Biggest Loser: Free Workout Music

Just thought I'd let you all know that The Biggest Loser has put out some free workout music. I remember when they did this last year, and the music is pretty upbeat. So head over to this website and type in your email, and the download will begin for you. Enjoy!

Thanks, Thrifty and Thriving!

My first 5k race!

I have found out that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

I have been trying out a new running program called "From Couch to 5K". I heard about this program through a couple of friends at church. It really is an obtainable goal to work up to, because it starts out small and gradually increases your running time.

I have never been a runner. I always hated the thought of running. I was jealous of those who could run for miles and not be totally exhausted when they were done. But when I had been working out to Jillian's 30 Day Shred, I felt like I needed something more. Something that included running. So I went to the c25k (couch 2 5k) website and printed out the program for Free!

So this past Sunday was my official 5k race that I had been gearing towards. It was a cold, and breezy day. I was a little nervous at first, because it had snowed about 6 inches the day before and the sidewalks were snowy and icy! But as we arrived, I saw that they had set cones in the road, so that we could run there instead.

Here we are before the race:

My husband was a great support and wanted to run the race with me. He's been running cross country since high school, so he was just along to support me. I don't think that I could've done it without his encouragement.

On Sunday, December 5th, I finished my very first 5k in 37 minutes. Not that great of a time, but for me, finishing the race was all I wanted to do.

My husband even made me a trophy for the accomplishment. How fun!

Us after the race:

I feel so much healthier and stronger since I've done this program. And I'm still amazed at how far I can run now! It feels great!

So for those of you who are looking for a new workout program, or are looking for a way to start running, try this program out. You'll be amazed if you stick with it.

Laundry Day - Simple Things

Today is laundry day. I LOVE laundry day, because it makes me stay home (and not spend any money). Laundry day is great because all summer I've been hanging our clothes out to dry on the laundry line. I hope that we're saving a little bit of money by not running the dryer, and it makes me get outside for a few minutes at a time.

My eldest son, Z-man, has this thing now with playing the Nintendo DS. He got Mario Kart for his birthday and is actually pretty good at it. The only thing is that we only let him play the DS after he's helped with chores. Today, his chore was to help mom hang up one load of laundry. He did great! And I think he actually enjoyed it!

I also love laundry day, because the time that I'm outside hanging clothes, I have a chance to remember all the ways that we're being frugal.

First of all, we aren't using the electricity to dry our clothes.

We also use an energy efficient front loading laundry machine.

We use clothe napkins instead of paper towels. I just bought a huge tablecloth from Goodwill and cut it down to size for clothe napkins.

We buy our clothes from second-hand stores, or have close friends who give us their kids hand-me-downs.

We drive a hybrid.

We either run or use workout videos at home, thus saving money by going to the gym.

We keep our heat below 68 degrees. And open the windows when it's hot out.

Okay, so these are the things that I've thought of while outside hanging clothes. I'd love to hear how you try to save money in different areas of your lifestyle!

30 Day Shred Challenge

I've jumped on board to start up the 30 Day Shred workout challenge. It will include working out every day for 20 minutes with Jillian. This challenge starts MONDAY!

I got this DVD for Christmas from my sister, and I was going strong for the winter, but once the weather started warming up, I was not motivated anymore to do it. So, here's where the motivation begins. If I know that there are other bloggers out there who are working out out as well, that will definitely help me out.

So, are you with me? I know for a fact that you can pick up this DVD for under $10 at any large retail store. :)

Here are some other bloggers who are joining me in this challenge:

The Thrifty Momma

A Slob Comes Clean

"Cents" Able Momma

She Saved