Really just plugging along here - no big problems but no big victories either. Just doing what needs to be done.
I'm really struggling to get my cardio done. I'm just finding it dull and unexciting - 5 minutes in and I'm already bored. I can't change much up right now because my sprint tri-athalon is only 12 weeks away. I'm investigating ways to 'spice' things up a bit. Some sort of excercise 'reward' for getting my trathalon training done. My ideas so far are boxing classes, dance lessions or something like that. Still working on it :)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Feelin' Good
Feeling Really Really good today, for a variety of reasons.
1) the sun was shining today for a little while and I actually went outside in a short sleaved shirt for the first time in over a month... mmm a little ray of sunshine goes a long way to uplift your mood.
2) I got the the gym in the MORNING! I never thought I would say this but MAN it's nice to get up at 4:00AM lol! I've certainly learned that starting my day with a workout does wonders for my overall well being.
3) TWO compliments in three days.
Saturday while working out with my honey, I noticed this man using the bench next to us was watching and by his body language WANTED us to notice. I thought maybe he wanted one of us to 'spot' him and after my experiance on Tuesday I wan't about to leave a fellow lifter 'hanging'. So I turned toward him and smiled giving him an opening to ask. He suprised me though and instead of asking for help, he said, "I used to come in here in the mornings and I saw you two here." I nodded and opened my mouth to explain why we had been missing all week, when he went ahead, "You two have made a LOT of progress. You look GREAT! You make a great team, keep up the good work." I think my smile got bigger with every comment and I acknowledged with a 'thank you' every time. I think that's the first time at the gym that someone's asknowledged my progress to my face and certainly they've said something to me about my husbands (which I'm proud of as well). Let me tell you it put a LOT of UMPH into the rest of our workout having heard that.
Then today I went to visit a client that I haven't seen in MONTHS... Pretty much since before the wedding in September. While I know I've made some progress since then I don't feel it was as much as the progress they SAW me making before I left for my honeymoon. Either I've changed more since then then I remember, or they were remembering how I looked when we started the project (back last January) because three of the people I met with were nearly open mouthed when they saw me. One gentleman (who is not what I would call an outspoken indivitual) leaned over to me when our meeting was over and whispered... Have you lost weight? I happily told him yes. They other two were much more vocal about it, exclaiming how good I looked. It was a nice shot in the arm to hear from people who don't know I've actually been working to notice the changes.
So that's about it - plugging along here looking forward to getting into new and exciting territory. While January got off to a rough start I'm expecting all kinds of amazing things in Febuary :)
I was looking in the mirror today and trying to figure out what I'm going to look like with 10 more lbs gone... that kind of visual doesn't come easily for me but I do know it's going to be exciting to see!
1) the sun was shining today for a little while and I actually went outside in a short sleaved shirt for the first time in over a month... mmm a little ray of sunshine goes a long way to uplift your mood.
2) I got the the gym in the MORNING! I never thought I would say this but MAN it's nice to get up at 4:00AM lol! I've certainly learned that starting my day with a workout does wonders for my overall well being.
3) TWO compliments in three days.
Saturday while working out with my honey, I noticed this man using the bench next to us was watching and by his body language WANTED us to notice. I thought maybe he wanted one of us to 'spot' him and after my experiance on Tuesday I wan't about to leave a fellow lifter 'hanging'. So I turned toward him and smiled giving him an opening to ask. He suprised me though and instead of asking for help, he said, "I used to come in here in the mornings and I saw you two here." I nodded and opened my mouth to explain why we had been missing all week, when he went ahead, "You two have made a LOT of progress. You look GREAT! You make a great team, keep up the good work." I think my smile got bigger with every comment and I acknowledged with a 'thank you' every time. I think that's the first time at the gym that someone's asknowledged my progress to my face and certainly they've said something to me about my husbands (which I'm proud of as well). Let me tell you it put a LOT of UMPH into the rest of our workout having heard that.
Then today I went to visit a client that I haven't seen in MONTHS... Pretty much since before the wedding in September. While I know I've made some progress since then I don't feel it was as much as the progress they SAW me making before I left for my honeymoon. Either I've changed more since then then I remember, or they were remembering how I looked when we started the project (back last January) because three of the people I met with were nearly open mouthed when they saw me. One gentleman (who is not what I would call an outspoken indivitual) leaned over to me when our meeting was over and whispered... Have you lost weight? I happily told him yes. They other two were much more vocal about it, exclaiming how good I looked. It was a nice shot in the arm to hear from people who don't know I've actually been working to notice the changes.
