Mexico...Vacation 1

"A vacation is having nothing to do and having all day to do it." ~Robert Orbin

How do you end a crappy school year? You fly straight to Mexico the first two days of summer. This trip was planned for months as it was for my Brother Bobby's wedding.  I was so excited about traveling to a new country, as well as using my passport for the very first time.  I was excited about the trip but I was more excited to see my Brother finally marry his best friend and the love of his life. It was a gift to be able to watch a new chapter in their life begin. 

Is Mexico beautiful? Great question! I have to say I didn't get to see much of it because I was either in the pool, at the bar or in bed.  I never got in the ocean, never really explored but I had a fabulous time hanging out with friends I rarely get to see. 

I know you probably want to know did I exercise? I went running the second day I was there and I took a yoga class right on a pier. The yoga class was AMAZING! All I could see was the blue ocean and felt the awesome air on my tired body....I maybe got a total of 5 hours of sleep the first night. I tried to go for a run the day after my Brothers wedding.  I maybe made it .4 miles before I had to walk.  Luckily, I ran into my Dad who walked with me for 30 some minutes.  This probably was one of my favorite things about Mexico... I just adore my Dad! Spending time with him is something I never can get enough of.

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL! It rained 5 minutes before the wedding was going to start but it turned out to be a stunning day.  I cried of course when Mandie walked down the isle to meet Bobby.  I've been their number one fan forever! Who doesn't want their Brother to marry their best friend.  I get teary eyed thinking about how awesome it is to have both of theses guys in my life.  I normally am the third wheel in their relationship....thankfully they still love me.

Their really isn't much to report about Mexico.  I don't really remember most of it...so clearly I had a great time.  I did however come home with a freaking parasite...UGH. Everyone has been asking me would you go back even after you were so sick? HECK YES! I would go back tomorrow!

My tan will fade but the memories I have made will last a lifetime.

I bend so I don't BREAK

 "You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens." ~Mandy Hale

I have been MIA for a really long time but I haven't had anything to blog about.  I have had the time of my life this summer just letting go and being me!  Vacation was the escape I needed to forget about everything going on back home.  Vacation also allowed me to see that I need to start living NOW instead of just existing in a life I'm not truly happy living in.  I have Mexico, Tampa and Vegas to thank for opening up my heart to many new ideas and allowing me to see that my dreams can certainly come a reality.

I could get into the dirty details about why I feel so unhappy but I have decided to focus on the good things in my life instead of all the negative junk.  It takes a strong person to move forward when life is not going as planned...it takes a stronger person to stand up and start a brand new path.  Thankfully, the last few years I've been building up this inner layer of toughness, a will to never quit and the ability to work for what I want.  I will not give up, I will not settle...

The next 8 months I will be learning everything I can about yoga.  I'm all signed up for the yoga training program starting on Aug 22.  I am super nervous about the commitment, the money and if this is the right path to take.  BUT I have learned that if you stay in one place for to long you don't grow.  I need some kind of growth in my life so this is the perfect time for this program to begin.

I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my mental, physical and emotional health. I have chosen to pour my heart and soul with as many good things as possible.  If someone or something makes me smile and laugh..I'm going to want more of it.  I will start painting, learning photography, giving more and of course learn more about this yoga stuff.

My future depends on what I do in the present.  I will not break, I will continue to bend with the storm life gives me.  What I do know is that next year my life will not look the same as it does today.  I hope you will follow along in my journey of finding the path to my NEW happiness. I will be honest and raw about all my emotions.  My life has been one long roller coaster ride :( My ride seems a little broken but my will to get to the top is stronger than ever.  Failure is the thing that keeps me moving forward.... someday I'll look back at this time in my life with a smile.

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.---Maya Angelou

21 day fix

If you follow me on facebook or Instagram you know that I been focused on the 21 day fix for the last few weeks.  I LOVED this program so much that I plan on following it for another 21 day and most likely continue it all summer long.  I normally eat a clean diet but I been a little generous with my serving sizes on a few things...Peanut butter, cheese.. etc.  This plan is all about measuring, food prepping and drinking a lot of H2O.. it also comes with workout videos.

Beginning weight: 154
Ending weight: 146

I still have 2 more pounds to drop to get to my goal summer weight.  I have no doubt that I will get there with the fix and probably will go beyond the 144 goal! I would LOVE it if I hit 140 but I don't want to focus on the number.  I want to really focus on how I feel, look and how I am sleeping. 

