Finding my groove again.

Somewhere between our move, the psycho months of Sep/Oct and many 12 hour work days, I lost my self control, and found about 9 pounds.

Yeah. I'm not very comfortable in these work pants today, but its my own fault. Slowly, but surely, I've eaten out way too much, over-indulged in the office treats, and loaded up on the sugary drinks. Oh, and did I mention I've only made time for about TWO workouts the past two months? It's pathetic, really. I know, I know, 'life happens, Kayla', but I've pretty much exhausted that excuse. It's time to get back into shape. I miss waking up before the sun to get my cardio in, and I miss how accomplished I felt after a great run. I forget what it feels like for my pants to actually button without a struggle, and I'm sick of feeling tired/groggy all the time. Not to mention, my face has been breaking out like crazy. I've got to make some changes!

I was scrolling through my (Motivation) Pinterest board yesterday and saw this and something really just clicked.

A huge thing for me is learning proper portion control. I suppose I KNOW what a "healthy portion" of something would be, but I tend to want to eat a lot of something when I like it, and then hate myself for it. So silly! I'm ready though. I'm ready to treat my body the way it truly deserves. Knowing that treats are okay, in moderation, and that exercise isn't a punishment, but a blessing. Something else Caleb and I have vowed to get better with - meal planning. I've asked you all for tips before so I'm revisiting those and we're going to come up with an action plan this weekend on lists/shopping dates. We can't wait!

So here are a few fitness related goals for what I'm calling "NO EXCUSE NOVEMBER":

1. Run 12 times. No mileage/etc. I'm easing back into this and don't want to get too crazy. I've already run twice, so we'll see what I can do!

2. Try Insanity again. Caleb bought it a few years ago and we did it together all the time during our engagement. I'm hoping for those days its too cold to run outside, I can pop that in the DVD player and knock it out!

3. Stop eating past 8pm. I think this is a huge part of my bad scheduling habits. Some nights, like last night, I don't get home until well after 7, which means I'm hungry pretty late. I keep eating after dinner, mindlessly, while I edit. It's awful! Time to change that habit!

4. The Squat Challenge. I'm starting today so I'm going to see how well I can do!!

5. Try a few new recipes for HEALTHY dinners. Now that life is slowing down (thank goodness, I need it!!!) I'm excited to become a little more handy in the kitchen department ;)

What are your November goals?! Looking forward to what this month has to offer!
In other news - WHO DEY!!!! Can't wait to watch those Bengals hit the field again tonight! 

#4weeksfit results.

Happpyy Friday! So at the beginning of May, a ton of us vowed to try a "4 weeks fit" challenge. We made goals, knew we needed to work hard, and (hopefully!) tried our best to make them happen. I'm here to report that unfortunately no, not EVERY goal of mine was accomplished, but with my busy schedule, I sure did try. Lets go ahead and get the "bad news" over with first; what exactly didn't I accomplish?

Run 50 miles this month.

Sadly, this didn't happen. No excuses, I just didn't make the proper time for this like I should've. BUT, you know what I did do? Ran around 35... which is still a huge accomplishment in my book, so no...I don't count this goal as a failure.

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BUT, what DID I accomplish!?

Finish a half marathon.

Heck yes I did!! I traveled all 13.1 miles by foot. No, I didn't run the whole thing, and I sure as heck wasn't fast...but I finished, and that was my only goal for that race. My best friends and I finished HAND IN HAND, how many people can say that?! I'm so blessed to have that vivid, amazing, emotional memory.

Wake up before work 2x/week to exercise.

YES! I am happy to say I accomplished this. Although one or two times it wasn't a SUPER SWEATY workout, it was yoga or deep stretching! But OUCH, that stuff is not easy. I'm excited about getting back into the groove of waking up before the sun to get my day started off right. I have way more energy when I make time for it.

I've not done my absolute best this month...but I sure as heck tried. Here's to improvement, progress, and learning to love my flaws anyway. Bring it on, June (aka busiest month of my life...but no excuses!). How was your month!?

My first half marathon!!

You guys...I can officially cross "run a half marathon" off the 'ole bucket list. Well, technically I didn't run the whole thing, but I sure as heck completed it.