So that's about it - plugging along here looking forward to getting into new and exciting territory. While January got off to a rough start I'm expecting all kinds of amazing things in Febuary :)
I was looking in the mirror today and trying to figure out what I'm going to look like with 10 more lbs gone... that kind of visual doesn't come easily for me but I do know it's going to be exciting to see!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Hard Week
This is one of those hard weeks for me. My honey is working long hours and can't make it to the gym. That means I need to go on my own. It's funny how much easier it is to step into a crowd of people (for me at least) when you know you've got your best friend at your side. Last night I knew I was going to have to face the 'night' crowd at a gym full of 20 something gym bunnies, meat heads and resolutioners with a few 'regular' folks (like us) thrown in. I dislike the gym at night even with my honey there, facing that crowd alone took a lot of fortitude.
When I got there it was exactly what I had expected. THRONGS of people there. The posers were posing the gym bunnies walking around with only 1/2 thier gym clothes on and the resolutioners wandering around looking lost and doing way more weight then they should. Ok maybe I'm being a little harsh but it was really crowded and frustrating. The worse part was I was having to do a chest workout without my workout partner.
So, I got through dumbbell incline presses at a lowered weight, and I did incline dumbbell presses just fine. Barbell flat presses though I started to get a little nervious - I really wanted to hit the chest hard but I have this real fear not finishing a rep and getting stuck under the bar. So I start looking around to grab someone to spot me. There are six guys doing chest press around me... do you think a single one would make eye contact? Noooooo.... I finally have stand directly in front of a guy and wave my hand in front of his face! He spots me for one set (and does a good job) then runs away! So I have to chase down a SECOND guy for a second set. BAH! I'm not hitting on you I just want a spot - stop acting like I'm going to bite you for god's sake.
So - that was my night. I have to go back and do arms tonight - wish me luck!
---- other then that, everything's going well.
When I got there it was exactly what I had expected. THRONGS of people there. The posers were posing the gym bunnies walking around with only 1/2 thier gym clothes on and the resolutioners wandering around looking lost and doing way more weight then they should. Ok maybe I'm being a little harsh but it was really crowded and frustrating. The worse part was I was having to do a chest workout without my workout partner.
So, I got through dumbbell incline presses at a lowered weight, and I did incline dumbbell presses just fine. Barbell flat presses though I started to get a little nervious - I really wanted to hit the chest hard but I have this real fear not finishing a rep and getting stuck under the bar. So I start looking around to grab someone to spot me. There are six guys doing chest press around me... do you think a single one would make eye contact? Noooooo.... I finally have stand directly in front of a guy and wave my hand in front of his face! He spots me for one set (and does a good job) then runs away! So I have to chase down a SECOND guy for a second set. BAH! I'm not hitting on you I just want a spot - stop acting like I'm going to bite you for god's sake.
So - that was my night. I have to go back and do arms tonight - wish me luck!
---- other then that, everything's going well.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Happy Day!
My training materials have arrived! OMG I have a LOT of stuff to read but it's been a pleasure so far.
The weekend went great - I finished up my training for the week and now have TWO weeks of making every single weight workout... I like that . Feels like things are back on track.
I wanted to share a new 'concoction' I discovered... this makes two 'meals' for me - you'll have to play with it to fit it into you're own plan...
1 cup fat free cottage cheese (trust me - I won't put spoon to cottage cheese normally but really love this!)
1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt (You can use plain too but may have to add more flavoring)
1 cup stawberries, washed, destemmed and cut in half
vanilla extract and splenda (or sweetener of choice) to taist.
dump all in the blender and whip until smooth. You can drink this like a extra thick shake or eat with a spoon. A really yummy way to get my 1 cup serving of fruit in a day.
The weekend went great - I finished up my training for the week and now have TWO weeks of making every single weight workout... I like that . Feels like things are back on track.
I wanted to share a new 'concoction' I discovered... this makes two 'meals' for me - you'll have to play with it to fit it into you're own plan...
1 cup fat free cottage cheese (trust me - I won't put spoon to cottage cheese normally but really love this!)
1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt (You can use plain too but may have to add more flavoring)
1 cup stawberries, washed, destemmed and cut in half
vanilla extract and splenda (or sweetener of choice) to taist.
dump all in the blender and whip until smooth. You can drink this like a extra thick shake or eat with a spoon. A really yummy way to get my 1 cup serving of fruit in a day.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
2006 in Review
2006 was actually a great year - I lost about 39 lbs of fat all told and 4 inches off my waist...
What I really like seeing is how far I've come from what I believe is just about my 'biggest' ever... Here's progress from about July 2005 to now
And how have my muscles grown?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Oh my!
I can't believe it's been almost a month. The holidays really take a bite out of you... then then new Year has been just crazy!
So, where to start... Christmas was fine. Spent time with the kids and generally relaxed the week between Christmas and New Year. Got back to work on Jan 2 and handn't been here long before I got a call from my honey that things wern't looking good for his father (who is critically ill). So we left work and flew (well drove)the three hundred miles to go be with him. We spent the whole week at my in-laws. Thankfully my father-in-law pulled through, unfortunatly, my fitness program didn't. But hey sometimes 'life happens' and you need to put your own stuff on the backburner for a week to focus on someone else for a while.
