Work it Out Wednesday: Black Girls Run the Couch to 5K

Happy Wednesday!

Let’s work it out!!!!  Today was day two of my Couch to 5K plan.  It was much easier waking up at 6, however when I heard that rain I was tempted to stay in but my partner was on top of it.  After only the second day, I feel less fatigued, but my calves feel very tight though.  I know I have been buzzing about this Couch to 5k plan and some of you are probably wondering what the heck it is. 

Couch to 5k is a running plan that literally takes you off the couch to running a 5k (3.1 miles).  As I mentioned before I have always wanted to be able to run for distance.  I admired those people I would see each morning completing their jog, they seem so powerful and focused.  However, every time I would start something, I would get discouraged and stop and never get to that goal I set out to reach.  So this year, I made one of my goals to get in the best shape of my life and what better way to do it than to also tackle this running challenge.  I found a site about a month ago called Black Girls Run and began to peruse the site looking for beginner information and that is when I found out about Couch to 5k.

The ladies on Black Girls Run promoted the plan as the start line for beginner runners.  So this past weekend I went to the Couch to 5k site and signed up.  The program, which is one of Active Trainer, acts as a virtual trainer.  It maps out your routine for the entire 9 weeks.  Additionally it allows you to track your progress, running shoe wear, map running routes, explore local races, connect with other runners, and offers suggestions and guidance as you begin your running experience.  All of this for only $19.  This is just the price I need after paying almost $300 a month for martial arts all last year.   

Now DIVAs, there aren’t many of us women of color who ‘do the running thing’ but it is important that we start taking our health seriously.  I know its easy to say you will do it tomorrow, but tomorrow is promised to know one.  While it doesn’t have to be running, try something out of the box.  If you don’t know how to swim, sign up for swimming lessons, an excellent form of cardio.  If boxing or dancing has always been a goal, sign up and do it.  For those of you interested in starting a running routine or swimming, check out Black Girls Run.  These ladies are working hard to promote health and fitness amongst black and minority women.

Happy Moving!!!!

<3 Jade

Money Matters: Set Realistic Goals (plus a Couch to 5k update)

Happy Monday!!!!!! I’m coming off of an absolutely fabulous weekend spent with family.  Friday night I babysat the siblings and then went to a party with the boo.  Saturday, my father and uncles finally invited the women to the Big East game so after eating a phenomenal feast at a Steakhouse in NYC, we all headed over to MSG to watch UCONN win a very close game. Then on Sunday, I met the boo's mom and she made a great dinner for us including homemade peach cobbler aka my favorite. Now it is back to work!   On to money matters. 

Last week I restarted my journey to become financially fit.  The no buy month was successful, although it just made me realize that I am not a big spender.  Unfortunately I think I made up for no buy month by going on an all buy week.  L  My long list of “to-buy” items should have given me an indication that this would be a problem. Anywhoo, everyday is a chance to do better, so I am dusting myself off and trying again. 

This 12-week plan was created by Personal Finance Editor, Tanisha A. Sykes and is taken directly from Essence Magazine’s January issue with some infusion of other tools and tips I come across along the way.

For those of you who don’t have the issue and would like to join in here is both week 1 and week 2.

Week 1:

Determine Your Priorities:  Sykes suggests that the first step to financial fitness is discovering your financial IQ.  This will allow us to see which our values and priorities as it relates to money and will better allow us to form goals.  Sykes suggests using the LifeValues quiz .  I thought this quiz was ok.  I also took VSCPA Financial Fitness Quiz. 

Week 2:

Set Realistic Goals: Based on the results from the quiz(zes), set realistic financial goals that you would like to achieve.  It may be to pay off a $6000 credit card bill, or save $3000. Whatever it may be, make sure to make clear, set goals that includes a timetable. In order to do this well, it is necessary to first figure out what you have and where it’s going.  I recommend going to excel and using one of their budget templates.  In the past I used this for my monthly budgets.  Additionally you can check out http://www.mccea.net/files/Monthly_Expenses_Worksheet.pdf.  Good luck!

