Having fun networking and Peoplestring.com

I cannot believe it's already almost end of August.

When I started this journey, it was still cold and feeling dark.

Now it is almost like fall....still hot, but nice weather.

New school year started and my son is now in high school.

Update on my running. It's been going great. I met many people who are into running or trying to get into shape. I have several people I run with and they are very helpful and encouraging. I've been running since January, and I've done my first 5K two weeks ago. I did well!

It was such as great experience. I did it with my friend and we both finished with great timing. There were so many inspiring people, including many older pepole who are in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s.

I run almost every day. I usually go in the morning about 8 am. It is nice and refreshing.

I also exercise daily using Turbo Jam and P90X. I love both programs and they are great programs to do for cross training. I try to do these at night before bed. It is very important to have a regular schedule, and I try to stick with it.

Since January, I've lost about 15 lbs. My leg pains are gone and I feel great. I think I look better, too :) It takes a while, but I've seen good results with Beachbody. I also use Shakeology. It's my daily breakfast. The nutrients in Sakeology provides me enough necessary nutrients, and I feel like I'm doing everything I'm supposed to for my body, and it tastes great!!

Networking has been fun. I go to face-to-face networking events a couple of times a week. I also use facebook and twitter. I met many interesting people. One of the postive thing that came out of after being laid off is that I met many people and I was able to broaden my network. I'm so thankful.

I still don't have a full-time, corporate job, but I'm thinking maybe it's not meant to be. Maybe I'm supposed to work at home....try to build my business.

This Peoplestring.com is something new, and maybe something very easy, but useful. It says I can make $$ by just receiving mail/ads. I'm so excited to be a part of it.

Pay it forward! -- Free workout video by Tony Horton.

I started P90X program last week and I love it.

The program is by Tony Horton. He is such a great guy. He prepared this video for people who need to lose a lot of weight. I hope this guy Brian will reach his goal!!!

FIT FlOP!

Finally!!

I got my own Fitflops!!

I've been wanting a pair for a long time, but they were kinda expensive for me.

I saw that they were on sale on Bliss (blissworld.com ....I love Bliss products, too) with free shipping so I finally ordered!

I got the royal blue ones. I love them. They are supposed to help you get fit just by wearing them so we'll see what happens now. According to the tag that was attached to the shoes, they are "flip-flops that have the potential to make your bum smaller and your legs leaner".

Also, that lists these flip flops will:

• Increase leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity,
• Improve your posture
• Mimic the gait of barefoot walking but with more mscle load
• Improve muscle tone
• Strengthen muscles in the feet, leg and buttocks

So happy that I have the "potential". They are also very comfortable:)

My thoughts on networking

Since I started my job hunting, I've been hearing..."network and network more!!"

"It is better to spend short time on computer looking for jobs, most people find jobs through networking."

I didn't understand it at first, but I now believe it.

I sent out so many resumes and applications, but I haven't heard anything from anybody.

The only interview I had was with a company that I knew someone who worked there.

It really helps to know someone who has connections.

It was suggested to sign up with LinkedIn, facebook, twitter, etc. so that's how my networking journey started. 

It's been interesting, and I've learning a lot.  Since  I became a Team Beachbody coach, I was also told to network.....more networking??  The coach I signed up under told me she mostly market her business through facebook and Twitter.  So I started to do the same.  

Also, I was told to go to BlackBelt Training and Magnetic Sponsoring sites to learn more.  I haven't done it yet, but it's my next step.

I'm not very good at sales so I'm not sure if I can sell anything, but I'll try as much as I can.  I'll post how and what will happen.  It will be interesting.

I just have to remember to take it one day at a time.  Be patient and follow my heart.

Being unemployed

I started running in January.  It was still very cold. I cannot believe it's been 6 months already.  

I started running to get rid of my stress.....stress of being laid off from work.

I never thought 6 months later, I would be still looking for a job. 

What is going on with me? or with this economy? with this world??

First 3 months, I was fortunate enough to be able to use the outplacement service.  It was a great experience.  I learned something new every time I went and attended different seminars.

It was also nice to see there are many people in the same situation just like me.  I felt like it was my job....to go to the office of the outplacement service.  Get up every morning and get ready to leave..!

So the first 3 months were actually the time to prepare.   I didn't really look for any jobs, but I was getting ready.  Learning how to update my resume, how to interview, how to do my 30 second speech, how to negotiate my salary, etc....

Also, at the same time I was studying to pass the CLEP tests to get my remaining 15 credits that I needed to graduate.  I have not studied that hard for a long time.   I used to go to the library or to the coffee shop to study.  It was actually fun.  Gave me something to do. It was in March when I finally finished all my tests.  I graduated!! Finally.

