Be Better Than Yesterday

I said this last year, and I'll say it again.

We don't need to make a resolution. We've got 365 of them. Be better than yesterday.

I just re-read my blog post from January 2, 2015 - and as I read the post, I noticed I have the same goals aligned for myself for 2016 - to become the happiest and healthiest Amanda possible taking baby steps each and every day. 

These posts get a bit exhausting though as I feel like I am writing and re-writing the same thoughts and posts over and over again. Telling myself to not give up, stay active, eat healthy, motivate others, be a better self.

The problem is, I always give up at some point. I got gutsy on September 4, 2013 and had an amazing health journey until February 2015 losing 35 pounds. I than fell off the wagon, gaining lots of weight back and got my ish together in October 2015 with the 21 Day Fix. October and November I FELT AMAZING, probably the best I have EVER felt. Then December came, I lost focus and after stepping on the scale this morning, I gained back nearly half the weight I lost during my first two rounds of the Fix. I knew I was being bad and my body could feel it as well. Funny how food can make you feel like such garbage or it can make you feel like a million bucks.

I am tired of giving up and starting over again...I am tired of taking two steps forward, than taking one step back... sometimes in life I feel like I can relate to an addict -- they take two steps forward and relapse on drug of choice and for me, I do the same, I relapse on my drug of choice - FOOD. I know a milkshake here and an order of fries there won't be the be all end all, but bad habits quickly come back if you start to lose control. 

So again in 2016, I want to be better than yesterday. It's all about baby steps of making a better, happier, healthier Amanda. 

Love List 2015 (All The Random Big & Small Things That Made 2015 Delightful)

I wanted to end 2015 with a “Top 15 Highlights of 2015” and then I saw my friend, Jessica Lawlor, did a post about her “Love List” of 2015 and I thought that sounded so much more fun to write than ONLY picking 15 things.

2015 was a big year – I traveled, I loved, I ran, I swam, I lived it up as much as I could! It was filled with BIG items and little items, all of which made me a happy girl. Let’s take a look of things I fell in love with and things I learned to love!

MUSIC

I have fallen in love with Twenty One Pilots! I’m keeping my eyes peeled for their 2016 concert circuit and WILL be seeing them live. Mark my word.

Italian music – I’ve been watching too much of The Sopranos (see below)…. I can not understand a single word but I just love it.

Nike Running Tempo Mix on Spotify. AWESEOME stuff…great beats, new artists and always there to help push me through a training run or race.

SOCIAL MEDIA

2015 was the year of Snapchat…while I’m not the heaviest snapper per say, I do enjoy following along with people throughout their evening to see what fun (or trouble) they are getting themselves into to.

I love Instagram. I think it is my favorite social media platform. Here are some of my favorite people I followed in 2015:
@Kellykkroberts – this is the most entertaining runners you will EVER follow in your life. From taking selfies with hot guys along the NYC half to now quitting her job and running/blogging full time, Kelly Roberts is one of the most hilarious individuals of all time. I want to be her friend. Waah. Oh, and don’t forget to follow her awesome friend, Greg, at @NYCsweat

@RunTriMom – Stephanie is an IRONMAN, mother of two boys and pure badass. I love following her account because she is SO REAL. She tells you to make goals, chase after them and #DreamReallyFeakingBig…that is her motto. I love that motto because she is right, if you put your mind to something you CAN accomplish ANYTHING!

@HappyTriGirl – I love Instagram because of the photos and this girl has some AMAZING photos. I even commented to her asking if she uses her iPhone or GoPro…she said mostly GoPro. I think I need one for my birthday (cough cough Taylor) to capture my running adventures.

@Benstig8r – This is a fellow runner, Ben. Not too sure where I remember seeing Ben on social media, but I started following him because I realized he run LOTS of the same reason. He was great to  follow this year as he had a goal of running “52 in 52.”

TV/MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT

The Sopranos – what took me so long to watch this series. Taylor and I have been binge watching and we’re almost through season two. I now know where my dad gets half of his lingo from.

Game of Thrones – I was slow on this show too but boy am I glad we marathoned it and finished it in a little over a month. Too bad I have to wait until three months until it comes back on again…we should have spaced it out better.

E:60 -  Who knew an ESPN show could make an individual cry so much. I love the E:60 episodes – my  favorite episode was “Derby & Rookie: The Trenton Thunder Batdogs”….get ready to cry like a baby.

FOOD

Chipotle … Taylor James, I hate you for really introducing me to this. I am obsessed. The end.

The Mill – it has reopened and luckily for me it is directly across the street from my work. mwwuahahaha If you haven’t checked it out yet since it opened, you better head over. Awesome new look and amazing food.

