I Want It Bad.

You know those people that say they want something and stop at nothing to get it? Yea, I'm one of those people. At least right now, I am.

I woke up this morning, and over a cup of coffee, reviewed my calendar for today. Mentally going over 'to-do's', whens and also deciding the best time to get my run in today. I glanced to Sunday, Christmas, to see my scheduled mileage for my long run, and it hit. Nine weeks. Nine weeks until the Cowtown Marathon. Nine weeks of training have already passed. Even as I type this, I get a chill down my spine and goosebumps on my arms...and that taste in my mouth.

I started getting that taste as I finished my long run two weeks ago when I hit the Big 10. I got it again this past weekend. 12.93 miles, knees aching and could barely walk, I had that taste. The taste of accomplishment. The taste of desire for your hard work to pay off. The taste of crossing that finish line. The taste of that damn medal in your hand.  Heck, I will probably kiss, lick and try to take a bite of that damn medal. The Cowtown Medal is one of the most awesome race bling pieces I have drooled over as well.

I think about this race every waking moment. Every piece of clothing or shoes I wear, step I take or anything I put in my mouth is hyper-analyzed on how this will affect my training for Cowtown. I eat, sleep, breathe marathon training right now. I set a goal to run my first marathon before I turned 35. I'm 33, with 35 nowhere in sight, but the timing is perfect and the desire is high. I want this goal accomplished. I want this goal even more than I wanted to graduate college. Every atom of my being wants this.

Here's to setting my goal. Here's to getting halfway to my goal. Here's to nine more weeks of pushing toward my goal. Here's to wanting it bad!

The Big 10 Tribute

Last week, I looked over my training schedule and realized I hit the double digits this week. I spent 3 days stressing about the mileage and the weather. I looked up weather reports, probably 10 times a day. I researched when and if to take Gu or as I took, a Hammer gel. I made sure I had all my wet and winter gear ready to go along with charging my mp3 player for two full days. I mapped out my full route after deciding where I'm meeting up with my running buddy and how far she wanted to run. After all that prepping, it hit me...it's the anniversary of J.J.'s death. If you don't know about this anniversary, please feel free to read my post, "Remembering Why". Instead of getting sad, which will happen whether I like it or not, I remembered last year's tribute run, and decided to make the big ten miler this year's tribute to J.J.

Sunday morning, I could not sleep past 6 a.m. I think I finally fell asleep around midnight or 12:30 a.m. the night before. Not sure if it's nerves or excitement, but this has been the pattern lately before my long runs. The weather was definitely Texas' introduction to winter. Cold, windy, rainy, and in the low 40s. I layered up, got all prepped, and at 7:15 drove to my planned start place. My planned route had me starting at the north branch of our library, and taking a little bit more than half of my "running buddy" route. It was about 2.5 miles, and honestly, it wasn't that bad as long as the rain didn't blow directly into the side of my face. Right after the first mile or mile and a half, I misjudged a puddle, and got my feet soaked up to my ankles. I almost ran back to my car for dry socks, but decided against it since I knew I was running in 8.5 more miles in the rain.

I met my running buddy at her house. Actually I stopped at the sidewalk to stretch my legs because they were feeling tight and out she comes through her garage door. After we laughed and decided we were certifiably insane, we took off for 5 miles. Yes, it was cold, and yes, we laughed and chatted like it was a sunny 60° day, and our pace was faster than normal. We were also in awe of the man who passed us on the same loop. She even had to remind me to take my Gu. I didn't feel like I needed it, but later, I was glad I did. Once we got back to her house, we were pumped and feeling all sorts of hard core badassery.

After we chatted for a couple of seconds, and I promised to call when I made it home, I headed back to my car. I did just fine and even got some weird looks. I had to stop once to judge where in the world I was going to dodge that big puddle again. The streets were getting a little busier than earlier, and I didn't feel comfortable running on the street in that place. I ran in the grass and the puddles still came up to my ankles, but I was already soaked to the bone, and only a mile at most away from finishing the run.

I trudged, not ran, the remaining of the route. I became chilled to the core. I debated thoughts of walking, but I knew I could not. This physical challenge was a representation of my mental challenge. I topped a little hill and saw my car. Elation came flowing through my mind, and I pushed...hard. The rest was literally downhill. I sprinted to the end point and smiled through sweat, rain, and even a few tears that I made the Big 10. This Big 10 in particular.

