Winner!!

I know you've all been waiting, so without further rambles, the winner of they black leopard gloves from Gym Girl is......

"Hungry Hobby" is the winner!  I've sent you an email, and if you can message me back, I can set you up with how to get your new black leopard gloves from Gym Girl.

For those of you who didn't win, you can still get yourself a pair and get 15% off with the code ENVIGEURFITNESS.

I Fell Off the Wagon - Hard!

We've all been there - that momentary slip up on the diet part, or missing a few days of exercise.  I know I have, but I get up shake myself off and get right back at it - and try not to beat myself up about it.  

 Well, I haven't just fallen off the wagon, I fell off HARD.  I have no motivation and I just can't make myself get back on.  Stress has been a huge factor in my "fall" and I still have a lot of stress.   I know that exercise helps relieve stress and I NEED to get back at it - I know this.  Now I just need a swift kick to get me back on track!  

Having recently started a second business (yeah, I'm crazy), I am super-busy but I CAN make time to workout.  They key is to organize myself .

So, I am now officially back on track and I have all of you to remind me that I CAN do it!!

Thank you!

I'm A FitFluential Ambassador!!

I am so excited to announce that I have been accepted as a FitFluential Ambassador!!  I have applied quite a few times and never quite met the criteria, but to my surprise a couple weeks ago I received an email acceptance letter!!  Woo hoo!   

I am also a VERY proud ambassador for

 - Fit Approach (Sweat Pink Ambassador)

 - Strong Figure

 - Girls Gone Sporty

 - This Girl Lifts

 - Energy Bits  (Journeytofit) 

MyYogaWorks Review

Disclosure:  I received a free six-month trial of MyYogaWorks in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

Yoga is not something I have tried very often, so when I was offered the chance to do a review for MyYogaWorks, I figured now was my chance.  With my running and weight training, I am noticing my muscles are getting tighter, and I know that yoga is going to help.  I don't have time to go to a weekly class, and using the save DVD over and over again would get boring very fast, so MyYogaWorks is perfect! They have hundreds of videos to choose from so I'll never get bored.

Searching through the videos, I found the perfect series for a beginner like me: Never Tried Yoga Parts I, II, & III. The poses are explained well and not too fast, so that newbies like me can figure everything out and easily follow along.  I love it.  When I progress, I am excited to try out the series Yoga for Runners plus a whole lot more.

Finding a video just right for you is easy; you can sort by duration (5 min to 90 min) and by level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, & teacher).  There is also a special section called "Journey Series" where you can learn a new pose or if you'd like to target a specific body part.  There are series where you can learn to do a head stand, or if you need to get ready for a wedding, or even learn to meditate.  You can learn all of these and so much more with the videos in the "Journey Series"

MyYogaWorks has a super-special offer for all readers of my blog.  They are generously offering each of you one month FREE!!  How exciting is that?  One whole month gives you lots of time to try out so many different yoga videos.   To claim your free month, click  here and use the code "bloggermonth".

I have a feeling that with the wide assortment of videos from MyYogaWorks, I will be making yoga a permanent part of my workout schedule.

Motivate Wrap Winner!!

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for.......

The winner of the Motivate wrap from Momentum is Aimee C.    Congratulations Aimee, I've sent you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize.

Again, congratulations and keep checking back because I have more giveaways planned :) :) 

Wordless Wednesday

New Diet & Training Plan - Getting Ready for Spring!

Ok, so with my new diet and training plan, I am getting ready for spring, but is Mother Nature getting ready for spring?  It sure doesn't feel like it here!!  It is so cold (and snowy) that I feel like it will never arrive.  But, I am sure it eventually will, so to try and keep my spirits up, I've got a new training plan and a really great eating plan so I am ready for the races this spring!!

It would be nice if it would warm up a bit so Lola and I can run outside again.
We both miss it!

My new trainer is just starting to get her website up and running at www.karenpt.com, or you can find her at her Facebook pages here:  Affordable PT by Karen or her other page Karen Nolan-Evans
Right now her introductory price for a personalized diet plan is only £ 20 (about $33 USD). 

 The plan is great because she works with you likes and dislikes. Seriously, I get a daily piece of chocolate and some peanut butter all as a part of my plan.