So back home now and the past week and a half has been a whirlwind of catching up at work and at home as well as putting into place many of my 'new year' plans.
As for fitness goals - I haven't really come up with an extensive list. I know THIS is the year I reach my goal of 130lbs. There's no way I can fail because I have coach Greenwalt (from Leanness Lifestyle) with me every step of the way. Other things I want to accomplish this year: I want to really work on my flexablity, two things I want to do this year is be able to do the splits and a backbend (from standing). I also want to run my first sprint tri-athalon (already signed up for it). Oh yeah and be able to do pull-ups.
Other goals I've got right now that are kind of fitness related is... I've sent in my money and I'm starting training to become certified as a personal trainer. I can't tell you how excited I am about this! Just more motivation to get to my goal and get a body that's a living testimate to what my 'services' will offer. I've also started work on the website that I'll offer to all my clients including a 'community' area. I want to specialize in people looking to make a weight loss 'trasformation' as well as those who are 'begining' weight lifters (Like my son or even my husband last year). I plan to offer more then just training programs or even diet plans but education, motivation and support (that's where the website comes in). I want to work with the WHOLE person. Ummm... yeah, I'm a little excited. I'll move on now.. lol
I still haven't gone back and figured out how I did on last year's goals - it's on my 'todo' list I swear! :)
Oh and we've moved into the 'heavy' phase of our periodization program...I've been stunning myself with the amount of weight I've been lifting! It's so much fun!
Monday was chest day and my 'best set' for each excercise was:
Dumbbell Incline Press: 50lbs x 9
Barbell Flat Press: 150 x 9
Barbell Decline Press: 95 x 12
Cable Crunches: 120 x 9
Today was Biceps and Froearms: (best sets)
Barbell Standing Curl: 75 x 9
Dumbbell Alt Standing Curl: 30 x 11 (yes! I'm curling 30lb dumbbells now - whoop!!)
Cable Two Arm Curl: 75 x 9
Barbell Wrist Curls: 65 x 12
I think, this is going to be a really good year! :)
So, where to start... Christmas was fine. Spent time with the kids and generally relaxed the week between Christmas and New Year. Got back to work on Jan 2 and handn't been here long before I got a call from my honey that things wern't looking good for his father (who is critically ill). So we left work and flew (well drove)the three hundred miles to go be with him. We spent the whole week at my in-laws. Thankfully my father-in-law pulled through, unfortunatly, my fitness program didn't. But hey sometimes 'life happens' and you need to put your own stuff on the backburner for a week to focus on someone else for a while.
So back home now and the past week and a half has been a whirlwind of catching up at work and at home as well as putting into place many of my 'new year' plans.
As for fitness goals - I haven't really come up with an extensive list. I know THIS is the year I reach my goal of 130lbs. There's no way I can fail because I have coach Greenwalt (from Leanness Lifestyle) with me every step of the way. Other things I want to accomplish this year: I want to really work on my flexablity, two things I want to do this year is be able to do the splits and a backbend (from standing). I also want to run my first sprint tri-athalon (already signed up for it). Oh yeah and be able to do pull-ups.
Other goals I've got right now that are kind of fitness related is... I've sent in my money and I'm starting training to become certified as a personal trainer. I can't tell you how excited I am about this! Just more motivation to get to my goal and get a body that's a living testimate to what my 'services' will offer. I've also started work on the website that I'll offer to all my clients including a 'community' area. I want to specialize in people looking to make a weight loss 'trasformation' as well as those who are 'begining' weight lifters (Like my son or even my husband last year). I plan to offer more then just training programs or even diet plans but education, motivation and support (that's where the website comes in). I want to work with the WHOLE person. Ummm... yeah, I'm a little excited. I'll move on now.. lol
I still haven't gone back and figured out how I did on last year's goals - it's on my 'todo' list I swear! :)
Oh and we've moved into the 'heavy' phase of our periodization program...I've been stunning myself with the amount of weight I've been lifting! It's so much fun!
Monday was chest day and my 'best set' for each excercise was:
Dumbbell Incline Press: 50lbs x 9
Barbell Flat Press: 150 x 9
Barbell Decline Press: 95 x 12
Cable Crunches: 120 x 9
Today was Biceps and Froearms: (best sets)
Barbell Standing Curl: 75 x 9
Dumbbell Alt Standing Curl: 30 x 11 (yes! I'm curling 30lb dumbbells now - whoop!!)
Cable Two Arm Curl: 75 x 9
Barbell Wrist Curls: 65 x 12
I think, this is going to be a really good year! :)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Happy Holidays
"Faith that the thing can be done is essential to any
great achievement."
*Thomas Carruther
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
yay!
