Bullet List: 1/2 Marathon

BUCKET LIST #1

About a year ago, I made a bullet list of things I wanted to do before I turned 40 in my head. Of course, I didn't write them down and until they are actually written do I make a plan and really concur it. 

First item on the agenda is to do a 1/2 marathon. I decided on a local race because let's face it...with 4 kids picking up a race packet anywhere longer than 45 minutes away is almost not worth it for me. I think it was my lucky day and the stars were aligned because  the price increases as of tomorrow. So I quickly signed up and BUT not I signed up not only for one but two 1/2 marathon races. The Fox Valley (Geneva/St. Charles) and the Naperville 1/2 marathon were the races of choice for me for 2015. I don't know why I felt the need to do both of them but I really wanted to. I know they sell out so I didn't want to put off signing up.

Next on the agenda was scouring Pinterest to come up with the right training schedule. I have 16 weeks before the first race so plenty of time especially because I am already conditioned with my Beachbody programs and with the running I already do. 

Looking on Pinterest was not enough for. I needed to actually have an ACTION PLAN and to decide the number of miles I would run weekly and even more specifically what days I would run these miles. I get so easily get side tracked if I don't have it on my calendar. 

From all my research it looks like it is optimal to run 4 times a week. Easier said than done with all these kids that I have and a hubby who travels so I will be relying heavy on my schedule to make sure I train properly. I love the strength that Body Beast gives me so I am adding that into my schedule on my non-running days. Of course on my non-running days I will be doing walking with my kids.

I am one not to miss any attention to detail so I found that the local running stores have some organized runs to help make sure you are practicing the course and increasing your mileage. CHECK! These are on my calendar.

If you are interested in the full schedule (which is 16 weeks long) just connect with me and I will share with you. I will be adding in yoga and pilates too to help stretch out my muscles. 

I wanted to share my training schedule with you in case you are looking to tackle this too!

Stay tuned for updates on how my training goes and if I learn any tips to share.

Color RUN 2015

 

Today my little girls joined me in something their Mommy has LOVED to do her whole life. I started running when I joined the track team at Visitation School. Honestly, I didn't have any skills for other sports. I tried volleyball, basketball, softball and cheerleading. I was one of those little girls that were not very athletic, thin and very gawky and uncoordinated. Those were some rough years!!).

How do I prepare for an early morning run with kids who have to be dragged out of bed? My making them and myself breakfast for the road! No McD or donuts for us!

I discovered something that I was actually good (okay decent at). I felt like I was soaring and didn't have a care in the world. This love of running is what kept me centered during high school and college. I would put my headphones and shoes on and could run away my troubles or enjoy a beautiful day.

So TODAY my two eldest and I put on our oldest running shoes and prepared to get MESSY. My oldest was crying as soon as she had some color packets on her. She just couldn't handle the mess (my doing as she was kept in a bubble as a baby....woops). My second was in her glory and was so eager to lead the pack. 

 Some one likes to play with the color!

 (pre-race)!

Regardless they both tried their best which is all a Mom could ever ask. I was very proud of them and they were proud of themselves which is even better.

Looking forward to next year!

How to survive fast food lines! Tips to AVOID the drive through!

Taking 5 minutes to prep before you leave for a busy day will save you $10 at the drive through or restaurant (at LEAST!) and countless calories you wish you didn't consume later!!

Healthy Eating on the GO!

I am looking for 3 new coaches to join my team!!!

Two years ago, I made a decision that changed MY LIFE. I started doing the program T25 & drinking SHAKEOLOGY My son was almost 1 years old and through hard work I lost 40 pounds with these products. I wanted to help others have the same success I had. I was the VERY FIRST Beachbody Coach in Batlett and because most people had not heard of Beachbody they looked at me like I was crazy when I explained I get PAID to WORKOUT, MOTIVATE and INSPIRE others! This wdas a huge change from my previous life as a banking professional (read all about my story at 5 Years Already?! What I gave up and why!  . Now your newsfeed is flooded with some many wonderful coaches who are all part of my team all across Bartlett and the country!!!

