You've Probably Heard....

I MOVED.

Come visit and subscribe to my new blog lifestyle/fitness blog! Can we still be friends? I hope, I hope! :D

http://gymandtonic-em.com/

Cheers and see you on the other side!!

I'm Having A Baby!....Kind of...

Okay not THAT kind of baby but.... still the kind of baby that still makes you cry and wake up in the middle of the night...is it okay? Is it developing properly? I hope I don't mess it up....at least this one won't vomit in my mouth?

I hereby announce my new baby....GYM & TONIC! My new bloggy blog!! I recently bought my own domain, snagged some hosting and all that jazz to start fresh. As a new parent to this blog that will be more so centered on fitness (but still a lifestyle blog), I'm so excited for its official launch as its still in its infant design stages. As some of you have already done this transition from Blogger to Wordpress, I hope I don't lose you guys! To make sure that doesn't happen, here's a link to start following it via Bloglovin'!

For the official launch, I'll be hosting a giveaway to celebrate (and of course not to bribe you guys to switch over to my snazzy new blog at all because that would be wrong). That being said, I can't wait until everything is how I want it, logo and all. There will be many more nights with this in front of me...

WordPress is amazeballs when it comes to customizing so of course I'm drowning in coding and various plug-ins so everything is perfect and my eyes are glazed over. Last night, I also thought I was in the Matrix...#codingproblems.

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It's bittersweet to leave The Rant behind, but it's time to move onward and upward and expand my audience with this new project! I hope to see you there in about a week! Cheers to new beginnings!!

If anyone else has made this transition before, feel free to shout out some tips! Aside from keeping a full stock of liquor in the cabinet.... :)

Fitness Friday: Beast Mode

So you guys, I promised I would keep you updated with my Advocare 24-Day Challenge results and it's about time I do it! I have about a week left of the Max Phase! Mind you I've had a couple slip-ups here and there but hey, who doesn't? I indulged in a glass of wine or maybe some Reese's eggs from Easter (because obviously) but the key is to not overdo it and to keep everything else in check (i.e. workouts, hydrating and keeping up with those damn supplements). I'm definitely not used to taking so many pills. I feel like Lindsey Lohan in her rehab days. Although once the afternoon is over, it's pretty much smooth sailing. I gained one pound in this phase and ya know what? I'll take it. The results I've been seeing measurements wise is what I've definitely been noticing and I'm amping up my weights game at the gym.

The before photo on the left was before starting the challenge (and before my birthday tattoo ha) and the after is my bod as of today.

 Measurements aside, I feel AWESOME. I constantly feel energized and even after a treacherous day at work, I still have enough oomph in my step to work it out each day. I've been mixing cardio with weights every other day and giving myself one rest day. I'm also digging the slight color I'm seeing thanks to seeing some flippin' sun lately around Chicagoland!

While meal replacement shakes were an option for breakfast during the cleanse phase, it's mandatory during the max phase. Had I known this, I would have rationed my favorite mint chocolate brownie replacement shakes...the chocolate isn't nearly as good but still tastes alright.

And any hubby who massages my feet after a long run is a keeper amiright??? He's been so supportive. You can't ask for anything more! Okay maybe a few more minutes longer on that foot massage.... ;)

The best thing about this challenge is that it really doesn't make you schedule your day according to what you need to do in order to stay on task with it. For a busy person such as myself, this was a huge factor.

Here are some tips I've found to be useful for me!

• Keep a huge water bottle by you throughout the day so you just mindless reach for it.
  
• Don't be a cardio hog, lift as well.
  
• Hire a motivator (friend, hubs, etc...) they've kept tabs on me which has motivated me to keep up with my training.
  
• Create a rewards system for yourself that doesn't involve food! (i.e. new workout gear or a new dress that you're DYING to get.)
  
• Take progress pics. This has made me be more self-aware of where I'm at and where I want to be.
  
• Read fitness-related material and follow other fitness-focused people on social media to keep your fitness goals in check and on the brain! 
  
• Allow yourself to still eat what you're craving, but think about how much you want it first and don't overindulge. Eat until you're satisfied, not until your skinny jeans need to be unbuttoned.

I hope everyone else has a happy Friday and gets to see their favorite people this weekend! I know I am!! Cheers!

Challenge Accepted

So I decided that I needed to ramp up my fitness game so I chose to first do the Cleanse phase of Advocare's overall 24-Day Challenge. The whole challenge is split into two phases the first being the cleanse phase and the second being the max phase.

Here's the essential loot!

The meal replacement shake is optional, but if you're constantly looking for a quick breakfast solution, this takes the guess work out of it. Oh and did I mention that this limited edition flavor pretty much tastes like ground up thin mints? I almost cried when they sold out and was notified that they usually don't restock for a year!!! Advocare...please help a girl out and restock more asap.

