30 Days

For a while I've been realizing that school has really distracted me from all that is healthy and fit.  Its been lurking in the back of my mind, and with the health issues my dad has, I know I am going to have to be more diligent than the normal human being if I don't want to start falling apart at my mid 50s.

But more than just physical, I also know I want to grow and push myself spiritually.  In these days when time seems so limited its like I have to give up one of these activities for the other, and meanwhile my body may feel great and  yet I act so "carnal", or vice versa I may feel empowered by the Spirit, but be falling asleep at 10AM, 2-4PM and again at 7PM.

A year ago in March I began what is called the 30 day shred.  It lasted for 54 days.... meaning I did the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred for 54 days straight.  I had never felt as good as my body did then, and since falling off that wagon, I've had the hopes of getting back on.

Also, years ago, early in college I used to sell Advocare products.  I really believed in their quality, but after being labled by friends as the "local friendly neighborhood drug dealer", I decided I didn't really want to be remembered with that mantra.

So recently, a co-worker became an advisor for Advocare, and I began to think of my desires of getting back to a place of health that I enjoyed.  That, partnered with one of my best friends from OKC moving in with Matt and I and wanting to work out together, I decided to take on the 30 day challenge once again... this time with the aid of good nutrition and a buddy system!

Yesterday I did my first work out and purchased some MNS vitamins and Catalyst supplements.  Today I took my first vitamin pack and I still have energy to feel like I can run... and what do you know its smack dab time for my mid morning lull.  We'll see how this afternoon goes, but I'm feeling really great about getting my body where it needs to be.

On the other front, Matt and I are participating in a home group now, and we're doing a study over the book by Francis Chan- Crazy Love.  Today I read half of our readings.  It was about luke warm Christians.  Its not about what you are not- the focus is on what you are and the opportunities we have today to express our love for God.  I felt very challenged, and on the way to work I heard my current favorite song by City Harmonic.  Its wonderful to start the day with such movement in your soul!

Here's to what I hope to be a great 30 day focus on getting me back to all I should be, in spite of everything I should "do".

Half Dome- Here we come

Early June, we will be heading to our annual hike in Yosemite.  This year's challenge- THE HALF DOME (dome  dome dome (echoing)).  We are down to about 4 weeks out, and its time to get even more serious about training for this great feat.

To start, I (Amanda) signed myself up for my very first 5K, which was about 3 weeks ago now.  That event I signed up for about 5 weeks out, and little by little I went from barely able to jog 1 mile, to a slow run for all three miles.  Plus this 5K had obstacles, so it was an amazing accomplishment!

Now I'm still able to run 3 miles 2 times per week, and today I added in a trial session of a boot camp.  My friend from elementary- Jon has started his own MASH boot camp, and it was so much fun today.  Not only did it give a great cardio work out, but I got in some muscle work through lunges, sprints, planks, burpies and more!  His 4 week class is priced right, and I would LOVE to do it, but right now we're just limited on spending money on really anything.  So its now up to me to get this body into shape.

Monday I'm starting my effort with my first diet.  Its the seven day diet, and is rich in healthy food, so I shouldn't go hungry!  Add in to that an effort to work out each morning I can't wait to see where I'm at as I check in this time next week.  Wish me luck- its training time!!

Closing this book....

I realize I haven't posted in a while, been busy actually keeping up with blogging about school and the wonderful experience that is grad school. I started this blog enamored by one Matt's cousin did, but she has kids to write about, and when I made this about "the Keeters" then it felt awkward to write on behalf of two people.

I'm contemplating a personal blog, but haven't determined just what that will look like. All I know is I'm commiting to writing in first person. I think it must be about something, otherwise it becomes just a bit too "Dear Diaryish", but that first means I need to pick a direction I want to pursue in all that I have going on... I'll keep contemplating on that, but until then... or perhaps until we have kids or actually something worth writing home about, I'm going to put this book back on the shelf.