Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Broken Neck -- Part 1

This is a story you've all been dying to hear.  Maybe you just didn't know it until now.  It's about my broken neck.

Yes.  Neck.  Like the little girl on Gone With the Wind (died).  Or Christopher Reeves (quadriplegic).
source
Actually, my accident was within 3 months of Christopher Reeves'.  He was totally my childhood crush, by the way. I mean, hello!  Look at that!  Mmmm.

It was August 8, 1995.  Coolio and TLC topped the charts.  A stamp cost 32 cents.  We hadn't ever heard of an email.  Nobody owned a cell phone.  And I had never kissed a boy.

There was not a cloud in the sky that day.  The temperature was 95 degrees.  We knew it would be one of the last "perfect" days of the year to go swimming in the river so all of the local teens were there -- all 20 of us (I'm from a small town).

"The River" was not the entire river.  It was the specific swimming hole behind my friends' house.  That's where we went.  The boys built a 30 foot tower, a rope swing, zip line, and a bridge from the main side to an island where the "hot sands" warmed us up.  It was the quintessential rural adolescent pass-time.  I feel sorry for all of you who never experienced it.

The water had been exceptionally high and had just washed out most of the bridge that the boys made.  There was a little part left by the island, but the water was almost touching the top.  The water was 4 feet deep on that side.

I was hanging out with my on-and-off other childhood crush on the bridge remnants and he told me that he was going to dive off of the bridge with his hands behind his back.  He did it and made it look so easy.  Being the competitive (and once flirtatious) person that I am, I bantered a little and claimed that I could do it too so I locked my hands behind my back and dove, head first, into the 4-feet deep water.

Next thing I knew, I couldn't move.  I was stuck in the murky water unable to move.  I didn't feel my head hit the sand and gravel bottom but somehow I knew that it had.  But that's all I had time to think because my friend saw my feet surface and knew I wasn't okay so he grabbed my arm and pulled me up so I could breathe.  I didn't even run out of breath under the water.

When I saw him I told him that I couldn't move and he pulled me to the side (island side) where we waited.  Other friends started to surround me.  We were sure that I had just pinched a nerve so I had them wait to call anyone to see if it wore off.

I remember joking and possibly laughing with them as I lay there paralyzed from then neck down.  At one point the current started taking me into the water and they had to pull me back onto the little shore.  I didn't have a lot of feeling in my body.  Zero in my legs, in fact.  But I could tell that my swimming suit was riding up and I had a total wedgie.  One of my friends had to pick it out for me (and that's a true friend).  I could move my arms up (flex my biceps) but not down (triceps).  Finally I told someone to call my mom.  My 8-month-pregnant mom.

She arrived and one of the boys left to go get my dad, who was out working on the farm (remember, no cell phones).  My mom (I believe) was the one to have someone call 911 when she arrived -- about an hour after the accident.

The nearest hospital was 20 miles from "the river" and the crew was on call so it took them a while to get there with the ambulance.  While they were on their way, my friends got a big piece of plywood (aka discarded former bridge wood) and placed me on it.  We said a prayer and they lifted me to walk across the river.  The most shallow part of the river was 5 - 5 1/2 feet at that time and the current was strong.  It was literally a miracle that they were able to walk across without being swept down.  An answered prayer.

By the time the ambulance got there and put me in the stretcher I could wiggle my big toe.  I knew I was going to walk again.  No doubt.

They took me to the hospital where my grandma was frantically waiting.  I had x-rays taken and it was confirmed that C5 & 6 were crushed.  Since that rural hospital was very smalll, they didn't have the equipment or the specialists to treat me.

I was loaded back in the ambulance for another ride.  This time it was an almost 2 hour ride to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.  I cried for the first time during that ride.  And it was because my butt hurt so badly from lying on hard boards for hours without being able to move.  But I could move.  By then I could bend my knees.


I realize this isn't very long but it has taken me a long time to write.  Uh, because of babies and bedtime, not because it's hard to write about.  I will finish it soon.  If you want to me to write about anything specific, let me know now or forever hold your peace (not really.. I'll write about whatever you want, whenever).