Lackluster Running Week

Last Sunday, I ran 8.76 miles in blustery, 30-something, but sunny weather. Even though I was actually pretty scared to run it, I did it, and only the last 1.5 miles hurt. Not the "man, my muscles are tired" kind of hurt, but the "oh dear lord, just let me make it a few more steps" kind of hurt. The pain went away when my legs stopped quivering about an hour after I walked through my door. The run was great despite the cold wind, and P did a great job of making my Shakeology for recovery, drawing a bath, and even making sure I ate a good breakfast and had hot coffee. I ended up spending the rest of the day in my pjs and loving every minute.

Monday, I knew I’d be a little sore. My upper quads and hammies reciprocated with making me cringe every time I tried to sit down, stand up, and walk. P, T, and the Cy-Guy giggled at me the sight of me struggling to make it to the kitchen, the bathroom, and heck, even the couch. I still got in a great upper body workout too with P90X.

Tuesday. No desire to run, and didn’t. I didn't even attempt Plyos, which I love.

Wednesday: P practically forced me outdoors for a run.

Thursday: Met my walking group and walked a brisk 2.5 miles with them, and went home afterward instead of my planned 3 miler.

Yesterday: Yay, it’s a strength day, so that meant I’m building up my legs and back with P90X, and still no desire to go out for even a short run.

Today is a rest day from running, which in my world, it means it’s a yoga day along with some Kenpo X. All I hope for is that my mind clears, and I get the running urge in the morning. The calendar shows a 10 miler, December 4 is a tough day anyway, and the weather looks like this:

Yea...here goes nothing.

A Different Day of Thanks

Today is a weird day for me. Every year, especially after tough things happen throughout the year, on the day after Thanksgiving, I remember an anniversary that was my "big life moment".

13 years ago, in the evening on the day after Thanksgiving, I was in a horrible car accident that I literally should not have walked away from. The specifics I will spare you, but I left my car with only a few scratches on my left arm, leg, and foot. The EMTs told me at best, I should be paralyzed from the waist down. The towing company told me there's no way I should have walked away from the accident.

Everyday when I run, play with my kids, hug my husband, you name it, I am thankful for the miracle of life I was given that day. Yet, I am more thankful for the after effects of that accident than surviving the accident itself.

I know if that accident had not happened, my life would be entirely different right now. Not bad, per se, but completely different. I most likely would not have my husband, my boys, my best friends, my in-laws, none of the people I hold so close to my heart. I know I probably would not have changed my major in college, and my career path would have been totally the opposite. Most of all, I would not know my purpose in life like I do now. Granted, it’s been a long, hard road finding my purpose, but during that journey, I realized I learned everything along the way has been leading up to now to bring me clarity and a sense of feeling fulfilled. Most of my runs over the last three years have helped me figure this out.

My purpose:

Be the best mother and wife I know how to be.
Help people in ways that are in accord with my own talents.
Spread and show love to every person possible.

This year, I give thanks on a different day of the weekend to kickoff the holiday season. I give thanks for the gift of my legs and feet to continue on with my training. I give thanks for every person I know. I give thanks for the three people I would do and give absolutely anything for. I give thanks for finding my way, even a little delayed, to make sense of this crazy world.

Austin Komen for the Cure 5K

This past weekend, P and I ventured down to Austin, Texas. A combined adventure of his gig at the Punk Rock Food Drive and my 5k, Komen for the Cure. This trip was also a treat because we were also kid-free ( a rarity for us)!

Friday night, Saturday, and Saturday night was a combination of going out, seeing Austin, seeing friends, going out some more and P's show. Needless to say, there was very little sleep and lots of tacos. Surprisingly, even with meeting a virtual friend from my Running Moms group, I only drank two, yes, that's dos, beers the entire weekend. Yet, I wander off subject.

Sunday morning came way too early. The night before I got in about 12:30 a.m. and finally to sleep around 1 a.m. Getting to sleep that late is usually the second time I've fallen asleep in a night, not the first. The 6 a.m. alarm stopped my heart, I believe. I seriously cannot remember the last time I jumped out of bed that fast. I had 45 minutes to wake up, get dressed, and drive to the race, park and find the start line. That I even did pretty quickly (thank you, pre-organization)!

