March Madness Miles Challenge!!!

Posted on February 22, 2012 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

WOW, March is almost here and I realized I have been MIA from my blog 😦 SORRY, but with a career change comes change I was not 100% ready for. SOOOOOOOO, I’m trying to pull it all together by participating in challenges, challenging myself, and creating my own challenges. AND my friends know I LOVE to harass them with food and fitness challenges 🙂 SO, since I am 100% hooked on my official drug called running I decided to do a challenge which involved you lacing up your best running shoes. Our theme will be March Madness of Miles. I proposed this challenge to my Black Girls Run sisters as well as my Cardio Challenge sisters and they loved it. Here is a run down of the challenge rules and goals. March has a total of 31 days. I would like you to run, walk, or wun (walk/run) a minimum of 2 miles per day. Two miles is really a short distance and not hard to do. That is a total of 62 miles for the month of March. I’ve already done the math but hey you can double check it since I’m not a Math teacher 😉 LOL!!!

Now that I have given you the goal distance let me give you the rules. You MUST document these miles everyday. I use an app on my phone called miCoach it’s free and it is an excellent app. BTW, I am still on #teamblackberry but you can check the website to see which other smart phones offer it. Nike also has a run app or you can use runkeeper. BUT, if using smartphones is too high tech for you then document your miles the old fashion way; paper and pen. However, make sure you have an accurate way to track how many miles you actually complete. Walking to the corner store or around the corner 2 times may not be two miles; LOL!!! I know Spring Break is coming up but don’t use that as an excuse. If you know you have something planned for a weekend or day then add an extra mile to the days you walk, run, or wun. DON’T let the weather be an excuse either. If you have a gym membership use the treadmil on the days the weather is bad. If you have fallen off the fitness wagon or never got on there at all then March Madness of Miles is perfect for you. If you decide to do more than 2 miles a day that is excellent. My goal is to do more than 2 but I’m not going to reveal my total miles completed until next month 🙂

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, who wants in on March Madness of Miles? Make sure you get some friends to come on board to help you stay focused and motivated. It’s also the perfect way to kick start your fitness goals. Walking/running is great free therapy and stress reliever. I’m ready to get my March Madness of Miles on how about you? Here is a quick recap. The goal is 62 miles for the month of March. You can walk, run, or wun. You must make up the miles for the days you miss. If the weather is bad hit the treadmill. Let’s get our March Madness of Miles on together. Stop making excuses and make things happen.

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

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Time to Shake Things Up!

Posted on January 17, 2012 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

The new year has brought a lot of positives changes for me which means I have to start shaking up my fitness goals. Since I’m currently doing my student teaching I have to get up earlier to prepare for school. Add to that I am no longer working full time. SO, what exactly does this mean for me? It’s time to dust off all the fitness DVDs I’ve purchased  over the years and actually utilize them.  It’s better for me to get a workout in from home instead of driving back and fourth to the gym in the morning. Also, I will not have to cut my workout short due to traveling time.

So, starting next week I will use one or two fitness DVDs in the morning for an entire month. I will blog about the name, fitness instructor, purpose of workout, and pros, and cons of the DVD. I will so express if I recommend the DVD and why. I also plan to incorporate a more “clean eating” meal plan. Since I will not be doing a lot of traveling for a while it is the perfect reason to cut out fast foods. Due to the fact that my school load has lighten a little, I can blog more about eating and other health tips more.

So if you have a library of fitness DVDs at home like I do put them to use. No matter how cheesy or boring the workout is just try it. If you have hit a plateau like I have this is the best time to try something new. I personally like working out in the gym. However, there are tons of blogs and youtube videos of people sharing their success stories from working out at home. A new year always equals change. So this is a great time to shake things up and step up your workouts.

 

 

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

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HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!

Posted on December 31, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

 

Today I bought a new journal, planner, two calendars, and I have a runner’s world calendar on the way! The purpose of me buying all of this is to set better fitness goals and accomplish them. I will be able to log my runs and workouts as well as log them using my apps. I can write down in detail what I did that day,  if it was a bad run or workout, and why. I can use my calendar to write down any upcoming races I have as well as what days I will run. My favorite former Cowboys player and HOF running back Emmitt Smith said, “It’s only a dream until you write it down, and then it becomes a goal!”  That is why I challenge EACH and everyone of you to writer down your fitness goals as well as any other goals (REALISTIC) you want to achieve. It doesn’t matter if you accomplish them in 2012 or 2512 just write them down, put them where you have to see them every single day, and achieve them. I already have two college degrees so never in a million years did I want another one. WELL, God said otherwise and what I was doing was not my real passion and not my purpose in life. Working with children is, inspiring others is, and helping others has always been my purpose! If I can go back to school, work full time, lose 47lbs, and inspire others along the way then so can you! Make realistic goals, follow your dreams, write them down, and work on crossing them off your list! Start 2012 better than you did 2011 and finish what you started without making excuses no matter how long it takes. There are plenty of people who are married with kids fullfilling their dreams so don’t try to use that as an excuse. There are plenty of single parents holding down jobs, going back to school, and still finding time to workout or take care of their health. I don’t want to hear that excuse either. JUST write what you want to accomplish down and work on the list one goal at a time. If I can do it then so can you!!! HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!