Read part 2 here.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The House Hunt

Guess what! -- besides the fact that Tom is watching Breaking Dawn 1 & 2 with me right now.

  

We didn't get the house.

Boo!  The people who were trying so hard to get financing apparently did.

But, onto the next thing.  I was looking online and found this little pretty.


Good news:  It's pretty and made of brick.  The outside is timeless. It's really close to shopping, schools, and work.

Bad news:  It's at the top of our price range and was built in 1996 and in major need of interior modernization.


Gah!  Why can't we have lots and lots of money?!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Week 7 (and weekend roundup)

Man I had a great weekend.  Starting with this...

Photo: Nothing makes me feel like a runaway like a new set of BANGS!

That would be new bangs.  And my roots done.  Because I was all looking like this...
Photo

...having to cover up my dark roots.  Do you ever see pictures of yourself and are all "is that what I look like?"  Time for a change.  Who knew I had big ole wrinkles?  


Well now they're all covered up.  

That night I took my girls to my mom's house and went to my brother's junior prom with my parents and Sophie.  It brought back memories!  And another reminder of "can I really be this old?"  (And no, my mom's head isn't 4 times bigger than mine.  She was just right by the camera).



I bet you're all wondering about my new month-long vegan lifestyle.  It's actually pretty great and not that hard.  I mean, what fiber does to your tummy aside, it's not bad (Morgan gets so mad if I make the car stink).  I'm not going to stick with it completely after the month because I happen to think there is nothing wrong with eggs and meat in moderation.  But I have been more aware of my caloric intake since I started one week ago.  

If anyone is following my workout plan, we are on week 7 now.  That means we are going to start upping our cardio and lifting lighter weights with more reps.  We will also lower our calories a little.  So if you are eating 1600 calories, try doing 1400.  The whole purpose of this is... now that you have built your muscles, it's time to let them burn the fat off of your body.  Lifting lighter with more reps will keep your muscles strong but you won't be building as much as you were the past 6 weeks.  Lowering your calories and increasing cardio will just ensure that your body uses more fat to fuel itself, leaving you leaner and able to fit into those cute summer shorts.  

Here is my workout plan this week.

Cardio (week 7)
WeekSunday
(Rest)
Monday
(Easy)
Tuesday
(Cross Train)
Wednesday
(Easy)
Thursday
(Cross Train)
Friday
(Rest)
Saturday
(Long)
1Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest4 Miles
2Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest5 Miles
3Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest6 Miles
4Rest35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest7 Miles
5Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
30-40 Minutes45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest4 Miles
6Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
30-40 Minutes45 Minutes
(5 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest8 Miles
7Rest50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
30-40 Minutes50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest9 Miles
8Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
35-45 Minutes50 Minutes
(4 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest6 Miles
9Rest50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
35-45 Minutes50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest10 Miles
10Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
35-45 Minutes45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest7 Miles
11Rest35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
35-45 Minutes35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest6 Miles
12Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
RestRest13.1 Miles Race Day!

Resistance (2 days of full body.  I may have to break it up into 4 days for the sake of time).

DayBody PartExerciseSetsRepsWeightRestSpeedNotesExercise Info
1,2LegsSeated Leg Curl Machine415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2LegsWalking Lunges415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2LegsSeated Calf Raise Machine415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2Back1 Arm Dumbbell Row415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2ShouldersDumbbell Shoulder Lateral Raise415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2BackCable Lat Pull Down415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2ChestMachine Chest Press415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2ShouldersDumbbell Shoulder Press415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2BicepsStanding Barbell Arm Curl415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
1,2TricepsCable Triceps Press Down Ropes415 60 sec2/4/2 Details
         


Friday, March 22, 2013

My Marathon Hero

Hey runners (and those who want to be)!  I have something super special for you today.  I "interviewed" one of my friends who is a marathon crazy.  Her name is Rebecca.  I call her Becca.  I actually met her through her sister, who was one of my mission companions (LDS mission).  I used to eat dinner at their family's house like every Sunday.  Once we ran a 1/2 marathon together.  We didn't sign up, just drove to the starting line and ran it.  One of the reasons I love her is because she wears cute things like this and runs 30 miles on her 30th birthday just to do it. 