We woke up around 4:30AM to eat breakfast and Jared & Erin picked us up around 5. At 6:30AM sharp, the half officially had begun though...we were all so jittery and excited to get to the starting point and we just took off! I'm so proud to say that the four of us ran the first 6 miles pretty much non stop -- that alone was the furthest distance I've ever run (yeah, training didn't exactly go as planned, whoops)...so we were feeling great!! We crossed a giant bridge and the view was just incredible. That alone was some amazing motivation, seeing the sun rise over the river with my best friends!

Love my city!!!

Erin and I both decided it was time to walk...my right hip was hurting pretty bad, and I needed a break. Luckily, the 4 of us agreed to stay together no matter what...so even if one of us needed to walk, we'd all walk...but let me tell you, we all pushed each other like crazy.

A little bit later, we started to get pretty tired...and I hear all of them yelling like crazy while I'm off to the side getting water -- my in laws surprised us and cheered us on the sidelines!! They made a sign with all of our pictures! It literally brought me to tears that they did that for us. It was so thoughtful!

Cincinnati proved to have a HARD course. People from every state around the world were there, and even different countries. So many people say that this is a really hard course compared to others around the world, and boy, I'd have to agree. The hills were OUTRAGEOUS. Around mile 8 (I think -- things are a little fuzzy!) is where things kind of went down hill...we got really tired, and we all kinda just felt like laying down on the sticky ground rather than jog another step. We rounded near mile 9 and someone on the street was blasting "LET IT GO" from Frozen, and in unison, without even knowing the other was going to do it -- Erin and I belt it straight up musical style and just had a hilarious moment, along with a random burst of energy. That was the last energetic part of the half that we had, ha!

Somehow, we pulled through those last few miles on and off walking/jogging. It was a miracle. I honestly don't know if I would've made it through without the encouraging volunteers and random people encouraging me. At one point, I was kind of running alone a few feet ahead, but really struggling...and a total stranger came up to me, patted me on the back, and she told me she KNEW I could do this (I'm like tearing up even thinking about it) and that gave me the strength to keep going.

I cannot tell you how happy we all were to see the "Finish Swine" at the end. Erin and I started to tear up...I couldn't even help it. So many cheering people, so many emotions... suddenly, the four of us were side by side, holding hands, giving it all we had, and it just felt amazing. We pushed each other in those last few moments to just NOT STOP RUNNING and to finish it!! Erin and I were in tears, and it was a great feeling. Yeah, we struggled, and yeah we didn't train hard enough (at ALL), but you know what? We did it...and we did it together!

I can't say enough about the half though. The course was awesome, and I got to experience parts of my city I didn't even know existed. To think I traveled 13.1 miles ON FOOT completely blows my mind. My feet hurt, my knees are swollen, my right hip feels horrible, and my legs are so tight I can hardly walk... but I finished it. I am so proud of myself, and of my best friends!

People have already asked me if I plan to do another one...ask me in a few weeks once my body has returned back to normal ;) 

I run because...

Training for this half marathon definitely did NOT go as planned. I signed up last September, got to it right away, then two months ago just kind of got lazy about it. Then vacation happened, we had a death in the family, and life just kept happening. But you know what? That's alright...I'm excited as ever about my first half, even if I have to walk a little of it. Last night, Caleb and I took a spontaneous date downtown and he kept saying "we'll be running on that street on Sunday!!" and something just got me really excited. I'm just happy that I have the privilege of running. So, why do I choose to run?

...because I can

...because I love the feeling of accomplishment when I'm done

...because I like a challenge

...because I like to prove myself wrong. Never did I ever imagine I'd sign myself up for a half marathon, but I did...and I'm all sorts of excited/terrified/pumped about it!

...because the results make me happy

...because having a good playlist makes me feel like I can take on the world

...because I feel happier and much more energetic throughout the week

...because I've always wanted to be able to say "I'm a runner"

...because its something Caleb and I can do together, he challenges me.

...because running shoes are cute, the more colorful the shoe, the better I run...right??

...because the running community is just plain awesome!

...because it challenges me to get outside and hit real pavement

...because it's a blessing to run, I have legs, and I wanna use 'em!

...& because I like it. Simple as that.

#4weeksfit - I WILL DO THIS!