 

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

 

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Have A Very Blessed Christmas!

Posted on December 20, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

 

Christmas is almost here and I have already given myself the best gift money cannot buy; a healthier me.  After years of riding the same fitness roller coaster, the ride has finally come to an end. Has it been easy; NO! Do I miss the unhealthy me; NO! The greatest reward is knowing I did it all on my own. No, expensive surgery, no expensive  diet plans, and no expensive personal training. I have been blessed with so much knowledge from past trainers and law enforcement friends while on my fitness roller coaster ride. I just needed to put all the knowledge to use and stay consistent. The whipped cream and cherry on top was running and completing two 5Ks. GOD IS GOOD!!!

 

I would like to wish each and everyone of you a VERY Blessed Christmas!! Just like Thanksgiving don’t over do it with all the Christmas goodies. If you kicked off a healthier lifestyle this year or recently, stay the course. You can enjoy all the holiday goodies by cutting your portion sizes.  This is the perfect time to test your will power. BELIEVE me it will be a real test but I know you can do it. Don’t let all your hard work go down the drain. Enjoy your family, show them love, and be thankful for the ones you get to spend another Christmas with.

 

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

 

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I AM NOT JUST MY AZZ!!!!

Posted on December 6, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

The most annoying thing I’ve been told since I’ve been on my weight loss journey is “don’t lose your butt.”  I also get aggravated when people say, “you don’t have a butt anymore.”  Since I have gotten very serious about running and becoming a runner I am told, “don’t lose your azz,” by my some of my male friends. This is usually followed by, “you are getting too skinny.” When I decided enough was enough and it was time to take my health back losing my butt was NOT even a concern of mine. I was concerned with triggering diabetes since I have had multiple family members with diabetes and NONE of them had weight issues or were overweight. I was concerned with triggering high blood pressure, having sleep apnea, and other health issues from being overweight. I just cannot understand WHY some people can’t congratulate others for their health related accomplishments and encourage them to keep up the hard work. It’s like people say “I’m happy for you BUT____________________!”  If you truly are happy for me then there is no BUT (no pun intended). Just keep me encouraged and keep it moving.

I’m tried of my people, yes MY BLACK PEOPLE, using the word “thick’ as if it is something we women should be honored to be classified as. No disrespect to my non-black readers but “thick” is a term mainly used by blacks in reference to a female with an hourglass frame; small waist, hips, butt, and not slim. You can see a break down on “thick” here. To ALL my ladies I HOPE you are not sacrificing your health for the sake of holding onto being “thick.” AND LADIES, married or single if you are NOT happy with your health you need to change for YOURSELF!!! Being called “thick” may have been cute when you were a teenager BUT as a full grown woman it should not be a compliment. My name is not thick and I AM NOT JUST MY AZZ ladies what about you?

 

I’M NOT JUST MY AZZ!!! I’m an intelligent, ambitious, hard working, dedicated, kind hearted,  God fearing, LADY!!! Being cute, educated, and having a nice body is just an added bonus! YES, I sure did just go there!! My AZZ has never defined my character! My AZZ does not pay my bills. My AZZ has not earned my 2 almost 3 college degrees!! My AZZ is just something extra GOD gave me BUT it has not and never will make me who I am. MY AZZ may have gotten me attention, be it positive or negative, BUT my intelligence is what will KEEP your attention. MY AZZ has always been a blessing and a curse BUT MY AZZ will never be how I identify myself. I AM NOT JUST MY AZZ ladies what about you?

Womanifesto

“Clearly I am not a fat ass
I am active brain
And lip smacking peach deep
Sometimes too aggressive in its honesty
And heart sweet
That loves wholly and completely
Whom it may choose
Whom ever it may choose”

By Jill Scott

    FINALLY, to ALL my fellas STOP with the teenage pet names!! There is nothing wrong with admiring a lady and complimenting her on her looks BUT be GROWN about it. STOP, discouraging ladies who are TRYING their best to get healthy and get back in shape by saying, “Don’t get too skinny and lose your azz!” Be her best motivator and compliment her on her accomplishments while getting fit. There is NOTHING sexy about having a fat out of shape azz!!

