It’s the summer of transformation in the Triple Threat Mommy household: we are  working on making some improvements in our apartment and I’m making some improvements on my body. Changes, but good changes.

It’s been several weeks since I updated everyone on my quest for getting my back in shape which I started on May 31st.  These are the three ways I’m getting my pre-baby body back:

1. I joined a beginner’s Mommy running group through Urban Athletics NYC. When I signed up to go to BlogHer 2012 back in February, I saw a link for the BlogHer 5K. Without even thinking, I signed up. Now that was when I had absolutely no exercise regimen, but I knew that I had several months to figure something out.

My running attire: sneakers, water bottle, running shorts, music and Map My Run.

I got an email through my downtown mommy’s group which advertised a “For Moms Only” beginner and intermediate running group that would help one train for a 5K or 10K by Labor Day. SIGN ME UP!

This moms only running group works with two coaches and we meet downtown every Saturday morning. I am on my 5th week in the program and I log between 6-10 miles every week — and this comes from someone who did. not. run. at. all. It helps when there’s a bunch of moms rooting each other on and two coaches telling you what to do.

Through the program, I’ve learned the proper way to warm-up, cool down and literally, run. And, there’s running homework every week. That’s right. Every Sunday, I get an email with the week’s running homework; every Friday, I email my coaches on what I actually did. Major accountability.

My beautiful view of the east river makes it (almost) worth while to get up at 6am for a morning run.

There are some weeks that I have no problem running. Then there are weeks like last week, where I hit a wall and I can’t run longer than 1 mile. I don’t know if it’s mental, or of it’s my “time of the month”. But what’s great about having two coaches is that they can help me through it. I emailed and told them how I’m feeling and hopefully they’ll be able to help me during our Saturday sessions.

I have seen some minor changes in my body like I’m starting to get a waist and my leg muscles are getting defined. I just wish running could help get rid of my baby pouch. It just won’t go away!

2. I am participating in Jenny Craig’s Jenny-Set-Go Program. When I participated in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk sponsored by Jenny Craig back in late May, I became eligible to receive a complimentary 4-weeks on the Jenny-Set-Go program. This past week, I met with my Jenny Craig counselor who walked me through the program. I made a goal of losing those dreaded 5 pounds to get me to my goal weight, and I walked out with my first week of meals.

I started this past Tuesday and I do have to say it is nice to have all my meals (3 meals plus 3 snacks!) planned out. The meals are easy to pack up and bring to work which I appreciate. There’s also flexibility with their list of Unlimited Free Foods and Limited Free Foods (which you can have up to 3 servings/day.)

I love a good Salisbury Steak dinner, and Jenny Craig’s version did not disappoint! I added my own green beans and carrots for more veggies.

The Fish and Chips with Malt Vinegar was definitely a fave of mine. I heated it up in the oven so it was extra crispy.

 Like any normal human being, I’ve gone off the plan a few times already: before running, I have to eat something (like a banana or a piece of toast with peanut butter) and that’s not on the plan; last Thursday Michael and I went on a date night and I definitely didn’t eat my Jenny Craig meal (It’s NYC Restaurant Week!!); and on Saturday we went to a Dodger’s baseball game.

So I’m not perfect, but I try to stay on track as much as I can. I’m definitely more aware of what I’m eating and how much I’m eating so that’s a start.

3. I’m working on a beauty regimen to help turn back the clock now that I’m nearing the Big 4-0. I’ll tell you all about it in a post this coming week!

Have you started an exercise or beauty regimen? I’d love to hear about it!

{I was not compensated in any way for this post. I am receiving the Jenny Craig Jenny-Set-Go program for my participation in the AHA Heart Walk. All opinions expressed are always mine.}