I am beyond excited about this link up that my SIL and Kristin are doing...called 4 weeks fit. When Erin told me about this link-up a couple weeks ago, I was so nervous...what the heck would my goals be?! What if I don't accomplish them!? Then I remembered how awesome and supportive this blog community is...and I WILL meet my goals!

I thought going through the HUNDREDS of fitness related pictures I've taken since we joined our gym last fall would be fun to look back on. I have to say, that is what absolutely changed my life. I used to be so active in high school, then not so much in college, then went back at it a little before our wedding...but joining that gym really made this time feel like it was a LIFESTYLE change. Which is exactly what I want it to be.

Run 50+ miles total this month.

Even typing that out terrifies me... I mean, the most I've ever run in a month was 40 miles total (and that was LAST April), and it nearly killed me. But then miss Anna told me she just had her first 100 mile month, which made me think she's an actual psychopath, but also motivated the crap out of me!!

Wake up before work 2x/week to exercise.

I used to do this a lot during the Winter, but have only done it once recently. It makes me so happy knowing I have my work out done with before my day really starts, and that means I get more time w/ my man at home after work...which makes us both happy!

Finish a half marathon.

Erin and I signed up for our first half marathon back in September, so we had plenty of time to train. Perhaps, too much time? We both really slacked off in the second half of our training and are probably not going to be able to run the whole thing, but you know what? That's alright. She's one of my best friends, and I plan to have a blast with her and our husbands and cross that finish line together. Life is all about having fun, and who better to spend your first half with than the people you love most?!

I'm so excited to try these goals out, and report back on May 30th how great I know we all did!!!! Who's with us!?

Falling down happens, but getting back up is necessary.

Sometimes, life just happens. Today marks the start of week 9 since I've officially been on my "fitness journey". I've seriously been proud of myself thus far. Up until last week I had been hitting the gym an average of 4 times a week. Up until last week I packed my lunches daily, and wasn't giving in to the holiday treats as much. Like I said...that was UP UNTIL last week.

As you can imagine, the holidays came closer, life became more hectic, family was in town, things came up...so Monday was the ONLY day I was able to get in a really good workout. Sure, I took a few short walks throughout the week, but nothing like my normal workout routines.

So it had been a FULL WEEK since I'd been in the gym, and boy was it good to be back. I could've spent those few days away from the gym beating myself up, getting angry that I "didn't make time" for it, but instead I'm choosing to accept that sometimes, life just HAPPENS...and that's okay. It's not about the number of times you fall down, or if you do at all, its about getting back up...and going back at it even harder (and having fun with it when you do).

After my first (and only) official 5K!

I learned a lot about my body in the week I was away from the gym.

I ate like crap.

I felt like crap.

I slept like crap.

So, did I go to the gym last night? You betcha, and it was awesome.

Hitting a milestone.

This past weekend I hit a very exciting milestone. I ran a 5K distance. I haven't done this in forever and it may not be very impressive to some of you avid runners...but dangit I am proud of myself.

I can officially run for 30 minutes straight. A year and a half ago when I ran my first 5K (that I was not very prepared for), I ran it in 36 minutes and a few seconds. I am so proud to say I shaved close to 8 minutes off. However, there were a couple huge hills in that 5K that slowed me down, so I'm trying to remember that...but regardless. I'm just stinking excited.

This healthier lifestyle has completely stuck with me for over 7 weeks now...and I'm just so happy I've began making exercise a regular part of my life. I honestly feel like something is missing if I go even two days without hitting the gym. Lifting weights has turned into a hobby, rather than just a small dream I once had. My go-to breakfast is my chocolate protein shake, and I eat greens for fun. Of course I still let myself have treats, but in moderation. I'm just so excited to be healthy again. I may not see HUGE changes in my body yet, but I feel better and am beginning to see small ones. So excited to continue training for this half marathon and see where this fit journey takes me.

A little night off never hurt noboddyyy.

Is anyone else singing Fergie's song from The Great Gatsby?! Cause I aaam.

Last night was a scheduled ladies night out with some of my favorite co-workers to The Cheesecake Factory.

DUN DUN DUN.