I'll keep everyone updated on my progress :) :)  
If anyone is interested in a diet plan of their own, feel free to contact Karen, and let her know I sent you!  :)

My daily chocolate <3

Peanut butter snack!!

I'm Back - I Hope!!

Sorry, I have been MIA for quite a while.  I have missed blogging, but my life has been so busy, and this winter has been horrible - I don't think this winter will ever end!!

So much has been going on.  Since the beginning of January, I have had heating problems at my business, and been without heat for a few days, just relying on space heaters.  To top it all off, I have had three separate water leaks through the ceiling and into my space that I rent for my business.  The first leak was the biggest and messiest (but we got it cleaned up ourselves quickly so there was very little damage except the ceiling tiles), the other two were minor, but persistent.  So, knock on wood, everything should be fixed now. I hope!!

I have managed to keep up with my workouts through all of these disasters, but my eating has been off (and by off I mean more junk than I should have).  Starting this past Monday, my friend who is a personal trainer is holding me accountable and I have to log in with her what I eat daily.  Somehow, just having to report to someone is what it takes to keep me in line.  So here's to getting myself back on track!!!

Thoughtful Thursday

2013 - My Year in Fitness

2013 was quite a year for me fitness wise, and I had some firsts.  I started running again this year and ran my first ever race.  This is something for the kid in my who hated gym class with a passion and did everything she could to get out of running laps around the field at school.  I ran my first 5k with my daughter, enjoyed it so much that we ran 4 more 5k races this year. Both of my daughters joined me in doing a Color Run this year.  In 2014 we plan on running some more, and maybe even a 10k.  

In the gym I made some great gains with my weight workouts, and even started working with an online trainer who helped me to push myself more than I would have on my own.  She made me realize that in order to make gains, I have to go past my comfort zone.  I can't wait to see what gains I make in 2014!!

I also became a brand ambassador for Born Raw Gym Clothing, and for ENERGYbits.  I was so honored that they wanted me to be on their team.

Here's to a great 2014!!

My Current Diet Motivation

Lately I have been struggling with my weightloss.  I just haven't been able to stick to my eating plan (I don't call it a diet), for the past few weeks, I have been indulging in things that I really shouldn't, and nibbling on all sorts of "goodies".  The scale has gradually been inching upwards. :(  I work so hard to get the pounds off, and then I let them creep back on, and then I get angry with myself.   My exercise is always great, it's my eating that I have trouble controlling.  I've been looking for a new sort of motivation.  Enter, DietBet.

I saw on Facebook, that an online friend was hosting a "dietbet".  I was curious, so I clicked on the link she provided and saw the Dietbet page.  On Dietbet, all who enter a "game", bet the required amount (this one was $25) and it gets entered into the pot.  When the game starts, you send a picture of your weight on the scale, then you have 4 weeks to lose 4% of your weight.  All of those who lose their 4%, get a share of the pot.  If you don't, the money you bet is left in the pot and you lose your money.
I'm fairly cheap, so this has been great incentive for me to stick to my eating plan so I lose weight - I don't want to lose my $25!  LOL!

So far, the Dietbet is working, the scale is moving in the right direction!  I am excited to see the scale moving in the right direction, that I am motivated to keep with it!  I still have 3 weeks left, and I can't wait to see how much I can lose by the end of the 4 weeks :)

/Workout Wednesday Link Up

The Weekly Chase #7 (Ooops, I missed a week) & The EnergyBits Winner!!

I guess I have been a bad girl.  I missed posting my weekly chase last week.  I have been crazy-busy, but kept to my workout schedule and eating plan (yay!!), but I was very lax with blogging.  Sorry about that.

I had a lot of work to do last week, but at least my "assistant"
 was very cute, even though she wasn't very helpful.

So, I am back on track, and here is my Weekly Chase #7

My goals for last week were:

Goal #1  Once again, I will aim for running 3x  this week. 
I only managed two runs this past week.

Goal #2  I promise to get on my treadmill at least once this week to get used to the old beast.
I had one run on the treadmill (not enjoyable), and one run outside in the wind and mud (it was better than when we had snow on the ground - yuk, way too early for snow)

Goal #3  I will get started again on a running plan and stick to it!!
I haven't started one yet. :(

Goal #4  This isn't fitness related, but another goal is to clean out my van before winter.  It's amazing how much stuff accumulates in your vehicles. 
My van is totally cleaned out and it really needed it!!  It's amazing what you find under the seats. 


