Just had to update you all :) It's been a busy busy week. I'm maintaining my weight loss and have been have to catch exercise when and where I can (like taking walks at lunch).
My wedding dress fits great and I've got room to 'shrink or grow' a bit if need be. If I'm going to either, I would rather it be 'shrink'
For the Voyeurs among you...
you can watch our wedding online http://www.anvilhall.com/ and just click on webcam. It's not 'video' but you might get to see a shot or two.
The ceremony is at 10:30 AM British Time on 9/9. You'll have to do the time difference calculations yourself. I know if you're in California that means 2:30 am.
((I just wanted to update with this link - it'll tell you what time it is at your house when we're getting married What time is it?))
In case anyone gets a 'wild hair' I will say that this is a private ceremony... as much as I love you all I'm afraid you aren't invited other then virtually ;) We want this to be 'moment' for just the two of us.
As for meetups while I'm in the UK... email me Part Time Mom at Hot mail dot com
We leave tomorrow and I don't know that I'll update before then. I do want to say thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement. Although I've still got a long ways to go, I'm so happy to be 30 lbs lighter for my wedding day and you all have been a part of that journey. I'm looking forward to getting to it and dropping the next 15 by Christmas - you can bet I'll keep you updated along the way.
Byeeeeeee!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Belief
"Believe you can do it. Believing something can be done puts your
mind to work for you and helps you find ways to do it."
*George Shinn
mind to work for you and helps you find ways to do it."
*George Shinn
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Killer Leg Workout
I walked out of the gym last night feeling totally pumped! Let me show you why ;)
I’m currently in week 11 of a 12 week periodization program. This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s a heavy heavy week and frankly some of the weights that were in the program were kind of scaring me. Well, last night was legs and even though I approached my workout with a slight case of the nerves…I BLEW all my Personal Best numbers OUT OF THE WATER!!
Squats: 220 x 7 / 220 x 7 / 230 x 6
(here is where it got REALLY freeky)
Leg Press: 585 x 7 / 585 x 7 / 615 x 6
Yes, that’s right I did 615 on the leg press and walked away!
Seated Leg Curls: 145 x 7 / 145 x 7 / 180 x 6
Straight Legged Dead Lift: 170 x 7 / 170 x 7 / 180 x 4
I could have done more at 180 but my grip gave out… I even set the bar down and tried to go back to it and could only do one more before my hands went.. no way! Bah!
Still I was beyond excited about the numbers I was able to move. Chest day should be interesting as well!
Going to do back tonight :)
I’m currently in week 11 of a 12 week periodization program. This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s a heavy heavy week and frankly some of the weights that were in the program were kind of scaring me. Well, last night was legs and even though I approached my workout with a slight case of the nerves…I BLEW all my Personal Best numbers OUT OF THE WATER!!
Squats: 220 x 7 / 220 x 7 / 230 x 6
(here is where it got REALLY freeky)
Leg Press: 585 x 7 / 585 x 7 / 615 x 6
Yes, that’s right I did 615 on the leg press and walked away!
Seated Leg Curls: 145 x 7 / 145 x 7 / 180 x 6
Straight Legged Dead Lift: 170 x 7 / 170 x 7 / 180 x 4
I could have done more at 180 but my grip gave out… I even set the bar down and tried to go back to it and could only do one more before my hands went.. no way! Bah!
Still I was beyond excited about the numbers I was able to move. Chest day should be interesting as well!
Going to do back tonight :)
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Why my guy is the greatest....
almost forgot this part....
(most of you know the 'begining of the story already - but I'm including it just in case)
When I fist started 'seriously' lifting my fiance was a little...worried. He (as most people in the world) had no idea what weight lifting would do to a woman's body and even as a 'beginer' I was lifting pretty heavy weights. While I didn't let his concerns STOP me it did mean he had some trouble all out supporting me. We had discussions about what my goals were and how my lifting weights was NOT going to turn me into Chyna of WWF fame. He still struggled... then one day while at the Scotish Highland games we ran into world champion Shannon Hartnett. She was STRONG... and muscular. But seeing her in person and getting a glimps of just how beautiful a strong muscular woman is changed him.. forever.
