Today is the fourth day of my being 'back' but I didn't 'officially' start back until yesterday... so that's why the title :)
I'm a little behind on updates so I'll try to catch you up.
Tuesday was Chest and Calves - we had fun doing barbell presses, incline dumbbell presses and dips for chest and seated and standing calf raises (I'll have to post the numbers on those later)
And then I ran for 20 minutes
I had an excellent day food wise and everything went as planned.
After two days back my body was hurting from head to toe so Wednesday we took a day off to recover.
Woke up Wednesday morning and had an 'offical' weigh in of 180.6 - I was a little bummed because I KNOW I'm still retaining water and was hoping for a better start then that, but hey - it just means that I'm going to end up with an 'easy' 2 lb loss real soon.
Today we were up at our 'usual' time primed and ready to go to the gym again. Ok so I ACTULLY hit snooze twice and then had to drag myself out of bed using all the will power I had - BUT we made it ;)
I suffered again with a case of under motivation. I know it's a case of the PMS blues that are always worse for me when my nutrition is 'off' - which is was because of vacation. BUT - knowing WHY you feel sad doesn't always make it easier to deal with. Anywho... I was just feeling BLAH this morning. Even seeing my 'dent' in the mirror when I was warming up wasn't helping... But I did it anyway. Arms today... not normally even my favorite day to workout. But I put everything I had into it and you know what? by the end of the workout I was feeling pretty good again! Pumped and as I knew I would be, glad I had done it.
That good feeling hasn't lasted all day, but for at least a few hours I got to feel good about my day.
PS - don't worry I'll get over this 'blue' funk in a bit. It's tempting to leave stuff that out of my journal. After all I don't want people to worry about me, BUT one day someone else is going to be reading this and I don't want anyone to ever thing, 'yeah, she did that, she lost 70-80 lbs but look it was EASY for her... No - it's not easy for me. It's a challenge every day - some days I enjoy the challenge and other days I don't... this week just happens to be a few of those 'don't' days - but this too will pass. And the best part is, the more I excercise and eat right the sooner 'this too will pass' will come.
Ok enough about that....
food had been ok today. I was craving chocolate so bad today. I did my 'normal' drink water, go for a walk, chew gum.. but it just kept getting worse, so I got a mini bag of peanut m&m's and ate them (about 6 in the bag). Now the craving is gone yay!
what else? Uh I'm sure there is something but I can't think of it right now...
I've started Uploading my Photos from the Trip here… I've only got four days up so far.
England Photos
The photos from our photographer of our wedding
Photographer Photos
Photos we took ourselves after the wedding
Our Photos
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Day One...
After coming back from a three week layoff – I was having a little trouble getting my ‘mo-jo’ back. I was feeling rather under motivated. Part of it could be I’m at that ‘danger zone’ for myself. The 175 to 180lb range that’s been barrier I’ve been unable to break through for 18 years now. I’m ‘average’ again. Buying clothes from the normal stores… blending in with the rest of the crowd. Why the heck am I getting up at 4:00AM again?
But, even under motivated, I got up and went to the gym this morning. Amazingly enough it was all I needed. Once at the gym, in my ‘muscle’ shirt – one look in the mirror was all it took. Seeing the ‘cut’ in my arm separating my delt had me back in the right frame of mind as soon as I started warming up. Then seeing my lat bunch up while doing pull downs had me plotting the next five pounds I would be throwing on the machine.
You see, I’m not interesting in being ‘average’. I’m no longer interesting in ‘settling’ for size 12 pants and just buying off the ‘normal sized’ racks. I want to turn my body into a lean mean weight lifting machine. I want to see definition… I want to have arms that make guys go home and flex in the mirror to reassure themselves that their arms look better.
Most importantly, I don’t want to be ‘that girl who lost 30 lbs - hasn’t she a nice job?’ I want people to look at me and think ‘she works out’. And if you tell them that last July I weighed 214lbs that would look at you and tell you that you were crazy. I want people to look at me and never suspect that I ever had a weight problem. I want to be accused of having ‘good genetics’. Not because I’m thin but because I’m fit…
Today I got up at 4:00 am and hit the gym… even though I flew home from England less then 48 hours ago.. and it felt GREAT!
