WWI #49 & Five "Slow" Songs (160 BPM)

It's Friday. Time for the weekly weigh-in and Friday Five.

I've mentioned before ... I can't run very far or very fast. I get in a ton of steps everyday on my Fitbit from other activities (elliptical, Zumba, even the stationary bike).  I do try to get some "running" in but, I don't run, I jog (and I still generally keep it to one mile).  I find motivation in music, and the OCD in me MUST match my footfalls to the beat of the music. I've found that 160 BPM is my comfortable pace (it's 5mph on my treadmill) and I've been collecting a big playlist of perfect songs, and sharing some of them here.

I shared my Favorites, Top 20, Pissed Off Playlist, in the past weeks,  and today I'm sharing my "Seemingly Slow" playlist. These songs don't come off as "jogging" songs. They would be a "slow" song if played at a dance, or a cool down for most aerobic activities. Yet ... the beat is there. When I set my treadmill to 5mph, my feet fall perfectly with the pace and the beat.  I don't know that I would listen to all of these back to back, I do like a little more lively songs to energize me, but I really enjoy when one of these comes on interspersed with my other music. Just thought I'd point these five songs out, as they are ones that can easily be missed when compiling a jogging playlist *Ü*

You can give them a listen below 

(although they are all pretty mainstream)

Linking up with I Wore Yoga Pants To Work.
Back That Azz Up Friday
Check it out for more music recommendations :)

Also the Five on Friday (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia), Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.  

Now onto the weigh-in and week recap ...

So - DOWN 2.2 pounds! Now, before you are all "great job, congratulations" ... unfortunately this is a pretty normal fluctuation for me.  I have been hitting it pretty regularly, just the past couple weeks, my Friday morning happened to be my highest number, while today it was my low. The goal is still to drop below 150 and STAY below 150. I'm close ... but close can feel so far. 

NUMBERS: My average was also down, but much more minor a change (-.24). High for the week was 154.4 (Monday morning) and the low was today and Wednesday (Thursday was pretty much the same too).  I did have a weekly deficit of 2043. My intake was up a little, averaging 2329. I did have a really low day, so I must have had some high days too. Burn up slightly too, 3039. Happy to actually get the average up over 3000, it's been a while (I have many days over it, but usually a couple low days that drag the weekly average down). 

It was a busy week. The boys had a basketball clinic, which meant I was running to the high school four times a day. Got in my Zumba every day. Elliptical too. My "mile" and bike were a little more sporadic. I got in weights twice (last Friday and on Monday) ... not sure I'll get them in today though. It's a bit crazy here.

I'm linking up with  Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Fitness in the Schools

A month or so ago, I was watching my son's basketball game at a local middle school gymnasium. I noticed this sign up ... it made me glad I was NOT a 7th grade boy (I mean I'm glad I'm not for MANY reasons!) I have been incorporating a mile run (ok, jog) into my weekly workouts. Now admittedly, I stay somewhat comfortable at 5mph, which ends up at a 12 minute mile. According to this sheet, I'd get a D- ... Yikes!

Now I'm pretty sure if I pushed myself, I could run faster. A little faster ... I'm really not sure how much better I'd get (10 minutes maybe!). I actually remember being required to run a mile when I was in middle school as well. I remember pushing myself to finish first (out of the girls anyway) and then promptly throwing up afterward. I think I threw up three years in a row, during the first run of the season. I actually ended up running track, and doing good in the sprints. But a mile? That is distance, and I didn't (and don't) do distance.

I did have a 7th grade boy this last year. While he loved his physical education class, I do remember him moaning about the mile. I do think he squeaked in under 8:00 minutes.

As my fourth grader's school came to a close a couple weeks ago, they participated in the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge. I do have vague memories of this too. Has it been around for a while? I mean if I am remembering it from elementary school, we're talking over 30 years ago!

My little guy suffers from anxiety. They did a "fun run" several weeks ago, and he stressed about that. He had complete meltdowns over the end of year academic testing. Ironically, he is at the top of his class academically and physically.  I wasn't surprised when he expressed concern about this Presidential Fitness Testing too. 