(I stole all these pics from her FB page.  Hope that's okay, Becca.)

Will you tell a little about yourself?  My name is Rebecca Rampton Sondrup and I am 30 years of age.  I lived in Utah for 28 years and then I met my handsome husband and moved to Texas two days after we were married.  I majored in Modern Dance at the University of Utah and I have my teaching endorsement to teach grades K-12.  Growing up I danced and performed for my physical fitness and well-being.

I started running when I was 21 years old.  I have completed 22 marathons and 1 ultra-marathon.  I have completed too many half marathons to count.  My PR in the half marathon is 1:31.  I am still trying to break twenty minutes in the 5k, I have been within seconds.  I have run the Boston Marathon and have qualified for the Boston Marathon ten times.  My goal for the marathon is to run it as close to 3 hours as possible. 

Why did you start running?  I knew deep down that I could be a good runner and running could help with my fitness.  I didn’t realize there would be so much pain involved in the beginning, so I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

How did you start? Growing up, I refused to run at school.  In Junior High I decided I wanted to run and do the hurdles on the track team.  I went to one practice and it was the most difficult and grueling thing I had ever done physically up to that point in my life, I never went back. I also thought running would ruin my body for ballet.
Later in college I had to run the mile and a half in my Fitness for Life class.  I was the fastest girl and I enjoyed running around the track, I figured I would be good at running, if I tried it.

How big was your first race? Marathon, 26.2 miles long.  I had never run a 5k, 10k, or a half marathon.  I registered for the St. George Marathon lottery and if I got in, I would do it.  I got in and I didn’t even know where to begin.  During training I ran a half marathon and it was then I realized what I gotten myself into.  I just stopped trying to think about how long the marathon was going to be.

How often did you train? In the beginning, I trained three times a week; 25-30 miles a week.  Now I run between 50-55 miles a week with cross training.  When I get serious about training, mileage goes up to 60-70 miles a week.  I just have to be careful when my mileage goes up because I could get injured more easily.

My friend Kelli (yes, The Turquoise Piano Kelli) had qualified for the Boston Marathon.  She was my inspiration at my first marathon.  I didn’t realize how fast that pace was until the day of the marathon.  I was left in the dust by everyone that was trying to qualify for Boston.  At the end of the marathon, I was really happy with myself that I just had completed the race without giving up.  Deep down I knew I wanted to eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon and run it.

I ran eight more marathons trying to cut my time down to my qualifying standard, which was three hours and forty minutes.  A few marathons I had run within minutes of my goal time.  It wasn’t until my dad sat me down, looked me in the eyes and told me I was just not doing enough.  If I wanted to qualify, I had to run more, run harder and get serious.  For eight months I ran my guts out and at my ninth marathon I missed my time by five minutes.  Two weeks later a miracle happened, someone got me into the St. George Marathon!  That course is one of the fastest courses in Utah and my favorite place to run.  I ran that marathon in rain that was blowing sideways and qualified with five minutes to spare.  I was in tears at the finish line.  I ran Boston a few months later and it was worth every mile, the tears I cried over not achieving my goals, and the injuries I had to deal with along the way.

How do you feel you have improved since your first race?  Leaps and bounds!!  Over the years my body has learned how to run, be more energy efficient, and I have gotten faster.  Literally it takes a runner YEARS to improve.  I also had to get over with the fear that I wasn’t going to achieve my goals.  Sometimes I would get so flustered with my timing it interfered with my performance.