The Good: So I made it to the gym for the second day in a row - for the first time since before thanksgiving! yay! Last night while we were at the store doing our x-mas shopping my honey decided to buy himself an alarm clock for his side of the bed. Our previous situation was I have this lovely 'chime' alarm clock that softly plays a little tune to wake you up. And it does wake me up because I'm a pretty light sleeper. Unfortunately, I'm also not a good 'waker upper' so it's not unusual for me to turn off my alarm and not even remember doing it and in the meanwhile my loving husband hasn't even stirred. But now? Now my lovely chimes wake me up on MY side of the bed, and if I don't get up about 30 seconds later I get to hear *meep*meep*meep* which it annoying, loud and fortunately wakes him up too. So we'll see how it goes in the weeks ahead.. lol.
The Bad: Unfortunately - I'm out of no-xplode (my favorite supplement in the world) Not that I can tell that it helps build muscle or anything but because I DESPERATELY need that shot of caffeine in the morning. So I was up but not awake. I practically sleep walked my way through my workout. Still managed to lift decent weights though - just couldn't seem to focus. Oh and the bloody gym was FREEZING! I would do a set, break a sweat and then end up standing there shivering and covered with goosebumps while I waiting for my honey to finish his set. When we checked the wall thermometer it was only 57 degrees in there. FEH!! One of my coworkers says I'm not allowed to complain about the cold though because no one's supposed to be actually out and about at 4:00AM but hey - this girl has to hit the gym when she can.
Oh and if anyone wants to buy an x-mas present for me? I want the bottom t-shirt on this page.. lol http://www.trionutrition.com/tshirts.php
and lastly - has anyone seen the 'new' Monica Brant Ads? she looks SO freeking HOT!!! http://www.trionutrition.com/images/downloads/Monica_01_1024.jpg I have that photo on my fridge. Keeps BOTH of us motivated.. heheh
Anyway - training today was back
Assisted close grip Pull-ups (still can't do a pull up *sob*): 80lbs (assistance) x 10 x 4
Seated Cable Rows: 135 x 10 x 4
Lat Pull-downs: 105 x 10 x 4
Barbell Bent Rows: 70 x 10 x 4
Barbell Shrugs (smith machine): 145 x 10 x 4
Then I walked for 30 minutes and my gym time for the day is done - whoop!
The Bad: Unfortunately - I'm out of no-xplode (my favorite supplement in the world) Not that I can tell that it helps build muscle or anything but because I DESPERATELY need that shot of caffeine in the morning. So I was up but not awake. I practically sleep walked my way through my workout. Still managed to lift decent weights though - just couldn't seem to focus. Oh and the bloody gym was FREEZING! I would do a set, break a sweat and then end up standing there shivering and covered with goosebumps while I waiting for my honey to finish his set. When we checked the wall thermometer it was only 57 degrees in there. FEH!! One of my coworkers says I'm not allowed to complain about the cold though because no one's supposed to be actually out and about at 4:00AM but hey - this girl has to hit the gym when she can.
Oh and if anyone wants to buy an x-mas present for me? I want the bottom t-shirt on this page.. lol http://www.trionutrition.com/tshirts.php
and lastly - has anyone seen the 'new' Monica Brant Ads? she looks SO freeking HOT!!! http://www.trionutrition.com/images/downloads/Monica_01_1024.jpg I have that photo on my fridge. Keeps BOTH of us motivated.. heheh
Anyway - training today was back
Assisted close grip Pull-ups (still can't do a pull up *sob*): 80lbs (assistance) x 10 x 4
Seated Cable Rows: 135 x 10 x 4
Lat Pull-downs: 105 x 10 x 4
Barbell Bent Rows: 70 x 10 x 4
Barbell Shrugs (smith machine): 145 x 10 x 4
Then I walked for 30 minutes and my gym time for the day is done - whoop!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Inspired
As you may or may not know I've struggled a little with 'getting my head in the game' since I came back from my Honeymoon. Part of it has to do with the fact that I'm at 'that spot' - the one where I've stopped every other time I've lost weight. And... frankly I'm pretty comfortable at my weight. Dropping 40 lbs feels like such a difference it's hard to imagine I could make even MORE changes.
But Friday I went shopping for a dress for my company christmas party - and while it wasn't the tearfilled disaster that last year's dress shopping event was it was eye opening because for some reason - while under the harsh dressingroom lights I realized that although I've dropped 40 lbs, and I'm a size 10, and I'm the lightest weight I've been my entire adult life... I am still fat.
Now I don't mean that in a disparaging way... what I mean is I looked at myself and for some reason really SAW the potential that's waiting there. I've spent so much time recently - reveling in how far I've come. And yes, that's a good thing to do, BUT I wasn't spending enough time thinking about where I want to go, not in a postive sense. Well I have now and you know what? I'm EXCITED!
Hit the gym with new focus - I'm liking my planned meals again I'm looking forward to the new year and new goals and a whole new me. These next few months are going to ROCK!!
