All About My ABC's

Here;s my Friend Makin Monday a little bit late......Today it's gonna be all about the ABC's that describe me :)\

A- Amarillo is a town an hour from my hometown and where we had to drive to go to the mall and movies when I was a kid.....Yes, we seriously had to drive an hour. lol
B- Beau is my boyfriend and we've been together 5 and a 1/2 years. <3
C-Cats make my eyes water and my nose all runny....I'm super allergic!
D-Dogs, I have two of them.  Jackson, a JackRussell mix and Zoey, a shitzu.  They are both 3 and totally adorable!!
E-Eleventhgorgeous is a really good beauty and makeup channel and Youtube.
F-Fashion is something I have always loved.  I actually started out as a Fashion Design major in college.
G-Goodwill is awesome, actually....all thrift stores are awesome!!  I love thrifting and digging for great deals. :)
H-Health and Happiness are my over-all goal for this whole journey of weightloss.
I-Iceland is where I want to go on my honeymoon someday.
J-Justin is my little brother's name.  He's 22, has Down Syndrome and is the best brother EVER!!!
K-Kendra is my name.  I'm named after my dad, Ken.
L-Losing weight is going great for me thus far and I sure hope it continues!
M-Mom, mine is my best friend!!!  I love talking to her and I do every single day. :)
N- New York...I really wanna go and possible live there at some point.
O-Outlook....I have new ones since starting this journey.  Working out is fun.  I can be a runner.  (and)  My health is important to me.
P-Payday is my fav day....lol!
Q-Queen, I used to do a ton of pageants....I wanna do another one soon.  I have a ton of tiaras and banners in my closet.
R-Running is my new thing and I'm starting to really love it.
S-Serious is what people often say I am....it's because I'm an over thinker and I do take life seriously, but I know how to have fun too.
T-Team In Training-I'm participating in the Nike Women's Marathon to raise money for the Luekimia and Lymphoma Society. Check my link on the sidebar to learn more or donate. :)
U-Utilize, I never utilized my apartment gym until this march and I've lived here since Dec 2009. OMG!
V-Vacations, I've been out of the US 3 times: Mexico, England and Jamaica.
W-Working out is all about variety for me.  I like running, walking, Zumba, Running Club, Team in Training practices and more. 
X-X-Rays are no fun.  I broke my left arm in 2 places in 6th grade and had a purple cast all the way up my arm.
Y-Youtube....I love it!!  I like watching weightloss, fashion and beauty videos.  I even have a channel on there: lowcosthighstyle
Z-Zoey means life in Greek, which is the name my boyfriend came up with for my shitzu and I think it's super cute!

Hope you all enjoyed learning more about me. :)  ~Kendra~

Whirlwind Week......Literally!

Well, this week has been a little crazy!!  So, Monday I went to running club for my 2nd time and did 2.16miles.  I ran about 80% of it and it was killer.  Can imagine running 13miles at this point, but I'll get there.  Then Tuesday morning had a business meeting that was very exciting and if anything comes of it I will let yall know.  Tuesday's my late day at work, so it was getting close to 8pm and I was gathering my stuff to head home when all of a student teachers come around the corner and say get ur stuff and head to the stairwell immediately, because there are several tornadoes in the area.  Now, I was born and raised in the heart of "tornadoe alley" so usually storms don't bother me, but all the students we're panicked and it made me nervous too.  So after over an hour of waiting out the storm....after 9pm, when I should've already been home, I go outside to see my car and I have 2 huge spiderwebb cracks in my windsheild and dents all over may car.  Tons of peoples car windows were busted out.  It was insane.  We even saw softball sized hail....OMG!  So once I got gas I headed home.  Finally got home a little after 10pm.  What a long day!!  So definately didn't get a workout in that day.  Yesterday our computer systems were down basically all day.  There down in our office again today, but we've moved to another office, so we can get some work done.  It's been sooooo busy!