 

I AM NOT JUST MY AZZ!!

    To all you men and women who think it’s not possible to be a female runner and still have a nice AZZ let me prove you wrong. I have always envied African American track runners. NOT only do these ladies have the best bodies ever they have ZERO body fat!! SO, let me leave you with what motivates me plus throw Serena Williams in the mix. I know she is not a track and field star BUT she also proof you can be athletic and still have a nice figure!! I AM NOT MY AZZ ladies what about you?

Me’Lisa & Mikele Barber

Me’Lisa

Florence Griffith-Joyner

Serena Williams

Jamaican Female Track Team Members

I will leave you with this. You CANNOT lose a butt you never had. If you didn’t have a butt before you gained weight you clearly will not have one after you lose it. If you never had a butt and it got big because you gained weight well DUH you are going to lose it. IF you are holding on to unhealthy weight for the sake of being called “thick” or to hold on to your out of shape butt then I feel sorry for you. I may not know the day nor the hour God will call me home BUT I’m not going to be the reason I leave this earth due to poor health.

I AM NOT MY AZZ ladies what about you?

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

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Have A Blessed Thanksgiving!!

Posted on November 24, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

    This year is almost over and I am so very thankful for all the things I have accomplished thus far. There is NO WAY I would have done these things without the HUGE support from my family, friends, co-workers, my facebook fitness circle, Black Girls Run, and random strangers I have met on twitter and myfitnesspal. God gets all the honor and glory and I know the best is yet to come. I pray each and everyone of you have a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving and love on ALL your family while they are here. This year I am without my aunt, two uncles, and one cousin. I know my mother is hurting even though she is the strongest person I know. No matter what you do stay focused and stay on the grind and keep yourself surrounded by positive people.

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My First 5K

Posted on November 20, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

    I finally completed a goal I have always wanted to accomplish. On Saturday, November 19, 2011 I ran my very FIRST 5K running the Turkey Burner & 1 Mile. Running a marathon has always been a dream and goal of mine. BUT, I knew I had to start at the bottom and work my way up to a full marathon level runner. Thanks to two of my friends on facebook I discovered Black Girls Run who further fueled my determination to run. These ladies truly inspired me to get off my butt and run.

I did not take running lightly. First, I asked one of my co-workers, who is a runner, about getting proper shoes. Next, I asked her about local running groups. Third, I joined Runners World. I purchased a magazine subscription and ordered several books from their website. After doing further research about running, I mapped out a plan and started hitting the pavement. Instead of just jumping into running I walked, ran a little, walked, and ran. I worked my way up to running over two miles without stopping. Running itself was not something I had never done before; I just never stayed consistent. Just like reaching my weight loss goal I was determined to become a runner.

    One of my friends sent me a link to active to participate in a 5K  & 1 mile run on October 1, 2011. I decided I was going to run the entire 5K instead of walking and running. I ended up getting sick twice during my training and missed that race. So, I started signing up for other races on active. My work and school schedule was so tight during the month of October I did not run at all. I knew I had another 5k coming up BUT school was taking all my free time mentally and physically. I decided the ONLY way I was NOT going to run my next 5K is if it rained.

    The weather had been so crazy here in Montgomery, AL the weeks leading up to the race. One day it’s cold, another it’s hot, and another it may be a combination of both. So, to prepare for the possible weather conditions I bought tights and a cold gear top. Even though I had NOT trained at all for this race I was determined to run. My goal was to run the entire race no matter how crappy I felt or slow my stride was. I knew it was not going to be easy and I was taking on a distance I had never run before. The night before the big race I don’t remember sleeping a lot; I was to excited. I secured my cameraman, lol, and double check to make sure I had everything I needed for the race. Here are a few picture before and the day of my big race:

My participation shirt and number!

What I actually wore on my big day!!

Me warming up before the race!

Making my way to the finish line!

My belief is if you wear a shirt with an organization’s name on it you should represent what they stand for. There was NO way I was going to EVER wear a Black Girls Run shirt without running in any type of race.  The founders, Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks, have worked VERY hard to spread their message and build their brand. There was NO WAY I was going to misrepresent them or do a disservice to their organization or mission. Don’t let the words “black girls” offend you my non-black readers. The group is open to ALL women. HOWEVER, the mission of Toni & Ashley was/is to encourage more African American women to get serious about their health. I HIGHLY recommend  you read the information on their site.