Thankfully, I a. know how to navigate maps and areas I don't know very well and b.) knew a little bit of the layout of Austin. It's pretty similar to Denton, in my opinion. Drive time andparking took no time at all. Thanks to my Running Mom friend, Bethany, I had my packet early so after parking all I had to do was go straight to the start line.

And then the nerves hit. This was the first race I've ever done completely alone. No one to run with, no one to see me at the finish line. I suddenly felt silly in my tutu, even though my friend Nycole at Lil' Darlin' Designs did a kick ass job making me a custom tutu. I choked up. I almost walked back to the car. I suppose fortunately for me, the starting announcements were going on and I was stuck in the middle of the crowd of timed runners. The gun goes off! Crap...I start running at a diagonal to get to the side to let all the speedsters get by. I don't remember much other than hills, the 11:30 mm time at the Mile 1 marker, turning on 6th Street, and then rounding the Capitol building towards the end.

I do remember walking a couple of more times than I wanted and reminding myself that I am pretty friggin' tired. I do remember turning the corner to the finish line and crossing my fingers that my posse showed up. (Nope.) I remember finishing and thinking, "Oh my goodness, I have to pee, " and "I need coffee". That's me post coffee and post pee.

My first race in 6.5 months ended up being fairly "normal" and overwhelming at the same time. Oh, and this lady PR'd on her 5K time at a 39:05...not bad for 5 hours of sleep and late night fuel of 1/2 of a trailer taco. The cool thing about the Komen is the cause. I dedicated this race to my friend Marissa's mom, Nancy, who completed her treatment in October.

No matter how much I wanted to quit running and how much I wanted to cry at the last 0.14 miles, I know whatever I was going through was nothing compared to what Nancy and millions of other women have gone through or are going through. They are the true heroes of the Komen.

New Kicks and a Tutu

I haven't raced officially since April at the Running Moms Rock 5K. Maybe that's why I'm getting so excited over an invite from a fellow running mom to do the Komen while I'm in Austin this weekend. Turns out that do to a foot injury she can't run it, but I'm still getting my race on!

Today I received my custom tutu from Lil Darlin' Designs. Nycole normally does tutus for little girls, but when I asked if she could do a custom one for me, she was more than happy. Therefore, in true Komen spirit, I got a hot pink combined my classic black racing color.

I can't wait to run in this!

I also finally purchased new kicks today! My feet were cursing me for way too long. I do know it's not always best to get new shoes a few days before a race, but I still have 2 runs on tap this week before race day. My feet are already thanking me just from when I tried them on. The big deal about the new kicks...I made a brand switch. I love my New Balance shoes, always have, but I jumped at the deal I saw on Saucony Grid Cohesions. They are rarely on sale when I have to trek into Sports Authority. I made the color switch from my standard blue to pink as well.

I can't wait to get pics of the whole racing outfit pieced together! Man, I love new running gear.

The Ever Loving Battle with Alarms

We love to hate them...not our training runs (well, maybe), but I mean, our damn alarms. Two scenarios always happen:

1. They don't go off and you really need to get up early/on time/anything before 10 minutes before you absolutely have to get up
2. They go off and you begin the 5-10 minute dance of hitting snooze and sleeping in and you end up oversleeping anyway.

I've been having an intense love/hate relationship with my alarms the past couple of weeks. I get mad when my phone alarm doesn't go off and I sleep until P gently wakes me up with bright closet lights, noises from the kitchen and a gentle "B******* (I will not disclose his pet name for me), you need to wake up." All I hear is "Get your lazy a$$ out of bed, and it's too late for a run."

I'm two weeks into my Cowtown training, and I've ran, oh, like 4 miles out of the 25 I should have logged already. Tonight, I'm holding nothing back. A regular, loud, annoying alarm combined with the Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred-music-please-don't-yell-at-me-anymore type alarm.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Yes, that's why I also enlisted some of my virtual running mama friends to not only text me at 5:30 a.m. to make sure I am running or have already ran, but also check in with me later in the day. Accountability, that's the desperate measure.