What are some differences of your first and most recent marathons?
1. Hitting the wall.  The first marathon I did I basically fell apart at mile 18.  I figured I had gone 18 miles and I could walk the rest of the way.  That was until a man yelled out to me and I started running with him.  When I run marathons now I rarely get to the wall where I think life is over.  I just keep plugging away the miles and I know that the marathon will end faster than thinking and fretting over it in my mind.
2. After my first marathon I spent HOURS in the bathroom.  My body was not accustomed to the pounding and everything in my system cleared out.  I didn’t fuel properly, so I was also probably dehydrated. I just wanted to lie on the floor and cry all day.  When I run marathons now I get a blast of energy at the end that lasts a few hours and then later I fall asleep.  A lot of races I am rarely sore the following days.
3.  The first marathon I ran, I wore the wrong clothing.  Cotton T-shirt, Capri pants made out some weird synthetic material, trail shoes that were too small (?!?!), cotton sports bra, I didn’t use Body Glide and didn’t have any tunes to jam to.  I was chafed in places I didn’t know existed! Plus, there is no way today I would even run 3 miles in the outfit I ran in for my first marathon.  I just didn’t have a clue. Rarely do I even go out the door without an iPod or another runner to listen to, I hate running in silence. 
4.  Have a training plan! I don’t think I even ran 17 miles before my first marathon.  I was so scared to ask anyone what I was doing wrong because I didn’t want to talk myself out of doing the race.  Today I double the miles I used to run and I have set workouts and long runs I do.

How have you improved your times? I have improved my times mainly by running more.  If you are trying to get faster and add mileage to your weekly routine, use the 10% rule. An example would be if you are running 30 miles this week, run 33 next, 36 the next and take a step back on the fourth week.  Slowly add mileage to avoid injury. 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I do some kind of a speed workout and Saturdays is long run day.  The other days of the week I run easy or cross train.  I don’t recommend running fast every day, which is a way injuries can acquire.  You will also just get really tired and burn yourself out.

When I started using myfastrunningblog.com my times and workouts started soaring!!  I read what other runners in the Utah running community were doing and I really knew I had a lot more I could accomplish in my running.  Plus, I met a lot of friends to run with on a weekly basis.  You don’t have to live in Utah to use this blog, a lot of the runners are from Utah and they discuss a lot of the Utah races.  There is a tool you can keep track of the mileage on your shoes, save all of your race reports and all of your daily entries.  I didn’t start getting my fast times until I started using this blog. 

What was the time of your first marathon? 4:12

What is your marathon PR? 3:21- That time was run on the same course as my first marathon.

What suggestions do you give to new runners/people wanting to start? To those who are going to be doing their first marathon? New runners: Don’t give up!  Sign up for a race to keep you motivated, even if it’s a 5k three months from now.  If you want to be more serious with your training, sign up for a half marathon and be accountable to your training plan.  You can find all sorts of training schedules online for free.  It took me about two years to actually LIKE running.  It was more of a challenge in the beginning, but I stuck with it.  It really takes a few years to really see the progress you make from running on a regular basis.

If you are training for your first marathon, it is important to get fitted for running shoes that will be good for you.  Go to a running store and invest in a good pair that is comfortable to you.  Keep track of mileage of your shoes; shoes should be replaced every 350-450 miles.  Right now zero drop minimalist shoes are popular, don’t get them if they aren’t comfy on your feet!  I promise you will enjoy running a lot more when your feet aren’t in pain, I speak from experience. 

I think it’s important to find someone that runs your same pace, or a little bit faster and train with them.  You also want to run your longer runs on a profile that will be similar to the race course you are training for.  If there are rolling hills in your race, run rolling hills.  Is there a lot of downhill in your race?  Go run a downhill training run to get your legs ready for the beating a good downhill has to offer.

I strongly recommend practicing fueling during your training runs.  There are a lot of different power/energy gels on the market.  You need to figure out what tastes good (or what you can manage to keep down) and how your body will react to certain energy supplements.  Figure out what kind of fuel the aid stations will have for you at the race and train with that brand, if you don’t plan to carry your own supplements.  I usually pack my own power gels in case the race doesn’t have what I like and when I like to take it.  I also take ibuprofen a few times during the race as well as salt tablets called Salt Stick.  When I fuel properly, I set myself up for feeling good throughout the race. 
 
