30 Day Challenge!

Amy

Current Weight: 225 lbs (another pound down...Yay me!)

30 Day Challenge!

I decided that with the kids going back to school that I needed a new challenge for myself. When the kids are in school it's good and bad. We have more structure but it is also crazy busy. What sparked me to do this was one of my fit mom's asked yesterday if I wanted to start a 30 day water challenge.  I looked at it and thought....sure that seems simple enough and not too overwhelming. And then I thought wonder what other 30 day challenges are out there I could try. Truthfully I had to search alittle. I didn't want anything that was too difficult because if it was I new I wouldn't finish it. But these 3 that I found seem pretty reasonably easy and feasible that I can do them. My little one actually starts school full time next week and the school she goes to is located at a gym so I really have no excuses not to go to the gym because I will be there everyday to drop her off anyway. Now don't get me wronge I will still totally try to make excuses for not going but the difference is they will not be good ones. Lol 

On a side note I took my daughter to the chiropractor yesterday and the doctor actually asked if I had lost weight. This was actually pretty exciting to me because she falls under the people I classify as a valid compliment because I didn't tell her I was dieting and we aren't friends so she has no reason to BS me. So I felt like it was a real compliment so I was pretty excited about that. It's funny how one little compliment can get you strength to keep going. 

So anyway wish me luck on my 30 day challenges.  I can't wait to get started and tell you guys next week how it is going. That's what I love about writing this blog. It keeps me accountable because if I tell you guys I'm going to do something then I have to do it because if I don't then I also have to tell you I didn't.  Maybe I'll try to rope my hubby into doing it with me too. Until next week!!!

Fistbumps, Friends, and Endorphins!

Libby

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Eagles Preseason Game wearing the TRUE green!!!

I have been stuck in a serious emotional, physical, and spiritual rut for a year now.  I don't know if anyone has ever experienced a season like this in their life but it has been difficult for me to own up to it and snap out of it.  I was in denial about my state of stagnancy and tried to cover it up by doing what appeared to be growth experiences but in reality were just avoidance tactics to face the real issues.  When I started the driven. blog in the beginning of summer it was a hope for me that I would work through the unrest that seems to be keeping me from growing into the best me I can be.  

We evolve with each passing day, we are never the same as the day before, our experiences change us, probably without notice but nonetheless it happens.  I was not in control of what was changing me, I had given up that control and stood by and let the ocean of life carry me wherever it wanted. Unfortunately it carried me too far out of what I know is the life I want, the life I want my family to have,  the life I want my children to strive for and even surpass.  I am not going to say I had some epiphany and my awesome life button has been reset, but I do feel a great urgency to take back control and fight my way back to what I know is my true self.  I do feel that a fog has been lifted and for the first time in a year I have the clarity, focus, and motivation to get back in the game.  

So getting back into the game...I have been a busy little girl...with a little help from my friends.  

Since I started driven. I lost 5lbs and kept it off, but I was not exercising.  It wasn't a priority...yet.  I do not know if you remember this but my husband I signed up for the Philly Rock and Roll Half on Sept 18, I did not train for it...at all. Well my husband tore a ligament in his heel and he is really down and out...awwww.  I really dont want to leave him alone, so we downgraded to the 5K.  I know what you are thinking and you are right, I am relieved.  I have ran half marathons before and not being ready..SUCKS!  I can run 13.1 miles any time I want, but I dont want to... yet.  I do want the experience of the Philly Rock and Roll and I can not in full conscience get the swag, go to the expo, etc. with out at least participating in the 5K that is just not good runner's etiquette.  

My sister has been trying to persuade me to do Crossfit with her for YEARS and I always refused, I thought this is just out of my league.  Well, locally my friend Maggie started a Moms fit and healthy club where we meet, encourage each other their and on facebook, share ideas, all good stuff.  She started Crossfit some time ago and has really enjoyed the atmosphere, the workouts, and the people.  She gave me the hard sell and I could not say no, but I also just needed...something...different.  I went yesterday...hahaha...it was...an experience I will never forget and it was AWESOME. 

