Fitness Reflection: Change in ONE year!

Hey there friends! Well, last year I started on this adventure. The adventure of 29. . . which meant 30 was just around the bend! Eeek! I've not yet been nervous about turning 30, but I did promise myself to be in the best shape of my life by the time I was 30. Not a goal I loosely held in my head, but one I thought of daily in 2013. In what I ate, what I did, how I spent my time. One day I even clocked out of work, poured a bath for myself, got in, sat there for two minutes. . . . . got convicted for not working out. I literally GOT OUT of the hot bath in the middle of December and got my butt to the gym. Came back, poured another bath, and fully relaxed knowing I DID what I set out to do!

Well, here it is, before and after pictures. December 2013 when Thom and I went to Puerto Rico, the middle of last year, and now. I can say with 100% guarantee that I feel stronger, have more endurance, healthier, sexier, and all around BETTER! If you're working towards a goal this New Year, STICK WITH IT!

There you have it! I lost 20 pounds at first but gained 5 back in muscle by the end of the year. Feeling so good! I can do more pushups than ever, which have always been a struggle for me. I can run faster too! I'm looking forward to my fourth year in the 25K Riverbank Run in Grand Rapids. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me. If you've been following me you know my interval training/HIIT style work outs. Well, my personal gym has been watching me transform as well and has asked me to start teaching my bootcamp this year! I start this Tuesday and cannot WAIT to see what's in store for 2014!

For a little nugget of inspiration, I kept this on my desktop for most of 2013. It may help you too! The saying alone keeps me from turning off my computer and doing something other than getting my butt in gear!

3rd Month Interval Training Boot Camp Follow Up . . . WHEW!

Well, this is the goal . . . to be in the best shape of my life when I hit 30. I'm currently 28 with my 29th being a week or so out, and I gotta say . . . I'm in the best shape of my life NOW. I've been working on it for three months. I otherwise, have always been a runner and in decent shape, but now I'm kicking my butt every time I'm at the gym! No easy work outs here! If you're interested in my routine, check it out on my blog here. 

I've never craved meat so much in my life that's for sure! I actually absolutely HATE cooking, so I've invested in Protein Shakes and just blend them up with spinach and strawberries for a great between meal snack. They're also great if I don't have time for lunch.

So, now the bar is rising on 30 :)

3 Month Mark on my High Interval Training

Well, we're three moths in on this High Interval Training style I've been incorporating. I think it's really working! I feel great, and have tons of energy. WAYYYYYY stronger than I used to be. Let me know if any of you guys have tried this out? Or have any good tips on High Interval Training??

As a recap on what I'm doing:

-10 minutes of two minute interval cardio (2min:8incline/2min:15incline)
-10 minutes of weight lifting
x4

Diet:

-Lots of meat, lots of veggies, and fruit. The grill has become my best friend!

This last picture, Left - one month of running no interval training. Right - 3 months of my High Interval Training Routine!