So anyways, as you can read, it's been an interesting week.  I am glad to say I'm heading home tommorow for a 4-day weekend with my fam to celebrate my lil bro's graduation and I can't wait!! :)  Should get some good workouts in there.  Thanks for all your support and celebration when I hit my 30lb mark the other day....so exciting!!!! :)  ~Kendra~

On the Downhill Slope

Today I hit the 30lb's lost mark....wooohooo!!!!  I am so excited and it means that I am now on the downhill slope toward my goal.  I have made it this far and I'm confident I will make it across the 135lb finish line.  Wait...135 isn't really a finish line, because this whole learning process and change of lifestyle isn't just temporary until I reach my goal.  I plan to keep it up permenantly. 

Anyways, enough about that I just wanna celebrate the big 3-0!  :) HAHAHA  ~Kendra~

Spring Fever Challenge: Week 8

What have you done this past week to help achieve your goals?

• I went to a running club at a park near my house.  It's every Monday and I plan to go as much as I can!!  Also, I went to the gym with my boyfriend who taught me how to do a really cool series workout with cardio and weights.  Last, but not least, I went to myt first marathon training for Team in Training and got some awesome new running shoes.

What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?

• I bought some new running shorts and shoes....I am excited/nervous to wear the shorts, but it's way too hot to run outside in workout pants.  Oh and I also started taking outfit pics and updating my fashion blog again, which makes me really happy...it's something I enjoy, but as I gained weight....I didn't even realize it...but I stopped taking outfit pics, so I am excited to be doing it again!  :)

How do you measure success of your goals?

• There are several ways I measure success for my goals....of course in inches and pounds, but the measuring doesn't stop there.  I measure my success by the new amount of things I learn about health, fitness and nutrition, the number of new people I've made friends with through this journey and just the confidence I am feeling now.

What is failure to you when it comes to goals?

• Giving up would be failure, but I definately don't plan to do that!!!

Fun Question: If you could hop on a plane right now, where would you go?

• I would definately go to New York!!!  I've always wanted to go and have never been yet.  I love fashion, shopping and the city, so I would love to see it all up close! :)

~Kendra~

This week in review

So if you look at the weight loss tracker at the top of my page you'll notice I have officially surpased the half way mark in my weight loss journey and am only .2lbs away from a total loss of 30lbs. :)  Wooohooo!!!  This has been an awesome week! 

Monday:  I went to my first runner's club meetup.  I found a running club on http://www.meetup.com/ that meets and runs together every Monday at a park just about 5 minutes from my house.  I went and met several very nice girls, did a great 2mile run and then did some ab exercises.  All in all, I am so glad I decided to try a meetup group and can't wait to go again tommorow! When I got home, I did a 15min ab workout, which of course included my daily 100 crunches.

Tuesday: I work till 8pm on Tuesdays, so I don't run outside that late.  I did one hour of Zumba.  If you love Zumba, but are too busy to commit to a workout class thats only offered at certain times....try looking up Zumba videos on Youtube...that's what I do.  I've saved some in my favorites and those are my go to Zumba workouts!!  After Zumba, I did my 100 crunches and then 100 arm lifts w/ 2lb weights. 

Wednesday: Was really tired that evening, so did a light workout.  Just 100 crunches and 100 arm lifts w/ 2lb weights. 

Thursday: Looked up ab workouts on Youtube and did a 15min workout.  Then did my 100 crunches for the day.

Friday: I did 200 crunches, 100 arm lifts w/2lb weights, 10mins on the eliptical, and then 3 sets of 15 on an arm workout machine. 

Saturday:  Did my 1st marathon training with Team in Training and just did a mile this week.  Came home and did a 20min Zumba workout.  Also, got in my 100 crunches for the day. 

Sunday:  Today I am planning to go to the gym with my boyfriend and do a new workout routine he came up with where you alternate running and weights for several sets....sould be interesting!  He graduated with a major in Sports Science/Kinesiology, so when we workout together he always teaches me something. :)

So, this week I worked out every single day....Yay!!!!!  Some days were lighter than others, but I still managed to keep it going each day, which is great.  This week I had a total loss of.....drum roll....3lbs. :)  Yay!!!  I was so excited when I realized I lost a total of 3lbs this week, because late in the week (Thurs to Fri)  I simply maintained, but today I had a loss so it all worked out. 