My team is on FIRE and we are growing!!! Have you ever wondered, "What is a Beachbody Coach?" Now is your opportunity to learn all about this AMAZING business! I'm looking for 3 new coaches to join my Team NovakBeFit!
I would love for you to join my teams' COACH SNEAK PEEK starting this Monday, June 1st!

If you've ever wondered WHAT I do as a coach, HOW I get paid for coaching people to get fit (from home), how you can earn free vacations from Beachbody, and what our training is like, here's your CHANCE to be a fly on the wall for 5 days! This is a FREE opportunity and there is no obligation! smile emoticon
If you are interested in learning more about Beachbody Coaching, message me or comment below so I can add you to the group! You don't want to miss out on this!!!

5 years Anniversary already!? Why I gave up my 6 figure salary & AVP position...

We all had lives before we had kids. Have you ever wondered how you end up somewhere? My journey to becoming a Health & Fitness Coach with Beachbody did not start as a lot of others do. The person who invited me to join, my sister, Shawna, was a Fitness Instructor and naturally fell into the position as many others do. I have never, and probably will never get up in front of a group of people and teach fitness. 

My story started after high school when I luckily got a job at Old Kent Bank as a teller (Customer Service Rep). This job was a real struggle for me. While I worked, I earned my Associate of Arts degree from College of DuPage and then with that degree checked off, I went to Elmhurst College and earned my Bachelors of Science degree with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics. Now, if you knew me as a child you could truthfully wonder how did I choose Finance & Economics to study? I could barely pass my math classes in high school (and earlier grades) because my brain was not wired to handle mathematics. I still wonder how I did so well in college. Actually I take that back. I did so well because I studied my butt off every free waking minute. 

I also took a chance at the same time and applied for a position in the Trust Department as an Assistant at Old Kent. I was so lucky I got that position and also was in a position to have 1/2 my college education paid for (another bonus...Old Kent was a fantastic company to work for). I worked about 25-40 hours a week during the day and took the majority of my classes in the evening. 

I felt like such a grown up during these years. My career had begun much earlier than that of my peers and I knew I had fell into my career. 

When I graduated from College I was given my first promotion, Assistant Trust Officer and assigned a book of business to handle as an Administrator. My hubby and I got married and were planning to have kids. Over the years, the companies I worked for changed (Old Kent became 5/3) and then after 10 years, I switched companies to National City, which was later bought out by PNC. I had my first baby in 2005 and my second in 2007. By the time I was 30 I was an an Assistant Vice President and was making over 6 figures. Not bad!! During that time my husband and I tried to create work/life balance by working from home and juggling kids. We did it for a number of years stressfully, I mean successfully.

My hubby and I both worked from home several days a week and handled conference calls with kids and tried too schedule projects around kids naps. My 2nd child was the easiest baby who loved to sit next to me while I worked and my oldest would pretend she was on a phone call and laptop too.

My hubby and I both came from big families and soon enough a 3rd baby was in the cards. I was still commuting into the city while pregnant and the long commute was tiring and hard. When she was born, I decided I was done. 

 I traded my CTFA (Certified Trust & Financial Advisor) certification, my fancy window office in Chicago, my "important title" and the $$$ I earned for full time diapering duty. I can honesty say I have not regretted it for one minute. My oldest was going to Kindergarten then and I wanted to not miss a moment. 

Fast forward to 2 years later and I was pregnant again, yes again!!

My 4th pregnancy in 8 years! And this time it was a BOY!! After my precious baby boy was born and I struggled to lose the extra weight I was holding onto, as well as my sanity, I decided to turn my love for exercise into my new career. I missed having goals and a "to do" list that didn't include wiping butts, tears and picking up the garbage. 

I joined Team Beachbody, as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach in April 2013. I first started to get the discount on Shakeology and quickly realized I could make a nice paycheck to supplement some of the costs of having 4 children by working this as a business. I am extremely organized, disciplined, committed, creative and love to help others do the same. 

With time and patience the weight was gone and a new career was created!!!

If you would like to consider this as part of your life...maybe you turned a path you didn't want to go on and need a change let me know and I would love to help you too!

Am I the only one who likes working out in my pjs?

