You mean I have to do this all the time?!

So week four is closing in fast. And the excitement of catharsis is quickly dying off. Yeah ok, I am so proud of myself for eating better, being more active. But week 4 is the reality that I have to keep doing it.


Week 1: Wow! I am going to change my life. Energy pumping! Sneakers new. Bike shined. Workout basket in room stocked with cute yoga pants, IPOD with get your ass moving songs, and waterbottles.

Week 2: Holy Crap! I did what I said I would! I am amazing! Let's keep going and add fun things like a funny workout video and new recipe to try. This is fun! I am really doing this!

Week 3: Ok, I did all this last week. My house is beginning to get messy now that my free time is devoted to exercising or eating right. Must hit targets. Just hit targets. Life can't keep me down. I can do this!!!!!

Week 4: Ok, these videos are not funny anymore. They are just stupid. I am not Jane Fonda and neither should you be. It's 2010 for crying out loud!!!! Running with IPOD: I heard this song already, skip! heard it... skip! Heard it! skip! Augh! Need new songs. I don't want to ride my bike. I just did that last week. I can't eat another freaking salad! When am I finished with this lifestyle change?????

I suppose that at some point it just becomes second nature to eat healthy and get out 3 or 4 times a week. Right now, it is a choice. And one that is hard to make when life gets in the way. This is usually the point where I would be calling it a day. Congratulating myself for a job well done. "Well, you worked out for a whole month! You are amazing!" But I am not doing what I set out to do, or promised you all I would. So, because of my blog- I will keep going! And get a new route, new playlist and some new videos. Because Ms. Fonda with all due respect, I am not sweating to the oldies anymore!!!

Running errands and fevers

So I want to know, does running around town doing errands count? If so, then I survived my FIRST marathon this week! It's been a real crazy one. Softball games, girl scout meetings, concerts, track meets, a rehearsal dinner and TWO weddings in just 5 days. The fact that I haven't had a moment to sit and post is a real testament to the amount of running being done!

This week was a true test to the "real life" dilemma of fitting in a healthy lifestyle. I managed to squeeze in an 8 mile bike ride and a 2 mile run. ***I will explain better later on the lack of exercise in a moment.** My healthy eating habits stayed strong--- even with the weddings! Gorgeous cocktail hours and open bars did not deter me from my goals. Fresh seafood bars called my name instead as well as the gorgeous vegetables and relish tray! ;) We didn't even fall victim to the fast food frenzy this week that usually incurs with all the running around. We still managed to eat at home and healthy each night. (Webster's would define healthy as meaning not driving through somewhere to pick up dinner in this situation)

So here is the *asterisk* part of the post: I so wonderfully picked up a virus that settled around my chest and made my heart feel like beating irregularly. Try exercising when you already feel like you are having a heart attack. So Lauren had to go to her handy dandy doctor who ran a stress test that showed irregular beats and I had to wear a holter monitor overnight. I was TOLD to take it easy for the next three or four days until the virus passes. TOLD, by a DOCTOR. Soooooo, I easily obliged and spent the next three days running fevers and racing my heartbeat instead. It was fun.

It is still lingering, so I will reverse my exercise plan for the week and do the easy walk first, then the aerobic video, THEN the long bike ride later in the week. Just in time to visit with the Blue Angels!!!

The BEST news of this all is that I am starting to see results! The scale is at a -4 and my clothes are not loving me and hugging me as nicely as they used to. In this situation, I won't take it personally. :)

Beautiful weather, BAH!

Call me Ebeneezer. It is absolutely gorgeous outside today. The sun is shining, spring is popping and I should be out there on my bike, for a run or with the wind beneath my wings full of energy. Instead, I am inside grumpier than all 7 dwarfs because of this "beautiful" weather.

See, it goes like this. Wind and rain bring blooming spring and TONS of allergens. This means that ALL night Stephen is sniffling, snorting and making the most ridiculous sounds you have EVER imagined and I have had no sleep. Trying to be an exercise-a-holic on NO sleep does not work. To boot, Hailey has decided to find a lump on her jawline-- which is more than likely a result of these darned allergens--- but makes me worry nonetheless. She even managed an insomnia night where she decided to keep telling us all night long that she "is still not sleeping". STRESSFUL week!