I could feel the caloric coma hitting me before I even got there. I even tried talking myself out of going, "I'm doing so well, those calories will kill me, I SHOULD be at the gym"...so I almost didn't go. Then I thought, no, Kayla...that pumpkin pecan cheesecake is only there for a LIMITED TIME and I've been killing it in the gym, I deserve a little night off. & I don't deserve to beat myself up later about it!

I've finally realized...I cannot beat myself up when I DO have a treat here and there, because my eating habits have changed DRAMATICALLY in these past 4 weeks. I went from eating 3-4 fun size Snickers at the office a day, and whatever fast-food chain of my choice I felt like at lunch, to now packing my lunches and having no fun size candies throughout the week... and you know what? The scale may not be where I want it yet, BUT...my running is improving, and I'm actually lifting weights (shocker!) every time I'm at the gym. The strength training is helping my running and on Sunday I actually ran 2 miles in 18:11. This is HUGE for me, guys...I was so happy I mayyy or may not have done a little happy dance all by my bad self in the gym.

I know I talk about my fitness journey a lot on here, but I just can't apologize for it. It's a new me...and I'm loving myself more than I ever have. It's helping my emotions, my sleep, my spirituality, everything. I'm turning into the me I want to be.

So, cheers to you, Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake.

Linking up with the beautiful, and super sweet Shanna!

Pretty brides & puppy teeth.

I can do a weekend recap post on a Tuesday, right??

Good. Cause I am.

Friday evening we hit up our gym for a nearly 2 hour workout, it was intense...and I loved it. I'm still sore. Then we decided since we hadn't been on a REAL date in a while, we'd treat ourselves. We had a gift card to a wing joint and decided to take full advantage!

Saturday we woke up early, got to relax a bit...then headed out to Trenton, OH to shoot a wedding.

The bride was gorgeous, and made it SO easy to take shots all day long. Their bridal party was awesome and so fun, so they made shooting even easier on me, too. (full post on shots to come!)

That evening Caleb and I headed home (after hitting up a Redbox) and watched a scary movie together.

Sunday was amazing. Pure amazingnessssss all wrapped up into one day. We taught in the children's ministry at church and then got our Bengals gear on and spent the day at my grandparents cheering our sweet Cincinnati Team to VICTORY over the Lions! Sophie (their new pup) was way too excited!

I think all the excitement caught up with her...and homegirl crashed.

We love going to my grandparents, they always have yummy treats that Caleb and I won't allow in our home (so we don't cheat!), so we spoiled ourselves with homemade chili and hot cocoa.

Basically, you could say this weekend was one for the books. I'm so blessed!

PS - today marks 4 weeks on my fitness journey...and I'm still loving it, I'm still addicted to the gym, and I'm running more than I ever have. I guess I should thank Caleb as well, he pushes me to try harder and knows exactly what I need to hear. He's the best.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Get FIT.

Three weeks ago today, my life changed.

Ha! Sounds so dramatic, right? But seriously...it was 3 weeks ago when I sat down with my husband and told him I needed to make a serious life change. I wasn't sleeping well, my skin kept breaking out, I was always tired and had no energy left after work. Not to mention the spare tire that was beginning to form around my waist...gahh.

So what did he do? Supported me 100%. He ran to Meijer to buy me my first protein shaker, as well as my first container of pre-workout AND protein. He also told me we were signing up for the gym together (I was reluctant at first because I didn't want to pay for it -- but it really is too good of a deal to pass up on!), and he'd help me every step along the way. I love that man.

3 weeks later I am proud to say we've worked out 4x each week. I'm not just talking running... Caleb is showing me how to lift, how to work out my abs, and my legs with all these machines that used to once intimidate me. I'm eating cleaner, and my body feels good.

Its safe to even say I'm a little addicted to the gym. Or maybe its the feeling of accomplishment I get once I leave? Either way, I'm loving it. One of my friends said to me last week, "I'm sure that feeling won't last, no one actually LIKES the gym...", uh, I do.

Its just funny to me, how many "attempts" I've made to eat cleaner/workout, but the health kick would never last more than a week. It truly was joining a gym that made me that much more committed. Something just clicked, and I'm excited.

Remember, if you're wanting to make a lifestyle change...no one is stopping you, but YOU! You can do anything you set your mind too. Promise!

Happy Tuesday, friends!