How much? Well yesterday after working out we got into one of our 'posing' contests. Yes we are a REALLY wierd couple ;) what happens is usually he flexes a bicep... which means I have to answer with a double bi... and it just goes up from there. Well in the spirit of one upmanship I stripped off my tank and flexed my back. Jokingly he poked me in the lat and then went.. holy cow! That's muscle! I thought that was fat! Look at that! When I told him it was a little hard to see my own back my sweet loving man ran to the bedroom, pulled the mirror off the door and drug me in the bathroom so he could hold the mirror up for me and let me see my back! Then he shoves the mirror in my face and says... now do the 'hulk'. (You know slightly hunched over with fists down and pointed toward each other...) I did and he pointed at my chest... do you see that? Look, your chest lifts, see the line? And he was right... when I flex I can now see a line between my pecs! Not only was I seriously thrilled at the changes I was seeing but I couldn't help but revel in the fact that I was getting to share them with the person I love the most.
What a great life this is!
(PS - I later held the mirror for him so he could see the lats HE'S getting)
(most of you know the 'begining of the story already - but I'm including it just in case)
When I fist started 'seriously' lifting my fiance was a little...worried. He (as most people in the world) had no idea what weight lifting would do to a woman's body and even as a 'beginer' I was lifting pretty heavy weights. While I didn't let his concerns STOP me it did mean he had some trouble all out supporting me. We had discussions about what my goals were and how my lifting weights was NOT going to turn me into Chyna of WWF fame. He still struggled... then one day while at the Scotish Highland games we ran into world champion Shannon Hartnett. She was STRONG... and muscular. But seeing her in person and getting a glimps of just how beautiful a strong muscular woman is changed him.. forever.
How much? Well yesterday after working out we got into one of our 'posing' contests. Yes we are a REALLY wierd couple ;) what happens is usually he flexes a bicep... which means I have to answer with a double bi... and it just goes up from there. Well in the spirit of one upmanship I stripped off my tank and flexed my back. Jokingly he poked me in the lat and then went.. holy cow! That's muscle! I thought that was fat! Look at that! When I told him it was a little hard to see my own back my sweet loving man ran to the bedroom, pulled the mirror off the door and drug me in the bathroom so he could hold the mirror up for me and let me see my back! Then he shoves the mirror in my face and says... now do the 'hulk'. (You know slightly hunched over with fists down and pointed toward each other...) I did and he pointed at my chest... do you see that? Look, your chest lifts, see the line? And he was right... when I flex I can now see a line between my pecs! Not only was I seriously thrilled at the changes I was seeing but I couldn't help but revel in the fact that I was getting to share them with the person I love the most.
What a great life this is!
(PS - I later held the mirror for him so he could see the lats HE'S getting)
Longer Update
Whew, I lot to catch up on!
Let’s see… Wednesday I didn’t hit the gym for a second time, I was just feeling too lousy. I went home and went to bed and didn’t get up again until 1:00PM the next day! Apparently that rest was what I needed though because my cold has been on the mend ever since.
I didn’t hit the gym Friday morning either so by the time I got home from work, I was practically bouncing off the walls! I changed, put podrunner on the ol’ ipod and headed into the great big world to run. And run I did! With a prodrunner set that was keeping 130 beats per minute I found I had no problem at all keeping a ‘quick’ but steady pace. I ran for an hour and managed about 5.4 miles! And that included two five minute walk breaks. For me that’s an OUTSTANDING pace and to keep it up for an hour…I’m really excited.
Saturday night was my bachelorette party and I fully enjoyed myself. I think the two hours I spent out on the dance floor had a lot to do with the fact that my weight barely spiked at all afterwards.
Sunday it was back to the gym and I ended up having to combine chest and back because I had missed those few days. Not my favorite way to workout but a girl does what she must ;)
Chest:
Incline Press: 110 x 7 x 4
Dumbbell Press: 50 x 7 x 4
Barbell Press: 135 x 7 x 4
Back:
Cable Row: 110 x 7 x 4
Bent Row: 105 x 7 x 4
Lat Pulldown: 110 x 7 x 4
Shrugs: 180 x 7 x 4
Needless to say, I was whipped after that.
This morning we were up at 4:00AM and at the gym for arm/abs - some days I surprise myself.. lol
Dumbbell Curl: 35 x 7, 35 x 7, 35 x 6 (lots of ‘help’ from the fiancé here…I can do about five reps at 35 on my own and then he has to help me)
Barbell Curl: 60 x 7, 60 x 7, 60 x 6
Curl Bar Cable Curl: 85 x 7, 85 x 7, 90 x 6
Dumbbell Wrist Curls: 40 x 7, 40 x 7, 40 x 6
Ab crunch Machine: 125 x 7, 125 x 7, 130 x 6
Cable Crunches: 110 x 7, 110 x 7, 115 x 6
Then I went and walked at 4 MPH with 1 minute intervals from incline level 0 to 15 and back down again.
