Bruschetta Chicken

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Updated: June 26, 2017

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BruschettaChicken

I live in New Jersey also known as the garden state and for the last three years, I have had a Spring, Summer, Fall garden that is getting larger with every year. We have a small backyard, and I am either going to have to move to some acres or just forget to let the kids play and take the whole yard for my garden. I never thought I would be the type of girl to garden, but it has taught me patience. I usually start my seeds in the winter end of January indoors and by Mother’s Day, they are ready to be planted. Usually around now is where I am reaping my rewards. My herbs are first like my oregano and basil that I use in this recipe and then my tomatoes. This year I have four varieties all heirloom tomatoes. I cannot wait for more garden to table meals to come from them. I have six different peppers. This year will be my first year trying Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli, Orange Cauliflower, and Red Cabbage. I have already harvested my first crop of Arugula, Spinach, Lettuce, Mesclun, and Kale. I still don’t think I could live in the country, but I do prefer my garden fresh over store bought veggies any day.

BruschettaChicken

This meal is a great summer time easy meal you can make in minutes. Its low in fat and high in taste. A real crowd pleaser, and anything that my in between diva can’t get enough of must be good because she has a very sensitive pallet meaning she hates everything. I used to make this meal with a lot more oil, crushed tomatoes and just lots of unnecessary processed extras. Now, that we’re clean eaters I find when I take out the garbage; add fresh herbs and ingredients. It not only tastes better that processed meals it also leaves you feeling better afterwards. All the helpers and one pot skillet starters are no comparisons to fresh ingredients. So, whether these ingredients come from your backyard or the store, please choose fresh over canned when it comes to trying this recipe. Are you a gardener or do you save that for the farmers?

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Bruschetta Chicken

Bruschetta Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1-2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp. shredded basil
  • Parmesean cheese

Instructions

  1. Marinate overnight chicken breast in balsamic vinaigrette dressing
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. cook until golden and cooked through, 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add balsamic vinegar to skillet to deglaze, then add garlic and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Add tomatoes and season with salt. Let simmer until soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in basil.
  5. Return chicken to skillet and nestle in tomatoes.
  6. Spoon tomatoes over chicken and serve. Top with parmesean cheese
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Meal Time Monday

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Off-Stage Wins: My Figure Update

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Updated: June 8, 2017

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Last night I was talking to a fellow figure girl who is training to compete in the same competition as mine. Although, we are in the same division our training styles are completely different. I also think that our expectation on the show will be too and although we will both get something different out of it makes the process much different. I am training to compete! I have no aspirations of winning never had I just want the experience of training and stepping on stage.

Do I plan on stepping on stage unprepared? Of course not, I am going to do my best, but my training will never be of that of a competitor training to win. I train about four days a week. Most figure competitors train at least six days a week which is admirable, but I have no interest in that commitment to the training. While my “fellow figure girl” trains six days a week, measures every macro and plans every progress. When I realize the commitment, she had towards her training I had an “aha” moment.

Am I training to win or am I training to compete? It didn’t take me long to answer that question. I am not training to win. Let’s talk about winning.  If you want to win something you want to be the absolute best one.  You are willing to dedicate, sacrifice and work to achieve your goal.

Bikini Ready

I am not saying I wouldn’t be happy if I won but when I walk in the door. I am just getting on that stage in a bikini. I am going to train my best but I am a mother of three, wife and student first. I don’t have the time or ability to put the effort into training that other competitors are willing to do.  I could make the time if I wanted to but I don’t want to my goal is to compete.

Non Trophy Victories

I have achieved some things that I never thought I would along the way which is pretty, awesome! Pull ups! I have never in my life been able to do one pull-up I now can do 20 reps 5 at a time but what? My trainer asked me if I could do one and I have never tried. Well guess what? I can! Who knew?

I can also do push-ups which is something I have always avoided, hated and remembered only achieving on my knees. Pushups are actually fun for me to do and I am working on handstand pushups-my goal is 5 without the wall!