(Photos from the party to come soon)
Happy Holidays!
But Friday I went shopping for a dress for my company christmas party - and while it wasn't the tearfilled disaster that last year's dress shopping event was it was eye opening because for some reason - while under the harsh dressingroom lights I realized that although I've dropped 40 lbs, and I'm a size 10, and I'm the lightest weight I've been my entire adult life... I am still fat.
Now I don't mean that in a disparaging way... what I mean is I looked at myself and for some reason really SAW the potential that's waiting there. I've spent so much time recently - reveling in how far I've come. And yes, that's a good thing to do, BUT I wasn't spending enough time thinking about where I want to go, not in a postive sense. Well I have now and you know what? I'm EXCITED!
Hit the gym with new focus - I'm liking my planned meals again I'm looking forward to the new year and new goals and a whole new me. These next few months are going to ROCK!!
(Photos from the party to come soon)
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Happy Holidays
Sorry I haven't been online much - I've been very busy being 'Santa's little helper'
But - I can assure you that in the next few weeks I'll be recapping this year and setting up my goals for the new year. I'm 'on break' until the second week of January - just maintaining my current loss and enjoying the holidays.
I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and/or whatever other holidays you choose to celebrate this time of year.
But - I can assure you that in the next few weeks I'll be recapping this year and setting up my goals for the new year. I'm 'on break' until the second week of January - just maintaining my current loss and enjoying the holidays.
I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and/or whatever other holidays you choose to celebrate this time of year.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Photos!
I was going to wait until thanksgiving but i think next week is just going to be too busy so I took some progress photos today - and I'll share them :) Sorry that I still can't seem to work up a smile for these... heh
So, some of you remember me from this photo take in May of this year:
I've made a little progress since then :)
Front..
Side..
(sorry about the hight difference)
Back..
And just in case you wondered what I look like with CLOTHES on :)
And here's a bonus for those who like a 'strong woman'
(viva the tummy and why I'll never be on stage. :( )
The Hulk! :)
And right and left Bis
Little back action going on
My "I scare boys at the gym" pose
And, because I like to show off :)
So, some of you remember me from this photo take in May of this year:
I've made a little progress since then :)
Front..
Side..
(sorry about the hight difference)
Back..
And just in case you wondered what I look like with CLOTHES on :)
And here's a bonus for those who like a 'strong woman'
(viva the tummy and why I'll never be on stage. :( )
The Hulk! :)
And right and left Bis
Little back action going on
My "I scare boys at the gym" pose
And, because I like to show off :)
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Just a quick one
I promised myself not to neglect my blog :) so I'm going to throw a quick post up!
Still going really really well and it's paying off! 170.7 today - I'm close to breaking through the next decade! just 5 lbs and I'll be the weight I was when I graduated high school. also I promised myself a LONG LONG time ago that when I hit 165 I would take up ballet again - I guess it's time to go look up some schools! I'm not sure I ever REALLY believed I would get to this point and yet - here I am!
Had a killer leg workout today - feeling GRAND!
Thanks everyone for the fantastic support.
Oh - and LaLA - I was 'trial and erroring' things for a while myself and it just wasn't working. that's why I did the elimination thing. four foods ONLY for three days and now I'm adding 1 food every three days back in to see how I react. It's certainly NOT easy. Thanksgiving day though - all bets are off. I'll deal with the three days of pain I KNOW are coming after :)
Still going really really well and it's paying off! 170.7 today - I'm close to breaking through the next decade! just 5 lbs and I'll be the weight I was when I graduated high school. also I promised myself a LONG LONG time ago that when I hit 165 I would take up ballet again - I guess it's time to go look up some schools! I'm not sure I ever REALLY believed I would get to this point and yet - here I am!
Had a killer leg workout today - feeling GRAND!
Thanks everyone for the fantastic support.
Oh - and LaLA - I was 'trial and erroring' things for a while myself and it just wasn't working. that's why I did the elimination thing. four foods ONLY for three days and now I'm adding 1 food every three days back in to see how I react. It's certainly NOT easy. Thanksgiving day though - all bets are off. I'll deal with the three days of pain I KNOW are coming after :)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Long Overdue Update!
I’ve been a BAD blogger and I’m so sorry!!
So let me start with a summery:
Things have been going GREAT! It’s been tough but I’ve been making the hard choices MOST of the time and I’m seeing results … and those are?? 171 lbs today! I weigh less then I have in 19 years! And even better when shopping on Sunday and tried on, fit into and bought 1 pair of slacks, 1 skirt and two pairs of jeans in size 10. size 10!! Sometimes I can’t believe this is really happening.