I’ve got a bike ride planned tonight so I’m staying busy! :)
On the plus plus side… I weighted in at 178 this morning! That’s 29.7 pounds gone. I wore size 12 JEANS all night on Saturday with NO muffin top and my cold is on it’s last leg. Two week until we leave for England… and I think I may just be at my lowest weight in 18 years when we tie the knot.
Oh and the final fitting on my wedding dress is tomorrow! I can not WAIT to see how it looks!
Let’s see… Wednesday I didn’t hit the gym for a second time, I was just feeling too lousy. I went home and went to bed and didn’t get up again until 1:00PM the next day! Apparently that rest was what I needed though because my cold has been on the mend ever since.
I didn’t hit the gym Friday morning either so by the time I got home from work, I was practically bouncing off the walls! I changed, put podrunner on the ol’ ipod and headed into the great big world to run. And run I did! With a prodrunner set that was keeping 130 beats per minute I found I had no problem at all keeping a ‘quick’ but steady pace. I ran for an hour and managed about 5.4 miles! And that included two five minute walk breaks. For me that’s an OUTSTANDING pace and to keep it up for an hour…I’m really excited.
Saturday night was my bachelorette party and I fully enjoyed myself. I think the two hours I spent out on the dance floor had a lot to do with the fact that my weight barely spiked at all afterwards.
Sunday it was back to the gym and I ended up having to combine chest and back because I had missed those few days. Not my favorite way to workout but a girl does what she must ;)
Chest:
Incline Press: 110 x 7 x 4
Dumbbell Press: 50 x 7 x 4
Barbell Press: 135 x 7 x 4
Back:
Cable Row: 110 x 7 x 4
Bent Row: 105 x 7 x 4
Lat Pulldown: 110 x 7 x 4
Shrugs: 180 x 7 x 4
Needless to say, I was whipped after that.
This morning we were up at 4:00AM and at the gym for arm/abs - some days I surprise myself.. lol
Dumbbell Curl: 35 x 7, 35 x 7, 35 x 6 (lots of ‘help’ from the fiancé here…I can do about five reps at 35 on my own and then he has to help me)
Barbell Curl: 60 x 7, 60 x 7, 60 x 6
Curl Bar Cable Curl: 85 x 7, 85 x 7, 90 x 6
Dumbbell Wrist Curls: 40 x 7, 40 x 7, 40 x 6
Ab crunch Machine: 125 x 7, 125 x 7, 130 x 6
Cable Crunches: 110 x 7, 110 x 7, 115 x 6
Then I went and walked at 4 MPH with 1 minute intervals from incline level 0 to 15 and back down again.
I’ve got a bike ride planned tonight so I’m staying busy! :)
On the plus plus side… I weighted in at 178 this morning! That’s 29.7 pounds gone. I wore size 12 JEANS all night on Saturday with NO muffin top and my cold is on it’s last leg. Two week until we leave for England… and I think I may just be at my lowest weight in 18 years when we tie the knot.
Oh and the final fitting on my wedding dress is tomorrow! I can not WAIT to see how it looks!
quicky
just wanted to quickly update and say I hit a new low! 178 lbs - 4 lbs until I'll be at my lowest in 18 years
Friday, August 11, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Hump Day!
This week is going well - I committed over the weekend not to miss a single workout and so far this week I haven't. I went back (as I committed to) and did a 30 minute bike ride on Monday. Tuesday it was shoulders and Calves...
Seated Calf Raises: 180 x 7 x 4
Standing Calf Raises: 235 x 7 x 4
Barbell shoulder press: 110 x 7 x 4
Lat Raise Machine: 70 x 7 x 4
Reverse Pec Deck: 70 x 7 x 4
Then I went and swam for 20 minutes. I have to say... I've always been a proponent of having the right equipment but somehow always have to learn the hard way myself :) Last night I tried out my new swimsuit, goggles and nose plugs. Oh MY what a difference! The nose plugs were the best part - I wish I had started wearing them earlier - I could swim so much better when I wasn't fighting water up my nose constantly and aftewords I didn't feel like someone had packed my head with marbles...