I have suffered from a lot of stress fractures in the past, hopefully not in the future… I got them when I was adding more mileage and I don’t think my body was ready for the stress.  I would suggest taking a multi vitamin, calcium and iron supplements.  Take the rest you need when something hurts.  It’s better to take a few days off rather than letting the problem get worse and having to stop running all together.  Easier said than done.

How did you become a marathon pacer?  My friend paces races and she suggested that I pace as well.  I am looking forward to getting people to the end of the race at a designated time.  If you haven’t ever run with a pacer during a race, I suggest trying it!  They are so evenly paced and keep the crowd of runners around them somewhat entertained. The races I have run side by side with pacers are the ones I have had the most success with.  When I do run with pacers, I usually keep myself a few yards ahead of the pace crowd.  I don’t like bonking elbows with my running neighbors or stepping on a shorter person in front of me.  Do what works best for you.



Thursday, March 21, 2013

House Update and Mesothelioma

House update!  (see original here)

We were supposed to find out if we got the house last Monday at 5pm but then the people who are under contract decided to put more earnest money down to have until Friday.  Come on people!  If you can't get financing you probably shouldn't get financing.  Cut your losses so I can start putting my ideas into action!  Anyway, we should really find out Friday or Saturday.  My fingers are crossed.  But I am sorry if the other people lose lots of earnest money.  So either way, I'm okay.

Today I have someone guesting.  She is an advocate for fitness while fighting cancer.  She started her journey when her grandmother was diagnosed with liver cancer.  Check out Melanie Bowen's contributions to the mesothelioma blog here.


Physical Fitness And The Fight Against Cancer

A cancer diagnosis would turn anyone’s life upside down. Living with cancer is physically and mentally draining. Even the most common cancer treatments will weaken your body and leave you feeling hopeless. However, living with cancer is not as hopeless as it seems. There is always a chance to overcome cancer and restore your body. Every patient must do all they can to fight back, and physical fitness is one of the greatest and easiest ways to increase your chance of recovery.

The Mental Benefits Of Physical Fitness

One way that physical fitness can improve your chance of recovery is through your mood. It is proven that physical exercise can enhance mood by increasing the flow of certain chemicals that are naturally produced in your body. For instance, people who do not exercise may experience an endorphin deficiency, which occurs because an inactive body tightens over time. Endorphins are sometimes called natural painkillers; they help your body to feel healthy and powerful. Physical activity also promotes serotonin production. Serotonin is responsible for a positive mood, which can actually strengthen the immune system.

Improving T Cell Production

The effectiveness of mood on cancer recovery may be up for debate, but a positive attitude helps you to maintain a healthy exercise routine and a healthy outlook on life. The physical benefits of an exercise routine have a major impact on the recovery process. For instance, exercise helps to produce T-cells, which are required to fend of infections and diseases. They help to strengthen the immune system and destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can weaken these cells and leave you vulnerable to other life threatening illnesses. Therefore, exercising is a necessary component to maintaining a healthy, stronger immune system.

Preventing And Fighting Cancer With Physical Fitness

Fitness helps to prevent the development of cancer among people at risk. The risk of developing breast, colon, and lung cancer are all reduced by routine physical activity. Fitness can also help reduce the side effects of treatment for many cancers, such as mesothelioma. In the past, doctors would recommend that cancer patients relax and rest. However, modern studies show that resting is not the way to beat cancer. Even after chemotherapy, exercise is the best possible thing for your body throughout the recovery process. Strengthening the immune system must be your top priority.

Dealing with cancer is very serious. Physical fitness provides the mental and physical benefits responsible for battling such a condition. Persistence is everything. Talk to your doctor about the best treatments options for you.