SOOOOOOOOOO, I know you all are reading this and asking “how did you do.” Out of 565 people who participated in the 11th Annual Turkey Burner & 1 Mile I placed 522nd and my official time was 45:18 I was very proud of myself because I ran the entire race. I never gave up even when the pain in my side was almost to much to bare. This race signified so much more to me than just a run. It also gave me a starting point to build from and time to work on beating.  I have already signed up for two more 5Ks and have my eye on several other. I truly enjoy running and I will continue to run if it’s God’s will. Thanks to everyone for your love, support, and encouragement. It’s extremely humbling to know I have inspired others and it’s my prayer I continue to do so.

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

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The Time is NOW!!!

Posted on October 30, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

 

 

 

This year has 2 months left and some of you once again broke your New Year’s resolution. Here is your chance to end this year on a positive note by signing up for Ray Grayson aka Mr. Shut Up and Train’s 30 Day Cardio Challenge. I am a living testimony it works and it will cost you nothing. He is not trying to sell  you products or  fitness gear he just wants you to get healthy and fit. Read about My Journey and see how I got Back To Me by incorporating four 30 Day Cardio Challenges into my workouts. Shout out to my girl Alba who introduced me to Ray’s challenge and I haven’t looked back. Once you sign up he will send you a welcome email. He will follow that up letting you know when the challenge starts and the rules of the challenge. He will also give you a different fitness challenge to do everyday during the challenge. I will be the first to say it will not be easy and you will probably hate Ray and me by the time it’s over but, the scale and your measurements will make you love us 🙂  Don’t let the upcoming holidays be a sorry excuse to not workout and kick start a healthier lifestyle. Just sign up and “Shut Up and Train.”

 

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

 

 

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See My Journey

Posted on October 25, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

I know it has been weeks since I have updated my blog but I have been sooooooooooo busy with work and school. I have one more month left in this semester and my load will lighten up just a little. WELL, let me get on to the good stuff 🙂

After a LOT of deliberation and going back and fourth with myself I have FINALLY decided to post some old and current pictures. After viewing the pages of my favorite bloggers I said to myself, “self huh, you have to do this and you owe this to your faithful readers.” So I have added a new page called Back To Me. I did my VERY best to pick out the pictures to truly showcase how I started to where I am right now. It was sad to see the difference in my face and arms and realizing how far gone I was. BUT, with much hard work and dedication I am “Back To Me” again. If you have not subscribed what are you waiting on? LOL!!! Please leave me some love and let me know you were here and feel free to share my journey with your friends via email, facebook, and twitter 🙂 I will be back again with some health information this week I promise this time 🙂 So you need to subscribe to get the post how off the press.

 

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

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Thrifting Fun

Posted on September 27, 2011 by TheHealthyHappyTeacher

 

 

I know it been a while but this has been one crazy month for me!! Football season and my birthday has worn me out as well as school. WELL, my thrifting shero has decided to extend her “Thrift Shopping ONLY for a YEAR!” I am soooooo all in because I’m already hooked on thrift shopping and LOVE IT!!! Make sure you check out her blog and show her some love; Looking Fly On A Dime!! My former college roommate and dear friend also is a savoy thrift shopper and her style is SOOOOO amazing. Show her blog some love as well. Her name is Ivory and she has the most creative style and I LOVE IT!!!  Now let me get back on the subject at hand since I’ve bragged of my favorite bloggers 🙂

SOOOO, my bff and I hit up Goodwill twice in one week during our lunch breaks. If you live in the Montgomery, AL area the one on Air Base Blvd is my favorite so far. I spent a weekend going to a few thrift stores in Prattville, AL and I was VERY disappointed 😦 Not going to bash them BUT the clothing selection was let’s just say 1980s. HOWEVER, I did luck up and find these HAWT BCBG pumps I had to give away because they were not my size 😦

THESE shoes made me sick; LAWD!! I just could not leave them there and I ONLY paid $3.00 for them. Apparently the person who purchased them was not a heels wearing type of gal because they had tons of gels insoles in them. I’m happy to say they went to a nice home.

 

 

Next, I hit up this nice little store that sells jewelry for $1.00 called Cheapskates. It is located in downtown Prattville right as you are going around the curve. I found some nice earrings there.

Since my hair is so short now I’m obsessed with really big earrings. The lady who owns Cheapskates is very friendly too.