The 21 day fix has taught me that I need to get more veggies in.  I seriously hate veggies but my body; mostly my thyroid needs clean healthy veggies to work properly. The only thing I haven't loved in this program is how much money I am spending at the grocery.  I will never understand why healthy foods are so freaking expensive.  I keep telling myself that I am investing in my future and my overall health. I plan on hitting up the farmers market this summer for cheaper veggies!

Who would benefit from the fix?

Easy.. EVERYONE! This is a good program to get you back on track or to start you on the right track! I think this is good for someone that is starting out or for someone that is a lifelong health nut like me.   Sometimes we fail to remember the basics which is why I needed the program.  The workouts are GREAT for a beginner or someone who doesn't workout out daily. 

The picture on the right is an example of what my fridge looks like after grocery shopping.  Filled with good healthy, bright, colorful foods... my body can't get enough of it!

What more info? Contact me at katmorgan2004@yahoo.com or click here to order the Fix.

How often do you measure your foods? Do you sprinkle a little extra cheese on your salad like me? :)

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: May Goals

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: May Goals: I have 15 days of school left in the 2013-2014 school year.  I seriously can't wait for summer because of all the amazing things I ha...

May Goals

I have 15 days of school left in the 2013-2014 school year.  I seriously can't wait for summer because of all the amazing things I have planned out.  I am heading to Mexico, Canada and Vegas...maybe Denver too!  I wish I could fast forward to May 31 but my life doesn't come with a fast forward button.  In the mean time I need to focus on my May goals.  I have to be super strict this month with food, workout and mostly REST.  Here are my May goals...

 

May Goals

1. Hold a handstand.

2. Run 2-3 times a week.

3. Weight lift 3-4 times a week.

4. Try 2 new things.

5. Walk a mile a day. 

6. Continue the Fix. 

1. Hold a handstand. 

I am following a lady on Instagram who is teaching her followers the proper way to complete a handstand.  I want to hold a handstand on the beach in Mexico...I don't know why?!?! It just seems like such a great goal to have with a super sweet picture on the beach. 

2. Run 2-3 times a week. 

I been taking a step back from running because my body was craving it big time.  I haven't laced my running shoes up in over a 2 weeks while I miss running the time off has been amazing.  I plan on slowly getting back into the running routine.  Two short runs and one medium run for now... Long runs will have to wait till late June or early July. 

3. Weight Lift 3-4 times a week. 

I am getting myself ready for swimsuit season! I don't think I have to say why weight lifting is important but I will.  Muscles are smaller than fat! So I am building the muscles to look leaner when I am in a swimsuit.. that's all! Plus, muscles are HOT!

4. Try 2 new things. 

I would like to try Boxing this month.... thinking about my other new thing.

5.  Walk a mile a day. 

I love that the weather has turned which makes me want to be out in it more.  Louie will be thanking me for adding this as a May goal! 

6.  Continue the fix. 

Clean Foods + Weight lifting = Awesome looking muscles. 

I have a feeling this month is going to be awesome! Follow along to see if I reach my May goals.

Things I am up too..

Three things I learned in April about myself..
1. I love photography.. or should I say finding a beautiful spot to take pictures with my iphone.
2. I LOVE yoga so much! I am seriously considering becoming a yoga instructor!
3. I needed to change my diet and my workout routine... change is always good to keep the body guessing!!!!

Top three Yoga pictures in nature over the last 2 weeks

This picture wouldn't be complete without Louie. Dancing in the rain with the Dancer Pose.

Hollow Back pose using the tree for support. 

 

This pose was PERFECTLY fit with the barn in the background! I love the colors :)

Food. Workout. Rest. WATER.

Those four things have been completely spot on the last 3 weeks.  I been killing the workouts, eating clean foods, drinking water (still need to workout on this more) and getting enough sleep for recovery.  The Result? Dropping 6 pounds... BOOM!