P will be hating my 5 a.m. alarms right along with me...at least he gets to doze off for another half hour, and not be out on a 5-o'clock run in the predicted 39° temperature for tomorrow morning. Cool (almost cold) and windy = [bad.ass], right?

Such a Super Saturday!

This past Saturday, I attended a Super Saturday event through my coaching business. All the buzz leading up to this Saturday, was getting to do a LIVE Asylum workout with Shaun T.

Yea...that guy ---->

After an early wake up of 4:30 a.m. on a Saturday and an hour drive to Arlington, I excitedly waited for another hour and a half for Shaun T to kick my ass...and he did. Remember, I'm totally a P90X girl. I've loved the muscle confusion and specific muscle workouts. But Asylum totally put my fitness into perspective, and how I needed to improve even more. The warm up started, and 10 minutes and about 200 calories later, I was drenched in sweat and yes, already panting. Total sports conditioning. What? It was like no other sports conditioning I have EVER had, and I've been an athlete all my life! I hung in there, though, between all the crazy push ups, sports moves and even the surfers!

I truly got the meaning of digging deep when it came to the core work. I'll be the first to admit that my core is weak, but the V-sits and flutter kicks worked my core like crazy. As you can imagine, core work has gotten a top priority in my training now. And plank tucks! Yea, my butt just quit hurting today.

Even though the live workout with a celebrity trainer, all the awesome answers he gave in a Q&A (which will be shared within later posts), and the training for my coaching business, the SUPER part of my Saturday was the people I met! I met a fellow coach and her guests, and they were some of the nicest people I've met in a long time. (Made me really proud at the fact that Texans are known as some of the nicest people on earth!) Here's all of us after the Asylum workout.

That's Kim, Sheri, Jerome, and then me sporting the P90X2 shirt. By the way, that was my second shirt of the day. Like I said, they were so nice to let me hang out with them all day, and they all had fabulous stories. Yet, Jerome's story was amazing! We hit it off as fellow runners, you know chatting about training, races, and injuries, but his journey started on December 28th, 2009 and he transformed his body and his life by losing 100 pounds in a year! He's running his goal race at White Rock on December 4. I could tell you how he did it, but he graciously shared his vlog with me so I could share it with you.

We both are runners, and perhaps one day, we'll get to run a race together, but the biggest thing...we're both on a mission. Mission Possible: to End the Trend of obesity. His story is one of many I encounter as a Coach. I get inspired by every story to keep doing what I'm doing: making a difference in people's life to lead them to live healthy and fulfilling lives! I am so thankful I became involved with Beachbody to meet new and inspiring people every day (and getting my ass kicked by celebrity trainers LIVE once in a while).

Join My Exclusive P90X Challenge!

Monday, November 14, I will begin an exclusive P90X Challenge that will incorporate both P90X & Shakeology.

I will only accept 5 people for this challenge!

I only want you to be a part of this if you are ready to take charge and commit:

• pictures and measurements (not to broadcast – but for you)
• one Shakeology meal a day
• daily P90X workout (I will tell you the workout to do based on the calendar)

I am convinced that after the first 30 days you will look and feel wonderful, and you will be HOOKED and on your way to living a healthier life! I am already excited for you!!

I am ready to give 110% to each of these 5 people. It will be the six of us working together, so we can see results together — we will commit to our fitness goals and hold each other accountable.

Starting November 14, the six of us will all be doing the same workout scheduled for P90X, drinking Shakeology, tracking our progress, staying connected in our private Facebook group, etc. I will help you develop meal plans and give you daily access to my coaching, even beyond my normal coaching hours.

If you are thinking “well I don’t have Shakeology” ~ well then, YES what I am saying is you will have to commit to getting on Shakeology and drinking it once per day!! Don’t worry! It is one of the best commitments I have ever made!

This will be a commitment for the 5 people I take in and I want us all to be 100% committed…

By joining my challenge and purchasing a P90X challenge pack (available November 1), you will automatically get 1 month FREE of Beachbody Club membership— this is a great tool to have for all of us because we will all be starting at a different point in our fitness so with the club membership you will get a customizable meal planner that will make reaching your goals easier. Another bonus — 10% off all your Beachbody products and being entered into daily ca$h drawings just for tracking our workouts!