Side note:  Today was the first day of Couch to 5K.  While the weather was a little too nippy to run outside, I was up and out at 6am and ran on the treadmill according to my Active Trainer workout.  It is amazing how great you feel after accomplishing a goal.  My Black Girls Run hoodie has not come in yet, but when it does I will be sure to take a picture. 

<3 Jade

Springing Ahead!~ Sunday Spark *

Greetings Lovely DIVA Rules Fam!

I am too hyped about the wonderfulness of the Spring's arrival and though it has not "officially" started-but turning the clocks foward is a definite starting point! It represents warner weather, more social interaction, possibility of more mental simulation (senses are heighten), as well as having longer days to LIVE Your Best Life!

A little dose of inspiration for "Spark" taken from one of my many Inspirational Books ("GoodMorning-365 Positive ways to Start your Day"~ by Brook Noel):

"Open your eyes, look within, are you satisfied with the Life your Living"~ Bob Marley

Mr. Marley stated this very well, if you have not done so thus far, start leading your life, live by your own set of standards. The basic idea is to set your Priorities High. Often, we just go with the motions of living and not actually experiencing it, or recognizing the world around us-because we may be "stuck" or just too pre-occupied that we cannot go beyond our own selfs (negative attitude).

Take this Spring to blossom Positively....Blossom Positively into your best Life (i.e., start a project you wanted, join that organization, or start that business,...(ps-baby steps are definitely OKAY!)...

Take this affirmation back with you : "Each Day, I DO WHAT MATTERS"

*I can TRULY say I do*

~Happy Spring Arrival~
~Enjoy this Day~

Think About it Thursdays: "You Are Who You Choose to Be"

While perusing one of my favorite fashion-related blogs Bleed for Fashion, I came across this great quote.  “You are who you choose to be”.  So often we are defined by our peers, social/economic circumstances, gender, and societal ‘norms’.  Some of us become stagnant in these molds, hesitant to step out of the box and complacent achievers of someone else’s expectations.  What if today we not only believed in every dream but accept that our dreams are attainable.  What if I told you that as of today the person you always dreamed to be, you are now her!  If you want to be fit, get moving to get fit.  If you want to be a millionaire, find ways to make and invest money to make you rich.  If you want to be the best you, break every stereotype, definition, and expectation and live like you have never lived before.

I choose to be fearless and unstoppable in order to be the best me possible.  In order to do that, I signed up today to accomplish one of my biggest “fears”…Running!!!!  I headed over to a new favorite site of mine Black Girls Run, signed up for the 9 week “Couch to 5k” training plan, bought a pace monitor, and customized Black Girls Run hoodie.  My first day of training starts Monday.  This is just another step in this year of “Doing Me!!”    

I can’t stress it enough.  Take life by the horns and make it what you want.  Smile wider, laugh louder, and love harder.  Some people will like it, some won’t, regardless of their sentiment, remind yourself that it doesn’t matter, as you are focused on “Defining INNER Victory with Attitude”. 

Before I leave I have to share a conversation I had with one of my BFFs last night.  She hit my up on BBM (my favorite method of communication sad to say) to inquire whether or not I would ever date a guy who did not go to college.  I said more than likely yes, depending on how he spent his time and where he is now.  She ended the conversation by saying, “This world we live in-so many rules and standards”.  So in my “I am woman hear me roar” tone, I responded “F**k the rules”.  I leave you with that.  Don’t let anyone define you, define yourself!

<3 Jade

Wale "The Power"

True Expression Tuesdays~ Take Me for Who I am~ Proud Woman!

Welcome DIVA Rules Family to the beginning of another week and, hopefully you are counting your blessings (as I am mine)...

Expressing ourselves is always a wonderful way to let out emotions, and beneficial for one's soul to become more at peace with yourself. For ~True Expression~  and honoring (March-Women's History month) I wanted to post my girl, The Queen of Hip-Hop/R&B  Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I am" off her Breakthrough Album. This song evokes so much expression as a Conqueror, a Lover of Self, and as divine Woman. Take in the lyrics to this one...

~Always Be Aware...
~Always Do More than the last...
~Always Be You! (the best that is)...

Enjoy this day Family*
Peace & Blessings**