I know that talking about weight is something that women do not like to do. I have been talking about my weight loss goal for over the past year now. My last post was about being determined to finish what I started. I am determined to run this half marathon. I was determined to lose the last few lbs. Amanda and I have been doing some serious training. By serious, I mean we got up and ran at 5 in the morning on Tuesday. If you know me, that's pretty serious because I cherish my sleep and do not get up early unless I am forced to do so because of work or something! :)
Anyway, Thursday night I was feeling good about myself and thought why not check out the weight. On January 1, 2011 I weighed a good ole 141. For my height, that is not so awesome. On March 1, 2012 I weighed a grand 120.2!!! Even better was when I got up Friday morning and was 119.2! It feels amazing to have finally accomplished my goal. As you can see, I am have been working on this awhile. I have also gained muscle mass which has been something that has kept me away from reaching my goal, but all this running is melting it off.
I can't wait to share a post after I accomplish my other goal this year. Crossing that finish line on April 28th is going to feel so amazing! Here's to more weeks of training! :)
March 4, 2012
February 19, 2012
Determined
I have always been a very strong willed person. I am extremely stubborn too! If you know me, I can hear you laughing and nodding your head because you know it is true! Last year, Sam and I decided to make a change. We were tired of feeling bad about our appearance and not taking care of ourselves. I believe I have told you this before. Well, last year my goal was to drop 20 lbs. I got really close, but ended up about 4-5 lbs short of the goal come Dec. 31st. Sam didn't necessarily have a goal to meet, but he dropped a crazy amount of weight.
This year Sam is wanting to bulk up with some muscle mass. He has been working out like crazy. I am determined to get rid of the last 4-5 lbs that I didn't get off last year, but I am adding to that list. I am currently training to run in the Country Music Half-Marathon. I am training with my friend Amanda as an accountability partner. She is running the half to try to raise money for a mission trip that she and her husband are going on in June. She knew she wouldn't be truly motivated if she tried to do it alone, so I said..hey why not!?
I am determined to do this! Training is not an easy process at all. 13.1 miles seems like a million miles as I am running 4 miles. I know that it will get better, but this is not an easy task. I am determined to put my mind over pain. I have shin splints that are trying to keep me on the couch and off the road. Come to find out all I have to do is stay off the treadmill and my shin splints cool off! Apparently I don't know how to run on the treadmill!
This past Saturday Amanda and I had our long run which was 4 miles. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it was the longest one that we have had so far. As a motivating and uplifting factor, I decided after we completed the run to look up the results from the 5K that we ran together back in May of last year. We ran 5K (3 miles) in 42 minutes. Yesterday, we ran 4 miles in 47 minutes. I don't know about you, but I feel that that is pretty impressive compared to a year ago. Hopefully, that number will keep getting better and better as we continue to train. For having one been training for two weeks, I'd say we are off to a nice start!
This is the after photo of the 5K from May 2011. I am looking forward to being able to post an after photo in April after we finish our goal of running this half marathon. I know I am going to do it. I am determined!
This year Sam is wanting to bulk up with some muscle mass. He has been working out like crazy. I am determined to get rid of the last 4-5 lbs that I didn't get off last year, but I am adding to that list. I am currently training to run in the Country Music Half-Marathon. I am training with my friend Amanda as an accountability partner. She is running the half to try to raise money for a mission trip that she and her husband are going on in June. She knew she wouldn't be truly motivated if she tried to do it alone, so I said..hey why not!?
I am determined to do this! Training is not an easy process at all. 13.1 miles seems like a million miles as I am running 4 miles. I know that it will get better, but this is not an easy task. I am determined to put my mind over pain. I have shin splints that are trying to keep me on the couch and off the road. Come to find out all I have to do is stay off the treadmill and my shin splints cool off! Apparently I don't know how to run on the treadmill!
This past Saturday Amanda and I had our long run which was 4 miles. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it was the longest one that we have had so far. As a motivating and uplifting factor, I decided after we completed the run to look up the results from the 5K that we ran together back in May of last year. We ran 5K (3 miles) in 42 minutes. Yesterday, we ran 4 miles in 47 minutes. I don't know about you, but I feel that that is pretty impressive compared to a year ago. Hopefully, that number will keep getting better and better as we continue to train. For having one been training for two weeks, I'd say we are off to a nice start!
This is the after photo of the 5K from May 2011. I am looking forward to being able to post an after photo in April after we finish our goal of running this half marathon. I know I am going to do it. I am determined!
