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!

Oh, It Felt So Good; so Keep the Momentum Going!

With all my traveling and rain on days when I'm not, I had not been on the court in about a month! To say that I missed it is definitely an understatement. I didn't realize how much until last night's practice.

I dashed off the plane; picked up a salad with grilled chicken at Cafe del Sol, picked up my car, and headed to McGhee!

Reesey Cup met me there. After my salad, we ran some laps around the courts, did some jumping jackes, high knees and then got started with our serves. As I ran around the court, I kept thinking "Wow, it feels so awesome to be outside and NOT in a conference room or on a plane!" I ran around the court with a runner's pace and with such ease. I literally felt lighter!

Perhaps it is because I AM lighter!

Not only are the pounds coming off--almost 60 lbs lost now since 2007, but I am really leaning out. I can see the muscles building. I have hit 50 lbs before, but almost 60-WOW!

I explained to my trainer G this morning that this has been the point in my journey where I start to get too comfortable. I lose focus and sight of my true fitness goals. Then BAM, I'm trying to back peddle and lose the 10-15 lbs I've gained so that I can peddle forward to my true goal AGAIN!

As hard as my workout was today (3 hours on the courts-WHEW!), I declared that I am breaking the cycle! No more of the back peddling!

I am really going to Keep the Momentum Going! I have a new mindset this time. I am much more strategic about my eating and my workouts.

There is room for improvement--ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. I WILL keep pressing toward the mark.

I WILL get in that bikini one day and soon! I WILL get to 18-20% body fat.

With the holiday coming up, I needed this little personal pep rally!

I am Shay Shay, and I am going to Keep the Momentum Going!

My Friend Sandra Holliday; Gone Too Soon

It is with a heavy spirit that I write about my friend and neighbor Sandra Holliday who is now at eternal rest after losing a battle with cancer last Thursday.

I will miss Sandra dearly. With my family living in Virginia, Sandra and other dear neighbors have become my family. We look out for each other. We have had some great times together fellowshipping in each other's homes and working together in our neighborhood homeowners' association.

Having no children of her own, Sandra called me her daughter. She always encouraged me as I try to advance personally and professionally. Sandra was a great cheerleader of mine. It has been hard for me to accept that I will no longer see Sandra and her beloved canine companion Buddy walking in the mornings. I will no longer get to chat with her and laugh about all the "drama" that we some times experience as we try to make our neighborhood the best place to live for us and our families. Oh, and I can never forget the whirlwind airport adventure she and I had last Thanksgiving.

I will, however, always remember to strive to live the best life I can and make the most positive impact to my family, friends, neighbors, and my community. I use to always tell Sandra how I admired how active she was in retirement. She enjoyed the company of good people-she knew how to have a good time. She traveled. She served her community. She was and forever will be a role model for me.

I am truly grateful for the 6 years I had to get to know Sandra. She taught me more than I know she probably ever knew.

While I feel like Sandra at almost 65 left this earth way to soon, her contributions will forever have a lasting impact--especially on me.

Rest well Sandra. You have earned your eternal reward.

I'm Proving I Can Keep Up the Heat!

The last time I posted, I said I was Turning Up the Heat, and I AM! I'm really excited and proud of myself for sticking with my eating and workout plan! I even prevailed over Mom's pound cake, blueberry waffles, blueberry muffins, brownies, banana pudding, and fried potatoes (yeah, that's how the Pierce household rolls!) while I was home for Surry County High School's Commencement (I was the speaker, btw). See surryalumni.org. It really wasn't all that hard to resist. I took a pinch of cake and a spoon of banana pudding and was done. It was all I needed to experience a little taste of home. One key for keeping on plan was my mother graciously stocking the fridge with egg whites, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes and Grandma's homegrown squash, zucchini, romaine, and cucumber. Mom also had plenty of fish for me as well. I also came prepared with my almonds, prunes, and Atkins bars.

So many of my family and friends complimented me on my physique, but they often used the term "skinny". As I mentioned previously, my goal is not to be skinny. I WANT MUSCLE! I was really encouraged by one family member who said, "wow, your body is so athletic!" Bam! This is what I want. I want to look like a well-trained athlete. Now, I am not where I want to be yet, but I am on my way. I can SEE IT!

So, I will keep at it. I will continue to up the ante and push myself more and more. I know I will reach my goal!

It's June-Time to Turn Up the Heat!

Ah, where the heck did January through May go?! With my super busy schedule these days, the time is just flying!


Despite all the ripping and running I've been doing, I have been focused on shedding fat, and shedding fat I am!

Since March 1st, I have lost almost 20lbs! Now, let's be clear--some of this was some back-track loss from a few months of a less than consistent and focused clean eating and workout lifestyle. BUT, here is a key difference-my body fat composition has really changed! Although I weigh only about 5 lbs less than I did a year ago, I am visibly leaner--all over--than I was a year ago! This excites me and is motivating me to TURN UP THE HEAT!

I am not nearly close to my body composition goal. I refuse to be skinny fat. I WANT MUSCLE!

Let me reflect on what I did to get to where I am and what got me to this point, and then I'm going to think hard and discuss with my trainer regarding how I need to Turn Up the Heat and take this body to the next level.

What I have been doing:

1. Keeping it real with myself! I knew I had not being doing what I needed to do to make sure I am in the best shape I can be. I just admitted it and re-focused.

2. Research! Thanks to Sweetie, I picked up a few articles and a book that really opened my eyes as to why my diet, while generally clean, still not yield the fat loss I desired.

3. I implemented what I learn into my clean eating lifestyle. I cut down on the carbs, limited my sugar intake, and focused on the quality and timing of my protein intake more. I have been really diligent about "indulgences" and have learned that I can say no or just take a bite and be okay. I am a very social person, but I realized that I can socialize and still make really good choices for my meals while I am out. I know I knew this, but I just wasn't truly mentally ready to get beyond what I know are my fitness sabotage triggers (these are self triggers--no one to blame but ME!).

4. I made sure I worked out consistently, even while on the road. I'm an early riser no matter what. I really have no excuse not to get up and workout. By the time my busy schedule for work starts, the exercise is done!

5. I am keeping a food and workout log.

6. Significantly, I am focusing less on the scale and more on m body fat composition.

So, here's what I need to do to take it to the next level:

1. Increase the intensity of my exercise when I am on my own.

2. PUMP MORE IRON and do more BODY WEIGHT STRENGTH TRAINING! This is where my trainer will come in; I know I need help in this area. I know I need to TURN UP THE HEAT here if I am going to continue to lean out and build more muscle.

3. Stay consistent; not get content with the scale or the size of clothes I can wear--FOCUS ON THE FAT LOSS!

I will continue to strive for the best body I can achieve. If I do this, I know I can win. I just have to TURN UP THE HEAT and watch the FAT BURN!