Naomi, Maggie, and Me ( I am actually taller than the other ladies I leaned over so they did not feel bad) :)

We went to Crossfit Trinium in Landisville, PA (Click here for the website), the owner, Chad Hake met me at the door..and the fun began.  It is run like a group class, with an instructor and specific warmups, and workouts.  The classes generally take 45 minutes and you get an intense workout.  We started with the some dynamic warm-ups, (I was like, wow that was fast but good workout and then realized that was just the warmup...yikes!)  Then we did some strength training exercises with the press bar and the rings, I was a little fuzzy on form so I was corrected a few times.  I thought that was cool, Chad was patient with me for the 10 times it took me to understand what I needed to do.  He was also busy checking the form of his regular clients...cool right?  Then we moved on the WOD or Workout of the Day.  100 Jump ropes, 25 Kettle Bell Swings, and 25 pushups.  3TIMES!!!!!!!!!! All I am going to say is I had to take LOTS of breaks and Chad said to take the jump rope down to 50, probably a good idea.  

Kettle Bell Swings

At the end I was tired, but gooood tired.  I forgot how great that felt.  The camaraderie was nice, it is the ONLY thing I miss about the Navy.  Lot of fistbumps, friends, and endorphins made for an excellent experience  at Crossfit Trinium.  If you want a challenge, results, and an experienced staff, check it out.  

Fitness, Health, Handstands..Oh My!

Maggie

Height: 5'8"
Weight: 153
Goals: To build muscle, do the perfect handstand, compete in my first Crossfit competition, and start a Fit Mom support group.
Motivation/support:  My husband, kids,coaches and friends.

Handstands.....Yup you heard that right.  This week I had my first lesson on mastering the perfect handstand.  Well attempting to do a handstand. OK to be honest to be able to do something that looks like a handstand and not breaking anything.
 As I mentioned in my last blog I have been training in Crossfit.  Well I discovered that there is a lot of gymnastics in Crossfit competitions.  I needed help. The last time I did a handstand I was 12 years old.  That was a long time ago.

Where to take a lesson..    My son is going on his 4th year of competing in gymnastics.  I decided to ask his old coach if he could teach me and my fitness partner.  He said absolutely. So we scheduled our first lesson. I did promised him that I wouldn't show up in a leotard.  I had this funny image of me dressed up as Jane Fonda.  You know the
leotard,sweatbands and leg warmers.

Lesson day....  Walked into the gym and sat with my partner waiting for the coach.  I was a little nervous.  I couldn't stop thinking about what other people would think.   Then I remembered that I was doing this for me and I am going to have fun.

   We started with headstands against a wall.   OK I got this. This is going to be easy.  Nope!!!  Time to do a handstand now against the wall.  Well that was harder but I did it.  

 Coach kept on telling me to tighten your whole body and breathe.  Next was doing a handstand with out the wall.   I pretty much mastered falling. After a few attempts I was able to hold it for 2 seconds!!!!  It was a 30 minute lesson and I was sweating!!!

The coach decided that we will definitely need more lessons.  I agreed with him.  So this handstand journey will continue.

Still Trying!

Amy

Height: 5'1"

Weight: 226 lbs (that's 1 pound down.  I know it's not much but it's something)(12 lbs down since starting)

Measurements: 

Bust: 46 inches (down 4 inches)

Chest: 39 inches (down 3 1/2 inches)

Waist: 43 inches (down 1 inch)

Hips: 52 inches (down 2 inches)

Thighs: 44 inches (down 2 inches)

BMI: 42.9 (down 3)

