Workout Motivation & A New Baby

One of my very best friends had her baby yesterday!! This is her 2nd kiddo, so she's basically an old pro now. She found out she was pregnant within a 2 weeks of conception so we feel like this girl has been with child FORVER! They are like family to us and I can't wait to be a special part of this baby's life. If he's half as fun and cute as his older brother then he'll fit right in. He has my heart already! There's nothing like the feeling of holding a precious little new born baby.

I already told Skye that I will probably get baby fever for a couple of weeks...scary, I know.

Gunner Gaines 7 lbs. 6oz. 19.5 inches long born 7/16/12

I'm sure you will see all kinds of cute little baby pictures of Gunner in the days to come.

And moving right along...I told you yesterday about my renewed workout efforts that are taking place. I wanted to share with you some of my updated running playlist. I'm the kind of girl who has to have very fast paced rap-style music to run to. I need something with a fast beat to keep me going when I'm running. (If I'm just doing strength training then I can listen to just about anything that's semi-fast paced). So here's what I am listening to currently when I run:

 

 And of course I have to end it with Like A Boss because that's just how I roll! haha

Just as a side note here too, some of these songs have offensive lyrics, I don't mind because I'm pretty gangsta like that, but if you don't like cussing, etc. then some of these just won't work for you. Just had to warn you! Music is a huge part of keeping me going when I run, so I hope that this helps you if you're struggling with some motivational music.

I need a new pair of running shoes too, and I want these! Love the hot pink. Does anybody actually own these and run in them - do you love them? Usually I'm not a Nike girl when it comes to running shoes, I stick more with Asics. But for these cuties, I might make an exception.

Pinterest Source: melissa ochoa via theskinnyconfidential.com



 Also, if you want more of mini updates about my day-to-day progress with eating healthy & working out then you can find that on my Twitter.

Weekend Update

I just realized that my girl Sami, from Sami's Shenanigans, was hosting a weekend update blog hop! Nothing quite says Monday like seeing all the weekend updates in my Google Reader.

Let's get this show on the road! First of all, I am giving you a rest from the lake pictures because I didn't make it up there this weekend. No worries, next weekend we'll be back in action on that front!

Saturday, I found my groove and got back on the workout wagon. IT FELT FABULOUS! I have a post in the works for you with my newest playlist additions that really helped me this weekend. I did an hour Zumba class Saturday morning AND THEN went to the gym and did strength training/ weights with my upper body. I was totally riding the endorphin high from Zumba and did not want to stop working out. I was feeling a little sore and tightness in my chest, shoulders, arms, but it actually felt good.

And I signed up for my FIRST 5K, Color Me Rad run in October!! (which I know isn't much to some of you, but it's a goal of mine for 2012). I'm so excited to have this goal to work towards! So excited that I went to the gym again yesterday and ran 1.5 miles. Here's the thing, I enjoy the exercise of running. I love the runner's high. However, I'm a little out of practice. I think that this will be the perfect goal to work towards and give me a reason to stay committed over the next couple of months.

So please give me a virtual pat on the back because I've been a major slacker lately with my eating and workout out habits, and I'm quite proud of myself for a good weekend!

It was a pretty soggy week here last week and that carried over some into the weekend so I tried rockin my best Messy.Dirty.Hair look...I love wearing my hair like this because you just scrunch and go. So easy! My hair is wavy, but not curly so it probably just looks messy. That's the point of Messy Dirty Hair, right??

In other weekend news, I FINALLY saw Magic Mike. Holy hotness, could Channing Tatum be any more sexy??? For those of you who haven't seen it (or for those of you who have and need a little happiness on a Monday morning) here's one of my favorite clips.

 

Happy Monday!!

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday the 13th - I ain't scared of you! But seriously it's been raining here for 3 days so let's go easy on the catastrophes.

Dear Skye's creepy mustache - I'm so glad you're gone! YES THAT'S RIGHT IT'S GONE!! :) It was an accident while trimming it, so I didn't even have anything to do with it. Homeboy can grow a full beard in like a week so I'm sure the mustache will reappear but for now it's bye bye mustache!

Exactly what the mustache looked like!

Dear Hot Body - I'm coming for you! I have Pinterested (yes, I said Pinterested!) myself to death with motivational workout pictures. IT'S ON! Dear new bed pillows - I love your fluff! You are so comfy and I have slept awesome the past 2 nights thanks to you. Dear Magic Mike - I know I'm late to the party but you and I have a date this Sunday! Dear Lake - I will miss you this weekend, but I'll be back next weekend, no worries. Dear Wedding - If you and I don't connect this weekend then the wedding might not happen because I never have time to plan you. Let's do the damn thang!

Dear Tilly - could you be any cuter? And the answer my friends is no, she could not.

Humble Pie

I had a totally different post planned for you today, but then last night happened at the ESPY awards and I wanted to share something personal with you.

My homegirl Pat Summitt won the Arthur Ashe Award and I cried like a baby. Even if you aren't an avid UT fan, like myself, you've surely heard the name Pat Summitt. Even if you hate basketball, you've most likely heard of the winningest coach in all of NCAA history. That's my girl, Pat Summitt.

She's a Tennessee girl born and raised, which of course I can relate to. She's a strong female figure breaking records in a man's world. I love me a good female role model and she's one of the best. Luckily, I was born into a culture in my city that just embraces and supports Pat Summitt to no end. She can do no wrong in Knoxville. I'm eternally proud to be a Vol for Life #VFL and we will always back pat #webackpat.

Our city was broken when we learned that Pat would be stepping down as the coach of the Lady Vols this season. It's a huge unknown to think of the program without her. I feel confident that Coach Summitt will make just as big of an impact in her fight against her early onset Alzheimer's as she has in the basketball world.

This video is a little long, it's 13 minutes I think, but it's worth the watch if you have time today. I was moved to tears watching people who love and know Pat talk about her accomplishments and her life. As much as I know about her, I didn't realize she had suffered 6 miscarriages because she was blessed with her son, Tyler. She's definitely a true hero of mine, and I think we can all stand to learn a little more about a women who has empowered generations of young women. I hope it touches you like it did me!