Today was back and trap day:
Lat Pull Down: 110 x 5 / 110 x 6 / 110 x 5
Close Grip Pull Down: 110 x 6 / 115 x 5 / 115 x 5
T-Bar Row: 70 x 5 / 70 x 5 / 70 x 4
Dead Lift: 70 x 6 / 75 x 6 / 80 x 6
Dumbbell Shrugs: 60 x 6 / 60 x 6 / 60 x 6
Then I road the bike for 35 minutes – average speed of 20 mpr :)
Food has been perfect today… This morning’s weigh in was less then stellar. I’m retaining water like crazy so I’m holding off just a bit before recording my ‘official’ starting weight for this next phase – I suspect I lost two lbs just today and don’t want to skew the numbers with a ‘water drop’ like that… I will get my starting stats up very soon though!
But, even under motivated, I got up and went to the gym this morning. Amazingly enough it was all I needed. Once at the gym, in my ‘muscle’ shirt – one look in the mirror was all it took. Seeing the ‘cut’ in my arm separating my delt had me back in the right frame of mind as soon as I started warming up. Then seeing my lat bunch up while doing pull downs had me plotting the next five pounds I would be throwing on the machine.
You see, I’m not interesting in being ‘average’. I’m no longer interesting in ‘settling’ for size 12 pants and just buying off the ‘normal sized’ racks. I want to turn my body into a lean mean weight lifting machine. I want to see definition… I want to have arms that make guys go home and flex in the mirror to reassure themselves that their arms look better.
Most importantly, I don’t want to be ‘that girl who lost 30 lbs - hasn’t she a nice job?’ I want people to look at me and think ‘she works out’. And if you tell them that last July I weighed 214lbs that would look at you and tell you that you were crazy. I want people to look at me and never suspect that I ever had a weight problem. I want to be accused of having ‘good genetics’. Not because I’m thin but because I’m fit…
Today I got up at 4:00 am and hit the gym… even though I flew home from England less then 48 hours ago.. and it felt GREAT!
Today was back and trap day:
Lat Pull Down: 110 x 5 / 110 x 6 / 110 x 5
Close Grip Pull Down: 110 x 6 / 115 x 5 / 115 x 5
T-Bar Row: 70 x 5 / 70 x 5 / 70 x 4
Dead Lift: 70 x 6 / 75 x 6 / 80 x 6
Dumbbell Shrugs: 60 x 6 / 60 x 6 / 60 x 6
Then I road the bike for 35 minutes – average speed of 20 mpr :)
Food has been perfect today… This morning’s weigh in was less then stellar. I’m retaining water like crazy so I’m holding off just a bit before recording my ‘official’ starting weight for this next phase – I suspect I lost two lbs just today and don’t want to skew the numbers with a ‘water drop’ like that… I will get my starting stats up very soon though!
First Photos Are Up
Day One photos are up - I'll add more daily
of course this is about 1/4th (or less) of the actual photos I took.
My England Photos
of course this is about 1/4th (or less) of the actual photos I took.
My England Photos
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Quick Hello!
We're back! the trip was fantastic - the wedding was GREAT! I'll be posting tip photos and some commentary on our trip on my 'other blog' should you want to read more about it later.
As for this blog? Well it will continue to be about what it's always been about - me ;)
The biggest accomplishment of the past three weeks is that I went the entire vacation without going over 180 lbs! It was so exciting to take some time off and not have a big back slide. "the coach" and I had set a 'limit' of 185 and I did even better then that!
Now it's time to start a nice big 'action phase' That means - taking action ;)
And an action phase starts with some clear goals... And I'm going to make them clear and VERY Public right here and now. By November 22nd (the day before Thanksgiving) I'll be 160 lbs. That's 9 weeks and about 20 lbs - very doable. (offical starting date of 9/20)
I also start SERIOUSLY training for my first 'sprint' triathalon. Bye the end of this month I will have paid my entance fee and be all signed up - there's no backing down. That will comprimise most of my cardio training.
As for weight training. I think I'm going to spend the next 8 weeks doing Max-OT again. BUT I'm going to be really meticulous about it. EVERY rep is going to be perfectly executed. I'll go through two 4 week cycles - 4 to 6 reps per excercise. This keeps my weight workouts very focused and rather short so that I can get to my cardio. We'll see if between that and my tri-training if that's enough excercise minutes :)
Weight training will be heavy with focus on building strength. I still have some unfullfilled goals for this year such as benching 100lbs plus the bar (145 lbs) and doing pull-ups. Between the strength training and the weight loss I expect to be doing pull-ups by the end of the year... I can get to within 2 inches of the bar now and with a little work (and a few less lbs) I should be able to do more then 1 before Jan 1st.
As usual I'll let you know as things progress.