Hope everyone had a great week!!!  Also, if you like Youtube workout videos let me know what your favs are so I can try them out.  ~Kendra~

Before to Current

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share some before and current pics with yah, so here we go......

The pic on the left (with the pink top) is my before pic and the pic on the right was taken this weekend.  Can you see a difference?  I am excited I found the first pic, so I could compare....wow, it's so exciting and motivating to see that.  :) 

~Kendra~

Everybody's noticing....

So a few posts ago I talked about how people had begun to comment on my weight loss.  Well, today has been a flood of comments, which has made for a really good, uplifting day. :)  Several co-workers that work in other departments within the company saw me in the hall and stopped to comment on how "skinny" I am getting.  Also, a graduate whom I hadn't seen in 2mths or so came into the office and said "Wow, you look so different!  I can see it really in your face and your body is shaped so differently."  She then proceeded to ask what I'm doing and then went on to say "I need to start doing that!"  Made me feel so good. :)  Don't mean to go on and on about, but it's been exciting to hear such positive comments from others.  I am a person who thrives on positive affrimations, so comments and words of encouragement really help to keep me motivated and excited about this journey and lifestyle change. 

Another exciting thing about today....I weighed in at 166.8, which means I am 2/4lbs away from a total loss of 30lbs....wow!!!  Who would've thought!  It is just crazyness....I can't wait to go see my doctor in the next few weeks and see how she reacts to my progress.  I am going to a doctor monthly to make sure I stay healthy and on track during my weightloss journey even though I didn't have any kind of surgery or anything....just having an appointment to weigh in every month really keeps me accountable! :)  And plus my doctor's super nice and encouraging!!  :)  Hope everyone else is doing great as well.  ~Kendra~

SFC Week 7

What have you done this past week to help achieve your goals?

• Well, this past week I bought 2lb weights, so that I can do light weight training to tone my arms more.  I also bought tons of veggies at the grocery store and have even precooked all my lunched for work this week. :)  I cooked them all this afternoon and I am excited to say there all full of veggies and a bit of protein.  I felt like the last week or so I haven't been getting enough veggies, which may be why my weight loss seemed so slow last week.  Hopefully this will help! :) This journey is all about trying it out and adjusting as you go along to find the right food for your body.

What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?

• I went shopping with my mom and got a few shirts in smaller sizes.  I also went back to my hometown for my brothers prom and felt confident and proud of myself....instead of nervous about possibly running into old acquaintances. :)

When you go away on vacation or business do your goals get put on hold/pause or do you continue to work on them while away?

• I went on a weekend vaca this weekend, so this is definately fresh on my mind.  So far in my journey, which with my little brother having so many senior things going on lately means I'm traveling home alot, I have had to continue whil away.  I am really glad I have, because like I've said before, this isn't a diet for me....it's a lifestyle change...and I plan to stick to it for the long haul!

Do you have friends/family members that you work on a goal(s) with? Do you find working towards a goal with someone easier or more challenging?

• I definately have people I work on goals with....my boyfriend is starting to eat healthy with me, so it's nice to talk about what foods good and what may not be so good come weigh-in time. hehe Also, my mom tells me about her workouts....she rides the stationary bike at least 30mins a day and does lots of arm exercies as well....I talk to her about everything from my weigh in to calories. :)  I think it's much easier when you have others to encourage and motivate you!!

Fun Question: What is your favourite magazine to read?

• I have several favs:  Shape, US Weekly, Style Watch and Cosmo :)  I love magazines....expecially celeb gossip!!!

PS:  Wanted to leave you with this updated pic of me (And my little brother, Justin, who went to Prom this wknd)  When I was home this weekend, I got tons of positive comments about my weight loss :)  Yay!!!

Thanks!  ~Kendra~

Are you getting married??

