So I'm 35. Now What! A New Goal Perhaps?

I turned 35 a little over a week ago. I had my own little personal pep rally regarding my health and fitness successes so far. I am proud of what I've accomplished. Very proud. But, I am not done yet!

I've been maintaining a steady weight and shape for a few months now. Again, I am thrilled to be solidly in a size 6, but my physique is still not where I want. I'll admit that I have not been putting in the work to achieve the physique I want. No excuses. I just haven't.

NOW IS THE TIME!

I am setting sights on being a TIGHT, LEAN, and MUSCULAR 135 at 35!

Really, Shay Shay--135?

There is a funny thing about not knowing what you don't know. When I began this Journey to Lose Fat and Win, I set a goal of 143-145, Size 8. Low and behold I'm here, and I'm still not satisfied!

NOPE!

Back in 2007, I didn't know that with clean eating and hard work in the gym, I could wear a size 6. In 1999 when I achieved about 145 through a low-fat, portion control diet, size 8 was it. Size 6 was not in the cards at that time.

That was before I knew about clean eating and the real benefits of pumping iron.

One of the things that inspired me at Fitness America 2011 Weekend in Las Vegas was that almost all of the women who graced the stage were over 30--over 35 actually!

So at 35, I am more motivated to work toward a fitness level that I didn't achieve at 23-25!

What nerve, Shay Shay!

I'm putting my eating and workout plan together. This is "Day 2" (I'm chuckling a little; only my Sweetie will get this inside joke).

After 10 days of vacation and holiday, 2 days or strict clean eating and working out really make me feel good.

I'm giving myself 45 days to reach my goal.

Will this be a little harder with this being the holidays? YEP!

But, I know I can and WILL do it!

Let's go Shay Shay, Let's go!

In 45 days, I'll be chanting Way to go, Shay Shay! Way to go!

I no longer think that I don't have the genes or the discipline to reach the highest levels of health and fitness.

I know I can do it!

So Thankful! Third Time is a Charm!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

While today is designated as a day of thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for that one day could not capture it all.

I am grateful for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. For His love and mercy, I am thankful everyday.

I am thankful for my family--immediate and extended, dear friends, gainful employment at a thriving company doing something I enjoy.

I am thankful for joy and health and fitness. I have been given a vessel to carry my spirit that is capable of doing amazing things.

For years, I took this for granted, but no more!

I am determined to live the healthiest life I can live, to be the fittest I can be, to push myself beyond what I even can conceive.

What a way to start this day of Thanksgiving by being outside on a beautiful day that only the Lord could make and pushing myself on the pavement to finish another Half Marathon--#3 to be exact.




Third time is definitely a Charm. This race I had my #1 supporter in this journey to Lose Fat and Win. My Sweet Charm--My Sweetie!

For him, I am thankful!

[If I had a picture of him from the race, I would have inserted it here. You'll have to trust me--he was there; he ran; he did great!]

Time to get ready to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day and have some tasty morsels. I've earned my meal today!

35--BRING IT!!!

Happy 35th Birthday Shay Shay!

Yes, I turned 35 years old today! I am so grateful for all the blessings and prosperity bestowed upon me these 35 years. I know that for some, turning 35 (or other milestone ages) does not necessarily bring feelings of joy and celebration. But for Shay Shay, I am thrilled to be entering 35! Not only am I in a good place personally and professionally (and looking forward to being better and better), I am in THE BEST shape of MY LIFE!

The 35 year old Shay Shay could beat down the 15 or 25 year old Shannon in ANY fitness-related challenge. Shannon didn't run half-marathons. Shoot, Shannon didn't run half of anything! Now I have two under my belt with a third one on the way Thanksgiving Day (YES, THANKSGIVING--3 weeks after the Savannah Rock n Roll)!

Shannon was pretty good in softball, but Shay Shay puts in the time and effort to win championship matches in tennis!

Shannon would have rather spent a Sunday on the couch watching movies--even if it was a bad one or one seen many times before. Shay Shay will spend a Sunday hanging out at a Rock Climbing facility. Check out me last Sunday hanging with some of my buddies who are working toward better health and fitness.

Shannon spent her 30th birthday week in Las Vegas overweight and wearing a size 14/16. Shay Shay spent her 35th birthday in Las Vegas getting inspired and motivated to get Fitter and Finer at Fitness America Weekend 2011 and wearing a size 6 jeans!