I decided that since my weight wasn't dropping much lately that I would check my measurements again. I was actually very pleasantly surprised that I have lost quite a few inches. Right now I don't really feel or see any difference in myself so it's nice to see the proof in some change Atleast in the numbers. A few people have commented that they see a difference but I just figured they were trying to be nice and make me feel better. And that still may be the case but at least I do know now I have made some changes. I definitely wish things were moving faster but I also know that any positive changes I make are good. I was so unhealthy and sedentary that any change big or small for me is good. So many people think it has to be fast and you have to make drastic changes that they are never going to keep up with. I too have done this in the past. But when I decided to do this I told myself I was not going to jump in at 100 mph because I knew that by doing that I was very likely to fail. If you are too rigid in your thinking sometimes that sets you up for failure.

My daughter Savannah has been seeing a nutritionist for a little time now due to some of her medical things but I have to say I have learned so many things from her for myself as well. I realized very quickly in speaking with her that I have no clue how to feed myself or my children correctly. I am slowly learning but I definitely still have a long way to go. I feel kind of stupid saying I don't know how to feed myself but it's kind of true. I have for so long been fueling my body with the wrong things. It's hard because everyone has a different opinion of what is the right way to eat but for me I just think that the best way to think is first and foremost everything in moderation.  Too much of anything is not good.

Everyday you have to wake up and decide to make the right choices and do the right things. I am still struggling quite a bit but for me the victory is in the fact that I have not quit yet. So I am just going to take my small victories and be proud of myself for the fact that I have not quit and I am STILL TRYING! 

Belly Dancing to Crossfit!

Maggie

Name: Maggie 

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 155

Goals: To build muscle, do the perfect handstand, compete in my first Crossfit competition, and start a Fit Mom support group. 

Motivation/support:  My husband, kids,coaches and friends. 

Hello from a former secret eater and Diet Coke addict.  My name is Maggie and I understand the struggles of staying healthy. 

I struggle with it everyday.  

Background story is this...  Use to be 70 pounds overweight. I remember sitting in our playroom with my 18 month old son and my 3 month old daughter and sweating.  It was October and I was sitting!!!!  I decided right then that I had to do something.  I wanted to be around for my children.  You see in my family we have a history or heart disease and diabetes. I refused to allow that to be my future.  My future was for my family and myself.  I started by eating smaller meals 6 times a day and walking.  I walked everyday. Soon I was able to jog and that's when I discovered running strollers.  It turns out I love running.   My goal was to lose the 70 pounds by my daughters first birthday and to run in my first 5k.  July of 2007 I did it!!!  I lost all 70 pounds and ran in my first 5k.  

It has been 9 years and I still struggle to keep the weight off. When you have been overweight you have this fear that you will gain it all back.  I decided to keep my exercising exciting. For 3 months I took belly dancing classes.  After that I took pole dancing classes for 1 year.  I continued to run and watch my calories.  

Paleo!!  That's my favorite word.  I have been eating Paleo for 7 months and I love it.  It also help me kick my 20 year Diet Coke addiction.  It was a struggle in the beginning but having a friend who has been eating Paleo all her life made it easy.  I was able to get yummy recipes.  I started cooking Paleo for my family and they love it.  My husband has already lost 20 pounds and started lifting weights we me.  

Today I workout 3 times a week in Crossfit. I found a gym that has amazing members and coaches.   I lift weights at home with my husband 3 nights a week.  I discovered Crossfit 12 weeks ago and love it!   I have noticed amazing changes in my body.  I now have muscles!  I feel strong and powerful.  I love that every workout is different.    Every class is challenging and that is what I need.  

I have decided to start my first Fit Mom group.  I am very excited!!!  Our first meeting is this Tuesday.  Wish me luck. 

Take Two!

