one of your goals for 2017? Will Smoothie King help you reach that goal?

02
Jan
2017

Blog Updates For The New Year

categories: blog, blogging, blogging 101, blogging tips, update your blog

The New Year is here and if you are like most (including me), you have to-do lists for many aspects of your life. One of the lists that I am making priority as we dive right into 2017 is some much-needed updates to my blog.

[Tweet “Take time to make these important blog updates for a successful 2017. #thiscrazylifeofmine #blogging1o1”]

It’s a little like housekeeping where if you keep up on these tasks on a regular basis, it’s easier in the long run. Small tasks over time can go a long way to keep your space on the interwebs running smoothly and up to date.

Make Sure All Side Bar Links Work

Check – and double check – to make sure all the photo, links, widgets, and more in your sidebar. This is especially important if you are linking to companies you represent or are ambassadors for.

Social Media Buttons

You put valuable time and effort into building your brand, make sure that your readers know where to find you and have the ability to share your blog and posts with others. The easier is it for people to share, the more likely they will be to do so.

Share Who You Are

I love to know who is behind a blog, especially one that I read often. Your “About Me” page can be one of the most important pages on your blog. As your life changes over time, so does your blog. Take time to keep it current. You never know who – or what company – may want to learn more about you.

Update Links In Post

It’s a good idea to go through posts and make sure links still work especially if you are trying to drive traffic old posts or companies you may be working with. There are plug-ins that can notify you of links that no longer work. One that I have used in WordPress is called Broken Link Checker. It takes just a few minutes to set up. Initially, it will take time to run through your posts, but once that is done it will verify new ones from there on out.

Update Blog Posts

A common theme in blogging is how everything changes. This holds true posts that are informational in nature. It’s okay – and suggested – that you go back and add more information to blog posts or change them. Keeping blog posts current and timely is a great way to continue to get hits.

Re-Purpose Posts

Just like updating posts is a great idea, so is re-purposing posts. You’d be surprised how many bloggers re-use information they have already shared and make it new again. You never have to struggle to find new content if you remember that you can easily re-use something you’ve already shared.

Your Disclaimer / Fine Print / Policies Page

As your blog grows, so may your policies on how you handle reviews, sponsored posts, and more. In the beginning, we all tend to take anything that is thrown our way to get our name and brand out there. As our time becomes more valuable, it’s important to pick and choose who you want to work with and your policy on how and when you may share. Be up front in in your fine print page and make sure it is current.

To Re-Brand or Not?

I’ve been blogging for almost 6 years now and have gone through a new branding changes. I have the itch to do it again because I love to keep my look current and viable. Re-branding can be time consuming and difficult because it can be hard to get YOUR look exactly the way YOU want it. My opinion is to wait to re-brand once you can do the majority of it at one time. You want all your social media platforms to match and be consistent.

What is on your list to update on your blog this year?

What are your intentions? {2017}

categories: #2017intentions, 2017, 2017 intentions, blog, family, goals, hubby, intentions, love, new year, one word, thiscrazylifeDESIGNS, Word of the Year

I recently saw a post on the FitBit blog about intentions for 2017. I *LOVE* that they used the word intentions instead of resolutions. I personally do not like the word resolutions, it is just something that will not happen (at least in my world).

But intentions are different.

in·ten·tion [in-ten-shuh n]

an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.

I love that it is defined as an instance of “determining mentally”. So much of what we want to do for ourselves, the dreams we have, the goals we have, are all basically mental. We have to convince ourselves first that we can do it. Many times – and I know many of you will agree – we psych ourselves out before we even begin.

Don’t go into 2017 setting resolutions. Instead, set intentions. What do you “intend” to do?

[Tweet “Don’t go into 2017 setting resolutions. Instead, set intentions. #2017intentions”]

Over the weekend, I sat down with my fabulous new 2017 planner and made a list of words that I wanted to focus on in 2017. There are many words on this one page. All have meaning to me. Ironically, intention(s) is not on there, so I added it. And that brings me to choosing my One Word of the Year for 2017….. Intention.

I intend to get back in shape with hubby. For the first time in years, we are back at the gym together and I love it. Very early on, before we were married, we went to the gym together. It’s nice to be back there together again.

I intend to have more quality time with hubby. This is always on my list of wants and needs, and now intentions as well. There are some weeks where we are both so busy and our time together in few and far between. Even if we are just curled up on the couch enjoying our favorite show or out running errands, I enjoy our time together. 2017 will be OUR year.

I intend to grow my Etsy store. This little store of mine on the interwebs is my current baby and I have enjoyed seeing it take on a life of it’s own this last month especially. It will be ever-changing as I add more items and fine tune the ones I have. I intend to make it a success. I know it will take time, but I will keep at it.

I intend to blog more. My Etsy store took over blogging this last month or so, but I intend to get back to it. My 6th blogaversary is coming up in February and I have excitement planned around that. I want to blog my journey back to fitness as hubby and I work on it together. And I intend to grow the list of people and companies I work with.

I intend to eat better. This goes along with the gym. Being busy means eating on the fly and that is never good. I intend on preparing more meals that both hubby and I enjoy as part of our journey back to being fit.

I intend to be a stronger person. We all have our weaknesses. Mine is my anxiety and 2016 has seen it’s share. I want to focus on being stronger so that I can be a better, stronger version of myself. This will allow me to be a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, niece, and more.

I intend to do the best I can in life. Life is hard, people. We all have struggles. Never ever think that you are the only one facing an uphill battle. If we can all go through this life remembering that while our struggle is difficult, we are not the only one struggling. We can all be more sympathetic in general. One way or another, we will get through our struggles.

What is one of your intentions for 2017? I would love to hear them!