With my new diploma in my hands, I thought I would be finding a job right away.  It was going to be easy.

Now 3 months later.....still nothing.  I sent many resumes out. I registered with several agents. Nothing!  I had one interview through a friend who works there.  Other than that, not even a call for a phone interview.  At first, I was sending out maybe 3-4 resumes a week.....Now maybe 3-4 resumes a month.  I don't see anything I'm interested.  I even don't know what I want to do anymore.

I got so used to being home.  It seems like long time ago, when I was going to work everyday.  Am I going to be able to function in the workplace?  Would I know how to sit for 8 hours a day?  Would I be able to operate whatever I need to operate?

Being a single mother, I have to find something.  I cannot live on unemployment...which is not going to last forever.

I really love to stay home.  I want to run and exercise when I want to.  I also love being in front of the computer.   I would not mind to have a home business which can earn me enough money to live on.  That's why I really have to try very hard with this Team Beachbody business.  Hope 6 months from now, I can come back to this post and laugh.....

WOWY - Work Out With You

This is what WOWY is. You sign up for free, and there are all kinds of tools which will motivate you to continue working out.  You can also win money if you enter your workout....so I'm hoping that will happen to me someday.  I know.... "money is your motivation?", well yes.  It is for a lot of people I think.  It helps:)

After you sign up, you are recommended to post your "before" picture so you can compare it to your "after" picture.  Also, you can enter your measurements and your fit test result.  I have enter all the info., but the fit test.  I'm looking forward to see what happens to me after 90 days of ChaLEAN Extreme!

This is what I received from Beachbody...!

Ultimate Coach Starter Pack!!

I didn't know which one to go with, but it was suggested that I get this, because it's almost 50% off retail, and you get a bunch of different DVD programs.  I wanted to try P90X and the other packages you get only one program was only $100 less than this one.  Also, as long as you are a coach, it is better to have experiences with different programs. So I decided to go with this one.

The one item I really wanted to try was the Shakeology.  It's a meal replacement shake. I got the greenberry one, and it is not bad.  Actually it is very good.  I mix one scoop of this powder with 1/2 cup OJ, 3/4 cup water, some yogurt and banana.  Very thick if you banana, but it was great, especially good for breakfast.  Replace one meal a day with this shake is supposed to help you loose weight.  So we'll see what happens.  I've noticed though it helps me become more regular...:)

The one item I didn't know I was going to get was the measuring tape!!  Okay...so they want you to measure yourself....very nice of them.

I also got the ball, some resistance bands, and the coach kit.  The kit is very organized.  It contains a catalog, a couple of different instructions and the policy book.  Very nice information.  

Tony Horton in Atlanta

I met Tony Horton in Atlanta.... in person!

He is the fitness guy who created P90X, which is selling like crazy right now.

I had no idea that he was 51 years old.  He does not look it at all.

He is in great condition.  Also, he is a very nice person for real.

I was so impressed and inspiried to hear him talk.

It was a Beachbody Event.....for a newbie like me, it was very overwelming.  I was not sure what to expect.  Since I became a Beachbody coach, I decided that I will take this very seriously and will do the best I can with myself.  

The first and most important goal for me is to get fit! I want a 6 pack!!  I want to say...."I look great and feel great."

Also, with this I want to be succesful financially.  I love that Beachbody is helping people get healthy and fit at the same time helping people to earn money doing so.  I think it is a great concept.

Because I was laid off, I had an opportunity to work with an outplacement service, called Right Management.  It was a great experience.  They taught me how to create my resume, how to interview, how to network, etc. The greatest thing they taught me was to reassess your skills and yourself.

I've been with my same job for 13 years, and I was happy that I had a job and was able to bring home income.  I thought ....well with my skills and where I am at, I would study finance so I can try to get into better fiels.  I even didn't think if I like the finance field.

I finally got my degree and I've been looking for a job for 6 month (I still can't find a job), but I really don't know if I am the finance person.  However, I found that I really love working out, trying to healthy, and feeling great.  So I decided I would like to find a finance job in the healthcare industry....that way I would be in the industry...promoting healthy living to other people.  I look for companies who did just that....promote healthy living and solution.

Well, actually I found one.  Healthways....it's a great company so I interviewed, but I was not able to get in.  So now what?  Beachbody...basically does the same thing.  They promote healthy living to people by exercising.  They do that for individuals ....and the coaches are not professionals, but they are peers....people who care about others to do the same.