The below picture is day 3 of the 21 day fix.  Basically, I have to measure everything and keeping all food clean.  I normally eat clean but I been a little friendly with the peanut butter lately :( I haven't had peanut butter in 12 days.  #mightneedrehab

Goals for May
1. Finish this school year with a smile.
2. Workout 6 days a week. Workouts will include running, yoga, weights and other cardio workouts.
3.  Try 2 new fitness classes.  Getting bored with my routine so I am stepping out of the fitness box a little. Going to try Boxing for sure!
4. Lose another 4-5 pounds before my brothers wedding.
5. Walk a mile a day...extra to my normal workout.
6.  Keep working on the house to put on the market.
7. RELAX


KEEP BE AMAZING FRIENDS :)

Kentucky Derby Marathon

 The Kentucky Derby Marathon

4th Marathon of the 2014

8th Marathon overall

Expo: 1/5
One thing I love about racing is the Expo! The Expo gets me excited about the race, I can shop and be with the other nervous runners.  This Expo was so tight, crowded and didn't have a lot of booths that I found appealing. Maybe I'm getting bored with Expo's or something? I am giving this Expo a poor review.

Race Swag: 2/5
My race shirt is a little big but I love the tech material and the design.  The half marathoners got a bright orange shirt which I really wanted instead of this marathon shirt but I didn't feel right switching when I was running the marathon.  We also got a marathon hat but it doesn't fit my head at all.  I most have a huge head :( It didn't even fit my Dad's head so I just tossed it. I was really disappointed that my name was not on the bib.  Maybe I am getting spoiled from all my other marathons but how else is people going to cheer for you?

Starting Line: 3/5
The starting line was very organized! There was plenty of bathrooms which I used at least 2 times because I didn't want to stop while on the course.  I got to the starting in line almost an hour before the race started.  I like being early to races because I can relax a bit before I have to run.  This was a huge bonus since we were able to park like one block away from the starting line.. PLUS, we didn't have to pay! Since, we were so close we stayed in the car to stay warm. They didn't have music that I could hear nor did they have any kind of big display right before the start.  I have seen fireworks, planes and loud music to get the runners excited. 

Course: 5/5
I LOVED this course! This has to be one of my favorite marathon courses ever.  It was extremely beautiful, so much to look at and the crowd/fans were everywhere! Around mile 8 we ran in churchhill downs.. it was HUGE! Horses were practicing for the Derby which was so cool to see.  The trees were blooming and so was the flowers the smell of spring was in the air.  There was a GIANT hill/mountain at mile 11 which I swear continued till mile 13. 

Water Stops: 5/5
I believe there was a water stop every 2 miles? I honestly can't remember because I really lost track of where I was.  They did have gu's on the course which I actually took at mile 18. 


Finish Line: 4/5
It was a nice finish line but not my favorite.  I did hear them say my name which was cool.  I can't really remember much because I was that tired.  I did bend over as soon as I finished... 3 people ran over to me to make sure I wasn't going to fall over.  The volunteers were AMAZING! I never take food at the finish line but this race I grabbed a banana, chocolate milk and some water.  They did have a little party area but I was just to tired to enjoy a beer.

Results: 2/5
I had a TERRIBLE race mentally and physically.  I went way to fast the first 10 miles but I really was going for the PR.  The first 10 miles I was under a 9:50 pace but after I hit that giant hill I completely fell apart. I struggled with running, struggled with walking and struggle with tummy issues.  I honestly wanted to call it off but I knew I would be mad at myself if I did.  My ucan wasn't working or it felt like it wasn't working.. that is why I took a gu at mile 18.  With 5 miles left in the race I stopped at a store to get a cold COKE. Why? I needed sugar to help me get to the end of this race... Coke was the trick that helped for sure.  I am proud I finished! This was the hardest race I have ever ran mentally.

Overall: 4/5
I really did love this race for so many reasons! It wasn't extremely large which made the road less crowded.  The weather was amazing but it did get super hot at the very end.. not one single cloud in the sky.  I love everything about the course.. the fans, the trees, the houses, the hill...EVERYTHING was perfect. I didn't love the expo or the shirt but who cares about that anyways! The medal is beautiful!  I consider this one of my favorite races of all times! Would I do it again? YES, YES and YES!!!

What I loved about this weekend is spending some time with my Dad.  He was late signing up for the race but he still ran 10 miles while I was out running my 26.2.  My Dad is a HUGE inspiration to me! He is the reason I love running so much.  It's a gift that we both have this love for racing.  I love the time I get to spend with him out on the road clocking in the miles but I love our trips to places where we can just be a family.  Thanks Dad for being there at the finish line! I broke down at the end of the race but when I saw Dad I couldn't help but smile.  Thanks for driving me home too :) That 30 minute nap felt like HEAVEN!