I just told him to do his best. It's never as bad as he thinks it is going to be. He came home and told me about the variety of different exercises they were measured on. He did really good on everything, except the V-sits ... he just isn't very flexible (me either!) I had to laugh though, as he complained about his "abs" for the next few days. Oh, such a workout!

To receive the Presidential Fitness Award, the student must rank in the 85th percentile of each exercise. My little guy missed it by one exercise (only two students in the class were able to get it). If the students are above the 50th percentile, then they still get the National Physical Fitness Award. He (and many classmates in the 4th grade classes) were able to get that certificate.

 

I do love being a mom to five active boys! They love recess, and PE class ... it was interesting to get a little peek into some of the physical fitness requirements the schools are expecting from the youth today. You seem to see the stereotypical "rope climb" and dodge ball and such when school fitness is featured in films or TV programs. Does anyone actually have to do the rope climb? I pretty sure I'd fail miserably at that as well!  Just Thinking Out Loud about school fitness today *Ü*

Even though school has ended for us ... I've been doing the ol' school carpool still because of basketball camp. #2 is working out with the cross-country team in the mornings, then staying for the basketball clinic from 10:00-1:00. I make a trip to the school at 1:00 to pick him (and friends) up, and to drop off #3 (as the different ages have different times). Then take #2  back at 4:00 for a "shooting clinic" and then I go back at 5:00 to pick up both boys. But today is the last day of that ...

 

Stacked Stats (Fitbit Comparisons)

  

I was pretty motivated on Monday. I got in several sessions on the elliptical, an hour of Zumba, jogged a mile on the treadmill, did my weight workout, and finished the day with 30minutes on the stationary bike (trying to stay awake until 10:00, the curfew for Mr. Social, my #2 son). I was pretty happy with my numbers ...

But speaking of #2 ... he totally beat me!

Here are his Fitbit stats ... he started the day doing a little jogging with the cross-country team at the high school. He then hung out with his buddies playing a little basketball before the actual basketball clinic started (at 10:00). That ran until 1:00, when I picked him up (and friends) and took them over to the rec center, where they played some more basketball ... he did slow down in the evening.

Just a little over a week ago, I posted A Fitbit Farewell, as #2 had lost his Fitbit. At one point, he looked down and still had the little silicone case attached to his shorts, but no little Fitbit One in it. I figured it wouldn't hurt to contact Fitbit Customer Service and ask if they would do anything ... I'd heard stories of them replacing lost, or even washed Fitbits. Happily, they did! And see ... I'm so happy we have it back, or I couldn't have made this comparison between our Monday.

We actually do have a Fitbit Flex just laying around. It was purchased for #1, who after wearing it for a few months decided he didn't like wearing anything on his wrist. You might ask why I didn't just give the old Flex to #2 when he lost his ... but basketball players aren't allowed to wear anything on their wrist. But it did get me thinking about the Flex.  I charged it up and strapped it on myself! Of course not replacing my One ... just in addition. I thought it might be an interesting comparison to see how similar the stats would be (it was still linked to my son's account, so it was based on the assumption that I was an 18-year old male who happily does weigh a bit more than I do). 

Fitbit One

 

Fitbit Flex

The calorie estimate does rely on your personal information quite a bit (sex, age, height, weight) so I wasn't surprised to see a pretty big difference there. So unfair ... these teenage boys are probably benefiting from a more active metabolism and a little extra height/weight. The distance too, that is based on stride length (although I don't know that either my son or I had ever taken the time to actually measure and input our individual stats). 

I was a little surprised at how large the step difference was (almost 3000 steps). My Omron pedometer had read 24700 for the day and 131 aerobic minutes (just thought I'd throw in a third step estimate for you!). Some of that could be attributed to my elliptical sessions ... there are times during my workouts where instead of gripping the moving arms, I grab the middle (stationary) arms. I'm betting the Flex didn't register those steps as well (or at all). 

 Fitbit One

Fitbit Flex

... and I did it a second day too *Ü* and again, almost a 3000 step difference (2838 if you wanted to know but didn't want to do the math). My Omron said 28200 ...  again, I did do an hour of elliptical both days, at times NOT moving my arms.  So less steps/active minutes and distance ... but higher calories (the 18-year old boy account). It is interesting to see the almost identical spikes in the activity graph, but still seeing slight differences.