Well, my point is ...I think I found something I really want to do.  So we shall see what happens with this new venture.

Going back to the originally topic....."Tony Horton" and the Beachbody event.  Well, I was not sure at first.  Atlanta is 3:30 away and to get there for the event at 8 am, I would have to leave home at 3 am (because of the time change).  Like I said ...I'm taking this thing very seriously so I decided to go.  

Conclusion is that I am very glad that I went.  I met some nice people, some very postitive energetic people, and I really want to be succesful.  Well, this is only the beginning.....:)

Beachbody Coach!!

Now, it is official. I'm a Beachbody Coach!  Woo Hoo!!

I always liked Beachbody products since I used Slim-In-6 about 5 years ago.  I'm not sure why I stopped using it. These past 5 years have been kinda blah.....I don't know, but I was not myself.

I should not blame everything to the relationship problem I had for 5 years, but it seems like it was the problem.  Now it's over, I'm so happy.  Feeling great and free!

I've been hearing about different programs by Beachbody, such as P90X, but I am really glad to find  "ChaLEAN Extreme" by Chalene Johnson!  She also has Turbo Jam program, but she is so inspiring, fun and energetic.

I started using it about 2 weeks ago, and it is a good program for my cross training.  Also, I was not able to tone done around my tummy area = problem area, but now I'm seeing some changes.  It is very convenient for me, because I can do it at home.  I've been going to the cardio kickboxing class, but it's been very hard to get to because of my son's activities.

Since I started ChaLEAN Extreme, I decided to join Team Beachbody (for free), and join WOWY (work out with you) = online gym.  I click on the button before I start the program and then click again to finish.  This makes you eligible for the drawing they have everyday.  Somedays it's $300 and somedays it's $1000.  So hopefully, I can win $$$ someday.

Finally, after doing some research and a lot of thinking, I decided to become a coach.  A coach gets 25% off of everything plus, if you sell something  you get 25% of the amount.  I thought it would be great for me, since I love working out, I love the program, and I need some income!! It does not require much to start ($39) and it is for the starter kit; then $15 a month for your website.  If you are not happy, you can cancel within 30 days and get your money back....so it is risk free.  A coach who finds others to become coaches, gets bonus value. 

http://www.winningstride.info/

Still going....and more!

It's been already 2 months since my last post.  Time goes by so fast these days.

Still no job....:(

Still running and doing more. 

Friday - 7 miles

Saturday - 3 miles

Sunday - 2 miles ...hills

Monday - 7 miles

Tuesday - 4 miles

Today - 3 miles walking

I've been also doing some DVD workouts and feeling great!!

Well, it's time to go to the cardio class soon.....

My First 7 Mile Run

I've been doing much better lately.

I've been out running almost everyday since Thursday.

I think I did:

Thursday 5 miles (mostly walking)

Friday 4 miles

Saturday 2 miles

Sunday 2-3 miles (walking)

Monday 7 miles.....Yay!

Yesterday, I did my first 7 mile run...!  All by myself.  It was not too bad.

It is much easier to go with someone, but I just wanted to go at that moment, because I was too stressed out.  

It was a very nice day, and it felt so good.  I did 1 min/1 min.  My legs were hurting a little later, but today I feel fine.  I still feel very tired after I run .....and just want to take a nap.  I don't know if it is a good thing or not.  I guess I just take my time to get stronger each day.

I think today I will take a break and do a cross training....maybe Core Rhythms!

Items for Running

The weather is getting nicer and nicer, and I had a very good run today with my running friend.

We did 2 min/1 min run/walk for about an hour or so.  I think we covered around 4-5 miles.

Yesterday, I went walking with my another friend, and we ended up doing 1 min/1 min run/walk for about 5 miles.  It was very good.....nice day, too.

It helps to do it with someone.  For me, it is difficult to run by myself.  I do it when I don't have the time, or can't find someone to run with.  It is always very helpful and encouraging to run with someone, and it also makes it fun!

There are certain items necessary for running.  The very first item I purchased was my running shoes.  I think I mentioned it before, but I lovet his store...."Fleet Feet"!  I got my first running shoes there, and I love them.  They were about $100 so not too cheap, but not too expensive either.  It helps to have a pair of comfortable shoes to run in.

The newest item I just got is a hat.  I used to wear a regular everyday hat, but when I get sweaty, it is kind of bothering to have a hat that stays wet.  So I got this hat.....it is supposed to stay dry and you can wash it in the washing machine.  Also, it is very light weight.  

There are other items I want....but I guess I'm going to wait.

