Run The World!!!

Beyonce's new hit single "Run the world" is a nice little anthem, however, it is also a great song to listen to while i'm working out. It gives me that extra umph i need to keep going. Maybe its just the beat, some of the lyrics or the fast tempo, whatever it is, it works! Not to mention, watching the video clearly shows that homegirl is working out and running to get those fabulous legs!!

So no, this blog is not necessarily about her song, but moreso about the word "Run". Back in my younger years, i used to run my butt off. Jogging, especially outdoors, was my thing. But over time, my knees decided they didnt want be nice to me anymore. Technically, i was mean to them first by running on asphalt vs. rubber or sand. Yup, cement is bad for the knees. it has something to do with how hard the joints bang together when you step down with force on the hard pavement over and over again.

Since i've been trying to make the gym a regular thing for pumping weight and getting my cardio on, i noticed that i'm only doing 15 minutes of cardio and the other 45 minutes are geared towards weight training to enduce muscle mass. However, when doing my few minutes of cardio to get my heart pumping and my body warm before my workout, i'm literally out of breath within the first 5 minutes. WTH?!?! I figured something has to give. I need to build up more stamina. And especially since i'm trying to lose a little bit of weight (fat) and gain muscle mass.

After much research, i found out that jump roping is THE BEST way to lose weight. It's even more intense than running. You can burn double the calories jumping rope than jogging and in less time. Little did i realize when i purchased the jump rope was that it wasnt going to be as much fun as it was when i was a kid.

Remember way back when, when you could do like 100 jumps when jumping rope or double dutching before getting winded?!? yeah, well, not anymore. I did 15 and damn near past out! Lol!

So for now, i will stick to running until i build up enough stamina to jump rope again. And to reduce the chances of injuring my knees, i will be running on the grass vs. the sidewalk. The spring from the dirt is way better than the cement. Running in the gym just doesnt do it for me. I'm too focused on the time displayed on the machine and how many calories i'm burning or how far i've run. All i need is nature, my running shoes and my ipod. Time to update my music! Maybe some more up beat Beyonce' joints! :-)

SincerelyNiah

Doing me [a little better]!

Lately, I have been restless, emotional, easily annoyed, fatigued, overly sensitive, tired and just plain ole BLAH! I've come to the conclusion that i must be lacking some very important essentials in my life.

Since the summer began, i have been getting it in with the parties and hanging out. I mean literally, i have been on the go non-stop and it's starting to wear on me just like the commute is wearing on my car too and from work. That's another blog though. My body is not used to this and is threatening to shut down. Proof came to me when i became ill with the worst cold ever just a few weeks ago. I sounded like i had a smokers cough and it hurt like nobody's business. it was horrible, for a lack of better words! Then i became light headed at random times of the day very frequently. Not to mention, every and any little thing fired me up. That is not me at all!!! Everyone knows me to be optimistic no matter the situation.

After picking a fight with my boyfriend last night over something so silly, we hung up and took a minute to really think things over.

So before i end up losing my job, my man and peace of mind, I came up with this:
* I'm woman, so i have a natural characteristic of being emotional.
* I am emotional because my body feels heavy, bloated and i don't feel attractive.
* I am miserable because my emotions and being overly sensitive has caused my lack of great communication skills with my right hand man, my boo, my love, my bestfriend [all one in the same]
* Falling ill simply came from my atmosphere of sick colleagues but also, my horrible eating habits, depriving my body of a balanced nutritional diet.
* I have had an extreme lack of energy because my workout regimen has ceased to exist.

All of this has been too much and something has to change immediately. After talking to one of my closest girlfriends yesterday, I am now amped with starting a full body detox system. Not just the one that will help with my bloat feeling, but one to relax, relate and release all of the negative energy i have been feeling and in retrospect, giving off.

These are some things i need to do daily for my journey, which to me has no destination, but is more of a constant that should exist in my daily life.

Water...atleast 64 ounces a day (the 8 x 8 rule)

Sleep...I know it sounds corny but i want to be in bed by 10pm on a school night even though all the good reality shows don't come on until 10. bah-hum-bug!

Food...I pride myself on eating healthy but lawd knows i gets it in at Chipotle, sometimes more than i should. Note to self, Gaucamole on my burrito bowl does not serve as my vegetable intake for the day. ugh! Lol!

Exercise...one day i want to be able to say, "I am Fifty, Fit, Fine and Fabulous!!!" I can't wait until i'm 50 to start though. So, a consistant work out is necessary starting today!

Detox...Sometimes, a little extra is needed to rid your body of toxins, parasites and a whole lot of other sh*t! [pun intended]. LOL!
I'm looking forward to rebuilding my great habits and accomplishing my daily goals.

Prayer...Last but surely not least and THE most imporant thing is prayer. I need my spiritual life to be just as strong with my physical life. It keeps my faith and emotions in tact.








My 7-day detox will start on Sunday morning including working out, eating right and drinking lots of water, so please so a little prayer for a sista and i will keep you all posted on my progress.

Getting healthier is my new gig! Besides, i'm addicted to my happiness and if i'm not getting my daily fix, i turn into a hot emotional, tired, mean mess! LOL! SMILE!

SincerelyNiah