One thing that was interesting, was my 30-minute bike ride in the evening (the yellow spike).  I take off my Fitbit One and slip it in my sock, as otherwise it just doesn't register much. I went ahead and did that with the Flex  ... and my Omron. As usual, my original reading on the One had an elevated calorie count. I'm not sure why it wants to give me 300+ calories for only 2100 "steps" registered during the ride, but it does. I always go in and enter it manually, only crediting myself with 100-200 calories, changing it from a big green spike to a smaller yellow one. The Flex however, did come in at a 175 calorie estimate, so I didn't adjust it. Although neither device is MEANT to be worn on the sock/shoe, apparently they calculate calories a little differently (the step count was very similar). 

In addition to comparing the actual stats ... I was able to experience the Flex and compare comfort and convenience to the One. I still very much prefer the One. I don't particularly like anything on my wrist. I really missed being able to see the actual numbers without logging onto the computer, and I do like my sleep and stair stats. That being said ...

Um ... THAT did NOT happen!

My "floors" readings have been really wonky of late! I know that changes in the barometric pressure can affect the stair count, but I had several days in a row with hugely elevated readings. 175 was the best one though!

I've gotten to where I'm not putting much stock in the stair count, even this past Mondays (the first image, 39 stairs for the day) is a little high. 20 or so floors? That's probably my norm, as I'm up and down to the basement in our home each day. 

I did bid (and buy) a Fitbit Zip on Ebay ($28) ... I'm going to try it with #1 ONE more time! I'm wondering if Hubs might be willing to try it again too. I don't think either of them will give me a run for my money like #2, but it is just fun to see and compare the numbers.

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the HumpDay Blog Hop.

Flag Day, Father's Day, Fitbits and Family Photos

This past weekend was filled with fun, family, flags, fathers, Fitbits and photos.
And obviously, I adore alliteration.

Friday ... I was still able to get in some good exercise, but kept up fairly competitively with my calorie consumption. I was a little surprised when Saturday morning, my weight was actually down a bit. 

Saturday ... the boys had to be up early to help put out flags. It's something the scout troop in our neighborhood does. Both a fundraiser, and it is nice for community pride. I do love seeing all the flags out in front of everyone's houses. In years past, we'd pick up the "flag shirts" from Old Navy and take some family photos, but the tradition had slipped in past years. I was a little surprised when my oldest said "We should get flag shirts for everyone this year" ... I gave him the go ahead and he went to the store to pick some up.

I told the boys I wanted to get a photo of the five of them. I was met with the usual moans and groans. I teasingly said that the last one out would need to unload the dishwasher ... thus the tears from #4. #3 can't seem to stay serious either. I even slipped on MY flag shirt ... but the hubs didn't seem too interested in participating!

The hubs then suggested we go out to breakfast. This is always a bit hard for me ... I hadn't gotten my morning workout in yet, and I usually put off breakfast until later in the morning. But ... family first. We went to our usual spot, Verg's. We didn't get a family photo there (but I have showcased a couple comparison pictures from our past visits. Too bad we didn't get a new one to add to the mix).

I did end up getting an hour on the elliptical (three 20min sessions throughout the day) ... a soccer game, a basketball game, and a birthday party too.  I was surprised on Sunday morning, when again, weight dropped a tad. 

Sunday ... the hubs said breakfast yesterday was his Father's Day breakfast, so we didn't do the breakfast in bed as we do some years. He went for a run instead. I did squeeze in a couple sessions on the elliptical. We had church, and then headed out to my brother's house for the annual Father's Day BBQ.

We got to meet our new little niece.

My oldest LOVES babies and loved cuddling his little cousin.

We take a big family photo every year. I'm waiting for my SIL to forward me the shot (and I'll update) but I also suggested we get a picture with DAD and my siblings. While we do the family photo every year, I don't know that we've ever done that.  As my brothers, sister and I lined up with my father, the photographers lined up on the other side. My hubby of course has to strike a pose, making everyone crack up. Then, he wants to include himself in the picture by taking a selfie. I don't know that we've ever had quite as much laughter during one of these family photo sessions.