While it's called the "cleanse phase" what I like about is that you're not drinking breakfast, lunch and dinner and spending the majority of your day on a toilet seat. This whole program teaches you how to eat with its pamphlet it comes with to make sure you're getting protein, a complex carb and fruits/veggies everyday in addition to having the supplements and drinks when needed.

In the herbal cleanse box you'll find a bunch of supplements to be taken before meals and before bed in addition to a fiber drink that is to be taken each morning on certain days (not fun). If you have issues swallowing large pills then you might run for cover with this, but it's definitely worth braving it out. The supplements overall help increase your metabolism, absorb nutrients and assist in weight control.

The Advocare Spark drink mix comes in many flavors, although the pink lemonade flavor is UH-mazing. I'm a coffee person in the morning and with this, I've been able to kick it out of my morning routine since it gives me so much energy. The program requires you to take it 30 minutes before breakfast.

I've been following the program diligently and with working out every day since starting the program, I've lost nearly 5lbs. Not so shabby since it's only been a few full days! My workouts consist of switching between running and strength training with free weights or kettlebells.

 Getting to the gym has been SO much easier these days thanks to my new Nike Frees too! (See above). They're electric pink wonderfulness and I feel like an unstoppable unicorn in beast mode whenever I wear them. I really needed to get separate shoes for when I strength train and for when I run and I definitely made the right choice with these! The support in the heel is great and if you have ridiculously narrow feet like I do, these are PERFECT.

ANYWAY back to Advocare's program....it also recommends that you take your weight and divide it by two in order to figure out how many fluid ounces of water you should be drinking each day. This is ALWAYS a challenge for me, but just filling up a giant water bottle and having it on my desk throughout the day helps.

As I'm about halfway through the cleanse phase, I'm feeling soooo good. I have energy throughout the whole day and I'm not starving! The program does frown upon alcohol consumption (yes I've managed to control myself thus far), sugars, fried foods, simple carbs etc...ya know pretty much all of the obvious things that aren't bikini body-friendly.

I wasn't planning on doing the full 24-Day Challenge, but after seeing such great results already and my body's response to to this phase of the program, I've decided to opt in for the max phase! And really, the only items you REALLY need to keep down the cost is the MNS 3 pack that's filled with more supplements you take for the remaining days and make sure you have enough of the Spark energy mix. There's other products you can take to assist in your weight loss too such as Carb-ease, that wards off carbs if you're a carbovore like myself.

The cleanse phase overall costs around $85 or so not including the meal replacement shake which in my personal opinion is SO worth it if you compare it to the cost of other programs for weight loss. I'll be writing up another post at the end of the cleanse phase as well!

So because I feel the need to amp up my "hey this shiz works" game...here's a before and after photo....the before photo was in February...I know it's dark...but really it was a blessing...I was packing on some pounds since the wedding and NOT happy....despite the drink in my hand. I can claim that it was a bad angle all I want, but damn....

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The photo on the right was this morning. Now of course I must stress that I absolutely don't slack when it comes to exercise and these results weren't purely from the Advocare cleanse phase. Good old hard work in progress.

Has anyone else done the Advocare program or anything else that's similar? Shout it out!

#FitPeopleProblems

I think it's safe to say that we've all been there when you have these fitness goals and you just want to indulge in everything you shouldn't. It happens and hey, I'm human...and sometimes I just want a bottle glass of wine. We can Instagram, blog and tweet all of those post-run photos all we want, but deep down that sleeve of Thin Mints is just calling your name. So let's get started shall we?

+ Carbs. I love them. To completely cut them out of my life would totally through off my center of gravity. And in my defense, it's really dumb to COMPLETELY cut them out of your diet...but really the carbs I'm talking about is a pasta dinner for five people (because really, what's one serving?)

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+ The bastard of a scale. Sure I'm fully aware that the scale is completely inaccurate and you should never measure your fitness level and health according to this one little number, but let's face it, when you've worked your ass off (literally) and that number only creeps up or remains the same...you just want to punch a Kardashian.

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+ The Competitor. There's always that friend who wants to compete. Oh you ran 9 miles today? I ran 11. Oh you had a lettuce wrap for lunch? I had a kale smoothie with some cucumber water. Are you sure that wrap is going along with your training? What are you doing for your workout tonight? Because whatever it is I'm doubling it. AGH SHUT UP.

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+ Magic Junk Food. It just magically appears in the house and I'm tempted to eat it...#husbandproblems. I love him dearly, but last time I checked, Hot Cheetos doesn't really work with a bikini body and if they're there I must have some. Oh and while we're discussing the hubs, he seriously made a Girl Scout cookie sandwich and ate it right next to me after I went for my run. #shitmyhusbanddoes. I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or steal said cookies.

