30 day shred {week 1}

that's it. i'm going to bring it. after my fourth and final baby, i'm ready to bring it. i've been pretty comfortable with my body, especially considering it has created four children, the youngest three of which happened within a 3.5 year time span. insane, i tell ya. but now that i'm done having babies, i want to get my body to where i want it. it's not all about losing weight {although it does play a part}, but more about becoming healthier, feeling stronger, and being able to fit nicely into a cute shirt that i spot while shopping and not having to bitterly hang it back up on the rack after trying it on and feeling like it just doesn't fit right! ugh...i'm so sick of that bitter feeling!

this 30 day shred link-up couldn't have come at a better time because i'm already in the zone; i started running again and have been doing the p90 workout in my garage. this is not to be confused with p90x, because i know that i am completely incapable of doing that workout right now and refuse to discourage myself by even trying it. p90 is the workout program that is supposed to prepare your body for p90x, and it's doing a great job!

about a month ago, my husband and i started eating better, but we're not on any specific diet. we cut carbs out from our diets {although we do cheat, once in a while} and have been eating lots of protein and lots of vegetables. he brings a humongous salad to work for lunch everyday and i usually just eat carrot sticks or celery at home. dinner is also typically protein and veggies. we try to do the p90 workouts together in the garage 3-4 times a week. on the days we don't do the garage workout, he practices jiu-jitsu/boxing at his mma gym and i run 2 miles on the treadmill. so far, with just these changes, my husband has lost 17 pounds and i have lost 8.

throughout these lifestyle changes,  i've never made any measurements, or set goals, or tried to track anything besides weight. maybe because i've been afraid of failure. i do know that i'm ready to do it all now. and i realize that even if my measurements don't change or the numbers on the scale don't go down, i will not have failed because in one way or another, i will be a healthier and happier me....and that's the ultimate goal.


so here we go...

my before photo.

this is how you all should know i'm serious about this ish.
i would never have otherwise posted it!

{measurements} 
height: 5'4"
weight: 151.4 lbs
arms: {L} 11.5 inches {R} 11.5 inches
thighs: {L} 20.5 inches {R} 21 inches
upper waist (smallest part): 35 inches
lower waist (widest part): 40.5 inches
hips: 40 inches

{weekly goals}

- do the 30 day shred workout every day
-drink more water. this is going to be hard for me because i hate the taste {or lack thereof} of plain water. so i will make it a goal to drink 64 ounces a day.
- run a total of 8 miles each week.

{30 day goals}
- to strengthen my back. i've been having lower back problems from carrying liam around and i think it can be reduced significantly with strength training.
- to tone my arms. my legs are so strong already, i need to focus on my arms so that they don't continue waving bye after i've already stopped.
- lose a few inches in my mid-section. this is the most stubborn area for me to work on.

so let's do this! i'm so excited to start this and i'm even more excited to have the support and encouragement from the fabulous ladies who are participating. if you're even thinking about joining in....stop thinking and just do it!