Monday, March 18, 2013

Week 6 - E2Diet

I've been reading this book called The Engine 2 Diet.  In an nutshell, it's about eating a plant based (vegan) diet and how the effects can really lower your cholesterol and basically improve your overall health.  The author challenges everyone to try it for a month.  The only major change in my diet is cutting out dairy and meat, which also could help me lose the rest of my baby weight.  Tom and I are starting it today.  So it's just us, some plants and tofu.  But I still don't hug trees and picket outside of slaughterhouses so don't change the way you act around me.  
Product Details

Cardio: week 6
WeekSunday
(Rest)
Monday
(Easy)
Tuesday
(Cross Train)
Wednesday
(Easy)
Thursday
(Cross Train)
Friday
(Rest)
Saturday
(Long)
1Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest4 Miles
2Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest5 Miles
3Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest6 Miles
4Rest35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 Minutes35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30-40 MinutesRest7 Miles
5Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
30-40 Minutes45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest4 Miles
6Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
30-40 Minutes45 Minutes
(5 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest8 Miles
7Rest50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
30-40 Minutes50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest9 Miles
8Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
35-45 Minutes50 Minutes
(4 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest6 Miles
9Rest50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
35-45 Minutes50 Minutes
(5 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest10 Miles
10Rest45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
35-45 Minutes45 Minutes
(4 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest7 Miles
11Rest35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
35-45 Minutes35 Minutes
(3 Miles)
45-50 MinutesRest6 Miles
12Rest30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
30 Minutes30 Minutes
(3 Miles)
RestRest13.1 Miles Race Day!

Resistance
DayBody PartExerciseSetsRepsWeightRestSpeedNotesExercise Info
1TricepsDumbbell Skull Crusher410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
1TricepsCable Triceps Press Down410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
1ChestDumbbell Chest Flyes410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
1ChestDumbbell Chest Press410 60 sec2/6/2Add weight each setDetails
1ChestIncline Dumbbell Chest Press410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
2BicepsStanding Dumbbell Curl410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
2BicepsIncline Bench Dumbbell Curls410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
2Back1 Arm Dumbbell Row410 each side 60 sec2/6/2 Details
2BackSeated Cable Row410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
2BackCable Lat Pull Down410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
3Core/AbsForearm Bridge460 sec 60 secHold Constant Details
3Core/AbsBall Crunches410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
3ShouldersRear Shoulder Fly Machine410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
3ShouldersDumbbell Shoulder Lateral Raise410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
3ShouldersDumbbell Shoulder Press Standing410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
4LegsBall Hip Up With Leg Curl410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
4LegsSeated Calf Raise Machine410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
4LegsProne Leg Curl410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
4LegsLeg Press Machine410 60 sec2/6/2 Details
4LegsLeg Extension410 60 sec2/6/2 Details

Friday, March 15, 2013

Killer Arms

Today I have a special guest for you, but first I need to preface it with: I have small arms.  Born with it.  So when people ask me what to do to shrink their arms, besides telling them to eat healthy and exercise (which we all know is really the general answer), I don't know what to say.  So I asked my Instagram (@theturquoisepiano) friend, Lori (@fattofit41), to talk about how she slimmed down her body, specifically her arms.  Now listen up.  I will always say that there is not a way to lose weight in one specific area  (like "lose belly fat") without losing in other areas and Lori won't say that either.  However, she has some rockin' awesome arms and she's going to tell you how she got them.  Ready, go.

Hi guys! This is Lori, from fattofit41! I am doing a guest post, for the lovely Kelli! 
  

Just to give you a little background on me, I am a 41 year old, working mommy of 2 that grew up overweight. From about the age of 5, I started on the path of obesity. I was this way until about 22, when I finally woke up and had my "ah-ha" moment. I had hit rock bottom. I was in an abusive marriage and had enough. I was married to a man that introduced me as his COUSIN, because he was ashamed of me.

Yeah, that is enough to send a person off the deep end. But instead of falling, I put on a pair of tennis shoes and went for a walk. From that moment on, my life changed. I did a total lifestyle change. I stopped eating crap and began to exercise. I did all of this without a specific diet and to this day, I have yet to step foot in a gym. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but I did it! I have lost, and kept off, over 115 pounds!