There was quite a bit of "Fitbit" talk too ... comparing stats and experiences.  I should have taken a Fitbit Family Photo! There were nine Fitbits here. My son is back in business (I'd posted last week that he had lost it ... Fitbit replaced it and we received the new one already). I've also bid on a Zip on Ebay (got it for $28), so #1 son will be trying AGAIN (wish him luck NOT to lose this one!) Still working on hubby ... I'd love him to have one (I bought him one last November but it didn't really take ... it's the one #1 then lost during the NewYork trip). Now that he is running again, and being more active (his work had a volleyball tournament on Friday) it would just be fun to see! He did admit to hoping he would get a Fitbit weightloss "badge" for his Saturday weigh-in ... and he did ("Congratulations, you lost 15 pounds!"). He's doing good!

One final Father's Day photo.

My boys!

So that was my marvelous weekend (MIMM). Stepping on the scale this morning. There is it. The weight gain from my bad eating and exercise over these past couple days. I guess it is good ... motivates me to get back at it. So many pictures this weekend. I've mentioned before, how I so dislike how I appear in pictures most of the time (Picture Imperfect). These family photos are no exception. I don't love myself in them ... but I love them!

How was your weekend?

Are you motivated to get back to good eating and exercise?

WWI#48 and Five Favorite Card Games

 ... and it's Friday. Time for the weekly weigh-in and Friday Five. Up until this point, I've always started with the weight chart and recap, but it's been SO boring lately. I'm going to start with the fun Friday Five, and then include my numbers and such below if you are interested...

It's now summer! School is out and the kids have a lot more free time. There is the stereotypical tv time and video games. Legos, basketball, soccer, tetherball, wallball, ping pong, jumping on the tramp, water wars. We've signed up for the Kids Bowl Free, we'll try to hit the local park, Grandma's pool, and the bounce house.  I've also encouraged the kids to play games. 

We've got a lot of games.

For today's Friday Five, I thought I'd spotlight our five favorite card games. I really love card games, because they generally are very small, easy to store and transport. You don't need a lot of time or space or preparation to play. Personally, MY favorite is probably "Progressive Rummy" which just uses a regular deck of cards (two or three actually, when we play) but for this post, I'll feature the five favorites for the kids.

• UNO: This one is a classic, and I'm sure already well known to just about everyone. Such a great little game, easy for even the youngest child to participate in. If you know your numbers and colors, you can play! There are a ton of variations to mix it up as well.
• Rat-A-Tat Cat: My mom said she had played this game before with basic playing cards, and it was called "No Peeky". You start with four cards face down in front of each person, the goal is to get the lowest cards. 
• Blink: This is SUCH a great little game! I love the version pictured, that comes in the compact little metal tin. It makes it great for taking with you. The name "blink" is quite appropriate, because you'd better NOT blink, or the round will be over. It's very fast moving and fun. Match the shape, color or number to get rid of your cards.  Similar games are Catch The Match and Spot It ... both of which I recommend very highly as well! Blink is really only for two people, but the other two can have additional players.
• SET: This game is a little complex. I find rather than try and "teach" someone how to play, it's probably better they watch a few rounds and they are bound to pick up the patterns you are trying to find in the cards. This one can be mind-boggling. It's great for a group and really stretches your thinking!
• The Great Dalmuti: My boys were introduced to this a couple summers ago, and it was an instant favorite. It's already been played multiple times this summer. You are trying to get rid of your cards and become the Great Dalmuti ... you do NOT want to be the peon!

Have you played any of these games?

What are YOUR favorite card games?

I'll spotlight some favorite board games in an upcoming post :)

Linking up with the DC Bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) and then also jumping onto the other Friday Five linkups out there. Five on Friday at The Good Life, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In. 

  Onto the weekly weigh-in ...

