Surpassing Challenge 5 - Mile Run Take Two

I was able to improve my mile running time by almost a full minute from earlier in the semester. The 5ks that I have been running have definitely increased my  endurance and speed. I'm very excited about the progress!

Surpassing Challenge 4 - Crunch Test Take Two

During the second crunch test I could definitely tell that my abs have gotten stronger this semester. I was able to complete 103 crunches in 2 minutes which was an improvement of about 20 crunches from earlier in the semester.

Surpassing Challenge 3 - Run a 5k

This is a goal I have been working toward all semester, but I decided to add a twist to make it a surpassing challenge. I changed my route to a more hilly location to give myself an extra challenge. It was an even better leg workout and a good change of scenery. I now switch between this route and my old one.

Surpassing Challenge 2 - Give Up Soft Drinks For A Week

As a surpassing challenge, I decided to give up soft drinks for a week. It wasn't as bad as I thought, and I've actually decided since this challenge to limit my intake to three diet drinks or less a week.

Surpassing Challenge 1 - Three Random Acts Of Kindness

I heard someone in my aerobics class mention three random acts of kindness as their challenge to others. I thought this was a neat idea so I decided to use it as a surpassing challenge. As my three random acts of kindness:

1. I picked up some trash around my running route and threw it away.
2. Fed some hungry kitties outside (who I will continue to feed).
3. Adopting a Christmas angel to give some Christmas gifts this year. This is something I would like to continue doing every year.

Breakthrough 3 - Run Time & Frequency

I can now jog the whole 5k without having to walk! My time has improved depending on the day. It seems I'm getting in a better rhythm with the runs. I run 3 to 4 times a week now.

Fuel

I love to eat salmon and veggies and I would call this meal my fuel to make it through a workout. It's not only tasty but also easy! I just put the salmon in tin foil, put some lemon and spices on it, then stick it in the oven. While that is cooking I steam some broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to have with it. Great source for omega 3's!

Gym Time - YMCA

I chose to go with my Sister to a step aerobics/weights class at the Selma, Alabama YMCA. I was home for the weekend and was able to go with her to one of her favorite classes.

Challenge Others - Choice

I chose to take on the challenge of seeing how long I can hold a plank. I held it for 50 seconds.

Challenge Others - Wall Sit Hold

My challenge to others is to see how long you can hold a wall sit. I held mine for a minute and eight seconds.

Breakthrough 2

I began a diet with my workout plan and have lost 15 lbs! So glad to be on my way to my goal weight! :-)

Breakthrough 1

Today I shaved two minutes off of my 5k! :-) It is still a pretty rough time, but it is progress! My Dad likes to run as well and was my inspiration during the run.

My Excuse

My most popular excuse for not working out would definitely be "It's too early" So I woke up early one morning for a workout and destroyed my excuse.

The Beast - Love To Hate

I definitely love to hate squats. It is a hard day when these roll around in my workout routine. My legs are so weak afterwards. But I love them because I can tell a difference in my leg strength. It is such a good exercise for your legs and it is helping to build up my running muscle for endurance.

My Ally

My ally for achieving my running goal will definitely be my legs and calves. I feel them getting stronger and stronger with every run! :-)

Hanging Around

This is me attempting to do a pull-up. I could only hold it for 2 seconds. My arms could definitely use some muscle. I hope by the end of the semester to be able to hold my weight for 8 to 10 seconds.

Crunch It! Crunch It Good! :-)

This is me during the two minute crunch test. I was able to complete 81 crunches. I'd love to see that improve by the end of the semester.

Mile Run Time

This is me after my mile run (in all my sweaty glory...lol.) My mile run took me 10 minutes and 47 seconds to complete. I'd love to get to 8 minutes flat! Time to get to work.

More Quotes To Keep Us Going! :-)

Inspirational Quote

Run through the fat days.
Run despite whoever loves you or doesn't.
Run through regret and guilt.
Run through frustrations.
Run through loneliness.
Run through those blissful days.
Run despite your dysfunctional family.
Run through people drifting in and out of your life.
Run through your own fits of self doubt.

Because we are no longer those girls who thought constantly of their struggle to disappear.

I chose to grow healthy, to grow stronger, to be as alive as I possibly can. Who's with me?

My Inspirational Pic!

This is Kelsey Byers and she is my inspiration! :-)
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/body-transformation-clean-eating-made-her-a-model.html This link gives you her full story, but in short she implemented a strict workout and diet routine and accomplished her weight loss and fitness goals. She is so dedicated! She is a tall girl (like myself) but is able to pull off a toned, feminine strength about her. Definitely my fitness inspiration! :-)

Motivator - Color Run! :-D

My fiance and a few friends participated in the Color Run in Birmingham, Alabama on September 3rd. It was raining the whole time we were running, but we didn't care a bit! :-) It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had! The energy was amazing! Everyone was all smiles as the rain poured down.  We didn't time ourselves, we just had fun and did the best we could. I really want to do the one coming to Tuscaloosa!

                    My fiancee and I at the end of it all...when it decided to stop raining...lol!

                                                                   Team Skittles! :-)

                                                         The finish line color throw!

Introduction - My Goal and Plan

My name is Courtney Johnson and my goal is to be able to run a 5k again. I would love to get the time down to eight minutes a mile which would mean me running a between a 24-25 minute 5k. This will help me also accomplish my goal of losing some weight for my March 23, 2013 wedding! :-D

I plan to accomplish this by starting out with sprinting and walking. As time goes on I will make the walking portions shorter and shorter until I am running/jogging the whole distance. Then the last step will be to time myself and push harder to reach my time goal.

Is this thing on?

Hello!

This is me playing around on my blog since it is the first time I've ever had one. Intro video soon to follow! :-)