SO....with this weight loss came saggy skin. Specifically, saggy arms! In the recent months though, I have finally started to get the arms I have always dreamt of having. I honestly NEVER EVER thought I could achieve them. I have always had flabby fat arms. Just plain awful. You know the kind that keep waving even when you stopped moving! I mean even after I lost 115 pounds, my arms were still an issue. I would lift weights and try and get them to firm up. Well this did firm them some, but they still weren't lean. I did 2 rounds of P90x and one round of P90x2. I thought for sure THIS would get me those "guns". NOPE! Just made my already big arms, tighter but still big. The pics you see of me with undefined arms are from 2.5 years ago. I was working out, but not daily. I was eating healthy but not accounting for all the snacking I was doing.

Now I use myfitnesspal and track it ALL! Because man, I wanted lean, strong arms. I don't need big ole muscles. I wanted arms you see on a dancer, tight,toned and lean. So I decided I would start doing some kickboxing, after I read this, online (yes, I was desperate and hit up my old pal GOOGLE): Kickboxing engages the upper body in a variety of moves. The punch, upper cut, cross, hook and jab are all powerful moves that you throw using a combination of your deltoids, biceps and triceps. While the power of each move is driven using your entire body, the upper arms are actively engaged in each of these, making for an effective exercise to work your upper body. 

I figured what do I have to lose, so I started the next day. HOLY CRAP...I really started to see results!!!!!! My arms were leaning out. And they felt nice and tight. My favorite to date, is Jill Coleman. She is awesome! Her workouts are fun and I have yet to get bored. AND...I am still sore after doing them for 2 months. I think I am just getting better with my form and pushing myself a bit more. I also got out my old Tae Bo dvd and started hanging with Billy Blanks again. Not only did this help with my arms, it REALLY tightened the core. This is something I so needed. I lost 115 pounds and had 2 babies in 18 months, ummm....talk about loose skin! So.....since I started to finally lean out the old arms, I decided it was time to get some definition. This is when I decided to call upon my old friend Jillian. She and I have a love hate relationship. I LOVE to cuss at her and hate that she makes me want to barf when she talks too much. OMG shut up please!

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

I am now on week 4 of Ripped in 30 and 30-day shred. The results speak for themselves. She knows what she is doing. My arms no longer continue to wave, when my arm is at rest. I now have a pretty decent bicep, a noticeable tricep AND my delts are starting to shine. I ONLY use 3-5 pounds. For me, this is what keeps me lean and tight. I'm just not one that can stand there and do specific arm moves. I want someone to yell at me, and tell me exactly what to do. This is why I chose Jillian. Oh and I want it to be quick and fun! Even though Jillian is a hard ass, I love her!!

I tried heavier weights with p90x and all it did was build upon the fat. I prefer low weights, high reps. BUT...that is just me. I also stick to eating clean. Don't get me wrong, I am not a 100% clean eater. I doubt that day will ever come! But I am eating a lot less processed foods. Just recently I stopped eating my lean cuisines and smart ones. I am not giving them up forever, they are just too convenient to do that. I just want to see what results I get by cutting them out for a bit.
After my 30 days are over I think I will start back up but start with weeks 2 and level 2. I will do 2 weeks of level 2 week 2 and then incorporate weeks 3 & 4 with level 3. I will continue to take progress pics and go from there! I can honestly say that as far as arm progress goes, kickboxing and Jillian are miracle workers!! I have done SO many workouts and I have never seen results like this. I mean when you throw in my age, the amount of weight I have lost, the odds really are stacked against me. The absolute best part, is that it doesn't take a long time, to do the workouts or....to see results. My workouts range from 20-41 minutes. I do them in my living room or in my daughter's room. Boy can that get interesting!! I am pretty sure my sight is starting to go and her tv is tiny...LOL I simply refuse to make up excuses as to why I can't workout. Heck there are many nights when I am doing my video in the living room (after working from 8-5) and I have to get on the kids for attacking each other or telling on each other OR asking me if I can get them a snack. Not to mention all the times I have had to hit pause so I can put them both in timeout after the behavior is just NOT acceptable anymore.
I will do whatever it takes to keep them in check and keep me a lean, mean fightin machine! I am at a point in my life where I am truly content with how I look and feel. I feel so strong and pretty darn confident. I even love to wear ALL of my clothes now, including sleeveless! Tank tops will no longer be the enemy! :)
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