I am a sucker for pajamas that look like clothes! I love rolling out of bed, brushing my teeth and then running downstairs before kids wake up and getting my 30 minute workout done. Here are my new favorite pjs from Victoria Secrets! You won't catch me walking the kids to school in them but I will be happy to do pilates in the comfort of my home in them.

What does this stay at home mom aka Beachbody Coach do all day?

Do you ever wish you were a fly on a wall so you can see how your life compares to someone else? That is one of the questions I get asked as a Beachbody Coach...how can I fit providing coaching and motivation to others when I am so busy with x, y and z. 

This Mama has 4 kids and a husband that travels for work. A good system and taking care of myself before I take care of others is what makes me stand above the crowd!

So here is your peek...I must warn you don't die of excitement lol:

The kids and I usually wake up (or are woken by a child singing or elephant feet walking around the upstairs). My rule is unless is it is Sleepy Saturday morning we all get dressed, brush our teeth, straighten our rooms and make beds before we come downstairs. It doesn't happen everytime but I like to stay in the habit. 

Every good day starts with breakfast! All my kids and I eat a healthy breakfast. I usually feed them around 7 am. While they eat I sip my 8 oz of water and check in with my accountability groups to start the day off right with them.  I hold off on eating until after my workout. We head downstairs to my basement and workout room around 7:30 am and Mommy get's a quick 30 minute workout in. The kids love to play with the toys and are getting so good at entertaining themselves. I feel like it is because they have had a similar routine since they were babies.

Right now my accountability group members are tracking our daily meals to help each other stay "accountable" and make better food choices so today was a document your food day for me as part of this challenge.

When Mommy is done working out it is a power breakfast and shower for Mommy!

 I always like to incorporate some type of morning outside activity in...it could be playing at the park, in our backyard, going for a bike ride, a walk, rollerblading, etc. In today's case the weather was beautiful and my 3rd daughter was at a playdate so I loaded my sweetie boy in the stroller and we went for a very humid and sticky run. After a week of Body Beast my arms were killing and pushing him felt like a load of bricks!!!

 After showering and posting in my accountability group about my morning workouts and encouraging them on theirs I picked up my daughter from her playdate and set about making lunch.

I am really trying hard to incorporate veggies into my diet and fuel myself with energy  for the afternoon. It really defeats the purpose to workout and then ruin it with a bad lunch. Today was two organic eggs with spinach mixed into it on corn tortilla's, sausage and some strawberries! It really hit the spot and my highlight was when my son ate spinach for the first time and said he liked it (super picky eater).

 When my older kids get home from school I can feel my temptations starting to try to give in. To combat this I make my favorite Shakeology to pep me up and help me power through the afternoon.

 I LOVE that it is packed with veggies in it and doesn't taste like it!

After a few check in's with my team and helping some new coaches my kids and I are off to the splash park in my neighborhood for some afternoon fun. My new bikini came but I don't really think it looked appropriate for the neighborhood splash park so I am saving it for my cruise!

Sports season is underway and that makes the evening very challenging for fitting in mealtimes. I prepped as much as I could ahead of time and we had some delicious homemade and organic bread & spagetti noodles for dinner.

 Then time to cheer on my daughter(s) teams and enjoy the last rays of the day!

I am a stay at home mom foremost. My kids come first. My motivation and coaching to others come from the energy that I give off. It only takes one person to help another person find that inner motivation to get something done. I like to start the chain reaction for the day with my challengers (although there are some really early birds in my group who are up before the birds whistle). 

Some days I do a "Power Hour" where I work my Beachbody business while the kids are napping or playing quietly. I don't have a set system and I just do what needs attending to. I have always been very good at multi tasking and handling multiple responsibilities!!

Do you think you might want to be a Beachbody Coach? You have to admit it is pretty cool to workout, inspire others and get paid $$$ for it!!!

Oopps...A good problem to have!

Today I slipped into a pair of size 4 shorts (highly recommend White House Black Market) and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were shorts were not just a little big but huge! These were my go to shorts if I felt bloated and I had to give them away because they just looked too loose. A good problem to have because off I go tomorrow to WHBM for a new pair! And size 0 are calling my name!!