Gymboss Interval Timer

Eariler this week, I went to Fleet Feet and purchased a Gymboss Interval Timer.

According to my running friend who uses Jeff Galloway method, it is probably better to run/walk a long distance.   Run/walk (I usually do  1 min./1 min.) will help you avoid injury and record faster times.  

Jeff explains, " by using muscles in different ways from the beginning, your legs keep their bounce as they conserve resources. When a muscle group, such as your calf, is used continusously step by step, it fatigues relatively soon. The weak areas get overused and force you to slow down later or scream at you in pain afterward.  By shifting back and forth between walking and running muscles, you distribute the workload among a variety of muscles, increasing your overall performance capacity.....Walk breaks will significantly speed up recovery because there is less damage to repair.  The early walk breaks erase fatigue, and the later walk breaks will reduce or eliminate overuse muscle breakdown."

I had no idea that "walking" was allowed when running.  I walked sometimes when I got tired, but I always felt like I was cheating.  I feel so relieved now to find out that it is OKAY to take walk breaks.

This Gymboss Interval Timer helps when you are doing your run/walk.  It beeps according to your set up, and tells you when to walk and when to run.  I used this a couple of days ago for the first time, and it worked great.  It is very small, and it can be clipped onto your clothes or on your belt.  It tells you how many intervals were used so I could even figure out how many minutes I was out there running (walking).

I now feel that maybe....maybe it's not possible to run the half marathon.

Flu.... and then bad weather...

Here is my excuse...!!  The week started out with my son coming down with the flu.  I started to feel sick a little so I stayed in most of the week.

The weekend came, and it was nice.  In the high 70's.

He started feel better on Saturday so we went to his baseball practice just to watch.

I wish the weather stayed like that, but after Monday, it went down to 40's.

Today it was around 36.....cold again.

I went running a couple of times, but that was it.

I cannot use weather as an excuse, but when it's raining like today and yesterday I cannot go out.

Well.....hopefully I can go back out soon.

Oh, one thing to note...I got the Gymboss Interval Timer!  It works great.

I did 3 min run 1 min walk for about 25 min. and covered about 2 miles.

Yay!

Not feeling so healthy today....

My son has been sick since Monday.  He went to school, but started to feel sick so called me to be picked up.  The school nurse took his temperature, but it was only 97.  We got home and he went to bed, and I checked his temperature.  It was 102!!  Poor baby.

He was just very congested and didn't feel well.  

Now today is Wednesday, but he was still having about 100 degree temperature.  I took him to the doctor's and found out he has the flu....:(

This is the first time for him to have the flu.  We've been fortunate; we've been always healthy.  I never thought about getting flu shots either.  Well, maybe we need to start.

Now we are both on medication.  I don't think I have it, but didn't want to take a chance.

So....no running for me today.  Just spent time with my son which was kinda nice.

We had some snow over the weekend, but it looks like it is getting warm!!  Maybe the spring is near??  I hope so.

Getting healthy day by day

It's been a month already since my last post.  I feel I'm getting better and stronger day by day.  

Yes, I'm still running.  Actually, I'm doing a lot better.  I'm running or cross training almost every day.

A couple of months ago, I ran into this lady who I used to take cardio class with.  I have not been to the cardio class for a while, but I learned she was still going and also she started to run about a year ago.  She was telling me how great it has been and she was hooked on running.  She told me to come back to the cardio class and also I should start running with her.  I thought about it, but never went.

Now about a month ago, I ran into her again.  This time, I decided to give her a call and join her.  I've gone with her a couple of time so far, and it has been great.  It's so nice to have someone to run with.  She taught me a lot of stuff about running....how to start and to train.  I'm actually thinking about running a 1/2 marathon in April.

We'll see what happens.

Good day.

Kinda lazy day.  I could not sleep too well last night so I could not get up.....well I can never get up in the morning.  I'd like to get up early every morning to run, but I'm so weak minded.

Well, I managed to walk 2 miles today.  I didn't run.  Walking was not easy, but it made me feel better.  I listened to some music and used RunKeeper for the first time.  It worked well and I liked it.

I will do that again tomorrow.  I will run some and walk some.  I just have to get better.

I did it!!

Well, only 1 mile, but it is a big accomplishment for me.  I finally was able to run a mile 2 days ago, and I did it again today.  I was soooo out of breath and my son laughed at me.

I hope I can continue it and run longer by next weekend.

Still running...

Yes, I have not quit.

It's been getting better, even though I still cannot run the whole mile yet.  I progress little by little and it's okay.  As long as I keep going.

I want to try to reach 1 mile by this weekend.....and I will be very happy.

