100 Days & Counting

I woke up on Friday, and it was an interesting feeling knowing that I had an actual choice to workout.  The 100 Days of Fitness challenge was complete, and through the thing I told myself that I would take day 101 off. When I got there though, I didn't want to take a day off. For the last 100 days I've told myself that there would be no excuses not to workout, so as day 101 approached I found that I've conditioned myself to that mindset.  I still don't have excuses, so I'm still going strong.

What does that mean now?  I am not limiting myself to any number of days, I'm just going to keep going.  As for the videos, I'm not going to be posting daily because it is really kind of a hassle, especially when I'm in the gym on my own.  But when I do cool/different things, I'll definitely be posting, but probably more on Snapchat than any other outlet - so follow me @JennileaL if you don't already!

Now, the moment you've all been waiting for...my results:

I didn't take measurements the day I started, which is a bummer! The only measurements I have are from about 8 weeks ago, so I know I've lost more than what I have documented, but here is what I have from that point:
Weight Loss:  19 lbs
Inches from 8 weeks ago to now:
Hips: -3 inches
Thighs: -2 inches on each side
Arms: -1 inch off of each arm
Chest: - 1 inch
Glutes: - 2 inches
Calves: -.75 inches on each side.

The photo on the lefts side was taken in September of last year. From the time that photo was taken to the beginning of my 100 day challenge, I had gained about 6 lbs - so I was actually in worse shape by then.

Today, I am confident and so incredibly proud of the changes I've made, the new habits I've formed, and the "no excuses" mentality I've adapted to.  My new motto is definitely that "discipline always wins over motivation," which is something my trainer Jamie has instilled in me.  It's completely true too!  There were several days where I didn't have the motivation to go, but the discipline from this challenge was enough to get me off the couch and into the gym!  This challenge has been completely life-changing for me.

Thanks for following my journey!  I'll be sure to keep updating you along the way as I continue to make changes!  If you're looking to see some results, start the challenge.  It may feel impossible, but I promise it can be done...and it's completely worth it. :)

-jennilea

Discipline Over Motivation

I've been on this journey now for 72 days.  Guys, I've worked out for 72 days straight!  It certainly hasn't been easy and yesterday I hit a wall.  I'm seeing progress, but for some reason I was completely lacking any sort of real motivation.  I didn't know what it was that put me in such a broken state, but it sure had an impact on my attitude as I pushed through 300 reps for the night. 

It all got a little more clear today though, when I was able to rest up and step away from how I felt last night.  I'm exhausted in life.  Work is really busy, wedding planning has become slightly more stressful as choices are getting harder to make, I miss my friends and family - those relationships that I've worked so hard to build but hardly get to enjoy these days, and I'm working out for 100 freaking days straight!  These are certainly smaller problems to what I've faced in the past, but I'm just tired.

That's where discipline comes in though.  Why did I start this journey?  Because I wasn't happy with where I was.  I wanted change.  I wanted to create a new habit. I wanted to better myself.  So that means that several things in life are going to change in order to make this fit into any and all areas of my life.  If I want to see change happen, I have to stay disciplined even when I can't see exactly what motivated me to start.

If I've got work or plans to hang out with my people, that means I'm waking up early or shutting the gym down.  I'm wrapping it around my life and forcing it to fit in because I know that once I hit my goals, it will be worth it. I know that even going in there for at least 30 minutes of my day is going to make me feel better. 

I'm tired right now and life is busy, but it's worth it. I just have to stay consistent.

"Discipline always has victory over motivation.  We aren't always motivated, 

but discipline always wins." 

                                                - Jamie Gomez.

Discipline tells me that I am going to keep going even when I feel exhausted and can't see where I'm headed.  The minute I step away from the consistency I've worked so hard to build is the minute I break and return to old habits.  It's not easy to change your body.  It feels foreign and challenges you in some pretty major ways - but it's possible.  You have to want it.  You have to give up excuses and chase after it with everything you've got in you.

I'm not giving up.  When I'm tired, I'm going to push even harder.  There are 28 days left in this challenge, but I know it won't stop then.  This is my passion.  I'm making changes and going places.

-jennilea

100 Days of Fitness: Part 2

58 days later...
Brian and I are still going strong on our workouts!  Unfortunately, it hasn't always been on the same schedule though as our work hours are wild, but we're both still putting the work in!

Noticeable changes:
>>I'm down 14 lbs.  Brian is down 22 lbs!
>>I feel more energy.  As soon as my alarm clock goes off, I don't hit snooze anymore!  I'm up and ready to go.  Although I'm sure part of that is the simple fact that I've also been focusing more on getting some good rest in.
>>I suddenly have the best immune system ever.  Seriously, everyone around me has been hit with the plague and I've somehow managed to avoid it.  My trainer Jamie hasn't been sick in years, and she credits it to taking her vitamins and maintaining a healthy level of activity.  I guess she was right!