Looky there ... exactly the same as last week. Average was up a tiny bit (.29). The high was today, 153.5. The low was Sunday morning at 151.7.  So a variation of 1.8 throughout the entire week.  Like last week, I DID have a deficit! 3708 total ... but no corresponding one pound loss on the scale. Average intake was 2171. Average burn was 2996. 

For the first week of summer ... it hasn't been too different. My boys are just relishing being home, not in school. They haven't been "bored" and wanting to go out and do things yet. I'm sure that time will come and it will eat into my exercise time, but I'll make it work. I HAVE been sleeping in a little, getting a later start most days. Still hitting Zumba, although I had to miss today, as #2 had basketball games. Getting in my elliptical every day, a little more sporadic with the mile jog and bike rides.You can check out the details in my Day to Day.

Next week might be a little crazy, with #2 and #3 in a basketball camp. There will be a lot of dropping off and picking up. #1 has started a job and isn't around to pitch in with any of the driving. The week after that though, #2 will be gone to a week long basketball camp and THAT should open up my time (as he's the main one requesting chauffeur duty).  But by then, the younger ones might be clamoring to get out of the house. We'll see ...

I'm linking up with  Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Lacking in Color Confidence

Black is slimming right? That is what we women are told. I'm not sure if that is the reason why my wardrobe has a lot of black ... or if it's just what I am comfortable with.

 I have yet to master the "selfie" ... especially the full body shot!

Ironically ... a couple of my more well know photos (like my main profile picture, the one in red down on the sidebar, or on my Facebook page) is in red. I snapped the picture (above, left) before going to a Cinco de Mayo Zumba day... we were supposed to wear red or green). But the majority of the time, the other photo is a little more standard. Back to Black.

It's a bit of an inside family joke too. My hubby's name is Grayson Blackham. I call him GrayBlack. I tell him I just love him SO much that I have to surround myself in gray and black, even in my clothes. I am probably wearing black 90% of the time. Exercise wear and everyday wear. I'll sometimes branch out to such bright color combinations as white and tan, or khaki, brown and denim. Exciting!

I do own some colorful shirts. Red, yellow, blue, pink ... but I just don't feel that comfortable in them and I wear them very rarely. I'm not sure if I feel they draw the eye, and I prefer to blend into the background ... or if after wearing black for so long, it is just the "comfortable" choice.  And slimming ... don't forget slimming!

I lack color confidence in everything ... not just clothes! When I had my nails done, I'd always just go with the very basic, standard french tip. When I got a pedicure, I'd do the painted french tip there too, or go with a very reserved color ... most recently, I did a glitter gray. Lipstick ... I'll wear a light gloss, but nothing with any real color. I know many shoes are very bright and colorful ... my most recent purchase were a plain black pair. If you've seen me post my PolarFT4 after exercising (ZumbaStats) you'll see I went for the basic gray model, not the cute pink one everyone else is rocking!

I have regretted not getting the pink Polar. Just a splash of femininity. I have noticed a bit of bright pink sneaking in ... not necessarily by choice, but just because that was the color available (in a pair of slippers, new shoes, headphones) I'm not sure I'll ever really be confident in color, but sometimes when I push myself a bit, I feel it's an NSV (and I take a picture I like, which ends up being my profile picture).  I have been thinking quite a bit about my color choices (or lack thereof) ... and I thought I'd Think Out Loud and share my thoughts with you today.

FREE Zumba in Utah

 Spotlighting FREE Zumba Classes in Utah.

 (West Jordan, Kearns, Draper, Sandy Areas)

If you are on Facebook, LIKE the Free Zumba in Utah page for updates!

Check out the my monthly Zumba Stats/Reviews posts too.

I still consider myself "new" to Zumba. I only started in January of 2014. Even in my limited experience, I've attended many different classes, at various locations, with a variety of instructors (and yes, these are certified Zumba instructors!) I've been to a few pay classes, but overall, I hit the free ones. Is this because I'm cheap? Well ... yes. But it's also because here in Utah, there seem to be SO many wonderful women  willing to share their time and talent. Monday-Friday, I'm aware of free classes close by, some days I have multiple options. I thought I'd share some of my findings for anyone in my area who might be interested. 

Look at all your options!