Christmas 2011
To start out the Christmas season, the girls have always gotten together to have a cookie and ornament swap party. This year plans changed at the last minute, so our group was a little smaller than in years past. One thing that we learned this year is that it is getting more crowded with little ones! We would sit down to start working on cookies and a baby would need feeding or be crying or just want attention. It was definitely a lively time! We all enjoyed the time together and look forward to having more little ones running around next year. Notice baby Hannah Claire that will be partying with us next year!
For the past three Christmas', we have been running from one place to another on Christmas Day. This year we were able to spread out our Christmas celebrations. We only had one Christmas get together a day starting on Friday and ending on Monday. It was really nice to get to chill out at every get together and not feel rushed to get from one place to another. It was even more fun because this was the first Christmas that the Claud's have had a little one to spoil. Granted Boone was only 3 months at the time, but it was still a nice change to our Christmas. At the Ellis Christmas, we had a crazy hat theme to our Dirty Santa exchange. It was so stinking hilarious! Here are a few pictures from our Christmas gatherings!
The Ellis Family Crazy Hat Christmas
Christmas Morning 2011
Farmer Sam and Tennessee White Trash Holly
(That really is what my hat says!)
These hats were the hit of the party! Grandma Ellis rocked it!
Christmas always seems to come and go so quickly, but it really seemed to this year. Even though it flew by, we all still enjoyed laughing and eating until we couldn't breathe!
For the past three Christmas', we have been running from one place to another on Christmas Day. This year we were able to spread out our Christmas celebrations. We only had one Christmas get together a day starting on Friday and ending on Monday. It was really nice to get to chill out at every get together and not feel rushed to get from one place to another. It was even more fun because this was the first Christmas that the Claud's have had a little one to spoil. Granted Boone was only 3 months at the time, but it was still a nice change to our Christmas. At the Ellis Christmas, we had a crazy hat theme to our Dirty Santa exchange. It was so stinking hilarious! Here are a few pictures from our Christmas gatherings!
The Ellis Family Crazy Hat Christmas
Christmas Morning 2011
Farmer Sam and Tennessee White Trash Holly
(That really is what my hat says!)
These hats were the hit of the party! Grandma Ellis rocked it!
Christmas always seems to come and go so quickly, but it really seemed to this year. Even though it flew by, we all still enjoyed laughing and eating until we couldn't breathe!
November 26, 2011
Friends Thanksgiving
In years past, our friends have gotten together for a Halloween party. This year though Halloween snuck up on us and we didn't get anything planned in time. Instead, we decided that we would put together a Friends Thanksgiving. Being that Sam and I are the only ones without kids, we decided that it would be easier to have the get together at our house and everyone would bring a Thanksgiving style dish. Tyler and Rachel brought the best turkey I have ever eaten, which is saying something because I don't really like turkey that is not deli meat...you know I like the processed stuff! :) It was a beautiful, juicy turkey.
To complete the meal, we had mac and cheese, green beans, broccoli and rice casserole, sweet potatoes, and rolls.
I forgot to take a picture of the dessert table, but for dessert we had pumpkin pie, chess pie, pecan pie, no bake oatmeal cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. It was all delicious!
Our group is growing quickly with all the kids getting added to the mix.
We found out tonight that friends of ours are expecting their second baby! :) A little boy to be exact! YAY!!
We have had a whirlwind of a Thanksgiving this year, but it has been great! We have one more to go tomorrow with the Claud family and then we will be in full Christmas mode!
To complete the meal, we had mac and cheese, green beans, broccoli and rice casserole, sweet potatoes, and rolls.
I forgot to take a picture of the dessert table, but for dessert we had pumpkin pie, chess pie, pecan pie, no bake oatmeal cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. It was all delicious!
Our group is growing quickly with all the kids getting added to the mix.
We found out tonight that friends of ours are expecting their second baby! :) A little boy to be exact! YAY!!
We have had a whirlwind of a Thanksgiving this year, but it has been great! We have one more to go tomorrow with the Claud family and then we will be in full Christmas mode!
November 20, 2011
Thankful
It is that time of year again when people begin to reflect on the things that they are most thankful to have in their lives. As I read through several people's daily postings on Facebook, I began to think about the things that I am really thankful for. While I believe that people really are thankful to be in a size smaller pair of jeans, let's face it ladies..we all get excited when a smaller size fits, I think about what really matters. Yes, it is nice that this year I don't feel like I look like a can of biscuits getting ready to pop out of its little canister, but is that really what I am MOST thankful for?