Overall, I'm feeling 100% better during the day - and whenever I walk by a mirror.

Most of my workouts are done at The Dungeon, and when I can't make it in there for the night Jamie will send me stuff to do at home.  From time to time, I'll also take part in workouts from Kaelin Tuell.

I've been able to step into a few new classes during these weeks too:
>>Water Aerobics: My cousin Bri and I decided we would swim laps one day - and ended up walking in on a water aerobics.  Naturally we just jumped right in and decided to take the class.  It was harder than I thought it would be, but didn't feel nearly as tough as what I normally do.  Nice little break though - and I had a blast.
>>Boxing:  Boxing is on Thursdays, and it has to be my absolute favorite class.  Jamie's husband Josh teaches it and he kicks my butt every time!  I'm noticing that I'm getting stronger, faster, and my stamina is holding up much better from when I first started this class.  Each week, we only get better!

Some things I've loved most during this challenge include trying new things, feeling awesome, and hearing from you guys!  I've had a few friends reach out and say they are taking the 100 Days of Fitness challenge now too which only encourages me to keep pushing!  Congrats on the start of all of your journeys.  I'm really excited to follow your progress and to see how you get creative with your 100 days.

42 days left in this challenge.  I can't wait to see where we are at the end of it!
If you want to follow along in our journey, add me on Facebook or Instagram @JennileaChristine, or follow me on Snapchat @JennileaL.

-jennilea

100 Days Of Fitness Challenge

I find that I'm the best version of me when I'm working on some sort of project - so here is the latest one:

Last week, Brian and I started a challenge called 100 Days Of Fitness.  Our goal is to workout for 100 days straight.  We are posting about it daily and documenting our journey on social media for a few reasons:

>>Progress:  How exciting is it going to be to see our progress 100 days from now?  I can only imagine the new PRs we will be hitting, and how much our bodies will be changing.
>>Accountability:  We've announced it to the world - so we can't stop, right?
>>To Inspire:  We hope that in posting our journey, we will inspire others to be active and hit their own goals as well.

We are 5 days in, and I'm loving this.  Overall, we are both feeling more energized and less tempted to eat unhealthy food so we don't waste all of that hard work,

My favorite thing though, is that we are taking the opportunity to try new things!  In addition to working out with Jamie at The Dungeon, we've been able to experiment with different classes to keep things interesting.  This week, I tried a HIIT class, which kicked my butt, and an Aerial Yoga class - which I feel completely in love with.  Check out a clip of my favorite "trick" here.

So far, I'm pretty obsessed with this challenge, and I'm going to try my best to post about it on here as often as I can.  Feel free to subscribe to this blog or follow my complete journey on social media when you subscribe to one of the platforms on the right (or below if you're on a mobile device).

Only 95 days to go!  Comment below to let me know if you're taking the challenge too!

-jennilea

Results Are My Addiction

My friend sent me a photo of me he had found - and I hated it. I looked in the mirror and cried at what I saw.

I hated my body and the fact that I had come so far - and then let it all go again. I felt defeated and as if my body was just not meant for change. I thought to myself, "This is who I am forever...."

I was wrong.

The problem wasn't in my body, or the fact that it would never change; the problem was in my mind. Your thoughts are convincing. Of course, right? They come from us, so why wouldn't we believe them. The problem is that those thoughts were the easy way out from making a life changing decision.  Thank God I had made progress before - because I could have easily believed the lie that my body was just this way forever. I wasn't meant to be fit.

After being sad, I went through some other photos until I finally stumbled upon my progress photos from when I first started with Jamie at The Dungeon. Within the first 8 weeks I had lost 32 inches! If I could do it then, what exactly would be stopping me now? So, I made a choice to change my mindset. I told myself I could do this - and that I would see results and they would become an addiction.

4 weeks later, I'm seeing results and, sure enough, I'm addicted.

I'm not just addicted to the fact that I'm seeing inches and points leave - I'm also obsessed with the PRs I am setting each week! When I first started at The Dungeon, I was doing all of these crazy workouts, thinking to myself that I would never be able to complete the sets Jamie had planned for me. Sure enough, those sets would turn into my warm-ups. I started adding weights and numbers to my sets, pushing myself even harder and further each week.

Not only am I doing better in the gym, but also in the kitchen. Jamie gives us these individualized meal plans and they really go hand in hand with our training - both with the same objective, which is to meet our personal goals. A huge part of building the body you want is to stop filling it with garbage, and start feeding it the fuel it needs to continuously see change!