You thought I was joking....

 

 Also, let's back up a second...I'm purely to blame for said cookies for being in the house. Girl Scouts literally intercepted my run one morning. And who was I to say no? I was on my fifth mile and about to head back....and really I should be rewarded for not tearing open a box on my way home....this is what happens when you deprive yourself.

+ You have to deal with the bros in the gym. Like really. BROS. They call each other that when they fist bump each other in the weights area and subsequently STEAL your weights that are right by your feet. (This happened). OHHHH because I'm female and shouldn't be lifting right?....

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Also bro, you look like a douchewaffle with that weights belt on while you're on a treadclimber...just saying.

+ Morning Workouts. I usually workout at night because of my work schedule so when my training calls for a 7-mile run on a Saturday morning, I just kind of laugh a little....and cry. Also, you have to deal with even colder temps....

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 But overall it's just worth it. You feel better, you look better and you don't want to punch yourself in the gut for not following through with your fitness goals because you don't have one anymore! WAHOO!! 

What is your #FitPeopleProblem? Do you live next to a Starbucks? Does your husband make Samoa sandwiches like mine does? Spill!

I Run for Hot Chocolate....and Wine

So if you haven't noticed already, all I have time for these days is posting to Instagram every now and again to show you guys that I'm in fact still alive and breathing, running races and packing for the move that will happen in just a couple of weeks now! This Sunday was my 15k and my friend's first race longer than a 10k!

 But first let's cover the race expo we went to the day before to pick up our bib numbers and swag. I got some new compression socks, race headband and race hat that is the best running hat known to womankind. I never knew a hat could define me so well...and JUST in time for the winter running season. Ready.

That night we carb-loaded with pasta of course and went to bed earlyish due to the early wake-up call (4:30am eff my life). We keep on saying that we'll never do this again...yet we always do...signs of addicts.

I knew a ton of people signed up for this race series but ummm....wow I didn't know that we would be met with all of THIS business.

There were several corrals that were released every few minutes or so which helped avoid bottlenecks, but of course it was still an issue and it's just inevitable. I mean clearly all of Chicago ran this dang race!

I was happy to change my corral so I could start with my friend. We were set to rock this race...because my headband says so.

One thing that is also inevitable when it comes to huge races like this one...there are also a ton of people who don't follow race etiquette (i.e. stopping to walk right in the MIDDLE of the road and starting in a corral that is faster than your average running pace). PET PEEVE TO THE MAX. But in any event, the weather wasn't as cold as I thought it would be and my gear was on point. I ran throughout the whole damn thing without stopping despite the uphill battles that were only in the second half of the race (of course). My playlist got me through and I crossed the finish line with a huge victory! And a medal that looked like a chocolate bar. Win.

Once Laura passed the finish line, we high-fived like pros and were off to feast on our mugs full of chocolate!

That hot chocolate was the absolute best...and it almost made me forget how much my hip flexors and ankles were burning. More selfies occurred.

I'm SO proud of her and she kicked some major ass. I mean....hot chocolate was at the finish line waiting for us soooo that's enough motivation for me.

We eventually made our way back to gear check and parted ways where I subsequently gorged on a grilled chicken sandwich waiting for my train ride home. Food never tastes so good than just after a race. NOMS. Hopefully everyone had a fabulous weekend!!!!

Running For A Cure!

It's Monday everyone! So let's get on with this epic weekend recap! Friday Josh and I had a cozy date night at home and saw The Shining in the spirit of Halloween being just around the corner. Why must Jack Nicholson be so damn creepy? Those eyebrows.

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Saturday morning I started the day out running a really fast couple of miles to prep for my 5k for breast cancer awareness the following day. I was determined to do really well for this race. After I cleaned up, my mom and I set out to go to lunch, pick up my race packet and shopped around a little. I got the cutest hot pink top to wear underneath my T-shirt for the race. Because uh, hot pink for the win right?

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you saw Apollo judging me all day long for carbing it up and not giving him anything. Just look at those judgmental eyes...

After a carboholic dinner, my dad and I shared the most amazing dessert. I can't even guys. An apple cider donut sundae? Give it to me now. And to make myself feel better I just told myself I would run that much harder the following day and that this little sundae really couldn't have TOO many cals right? Of course I'm right....

Once I got home, I totally banked on getting Leena Dunham's bio for $4.99 on my iPad! SCORE. I love it when iTunes has crazy limited sales on new book releases. #booknerdproblems. Also, I'm fully aware that I have over 2,000 messages in my inbox...fml.