Anyway - today we did legs
Squats: 200 x 7 x 4
Leg Press: 520 x 7 x 4
Leg Curls: 145 x 7 x 4
Stiff Legged Dead Lifts: 160 x 7 x 4
And finished up with 30 minutes on the treaddy doing hills
Tonight I'll run
Eats have been super clean - if I could just get rid of this cold I would be GREAT!
Seated Calf Raises: 180 x 7 x 4
Standing Calf Raises: 235 x 7 x 4
Barbell shoulder press: 110 x 7 x 4
Lat Raise Machine: 70 x 7 x 4
Reverse Pec Deck: 70 x 7 x 4
Then I went and swam for 20 minutes. I have to say... I've always been a proponent of having the right equipment but somehow always have to learn the hard way myself :) Last night I tried out my new swimsuit, goggles and nose plugs. Oh MY what a difference! The nose plugs were the best part - I wish I had started wearing them earlier - I could swim so much better when I wasn't fighting water up my nose constantly and aftewords I didn't feel like someone had packed my head with marbles...
Anyway - today we did legs
Squats: 200 x 7 x 4
Leg Press: 520 x 7 x 4
Leg Curls: 145 x 7 x 4
Stiff Legged Dead Lifts: 160 x 7 x 4
And finished up with 30 minutes on the treaddy doing hills
Tonight I'll run
Eats have been super clean - if I could just get rid of this cold I would be GREAT!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Monday Monday
Let me start by saying that I didn't excercise as much as I should have last week and food wasn't as 'clean' as I would like it to be. No major issues just a little lazy and sloppy. Things are back on the straight and narrow this week. I have to be 181 by Saturday if I want to go all out at my 'doe' party.
Hit the gym this morning and did arms. I've been either fighting a cold and/or alergies since Thursday AND we drove over 800 miles this weekend so it was a little tough getting started but I made it.
It was arms and Abs today:
Dumbbell Curls: 30 x 7 x 4
Barbell Curls: 55 x 7 x 4
EZ Bar-Cable Curls: 75 x 7 x 4
Wrist Dumbbell Curls: 35 x 7 x 4
Crunch Machine: 115 x 7 x 4
Cable Crunches: 115 x 7 x 4
Then I went and walked 'hills' on the treadmill for 30 minutes
the plan for tonight is another 30 minutes on the bike.
Food is right on track for the day and rest of my 'lunches' are sitting beside me waiting to be eaten. Now if I could just get to where my head stops pounding and I can breath again....
Hit the gym this morning and did arms. I've been either fighting a cold and/or alergies since Thursday AND we drove over 800 miles this weekend so it was a little tough getting started but I made it.
It was arms and Abs today:
Dumbbell Curls: 30 x 7 x 4
Barbell Curls: 55 x 7 x 4
EZ Bar-Cable Curls: 75 x 7 x 4
Wrist Dumbbell Curls: 35 x 7 x 4
Crunch Machine: 115 x 7 x 4
Cable Crunches: 115 x 7 x 4
Then I went and walked 'hills' on the treadmill for 30 minutes
the plan for tonight is another 30 minutes on the bike.
Food is right on track for the day and rest of my 'lunches' are sitting beside me waiting to be eaten. Now if I could just get to where my head stops pounding and I can breath again....
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Leg day and more
All's well here.. Made it to the gym last night - FINALLY. Haven't had a good week so far workout wise. Even last night I felt really worn out.. but did what I needed to so anyway...
Last night's workout was shoulders and calves:
Seated Calf Raises: 180 x 7 x 4
Standing Calf Raises: 235 x 7 x 4
Barbell Shoulder Press: 105 x 7 x 4
Lat Raise (Machine): 65 x 7 x 4
Then I went and swam for 20 minutes
This morning we managed to drag ourselves out of bed and make it to the gym early. It was leg day - whoo hoo!
After warming up
Leg Press: 510 x 7 x 4
Squats: 180 x 7 x 4
Leg Curls: 145 x 7 x 4
Straight Legged Dead Lift: 115 x 7 x 4
I'll be doing so cardio tonight so all is good.
Weight is holding steady at the moment in the 181 range. I'm still ahead of schedule so I'm not too concerned.