In the 4 weeks that I've been eating right and making every single workout, I have noticed I feel better, look better, and am even starting to enjoy taking photos again.

This is just the beginning. I can't wait to see where another 4 weeks will take me.

If you're wanting to make a change in your life, please check out The Dungeon if your are interested in making a change to your physique. Whether your focus is to stack on muscle, compete, get rid of fat, tone up, be healthy, or wherever else you might want - Jamie can help you get there through amazingly priced personal training as well as a personalized meal plan.

Don't be afraid to make that change you've always been wanting. You can do it.

-jennilea

Decorating. Travel. Fitness.

I've been in my new home for 1 month now - and it's incredible!  Brian surprised me with some awesome decorations for my wall, which we hung up yesterday, so I am all set now.

Everything feels warm and happy - I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to be.

1 week ago, Yessica and I bought our tickets to Italy when prices took a HUGE dip!  We are leaving in just over 5 months - wow!  Flying into Rome, and exploring as much of Italy as possible.  My family has a ton of history there, so I am looking forward to seeing and learning more about that.

I'm also on my fitness like crazy!  Brian and I are on this journey together, so we started our own wee fitstagram:  @Brilea_fit - Yes, couples IG accounts are a little lame, but this helps keep both of us accountable, and motivated - so we are lame together.  haha.  I switched from doing online training at The Dungeon because I found I was just making excuse after excuse to not go in - so this is my first week back to normal in-gym training and I haven't missed a session yet!  Even more exciting, is that I am seeing some major changes in my body - and still getting stronger.  A few months ago, we started assisted muscle-ups using a false grip and resistance bands to help get up there.  One of the resistance bands I had been using broke during another session - leaving two instead of three.  I thought that would be it until Jamie brought in another one - but she had other plans.  Instead of stopping there, she had me try with the 2 bands.  I couldn't even kind of get up there.  Haha.  I was failed time after time and it all felt completely pointless - until one time, when I was finally able to get my arm up.  Within 2 weeks, I got my other arm up - and was finally able to start pulling myself up!  I'm not lifting myself all the way up at this point, but I am closer than I ever have been before.  I feel strong - and I feel confident.

So - here is to adventures and major changes!  I am declaring right here that I've remembered why I started this journey, and I am determined to make the next 8 weeks incredible as I fight my way towards the fitness level I'd like to be at.  Going from this to being healthy is just that; it's a fight. - It is a decision each day to prep my meals, drink a gallon of water, say no to the thing I am craving - unless it's a cheat meal - and to make each scheduled workout!

With the huge amount of support and love from my trainer - Jamie, Team Dungeon, my fantastic boyfriend, and from amazing friends like Kaite (seriously follow her on IG @fromchubba2hubba), Juanita, Toni, and my giiiirl Jessica - I know that I can rock this out - exactly as I have in the past.

I look forward to checking in with you guys each week to let you know how I'm doing as well.

I'd also like to thank all of you for following my journey over the past few years.  Life has changed a ton - but it is so incredibly beautiful. <3

In other news - blue whales are so enormous that a human being could swim through their largest veins. (Check out more cool facts here).

-jennilea

Not Where I Was

With all the stress of life and school, let's face it:  As far as fitness goes, I am definitely not where I was this time last year.  I have been letting that really get me down, but have come to realize I need to just stop.  I can look back at my life the last few months and know exactly what I've been doing wrong.  Sometimes I get in this mood where I just think of how far I have to go to reach my fitness goals, that doing nothing seems like the easiest option.

It's true, doing nothing IS the easiest option, but it is definitely not the best option.  If being fit was easy, everyone would do it.  Hard work pays off - and when I think of how comfortable I was with my body this time last year, I know it will be worth the work.  I also know that change took place so quickly when I followed the guidelines Jamie laid out for me at The Dungeon.

With life being as hectic as it is, I decided to take online training with Jamie at The Dungeon.  She still does my meal plans, gives me different workouts for me to do during the week, and checks in on my progress.  Let me tell you, the online workout plan is not at all easier than the plan at home.  The only thing different is that I have to be able to push myself.  I have to make myself get out and go to the gym, watch my form, and make sure to push myself to the breaking point.  It is far from easy.

This week, one of my days included the card game workout.  This is far from a game...It keeps you moving as you flip through your deck and really showed me just how out of shape I am compared to before.  When I can hardly get through 15 burpees in a row - where I was able to get through at least 50 before needing to stop previously.

Word of advice:  Taking time off is NOT worth it!!