It is simple, though...5 easy steps for 5 committed individuals:

I know it sounds like a lot of info - right?

1. DECIDE & COMMIT to joining my P90X Challenge.

2. Commit to P90X for a full round of 90 days.

3. Choose Chocolate or Greenberry Shakeology to drink once per day for 90 days.

4. Receive CHALLENGE CONFIRMATION email from me with tips on how to track progress, how to measure, when to do your fit test, recipes, fitness tips, goal setting, how to schedule workouts, how to join our PRIVATE Facebook challenge group, etc.

5. Succeed ~ Look & Feel Great!!

FAQ. Based on questions I've already received:

• What if I already own P90X or drink Shakeology daily? Great! We'll make this challenge work for you as long as you are committed to BOTH for 90 days.
• Do I have to live near you? Not at all! These products are meant to give you success in your home on your schedule. This challenge is a commitment to yourself and to me to make a major transformation in yourself!
• What's the cost? On November 1, exclusive challenge packs will be available at $205 which includes the entire P90X program, your first month of Shakeology, a 30 day trial of the Team Beachbody Club with free shipping. Additional costs will be equipment you want to purchase and your next two months of Shakeology at $120 per month ($4/day). We can talk about possible discounts and the cost differential if you already own the program/drink Shakeology.

Beat the New Year's bandwagon and invest in yourself and your health! Start your transformation now.

A Month Off

I've been a bad blogger. I left you hanging about my final P90X results and then proceeded to not blog for about a month. Bluntly said, $h!t hit the fan. That's the best way to explain the past month for me. Personal issues led to major stress which led to barely training which led to dead air. In retrospect, I should have kept blogging because writing helps me sort out things, but I hit that moment where I asked myself, "Is what I'm writing actually worth it?".

I realized I push myself really hard in all aspects in my life and I needed a break. I couldn't get a break from work and my family, so I did what I could. I took a break from training and writing and anything else that I felt could make me feel pressured. That's what I needed to relieve the stress in my other areas.

That said, I've been running here and there plus my soccer practices and games. Nothing too spectacular with the exception of my first goal in 2 seasons since my move to defense. It was pretty awesome, and I've been told there's still some talk about it too.

Let me update you on some things that have been going on:

• I've begun belly dancing classes. I realized how uncoordinated I really am, but I'm having fun.
• I began a Walk to Get Fit club for people who want to do something other than traditional workouts or go to the gym. Right now there's 3 of us. My goal is to get up to 11 by the end of the year.
• I found my local running club (YAY!) and once soccer season is over, the plan is to join them on their Sunday morning runs.
• My coaching business got put on the wayside during my stress period, and I've set new goals to get where I want to be in that aspect. I went to a Super Saturday event yesterday that really put things in perspective for me and I got to do a live Asylum workout with Shaun T (look for a blog post super soon).
• I've laid out my running plan to get me trained for the Cowtown in February.
• What lead me to where I am today...health, fitness, mental. I am a totally different person that I was 3 years ago.
• Biggest thing...I've been thinking about how I want to incorporate more of my life other than running into my blog to get me posting everyday, well, at least 5 days a week.

What does this mean for you?

• Blog about my first full round in P90X
• Blog about my live workout with Shaun T
• Blogs everyday about more of what happens to me other than my runs
• Blogs about my training for Cowtown.

Thank you for continuing to read and hanging in there.

P90X Week 12: Results and Recap

Holy cow! My last "normal" week of P90X wasn't really a normal week at all. I had to take two days rest from my soccer game on Sunday. I woke up early and tried to do my first two workouts, but seriously I hurt so bad, I could not. If it was only muscle soreness I would have pushed through it, but my joints have been beyond aching lately. Wednesday and Thursday, I did get double workouts in. Shoulders and arms plus a short run on Wednesday and Yoga and soccer practice on Thursday. The joint pain set in again, therefore I decided to take another couple of days off before my next game on Sunday. I'm glad I did because I ran my tooshy off in that game. Intensity was the name of that game. Let's just say, I'm really glad next week is recovery week. Then...90 Day pics!!