I am thankful to have a husband, who loves me for being who I am. A husband who tells me every morning I am beautiful, even when I feel like I look my worst. A husband who can make me laugh when all I really want to do is cry. A husband who is blunt and real with me. A husband who motivates and encourages me to do the things I want to do.
I am thankful for old and new friends. Over the past year, Sam and I have found some new friendships. We have also grown closer with old friends.
I am thankful for new additions. This not only is applying to my new nephew, Boone, but also to the many additions that are coming by way of our friends. Our get togethers have taken on a new excitement that is for sure.
I am thankful for family. For parents that love and support us no matter what. For sisters who are there for us, who make us laugh, and sometimes make us mad. For nieces that can bring a smile to our face the moment they say "Hi Uncle Samuel! Hi Aunt Holly!" For two brother in laws that are loving and caring husbands and daddies!
This year though I am MOST thankful for a God who protects, loves, and heals in His plan. While we might not ever understand why it was not in God's plan to allow us to spend more holidays with Sam's dad, we are thankful for the healing that God provides overtime. I am thankful that we can celebrate and be thankful for the family that we have here on Earth, but still have faith that we will one day get to sit with one another again! I am thankful that God protected my uncle this week as he went through a quadruple by-pass surgery. I am thankful he was with doctors when he had a heart attack. I am thankful that the surgery went well. I am thankful that I get to spend more holidays with him, nagging at him over anything and everything I can. We have that special relationship that a niece and uncle can have. It started long, long ago, but I guess I'll have to play nice for a little while so he can get into shape.
This year, be thankful for the family that you have sitting around your table whether big or small. Be thankful that you are healthy. Be thankful you have a home and a job even if it is not your dream home or job. This year, be thankful for a God who has a plan for you in this upcoming year!
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!
I am thankful to have a husband, who loves me for being who I am. A husband who tells me every morning I am beautiful, even when I feel like I look my worst. A husband who can make me laugh when all I really want to do is cry. A husband who is blunt and real with me. A husband who motivates and encourages me to do the things I want to do.
I am thankful for old and new friends. Over the past year, Sam and I have found some new friendships. We have also grown closer with old friends.
I am thankful for new additions. This not only is applying to my new nephew, Boone, but also to the many additions that are coming by way of our friends. Our get togethers have taken on a new excitement that is for sure.
I am thankful for family. For parents that love and support us no matter what. For sisters who are there for us, who make us laugh, and sometimes make us mad. For nieces that can bring a smile to our face the moment they say "Hi Uncle Samuel! Hi Aunt Holly!" For two brother in laws that are loving and caring husbands and daddies!
This year though I am MOST thankful for a God who protects, loves, and heals in His plan. While we might not ever understand why it was not in God's plan to allow us to spend more holidays with Sam's dad, we are thankful for the healing that God provides overtime. I am thankful that we can celebrate and be thankful for the family that we have here on Earth, but still have faith that we will one day get to sit with one another again! I am thankful that God protected my uncle this week as he went through a quadruple by-pass surgery. I am thankful he was with doctors when he had a heart attack. I am thankful that the surgery went well. I am thankful that I get to spend more holidays with him, nagging at him over anything and everything I can. We have that special relationship that a niece and uncle can have. It started long, long ago, but I guess I'll have to play nice for a little while so he can get into shape.
This year, be thankful for the family that you have sitting around your table whether big or small. Be thankful that you are healthy. Be thankful you have a home and a job even if it is not your dream home or job. This year, be thankful for a God who has a plan for you in this upcoming year!
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!
October 22, 2011
Zumba Madness
I have never been that person who can stick to a workout plan. I have tried for years to keep to something. Each time I would start something, I would quickly stop it due to always finding something that can take its place. Almost a year ago now I started taking Zumba classes. Dancing has never been something that I am good at or felt comfortable doing. I was extremely nervous about doing it, but I had SO MUCH FUN that first night that I haven't stopped going. I actually plan around Zumba classes instead of replacing that time with something else. I hate when I have to miss it. I think y'all get the point.
Today they had a Zumbathon in Clarksville, so of course I had to do it. We had a team from our gym go and I must say..we were the best group there. Not only because I have a biased opinion, but we were also the largest group!
Amanda, Libby, and I went out last night to find a good outfit to wear. We were called the Pleasant View Angels because our instructors name is Angel. Pretty nifty huh? Anyways we decided what better way to represent our team than to wear angel wings. This was a great idea until two out of three of ours broke. :/ It all lasted long enough for us to get a picture and then they were gone. It was a tiring day, but we loved it! It was so much fun! We shook and danced our booties off!
