Going the Distance (Kind of)

Determined to start my half marathon training on the right foot, and armed with NO EXPERTISE (haha), I decided to just run for 5-6 miles without worrying about the time. My pace was sooo slow, I was getting ansy! That's why I love running a 5k-you can bang it out and really push yourself.

I ended up running 5 miles- BY FAR the furthest I have ever run. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and I'm not even sore today YES! Here are my stats:

Distance: 5.0 miles
Time: 51:00 minutes
Calories: approx 517 calories

Next time I run, I won't be as cautious about the extra distance so I can improve my time a little bit, but right now I am more focused on RUNNING 13.1 miles straight-GOD I feel sooo far away:(

Juice Fasting has ceased for now. Yesterday I decided to have my FIRST bowl of oats along with my FIRST time having almond butter! They were so filling and satisfying-lovvvvvvvved them.

My bowl contained:
3/4 cup of oats (way too much)
1/2 cup of skim
3 dried apricopts
spoonful of raisins, unsweetened coconut, almond butter & honey

HEAVEN!!!!!!

I'm have to hurry off- I have work till 4pm, then have to come home and get ready to go up north with my sis and some friends for a WILD bday bash. No workout today :(.

I hope you all have a fun filled Saturday-hopefully I can finally get some decent pictures this weekend!

Coming Soon: Updated "My Weight Loss Story", What I'm giving up for Lent, & My food shopping purchases!

LATAAAA <3

My Weight-Loss Journey

Growing up, I was so energentic and rowdy I couldn't even manage to sit still at the dinner table. To help get rid of some of my pent up energy, my mom enrolled me in pretty much ANY physical activity that could keep my 3 year old short attention span in line. I fell in love with dance and took classes and competed with my studio from the ages of 3-15. I was also on a gymnastics team for a couple years and was ready to compete untill I broke my leg (TWICE in one year OUCH!).

(dress up w/ my older sister Erin-like my heart-shaped glasses?!)

Once I started High School, I decided to focus all my attention on competitive cheerleading which was so rewarding (we made it to the UCA NATIONALS on ESPN!!) Being so active, I never really had a problem with my weight. I rarely watched what I ate and managed to stay in the healthy weight range (usually between 130-142). I had the time of my life in High School, had lots of friends, always was going out and just enjoying life!

(Senior Homecoming 04-I'm 2nd from right at about 135-140lbs)

I graduated in June of 2005; my intense cheerleading practices ended; I got lazy and was begining to get really anxious about moving away for college. I didn't work out, comfort ate, and managed to gain 20 pounds before college even started!

(August 05-at about 155-160lbs)

Once I got to college in the fall of 2005, (almost 3 hours away from my home) I felt lost. I had no more cheerleading which took up 90% of my free time in High School, my close friends and family were all far away, and I was on my own in EVERY sense of the word. I turned to food for answers but of course that just made things worse. My dining hall diet consisted of pizza, chips, cheese fries, fried chicken etc. Add that with no physical activity and you've got another 20 more pounds added to my 5'4 frame!

I was so depressed and sad, I figured moving home would be my best bet. I returned back home after one semester away feeling like a failure at life and packed on another 15 pounds. I didn't even recognize myself- INSIDE OR OUT. What had I done to myself? How did I let my eating get so out of control? I was so unhappy, stuck in such a rut, and by March of 2006, I was tipping the scales at 189!

(At 189 my highest weight!)

(Below: I'm second from the left- I look SOOO happy NOT!)

I went from a size 3 or 5 jeans to a 12/13. I never wanted to go out. My poor eating habits left me with no energy and no confidence. I started classes at a college close to my home in the spring of 2006, and monotonous cycle of "gain and lose" soon started to form and would last 2 years.

During those two years, besides many crazy changes in my life (getting my heart broken, being single for the first time since I was 14! AH, traveling to California, Las Vegas, a cruise, starting to LOVE college) I DID manage to drop some pounds just by cutting back on the gross foods I was consuming and stayed in the high 150's-160's til January of 2008.

(Cruise 2007- 155-160lbs)

I was still so sick of being unhealthy & out of shape, I just wanted to get back to the "real me"...the happy healthy Dana from High School! After a trip to visit Erin in BEAUTIFUL Colorado in February of 08', and my first backpacking trip quickly approaching in May- I decided it was time for me to feel better about myself and get my butt back in shape if I wanted to survive climbing mountains with 40 pounds on my back. If I wanted to survive PERIOD!