Now for the nitty gritty:
We had a great time on Halloween. I minded my P’s and Q’s no alcohol etc. BUT by Thursday 11/2 I was up to 176 – 2 lbs behind goal. Coach and I had a big long talk. I’ve been struggling with a lot of issues since coming back from Holiday – the biggest being the discovery that I have some abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) that are effecting my large intestine. Digestion hasn’t been ‘fun’ of late. And the output hasn’t always been matching the input – not to mention I’ve been in a lot of pain. So, coach suggested that I treat this like I have IBS – and I go on a STRICT elimination diet. Soo.. 11/3 I started my plan with only 4 ‘allowed’ foods. Chicken, Turkey, Rice and White Potatoes. Every three days I add a new food and see if I have a negative reaction to it. The result – well my food plan has been really easy :) My digestion working better and pain is minimized! Whoo hoo! You would think that all of that would make sticking to my plan a snap but No. I still struggle with temptation daily – ok sometimes hourly. And there are times when passing by the bakery and smelling the bread and cookies that I feel really depressed. But – my life does not revolve around food. Happiness is not determined by a cookie! :)
Workouts were another struggle – I found myself constantly struggling to find the time to workout and feeling guilty about missing. So – 1 I committed to making my 4:00AM workouts. Got all five of them in last week yay! Over the weekend I committed to doing my cardio on my lunch hour instead of trying to squeeze it in after work. I did that yesterday and what a WONDERFUL difference! It was so nice to get home and climb into my PJ’s guilt free. The last little bit came into place last night. Working out on my lunch works for me except my swimming workouts – there isn’t a pool near my work. There isn’t a pool near my house either so getting to a pool to swim is a point of major stress in my life. Frankly – I don’t need stress. Soooo even though I’m going to do a triathlon (sprint) in the spring – (for now) I’m not going to specifically train for the swimming part. The truth is I’m a very strong swimmer already and I don’t truly feel like I need to specifically train to swim the length required for the sprint. So the plan is this: Run three days a week, bike three days a week. Swim when I’m at a gym that has a pool (which happens usually on the weekends). No more driving 30 + miles out of our way on the way home so I can hit a pool. No more getting home at 9PM and then trying to pack my gym bag for the next day, have dinner and pack my lunches. Life is much simpler and much less stressful. I feel better already.
And that’s my update!
So let me start with a summery:
Things have been going GREAT! It’s been tough but I’ve been making the hard choices MOST of the time and I’m seeing results … and those are?? 171 lbs today! I weigh less then I have in 19 years! And even better when shopping on Sunday and tried on, fit into and bought 1 pair of slacks, 1 skirt and two pairs of jeans in size 10. size 10!! Sometimes I can’t believe this is really happening.
Now for the nitty gritty:
We had a great time on Halloween. I minded my P’s and Q’s no alcohol etc. BUT by Thursday 11/2 I was up to 176 – 2 lbs behind goal. Coach and I had a big long talk. I’ve been struggling with a lot of issues since coming back from Holiday – the biggest being the discovery that I have some abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) that are effecting my large intestine. Digestion hasn’t been ‘fun’ of late. And the output hasn’t always been matching the input – not to mention I’ve been in a lot of pain. So, coach suggested that I treat this like I have IBS – and I go on a STRICT elimination diet. Soo.. 11/3 I started my plan with only 4 ‘allowed’ foods. Chicken, Turkey, Rice and White Potatoes. Every three days I add a new food and see if I have a negative reaction to it. The result – well my food plan has been really easy :) My digestion working better and pain is minimized! Whoo hoo! You would think that all of that would make sticking to my plan a snap but No. I still struggle with temptation daily – ok sometimes hourly. And there are times when passing by the bakery and smelling the bread and cookies that I feel really depressed. But – my life does not revolve around food. Happiness is not determined by a cookie! :)
Workouts were another struggle – I found myself constantly struggling to find the time to workout and feeling guilty about missing. So – 1 I committed to making my 4:00AM workouts. Got all five of them in last week yay! Over the weekend I committed to doing my cardio on my lunch hour instead of trying to squeeze it in after work. I did that yesterday and what a WONDERFUL difference! It was so nice to get home and climb into my PJ’s guilt free. The last little bit came into place last night. Working out on my lunch works for me except my swimming workouts – there isn’t a pool near my work. There isn’t a pool near my house either so getting to a pool to swim is a point of major stress in my life. Frankly – I don’t need stress. Soooo even though I’m going to do a triathlon (sprint) in the spring – (for now) I’m not going to specifically train for the swimming part. The truth is I’m a very strong swimmer already and I don’t truly feel like I need to specifically train to swim the length required for the sprint. So the plan is this: Run three days a week, bike three days a week. Swim when I’m at a gym that has a pool (which happens usually on the weekends). No more driving 30 + miles out of our way on the way home so I can hit a pool. No more getting home at 9PM and then trying to pack my gym bag for the next day, have dinner and pack my lunches. Life is much simpler and much less stressful. I feel better already.