*** Updated May2016 ***

CIA stands for Community in Action ... and it's a group on Facebook.  If you are on Facebook, and you like Zumba, I'd recommend you join. It's a good community to follow, and ask questions. 

 

I'll give a quick review of the classes I've attended include a link to Facebook pages (which I have found is the best way to stay in touch and up to date).

• MZL: This group provides several free classes in different locations. Their Facebook page has  many clips of songs/steps. I've attended their class in West Jordan and Kearns. It's a HUGE group (which is good for just getting lost in the crowd if  you are new). They generally have several instructors on stage, which is nice for seeing variations in the moves. It's loud and crazy and generally a lot of fun.
• SouthZiders: This group meets in Draper in Mondays/Wednesdays at 9:30. The main instructor is Nina, and she has the moves and a huge smile! A nice big gym and they even open up the nursery room if you need to bring young children along.
• KIKZ (Kicken It Kearns Zumba): This group meets EARLY Mondays/Wednesdays (at 5:30!) ... I haven't hit one of those classes yet, but they had a Saturday session that I went to, and it was good. Some new numbers, some I was familiar with from my other classes.  Join their Facebook group for updates ...
• Heather Jones: I discovered this group when I needed (yes needed!) a Friday class. MZL does meet, but the time didn't work out for me. Heather's class starts just a bit later (10:00 on Fridays). It's a bit further for me (in Sandy), but worth the drive. Not as much overlap with my other classes, these were mainly new songs/steps. Heather is fun and bouncy and has a good group going and welcomes women to come join in. **This class in cancelled now.
• Claudia & Co: Claudia teaches at various gyms but gives of her time and talent on Thursdays at a church in West Jordan (MountainView in the chart below).  She is a joy to watch! She switches off with a few other instructors. I haven't missed a Thursday since I started going there ...
• Marian's Class: This was the one that started it all for me (Tuesdays at 8:45 in West Jordan. CIA page below has address and details). It was close, convenient and free. So even though I had never been to a Zumba class before, and knew I couldn't dance, and that I wasn't really a social exerciser ... I felt like I should give it a try. I wasn't sold after the first class, but after coming back, and starting to learn the steps, well ... you can see what has happened!
• Dancing With Debbie in Daybreak:  Debbie is offering three classes at week. Mondays at 9:00 pm, Wednesdays at 8:30 in the evening, and Friday mornings at 9:00. At the LDS church located at 4517 W Mille Lacs Dr (about 10660 south).
• CIA (Community In Action): This Facebook group keeps track of a lot of the groups and free classes (they provide the chart shown up top). Many instructors post updates there. It's a great resource.

There are additional classes mentioned that I haven't been to (a little too far for me to venture, and I do have so many right close to me). I'm sure there are oodles of others I'm unaware of... the LDS community fosters it here in Utah I think. Providing good gyms (local churches) and encouraging service.  I've joined a couple other local exercise groups on Facebook (see a list here) and have my eye on some additional classes nearby that I might try (although I AM pretty set at this point! Some days I have three different options and I have a hard time choosing which one to attend).  

I realize this is a pretty specific post to MY area ... I am really curious to know if other states and locations have as many (or any) free Zumba classes going on. When I first was looking for more, I checked out the search feature on Zumba.com ... but it just didn't give much information (if there was a charge, how much, other restrictions). I inquired about some classes listed, only to find out the information there was outdated. I know most local gyms offer Zumba, but they often require a  membership (I've got a complete home gym in my basement, so I don't really want to pay to join a gym for classes). Those that do allow you to drop-in can be a little pricey, especially if someone was to go every day, like I have been doing. While I do like getting to know the steps and songs (a benefit of sticking with one class/instructor), it's also fun to have a variety. Each one is a little different and has something to offer. Some offer a Polynesian flair, others have a Latino groove, some move with grace, others with personality ... and I'm a white lady who can't dance but just loves it. 

The majority of these free classes are in the mornings. Get the kids off to school and come out. If you have younger children, most of the classes are fine with them coming along. There often are kids running around during these free classes. I haven't found as many evening/weekend free classes ... keeping my eye out (let me know in the comments if there are some in my area!)