Reality Check!

Guys this is all God! Let’s make that clear! I am achieving things that are require mental focus and every squat, pullup, pushup is me repeating over and over verses in my head and sometimes I really am praying for strength but usually its’ scripture. We call them Power Verses in Bibles & Bootcamps. This is how I have gotten through my fitness journey. God, Consistency and Prayer. Let’s not forget without Him this wouldn’t have been possible  I know it. You couldn’t explain any of the things that have happened in my life without saying, “Yep! That’s God!” Those are the wins that I am getting from training to compete.

Bucket List 

I also have plans on running the Spartan Trifecta; Again, I just want to make it across the finish line I could care less if I am first or last. My lack of motivation to win is not because I don’t think I can but it’s what I want to get out of each experience. My victory is doing it not winning it.

When I set out to compete I never said, “I want to win!” I’ve always said I want to step on stage which would be the win in itself. This goal is just a desire to try something I have never done before and crossed it off my bucket list just like the Spartan Trifecta.

Now, I also have aspirations of being on American Ninja Warrior which my goal is to WIN! That I feel like you have to want to win even to aspire to try.

Reality of Figure Training

So far training to be a Figure Competitor has been educational, challenging and motivating. The stage date drives me to stay dedicated my nutrition and to make the most of all my workouts. My lack of a desire to win has made me strive for just the minimal effort required to achieve my goal. Most women are training 6 days a week which is admirable but I am striving for 5 and making 4 consistently week to week.

Joy Thief

That is also why I feel that comparing ourselves to others is such a waste of time. If someone was comparing their weight loss to mine that would be silly because I am training to compete in a Bodybuilding competition and you may be trying to drop 40 pounds. No comparison! Just like if I was comparing my progress in training to someone who is aspiring to win or who already competes there is no comparison.

Return on Investment

What you put into anything that you do is what you get out. That is why I encourage my clients to execute with energy all that they do. Whatever energy, positive, negative, reluctant, obligatory whatever that is what you will get out of anything that you achieve.

Maybe one day I will aspire to win, but for now, I am just enjoying the journey. So, far it has had it ups downs,and  lulls (mostly food). I do know that this figure life is a boring food life which I am not a fan. I love challenging myself, watching the transformation through different phases of the process.

Next Phase: Bulking

Up until now, I have been leaning out which I don’t really like either. Maybe because I am used to seeing myself larger, but now I am bulking (yes, gains please?!) which has its own ups and down. Up I get more carbs, down I am super full all day long takes some adjustment. I also get to lift heavyweights that part is my fave! Beastmode!

The entire journey is what I was looking for in this goal, so that is actually where I find that I am winning; even if it won’t be on stage.

Is there a difference between training to compete and training to win?

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Understanding God’s Love

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Updated: June 1, 2017

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Psalm 127:3 (NIV) “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.”

He Gives Us Real-Life Examples

Sometimes, I wonder does God give us children to understand His frustrations, unconditional love, empathy, and desire for more than we want for ourselves. I can remember my mother telling me, “I can’t wait till you have children of your own.” Of course, it wasn’t until I had children of my own; I could understand her perspective.

Reminders in the Word

When reading the word, I sometimes relate to motherhood. It is something that is a part of my identity and that I can easily relate and understand. For example, my children’s selective hearing. I will tell my daughter specific instructions, at which she will do something entirely different or my favorite, nothing at all. Then, it ends up messed up, and I either have to help her or tell her again. Then by “GODcidence”, I am reading Jonah how God told him to flee Ninevah.

[“Cliff Notes” version, although Jonah is a very short yet powerful chapter in the Bible] He does his own thing deliberately disobeying God and sets out for Tarshish (for those new to the story which is thousands of miles in a different direction). Jonah ends up in the belly of a big fish (aka whale). God the Father delivers Jonah and again tells his hard headed child to go to Ninevah and deliver a message.

Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV) “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

As I am reading this, of course, I think “man Jonah sounds like my daughters’.” There is a difference, though; our God has so much more compassion and patience than I. He is slow to anger (which I am working/praying on).

More than I deserve

Jonah 4:2, 4-5 (NIV) 2 “He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.”

It even angered Jonah to think after all he had done God still provided. Even though Jonah had no right to be angry, God still provided Him shade from the sun. Just like when my twelve-year-old gets mad at me for doing what’s right for her but not the way she wanted me to. Doesn’t make me stop loving or caring for her. I am her mother, who still loves her and will always do anything to provide.I sometimes sit back thinking I am so undeserving of His grace. God reminds me of the grace and unconditional love through my girls. Comparing God’s love to a mother’s love is the only way I can make sense of His unwavering love.

None Like Him

Now, I know the story of Jonah is not about how to love your children, rather obey the Lord and to forgive everyone. Comparing it to my kids helps me gain perspective. (Since, coming back to my faith I have found several different applications of the story of Jonah.) There is no man that would give their Son for me much like how I would give up everything for my girls, (which “Godcidentally” God has given me them too). I am grateful for my Heavenly Father’s unconditional love and although sometimes I feel I am not worth it or don’t like how things are done. At the end of the day, He loves me for who I am, and that will never change.

What helps you understand God’s love?

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The Future is Here with Xfinity XFI

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Updated: May 15, 2017

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This post is sponsored by Comcast. I was compensated to write this post my opinions are my own. See My Full Disclosure Policy.

Last week Mimi and I went to explore a beautiful home! Although my husband and I are trying to live minimally, it’s nice to see the possibilities. I was grateful to be invited to the Philadelphia Magazine 2017 Design Home in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. It was a beautiful audacious and the things that you dream and over $4 million dollars home would look like and more. Walking through touring the rooms and closets the size of my first floor was lovely. It was a breathtaking home that was designed well and simple. Lately, I have been looking for simplicity in my life. Especially, now that the lil diva’s are getting older and technology is a part of our daily lives.

It’s becoming another job monitoring my newly turned teen and tween on their devices. There are also other new things like I now have a built-in babysitter. Although it’s nice to have more freedom I don’t leave them home longer than 2 hours, and I still need to check-in with them to make sure they are behaving and not fighting. I was amazed at the abilities I would have to monitor the girls while I am at the gym or training clients. I now can do some easily and not just my girls but the entire home with the services of Xfinity XF1.

Peace while I’m Away

Xfinity Home Security may be something that Ed and I should look into as the girls get older and more freedoms. It’s funny how parenthood changes through the stages and Mimi is a great reminder. Little people require little problems. Now that we have two girls active in sports and extracurriculars my oldest often gets a ride home or is home by herself while I am at her sisters’ events. What I particularly liked is that I can get notifications every time my door is opened or closed while I am gone. It was also comforting to know that Xfinity Home there is 24/7 professional security monitoring system that I can turn on or off remotely. It also has LIVE video monitoring that can be accessed from my Xfinity Home app or online on any mobile device.

Xfinity X1

Now as I am walking through the spectacular Philadelphia Design Home I am a very simple girl. I don’t need much to make me happy, and it’s more about the people so it was truly a beautiful home but I found my favorite room was the Screened in Patio just like it is in my home. I am writing my post from my own screened in patio where I get a lot of inspiration. As you’ll see or saw when I went LIVE on Facebook it was beautiful and simple.

It was also a great place to check out all the versatility of the Xfinity X1 Service now has if you’re a Xfinity customer there are so many different things that you can do all from the sound of your voice. Voice activated remote was good news for me because I struggle with the remote and my kids are usually doing it for me. Now, I can just speak and retrieve. Say what? The Xfinity Voice Remote is an easy and simple way to search for any network, change the channel, record your favorite show on DVR, find your favorite tv show or even Netflix movie. It also will recommend what you may want to watch based on your viewing.