(Colorado-the trip that made something "click"-Feb 2008-about 165lb)

Once I got back from Colorado, I started going to the gym everyday...no questions asked. Thankfully I had two friends who already were gym rats and they helped show me new exercises and inspired me to push myself physically harder than I ever had before. I also drastically changed my diet. I knew what I needed to eat to lose weight before, I just could never stick with it long enough to see results. I started counting calories, created a log of EVERYTHING I ate, stopped eating junk food, started eating more protein, swapped fast food for some lean cuisines, and starting seeing results! I was super strict and the weight came off pretty fast!

By my backpacking trip at the end of May 08', I was down to 142lbs! I was thrilled....I was starting to feel like myself again.

(my backpacking trip in the White Mountains....changed my life!)

I stepped on the scale after my strenuous backpacking adventure, and saw 139! I cried. I swear I thought I was never going to get back to "myself" ever again....it inspired me to keep going.

I kept up with my long sweat sessions at the gym- strength training, cardio classes, and also started to run?!?! (I used to hate running but now am starting to love it) continued my healthy eating and by the end of June 08' I was 132 pounds and at a comfotable size 5 again.

(Summer 08'-best summer of my life!)

(Halloween 08'-w/my sister)

As of February 2009, I have lost another couple pounds and one more size!! I'm now 129lbs-so so close to my goal! I have found new ispiration through all your blogs, my newfound love of running, YOGA, and juice fasting. I look forward to finding peace with the scale, putting an end to counting calories!!, and finally getting to my goal weight and my ideal self (Happy & Healthy).

Have I lost my MIND?!

Here are some things I'm especially excited for coming up in the next few weeks:

*My first race, a 5k on April 4th! I can't wait and really want to push myself to get a good time!

*Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading try-outs are at the end of March and I have been working extra hard at the gym (and on my diet) to be prepared. It would be a dream come true if I make it but I know there is some stiff competition-either way it is something fun to do with my best friends

*Going to a concert on Tuesday in NYC I <3>SPRING BREAK MARCH 13th! WOOOO HOOOO! One glorious week off of school!

Okay now this brings me to one final thing I just committed myself to yesterday....YES I'm pretty sure I have gone crazy....oh well....

I'M RUNNING A HALF MARATHON IN APRIL!!!!!!!

As I told you the other day, I have NEVER run further than 4 miles. I am mental, but I'm always up for a challenge hehe. My friend is running it with me and we have OF COURSE decided it is just for fun and for a good cause so WHY NOT do it?!

Last night I had trouble even going to sleep because I was wondering how the HECK I'm going to do this. The only things I know about running 12+ miles is from what I read on your guys' blogs. I have about 2 months to prepare for the half (without KILLING myself because I want to do well in my 5k) and would really appreciate some tips from you guys. Do I need to carry water, What do I wear, How should I start upping my mileage without dying? HAHA ---- HELP!

Basically my LONG fasts have to end. There is no way I can survive off of fresh juice for extended periods of time while running and working out as hard as I am going to be. I figure if I want to juice, I will, if I want to fast I will, But I'm not making any restrictions or rules. I'm just going to listen to my body. Which by the way is 12 pounds away from my goal weight:)

I'm going food shopping today...Thanks for your tips:) I'm buying clean, healthy, food that will make me feel good inside and out! I am so excited to try all the new foods you guys have introduced to me- SERIOUSLY you all have given me a whole new outlook on food and what I want to put into my body- THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Okay, off to class, gym, food shopping, maybe movie with my mom or hanging with some friends--WOO HOO FOR FRIDAY:)

Make sure you check out Angela's amazing blog Oh She Glows for a KILLER give-away-I WANT TO WIN!!!!

i heart zumba

Dancing seriously makes me the happiest girl ever! I started dancing when I was two and took jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, & tap until my competitive high school cheerleading schedule took over and I had to stop. I honestly miss taking classes sooooo bad! A couple years ago, I found the solution to my problem---- ZUMBA TO THE RESCUE!

My friend & I headed to the gym early to do some things before the class (me-RUN biceps & triceps, her-legs) Today was a light run day for me, I did 2 miles...Here are my stats:

Time: 17:20 seconds
Calories: Approx. 215
Pace: 8:39/mile

It was an okay run, not the best not the worst. I then did some bicep and tricep weight lifting (4 exercise per muscle group) then we headed to ZUMBAAA! It was so fun today...I love it when the class is packed and cheering-HAPPY!!!!

Afer Zumba, I hurried home to make some fruit juice which conisted of: melon, mango, grapes, apple, & strawberries. It was okay---a little sour to my liking-should have added another apple to make it sweeter. Oh welll....