So apparently people at work have started to take obvious notice of my weight loss.  A few days ago a coworker walked up to me, nugged me and said "Are you getting married?"  To which, I replied "No, why?"  She then went on to say how most women loose weight when they're about to get married, so she figured that's why I was.  Wow! lol

Another person saw me in the hall and was like "Oh wow (With a look of shock...lol) Have you been loosing weight?"  I said "Yes" Then he went on to say "How are you doing it?"   I follow that with "well, eating healthy and exercising alot." 

I'm not gonna lie, I am enjoying the attention and the fact people are noticing my hard work.....but I would like to make something clear to those people and myself.  It's not just about losing weight, I'm getting healthy.  I am NOT doing it for a man, a relationship or any one event....I'm doing it for myself, my health, my future and my life. :)  What I typed that sounded a little harsh, but it was not at all meant that way. It was just a light hearted reflection and a realization of how much of a mental journey and growth this process really is. Basically, I am just using this little forum to remind myself why I'm doing all this hard work....it may be selfish, but it's for me.  ~Kendra~

Spring Fever Challenge: Wk 6

What have you done this past week to help achieve your goals?

• I upped my crunches to 200 per day, added Zumba, worked out 5 days this week and stayed positive.

What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?

• I went to Charolette Rousse and got a cute one shouler top and jeans to wear to my little brother's pre-prom dinner and stuff next Saturday. :)  Also, splurged on some smell good wallflowers and scents for my apartment.  

What goal are you having the most difficult time with? Do you have a plan to make it better?

• The goal I am having the most difficult time with is saving money, for sure!  I haven't been shopping as much, and way way way less eating out, but I have had things come up like needing my oil changed, high gas prices (I commute about 30mins to work one way each day- 60mins total), Norton Antivirus expired so had to update that, Jackson had to go to the vet....etc.  I need to plan for the unexpected.....I think that would help me save more.

What goal are you rocking? Do you plan on keeping up the momentum?

• I am rocking the workout and overall weight loss goals this week.....I worked out  5 days, added more to my workouts and also incorporated more variety.  Zumba has been a fun challenge.  Also, I hit the 160's this week....I am now at 168.6....Awesome!!!! :)

Fun Question: What's your favourite board game?

• Clue....my boyfriend and I love to play it when were at his family's lake cabin.  Oh and it doesn't hurt that I always seem to win.....well most of the time hehe.  I'm the Clue master!! :)

~Kendra~

I can't believe I'm here......

Where I am?  I'm in the 160's......woooohoooo!!!!  I made it my mission to workout 5 times this week.  I also incorporated alot of Zumba into my daily workouts and that has definately been challenging my muscles....and I hope as I continue with it I will get more toned arms and thighs. I also started doing 200 crunches a day, which is double my usual 100.  I do 100 in the morning and 100 after my evening workout.

Back to my weigh-in:  This morning I weighed myself and I am 168.6lbs.  So exciting!!!  I can't remember the last time I was in the 160's!  It feels great.  Another really exciting thing that happened yesterday was I got a really cute 1 should top from Charolette Rousse....It's black and white, adorable, a size Medium and I feel great in it!!!  Can't wait to go to my hometown next weekend and wear it to my brother's pre-prom festivities. :)  Exciting!

Everything has gone really well this week.  I rediscovered my love of Zumba and dance, got into the 160"s, got some cute new clothes and just had an overall good week.   How was your week?   ~Kendra~

Turn it all around....

Last week was tough, because I was insanely busy......

Monday night I walked 2.5miles with a friend. 
Tuesday I got off work at 8pm and didn't feel well, so I skipped working out and went straight to bed when I got home.
Wednesday I did an at home workout from April's issue of Shape magazine.
Thursday I went to dinner and shopping with a friend, then rented a movie with my boyfriend, so I missed working out.
Friday I got off work at 5pm and drove 6hrs to my hometown, so I could participate in the MS Walk saturday.
Saturday I did the 2 mile (full of hills) MS Walk, which went great.  I finished in 2nd place. :)
Sunday I drove 6hrs back, lunch with my boyfriend (Pizza buffet: I had 2 slices, 2 cheese sticks and a cinnamion stick....omg! That was my cheat for the week)  After lunch I got groceries and then rested the rest of the day. 