Does stamping around the house, picking up erroneous items and throwing them around your house in pure rage and anger count as 30 minutes of exercise? I can assure you that I did it with gusto! ;)

This week I did manage a 3 mile bike ride ( a little lame, I know.), 2 mile walk, a 1 hour aerobic work out, a 3 mile RUN (yes, run!) and of course, the house-capades.

Actually, not bad now that I look back at it. But I am still in a bad mood. Perhaps a nice glass of red wine tonight will do the trick. And a separate bed for Stephen, of course! ;)

Martha makes mistakes too?!

There is hope for all of us. I tried a really great, healthy, GF recipe yesterday-- courtesy of one of the bestest cousins I have-- and while in the process realized that Martha make a mistake and skipped a step in the recipe. (or if she didn't the recipe is a complete fail) It was a Rice Chex lemon crusted filet of cod. I used tilapia, but it turned out scrumptious nonetheless.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living pg. 170
Crisp Baked Lemon Cod

2 c. crushed Rice Chex
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
1/4c. chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tsp. finely grated lemon peel (about 2 lemons)
1/4 tsp. coarse salt
4 cod fillets
3 oz. baby spinach

1. Preheat oven to 400*. Combine rice, oil, parsley, zest and salt.
2. Set wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Press fish in crumb mixture, turning to coat. **** Note: Martha, we really could use an egg wash here, as the crumbs do not adhere very well. But I do not question the master*** Transfer to wire rack. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 14-16 min. Divide fish and spinach among 4 plates.


Now, I sauteed some asparagus and the spinach roughly in some EVOO and put a lemon wedge on the side for an extra boost, but OMG was this good!

Here are the nutritional values: Be amazed!
271 calories, 2 g sat fat, 13g unsat fat, 43 mg of cholesterol, 15g carbs, 420mg. sodium, 19g protein, 2g fiber

Thanks cous for the recipe! It will easily become one of my new favs. AND it was made even better knowing that even Martha (or perhaps her editor) makes mistakes too!

Mother's Day doesn't count, right?

In true indulgent fashion of all American holidays, I simply couldn't resist. While my Saturday of tremendous partying went wonderfully, my Mother's Day was well.... indulgent.

My wonderful family made me Gluten Free(whole grain) pancakes for breakfast. Kiersten decorated a gorgeous homemade Gluten Free devils food cake complete with a perfect purple rose and AElisha and I toasted our freedom from kids with coffee milkshakes for dessert. I did have a salad for dinner though.

I know, I know.... Terrible day. But for me, one bad day out of 10 is quite impressive. :) And ONE slice of GF cake is a freaking miracle!!!

Today, I "mea culpa"ed by adding a 3 mile bike ride with Hailey to the library to pick up some fun aerobic videos. I also did not fall into the "well, I blew the diet so let me just finish up this cake!" trap.

I had hard boiled eggs for breakfast with an apple, a wonderful bean salad for lunch- no dressing-- and grilled chicken with avocado, spinach and roasted tomatoes for dinner.

See I believe a true dieter would have side lined the treats for Mother's Day, but I am not trying to be a cold turkey crash diet victim. This is a process. I will make mistakes and learn from them. I will fall down, get up and keep moving forward. This bump did not throw me off the bike! It actually got me on one today! :)

Inching Along

Very Successful week 1. I hit all my goals with your support!

Sat- 3 mile walk/run Sun- 8 mile bike ride Tues- 2 mile brisk walk Thurs- resistance band arms and legs Fri- 7 mile bike ride. Plus, I hit all my healthy eating targets. NO substitutions, all healthy choices (with the exception of the chicken fingers on Sat.)

I could not have done it without your help!!!!

That being said, can someone explain why I GAINED 4 pounds? :) Ah, the Aguis genes. Whatever the number, I am proud of myself. A healthy lifestyle is the goal and eventually those inches will come off with it. Slow and steady.

The only inches I really care about are the ones that I caught on my shirt from my bike ride today!!! What is with the infestation? I had about 9 inch worms on my clothes by the time I was done. I am sure that there are a few stragglers in my hair. I do feel bad for the bug the flew up my nose. He was a goner. Regardless, I wear my bugs with pride, a testament to the fact that I was out there today with your help.

