As I progressed in the C25K program, I began to get more and more interested in running. My overall goal is to become a runner. I want to be able to say " I'm going for a run" one day. I've been dealing with foot problems specifically heel spurs for a fews years, so I knew to make it as a runner my shoes have to be correct. My podiatrist recommended that I visit a store that specializes in running shoes and look into shoes with stablilty support.

Visiting the first store I was steered towards this two stability shoes:

I decided to visit another store, The Jacksonville Running Company to see if they had a better selection is style and price. I was greeted with kindless as soon as I opened the door. Instead of just taking my word for it, my salesperson Bobby decided to take me through the entire Fit process to ensure I leave the store with the correct shoe. JRC uses a comprehensive foot digital analysis program to gather data related to arch type, length, and width of your feet.

The Fit process includes a Gait Analysis with video footage that zeros in on the nuances of my individual needs. This analysis allowed me to see how my feet move as I run and walk; They even allowed me to take a walk/run outside to see how my feet felt in the shoes. This was a very interesting process to get a better understanding of how my foot moves and the support it needs. The shoe that I decided on was the Brooks Dyad 7. This shoe is a Men's shoe but I loved the color (don't have to worry about showing all the dirt) and the structure of the shoe gave my toes the room needed for perfect comfort. The shoe runs for $110, but I was able to get it for $90.....YAY! To see more info on the whole fitting process, check out Jacksonville Running Company's website HERE.

I've worn my new kicks for a week and as of right now I'm satisfied. What I love about JRC they allow me 30 days to wear my new running shoes and if I'm not totally satified I can exchange them for a different pair. I will definitely recommend this store to anyone. The service I received was impeccable.

Future Daily Runner,
Foxxy

Watching the news last night, they featured a story about how to workout while you work. My ears perked up and I wanted to hear more. I've worked a desk job since I was 21 years old. The work becomes monotonous and sitting in the same spot for hours is definitely not healthy. I was shocked when they showed the Treadmill Desk Combination by Lifespan Fitness. Not only was I interested, I wish I could request one through my job to use for 2013. I would really be on the way to my weight loss goal :)

Lifespan describes the Treadmill Desk Combination as:
2013 Model - The TR800-DT5 Treadmill Desk workstation comes complete with a desk and treadmill. It has a sturdy work surface measuring 46.5" wide and 31" deep with ample room for all of your common office desktop devices like your laptop, printer, and computer. The treadmill console is conveniently located in the front of the desk so it doesn't take space away from the working surface. For comfort and convenience, the TR800-DT5 includes padded arm rests to ensure lasting comfort, and clean cable management with a cable tray tucked under the desk to store your cables.

If you're interested in taking your work life to the next level and don't mind the $1299 price tag, the Treadmill Desk Combination could be all yours! WAIT.....I almost forgot they offer free shipping (They want to butter you up!) For more information visit Lifespan Fitness website HERE

Fitness by any means necessary,
Foxxy

It's Official......I have a personal trainer! After the awesome tire flipping workout at the end of 2012 at Fitness Pursuits with Dr. Fitness, I decided to sign up for personal training. I'm going in to this with some support from my friend Shanae'. Although we have different fitness goals, we are determined to bring them to fruition. I'm not afraid to admit I need help with my weight loss goals and Fitness Pursuits is just the gym to get me there. Dr. Fitness and Trainer Errol (pictured) I just know in my heart that this journey will be hard but fun!

I'm so excited and ready for my weight loss journey to reach another level! I'll start my actual training on the 28th of this month. I signed up for 3 months of training to start out, so look forward to more post of my journey to "Transform Foxxy"!

Be Blessed,
Foxxy

For me 2013 is all about fitness and body transformation. I want to use this year to challenge myself. I'm six days late but I had to tell you guys about my January challenge. I've decided along with a friend to commit to no meat for the entire month. We decided to cut out all beef, pork, and my all time favorite CHICKEN! That means only veggies and seafood. As far as my meat intake, I'm relying more on meatless products by brands Boca and Morningstar Farms.