Results:

From the waist down, I'm gaining in inches. I keep telling myself I'm gaining because I'm mid season and my muscles are bulking. The only way to tell for sure is to wait another six weeks and see if I start slimming down in the hips and legs again. My clothes fit fine, still on the loose side, so my concern is relatively low. Perhaps recovery week will also be a slim down week :)

P90X Week 11: Results and Recap

It seems I'm late on posting because this week is following right in order like the beginning of the month. Downright freaking crazy. I sort of took a break from P90X to take advantage of the totally awesome weather Texas received after 60-something 100°+ days. You could say I grew tired of working out in my living room and hit the roads. Here's what I did instead of Week 11:

I'm glad I took the break. Variety is the spice of life, and no workout is effective when you're just going through the motions anyway. I ended the week ready to jump back into the very last week of hardcore working out and the last recovery week to finish off my first full round of P90X!

Results:

I gained in the hips and thighs...thank you soccer! Normally, I think I would be miffed that my thighs and hips are getting bigger, but I train those suckers at least 4 hours a week...it's all muscle, baby. Also, nothing else is gaining...I'm maintaining, which after all, is what a fit life is all about.

How 9/11 Affects Me

I thought about writing a post about 9/11 yesterday, but I could not. Yet, I thought perhaps I should because 9/11 affected every single one of us. Some more than me, some not so much. I will not say where I was and what I was doing. That's not what I want to write about. I will write why 9/11 is such a personal and conflicted day for me.

First off, 9/11 was always a somber day of remembrance, yet 5 years ago,

I gave birth to my youngest son, the Cy-Guy. 9/11 became a day to celebrate life. The life anew that continues on; the life that proves we are all still humans and full of perseverance. The Cy-Guy's birthday always makes me shift perspectives on a day where I could be quiet and sad. Now, I smile on 9/11 and realize that I am a better person because of everything, and yet while we remember, we push on, we live.

Secondly, 9/11 took an entirely different meaning on December 4, 2008.

My stepbrother, John Jared Savage was killed in Iraq defending our freedoms, MY freedoms that we love and hold dear. He was killed by an IED or plainly put, when a suicide bomber in an SUV broadsided his armored vehicle in Mosul. Yet, he was doing what he loved when he died...serving his country. 9/11 now takes a very personal remembrance for me. I try to not feel anger or sadness, which is extremely difficult, especially on 9/11. I try to live my life doing what I love...helping others, embracing my love of sports and running, caring for my family.

Yesterday, I watched the three hours worth of ceremonies on T.V., and even though sad, I played with my now five-year-old son, played my scheduled soccer game, and before the day's end, I hugged and held my family close. I lived my day, the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the day that changed us all forever, the way my brother died...doing what we love.

P90X Week 10: Results and Recap

This week was not all about P90X. The incredible Texas heat wave broke, and I ended up running outdoors, therefore testing out a bit of my upcoming hybrid training schedule (at least I can say I was testing it out...I just really wanted to run!).

Results: Maintaining. No loss, no gain, and that's fine with me. I feel the difference in my workouts. I'm stronger and my endurance is on the upswing (especially if this humidity stays low). I really can't believe I have two more weeks of the total workouts and then to my last recovery week. After that...it's off to the hybrid schedule I made up for myself (but that's another blog post entirely)! Here's a brief overview of my week through Daily Mile.

Three Things: Just Plain Badass Stuff & Momma Worries Too.

Today is a crazy, but wonderful, day!

• Today begins a running challenge in my online Running Moms group. Running Moms 343. As a group, we're running at least 343 miles between today and September 11 to honor each firefighter who lost their life saving other on 09/11/01.

• P90X2 is now available for pre-order until midnight on September 5.Seriously, athletes and people with highly active lifestyles will benefit from this new workout in so many ways. 5 day workout program designed to improve your core, balance, stamina, well, everything really! If you are even remotely interested, pre-order through my coach site. You get free shippingand have guaranteed delivery before Christmas. http://www.beachbodycoach.com/Carinschaab

• Lastly, while I'm all swept away with P90X2 and getting mileage in as well as thinking all about Ironman to plan the Cy-Guy's 5th birthday, T (insert huge sigh and head hung low) is talking about"this girl" in some of his classes. I am very aware that this was supposed to happen, but really, in the second week of school? I do remember this is the age where I became extremely aware of boys, but I thought since I had boys, I might have had a couple of extra years before all this. Honestly, there's enough hormones in the house with P and me acting like 20-somethings most of the time, but to add the complexity of a pre-teen in the house...that's a complicated mix. Well, as I tell my boys, it's time to "suck it up'.