Thanks!

Spring in my step

There is nothing like a beautiful, crisp day to make you want to get up and get out there. Except for me. I love laying in bed, all cozy, smelling the fresh air, listening to the birds, blowing by any chance to exercise "before work".

But that's ok! Because after he gets home from work, Stephen and I will walk together. **Collective "awwwwww"** It's nice to have someone to walk with. Especially someone whose walking pace equates to a 7 min. mile. I totally feel like the little dog in the cartoon who is so eager to be with the big dog, but is struggling to just keep up with him. For exercise purposes, this is a good thing!

So far this week I have accomplished a 3 mile walk/run; 8 mile bike ride; 2 mile brisk walk. And it's only Wednesday morning! WOO HOO!

So spring, keep up the great work. Having this conducive weather is encouragement alone. Just keep those bees away from my butt!

Boys will be boys

"Mothers of boys work from son up to son down"

I no longer question how all mothers of boys seem to always be skinny, active and fit. Watching my nephews overnight was one of the most exhausting and energetic events I have ever accomplished. We spent 2 1/2 hours at the park, which means for 2 1/2 hours, I RAN after the boys making sure they didn't fall, climb or jump on things that were dangerous.

We spent a whole hour playing softball with Hailey, which means that for a whole hour the boys and I ran the bases, ran after the balls and simply had a blast being outside on a gorgeous, sunny, spring day.

Active lifestyle... CHECK!

Healthy diet? well, here's the thing.... We hit the Green Market to get a healthy lunch and they had Gluten Free chicken fingers. Not fried, but still breaded. I could have made a much better choice, but I so rarely get to eat chicken fingers. And they were soooo good. Darn you Green Market! (do I get points for honesty?)

Today I tried harder. Egg white omelet with grapes and apples for breakfast. Then, we went to a party which is usually a major downfall. But I prevailed! Only raw veggies to snack on, no dip. Bottled water- not diet soda. Steamed broccoli and chicken for lunch and my fabulous fruit and nut dessert. *Recipe to follow. I didn't even lick the icing off of ONE cupcake!

So with the wind in my sails, it's time for a mid afternoon bike ride!

Thanks to all my "cheerleaders and coaches!" and Erin ;) for being the voices in the back of my head convincing me to make the right choices today.

Fit Club

People start to exercise for all different kinds of reasons. Life after pregnancy, a wedding coming up, pure vanity, health. It doesn't matter what your reason is, a catalyst for a healthier life is a good catalyst no matter what. My catalyst: Marcie.

It's no mystery that people would like to feel good, feel healthy, feel energetic. I do not. I don't know why. Doctors don't know why and I just can't keep living feeling this way. I understand that my body may not work and feel like a "normal" person's, but that shouldn't keep me from doing the best I can with what I've got.

This is where the Process of Progress begins. I am not under any impression that I will ever be running side by side with my husband at the NYC Marathon. For all you out there who say,
"Come on! Dream Big!" I say my goals are personal, are realistic and are the finish lines for me.

I will not set out lofty goals like "I will lose 10 pounds in 2 months". " I will run a 1/2 marathon in 4 months". These are personal, realistic goals for some, but not for me.

My goals:
Know my body, understand it's limitations, but not let them limit me.
Establish healthier eating habits.
Maintain a weekly exercise schedule.
Don't do it alone.
Let other people become part of the process to hold me accountable to my goals.
Let other people inspire and encourage me.

This is where the "Marcie Moxie" comes in. When you join a gym, an exercise class or a running group you are less likely to give up because other people are holding you responsible. You don't want to be that person who gives up, starts to fall behind, so you push yourself and reach goals you never knew you could. When I set out my goals before, they were not reached because I let myself down. I could talk myself out of it. I would give up.

So, here I am. My goals, my health and my heart all out there ready for the challenge. Open mind, bright smile. All I need are some cheerleaders and coaches who won't let me give up on myself. I will focus on healthy eating, exercising regurally and not letting myself give up on my goal.


This is a process. A journey. A healthy life. Not a deadline or a destination.