Tonight my best friends and I just hung out watching tv and chatting (some red wine might have been involved haha!!). I just got home a little while ago and am ready for bedddd.

I think I am running outside with my Dad in the morning on our usual route (5k distance). Then some errands, a DEFINATE trip to the gym, shopping for a cute outfit for my friends bday bash saturday night?!, and workie work from 4-10.

Fast still is going well if you are wondering :). I'm going to hop on the scale tomorrow to see if there is a change. I feel more energetic, motivated, and just plain old happier since starting the fast! LOVE ITTTT!

Question for you bloggers: What are your FAVORITE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT staples in your everyday diet. I'm going food shopping within the next couple days and want to try new things! Keep in mind -I don't have a Whole Foods, Greenwise, Trader Joe's or ANY of the sort near my home (ohh the perks of living in the middle of nowhere LOL). HELP!

Nighty Night :)

So not a Morning Person

Yes, waking up at 8 am today is early for me. I don't know how you guys all get up sooo early! YOU GO GIRLS! haha. In the winter time, I find it terribly hard to roll out my nice and toasty bed just to step outside into an ice box. Right now, it feels like it is 9 degrees out! BRRR!

Last night, my Yoga instructor ended class with some inspiring words about being the most positive person you know. I will try to keep that in mind when I leave for the gym in a little bit freezing my booty off.

Last night at the gym, I ended up running 3.5 miles-furthest I have ever run straight!!! Woo Hoo! My pace was a little slower than usual because I wasn't sure how I would handle the extra distance (usually run just a 5k). Here are my stats:

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 31:08
Calories: approx. 369 (don't have a garmin or anything so you can't trust the machines)
Avg. Pace: 8:53/mile

I'm new to running, just started about 5 weeks ago, so I was wondering if my stats are even decent? I have NOOOO idea?!!! What do you all think?

After my run, I did a few shoulder, chest, and back exercises before my sister and I headed to our Yoga class. Of course it was amazing! I felt soooo stretched afterwards. Yayyyy!
Then I showered my sweaty self, hung out with a friend for a little, watched a weird movie, and passed out at 2:30am. That is pretty normal for me to go to bed so late..DING DING DING that is PROBABLY the answer to why I have such trouble getting up early! LOL!

My juice fast is going GREAT! Today is day two, I will most likely make a fruit and veg juice today. I will update later if I can...I have work 4-10 :(.

POSTIVE DANA...THINK POSITIVE!!!!!

Off to a strength training class at the gym with one of my favorite instructors & some cardio too. See ya lataaaa!

P.S: For the Love of Oats is doing a PB2 give-away in honor of her blogs birthday! Check it out!

To Fast or not to Fast that is the question?

So if you read the title of this post you have probably already guessed that my fast hasn't really gone as planned. I did manage to juice fast from friday morning to saturday night- then I decided since I was going out to a party (ALCOHOL + only juice= one very drunk dana) I would just eat some substance to not make myself sick. I had some random things- lean cuisine, pretzels, dried fruit, bannana chips, peanuts. I may be forgetting some things I consumed in a drunken stuper at 4am when I finally got home. BLAH!

Because of my botched juice fast, I also ate yesterday along with NO GYM (AHHH). I can totally relate to Angela from Oh She Glows about the "All or Nothing" thinking when it comes to dieting, healthy eating, and exercise. I always am thinking "I already ate unhealthy yesteday, so today I will just eat whatever I want" etc. I need to learn how to stifle these mind games I play with myself...arghh.

Thankfully, I ate something a bit more healthy and fufulling than the un-satisfying eats above. I decided to make the Creamy Carrot Soup from Cooking Light Magazine. It turned out fabulous! I added a bit more spice to the soup and A LOT more pepper (I'm slightlyyy obsessed with pepper). My family all loved it as well! We all really enjoyed the creamy yet light consistancy and it was surprisingly filling! At only 180 calories per serving, I'm hooked!

Here is my bowl along with a piece of fresh toasted wheat bread w/ earth balance buttah!














Note: Please excuse my awful pictures. My poor camera is on its last leg. Neeeed a new one but my cash flow does NOT care about what I need!

While watching the oscars last night, (LOVEEEE THE FASHION) I made a big spread of fruits and veggies with hummus to munch on. Not satisfied, I had a small bowl of raisins, peanuts, and Kashi Autumn Harvest. ANDDDD a 100 calorie bag of Kettle Corn Popcorn. That seemed to do the trick!