Henning’s Salad buffet – another one of my lunch time “go to” spots with my Work Wife, Blair. The price is dangerous for take out, but to eat in with the buffet, so worth it!

RUNNING/HEALTH/FITNESS

21 Day Fix – I was introduced to this BeachBody program early in 2015 and due to cost I couldn’t afford it. Luckily I saved up my pennies and went after it back in October. I am so glad I did! It is a wonderful program that teaches the important of eating proper amounts, 30 minute workouts per day and group accountability. Reach out if you’d like to join our challenge group in January 2016.

15 races in 2015 – I had a goal early in the year for myself I run 15 races in 2015. I didn’t run 15 but I did run 10!

Joined the Ainsley’s Angels Family – everything happens for a reason and joining the Ainsley’s Angels family is exactly what I needed in my life. I started the first chapter in the state of PA and we kick off in 2016. I would love for you to join us!!

Sandy Hook Iron Girl Triathlon – I completed my first triathlon! I know 2016 is going to be even better as I am already signed up for two next year!!! Oh did I mention I have any amazing suit for next race season as well…

For the first time ever I was a race spectator. It is super fun to be on the other end during a race.  I yelled and cheered and split my fingers open from ringing a cow bell so loud!

I ran my first half marathon without headphones. While this may not sound like a big deal, for some runners it is (like myself.) Sometimes you hear yourself breathe and get mentally distracted. Luckily because of my Run Club I don’t need music anymore. It’s good training habit too as you are not allowed to use them in Triathlons.

PERSONAL/WORK LIFE

I moved out of my parents’ house! It’s been 6 months and I can’t imagine life any other way now. I have the best roomie possible and we haven’t killed each other which is a bonus :)

I organized my first (huge) fundraising event – I’ve helped with events here and there but none of the size of Superheroes United for Kids at my work. While it was overwhelming, gave me chest and arm pains, and restless nights, it was so worth it. I’m  glad I have a year under my belt and can make this year go much smoother than last.

Went to my first race car competition – this summer I went with Taylor’s family to New Jersey to see my first race car competition. Holy loudness, but it sure was fun to scream and cheer on random strangers.

Visited my best friend in LA – seeing Julia and Jasa over July was an amazing trip. We got to explore, see several cities, enjoy the California sun  and dream of moving out there for good. I hope to one day make that happen.

I booked a SOLO international trip – I am seeing Liam and his family for 12 days next March. I can’t wait to travel across the big pond and meet them all. 85 days and counting, it is going to be one of the most magical experiences of my life!

Went to my first college football tailgate – Loyola didn’t have football so coming from a big high school, it was weird not having the sport. I luckily experienced my first tailgate at the Temple v. Penn State game this fall. Thumbs up, you guys know how to do it well, I’m jealous.


2015 you were good…but I know 2016 will be even better!

Thirsty Thursday: Get Your Drink One

One of my biggest downfalls for 26 years of my life was not drinking enough water. I was obsessed with Coca Cola, drinking at least two cans a day. (HOW FREAKIN GROSS!) Water was my LEAST favorite choice of drink and I'd have anything else besides it - iced tea, lemonade or soda. My only water intake would be at sports practice (which you had to) but immediately after 8 a.m. practice in college the first thing I would crave was a fountain soda from Boulder Cafe on campus.

Back in September 2013 when Taylor and I made our "who will lose the most weight by the New Year" challenge, I quit drinking Soda cold turkey and haven't had a sip since. Being an addict it was not easy. I had headaches and withdraw, my cravings and urges to crush a can were in full force that first week... but it wasn't worth it. The amount of sugar packed in those drinks makes me cringe when I look at statistics now. I was pumping my body with the WORST items possible. I'm sorry Coke, I don't miss you. We...are never ever ever, getting back together.

Since that September, it's been strictly water for me (with an occasional treat of a lemonade or diet iced tea - neither of which I have had since starting the 21 Day Fix in October.)  Did you know you're suppose to drink half your body weight in ounces per day? It's so hard some days to do, and the potty breaks get SOOO annoying, but it is so worth it!



Drinking water has so many benefits:

• Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids
• Help Control Calories
• Helps Energize Muscles
• Helps Keep Skin Looking Good
•  Helps Your Kidneys
• Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function

For me, I try to drink 100 ounces of water a day...you heard me, 100! It's a lot and doesnt always happen, but i give it my best. I bought a 50 oz Nathans Water bottle and tell myself to drink two per day starting from the minute I wake up to when I go to sleep.


I recently found this awesome water bottle (to the right) that gives you time-of-day check marks to make sure you're on track. You can buy it here. So my question to you is, how do you stay on track with drinking your water? Be sure to comment below!