As you can see....I only ended up working out 3 days last week.  Not good!!  I ussually workout at least 5 days a week.  Plus I splurged on pizza, which I never do...I pretty much stick to 100% healthy food.  So last week my weight didn't change much at all...I went down a little, but not as much as I hoped.

So this week I'm determined to turn it all around and keep up the pace I've had since I started....despite last weeks little crazyness.  I plan to workout at least 5 days this week!  I didn't get my workout in Monday, because I had to take Jackson, my jackrussell, to the vet, which made me late for work, so I had to work till 8pm and got home super late.   Last night, Tuesday, I worked till 8pm again, but I managed to get in 100 crunches before work.  Then I did a run that night, which went really well...It was probably half a mile, butI ran about 90% of it....so I was pretty proud of myself.  Hoping to fit in another run tonight!  Also did 100 crunches this morning. :)

I have also lost 1.6lbs this week....Yay!!!  Hoping to keep up the good work...especially since I'm about 7lbs away from reading the 1/2 way point to my weight loss goal.  So exciting!!  

Hope all of you are doing well too.  ~Kendra~

Spring Fever Challenge: Week 5

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?
I signed up to be a member of Team In Training as a competitor in the Nike Women's Marathon Event in San Fancisco, California where I will be doing a 1/2 marathon. I'm so excited to start training with my team later this month. Yay!! :)

What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?
I bought 3 new pairs of pants for work. All of mine were getting way too big! It was fun to get some new clothes. I got 1 pair of black slacks, 1 pair of brown slacks and 1 pair of black dressy capris. :)

It's May! What were your victories in April? Challenges?
I lost 10% of my starting body weight and soon after hit the 20lb loss mark, so that was AWESOME!!!

I also continued to stay on my health eatting/1,200 cal food plan.

Tried tons of new exercise routines and even made some new friends and exercise buddies along the way.

Do you have any plans for the challenge in May?
In May, I want to continue to focus on my weight loss goal and I hope to see 160lbs. :)
I also hope to add even more running into my routine.

Lastly, I plan to focus alot on revving up my training and fundraising efforts for team in training.....My goal is to raise at least $2,400 for The Luekimia and Lymphoma Society by Oct. 6th and the race is Oct. 9th. Very exciting and scary! I'm hoping I can raise about $500 of that in the month of May. :)
(You can donate by clicking the Donation link in the sidebar...every dollar truly helps in the fight against cancer!!!)

Fun Question: What is your favourite type of ethnic cuisine?
My favorite type of ethnic cusisine is definately Asiain.....my dad and I used to go to the Chinese buffet when I was a kid all the time. I also love going to those Japanese steakhouses where they cook in front of you....so fun!!

Thanks and leave a link to your page below if you participated in this challenge. ~Kendra~

Team In Training

So.....I have talked about running, races, exercising and fitness alot on my blog.  I even told you all about the 5K I did a few weeks back.  Well, guess what....  I have something even bigger up my sleeve.  I have offically signed up as a member of Team In Training, which is a team of people who run, walk, bike or swim in races to raise money for the Luekemia and Lyphoma Society.  I am going to participate in the Nike Women's Marathon (I'm doing the 1/2 marathon) in San Francisco, California on Oct. 16, 2011.  My goal is to raise anywhere from $2,400 to $3,200.  I have a ton of ideas and I even plan to do a big giveaway on this blog related to the event, so watch out for that.  I will beginning training with my team mid-May.  We will team train every Saturday morning and we will also have our own training schedules during the week.  I am super pumped to raise money for this awesome cause and so excited to stay motivated to reach my fitness and weightloss goals as well.

My grandpa passed away from cancer when I was a freshman in college, so I will be running in honor of him.  He was an amazing man and I miss him soooo much!!  Please support me and The Leukimia and Lymphoma Society by making a donation.  It's as easy as clicking the donation box in the side bar.  Every dollar makes a difference!  Thanks!!!  ~Kendra~