I also love to play music pretty much all the time in the house that’s probably the thing that I am most skilled with the remote. I play it while I cook, clean and workout so pretty much all the time. Xfinity X1 now has integrated apps like Pandora, and you can even get your Facebook feed on your TV. Readily available and custom to you.

It’s got security measures in the Kid Zone, as well as the Common Sense Media that keeps the children in a secure place to play with the remote or if you have biggins’ like me, aren’t watching age appropriate movies.

Not only can you access all these things at home but you can now stream them anywhere you go and access 1000 of Xfinity hotspots to play them at no charge to you.

 Streamlined

After touring the fabulous home, I got to learn how Xfinity if simplifying your living experience. Streamlining and customizing each customer’s experience to make it easy for you. All the possibilities that they are providing are going to create a unique experience for everyone in my family. My lil diva’s ages range from 13,9 to almost three years old. Creating profiles for them would be an excellent way to parent with technology. As you have seen from how I manage my chores.  How we control the internet in our house that we have fully embraced technology in my home. I still feel that you need to monitor your children in all areas of life especially, technology.

Each child has their parameters. I could create profiles for each of my girls that are unique to our rules. I can have an option through my MY ACCOUNT Xfinity App that turns off the WIFI access to specific devices. I can do that remotely too so if I need her to do chores (homework hard they need the WIFI) I can turn off the WiFi for that hour and get her to do it. You gotta do what you gotta sometimes do to motivate your child. I’ve noticed when I have possession of her phone it drives her more; same concept.

Xfinity has ERRYTHANG and Now Mobile!

As Mimi and I made ourselves at home at the Philadelphia Design Home, I got all the tea on the new Xfinity Mobile that is being launched. Yep, you read right Xfinity has it all now guys; Home Security, X1 Television with unlimited access on the Cloud and Apps but now they have Mobile.

So, they already got HotSpots everywhere in over 16 million locations. They are not launching “Xfinity Mobile is the nation’s first wireless service combining America’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE network with Comcast’s 16 million WiFi Hotspots to provide customers with a better wireless experience, for less money on today’s most popular devices.”

Basically, with Xfinity, you will not have an access fee instead you pay by gigabytes of data that you use meaning there is no set price. Like $50 per month it goes according to the data, you use that is NOT on the Xfinity WiFi HotSpot and your phone will automatically connect you, so you don’t have to worry if you’re on one. That’s what kills your phone bill the data. They will have different packages like pay per gig or unlimited that you can switch back forth depending on your need that month AND you will not get penalized from change to pay per or unlimited. You will also have access to the Xfinity Mobile App that will allow you to view, monitor, and protect your home. I am pretty excited because anything I can do to streamline my life and save money I am trying to do. It was an amazing experience exploring a truly spectacular home. I took a few notes of inspiration. If you want to check out the home too, go I save my Facebook LIVE for you.


 

What are your biggest concerns with technology now; simplicity, secure, streamlined, organized? What do you think of all the Xfinity has to offer?

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My Figure Prep Update

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Updated: May 8, 2017

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 There are Amazon and other affiliate links which I do make a commission from. My Full Disclosure Policy

So, a few months ago I made this huge announcement. (to all those who would listen) I was going to train to compete in National Physique Committee (NPC) Figure Division “Bodybuilding” Competition.  I still get a lot of, “Why do you want to do that?” and honestly, in short, I’ve always thought it was cool and I am an adult and one of the benefits of being an adult we can (within reason) do what we want. Me, I want to try to compete in a body building competition. I love the discipline, the results and the training.  I chose figure over other division because for one I don’t want to do a routine in an eenie weenie teenie bikini, no thank you. Even though I did do gymnastics for 12 years. I feel like been there done that and want something new.  I never even considered Bikini for a few reasons: I don’t want to do the glute pose (I know silly) I also want to look strong and not skinny. In my opinion (only mine) bikini is very lean competitors. I want to be strong and have more muscle definition. I believe the training and the food is just as hard but just didn’t appeal to me to pursue.  So, when I announced this I was going to Hit the Stage in July 2017.