As for this blog? Well it will continue to be about what it's always been about - me ;)
The biggest accomplishment of the past three weeks is that I went the entire vacation without going over 180 lbs! It was so exciting to take some time off and not have a big back slide. "the coach" and I had set a 'limit' of 185 and I did even better then that!
Now it's time to start a nice big 'action phase' That means - taking action ;)
And an action phase starts with some clear goals... And I'm going to make them clear and VERY Public right here and now. By November 22nd (the day before Thanksgiving) I'll be 160 lbs. That's 9 weeks and about 20 lbs - very doable. (offical starting date of 9/20)
I also start SERIOUSLY training for my first 'sprint' triathalon. Bye the end of this month I will have paid my entance fee and be all signed up - there's no backing down. That will comprimise most of my cardio training.
As for weight training. I think I'm going to spend the next 8 weeks doing Max-OT again. BUT I'm going to be really meticulous about it. EVERY rep is going to be perfectly executed. I'll go through two 4 week cycles - 4 to 6 reps per excercise. This keeps my weight workouts very focused and rather short so that I can get to my cardio. We'll see if between that and my tri-training if that's enough excercise minutes :)
Weight training will be heavy with focus on building strength. I still have some unfullfilled goals for this year such as benching 100lbs plus the bar (145 lbs) and doing pull-ups. Between the strength training and the weight loss I expect to be doing pull-ups by the end of the year... I can get to within 2 inches of the bar now and with a little work (and a few less lbs) I should be able to do more then 1 before Jan 1st.
As usual I'll let you know as things progress.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Quick Update
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!
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!
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
Monday, July 31, 2006
Whoa
I knew it was coming... This 'whoosh' of weight loss that always comes after I've been stalled for a little while. Plus the whole PMS bloat that I could feel, and yet, I wasn't really mentally prepared to get on the scale this morning and have it say 181...
I've never ever ever lost weight this consistently before. Heck, doing BFL a few years back it took me over 18 weeks to get to this point... This time around? I've not even gotten used to one 'decade' and I'm having to adjust to a new one. What's really weird is that I've gotten to this weight before, but never with this much muscle. The size, shape, and 'feel' of my arms and shoulders where the fat is starting to get REALLY thin completely fascinates me. I keep having to stop myself from stroking my upper arms when I'm wearing a tank top and/or flexing everytime I come near any reflective surface.
And today I saw my face in the mirror and went... who IS that person?! In the past 18 years I've only gotten to this weight a few times and it's like I'm starting to become someone completely foreign. And I LIKE it! lol I can't wait to see what changes happen next. Especially the next 10 lbs when I REALLY get into new territory. You have to remember that I was 165 when I graduated High school and 9 months later I was 175 after having my first baby... I haven't seen that weight again for more then a day or so over the past 18 years.
And through it all... I'm still kicking butt on the weights, and swimming/running/biking further and faster every week! I just LOVE it!
I have to admit that it's the cardio that's making the biggest difference for me. I've found that the weeks I get my cardio in I drop, the weeks I don't, I stall. (unless there are other factors involved like PMS etc.) AND to that end being a 'tri' athlete has made getting the cardio in all the easier. Why? cause I can make up workouts.
Before when I was only running (or only walking) If I missed a 30 minute run it was REALLY hard to make that up and run for an hour the next day. I just didn't have it in me. Now? I miss a 40 minute bike ride, I have no problem making it up after a 30 minute swim.
Oh, and food... foods been great! Saturday I planned my 'splurge meal'. I was really craving pizza. And while at the store I noticed my FAVORITE pizza crust (bobli) came in whole wheat! I figured, why not try to make my splurge as healthy as I could. I happened to have developed my tastes as to where I like whole wheat as much as the white stuff... so I bought it. I then picked up 'part skim' motzerella, and while searching for pepperoni found 'turkey pepperoni' that was much lower fat the the 'normal' kind. And then, to top off the 'meal' I knew I wanted something chocolate! Now, a chocolate splurge has to be planned carefully because if I'm not careful a splurge could become a binge... I needed something GOOD that would leave me feel as if I had had the 'real deal' and not cheated myself, but that would be laying around the house for the rest of the week tempting me with 'just one more bite'. The answer? 3 musketeers bar. That thing was so sweet and chocolately that it even had chocoholic like me going 'I don't think I want this last bite'. AND in a stroke a genius.. I ate the chocolate FIRST. Why is that a good thing? Because the taste of the pizza (something I knew I wouldn't overeat) wiped the taste of the chocolate out of my mouth and kept me from thinking about it for the rest of the evening.
