Life is Golden PLUS+++++

I started this journey toward Losing Fat and Winning in Life in June 2007 when I learned about and implemented clean eating into my lifestyle. While I have had some detours and bumps along the way, I have seen incredible results over the last four years.

Consistent clean eating and strength training and cardio has gotten me to a TOTAL FAT LOSS of 60 lbs! Yep, 60 lbs! I set this 60 lb goal back in 2007. I reached Golden 50 lb mark a couple years ago, but then I got complacent. And some of the pounds returned--over 10 pounds actually.

Now I am here, GOLDEN PLUS++++, but I AM NOT DONE YET! The scale is no longer the true indicator of health and fitness for me as it was back in 2007. My body fat percentage, muscle composition, and endurance in the gym, on the courts, and during any other fitness activity are factors by which I now judge my fitness level.

Hmmm, on the body fat percentage. I explained to G, my trainer that I wanted to get to 18-21% body fat. He believes that it will take about 5 months for me to achieve this in a SUSTAINABLE way--which is the goal. Achieve and Maintain! Five months puts me right before Christmas.

I know I can do this! I know I will do this.

While I'm posting, I may as well share that after my training session this morning, I hit the pavement for the first time in a very long time. It is a must now that I have registered for the Rock & Roll/Race & Relax Half Marathon in Savannah this November.

I must admit that running now is much easier on my body. I was 20 lbs heavier when I ran in March 2010. I wasn't working out as intensely as I am now. What a difference. With my new play lists on my new Ipod (leaving my old one in Vegas forced me to step up the Ipod game! Sweetie will be pleased), I actually enjoyed my morning run. I feel great.

I say I enjoyed it, but let me be real with Shay Shay. Today was a short 35 minute; 2.8 mile run. I am under no illusion that training for this Half Marathon will be easy while trying to lean out and build muscle at the same time. Let's not forget improving my tennis game too!

This sounds like quite a bit, but I am truly excited by it all.

For Shay Shay, Life IS Golden Plus+++++!

A Half Marathon Again? Really, Shay Shay!

I am happy to say that I am sustaining my enhanced clean eating lifestyle and not hating the heavier weight lifting. LOL (which as Curb Your Enthusiasm-one of my FAVORITE shows pointed is not acceptable to use verbally!). I am seeing the results, but trying to remain patient with the progress.


Along with eating cleaner and lifting heavier weights, I am now going to start training for the Savannah Rock & Roll http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah Half Marathon scheduled November 5th.

Yep--you read right--HALF MARATHON AGAIN! When I did the the ING Georgia in March 2010, I said I would NEVER run that distance again! But, here I go again.

A few things contributed to my losing my mind (just kindling-sort of) and registering for another Half Marathon:

RACE & RELAX--a running series that one of my tennis teammates Lorraine aka RunWifeyRun (http://www.runwifeyrun.com/) aka LoLo puts on in conjunction with already established races. Last yer I participated in the Race & Relax 5K and really enjoyed the experience with the ladies that ran, and LoLo and the sponsors really did it big with our Swag Bag. I said I would definitely do another Race & Relax event again BUT that was before LoLo got into all this long distance running!

THEN on top of it all, G, my trainer challenged me to do the race. I don't back down from challenges--no sir!

AND I have also never visited Savannah other than a quick day at work where I didn't leave the hotel except to get in the car and drive home. I had said several times--I want to go to Savannah. It's so close, and I hear it is so great. I need to make time.

Well, the time is now. I'll be going to Savannah. I'll be running the Half. I'm actually excited about it (more about the results than the run--LOL (see note above).

I am looking forward to incorporating the half marathon training into my overall fitness regime. This time I will have the help of G. I know he'll help get me in shape that I want for the race and my long term physique goals.

Training starts tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Breaking Through the Cycle and Taking it to the Next Level!

Over the last month, I have spent more time away than I have at home. My work travel is still heavy, but I have squeezed in some fun too: Boat Ride with the Paterson, NJ Men of Omega in NYC, John Legend and Sade, Hall & Oates, July 4th week in Vegas, VA/DC/MD weekend with my sorority linesisters. I have had one busy summer: working hard and playing hard!

Here are some shots from the first half of summer fun (Omega Boat Ride; Bellagio Botanical Gardens; Getting Ready for Sade and John Legend):

With all the work and fun travel comes LOTS OF FOOD TEMPTATIONS and EXCUSES NOT TO WORK OUT! I am happy to say that I did NOT fall prey to the evils of sugar and sedentariness.

I've been working out in the hotel gyms, doing my Turbo Fire DVDs, and finding gyms where I can (see me at LA Fitness near my Sweetie's Hometown). I even tried Birkam Yoga and LOVED IT!

I also managed NOT TO GAIN WEIGHT! I ordered sensibly and as clean as I could while in the various hotels and restaurants. Sweetie introduced me to Muscle Maker Grill in his Hometown--great, clean food--just delicious!

With these victories, I know I have broken through the cycle of getting close to my fitness goals and having a major setback. Every year I lose and gain the same 10+ pounds. I was sick of this horrible cycle and was determiend to do something to break it.

I had to make an attitude adjustment more than anything. I realized that I can socialize and not eat horribly. I realize that I can travel and get in quality workouts. This discipline has yielded some good results.

I have been shedding fat and can even wear some size 6s! I have NEVER worn a 6-not even in middle school! I can see the changes in my body, and I am loving it! I have taken my body beyond where it has ever gone on this journey to Lose Fat and Win!

I am ready to not just Keep the Momentum Going but Push Pass my Momentum and really reach my 18% Body Fat Goal by September 30th. This is not going be easy, but I know I can do it!

I WILL DO IT!

I am Shay Shay, and I am Fit and will be Fitter!