Shannon didn't work out in Vegas; Shay Shay got in some strength training and a 5.5 mile run--runing from the resort all the way to the vintage Welcome to Las Vegas sign and back. When I visited Vegas in my 20s, my girls and I took a cab to catch a photo op at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. LOL!

Cheers to 35! I am ready to take 35 by storm!


I am ready to work harder and smarter at achieving the best level of fitness I can achieve and truly Lose Fat--FOR GOOD and Keep on Winning in Life!

Savannah Rock n Roll/Race & Relax: My Recap-FINALLY!

Last week this time, I was returning home from one of the most incredible experiences I have had on this Journey to Lose Fat and Win! When I did the ING Georgia Half Marathon in 2009, I said that I had checked that off the list and I was done! Well, when Race & Relax/Savannah Rock & Roll popped on the scence, I couldn't resist. I had so much fun at my first Race & Relax in Atlanta, that I had to get on board with Race & Relax on the Road--EVEN IF IT WAS A HALF MARATHON and not a 5K event this time!

With an experience like I had in Savannah, I couldn't help but get hooked on this running experience! For me, running is one part fitness enhancing, one part social. I love the benefits of both--both pieces are extremely rewarding. Here is my pictorial recap.

Enjoy!

I sure did!
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No road trip is complete without my healthy, clean snacks!

Wow, this race is popular! So many people-to RUN!

Just over this bridge is the race expo and my number!

Savannah really welcomed we Rock n Rollers with style. Thank you Savannah!

We Race & Relaxers enjoyed a wonderful pre-race meal at the Charter House and got a wonderful surprise--John "the Penguin" Bingham (http://www.waddle-on.com/). He was a great pre-race motivator! As The Penguin says "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." I agree!

RACE DAY--TIME TO ROCK n ROLL!

My day started at 3:30 AM to get ready and out to the starting line.

Thank goodness for VIP--It was cold out there! Thank you American Cancer Society!


Finally Daylight--Let the Race Begin!!

I RAN my 13.1 . . .

and I was still FLYING on my RUNNER'S HIGH!

Now, it was time to RELAX--in VIP with Race & Relax Organizer, running diva, and my tennis teammate Lorraine (www.runwifeyrun.com) !!!!

And more Relaxing--What a Gorgeous Table at The Pirate House! I had the catfish and grits! I can't wait to get into all my SWAG!

Shay Shay and my 2nd Race & Relax Trophy!


Ah, almost time to had back to the ATL but not before a delicious seafood meal on Tybee Island

These gators sure know how to RELAX!

Ah, the Tybee Island Beach--a nice scene after a long 13.1!

Back home--Look at ALL MY SWAG!! This makes 13.1 even MORE rewarding!

Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors who helped make this Race & Relax, Savannah Rock n Roll such a FABULOUS experience for me!

American Cancer Society DetermiNation Program, Wine Sisterhood and Degree Women

Attune Foods , RunDisney, Chica Bands, SPIBelt, Go Sport Id, Cascal, Sof Sole, and Skincare for Athletes.

T from Racing With Babes who gave us race plans!

Hmmm, I guess after a two years of fighting it, I guess Shay Shay's a RUNNER now!

Thanksgiving Half Marathon here I come (with my Sweetie!)

13.1 and DONE. . .For Now! So Much to Recap!

This is NOT my official recap of what was the most wonderful weekend of Fitness and Support that I have experienced to date (and I know more are coming for Shay Shay!): The Savannah Rock n Roll Half Marathon & Marathon and Race & Relax!


I'm still on such a high that it is hard for me to really sit down and type out how awesome of a weekend I had! Not even going back to the busy time of the office and other commitments have deflated me!


In short--I beat my last half marathon time with a 2:31:35 minute finish.




Now, I am back in ATL (with slightly sore legs) and back at my clean eating and training routine. I have more challenges ahead--as in the next three weeks ahead!


I'm committing to recapping Savannah BEFORE these next challenges though.


I just need to settle down and stop flying!

No Turning Back!

The clothes are at the tailors. The waists are being taken in, and there is no room for my waist to grow!

Is this stressful? HECK NO!

I am EXCITED!

I am excited to know that I will keep pushing and keep working toward my health and fitness goals.

I am VISUALIZING my tighter, leaner, and more muscular body! I really can see it!

There is NO TURNING BACK! I refuse to buy clothes again because perfectly wonderful clothes in my clothes are too tight because I just spiraled out of food control.

With the holiday season, this is my motivation!

No more gaining 15 lbs and then beating up myself January 2nd!

I have power over my physique's future!
I am Shay Shay, and I am NOT TURNING BACK!