Is the quality any less because they are free? As I mentioned, I have only attended one paid class so far (I do think I'll hit some others, I'll do a future spotlight on those if I go to enough to warrant it). It was really good, but I do think my free classes are just as good. I track my steps and calorie burn with my Fitbit and HRM every class, and post the numbers to a Facebook album (ZumbaStats). A lot of YOUR results are what YOU bring to class.

And to you instructors out there offering free classes ... thank you!  If you have a class, feel free to put any information/links in the comments. If I do try any additional classes I'll update this page and a Facebook page (Free Zumba In Utah) and keep it current for reference *Ü*

Blister on the Mister

The hubs was laying on the bed, reading on his ipad as I walked by ... and I couldn't help but notice something on his foot.  A BIG ol' blister! I mentioned that the hubs was getting back into working out and eating better. He went for a run Sunday morning.

 That's when he got THIS ... Ouch!

This was not his first run since he's started working out, but it was the first time in a particular pair of shoes. I think he won't be wearing those for a long run (5+miles) for a while. Until he makes some adjustments (he's worn them in the past without problems). You hear the stories of guys being big babies when it comes to sickness and pain. Not the case with MY guy. He hadn't even mentioned this to me. He even had his phone with him (using the Runkeeper app) ... I told him he should have called me to bring him out a different set of shoes when he felt it starting to rub. I've done that on the treadmill before ... stopped and swapped shoes when one pair wasn't working. Just another benefit of the treadmill for me :)

I posted about MY blister (here) a while back ... but I think this one wins! I generally don't have too many issues, as I don't wear shoes for the majority of my workouts (Fuzzy Feet), and I will shift shoes if I feel a problem.

Blisters ... see, shoes are evil!

Speaking of shoes ... I've picked up some slip-ons for summer for the boys. They took them off when we went to the in-laws house on Sunday and I thought it was funny they had all (well, four of the five) happened to wear their "twinner" shoes that night.

The blister isn't as bad as some of the foot issues we've had to deal with (Agony of De-Feet), and the hubs DID go running again this morning ... tough guy!

A Fitbit Farewell

I love my Fitbit.  Four years now and still going strong. I like to say we are a Fitbit family, as I've gotten my parents, brothers, their wives on board. It didn't take with hubby, but I had Fitbit's for my two oldest boys too ...

I had noticed #2 hadn't synced in a bit ... he admitted to me he has lost his Fitbit. I'm sad. I'd really enjoyed "seeing" his days, and he was the only family member that could actually give me a run for my money, especially during the summer days when he'd spend the day at the gym with his basketball buddies. I'd hooked him up to some of the reward sites, and he had managed to pull in $50 from Achievemint and some store credit at Kmart and Walgreens.

He had a decent run I guess. He'd kept it for almost a year. Not too bad for a 15 year old boy. I mean, my oldest (the 18-year old) managed to lose his JawboneUp in less than a month. He gave up on his Flex deciding he didn't want something on his wrist, and after adopting Daddy's Fitbit Zip after the hubs wasn't using it ... he lost it. I don't know whether to invest in another for #2 (I think I would just go with the Zip instead of the One this time) or not ...

I took this picture a couple weeks ago ... after a workout, I had changed and was off to the school when I felt my Fitbit slipping from it's protective pouch. While the One is usually quite snug in the silicone case, when it is a little wet with sweat, it IS prone to slipping out. I noticed, and was able to wipe it down and tuck it back in safely. My son was not as in tune ... and his One is gone.

#2 had lost the little tip to his silicone case. As he wears ... well, wore, past tense now :( his on his waist, this did case some poking problems. I wear my One on my bra, so I went ahead and switched cases with him, as it didn't impact me as much. Fitbit has really good customer service and I'm betting they would have happily sent out a new case if I'd asked. I just never got around to it ... and now I guess I don't need to (#2 still has the case, so I suppose I could switch back). I MAY even contact customer service to see if they might do anything about the lost Fitbit ... I'll let you know, I have heard of them replacing them before.