Since Juice Fast Part II had been cut short...I have decided to try AGAIN starting today. I know I sound like a broken record, but I really want to complete at least one more week of Juice Fasting. I really can't describe how amazing I felt while doing my last fast...but all I know is that I crave that healthy feeling & WILL be successful in this attempt- I PROMISE!

Today I had classes from 11-3:30 which weren't too horrifying haha. Thank God. I plan on some veggie juice sometime in the near future.

My 5K training schedule calls for a run today, I'm thinking I might do between 3-4 miles at the gym. It is wayyyy to cold and windy out to run to the bay :( BOO! I also have my new favorite class at 7:15 ---YOGA! I swear it is only my third week doing yoga and pilates and I can already feel a difference in my body. It is a 75 minute Hatha Yoga class which is perfect for beginners like me! I also might do some stregnth training (Shoulders, Chest, Abs).

Hope you all are having a good day!!

Daddy's Girl

Evening! I am rushing (as usual) to go to a party at a friends house so I will make this fast!

Today consisted of me over-sleeping and rushing to work at 10am. Worked till 4, then hurried home to get a run in with my dad before the sun went down. We live 1.7 miles from the bay and it is a beautifulllll run. Just really cold. I mean like 20 something degrees with wind cold. AHHH! It was a really enjoyable run though...my dad is 55 and obvi. slower than me...haha sorry dad! but i loved it and having someone to chat with made the total of 3.1 miles fly by! I love my dad:)

Next up was the gym where I did 1 Hour of cardio ( no arm eliptical, incline treadmill, and stairmaster) & abs and back ( 4 exercises per muscle group). Yay! I felt like lately my cardio has been slacking so it felt good to sweat today.

Tomorrow my sister, dad, and I are going to one of my favorite places ever....CAMPMORE!!!! It has everything a backpacker could ever want. WOOHOO! I have a gift card so I intend to spend it alllll tomorrow.

I'm off to the party....have a good night :)!!!

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."-the beatles

(my crazy friends and I on my 21st this past summer)

Helllllloooo Blog World!

I don't really know where to start so I'm just going to go with the flow! Here are some random facts about meee!

*Junior in college, Communications Major, don't know what I wanna do when i grow up haha
*work at a tanning salon, promote for bud light and other drinks at bars as a "bud light girl"
*Live with my mom, dad, and older sister Erin who are the best family ever created

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  (my sister and I in Atlantic City a couple weeks ago)
  
  *my room and crappy jeep are usually a disaster
  *I'm trying out to be an eagles cheerleader in March AHHH!
  *Running my first race (5k) in April
  *I used to hate cooking until recently! Now I love making healthy creations but I especially love baking!!!
  
  If you want to know more about me and my weight loss you can check out this post on my sister Erin's blog:
  
  http://primadharma.blogspot.com/2009/01/sister-takeover.html
  
  
  Juice Fast: Part II day 1-ish?
  
  Juice fasting is something I just started getting into. My dad has done it for years so I decided to give it a try about two weeks ago using our industrial juicer. I intended the fast to go for about a week and I ended up going for 9 days. I ended up losing about 10 pounds! You are supposed to ease out of the fast by slowly incorporating HEALTHY food back in your diet. Yeah...so much for that. The past couple days I have consumed mostly fresh juice (fruit and veg) YAY GOOD--but also random bites here and there, the occasional midnight binge ( i struggle with late night snacking sooo bad), and lots of bar nights with friends lately. During the fast I def. gained some clarity about myself and my relationship with food....but my constant battle to control binging is still not resolved. BOO! AND I know the # on the scale isn't that important...I like to go by how I feel and how my clothes fit...but to see the number creep up a little after my binges does leave me disenheartened.
  
  So since I feel like I was semi successful with Fast One....
  
  I decided to go for another week or so starting today. I plan on making my own modifications to the fast--since I work out regulary and usually pretty intense I may drink some protein shakes (muscle milk light). I also cannot live without coffee...there is absolutely no way I can cut out my precious coffee!
  
  I hope to cleanse my body, put an end to my mindless snacking and binging habits, and hopefully have some revelations (as my dad puts it).
  
  This morning I had a cup of coffee and a hugggge mixed fruit juice:
  
  1 cup of frozen mixed fruit

blackberries strawberries

apple

grapes

2 kiwis
Seltzer to dillute it

I'm off to relaxxxxxx. Maybe some yogadownload.com later on?

Those who awaken never rest in one place.
Like swans, they rise and leave the lake.
On the air they rise and fly an invisible course.
Their food is knowledge. They live on emptines. They have seen how to break free.
Who can follow them?
- Buddha in the Dhammapada