After my workout, I sat there, sweating, out of breath, and tired and thought to myself, "What the heck - I should be able to do all of this no problem!"  As I felt sorry for myself about how much further back I was than before, I realized ummm I am still better than I was before!  I remember the first time I did the card game, where I definitely did not finish the entire thing withing 45 minutes (recommended time).  This time was another story.  I may have taken just a few mins over the 45, but that was still about 10 minutes faster than when I was doing this last year!  Not all progress has been lost, I just have to work that much harder to be where I want to be!

Following my workout and meal plans has already given my self esteem a nice little boost!

Whenever I feel down, I remind myself to stop looking at how far I have to go or how far I am from where I was this time last year.  In reality, I have come so far from where I was when I first started and as long as I keep pushing myself, I will be even further than I could have imagined by this time next year.  Fitness is not something you do just until you reach your goal.  You have to keep working to maintain.  Don't take breaks.  Keep pushing through and you will reach your goals, set new ones, reach those goals, set more new goals, reach those, etc.

We have to choose to push on to be where we want to be.  We can't stop.

I won't stop.

In other news:  "On average, it takes about 12 weeks after beginning to exercise to see measurable changes in your body."
For more fitness fun facts, click here!

-jennilea

"The #1 reason why people give up..."

"Why am I even doing this?  I've seen no progress recently - though I haven't exactly been on diet 100% or making even close to all of my workouts.  Maybe I should just take a break after this week and come back in a few months...I just want to be there already!  I have so much further to go..."

These are my thoughts as I lay down - trying to force myself to be motivated through my ab circuit in gym.  Normally, I am pumped, happy to be there, and excited for all challenges - tonight was different though. Tonight, I was ready to really give up.

Just then, I was moved into ball slams.  On my way over, I noticed the message for the week on the white board:

"The #1 reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go.  Instead of how far they have gotten!" - Wise words from Josh, one of the trainers here. 

I've never needed to read this more.  I have been focusing on the fact that my body isn't where I want it to be yet - but that's just it - maybe it is not there yet, but it will be.  I have made so much progress from when I started in March, I just have to keep pushing - knowing that it won't happen over night - and also that it won't happen if I don't stick to what I am supposed to be doing to get there.  This message gave me that extra push of motivation to knock out my 100 ball slams much faster than usual, and to push through the rest of my workout.

I know I'll get there - I just have to keep pushing.

In other news:  I finally went swing dancing.  Yay for checking that off the list. I went with my friends Nic and Justin.  It definitely was a good time!  I learned some sweet moves and danced all night!

Total number of things completed:  81.  

20 more with 285 days to go!

-jennilea

The Breaking Point: Part 2

The Breaking Point is all too familiar to me, when working out at The Dungeon.  Thursday really took it to a new level.  I entered the gym to see Josh, Jamie's husband, would be my trainer for the evening.  He said, "You have one hour, don't stop working."  I started off with stairs and burpees.  I was set to workout with Heather as my partner for the night.  She pushes so hard.  I would never have been able to work as hard if I did not have such a great inspiration by my side.  She never stops.  It was so insane to watch how hard she pushed herself.  It showed me that I could do better.  After working hard with only a few seconds of breaks in between, I got to the breaking point.  I started crying, and couldn't breathe.  I have a history of asthma, but usually can control it, as long as my mind doesn't get the best of me.  Well, my mind got me in that moment.  I had to calm myself down.  Luckily, Farrah was there, inhaler and all, and she helped to calm me.  The amount of encouragement I received from Farrah, Shirley, and Heather was just amazing.  With their support and kind words, I got back at it, and kept pushing.  

Josh and Jamie tend to say "Hate me now, love me later."  Those words were true on Thursday.  I felt mad that I was so weak and needed breaks, but wasn't able to take any.  Then I realized another saying, "If it were easy, everyone would do it."  I am doing something incredibly difficult.  I am changing every part of my body and pushing to become a better, stronger me.  There is no way that is going to be an easy thing! Even though I felt angry in that moment, Josh was pushing me because he knew I could do it, and it would benefit me in the long run.  In completing the workout, I felt amazing, better than when I started, and I realized I need to push myself this hard in every workout.

Today, I messaged Jamie about my weaknesses and where I feel I am falling short. I felt like I wasn't doing a good job, but she was quick to say how strong I am and how hard she sees me push.  She was encouraging, uplifting, and reminded me that she is my friend as well as my trainer, and she is here to support me through this journey.  She is such an inspiration in my life, and I am so happy to have entered this place, where my life is completely changing.  I feel renewed and am ready to push.  I would never be able to do this without all of the love, encouragement, and support I get from my amazing Team Dungeon. 