My goals for this coming week are:

Goal #1  Keep to my diet plan & track all my food in MFP

Goal #2  Trying a new healthy and clean recipe

Goal #3  Run 3x this week and keep to my weights workouts (5x a week)

Goal #4  Keep up with my blog posts!!!



And now for the winner of the Energybits giveaway is........

Theresa from Go.Believe.Conquer  Congratulations Theresa!!  Please email me with your full mailing address and I will pass it on to Jonathan at Energybits and he will send you your prize.

"Energybits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Brand Manager) has shared with me that he'd be happy to connect anyone with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits - you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com"

 I am an affiliate for EnergyBits, and I receive a small percentage of the sales revenue when a sale results from a link or savings code on my site.

Energy Bits - A Review & a Giveaway!

When I was asked if I wanted to try Energybits and do a review and a giveaway, I wasn't sure what I'd think of them, but I was willing to give it a go.
I have read that algae is healthy for you, and Energybits are made from spirulina algae, but I have never tried any algae - yeah, I'm kinda whimpy and afraid that it would taste bad.  Energybits come in little pills, and while they do have a fishy-ish smell, you just swallow them with water and there is no taste.

They recommend taking Energybits daily, but because I only have a sample size to try, I waited until before I was going out for a run before taking any of the pills.  To be honest, I didn't think that I would feel any difference, and during my first run after taking them, I wasn't sure.  After my second run, I did notice that I had more energy, and when my 4 miles was up, I could have continued on - I wasn't tired!  

Would you like to win your own trial sample of Energy Bits? You can!!  All you have to do is comment below with what you'll use your Energy Bits for.  A winner will be randomly drawn from all entries on November 18th and announced here on my blog.
Good Luck!!

"ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Brand Manager) has shared with me that he'd be happy to connect anyone with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits - you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com"

I was provided a free sample from ENERGYbits in exchange for a review. I was not monetarily compensated nor required to provide a positive feedback.  The opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. 

How I Got Started on my Fitness Journey

I have always been heavy, I have struggled all of my life with my weight.  Even when I am quite active, my weight has always been a problem.  I've crash dieted, and then proceeded to gain all of the weight back - plus extra.  That is until I was selected to be part of a fitness challenge on Fighter Diet's Facebook page last summer.  I was a little unsure, but decided to give it a try.

To find out about the program that got me my start in getting fit and healthy, click here: Fighter Diet

Fighter Diet worked for me - I didn't go hungry, and I had workouts all set out for me from Pauline's ebooks.  It was great to see progress, and I am still seeing progress! 

I highly recommend Fighter Diet to anyone who is not sure where to start with either diet and/or fitness.  It is a great plan, and it works!! 

Fighter Diet Greens

Links to my previous Fighter Diet Contest posts

http://www.fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2013/01/fighter-diet-contest-very-late-update.html

http://www.fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2012/10/week-7-check-in.html

http://www.fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2012/09/fighter-diet-challenge-week-5-update.html

http://www.fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2012/09/week-two-of-my-fighter-diet.html

http://www.fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2012/08/week-one-fighter-diet-transformation.html





 I am an affiliate for Fighter Diet, and I receive a small percentage of the sales revenue when a sale results from a link or savings code on my site.

Weekly Chase #5

Weekly Chase Link

Well, it seems cooler weather is here, and I'm finding it just a tad harder to make myself leave the warm house and head out for a run.  Once I am out I'm fine, but it's to get my butt out there!!

Last week's goals were:

Goal #1: Once again, I will try to keep to my eating plan 100%.  I said try ;)
 Wasn't too bad, but I need to work a little harder at it!

Goal #2: I will stretch daily, and use my foam roller after every run!!  I must do this to help with my hip pain.
I stretched and foam rolled after every workout!  :) 

Goal #3: I will do my exercises for my plantar fasciitis every day.  I always start out well, but end only doing them a couple times a week.  I want this PF to heal, so I better try harder!!
I didn't manage to do them every day, but I did do stretches before getting out of bed so there was less pain when I first walked in the morning.  I need to keep this up.