Denise

Panda Log 08.18.2016

Hi, my name is Denise and I am an emotional eater. My biggest food offenders are sugar and pastries. My biggest emotional offenders are being tired or exhausted mentally and/or physically, both of these have been in my life for the last four weeks. I was feeling so strong in my journey since April 25^th, it was a slow process but within a couple of weeks I was eating a clean diet and rocking a consistent workout daily. My last two weeks has slowly included cake balls, Panera bread, pastries, sub sandwiches, and everything carbs. Today I got back on my glutton free diet, I would have started yesterday but I had a half of a Firehouse Subs tuna sub left in my refrigerator and I was no way going to let that go to waste. I started my day with a good workout and it felt great!! I ate a clean diet and didn't turn to sugar once so that's a win!!! I had a set back that lasted a couple of weeks and it was a bad one for way to long but, I'm back on track. One thing that is very clear to me at this point that sugar is my enemy in so many ways and needs to be treated as a addiction. Nothing throws me off my game like sugar, I'm addicted and have to treat sugar like such. Is there meetings around the York area for this?

I weighed myself yesterday and am up 3 lbs., back to my trusty 203 weight that my body seems content with. I want to be out of the two hundreds in a bad way and that is my goal for the next two weeks, to at least get to 199.

We have been doing a lot of renovations in the last four weeks in preparation for a wedding at our home in October for our son and his fiance. I have faith that everything will get done and look absolutely amazing but my inner stress and anxiety alerts are going off in spite of it. Our daily day to day is non existent and forget about “quality time” together. Kev and I were lucky to squeeze in a walk last night with our pups and it was spectacular. Working full time jobs and then putting hours into projects is all consuming so I have to remind myself that it won't take forever to finish everything, that we will have years ahead to enjoy the fruits of our labor and that a beautiful wedding will take place with lasting memories for a lifetime.

As I stress and have gained weight, my husband has managed to completely transform his body! He's down 35 lbs and two pant sizes! I'm amazed by his dedication and am glad that I can report his success being that mine is not going so well. Lol.

So I'll ask this question and will be asking myself again on a daily basis…”have you moved today”~Driven.

Peace,

Panda

Getting out of my Comfort Zone!

Amy

Weight: Don't know...Don't care!!!

Getting out of my Comfort Zone....

I felt so much less stressed this week since I decided I would not be getting on the scale. It's amazing how that one little number (or in my case big number LOL) can ruin your day. Now obviously I am not oblivious to the fact that at some point as a measure of how I am doing I will have to get back on the scale but for now I am enjoying the break from it.

This week I decided to get out of my comfort zone. My son's 11th birthday was Monday so this weekend we told him he could take a friend to skyzone to celebrate. To those of you who don't know what skyzone is, it's a place with a bunch of trampolines. My kids love it but to be honest anytime we have been there I sit on the side and watch while my husband and kids jump. Truthfully that was my plan this time too. But because we bought the time slot by twos it worked out that we had an extra one so I didn't want to just waste it. But even once I decided I needed to do it I figured I would just do it for a few minutes and then go back to just watching. But I actually ended up participating the whole time and had fun doing it. I have to say though man was that a workout. But Atleast it was a fun workout. I was so sore the next day. Even my arms hurt from flapping them up and down jumping. Lol

I was worried at first about looking stupid but in the end I am glad I did it. Memories with my kids are more important than being worried about what a bunch of strangers think of me.

My biggest goal this past week has just been to get out of my comfort zone and get moving. I have done both of those by continuing to walk with my friend and going to skyzone with my kids. I have also been trying to find things to do with my kids. The key word being WITH. So often I sat on the sidelines and just watched. I'm not going to lie I still am tempted to do that but the difference now is that I don't. My daughter Sydney said it was just fun to do stuff with me and that made me feel good she noticed and cared. I am glad I am starting to be able to enjoy doing active things with my kids because the truth is you can't get this time back and I want to make as many memories as I can with them.

So if your kids want to take you out of your comfort zone and you are tempted to say no...Don't! Get off your butt and make those memories. I promise you won't regret it!

Fear.

Libby

Girls trip to the Beach!