And that’s my update!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Monday Monday
Weight in today 175.5
I think my weight is being a little stubborn right now - not because of what I'm doing as much as a time of the month thing - I've got myself dialed in and focused this week and actually I came off a pretty good weekend so I'm raring to go.
Goals today is 1242 to 1342 Calories and 150 minutes of excercise.
Got up and made it to the gym this morning and did chest and abs.
Chest:
Dumbbell Incline Bench Press: 35lbs x 12 x 4
Dumbbell Bench Press: 40 x 12 x 4
Barbell Decline Bench Press: 85 x 12 x 4
Abs:
Hanging Leg Lifts: 4 x 12 x 4
Cable Crunches: 100lbs x 12 x 4
total time 70 minutes
This is an 'easy' week and it was nice to take a little break from the heavy weights. I'm doing periodization training again so these numbers should change a lot over the next few weeks.
I've got to do a 30 minute bike ride after work and I'm going to do a 60 minute yoga session and that should get me the minutes I need. Lunches are made and in my bag - I've had over 1 liter of water already today and have a goal to have three more.
Meals Planned (in case anyone is curious):
Meal 1:
1 Egg/2 Egg Whites
Light English Muffin
Meal 2:
Zone Bar
Meal 3:
Salad (4 cups spinach and 1 cup broccoli/Carrots/Cabbage Shreds)
and 1 cup Stallone High Protein Pudding (vanilla)
Meal 4:
Turkey Sandwich (2 Slices Light Wheat Bread and Turkey Breast)
1 Cup Strawberry halves
Meal 5:
1 Banana
Soy Protein mixed with spenda and cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Meal 6:
Grilled Chicken Breast
Steamed Broccoli
Here's to making today a masterpiece!
I think my weight is being a little stubborn right now - not because of what I'm doing as much as a time of the month thing - I've got myself dialed in and focused this week and actually I came off a pretty good weekend so I'm raring to go.
Goals today is 1242 to 1342 Calories and 150 minutes of excercise.
Got up and made it to the gym this morning and did chest and abs.
Chest:
Dumbbell Incline Bench Press: 35lbs x 12 x 4
Dumbbell Bench Press: 40 x 12 x 4
Barbell Decline Bench Press: 85 x 12 x 4
Abs:
Hanging Leg Lifts: 4 x 12 x 4
Cable Crunches: 100lbs x 12 x 4
total time 70 minutes
This is an 'easy' week and it was nice to take a little break from the heavy weights. I'm doing periodization training again so these numbers should change a lot over the next few weeks.
I've got to do a 30 minute bike ride after work and I'm going to do a 60 minute yoga session and that should get me the minutes I need. Lunches are made and in my bag - I've had over 1 liter of water already today and have a goal to have three more.
Meals Planned (in case anyone is curious):
Meal 1:
1 Egg/2 Egg Whites
Light English Muffin
Meal 2:
Zone Bar
Meal 3:
Salad (4 cups spinach and 1 cup broccoli/Carrots/Cabbage Shreds)
and 1 cup Stallone High Protein Pudding (vanilla)
Meal 4:
Turkey Sandwich (2 Slices Light Wheat Bread and Turkey Breast)
1 Cup Strawberry halves
Meal 5:
1 Banana
Soy Protein mixed with spenda and cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Meal 6:
Grilled Chicken Breast
Steamed Broccoli
Here's to making today a masterpiece!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Attitude
"Attitude and expectation have to be renewed daily. The first
step is to believe that we deserve what we desire. That sets
the tone for the rest of our day and thought processes."
*Gail Pursell Elliott, "The Dignity and Respect Lady
Hump Day Update
Well - I'm chugging through the week. The weekend din't go as well as I had hoped. Eating in the car and at someone elses house is always a challenge. went back above 176 but I'm working on getting below that and STAYING there. Seems 175 is turning out to be much like 200lbs for me - a bit of a struggle, but I know once I get past this that things will pick up for me again.
I've hit the gym the past three days (took a sleep in day today) and have really just rocked the joint. I've increased something every day and I just love it. Next week though I'm staring another 12 week periodization program - just cause it's a nice change of pace.
I've been looking for something I can do to add some extra excercise minutes to my program and have struggled with that for a while. I can always walk and do interval inclines but there are some days when the treadmill just isn't my thing. Last night I think I found one alternative...
check out
yogodownload.com
They offer a free class (two free classes if you go to the itunes 'podcast' section. I tried them both last night and just loved them. The instructor was very precise in her explinations - her flow was great and I was sweating and panting by the end and (as I usually do) ended the classes feeling better then when I started. The two 'power yoga' classes that I tried were light on the 'ooooommmm' hippy dippy metaphysical stuff for the most part which I like. They offer a few other 'types' of yoga some which are specifically for relaxation which may have more of that kind of stuff (for those of you who like that). At less then $5.00 a class I can certainly say they are worth the cost. I've spent tons more then that on vidios that I watched once and then threw away. These are great because they are MP3's so you can load them on your ipod (or whatever) and take them with you. Although they do require the certainl level of yoga 'knowledge' to hit the poses cause there's no visual to go by.
ok - so enough of the infomercial ;)
One other quick bit of interesting info. My husband is starting to 'suggest' to me that I have a book in me. I actually have an idea for something I would like to put together and may start sharing bits of it here. When I do I would love some feedback from any of you. :)
We'll see - it's not like I don't have 1000 other things I need to do - and I've already told him I can't publish anything until I've lost the rest of the weight. Hmmm more motivation for me eh!?
take care everyone!
