People, People, People!!

Its been like 3 years!!! You better believe I've told myself "I'm gonna get back to my blog..." like 2,398 times since I've last posted. This is seriously sad...and a bit embarrassing that its been so long. I was supposed to be on this whole "starting things and sticking to them" kick.
FAIL. I seriously believe that if I would've stuck with this years ago, I'd be famous with a youtube channel and a few endorsement deals by now. So this is why Im back... I need a book deal..and a cooking show. lol.

So now that I'm back, I'm here to stay (doubt it). But I'm seriously gonna put forth a valiant effort.
The thing is.. LIFE happened!


A QUICK UPDATE FOR YOU:


I got married to my sweetie...

Did a few figure competitions...

Visited France with friends...

Got another puppy. His name is Milo..Here he humps my leg.

Bought a new house!

And now here we are...  Happy and Healthy in Little Rock!!

SO LETS GET TO IT! 

The deal with me is: I normally find a fitness activity and I become so immersed in it. It's all I care about. I eat, sleep and breathe whatever it is and I tell people they are CRAZY for not participating in it with me. So today my thing is Orange Theory. I am obsessed.

I've lost about 10 pounds so far and Ive made some really good friends at the studio.

Literally all you have to do is show up, strap on the heart rate monitor and watch the calories melt away. I'm hooked.

So after I'd be attending for about a month, James realized how happy I was with the studio and realized my belly was shrinking. He saw how well I was doing (I sometimes attend class twice a day) and started running his mouth. "Girl please I can run circles around you in that class"..."You think you've got it going on until you see ME in class".. and more trash talk. So i signed him up and texted him to let him know.

So the next day we had class at 845am. I wish you could've been there to see him. Jesus.

He was a fish on dry land. Sucking in that wind! I didn't get on him too hard afterwards and we kinda laughed it off.  He told me he wanted to return that afternoon for a later class with me and promised that he would redeem himself. NO MORE SUCKING WIND.

So we get to class and our trainer Lisa is on him! Never letting him rest. After a while I saw him with his right hand balled up trying to pry it open with his left hand. YALL! The mans hands quit working. I DIED. Hydrate much??

Lisa was telling him to COME ON! PUSH! and he couldn't even give her a high 5 if she asked! We walked outta there in silence. I won't say anything.. but his smack talking better cease. Lol! Hey James, HIGH 5!!

See you guys later,

XO, Court

Someone Say Paleo?

Happy Sunday everyone!!
I decided to take a little break from wedding planning to post a little something. I am really enjoying the planning process but I cant wait until I can get back to normal life (and normal money). I'm sure James and Mykee cant wait to hear about something other than the wedding on a daily basis. Does Mykee look tired of me or what? ONLY 40 DAYS LEFT!

Now on to the sweaty stuff!
I'm STILL loving bikram.. and I am SO EXCITED with the response that I've been receiving from my readers. Everyone seems to be jumping on the bikram train..whether for the first time- or after a long hiatus. The benefits are just so great. I started bikram Dec 18 and I am already down 8 pounds! I crave healthier foods and I actually monitor my sleeping habits and water intake. On my way to a better, healthier body. I am getting better at the poses as well... Friday I perfected my Head to Knee pose and got so excited I almost yelped. Luckily I was able to contain my excitement. I treated myself to a yummy Super C Boost juice across the parking lot at Cosmic Coconut with Ashley right after class..dont we look happy??

JUICY JUICE WITH ASH!!

 

 So I've started the recently popular PALEO diet in order to cleanse my body and become more wedding ready! I even challenged my dad to try the diet for 2 weeks (just to see if he could live without the bread, processed foods and dairy). He has actually done an awesome job! He reported that after a week, he doesnt sweat in his sleep anymore. He would have to wake up in the middle of the night and change shirts but now he is dry every morning! We both feel better, leaner and healthier. That bread and dairy really does something to you. I never really realized the effect it can have on your body.

So what is the PALEO diet? Basically the paleolithic diet shoots you back to the early cavemen era. Before agriculture, refined sugars and processed foods. No bread products, pastas, rices..no milk, no cheese... basically just fresh veggies, fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, healthful oils and lean meats. And not even all of those made the list.
You might wince at all the things that you CAN'T eat but think about this: cavemen didnt suffer acne, gout, heart disease, cancer, diebetes and obesity.
Now let me admit, I do have the one day a week where I eat what I want. I usually go for a latte or cereal..but during the week- I'm not craving those terrible foods. I encourage you to do a little research for yourself.
Okay I have to go and prepare for my busy week! Bridal shower coming this Saturday! Im soooooo excited!!!!!!!

hehe cant wait

Talk to you guys soon!
Courtney

Guess Who's Back?!

