sun, sand, and sweetie

I'm back! The trip was a success and I'm back to the grind. Though it rained almost every day we were there (and I don't mean little passing rain clouds) I still had a wonderful time with my husband and friends.

So... did I workout? I worked out 2 of the days and I consider that to be fine by me. Admittedly, as I was on the treadmill that final day (of the 2 workouts) I thought "man, I wish I would've tried to workout an additional day b/c this feels great." What is better - I'm not beating myself up over it. It was vacation after all! In the past I would've made myself feel so guilty over not working out enough that I would've been totally beaten down. I'm back home and back on track.

I did my cardio last night and felt great! With Memorial Day upon us, Lithe is cancelled this weekend so I'll continue my cardio until class on Tuesday.

the sounds of high mini

Some people wake up to Michael Jackson running through their head... others Lady Gaga... some maybe Cat Stevens... me? This morning I woke to the chant of High Mini: Shuffle! Shuffle! Shuffle - knee up! Shuffle! Shuffle! Shuffle - knee up!

I kid you not - this is how my morning began! It makes me smile to think about it. Needless to say, tonight IS my High Mini class. Maybe my body already knows what is in store.

So where am I with all this Lithing and cardio business? I feel very strong and healthy. Do I feel like I've lost inches? Not really - yet. What does the scale read? I refuse to use the scale. So while I can feel a difference I'm not totally sure the difference is noticeable. I mentioned that Krista said she noticed a difference during High Mini (a week or so ago) and last night I received an email from Carrie saying I look toned and tiny! Made my day! It's great that the instructors notice a difference but is it something the outside world can see? Not sure.

I'm planning to bring my workout clothes to Punta Cana. I've told myself that if I can work out at least 3 of the 5 days (since 2 days are pretty heavy travel days) - I'll be doing well. It is vacation so I don't want to be too hard on myself.

Last night after class and my cardio session, I was all about packing. It started out with me throwing every favorite dress that I own into my luggage... Then I realized that I needed to get organized and EDIT. I figured out outfits for each day (complete w/ jewelry and shoes) so that I can mix and match without toting my entire closet out of the country. It was a success! I feel good about what I'm taking and I am proud to say I'm being fairly minimal!

Can you tell I'm so excited for a vacation??

check

1. Havaianas (CHECK!)

I scored these adorable Havaianas at South Moon Under. The color (gold) is perfect and will compliment each suit. Not only that but they are very, very comfortable.

2. Bathing Suit (CHECK!) I found a picture of the bathing suit. Love it!! This suit is so comfortable and flattering - a hard combination to find.

Now I just need to find the perfect cover up. I have a few options right now but I'm just not 100% in love. I want casual/chic while sipping cocktails at the bar...

lists lists

Just a few days until I'm beach bound! I can't wait! Last week I decided that I needed to take the plunge and try on my bathing suits (pun intended) to see what I will be taking and what I will need to get.

After a quick inventory I realized I need to grab the following:

1. Havaianas

2. Bathing suit

3. Light-weight cover up

For the first time I didn't cringe at the idea of looking for a new suit. I said to myself, "Ok this isn't murder - let's be kind here. You've been working hard. You will find the suit that works the best for you and is comfortable enough to last a day on the beach." Let me tell ya! I hit up Bloomingdales (the mecca of bathing suits!) and I was in and out! Tell me... when do you hear "in and out" when referencing bathing suit shopping? I just love that there are so many adorable sizes, shapes, and designs out there right now.

I found an adorable black, strapless maillot by Juicy Couture (tried to find a picture online but was unsuccessful). Initially I picked up a large and then realized it was way too big - I realized I'm actually a size small. Yay for small victories (pun intended)!

When I got home I tried all my suits again and I have to say... I might not be in a bikini but I look HELLA good in my maillots!

Now on to the other items on my list!

what am i really eating??

Mr. C and I watched Food, Inc. last night. Amazing movie - I encourage everyone to watch it. It will change the way you look at the food industry. Eye opening!

feel the burn

This morning I realized I hadn't blogged much last week. No particular reason, I've still been lithing away! In fact, I've added incline, interval runs as well and was able to run 5 days last week in addition to 5 Lithe classes. It was a really great week. For the first time in my life I actually look forward to working out and count it as the highlight of my day. I'm also seeing really great results.

Yesterday was High Mini and I was feeling pretty tired Sunday morning. Mr. C was at a bachlor party all weekend and I was loving the fact that I had the whole bed to myself. Regardless of my sleepy eyes, I knew I wanted to be at class. Let me tell you, it was so great! I felt strong. I felt like my form was on - I couldn't be stopped. I believe it was during one of the (many) jump series that I noticed that I looked tight and toned. Could it be that I was wearing black or was I actually toning up in a noticeable way? I finished class and Krista called me over. "Carmen, you're looking really toned," she told me. She said she looked over at me and thought, "Go Carmen!" and wanted to remember to tell me after class. I am elated! I said that I had noticed too but wasn't sure if it was the mirrors in the room or if it was a visible change (and yes I hugged her!).

Yes, Lithe Method is life changing. I feel really good and am beginning to see my body more differently than I ever have before. The love/hate partnership of the past is actually beginning to fade away. I'm enjoying what I have and have an understanding of what it takes to be healthy. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. It can be fun and relaxing - and stress relieving. I once read that you have to sweat to lose weight. I'm loving it!

know thyself

Last night's class was wonderful. I pumped it up to the heavier wrist weights and kicked some butt! Carrie is a stickler for form and I love her for it. When you're so concentrated on the form the reps feel so much stronger. After I got home from class I decided to do an interval incline run (run/walk). While I said I was only going to add 1 more piece of cardio, I might increase that to really stretch myself.

As I sit here and really think about my approach to the month of May I'm again reminded that everyone has to work differently. It's not about working "harder" than someone else but it's about knowing what will work for you. For me, I can't eat cheesesteaks and cake all day long and expect to maintain my weight. My sister, on the other hand, can down a banana split in a blink and then jump into her bikini and swan dive into a pool of pudding (yes S, I'm talking about you!). But, my sister also balances her workouts and has the most amazing body image. She's so great to remind me that Kate Moss, I am not, and shouldn't strive for that look (she gives it to me straight in the most loving possible way). What I can do is remember what workouts work for me - and most importantly - how amazing I feel when I accomplish them. Can you believe I woke up this morning and was excited to work out this evening?? I'm not sure that has happened before.

I'm excited about May. I'm excited that the weather is getting warmer and I'm feeling fit and ready for it. I still need to work on the bathing suit anxiety but... that might take a little time. :)

sunshine state of mind

After an amazing trip to Panama City with dear friends, we are back in PA and facing the Mondays. Florida was a weekend of too much food and too much drinking - it was perfection! Mr. C and I spent our honeymoon in Antigua and met another couple (from Alabama) also celebrating their honeymoon. We've kept in touch and decided to meet in Panama City for a long weekend. It was like we've known each other for years. We really didn't miss a beat. The weekend was punctuated with jokes, laughter, relaxation, and good friends.

Alas, it's back to reality and I'm ready for Lithe tonight. The May schedule has changed things a bit so I'm excited to see what the new classes will bring.

This week is:
Monday: Wings
Tuesday: High Mini (or Skinny Jeans not sure which it will be)
Wednesday: Cinch
Saturday: Sculpt
Sunday: Thigh High

I'm also going to increase my cardio. Carrie recommended that I do about 30 minutes of cardio on the treadmill. I've been doing 2 mins. running and 2 mins. power walking on a 15 incline. The workout is tough but feels good! I'll be doing this 2 days a week in addition to the 5 days of Lithe. It's crunch time now.