My FAVORITE Summer Shakeology recipe

THIS IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE RECIPE FOR CHOCOLATE VEGAN:

• (1) scoop or packet Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
• (4) frozen strawberries (I prefer Costco organic)
• (1) small ripe banana
• (1) cup water
• handful of ice

I load this all up in my Blendtech blender (in order water, Shakeology, banana, strawberries and ice) and blend on the smoothie setting. It usually takes one or two cycles. I like the consistency similar to a Wendy's frosty (minus the chemicals and additives of the Frosty and plus the goodness of Shakeology)!!! 

This is my favorite Summertime treat! I love to get the combo pack sometimes for my monthly Shakeology shipment because I like to mix up my drinks daily. It's like a beach vacation drink without the beach!!

Accountability Group: Food check

In my accountability groups, we try to challenge each other to do better or improve ourselves. This week, we are documenting every little morsel (even one bite) to help us cut down on snacking or make better food choices. I promise if someone is watching your every bite you will be held more accountable and this will MOTIVATE you to eat better.

Now...on to my DAY!

BREAKFAST 1/2 CUP OATS WITH 1 PEACH

 lunch...tried some of this new salad

 salad with leftover chicken salad (door county from egg harbor, small scope)

 watermelon after lunch

 1/2 scoop vegan shakeology with one banana

 4 pm snack: oranges and one apple, small pb spoon

 fresh fruit bowl & brown rice with broccoli and pineapple chicken

What do you think? How did I eat today? I personally think I should have little more veggies and little less fruit.

Ab Series ~ Day 19

Ab Series Day 19

http://magis.to/ICA-XV1DA0Erfj0GDmEwCXt-?l=vsm&o=i&c=e

Why T25 Rocks!

T25

http://magis.to/M3YhR11DA0Erfj0GDmEwCXl6?l=vsm&o=i&c=e

My hubby and I LOVE T25. It is a high intensity, fast paced 25 minute workout that will leave you drenched in sweat and ready to concur your day!!!

You can order at www.novakbefit.com

POST RESET indulgences

When I finished the reset I had this great list of things I couldn't wait to eat again. LEARN FROM MY LESSONS!! Food doesn't taste as good anymore. 

I was practical the first morning after the reset and used the 21 Day Fix containers to make my morning oatmeal. I had one yellow container (oats) and 1/2 purple container to measure blueberries.

 One habit I will continue post reset is to have oatmeal a few times a week. But I also learned to like fruit for breakfast so I will interchangeably incorporate a fruit plate some mornings as well.

Lunch will continue to be a salad. I love using my 21 Day Fix green container to measure out my lettuce. For me it is easier than eye balling it.

 I used to load up my salads with tons of fruit and cheese. I eliminated my cheese habit on the reset and will NOT go back to putting cheese on my salad.

 I was craving the consistency of cake. I am not a big fan of cakes but I do like Costco's pound cake. To help prevent overheating I buy them and then wrap them in saran wrap and freeze them. All you have to do is defrost them and they are still so fresh and tasty.

 My sweet oldest daughter made me this fruit and chocolate chip creation. She knows I love dipping my fruit into chocolate. This is a low calorie way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

 It was a rainy Memorial Day weekend so we ended up seeing not ONE but TWO movies (Pitch Perfect 2 and Tomorrowland). To avoid getting some last minutes cravings from the candy counter I brought my own serving size of M&Ms. 

I had to share my husband's delicious meal he got from Egg Harbor Cafe. They have revamped their menu and they had so many items that I could have eaten while on the fix (darn it!! Wish I went during those weeks). He had a black bean wrap with avocado, lettuce and tomato. It was accompanied with fruit and sweet potatoes.

I certainly overate and felt too full over the weekend. Now that I gave in to the items I "thought I missed" I am now able to get back on track and eat clean and healthy again. 

I learned two things:

1) any items with sugar seems to give me an instant headache

2) don't eat red meat too soon after the reset! I had the worst stomach pains that night. I thought that since nothing was bothering me I could have a homemade hamburger. Boy I was mistaken!! I won't do that again.

I did have that donut I wanted. It was fresh and I just love the texture of it. I had one and stopped (miraculously) unlike the old me that had 3 previously.

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!!!!