I've been doing Excellent on my nutrition - but it hasn't been easy. Lately when I go to the store I feel like I'm walking through one of those 'house of horrors' at the carnival. Every time I turn a corner I brace myself for facing SOMETHING that I know I'm going to want. Frozen Pizza, Chocolate, Ice Cream, Bread in obcene quantities. But I've been good - I know if I don't buy it I can't eat it so I just hurry past those aisles and head to the fresh produce. Even so sometimes the power in the 'dark side' feels very strong ;)
I know this is one of those 'bad weeks' for me. wierdness in my hormones makes me 'blue' this week and when I'm 'blue' I have the urge to comfort myself with food. Not going to do it though - I'm finding my comfort in good food and excercise.
Last night's workout was shoulders and calves:
Seated Calf Raises: 180 x 7 x 4
Standing Calf Raises: 235 x 7 x 4
Barbell Shoulder Press: 105 x 7 x 4
Lat Raise (Machine): 65 x 7 x 4
Then I went and swam for 20 minutes
This morning we managed to drag ourselves out of bed and make it to the gym early. It was leg day - whoo hoo!
After warming up
Leg Press: 510 x 7 x 4
Squats: 180 x 7 x 4
Leg Curls: 145 x 7 x 4
Straight Legged Dead Lift: 115 x 7 x 4
I'll be doing so cardio tonight so all is good.
Weight is holding steady at the moment in the 181 range. I'm still ahead of schedule so I'm not too concerned.
I've been doing Excellent on my nutrition - but it hasn't been easy. Lately when I go to the store I feel like I'm walking through one of those 'house of horrors' at the carnival. Every time I turn a corner I brace myself for facing SOMETHING that I know I'm going to want. Frozen Pizza, Chocolate, Ice Cream, Bread in obcene quantities. But I've been good - I know if I don't buy it I can't eat it so I just hurry past those aisles and head to the fresh produce. Even so sometimes the power in the 'dark side' feels very strong ;)
I know this is one of those 'bad weeks' for me. wierdness in my hormones makes me 'blue' this week and when I'm 'blue' I have the urge to comfort myself with food. Not going to do it though - I'm finding my comfort in good food and excercise.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Words
Did is a word of achievement,
Won't is a word of retreat,
Might is a word of bereavement,
Can't is a word of defeat,
Ought is a word of duty,
Try is a word of each hour,
Will is a word of beauty,
Can is a word of power.
*Unknown Author
Won't is a word of retreat,
Might is a word of bereavement,
Can't is a word of defeat,
Ought is a word of duty,
Try is a word of each hour,
Will is a word of beauty,
Can is a word of power.
*Unknown Author
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Why my clothes don't fit
Well I finally drug the ol' tape measure out of the closet today just to 'see'.
I mean - it was obvious to me that I've been losing inches. Most of my clothes don't fit anymore, but for someone like me "my pants are loose" doesn't mean as much as the NUMBERS... and the results?
My "best guestimate" of my body fat Start: 51% Now: 41%
Chest (Directly beneith my arms): Start 41 Now: 38.75
Bicep: Was: 13 Now 12 (though it's 13 when I flex.. whoop!)
Forearm: Was: 11.25, Now: 10.5
Waist (are you ready for this?): Was: 39.5 Now............. 35 Yes you are seeing that right. I've dropped 4.5 inches from my waist... ya think my pants arn't fitting?
Hips (again, are you ready??): Was: 49.25 Now................45 Now if that isn't a testimate to the fact that I lose weight all over? 4.25" off the ol hips. Again with the pants falling off thing.
Thigh: Was: 27 Now 25 ... I'll take 2" off the old thigh
Calf - Was 15.75 Now 15.5
I mean - it was obvious to me that I've been losing inches. Most of my clothes don't fit anymore, but for someone like me "my pants are loose" doesn't mean as much as the NUMBERS... and the results?
My "best guestimate" of my body fat Start: 51% Now: 41%
Chest (Directly beneith my arms): Start 41 Now: 38.75
Bicep: Was: 13 Now 12 (though it's 13 when I flex.. whoop!)
Forearm: Was: 11.25, Now: 10.5
Waist (are you ready for this?): Was: 39.5 Now............. 35 Yes you are seeing that right. I've dropped 4.5 inches from my waist... ya think my pants arn't fitting?
Hips (again, are you ready??): Was: 49.25 Now................45 Now if that isn't a testimate to the fact that I lose weight all over? 4.25" off the ol hips. Again with the pants falling off thing.
Thigh: Was: 27 Now 25 ... I'll take 2" off the old thigh
Calf - Was 15.75 Now 15.5
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