The morning of the race I was so pumped. This Care4 Breast Cancer Awareness 5k race has become one of my favorite races. It's a local race and ALL of the proceeds stay within the county helping spread awareness and for cancer research. Sorry, but races like the huge Susan G. Komen for the Cure race, with assets over millions of dollars...only 20.9% of the funds that are raised go toward breast cancer awareness. Ridiculous. Okay but I'm off my soapbox. I got ready for the race and was pinked up. 

Like I said before, my mom is my biggest supporter. She got up with me to cheer me on. The cause hits very close to home too though, we have quite a few family members who were affected by breast cancer so I was determined! The race started at a nearby high school where all of the sponsors were set up inside (awesome because it was freezing out). 

As it was getting closer to race time, I warmed up and lined up at my pace marker. There was even a drone that provided race coverage overhead! The one thing that annoys the hell out of me before a race is starting my playlist and running app at the same time and ON time. #runnerproblems. I felt solid throughout the whole race, although holy batman it was COLD outside!! And these were my stats folks!! 

Normally, I wouldn't be too ecstatic about this time, but there were ZERO regrets going semi-off pace and track to high-five the little kids on the sidelines dressed in their little Super Man, Captain America and Iron Man costumes. There are just some things a girl just has to do. I crossed that finish line not even knowing if I was sweating or freezing.

I didn't make the top three in my age group which was my goal, but better luck next time! My mom and I headed home to get ready to pick up my grandmother for an amazing lunch/shopping ahead. How awesome is this selfie with my grandmother in our ridiculous cold weather hats? Thanks L.L. Bean for putting up with our shenanigans!

Although it was a cold weekend, it was a pretty awesome one. When are you willing to sacrifice your best time during a race?? Did everyone else have a good weekend?!

Weekending Done Right

 Before I get into my rant, let me just say that while I dread running in the dark, these sunsets are getting pretty darn amazing.

But okay so moving right along....with all of this potential for so many life changes coming about, it's safe to say that I find it impossible difficult to concentrate at work. You guys....Josh and I may have found the perfect home for us and I'm ECSTATIC. We're really hoping that everything turns out alright with the incoming steps i.e. the dreaded inspection. Anyone who's a seasoned HGTV girl like myself knows that you should never get TOO excited until after that's done and they say, "no, you don't have a rat infestation and this house will not collapse in a matter of days due to whatever damage." SO until then...I'll be crossing my fingers and toes and praying to every superior power out there that this house was meant to be ours and there aren't any major issues. Orrrr this...

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The house we fell in love with was actually the last of the MANY houses we looked at this weekend and my was it a sight for sore eyes. The last house was like the Ryan Reynolds out of a lineup of Toby McGuires. Flawed and just a huge disappointment. Don't you just wish that life had a fast forward button for just certain things like when you have to wait until all of the paperwork is in on your offer and the waiting period to see if said offer was accepted??? I mean seriously, I need a temp script for some anxiety meds with how I'm feeling right now!

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Shut up, T. Swift what do you know? Carrying on.

House news aside, Friday was full of amazing since a friend and I trekked up to Milwaukee to see Lorde and LORD OH LORD she did not disappoint!! Before the show started and when we thought we were right across the street from the venue, we managed to find a place called The Newsroom Pub. Of course a couple of journos like us would end up there and the drinks and food hit the spot. Not to mention our bill was a fraction of what it would cost in Chicago. Thanks Milwaukee, I'll be coming back again soon...

I still can't get over the fact that she's 17. And might I add, we almost missed the show entirely. Because um no one let us know that a million buildings in downtown Milwaukee were in fact labeled "BMO Harris" and that the venue was on the Summerfest grounds. FAIL TO THE MAX LIVE NATION! Luckily we weren't too far off and we made it to our seats with our drinks just in time.

She head bangs like a pro and it was amazing. I wish I got a snap of that. It was the best thing to witness.

I must say though, she was mighty clever to avoid unwanted photography at her show by constantly being in a cloud of smoke or having crazy strobe lights going off. I managed to get a few shots in though. If you EVER have the chance to see her live, DO IT. We were jamming out all night long.

Sunday was spent expending ALL of this adrenaline that was surging through my veins by running close to 8 miles. It was a PERFECT day for it too. Fall??? You could have fooled me! It was gorgeous outside and I maintained my pace throughout my whole run! #beastmode.

Unfortunately, my Bears didn't enter beast mode at all and fell to the Packers pretty hard...but we're not going to talk about that...luckily the hubs and I had plenty of good energy to hang onto with finding a house that we loved and did some research on the area. I also signed up for another 5k for a cause that is very dear to my heart. I've had quite a few family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer so I'm going to run this race pretty hard. And just MAYBE place in the top three in my age group. Always good to think big right??? After this last run, I think it just might be possible!

Also, those boots I was raving about last week delivered and I'm in boot heaven.