Now let’s move on to the clothing finds 🙂

The first day we went to Goodwill they had a 15% discount on all ladies clothing; YES!!! A sale on already cheap clothes #winning

This cute mock neck top still had the original Stein Mart tag on it.

I fell in love with the details of this top

BUT, my favorite piece was this CUUUUTE jacket. This jacket can be dressed up or down.

I just love this jacket

I love the back details as well.

I paid $3.99 or less for all my great Goodwill finds.

Moving right along to that weekend I hit up my other favorite spot Faith Rescue Mission. Funny thing is my mom called me while I was in the mist of shopping to tell me Sears was having a great sell. I turned my nose up and said I’m at the thrift store; LOL!!!  I racked up that weekend. Faith Rescue Mission on E. South Blvd is my favorite location if you are in the Montgomery, AL area again. They have a white board up stating what the deal of the day is as well as which color tags are on sale. The place plastic tags on the inside of the clothes. I can’t wait to say how much I paid for my finds 🙂

I found this LOVELY DKNY blazer first: LAWD!!! I knew there was a matching long skirt to go with it BUT I had no luck finding it and BELIEVE ME I tried hard to find it.

Since winter is around the corner I will be wearing this great find with some nice slacks. AND you will NEVER guess what I scored this for? It had the color tag of the day so I scored this find for $1.50; YEP you read that right $1.50 for a DKNY blazer.

Next I spotted this cute blazer. I literally have a closet full of blazers BUT you can never have too many right 🙂 I loved the colors and have the perfect shoes to make the colors pop!!! I ALSO paid $1.50 for this one.

The next section I made my way too was the slacks. I desperately needed new slacks since all my old ones were WAY too big.

I was able to wear the cute pink Goodwill top with these slacks and got tons of compliments 🙂

These capri pants were HEAVEN!! They fit me like a glove and I wore some “statement shoes” to make the colors pop. I scored these pants for $2.00

These are the front of the pants. I lucked up and found the perfect shirt to wear with these capri pants while not trying to find a matching top.

Lucked up and scored the perfect shirt to wear with these slacks as well. I love the satin/silk look of these pants.

 

I know linen season is over but I wasn’t going to let these stay in the store.

These slacks fit very nice as well.

My next stop was the skirt section. I was still on the hunt for the matching DKNY piece 🙂 However, I found the most adorable skirt and later found the perfect top to wear with it on a different visit.

I just LOVE the colors and details of this skirt. The size tag was actually ripped out of it so I tried it on even though I knew it would fit. I FELL IN LOVE again; LOL!! This skirt is so girlie and cute. I layerd a shirt with both colors of the skirt and wore my mustard heels with it. The skirt stops right at my knees.

This cute skirt is an Old Navy skirt. It was long on me and a little to big in the waste but I love it; very comfy.

Scored this 100% silk Talbots top that I will be wearing with the gray and black satin/silk looking slacks

 

Wore this cute New York and Company top with the cute capri pants. My shoes and accessories made the entire outfit look expensive. I felt good saying it was a thrifted look 🙂

My total tab on my Faith Rescue visit was $38.91 for all 12 pieces. YES, 12 items of clothes for under $40 bucks. I made sure to call my mom and she stated “well go ahead wearing those dead people clothes!” LMAOOOO, my mom is a hoot.

On my quest to find jeans on a different visit to Faith Rescue I came across this VERY NICE TOP.

I paired it with the khaki shirt with bright colors.

 

My ONLY gripe with Faith is they do NOT sell matching sets together. I need to ask why because it takes away from jackets that are meant to be worn with certain skirts and pants.

On another Goodwill visit I scored this suit for $7.00

 

I also lucked up and found an almost perfect fitting pair of Chaps jeans.

And finally found a pair of GAP jeans I could actually fit as well

I had to break down and go to CATO’s and get a couple of more jeans. It’s either hit or miss with me and jeans or slacks and I wasn’t having a lot of luck thrifting for jeans.

 

YES, this was a long post but like I said I have been busy busy busy and I will not be slowing down until this school semester is OVER!!! SOOOO, if you are like me taking your life, looks, and health back I again HIGHLY recommend you give thrifting a try. I am blessed to have a lot of clothes but I also had to get rid of a lot due to me losing weight. Some of my pre-weight gain clothes are even a little too big. It was either learn to sew, pay for alterations, or buy new clothes. Any excuse to go shopping right ladies 😉 I hope you like my great finds and I’ll be updating my blog again this week with a health related topic. Feel free to share, spread the word about my blog, and let me know you were here.

 

#HealthyMakesYouSexy

 

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