If you are wanting to drastically change your body, please contact Jamie at The Dungeon!  You will never regret a decision to be healthy.

On another note:

I completed another item from my goal list:  Attend a murder mystery!  I went to Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

The show was entertaining, the actors were fabulous, and the food was great!  The host was absolutely hilarious and really added to the show.  I am definitely happy I added this to my list.  

This was a great way to end a long week.

The week has really been tough for me.  Between work, school, and the Dungeon, I have had little time for much else.  When I do go out, I end up being out too late and being too tired to function.  I really felt the stress of it all on Friday, when all I wanted to do was be home. I came home early and basically slept through the rest of the day.  I had almost 12 hours of sleep, which was incredibly refreshing and much needed.  My headaches went away, and I am coming into this week feeling refreshed. 

77 goals complete.  Less than one year until this project is done!

-jennilea

2 More Things and a Familiar Feeling

I have completed a photo album for Jadelynn!  It is 20 pages long, and I used MyPublisher to do so. The program was easy to use, and the book turned out very nice!

Next, I have also completed my belly dancing goal!  The Dungeon has a Bhangra dance class for a few weeks, but unfortunately it did not stay open because we couldn't get enough people to commit to coming to class.  I was pretty sad, because the class was fantastic!  On our last day, Elizabeth let us request a few things, so I requested belly dancing, as it is on my list!  She showed us a few moves, and it is harder than I thought it would be.  Needless to say, I look very silly practicing in the mirror, but I will get the few moves I learned down!

Let's talk a bit more about The Dungeon.  I know a lot of my posts are about this place, but it truly has changed my life in every positive way.  Jamie has gotten to know me so well that, as soon as I step into the gym, she can tell if I am down.  She let's me punch out my frustrations and climb the rope, or do other things that make me feel good about myself.  More than anything, she pushes me to the breaking point.

That familiar feeling where I don't think I can go on any further or do any more reps, but she won't let me stop.  As I sat on the leg extension, doing reps on the heaviest weight I have ever used, she began to push down, using her body weight to add on.  I had to do 20 seconds, and I just started crying.  I didn't think I would be able to get through it, especially after over 2 hours of the most intense leg day that I have ever done.  I tried, but failed at least two times.  Jamie finally said to me, "Come on!  You are stronger than your bad day!  Don't let it beat you down!" I held it up, and pushed harder than ever before.  I felt that I was at the point of not being able to hold up anymore, but then I heard the magic words, "5 more seconds!" (which I am sure is longer, if you count like a normal person).

I have worked with other trainers before, and they are great, but nothing can compare to Jamie.  She cares about you, as a person, and genuinely wants to see you succeed.  She is obsessed with our results and wants to see us meet our goals and love ourselves.  She pushes up hard because she knows that we can do it, even more than we do.  I always say Jamie knows my strength even more than I do, which is really weird to think of.  It is true, though!  Those moments when I feel like I can't push any further and that I need to give in, she absolutely refuses to allow it.  She will push me to the breaking point and to success.

My experiences and changes in The Dungeon have been like none other.  If you are really wanting to make a huge change in your life, I challenge you to look into it!  You can contact Jamie through Facebook at In An Athletes Soul.

Stay tuned for my next post.  It will contain the ultimate before and current photos.  :]]

-jennilea

One week from today...

One week from today, I will be able to cross another thing off my list:  Get my AA.  I will be graduating from American River College with 2 AAs, and rightfully so.  I have been there far too long!

Commercial Music Business and Liberal Arts.  Music Business was what I was going for, but I ended up picking up Liberal Arts on accident.

On May 22nd, at 7:00pm, I will be walking across that stage, at American River College, to receive my degrees.  You are all invited.  I would like to hear my fan club cheer for me as I walk.  :]

I will be starting at Sac State in the fall, and am definitely nervous, but can't wait to begin this new and exciting chapter of my life.

Another goal I have been working on is with my guitar!  I am still working on that thing!  I recently purchased  Left-handed chord book from Lefty's in San Francisco, and that thing is amazing!  It is so much easier to read the chord charts.  Also, with classes wrapping up, I have found some time to spend with my mommy, who is teaching me Mirrors, by Justin Timberlake.

It amazes me how much talent my mom has.  She is brilliant!  I have really enjoyed spending the time with her.

Also, with the tough time I mentioned a few blogs back, playing the guitar has been one of the things that has helped me clam down and clear my head.  I feel so awesome.

I hope to be a better guitar player by the end of summer.

Speaking of summer, I have a trip coming up!  I am taking the week after graduation off of work and hope to knock a few things off of my list.  I am so excited to explore around Washington and possibly visit Canada!  By June, I should have 4 or 5 things to cross off of my Day Zero Project!