P90X Week 9: Recap and Results

This week was, well, nothing short of crazy, to say the least. Here's a little of everything happening:

• First week of school with the boys (T started middle school and the Cy-guy starting his second year of Pre-K)
• I cut my hours at work to about 30 hours a week.
• P's hours start picking up at work so his crazy schedule begins too.
• Planning the Cy-guy's 5th birthday party
• Planning out a running P90X hybrid schedule with my soccer season.

So, my head has been spinning a bit, but I made sure to stay consistent with my workouts. During the workouts, I'm pushing hard too. My goal is to be as sweaty as possible at the end of the workout. Since I'm working out indoors, I don't have to fight humidity, but I need to make myself sweat. Sweat is liquid awesome, as I like to say. At this busy time, P90X is really my only stress relief and since I went part time at work, it's my only "me" time too. I really like this last month of P90X. The arm/chest/shoulder workouts are mixed up every week rather than the same repetition for three weeks. I have to admit, I am struggling with the Ab Ripper X. I was getting to the point of finishing it consistently or not taking breaks for my lower back, but this week I had to dig deep to bring it on the abs. My desired 6-pack just might have to wait.

Results:

My weight seems to be on the decline again, but I have to be cautious to make sure it's not dehydration again. With the hot soccer games lately, it's a possibility I need to remember. Other than that I'm maintaining and loving it. I can tell you I am feeling a little burn out, but I think it's more the hectic schedule right now than the actual P90X.

Here's to 3 weeks left of the first 90 day cycle!

Oh! If you have any questions for me or just curious about products I train with, foods I eat, whatever. Please...shoot me an email at carin.schaab@yahoo.com!

P90X Week 8: Results and Recap

Can anyone say "Thank you, Recovery Week?!?!?!"

Last week ended up being a blessing in disguise, despite my enthusiasm to hit the weights and plyos hard! Between soccer training, work, P90X, and this unusually long streak of 100°+ temperatures, I had started to fade...quickly. I had read on the P90X message boards from Beachbody.com, as well as many other reviews that it can happen. The body just plain pooping out from the intense activity on top of a normal schedule.

On last Monday, I had planned to workout after my early morning doctor's appointment. I had to get in to switch my birth control to the Implanon, an arm implant to last for three years. After my doctor put it in and was giving me the care instructions for the week, she said "No lifting, and for you that especially means no weights, no push ups, and if it hurts, no running." My heart sank, but I knew I had to listen to her.

I promptly got home, pulled up my P90X schedule and realized it's Recovery week! Woohoo! No weights. Actually the only workout I couldn't do fully was the Core Synergistics due to pushups. A week with extra yoga and stretching made it possible for me not to find an alternative schedule for the week. I ended up being pretty rested for my first soccer game on Sunday!

Results:


I found this week that I only lost in the waist. Not a big loss, but it's the first time I can remember seeing a waist measurement below 30 inches! I also noticed that most of my measurements and weight are about the same as I started, but I'm not too concerned about that. I've had several questions of why do I think I'm gaining and if I'm disappointed. I'm gaining and having increasing measurements because I've been working to build muscle and change my body shape. There is no way I'm disappointed! I'm very pleased with the results I'm getting. I'm seeing strength where I never thought I could imagine it. Despite the incredible heat during my soccer game, I still felt pretty strong, stronger than I felt at the end of last season. Remember, I still have 4 weeks left of this first complete round to "Bring It!" After all, I need to work up to P90X2!!! Check it out!

P90X Week 7: Recap and results

Week 7 went fast!!! Combined with school camps, getting the family ready to go out of town, and the hot, hot temperatures here in the Dallas area, P90X was honestly just something on my day's schedule to get done. I have noticed that I'm rarely sore after workouts anymore despite the massive sweat, oh wait, liquid awesome showers that happen during the hour of working out. Also, my cardio workouts are becoming easier and easier. The true test will be when soccer season starts.

