Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Getting My Mind, Body And Spirit Back - Reflecting on the Journey

Living it up in Hawaii before marriage and kids. And carrying the extra 20 lbs I've struggled with for my whole adult life.
As my fourth session of Body Back comes to an end, I've been reflecting on how much has changed over the last few months, and over the last few years.

My life was pretty much the same for a long time. And then it wasn't.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Other Side of the Studio


Holy $#!%! I did it! I actually "team taught" a Body Back Boost class!

Part of my instructor training is teaching with other experienced instructors. My first opportunity was on Friday with Erin Stefanick - an amazing Body Back and Stroller Strides instructor.

She answered all of my questions and gave me lots of great advice and encouragement. We decided on an indoor rounds class and I was in charge of two rounds and some of the extra core exercises at the end.

I put a lot of thought into the cardio, strength and core exercises for each round. I wanted them to be challenging and interesting, but not too complicated.

I shared my ideas with Erin and she helped me switch them up a little for better balance.

I was nervously excited all week, and by Thursday I was going nuts. In a last ditch effort to squeeze in a little more practice, my sister-in-law came over that night and I led her through my rounds.

I wrote out each exercise with form cues, along with a list of positive affirmations (like "You've got this!" and "You're looking strong!") in case my mind went blank.

That night my stomach was so full of first-day-of-school butterflies I could barely sleep. I just kept telling myself that everything had to go well because my heart is in the right place.

Friday morning I met Erin early in the studio to make sure we were all set with the music and the timer. She had the whole workout printed out for us in an easy-to-read format.

As attendees started funneling in I was thrilled to see some of my Body Back friends had come out to support me! It was so nice to have familiar faces smiling back at me. And even the ladies I didn't know were super encouraging - everyone knew it was my first time instructing and wanted me to do well.

As we were warming up, I thought I was going to burst. Erin led the first round and my heart was pounding so hard, I could barely keep up.

Then it was my turn to lead and I just had to get up there and go for it.

Being on the other side of the class felt way more natural than I had imagined - it felt like I was meant to be there! I didn't even need to look at my notes.

Class went by fast! And when it was over, everyone clapped for me! I felt like I had just won a marathon.

It was exhilarating! And I can't wait to do it again!

I'm so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to try teaching! It's so much fun! And I am so grateful for Erin's support and mentorship - she totally set me up for success and I truly appreciate it!

I'm working to plan my next class and until then, I'll keep studying and practicing!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Teaching My First Practice Class


I'm lucky to have a sister that's super supportive of my fitness goals! She's been one of my biggest cheerleaders during my Body Back journey - always telling me how proud she is of me.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Session 4, Week 3: Using Momentum to Take the Next Step

 
 
So, a crazy thing happened this week. I became a certified Body Back instructor.

A few months ago I would have laughed in your face if you told me this. In fact, I actually did laugh in someone's face when she asked me if I'd ever thought of becoming an instructor.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Session 4 Begins: Working Through Injury

Enjoying a birthday dinner with my sweet family!

When I signed up for my fourth session of Body Back, I was feeling great!

But, by the end of session 3, my left leg was toast!

I'm not exactly sure what happened. I think it was a combination of six months of 5-6 intense workouts a week without enough stretching, and then ramping up my running too fast.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Session 3 Results and a Paddle Boarding Disaster!

 
Celebrating this session's winner Sirisha in a "v" formation - inspired by a motivational video about geese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUiDjvrZjLg. Honk honk!
Our final assessment was Tuesday and it wasn't until Monday night that I started to get excited. As I was laying out my workout clothes I realized my stomach was full of butterflies.

I had a hard time falling asleep. And then I woke up every few hours to check the clock and make sure I didn't sleep through class.
It was also my birthday!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Week 7: Charissa's Story of Gratitude


It's been a wild ride, this third session. I gained, I lost and then gained again. I started running again, and then hurt my leg. I peed my pants and cried in class. What a roller coaster!

Now our final assessment is Tuesday - just one day away!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Session 3, Week 6: I Get to Do This

Hanging out with my little guy post-
workout.
I took my first Body Back Boost class yesterday and I left in tears.

Not from the burpees, or the planks. Or the lunges or the jumping jacks. Or the crunches.

It was the meditation at the end that got me.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Week 5: Cleaning Up the Damage From Tropical Storm Angie


I tore through Kauai like the Hungry Little Caterpillar on Saturday, eating my way through way too many delicious Hawaiian treats.

And like the caterpillar, after it was all over, I had a stomachache.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Session 3, Week 4: Chillaxin' in Paradise

Sitting on our condo's lanai in Kauai, I'm in heaven.

I'm just steps from the ocean where a family of turtles splashes around.



Saturday, September 14, 2013

Week 3: Running for Sienna

Body Backers past and present showing their support for a great project.

Last weekend my family and I had the opportunity to be part of something really special.

Some of my amazing Body Back friends invited us to participate in a 5K at Mission Bay to raise money for Sienna's Play Garden. The Rancho Penasquitos playground revitalization project was started by the family of a little girl named Sienna who passed away unexpectedly in 2012 at just 16 months.

It was heart-warming to see the more than 500 people who came to show their support for the family.

Before the race started, a woman stood up to address the crowd and I heard someone whisper, "Is that the mom?"

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Session 3, Week 2 + What Not to Do Between Body Back Sessions

I owe my great results from Session 2 to our instructor Ashley!
By the second-to-last week of my last Body Back session, I was within a pound of my goal weight!

So I put all of my focus into the eating plan and workouts. I kept thinking, "I don't need that <insert bad food choice here>. I just have a few more days."

I passed up desserts, avoided alcohol, planned my meals and snacks, drank my water, worked out hard. And I did it! I surpassed my goal and realized amazing overall results. I was so excited and proud!

And then I went nuts...

Monday, August 26, 2013

Whose Body Is This?


We did it! We officially survived another session of Body Back! But, I think there's been a mix up! I didn't get my body back! I got someone elses!

After another 8 weeks of intense, 5:30 a.m. workouts and disciplined, clean eating, I have some surprising results to share!

I wasn't sure how this second session would go - it's one thing to do this for eight weeks and see results, but it's another thing to keep the momentum going...

Sunday, August 11, 2013

15 Weeks and Counting: My Body Back Journey So Far

 
Wish this baby was on the food plan... :)

Can't believe I'm almost done with my second 8-week session of BodyBack!

Tuesday after next is our final assessment where we'll see how far we've come. That means I have just eight days left to give it my all.

After a super encouraging email from our Body Back leader, Ashley, I have a renewed commitment to do my very best during this last week. In fact, it came just in time to help me plan NOT to have mimosas at a family brunch today - a big deal for me, since I LOVE a good mimosa ... or several ... :)

For those who aren't familiar with BodyBack, it's a workout program with a meal plan and food journal designed for moms who want to get back in shape after having kids. We meet for workouts twice a week and are encouraged to workout on our own for a total of six days, with one rest day.

"To get what you've never had..."


Saturday, July 27, 2013

It's Been a While - Let's Catch Up!

 
 
Wow! I can't believe it's been over a year since I last posted... A LOT has happened. Most importantly was the birth of our beautiful baby Coen in August - he's 11 months now!