Finally, of course I have to talk about the Dungeon!  Alicia is my other half in the Dungeon!  I workout with so many amazing people in there, but she and I tend to workout together the best.  We both challenge each other, which is pretty neat.  We decided to take photos of our "guns" with our trainer, Jamie.  I am really proud of us and our progress!

I also have to mention Vanessa - she is so full of life and energy.  Her smile could light up a room.  She is always full of encouraging words and is another girl I truly enjoy working out with.

I also wanted to discuss my experience with the rope!  I added a goal to my list to be able to climb the rope, and I am getting closer each and every week!  This time I felt much stronger and was able to pull myself even higher than normal.  I actually attempted to climb the rope without any assistance, and failed, but hey, I am still working on it!  What really impressed me was the fact that I was able to hold my whole body up, even though I cannot quite climb it yet.  The photo on the bottom right in the collage is me working on the rope.  I cannot wait to get to goal on this one!

Through all of the tough things, life is turning out to be pretty awesome right now.

-jennilea

We made it to the top!

May 4th was the hike to Horsetail Falls.  We headed out on that early Saturday morning with a goal to make it to the top of the falls.  Right now is a gorgeous time to go because there are so many waterfalls, but we were not sure if we would be able to make it to the top due to the water and how slippery the rocks can be.

There were several points within the hike where our entire group was nearly certain we couldn't make it up.  First, the point we were supposed to cross at had water running over it, so we were going to have to find a new way to make it up.  Then, we encountered a section of rock that was completely slippery.  It would have been just about impossible to make it all the way if the rocks were going to be that slipper.  We sat and watched how other people were able to get around the slippery rocks, and decided to follow the same path.  

Our next challenges would be found in how steep the climb was.  Our simple hike definitely turned into rock climbing.  I was really appreciative of all of my Dungeon training that day, because there is no way I could have pulled myself up without these new muscles!

Finally...we made it...  This is what the very top the of the falls looks like.  

It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the top.  Through all of it, I am so happy that we did not give up!  

After climbing here, we noticed that there are more falls further up!  We are planning another hike sometime soon, and maybe we will find ourselves up higher.

I am happy to be able to cross this off of my Day Zero Project list!  My next hiking goal is to hike Half Dome in Yosemite.  I know nothing about it, but my old supervisor told me to add it to my list, and add it I did!

Other exciting things happened this week as well!  This photo is me, wearing size 7 jeans!  It has been quite a while since I have been able to make size 7 jeans happen.  I am one size away from my goal!  I am pretty sure I will be in these for a while though, because they are still a little tight, but not too tight for me to wear in public.  HA!  Definitely feeling more confident these days, and it is no wonder! 

The Dungeon always keeps me hard at work!  

Speaking of hard work, this is the latest challenge:  The Ultimate Plank!  I feel awkward being on top, but being on the bottom was pretty awesome!  I felt a lot stronger than I thought I was.  Also, I ended up coming home and doing more of these with friend.  You know you enjoy fitness when...

Jamie at The Dungeon has really inspired me to be a better version of me.  I feel healthy, fit, and so much more energy!  Not to mention, I am really loving feeling my new muscles pretty much every chance I get!  HA!  

I am learning so much, and my life is seriously changing every single week!

Not only is she there for fitness, but she is there as a friend.  Jamie literally cares and wants what is best for each and every one of us at the Dungeon.  

We have become family.  We are all in this struggle together and are coming out of it even more hardcore than we were before.

In other news:  There is a zoo in Washington where you can dive with sharks.  I am pretty sure I will be doing that in the near future. 

Stay tuned for more blogging later this week. 

-jennilea

Recap and Progress

First, because the blog has began to get so many hits, I figured now would be a good time to reintroduce what I am doing here.  In January 2012, I began the Day Zero Project.  This project is a list (that I have created) of 101 things to do in 1001 days.  I did not want this to just be a list of random things; I wanted this list to mean something.  To me, this list is about being fearless. 

Taylor Swift says it best: “To me, Fearless is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts, lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.” There are far too many things that I am afraid of:  Flying, heights, guns, snowboarding, surfing, etc.  There are so many things that can get you hurt if you are not careful.  My fears are keeping me away from living.  There are more car accidents than skydiving accidents or shark attacks.  The odds seem to be in my favor. 