I've hit the gym the past three days (took a sleep in day today) and have really just rocked the joint. I've increased something every day and I just love it. Next week though I'm staring another 12 week periodization program - just cause it's a nice change of pace.
I've been looking for something I can do to add some extra excercise minutes to my program and have struggled with that for a while. I can always walk and do interval inclines but there are some days when the treadmill just isn't my thing. Last night I think I found one alternative...
check out
yogodownload.com
They offer a free class (two free classes if you go to the itunes 'podcast' section. I tried them both last night and just loved them. The instructor was very precise in her explinations - her flow was great and I was sweating and panting by the end and (as I usually do) ended the classes feeling better then when I started. The two 'power yoga' classes that I tried were light on the 'ooooommmm' hippy dippy metaphysical stuff for the most part which I like. They offer a few other 'types' of yoga some which are specifically for relaxation which may have more of that kind of stuff (for those of you who like that). At less then $5.00 a class I can certainly say they are worth the cost. I've spent tons more then that on vidios that I watched once and then threw away. These are great because they are MP3's so you can load them on your ipod (or whatever) and take them with you. Although they do require the certainl level of yoga 'knowledge' to hit the poses cause there's no visual to go by.
ok - so enough of the infomercial ;)
One other quick bit of interesting info. My husband is starting to 'suggest' to me that I have a book in me. I actually have an idea for something I would like to put together and may start sharing bits of it here. When I do I would love some feedback from any of you. :)
We'll see - it's not like I don't have 1000 other things I need to do - and I've already told him I can't publish anything until I've lost the rest of the weight. Hmmm more motivation for me eh!?
take care everyone!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Finally!
175.5 today. I'm seeing a downward trend again yay!! I've got my sites set on being OUT of the 170's the first part of November - how cool is that??
The key will be to remain really focused this weekend - I'll be out of town for three days and I plan on going out to eat with my Dad on Saturday so it'll be a challenge but NOT Impossible. The good news is I'll have pleanty of time to workout :) I may even meet my dad at the gym again as working out with him was a LOT of fun.
I'm going to have to set a date for new progress pictures... oh heck - Thanksgiving is my 'goal' date so Thanksgiving will be progress pics - you can bet they'll knock your sox off.. :)
The key will be to remain really focused this weekend - I'll be out of town for three days and I plan on going out to eat with my Dad on Saturday so it'll be a challenge but NOT Impossible. The good news is I'll have pleanty of time to workout :) I may even meet my dad at the gym again as working out with him was a LOT of fun.
I'm going to have to set a date for new progress pictures... oh heck - Thanksgiving is my 'goal' date so Thanksgiving will be progress pics - you can bet they'll knock your sox off.. :)
Realities
"As spiritual beings we have the ability to create that which we
first imagine. What we think about with conviction and emotion,
clearly focusing on, can and will become our realities."
*Sharon Gilbert {The Power of the Universe}
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
It's been a week?
Time flys when you're having fun? :P
Well, for once my absence isn't because I'm struggling. Things have been going great. I've been focused and doing what I needed to do. And the results? I'm down to 176.4 today. YAY!
In non-weight related successes - I hit a new record last week - Barbell Bench Press - 145 lbs for 6 reps! That was one of my goals at the begining of the year and it feels GREAT to have achieved it.
Oh - and I finally paid my money and I'm all signed up for the Sprint Triathalon on Sunday, May 6th - that means no more slacking! I need to keep to my training schedule.
So - that's it for now.
Thanks again to everyone for thier support. And for those of you who came out of the shadows to give your support... You did a good thing ;) thank you!
Well, for once my absence isn't because I'm struggling. Things have been going great. I've been focused and doing what I needed to do. And the results? I'm down to 176.4 today. YAY!
In non-weight related successes - I hit a new record last week - Barbell Bench Press - 145 lbs for 6 reps! That was one of my goals at the begining of the year and it feels GREAT to have achieved it.
Oh - and I finally paid my money and I'm all signed up for the Sprint Triathalon on Sunday, May 6th - that means no more slacking! I need to keep to my training schedule.
So - that's it for now.
Thanks again to everyone for thier support. And for those of you who came out of the shadows to give your support... You did a good thing ;) thank you!
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