I have not written in quite some time, things at the Crespo house are crazy!  Summer is winding down. Back to school night is this Thursday, how insane is that.  Back to school is always a bittersweet time for me.  Even though the kids drive me crazy with their bickering, the screaming mommy, mommy, mommys, and can I have a sleepover?  I still miss them like crazy when they go back to school.  The house falls back to silent, no more excuses for a messy house, and the end of our summer adventures.  Eventually I fall into my own routine again and things get flowing.  My kids are nervous for their first day, new teachers, new classmates, I don't really think much about it at the time.  As I am writing this, I realize that must carry a host of anxieties for them, similar to the first day at a new job.  Sometimes I am oblivious to these things because I forget to get down on their level to experience their emotions, but it is important to do this.  I will make it a point to try to ease all of their first day jitters the best that I can before that big day.  

Speaking of jitters and fears, I have one I want to talk about. Have you ever reached a point in a transformation where you have a choice to make?  I am sure you have because choices are a part of who we are.  I have reached a part of my journey where I am weak in resolve, therefore I could take the "temporary fix" path or forge ahead, crush this barrier and move on.  What keeps me standing at this decision in the road, fear.  I am fearful to go down that road and I have no idea why.  Fear is debilitating even on a subconscious level that is why we run away from it instead of face it. It is an absolute mental block and I need to own it, understand it, and crush it.  I think this is the stop on my path in the last few years that has kept me from achieving my goals.  I am here right now, I am telling you about it in the hopes that if I say it out loud, I can deal with it and move forward.  

I have a half marathon in 5 weeks and I am not ready for it.  My husband and I have stopped training.  I do consider this a failure.  We can do five miles but we did not put in the time for this half.  I am not sure what to do at this point.  If we work super hard we can get to 10, barely.  That would work for me.  Regardless we are running the race, it is just how prepared we are.  It is probably going to be super painful.  We will be in pain together.  I am wearing some silly wonder woman socks and t-shirt, that's my girl. My husband picked out some underroos...men!  LOL  I figured why not get all crazy with it.  

Update on my girl, Bella is doing well.  You may not agree with my parenting style, however I educated my daughter on the risks of high blood pressure.  I also told her daddy is on high blood pressure medication and that our whole family needs to get healthy.  We are all in the same boat.  There are still some treats, very rarely, but other than that we try to keep it no or low sugar in this house.  Last night I was craving nachos from this local restaurant Mexitaly and I thought of my daughter in the back seat and said "no way".  Before, giving into my craving and settling my family down to a fatty, salty, calorie laden meal was no big deal.  Forget that!

I am down to 141 lbs so I am 11 lbs from goal weight.  My new goal is to TRAIN for this half marathon and drop to 136 when the gun goes off at the philly rock and roll half.  

Till next time...

Weight is just a number!

 Amy 

Weight : I don't care!  (I'll explain this later)

Weight is just a number...

So for weeks now I have been getting on that darn scale sometimes daily to see if I lost a pound. Heck I would have been happy with even an ounce and every day I am disappointed when it stays the same. I keep thinking that the only way I am being successful is if that number moves. I am pinning all my hopes and dreams on that darn scale. I'm sure if we are being honest at some point we have all done this. And I do want to lose weight but at the end of the day it really is just a number.  Why am I putting so much stock in that number? Why do I ignore all the positive things I did that week if that number doesn't change? I need to stop focusing on the negative and look at all the positive. 

Like the fact that I took my kids out to play at a park. We had so much fun and were active while doing it. The kids rode their bikes and we went for a walk as a family. And not only were we active but I also got to make some great memories with my kids and that alone is priceless. 

I also have an awesome friend that has been walking twice a week with me while our kids practice soccer. Since my daughter drives I normally would just sit at home and be lazy but on a whim last week I asked her if she wanted to meet to walk. I like walking with her because she walks at my pace and doesn't mind taking a break or two. She also is great company and let's me vent about life and the stresses I deal with sometimes. I am a huge talker and she is not so we get along great. Lol We usually walk between 2 and 3 miles and to some people that may not seem like alot but I am proud of that. Anything is better the the sedentary couch sitting I was doing before right? If I had to go on my own I probably wouldn't so just that fact that she goes with me makes me do it. I am lucky to have a great supportive  friend like that.