Ok, Ok, Ok!
Its been THREE MONTHS since I've posted and I promise to NEVER leave you guys hanging for sooo long!! Starting a new job (in another state) and planning my DrEaM WeDdInG has kept this little woman BUSY BUSY BUSY. Only 55 Days until I become a MRS and I am sooo freaking excited!! Check him out! My sexy muscle man =)

SOOOOO lets get to it! I have to get you guys caught up with whats been going on in my fitness world! Let us start with the St. Jude Marathon!
 So I am proud to announce that I finished the race!! Here is a shot of me and Nicole at the start up line and YES I was about to Pee my pants. Figuratively AND literally. The restroom lines were about 20 people long so I had to wait until about mile 2 to grab a free potty. I never saw Nicole again. I was in a sea of runners..allll alone. Haha! But really- it was an awesome experience. I actually hurt my IT band at mile 17 and I had to limp/skip/jog/walk/cry to the finish line but I was NOT about to let a stupid injury keep me from that shiny gold medal. MARATHON NUMBER 1...CHECK!




I'm actually signed up to run the Little Rock 1/2 marathon this March (a week before the wedding- yup, I'm a dummy) but I havent run since the marathon. I'm kinda scared. I did a few physical therapy sessions and I might go back to get a little more therapy in just to be safe. Will keep yall posted.

Me, my medal and my homemade knee brace. LOL!!

 

 

So after the race... I took off for two weeks and just rested. It seriously drove me crazy. I felt like I was getting fatter by the minute! On Dec 18, my dear Ashley convinced me to sign up for BIKRAM YOGA. I thought she lost her mind. No way in HELL was I gunna get in a room of 30 sweaty funky people..with the door closed and the heat turned up to 105. First, I sweat like a man..Second..I sweat like a man.. Third, so does my weave. Judge away..lol. I agreed to give it a shot. I figured that all that stretching would do me some good- and at least give my knee a good workout.

So this is me and Ash on our first day. It was HELL. But now I am SOOO ADDICTED. After only a little less than a month, I've dropped weight, I'm more flexible, and less stressed. I would reccommend Bikram to anyone!If you can get past the heat, you will do fine! You have to remember to hydrate often, eat well and get adequate rest.. and the rumors are true. They will not let you leave the room during class (the sessions are 90 minutes long). You can't drink water until after the 4th pose (about 15 minutes in). No talking, no watches, no looking at anyone else but yourself..I think thats it. There are 26 poses and you do each pose twice. You listen to the instructor and watch yourself in the mirror. Everyone is so focused and in tune with their own practice. I love it. I love challenging myself to get better- I mean seriously when I first went, I had to sit down for half the class. Now I can get through the entire session without taking a seat! Now I'm just trying to work on my postures- some are difficult but most of them are pretty easy. Its just the perfecting part.I encourage anyone and EVERYONE to try it out!

And believe me-- he AINT lying. I love that everyone is comfortable with their bodies in class but MAN. Seriously.

Haha-- one other thing that me and my immature friend can't deal with in Bikram is the pooting. I kid you not, these yogis break wind and keep it moving like it never happened. Half moon pose, let er rip, change. Namaste.

You should have seen the looks on our faces when we heard the first human machine gun. Gahhh. I looked around with wild eyes wondering who did it and Ashley was trying to hold her laugh down. There is one lady who poots at least three times without hesitation. And nobody says excuse me!! I guess because you arent allowed to speak. But still! The room is BURNING UP..and the DOOR IS CLOSED! Hold your gas until its time to leave. lol..I'm kidding- kinda. I know youre supposed to let all the wind go and its part of the process..blah blah blah. It's still disturbing me while I try to hold my poses. Put your poots on silent. Well- nevermind. Those are the killer ones. Ok, ok..I'm done.

So I'm gunna leave you guys for now but I will post another one tomorrow. We have SOOO much to talk about. And I've got a WHOLE MESS of healthy recipes to share! Excited!!

 

Until tomorrow,

Namaste =)

Court





You Are What You Eat!

HOLA HOLA!!