In January 2012, I began on a journey to challenge myself in my fears, and to stretch myself as a person. I have decided to not allow myself to dream of things that will never happen.  To date, I have completed 63 of my goals, with 6 in progress, and 32 more to complete.  I've traveled to Europe, went skydiving, snowboarding, got fake arrested, held a tarantula, danced with strangers, rode a motorcycle, tried Ethiopian food, based all of my decisions off of a Magic 8 Ball for a day, started this blog…the list goes on.  This has, by far, been my best 475 days of my life!  It has led me to new experiences and some pretty exciting and awesome memories. 

Moving on, I have began reading "The Time Traveler's Wife," and I love it!  There are definitely some odd moments that make you think, "what in the world!?" For the most part, I really enjoy it.  Hopefully it will be finished by next week.

Next, we all know I have been working my butt off in The Dungeon with Jamie and Josh, so this week I decided to take a few progress photos.

I did not expect to see this kind of progress!  
The top two photos are from March.  My friend, Jessica had sent these photos to me, but I hated them, so I never saved them to my phone.  I am happy I kept the messages though because they are a great measurement of where I started.  
My hips and my back are what really amazed me!  I did not realize how horrible I looked while I was in that body, but seeing the progress - wow!
We work hard in The Dungeon, pushing ourselves through the breaking point and into a whole new level of fitness.  Everything is about tightening and toning!

I am finally starting to feel confident in myself, and for the first time, I feel as if my goals are actually reachable.  I am going to love this summer. :]
If you are really wanting to make a change in your body, please contact Jamie on the link above.  You will never regret a decision to make yourself more fit and healthy!

I've also decided to add another fitness goal to my Day Zero Project list: Climb the rope at The Dungeon!  Jamie, let's do this!

In other news:  "The world's most expensive swimsuit is a bikini that costs $30 million. It's made with more than 150 carats of diamonds all set in platinum."
(Follow UberFacts on Twitter)

-jennilea

     

The Breaking Point

Today, I'm going to start with Lifetime Movie Monday!
Title: 12 Hours to Live

My guess: A woman is told (by a psychic) that she is going to die in 12 hours, so she decides to do all the things she has ever wanted to do. She gets crazy, has fun, finds love, and then dies...all in 12 hours...

Actual plot: "Eighteen-year-old Amy is having a bad day. Not only has she been kidnapped by a deranged gunman, but as a diabetic without her insulin, her chances of survival are diminishing with each tick of the clock. FBI agent Megan Saunders isn't walking on sunshine either, since this madman killed her partner when Megan hesitated to pull the trigger. Now Megan won't stop till she nails this guy, but can she save Amy before her time is up?"

Once again, Lifetime has created a ridiculous plot. Ha!

I finished reading "The Lucky One," last week. It was nice to envision Zac Efron as the main character throughout the book. Ha! It was difficult to get into the book, at first, but as I started reading and getting to know the back story of each character, it got much better.  My favorite parts were the flashbacks that Thibault frequently had. I also liked how the author, Nicholas Sparks, wrote the each chapter from the perspective of a specific character. It allows the reader to see the feeling behind the actions.  The book was okay, but not the greatest thing I've read.

This coming weekend, I will go to the library for my next book!

Now, let's get to some Dungeon talk! As many of you know, I've been working out in The Dungeon with Jamie and Josh. Each workout seems to test me like crazy. Last weekend, I hit the breaking point. I was challenged with staying in the squat position while doing 50 reps with arm weights.  The difficult part, if I stood up or sat down at all, I'd have to start all over.  I've done this workout with 30 reps before, and I felt like I hardly made it through those. I definitely failed before hitting 30, so 50 was unimaginable. After failing several times, I got to 43. My Dungeon family was cheering me on, saying I can do it, and offering encouraging words, yet at 43, my legs just dropped. I finally cried. This was the worst feeling of failure. I was so close to the end and tried so hard to push to 50 but I just couldn't.

As I sat on the ground, crying, Josh said "that is the breaking point, and it's a beautiful place to be." At the time, I couldn't understand why it was a beautiful place to be, but shortly after, those words began to have meaning. When I first began, I began feeling tired after the first ten reps and at one point, I was tired after five. In that moment, I had an option to stop and start over while I was still in the beginning of the set, but I pushed on.  I tried, I pushed myself further than I felt I was capable of, I was tired, but determined to make it. When I couldn't make it, I realized I had pushed passed what I thought was my limit and I am much stronger than I had ever believed. With a little more pushing, I will get to that 50.

Jamie walked over to me and said it was okay to cry and to let it out. So, I did, I just cried. She had me do some sprinting and try to control my breathing, then I had to come back, and start all over again. This time, I only made it to 38 before I fell again. I cried so hard. Jamie told me to get up and rep out the last 12, so I did. When I finished, Jamie tooled right in my eyes and said, "I am proud of you. That was tough, but you still went for it. I am proud of you." Those words were golden.