So here's what I've decided. I am not giving up on me like I felt like doing last week. Instead I am giving up the scale. Not forever but I need a break. So for a few weeks I am going to focus on moving more and being healthy because weight is just a number and I am worth more then that. Health is more important then the number on the scale.

The 3 Month Check Up!

Chanon

Monday was a big day for me. I had my follow up regarding my "numbers" with my doctor. I was very excited to have officially lost 12 pounds on the doctor scale and lowered all my key check points. 

Of course on my home scale I lost a little more... But this was official so I am standing proud on that number.  

The A1C dropped... Not by much but it did drop enough to let me off the hook from an official diabetes diagnosis, for another 3 month go around!  

The doctor and I put together a plan to assist a larger drop in that A1C for the next 3 months.  And quite frankly if I can get my sugars/ insulin under control the weight should follow suite. 

I am looking forward to being even more diligent with my nutrition and seeing how far I can push myself toward my goals. 

In the past three months I can say that if nothing else... Blogging on Driven. has kept me accountable toward forward movement and I am grateful for that.  I have taken time to reflect on distractions, follow through with baby step changes, and encourage myself and others along the way. 

Can't wait to see what the next 3 months will bring. 

Until next week... Find that inner voice that says keep going, or get started, or start again... And be Driven. 

Blessings,

Chanon 

Chaos and Dirt!

Denise

HEIGHT:: 5’8”

STARTING Weight on 4-25-16 : 208

TODAY’S Weight: 200

GOALS:  Fit comfy into any size 12, no muffin top and with a tight shirt!

Establish playtime on a daily basis that helps me achieve a strong body. Break old habits!

MOTIVATION and SUPPORT:  My husband, my family, my friends and my Lord.

PANDA LOG 08.04.2016

CHAOS AND DIRT!

I said that I was going to weight in on July 25^th and I did and had it in my blog last week not but only half my blog went through so here it is: 200.8 last week, 200.2 this week. I'm so close to being out of the 200s that I can taste it!! And, I'm shocked the scale is going down since it has not gone lower than 203 in years and I've been on vacation for the last nine days which has included a lot of “vacation style” eating and drinking. 

Instead of throwing caution to the wind though I'm trying to be mindful of portion sizes and I am proud of that because before I started this journey I would have had a whole different attitude about what vacation eating was, that picture before would have looked like a free for all! I've also kept to my workout fairly well during this vacation, well, staycation really. We have company AND we are doing a lot of work in our backyard the last two weeks and it gets chaotic around here. 

Our vacuum and steam mop haven't seen this much action in their lifetime! Then we have our pups that are loving their new dirt playground and they don't wipe their feet before coming back inside. This work will be going on for a few weeks and I'm super excited to see the ending results and will gladly continue my daily cleaning in the name of progress and I am moving my body, win win!

In addition to getting on that dreadful scale I also added a body fat analyzer. It says I'm in a normal range for my height and age and that makes me happy, and shocked at first being that I weigh 200 lbs. 

I'm also wearing more of my size 12 shorts and pants. This baby step approach is working for me, very slowly but, it's working. I like tackling each new day with moving my body and trying to stay mindful of my eating, especially during highly emotional times! It's a whole new way of thinking for me and way more peaceful than jumping into the next big “diet”. Im done being extreme and I'm done being negative about my weight. This journey is teaching me to love myself where I'm at. Not all women, or men at that, need to be a certain size. I feel good at my size but, not being out of shape so that is where I'm putting my energy, baby stepping my way being stronger in mind, body and soul.

Have we moved today? ~Driven

Peace,

Panda