Sam and Steve took off for the South Carolina vs North Carolina game this weekend. North Carolina lost, but they still have a great time from what I hear. We've all had a pretty busy weekend, but it was a blast!
Today they had a Zumbathon in Clarksville, so of course I had to do it. We had a team from our gym go and I must say..we were the best group there. Not only because I have a biased opinion, but we were also the largest group!
Amanda, Libby, and I went out last night to find a good outfit to wear. We were called the Pleasant View Angels because our instructors name is Angel. Pretty nifty huh? Anyways we decided what better way to represent our team than to wear angel wings. This was a great idea until two out of three of ours broke. :/ It all lasted long enough for us to get a picture and then they were gone. It was a tiring day, but we loved it! It was so much fun! We shook and danced our booties off!
Sam and Steve took off for the South Carolina vs North Carolina game this weekend. North Carolina lost, but they still have a great time from what I hear. We've all had a pretty busy weekend, but it was a blast!
October 10, 2011
Birthday Getaway
Last year, Sam and I took a weekend away with Amanda and Steve to celebrate Steve's birthday and to get some away time. Well, this year we decided to have a repeat weekend getaway not only to celebrate Steve's birthday, but because we ALL needed to get some space from the world at home and hideaway in the mountains. I am sad that my Fall Day Break is over now, but it was an amazingly fun weekend!
The Shrewsbury's with the Birthday Boy!
Happy Birthday Steve-O!
We got in late on Friday night and just enjoyed some quality time in the hot tub. On Saturday, we went to eat in Gatlinburg and took on the climb to Clingman's Dome. We have been working on our physical fitness, so what better way to continue that trend than to workout by climbing a mountain! :) On our trek up, we saw a bear cub and bear poop. It was pretty cool I must say. I haven't seen a bear in all the times that I have been to the mountains so I was pretty excited. It was a hard and tiring climb but so worth it! You could see for miles and was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.! Our God is awesome! Love seeing His beautiful work.
Sam and I before the climb.
Steve and Amanda before the climb.
The group together at the top! We made it! :)
We stopped by Chimney Top on our way back down, but didn't make it too far before we just decided to take a picture by the water and head back. We were exhausted!
We made our way back to the cabin to rest up, get ready for dinner, and then back to relax in the hot tub once again to end the night.
Sunday was spent shopping in Tanger Outlet. Love that place. It is a must visit whenever we go to Gatlinburg. We all actually had luck too which normally doesn't happen. We had a night in after an early dinner and enjoyed the night with Sunday night football and some hot tub time. Well funny story...we accidently made the hot tub go to sleep so the temperature held at 90* all day, so it was actually a cold tub. We ran hot water in the jaccuzzi tub and all four sat in the tub until the boys decided that they had to figure out how to get the water to warm up. It was a pretty funny sight to say the least. Finally, the water got warm enough to feel like a warm bath at least, so we hopped in to end the night.
It was a weekend of laughs that was much needed for all of us, although it flew by! Until next year I suppose...
The Shrewsbury's with the Birthday Boy!
Happy Birthday Steve-O!
We got in late on Friday night and just enjoyed some quality time in the hot tub. On Saturday, we went to eat in Gatlinburg and took on the climb to Clingman's Dome. We have been working on our physical fitness, so what better way to continue that trend than to workout by climbing a mountain! :) On our trek up, we saw a bear cub and bear poop. It was pretty cool I must say. I haven't seen a bear in all the times that I have been to the mountains so I was pretty excited. It was a hard and tiring climb but so worth it! You could see for miles and was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.! Our God is awesome! Love seeing His beautiful work.
Sam and I before the climb.
Steve and Amanda before the climb.
The group together at the top! We made it! :)
We stopped by Chimney Top on our way back down, but didn't make it too far before we just decided to take a picture by the water and head back. We were exhausted!
We made our way back to the cabin to rest up, get ready for dinner, and then back to relax in the hot tub once again to end the night.
Sunday was spent shopping in Tanger Outlet. Love that place. It is a must visit whenever we go to Gatlinburg. We all actually had luck too which normally doesn't happen. We had a night in after an early dinner and enjoyed the night with Sunday night football and some hot tub time. Well funny story...we accidently made the hot tub go to sleep so the temperature held at 90* all day, so it was actually a cold tub. We ran hot water in the jaccuzzi tub and all four sat in the tub until the boys decided that they had to figure out how to get the water to warm up. It was a pretty funny sight to say the least. Finally, the water got warm enough to feel like a warm bath at least, so we hopped in to end the night.
It was a weekend of laughs that was much needed for all of us, although it flew by! Until next year I suppose...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