Since then, I've encountered this same challenge. 30 doesn't feel so bad, but 50 is still a challenge - but I have gotten there (tear free).

I love everything I've taken in from this experience. Also, a result update: I've lost 24.5 inches in 5 weeks. :]]

Upcoming, I've decided to add 365 days of Thank You to my list. The goal is to write one letter every day, saying thank you for anything as simple as delivering mail, to more complex and life changing thank yous. This challenge is to encourage growth, development, and to just help me become more grateful for what I have.

Finally, instead of a fun fact, I am leaving you with a verse. I am going through something right now, for which I would love some prayer. This verse just spoke to be and really encourages me when I am in this place of defeat. With God, I am more than a conqueror:

"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37 NIV)

In the difficult times, I pray we can all find our hope and safety in God. 

-jennilea

It's been a while...

HIYA!

Life gets busy, but I am back!
A lot has changed in the 2 months I have been MIA.  First of which, I had to stop toilet training the cats.  Now, that does not mean I am giving up on it.  When I punched out the fist hole, Belle did not take to it well and began peeing everywhere.  I realized that I did kind of jump into it quickly, so I decided to go back to the start.  We went back to the litter box, and I hate every second of it.  I have just recently moved the litter box into the bathroom, so they can get used to actually going in a different room.  The next step - in a few weeks+ is to take the lid off of the box, so they can get used to going out in the open.  Following that - in a month+, we will move back to the CitiKitty, which will begin on the floor.  We will move on from there at whatever pace they need.  Hopefully it is within 550 days.

550 days is not that much to complete the rest of my goals.

I am finally Graduating!  On May 22nd, I will walk across that stage and receive my diploma from American River College.  I will have two AA Degrees:  Music Business and Liberal Arts.

I was accepted into Sacramento State last month, so I will be continuing my education there, where I will be working on my BA in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations.
I am very excited to get started on this next chapter of my life, but I am also extremely scared.  Up to this point, I have not needed to apply for loans or had to pay any ridiculous amounts.  Sac State will definitely be more expensive, but I am prepared to get all of the loans and grants necessary to get to my goal.
After paying all of this money, I will definitely be motivated to move past where I am working now and onto my goal career.

I can't wait to get there. :]]

One goal that has been completed is the goal of playing disc golf.  I definitely thought this was going to be boring.  While I am not at all good at it, I did have a lot of fun playing with a few friends at a birthday party.  It is a neat game, and I guess I can see why some people enjoy playing it often.

Book updates:
I finished the Hunger Games series!  The first book was the only one on my list, but I couldn't move on without completing the entire series.  The next book I will be reading is "The Lucky One." Review to be posted next week.

Upcoming events:
Babies!  Not my own, of course, but a few of my friends are having little ones and I am just so excited!

Weddings!  I have been asked be part of two weddings!
Ariel is getting married in July, and I have been asked to be a bridesmaid.  Our blue dresses are gorgeous!  Definitely a dress that I will be wearing again and again!  I am very excited to see these two tie the knot!  What a better way to continue your first relationship. :]
Nikki is getting married to her absolute best friend, Jesse.  Seeing where Nikki has come from, I am excited she has found someone who can make her smile the way that Jesse can.  The minute he entered her life, everything changed.  I am honored to be a part of this bridal party and cannot wait to see it all develop and come to fruition this November.

With all of these wedding, it is about time I get in shape!  I also have a weight goal in my Day Zero Project, and what better time to start?
I would like to introduce to you, Jamie and Mike who are the trainers of the Dungeon!  I started working with Jamie last month, and things have really began to change.  I have not done any official weigh-ins or measurements since starting, but I know I have lost some inches.  Pants and shirts fit more comfortably, and I feel a lot more healthy.  I am pushing myself as they are pushing me to complete these fitness challenges each and every week. I have also been given a meal plan, which I have been following, but could probably follow a bit closer.  It is tough to eat as many times a day as I am being challenged to do, but it is absolutely worth it.  I feel great after my workouts, even though I sometimes cannot move.  HAHA!  Along with all of this fitness madness, I am making friends who are encouraging and changing as well.  I love to see all of their progress, and the motivation in the Dungeon is like nothing I have ever experienced.
I can't wait to go back each week!
If you are looking into changing your physique, I urge you to check out Jamie and Mike at In An Athletes Soul on Facebook.  It will change your life.

Next blog will be up on Monday and will include a Lifetime Movie Challenge - because I know you all miss it. :]

In other news:  "Topanga was named after a canyon in California that hippies would frequent."
(Follow Girl Meets World on Twitter)

-jennilea