This is my second time on the challenge and I'm not worried one bit about my success. I'm a veggie lover and willing to try any vegetable once. So I see January as a month of discovery. I started the month with a homemade vegetable soup that's filling and a great combination to a salad or sandwich.

Here's the recipe: Start with 8 cups of water, then add
1 can vegetable stock (14oz)                                1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can tomato puree (29oz)                                   2 tablespoons onion powder
1 can tomato paste (6oz) 8 cups of water          4 dashes ground black pepper
1 large carrot, medium dice                                6 handfuls of veggie pasta (rotini, fusilli, ziti, noodles)
2 stalks celery, medium dice                               2 red-skin potatoes, medium dice
1 large eggplant, sliced and cut in fourths        2 yellow squash, medium dice
2 zucchini, medium dice                                      1 can black beans
1 can whole corn                                                   Add seasoning of your choice to taste

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot on high heat for 4-6 hours, depending on the texture desired.

I've taken the next step and committed to TOTALLY no meat for the month of March. If you're interested, sign the pledge with me here:
http://we already ww.nomeatmarch.com/

Challenge yourself,
Foxxy

OMG!?!?!?!?!? These are the best chips on the planet right now! Blue Corn Torilla Chips are my favorite snack. If I go to work without some of these chips in my lunch bag, WE'RE going to have a problem LOL! 

I discovered blue chips watching a episode of Dr. Oz in March 2012. He gave a list of health snacks and one that caught my eye was the "Skinny dip and chips". I was able to find the recipe for you on www.drozfans.com.

Dr Oz: Skinny Dips & Chips Recipe This helps to boost your metabolism, which will help you shed the pounds quicker.

- 1/2 cup of 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of walnuts
- garlic
- black pepper
- 1 tsp of hot sauce
- ½ oz of blue potato chips (Blue potato chips contain a compound to trick your body into thinking it is thin.)
-1 cup of cherry tomatoes

Believe me when I tell you, this dip is delicious!  I was addicted to it at one point. For anyone doing Weight Watchers this recipe is only 5 points! Totally worth it!

Enjoy,
Foxxy

WOW!?!?!?!?! I can't believe it......Today I'm starting week 7 of the C25K (Couch 2 5K) training. I honestly never thought I'll make it this far or be able to jog 22 minutes STRAIGHT! This week I'm striving for 25 minutes :) I thought I would have given up a long time ago, but I'm striving to do better and I AM! I'm not the best runner in the gym but I'm successfully making it through my training and not giving up. I'll worry about measuring distance the next go around on the program. Right now I'm just happy that I'm jogging for longer than 1 min!

Have a great day,
Foxxy

To amp up my fitness and jump start my commitment for 2013, I decided on 12/29/12 to attend the Tire flipping and dragging obstacle course at Fitness Pursuits in Jacksonville, FL. I was excited about attending but I didn't know what I had gotten myself into..... CAN YOU SAY SCARED????

I woke up very nervous of what was going to happen and how I was going to perform. Although I been to this gym before and was familiar with their style, I didn't want to disappoint myself  by not giving it my all. For added encouragement I invited my girl Shanae to go along who is also fitness focused for 2013.

Overall the obstacle course was fun, but HARD! It really pushed me to my limit. It also helped me to realize that I need to focus on pushing past my limits. The encouraging thing about it was you didn't have to flip the tires alone. Flipping each tire I was on a team with 2 other women. We pushed and encouraged each other through so that we all stayed one accord for the common goal: YOU CAN DO IT! 

I ended the workout excited and focused on going into 2013 with my weight loss number one. I even went to the gym afterward to do my C25K training for the day - I GOT THIS! ~~~~~Well the next day I was sore as EVER!!!! A friend of mine told me "That just means you are working areas that need it. Stick to it, it gets better"........That's definitely my PLAN! 


 
If you live in the Jacksonville area and would like more information, check out Iam Drfitness on facebook or company website: www.fitnesspursuits.com.