Starting my training

Well, yesterday was pretty warm (well around 45) so I decided to try running again.  It was a lot better than the firts time, but I still cannot run.

I managed to walk/run a mile though.  It was an accomplishment.

I want to just take baby steps and want to be able to run 12 miles in three months.

I was very discouraged yesterday though....1 mile seems forever to me.

So my first goal is to be able to run one mile without stopping.  I cannot believe this is so hard.  I guess I'm just out of shape.  I get so out of breath only after 0.2 miles.  Walking was no problem so I just need to work on running more each day.

I was going to go today, but it's about 28 degrees and snowing so I'm just going to work inside today to make myself strong.

Ummmm...

Well, I got my first running shoes yesterday.

I really love this store....it's called Fleet Feet.

Very nice people and great service.

They measure your feet, video tape you running, etc. to determine the best fit shoes for you.

I was sooo greatful.

I also went to Dicks Sporting Goods, and got a shirt and some socks.

I think I'm ready to start running.

This morning....it was very cold.  14F degrees with very cold wind.

Maybe it was not a good day to run, but I was anxious so I did.

Well, not too good.

I was sooooooo out of breath and out of shape.

I even could not run.  I walked most of the way....well it was not even a mile, but I could not take it anymore.

I'm so amazed that I'm so badly out of shape.

What am I going to do???

I even can't run a mile.....:(

I guess I just have to take it slow.  Still got 4 months to train. I might surprise myself.

It will just take some time.....

Cold Day.

Cold, Cold, Cold, Cold, Cold...!!!

I feel draft around my windows; I need to take care of that so that my heating bill won't be high.

I checked and checked, and decided to get some removable window caulking.  Hope it works.

Also, I need to replace my thermostat to a digital programmable one, soon.

I need to start running soon, but I still don't have the shoes.

I think I will go and look around so I know which ones to get.

So.....for now, I'm doing Core Rhythms.

It's a DVD program and I really like it.

40 min. of Latin Dance exercise...!   Since I love dancing, it does not feel like 40 min. at all.

It's fun, but kinda difficult.  I cannot move quick enough.

I've feeling better since I started the Core Rhythms every day.

Sometimes, I just do a 20 min. quick workout, but it's still good.

I just think doing even a small amount is better than no exercise at all.

It will take some time to build up my strengths, but I will get there!!!

First Step For Healthier Me

I found a great opportunity at my church to help me become healthier.

I decided to join the runners' club!

No....I have never been a runner.

The last time I did any kind of running was when I was in middle school.

We had to do a 8K marathon.....I walked the half way.

I even do not own a pair of running shoes......

I'm very scared and not sure if this is for me, but I really want to try.

Running is something you can do at any age, anywhere, anytime, and with anyone.

It is a great way to exercise, and I really want to have something I can do as a hobby.

We will meet every Saturday morning and run together. 

The rest of the week, you train on your own, but I was given a schedule as a guideline.

I'm so excited that I was given this opportunity.

I cannot wait to start and hopefully I can achieve my goal.......participate in the marathon this spring.

Well, I'm off to shopping for a new pair of running shoes now.  

New Year's Resolution

2009!!  So happy 2009 is here.

I have been waiting for 2008 to end.

I'm sure many people have been having tough times lately.... well financially.

Anybody out there who had a great year??

Well, not me.

Not only financially, but all sorts of things did not go well in 2008.

To put it positively......2008 was a very challenging year for me.

Accumulated medical bills.

Failed relationship.

Lost job.......:(

ummm, I don't want to even think about it.

However, I did learn a lot from these events, and I think I was able to grow as a person.

Maybe all these events were meant to be.....somehow necessary for me to be a better person.

2009 is here....finally, and  I have two No.1 goals.

The first thing I want to accomplish this year is to find a dream job.

Something I enjoy.  I want to be able to enjoy my job and my life.

I was laid off at the end of 2008.  This gave me an opportunity to spend some time sorting through my thoughts about what I REALLY want to do with my life.  Since the company offered me a separation pay, I can take some time to seek a job.  I know it's probably necessary for me to get a job which will give me steady paychecks, but at the same time, I want to find a way to make some money at home, maybe as a supplement.

The other one is...... I want to become healthy and stay healthy.

I have been healthy all my life, but lately I have been with less energy, and I'm out of shape.

Big time!!

I cannot move quickly.....I gained a lot of weight.  

I want to feel good and energetic again so I need to take some actions.

So these are my two number 1 goals.  Easy enough.

I'm so excited about 2009.

Can't wait to look back at the end of 2009 and feel PROUD.