Goal #4: This isn't fitness related, but I will get caught up on my business paperwork!!  I am behind, and I keep putting it off - I am a great procrastinator.  I will procrastinate no longer!
Still trying to get caught up.  It's not a fun job, and I can always find other things to do on the computer that are more fun :/


This week's goals:

Goal#1: I'm still aiming to stick to my eating plan

Goal#2: I need to start a training plan for some of my runs, not just go out and run/walk whenever for every run. I need to work on running farther and faster.

Goal#3: Now that the weather is cooler and rainier, I need to push myself to get out and run.  I will aim to run at least 3x this coming week.

Goal#4: A big one:  get more organized with everything, and not put it all off until later.  I used to be, but recently I have been procrastinating with everything. Grrr!  This week I will get caught up and start to keep more organized.

Last week for the Born Raw Gym Clothing Giveaway

This is the last week to get your entry in to win a really cool white racer back top from Born Raw Gym Clothing.   November 3rd is the last day to enter, and the winner will be announced on my Weekly Chase #6 next Monday morning (November 4th).  

Click here to go to the post to enter the giveaway!

Good luck!

Work Out Wednesday - Cool Weather Running

I have been blessed with gorgeous fall running weather up until now.  This week has been a rude awakening that it is fall, and winter is next.  The temperatures have dropped to close to freezing, and with the winds picking up, it's been a tad chilly outside.  Brrr!  I am a newbie runner, and this will be my first winter running.  I'm not sure how it will go.  Yes, I am Canadian, but I have always hated winter, and I hate hate hate being cold!
I ran 4 miles in the chilly weather last evening.  I had gloves, but nothing for my poor ears.  When I started out, it was fine, but the sun was starting to set by the time I was finishing, and it was noticeable cooler, and my poor ears felt it.  I went to the dollar store after and got a headband for my ears for now.

 What I hope to find out from you, my readers, is what I need to know to survive running in the cold and snow. Any suggestions?  I'd love advice from seasoned winter runners :)

I love this type of weather for running

The view after last night's run.  A cold run, but I got it done :)

Don't forget about my GIVEAWAY!

Don't forget about my Born Raw Gym Clothing giveaway of this cute racerback white tank.  To get your chance to win, click HERE to go to my blogpost with the details on how to enter.

Good Luck!!

Enter to win this racerback tank.

Workout Wednesday Link Up

Workout Wednesday Link Up

Weekly Chase #4 & A Giveaway!!

This is my fourth Weekly Chase!  Sometimes when I start things, I am not so good at keeping up with them, but this is working out well :)

The Weekly Chase

Let's recap my goals for last week:

Goal #1:  Of course once again I'll try to keep to my eating plan 100%.

I was good, but not 100%.  I'll keep trying.  

Goal #2: I still want to run at least 10 miles this week.  It's supposed to be rainy this week, so I will likely be stuck running on the treadmill, so it will be harder to get to 10 miles this week.

It didn't rain much, so I got out on the trails almost every day and I ran 13 miles this past week. Yay! It was beautiful fall running weather, and I had a great time running on the trails and enjoying the scenery.

Goal#3:  I will try to get to bed before 11pm each night!!  

I did pretty good on this one :)

Goal#4:  To take my "greens" drink daily.  I use Fighter Diet Greens, which are the only ones that taste good in my opinion, but I seem to "forget" to take it.  

I didn't drink it every day, but about 5 days out of the 7 so not so bad.

Now my goals for this week:

Goal #1: Once again, I will try to keep to my eating plan 100%.  I said try ;)

Goal #2: I will stretch daily, and use my foam roller after every run!!  I must do this to help with my hip pain.

Goal #3: I will do my exercises for my plantar fasciitis every day.  I always start out well, but end only doing them a couple times a week.  I want this PF to heal, so I better try harder!!

Goal #4: This isn't fitness related, but I will get caught up on my business paperwork!!  I am behind, and I keep putting it off - I am a great procrastinator.  I will procrastinate no longer!  

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a Born Raw Gym Clothing tank top.  Click here to go to the giveaway post.

Enter here to get a chance to win this top from Born Raw Gym Clothing.