Haha this picture is SO ME!

I missed you guys this weekend! I was super busy so I wasn't able to post but IM HERE!! I hope everyone had an awesome weekend and I hope you didn't throw away your weeks worth of great workouts and healthy food choices. It is sooo easy to fall into a slump. You spend monday through friday hitting the gym and picking apples over bags of chips and then as soooooon as you get off work Friday, you're screaming

"PASS THE MARGARITAS AND BURRITOS!"

                                    

Man...if I could.......

                                               

BUT TAKE IT FROM ME.........people who look like this...

Don't take cheat WEEKENDS and eat this....

I know we would REALLY like it if we could...but we can't have our cake and eat it too. You cant eat crap and expect to look amazing- unless you have those crazy genes that allow you to remain small while eating whatever you want. But don't worry!! Your metabolism WILL SLOW DOWN ONE DAY!!!!

Haha Im just jealous, thats all =)

 

We have to stay motivated!! It's easy to fall into the "This one burger won't hurt" trap. YES IT WILL! I'm not saying its not okay to indulge every once in a while- but BEWARE OF THE TRAP!

 

   Yesterday morning I had a 10-miler to accomplish and MAN, was it painful. When working out alone it is so easy to give up when the going gets tough (and your damn legs start to hurt). I must admit, I wanted to stop SO BAD and make a beeline for my apartment but I stayed out there and finished it up. Its not always easy. Its not always beautiful and glamorous like the women's Nike commercials but we must fight through the bad workouts! Don't be easily discouraged! Remember, if it's hurtin, it's workin!

I know this post was quite short but I'm pretty tired. I will post a better one tomorrow, promise!

We will talk about workout pain and relief options! Stay tuned!


Before I go, I'd like to leave you with a little pic-cha...

In other words, drink more water! You can even jazz it up with mint, strawberries, lemons and limes! Water is great for you! It even tricks your brain into thinking your tummy is full so you won't stuff yourself when eating!

DRINK UP!

 

Nighty Night!

Court

Burning Up!

BONUS BONUS BONUS POST!!

I know I've already posted once today but I after the run I just experienced I must share with you some important "Rules of the Road".

Yes, this is me right now. The look on my face portrays exactly how fun this run was.

I started extra late- which is not good, especially when you are running downtown alone. I didnt get to finish because the sun went down and the hobos came out to play.

I'll make up for it tomorrow- don't yall worry.

 

OKAY!

 

So do you know when people say "I was just soo dern busy that I forgot to eat"..

I'm always like...

YEHHHH RIGHT!!

 

I'm such a greedy girl..there is no way I could forget to eat..right?

WRONG!!

I didn't remember to eat until after I was outside working on mile 1. Damn. IT IS SOOO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO EAT- especially for us fitness people. We have to stay energized. And I dont care what anyone says- if you dont get proper nutrition, there is no sports bean in the world that can give you energy to complete a great workout. I wanted to fall down in the grass and stay there until someone noticed- and brought me a snack. But I kept going. I will NEVER do that again.  

 

ANOTHER THING!!

It is important that you NOT skip meals. When you skip meals and become SOOOO hungry, you will eat ANYTHING! Then you'll feel guilty afterwards. If you consume healthy snacks throughout the day, when its time for your meals, you won't be as hungry as you can make logical decisions. There have been many times when James was crusing along (while my stomach was eatingmy back) and he would calmly say "Where would you like to eat hunny?"..and I'd be like..

I DON"T CARE! I WANT EVERYTHING! FEED ME NOOWWW!!

 

lol

 It is also important that you eat until you are satisfied-- not until you are STUFFED. There is a big difference. Eat until you are not hungry anymore..don't keep eating to the point you're uncomfortable. The ONLY time it's okay to eat until you can't breathe is Thanksgiving.





Totally Kidding...kinda.

 

ONE MORE THING..

There is a difference.

I am guilty of this every once in a while. Are you really hungry?? Or do you need to find a hobby?

Think about it the next time you try to reach for some Oreos.

 

NOW PUT CHA HANDS IN THE AIR IF YOUR FACE FEELS LIKE THIS WHEN YOU SWEAT....

This could be due to a number of things.. the only reason I thought of this random topic is because the little crack under my nose is on FIRE right now.