Sunday, I was right back on plan - no cravings AND a pound down. Have I mentioned that I love the leanness lifestyle?
Oh! I've a BIG party planned on Saturday the 12th with a bunch of my girlfriends... Coach said I could go out and eat and drink whatever I wanted PROVIDED I was 181 the day before... Guess what? I think I'm going to reach that goal!
I've never ever ever lost weight this consistently before. Heck, doing BFL a few years back it took me over 18 weeks to get to this point... This time around? I've not even gotten used to one 'decade' and I'm having to adjust to a new one. What's really weird is that I've gotten to this weight before, but never with this much muscle. The size, shape, and 'feel' of my arms and shoulders where the fat is starting to get REALLY thin completely fascinates me. I keep having to stop myself from stroking my upper arms when I'm wearing a tank top and/or flexing everytime I come near any reflective surface.
And today I saw my face in the mirror and went... who IS that person?! In the past 18 years I've only gotten to this weight a few times and it's like I'm starting to become someone completely foreign. And I LIKE it! lol I can't wait to see what changes happen next. Especially the next 10 lbs when I REALLY get into new territory. You have to remember that I was 165 when I graduated High school and 9 months later I was 175 after having my first baby... I haven't seen that weight again for more then a day or so over the past 18 years.
And through it all... I'm still kicking butt on the weights, and swimming/running/biking further and faster every week! I just LOVE it!
I have to admit that it's the cardio that's making the biggest difference for me. I've found that the weeks I get my cardio in I drop, the weeks I don't, I stall. (unless there are other factors involved like PMS etc.) AND to that end being a 'tri' athlete has made getting the cardio in all the easier. Why? cause I can make up workouts.
Before when I was only running (or only walking) If I missed a 30 minute run it was REALLY hard to make that up and run for an hour the next day. I just didn't have it in me. Now? I miss a 40 minute bike ride, I have no problem making it up after a 30 minute swim.
Oh, and food... foods been great! Saturday I planned my 'splurge meal'. I was really craving pizza. And while at the store I noticed my FAVORITE pizza crust (bobli) came in whole wheat! I figured, why not try to make my splurge as healthy as I could. I happened to have developed my tastes as to where I like whole wheat as much as the white stuff... so I bought it. I then picked up 'part skim' motzerella, and while searching for pepperoni found 'turkey pepperoni' that was much lower fat the the 'normal' kind. And then, to top off the 'meal' I knew I wanted something chocolate! Now, a chocolate splurge has to be planned carefully because if I'm not careful a splurge could become a binge... I needed something GOOD that would leave me feel as if I had had the 'real deal' and not cheated myself, but that would be laying around the house for the rest of the week tempting me with 'just one more bite'. The answer? 3 musketeers bar. That thing was so sweet and chocolately that it even had chocoholic like me going 'I don't think I want this last bite'. AND in a stroke a genius.. I ate the chocolate FIRST. Why is that a good thing? Because the taste of the pizza (something I knew I wouldn't overeat) wiped the taste of the chocolate out of my mouth and kept me from thinking about it for the rest of the evening.
Sunday, I was right back on plan - no cravings AND a pound down. Have I mentioned that I love the leanness lifestyle?
Oh! I've a BIG party planned on Saturday the 12th with a bunch of my girlfriends... Coach said I could go out and eat and drink whatever I wanted PROVIDED I was 181 the day before... Guess what? I think I'm going to reach that goal!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The first fitting.
You all get the first look! This is the 'mock-up' of my wedding dress. The real thing will be made out of green silk with purple threads running through it... The fabric is AMAZING!
He's the best part. I had my measurments done on June 27th. As you may be aware, I've lost a few pounds since then. (over 10 lbs). So, today She puts the skirt on me and was a little confused when the side overlapped by about two inches. The she said, "have you been losing weight?" I said "yeah - some". She stood there for a minute and said... "Uh, I would say a LOT"
When we tried on the corsett she laced it up as tight as it would go with no problem. There's supposed to be a GAP! hehehe. She looked me over, asked how much more weight I was going to lose then said... well we're going to take three inches out of the corset then. THREE INCHES! OMG I have motivation to hold to my word to lose the weight now cause I'll need to for my dress to fit!
Anyway - I'll post photos of the real thing once I get to that point... more fun ahead!
(PS - sorry about the poor picture quality - my friend was taking the photo and didn't know how to work my camera.)
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