On a surprising note, P and the boys attempted Yoga X with me this week. I have to give them all kudos because they wanted to try a family yoga session beginning with one of the most intense yoga workouts out on the market right now. I am currently on the hunt for something all for of us could try. Cy only wanted to do about 5 minutes. He can’t stay still for too long. P did about 15-20 minutes, which is so cool that he tried. T, by the way, is totally awesome. He hung with me for 45 minutes. He did all the vinyasas of Yoga x. I was such a proud mom!

Results:

I've gained some inches and lost as well. My weight and my waist measurement I have been able to maintain. I keep thinking it's because my muscles are becoming more awesome. I know part of my current little plateau is due to me laxing a bit on my meal planning, which leads to not so great choices all the time for me. I'm not talking about fast food and super junk food, but more cheese on foods, a little more of the "foods-only-my-kids-will-eat", not enough fresh veggies and fruits. It's amazing what a difference little details or a little slacking in the diet can do. Thank goodness I have my Shakeology® to help out in the veggie/vitamin/nutrient department.

I realized I've only got about 5 weeks left of this first round of P90X. Wow. I can't wait for the day I get to write the "Week 12, Day 90" post!

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My Weekend Country Run

My favorite thing about running is how easy it is to change up your environment and in turn, recharge your excitement about running. This past weekend I went to visit my parents. It was our last chance before our school year started to really get to spend some time with them.

My parents live “out in the country”. Really. Even though they “live” in one town, they are actually closer to the next one. I guess it’s a good thing they moved there after I graduated high school. A visit to see them is always a chance to change things up a bit on my runs. This weekend I got to change it up even more…my little sister joined me.

We started out down the gravel driveway through the humidity after it rained the day before. We talked as we warmed up, and here I am still in shock we’re doing this together, but loving it. We hit the main street that goes through our area and do intervals on the hills all the way to the volunteer fire station 1.73 miles. With the sun already beating down on us and the humidity seeming even worse, we speed walk the 1.73 miles back to our parents’ house.

The amazing thing about his venture out is how fresh everything seemed. When you run in concrete all the time, running in the country provides a sensory experience. The entire world seems fresh, even if you do smell cow manure (gag). The grass seemed greener, the sky a bit bluer, everything more vibrant than the typical urban/suburban trek I usually run. One or tow pretty yards can only hold someone over for so long.

The other thing that made this run so great was that I was with my little sister. We don’t talk often, but during this hour, we talked about everything. The houses we were passing, my boys, our husbands, budgets, my business, her upcoming adventure of law school, you name it. It took one common thread, running, to pull us back together again. I would not trade that time for anything.

Three Things: Chicking, Balls, and Boys

It's been a fantastic week. Geared up with training for both soccer season and racing again, the jock in me is beyond elated.

1. Chicking: Trying to accustom myself to the heat and to regular running again, I went out for a run on Tuesday night. At 8:30. It was still 100°. The run was great! Slight breeze, sun setting, sprinklers, good music, you name it. Not too long of a run, 2.34 miles, but the best part of it, I ran half of it in just my sports bra. I normally don't do that, but it was way too hot to care about silly things like looks. Guys are so lucky. They get to run shirtless and feel the wind. No wonder I look like a dead horse when I get in from a run...I have to wear extra layers! Besides, I got an extra confidence boost when I chicked two twenty-year-old guys and they did a double take!

2. Balls: Last week, I kicked the crap out of my soccer ball. Really, shooting practice punctured my ball somehow and again I was on the ball hunt. Got an awesome ball...

yet it was aired too much. Geez, it was hard on the feet last night, like bruising through my cleat hard. Balls sometimes suck.

3. Boys: This is non-sports-related, but I finished registering my boys for this upcoming school year (they start in about a week). The Cy-guy is all set for the second year of Pre-K. Everything is copacetic with him. Same school, same teacher, even most of the same classmates, just maybe a different time. T, on the other hand, is starting middle school. Yesterday at registration, I nearly had the "omg, my boy is not old enough for this" panic attack...especially after seeing the 8th grade cheerleaders in their uniforms (short skirts) and the other little girls in their little spaghetti strap tanks and super short skirts and shorts. I'm standing in all these lines and filling out paperwork internally freaking out not only about this big grade level change, but now about the "girl factor". Oye. Looks like I planned my marathon training just in time.