This can be caused by makeup or facial moisturizer residue that adversely reacts with the sweat. I use hydroquinone and a tretinoin as an acne/scarring treatment and I forgot to wash my face before I went out. These treatments actually make your face more sensitive to the salt in your sweat and cause it to burn. Wiping off your face too hard with your tshirt or towel probably doesnt make it any better.

Sweat bands help/ and make sure you wash your face before you exercise. Aquaphor (in the baby section) before and after your run helps.. AND WATER! Staying hydrating during your heavy sweat sessions can actually alleviate the burn since your sweat won't be as salty.

Ok guys, thats all for tonight!

I hope you sleep well!

TOMORROW IS THURSDAY!

Every Thursday I will post a fun and healthy recipe for you to try! So stay tuned..

 

May the force be with you,

Court

No Nonsense

Booyoww!!
Today was supposed to be a cross training day so James promised that he would tag along with me to the gym so that I can do moves-- and he could snap photos for you guys. But this happened...

 

So i ended up ALLLL ALONE. But that's okay! I kept a positive attitude...

And set out to the gym alone. Don't mind that pile of crap to the left- just a little pile that SOMEBODY (not me) was supposed to take to the trash this afternoon...

 



So I made my way to 10 fitness (gym in Little Rock that costs- you guessed it- $10/month) for 60 minutes of cross training. I didn't go to the functional training gym (functional training is kinda like a crossfit gym- I'll explain that later) because my legs are still a bit sore from yesterday- going from nothing to 9 miles is pretty tough on your body so I took it easy today. 

I hopped on the bike and rode for 25 minutes- just a nice easy ride (intensity of 8, no hill intervals today), watched a little tv and before I knew it, it was time to get off!

I then got an exercise ball and two 8 pound weights and did sit-up jabs.

 

1. Grab an exercise ball

2. Grab your weights- whatever size works for you

3. Lay back on your ball with the weights in each hand

4. Sit up and jab your right arm hard to the left (punch your boss hard!)

5. Lay back on the ball with your core contracted

6. Sit up and jab your left arm to the right (punch him/her hard again!)

7. Repeat..and repeat and repeat and repeat

 

I then did burpees on the step...

So you put both hands on the floor jump both feet back (you'll be in pushup positon). Jump your feet back to your hands (butt shall be in the air- like you just dont care) and stand up, jumping on the step in a fluid motion. It might be difficult to keep it flowing when you first start out but thats okay! Just keep it up. It will get easier with practice =)

 

After I finished with my burpees and ball jabs (heehee), I went for the No Nonsense circuit. This is to be done continuously without a break until the entire circuit is finished. Then you are to repeat it 2 more times! GO HARD and don't hold back. If done correctly, you should be dripping! If The No Nonsense workout is all you plan on doing, running a mile (or two) before and after will add a little intensity to the workout! Give it a try!



 

 

After my workout was complete, I headed to Kroger to pick up some TP and wandered on the health nut aisle...

 

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE!!

"Get Rich Quick" schemes are not the way to go.. So why would one think that "Get Fit Quick" schemes are effective? Slim Quick and Hydroxycut may work for some but why do we always try to take the quick and "easy" route? Work out, eat right and the results will come- I promise. Put the pills down, grab a stick of celery and join a bootcamp. Sheesh.

 

 

 So I wandered on down and passed by this.. I love Muscle Milk. People have different opinions about protein shakes but I think this is a good one. They also have a "light" version for people that want to keep the calories low. But if you need more protein in your diet, these are great (and yummy). LET ME BE CLEAR-- if your diet calls for more protein, it is better to consume more protein with actual whole foods- supplementing with shakes is not the BEST choice. But Muscle Milk is a good shake.

 

Anddd finally. I walked past the frozen dessert aisle. And stopped. Then kept walking. Then turned around. And walked down the aisle. What the heck. Its Sunday. Calories don't count on Sundays. You didn't know that? lol. Well if I must have ice cream, Im gunna go with SKINNY COW. It is the BEST ice cream with 1/3 of the guilt!! I got a mini cup of Dulce de Leche. 150 calories and 1 gram of fat. We wont mention the carbs and sugar content- its Sunday. Remember? haha!! If the ice cream container can fit in the palm of your hands then its all good. I don't make the rules =)



 

Well tomorrow is another running day. I have 3 miles so I'll knock that one out bright and early in the morning!

What workouts will you partake in tomorrow? Share with me!

 

Talk to you guys tomorrow!

 

 

Peace in the Middle East,

Court