Welp, that was my naiveness and some misguided counseling. I believed that I could do it and I could have with real dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, this mom of three, student, entrepreneur, blogger, wife, and daughter has a lot of roles to fill. The workout regimen quickly became overwhelming which I tend to shut down when I am overwhelmed and do nothing at all which is what I did.  It also was BORING! The online trainer that I had me doing a 9-week progression program of the SAME WORKOUTS EVERYDAY! I get bored easily and that lasted for about 3 weeks before I was like I need something different. I am a firm believer if you want to change you have to change the way you do things and that’s what I did.  Godcidentally, I met another Mom (of four) who aspires to step on the stage one day and got the number of a great strength coach/personal trainer. During the assessment  the first thing I said, “I don’t want to look strong; I want to BE strong and whatever is needed to get me there I will do.”

Whatever is Needed

Let me say two things before I explain the extravagant expense of this sport. First, it is a very expensive sport.  Coaching, Training, Food, Bikini ($300+), Posing, Hair and Makeup and nope I won’t be tanning I was blessed with melanin and don’t need to go the Oompa Loompa route to stand out on stage. Thank God, saved my pockets and…… I am not one of those six figure bloggers so little campaigns here and there (and chasing down payments) weren’t going to finance this endeavor. So, when I said whatever it takes I meant it; spoke with my gym’s manager and landed a job Friday and Saturday overnights at my gym.  Once I was able to finance my new hobby with my new part time gig. I hired my new Coach and have been training and seeing results ever since.  When I started working with Damon McDonald of MuscleBabee.com I was 148 lbs. and had no clue about the world of bodybuilding I knew I just wanted to “get on stage.” I don’t even own a bikini so I still have a lot to do, I guess.

Trainers Need Trainers

I believe trainers need trainers. Well at least I do, I have expertise in large weightloss but I am not an expert in the world of bodybuilding. Couldn’t tell you about muscle symmetry and other hypertrophy or muscle gaining techniques like Damon. That is his strong skill, niche and why I went to him for training. You don’t go to you tennis coach to teach you Lacrosse.  First, he killed me with tough workouts pushing me passed my limits each training.  Now, I can Dumbbell Press 50lbs., seriously?! That is something that I would never attempt on my own.  I travel an hour roundtrip to see him. Stick to his prescribed meal plan of measured food and try to train hard on my own. When I am not with him.  I don’t chest press 50lbs on my own but I do push myself a little harder than I used to.  The results guys I have lost 12 lbs. about gained muscle mass since working with him.

Lofty Ideas

I was also told that I could train to compete with NO CARDIO! Yea, that was definitely misguided online training.  You need to lose fat to show muscle and the best way to do that is low impact cardio.  Every online trainer (which up until this point were the only trainers I had)has promoted no cardio and lots of resistance training which is great if you want to spend lots of time with them meaning month after month of investment but if you are trying to lose fat YOU NEED CARDIO to get results quickly; Personal Training 101. It also made me realize that yes, I work hard but there doesn’t need to be a set date in stone.  This is my journey I call the shots so I extended my competition date to October and will see if I’m not ready then I’ll push it back some more.

Growing through the Process

Now, this is tough it takes a lot of discipline, planning, and attention.  When I was a teen I used to watch “True Life” on MTV.  The body builder ones were my favorite I also used to watch competitions on television with my Mom. I always saw it as cool but never put the forethought of the effort it took. I don’t think I would have pursued it if I really did get a second opinion I just saw the end results which are phenomenal. (At least in my opinion) But leaning your body, building muscle it takes years to become a professional to the people we see on television and that is another reason why I have extended my date. Not because I want to be a professional but  I at least want to compete competitively. I only intend on doing one MAYBE two competitions.  This is a bucket list kind of thing which is basically a list of things that you are curious to discover.  I just want to see what you have to do and how it is to step on stage and compete.  Cross that off the list and I am moving on to……American Ninja Warrior? I don’t know there are so many things to do when it comes to fitness, lots to try and discover and so far it’s been a love-hate journey.