*** ... and an update ~ they ARE sending out a replacement! Seriously, Fitbit customer service is really the best!

As for ME? This past weekend ... I had a 30k day! (Linking up with MIMM). They aren't super uncommon for me, but it had been a bit. This was on a Saturday no less! I love the Fitbit activity graph ... SEEing my activity throughout the day. My two 20 minute sessions on the elliptical (around 8:00 a.m. and 6 pm) and two 10 minute ones (around 10:00 and 2:00). 60minutes of Zumba around noon, and then another class at 7:00 that night.

I still wear my old Omron pedometer, and it's interesting to compare the step count from it to the Fitbit ... they are usually pretty close. I also wear a heart rate monitor for some workouts, and like to check out it's calorie count estimation with my Fitbit feedback. We do have the ol Fitbit Flex around (#2 can't wear a wrist one while playing basketball, his main "step" activity) ... but I might just throw it on myself (three pedometers on my person!) and see how it's numbers line up. I'm a numbers gal ... it motivates me.

What motivates you?  

Join in with the Motivation Monday Link-Up!

WWI #47 and Five End of School Instagrams

My last "school schedule" week ... pretty steady and boring. It was actually a really good week though. I kept up the activity even over the weekend. I went to Zumba every day except Sunday, and I got in an hour on the treadmill that day. I did weights on Monday and got in some additional treadmill and bike, as well as elliptical every day. I did a decent job keeping calories controlled. When I crunched the numbers, I had a deficit of 3937 for the week. Where is my one pound loss? I want to get (and STAY) under 150!  As always, additional details are in my Day to Day Doings.

Yesterday (Thursday) was graduation day for my oldest son. I still managed to squeeze in Zumba and a couple elliptical sessions, but there was a LOT of just sitting. My activity level was low compared to a usual Thursday. We also went out to eat at Tepankayi afterward. Even though the meal isn't that bad according to my calorie guesstimate (steak, salmon, rice) and it wasn't super late (we ate around 6:00) I did anticipate it showing on the scale for weigh-in this morning.

NUMBERS: Up just a titch from last week (.3) but my average was down just a bit (-.55). My high was today, for weigh-in at 153.5. The low was Sunday morning at 151.5. Last week it was a much bigger range. I stayed within 2 pounds for every weigh-in this week. No big fluctuations. Average intake was 2121, average burn was 2991. As I mentioned above, I did log a weekly deficit of 3937. I haven't hit that high in a while. So happy about that, even if I didn't see it reflected on the scale.

I'm linking up with  Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Now onto the FUN stuff ...  
Five for Friday!

Linking up with the DC Bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) and then also jumping onto the other Friday Five linkups out there. Five on Friday at The Good Life, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.

As today is officially the last day of school, I thought a sneak peek at the last week would be a good Friday Five. Here are five Instagram images I've shared this past week. I have two instagram accounts, one for JensJourney, which focuses on fitness&food, and then I have a family one.  I did share the grad one on my fitness instagram (if you follow me there or glance at the slideshow in the sidebar) but the others were only on the family one. Just a peek into my day to day school style ...

 #1 in cap and gown.

#2 had to dress up for Shakespeare day.

Can't you see how excited he was?

#3 was having a class party and was told to bring a treat.

We spent Monday afternoon making gingersnaps.

Yes, I ate me some gingersnaps.

#4 had his 4th grade program.
Received the "Citizenship" award (only two kids per class get it).

#5 got a medal for math and
received the "Tiger'sPride" award (again, only two given per class).

Very proud of these kids! I'm one lucky momma. So with summer ... I'll no longer be driving kids to school. This will seriously save me about 1.5 hours every day (as I drop off and pick up both middle school and elementary every day ... still MUCH better than just a few years ago when I had to drive #1 to high school, and had the extra mid-day kindergarten pick-up too!). But then ... I might sleep in some, if I don't have to get the kids up and off. There will be some basketball and scout camps, playdates and activities ... that's summer! I still plan on getting my Zumba and other workouts in though! Bring on summer!

*** OK - you caught me! IF you happened to read my post yesterday, I had originally included these instagram shots on there. But I figured there were five of them, and I didn't have anything else prepped for Friday Five this week ...