Doing what I want 

I think the best thing that has come out of this is my self-confidence in who I am and what I like to do.  Previously, changing the date that I announced would have been a big ego blow. I would have cared what people think but as I become stronger physically I find emotionally stronger too.  I know longer care what people think (as much). I’ve had opposition from women in the Church (caring way too much about what I do) judge me because I want to step on stage.  At first, it hurt people that I thought was my “friends” or “church family” passing their own judgments on me. I also had stopped posting progress pictures because of caring what people think of what I am doing.  But then I realized why do I care what they think? Why am I living my life for other people? So, once I got over myself and got over other’s ignorance I have been smashing goals.  That alone is worth the journey.

How do you train to compete as a body builder?

Well, that’s a good question and if you’re looking for a specific workout plan I’m not there yet.  Not sure if I will ever be because it’s not something I am passionate about learning how to program, (that’s why I hired Damon) but I can tell you what I have been doing so far. I lift super heavy with MuscleBabee aka Damon twice a week.  I do cardio which has been 35 minute treadmill walking at 3.0 with an incline of 13.0; 2-3 times a week. I am supposed to do more but I’ve come along way. I think now that it’s sunny and I can do things outside I will increase that but I am supposed to be doing 6 days a week. I program my own workouts 3 days a week.  Right now, I am doing my Bibles and Bootcamps Home Workouts with my Warrior Sisters.’

 

 

Prior to May Workout Schedule were all hypertrophy workouts:

Sunday’s Chest, Shoulders and Triceps with 10 minute sprints at the end. Jogging at 5.0 on the treadmill and sprinting uphill at 8.0 speed and 3.5 incline for 6-8 intervals with a 3.5 incline depending on my energy.

Monday’s Legs, Cardio

Tuesday Back and Biceps with 10 minute sprints at the end. Jogging at 5.0 on the treadmill and sprinting uphill at 8.0 speed and 3.5 incline for 6-8 intervals with a 3.5 incline depending on my energy.

Wednesday Train with Damon

Thursday Rest; Cardio

Friday Train with Damon

Saturday Rest, Cardio

What do you eat when you’re training to be a body builder?

It’s obviously specific to me and my goals.  Right now, my goal is to achieve lean muscle, which According to livestrong.com, “Lean muscle is less of a scientific term and more a term of art that refers to muscle that is independent of, and not obscured by, fat.” My goal is lose fat without losing muscle. So, I eat 6 meals a day that consist of protein, fats and carbs but is very specific in measurement. I drink water, lots of water, broccoli, asparagus, Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes is typically a veggie I would eat on a regular basis; My three many meals is usually probiotic yogurt, nuts, protein shakes (Use coupon code “FaithFueled” for 15% off) and I eat pretty much all lean meats that I can for variety: salmon, chicken, turkey, and other fish. Once is a while I have grass fed beef but I have never been a real beef person. I do try and struggle to stay away from salt so I do eat at home often (which is typical of people prepping).  I also take Fish Oil, Vitamin C and a Multi-Vitamin for women. I have been using Collagen Peptides since the summer as well as BCAAs and I continue to use that daily. <These are both affiliate link I get a commission from the purchase: Use Coupon Code “SENDIT” for Free Shipping on the BCAAS)

What’s the new date?

So, I am a little more than 6 months from my new competition date, prayerfully, October 14, 2017. I have achieved a significant difference from my training and will continue to work towards my goal. In the meantime, I will be running my first Tough Mudder this May. In June, my husband and I are running my first 5k together which I am excited about he finally got tired of sitting on the sidelines and I love it we have another thing to do together. In July, I am going to IdeaWorld Blogfest so I have some really fun things to do until I get to the competition.  It’s crazy how a weight loss journey turned into so much more but I am enjoying (most days) the new adventures.  Thanks for checking in on my progress!

Do you have a goal (fitness or other) that you have set for this year? How is it going?

 

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