Between the BLs (Biggest Loser) Summer Challenge 2010 Part 1

[Connie96]

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

My biggest challenge of the week... Trying to find a time to run during the week that didn't involve a heat stroke or running in the dark.

My biggest victory... Finally asking for help and finding the time I needed.

And all of you who get up early to exercise , or go when the weather does not behave, what is it that you do to get yourself out the door? Any tricks? mantras? do you have someone there poking you with a stick?

I plan all of my workouts. I have an excel spreadsheet where I record everything, including how I felt that day. If I have a workout scheduled and I really don't want to do it, I tell myself 5 minutes and that if I am miserable after 5 minutes I will quit. (I have never quit.) Last night I had to use that. It was sooo hot. I also crosstrain, so I only run two days a week and do the elliptical 3-4 days a week and strength train twice a week. Good luck. Remember to start out slow to avoid injuries.

How did we ever survive without Excel?! I have my training plans mapped out by date and a selection of races plugged into that list. If I miss my training runs, it puts me off schedule. Since I'm one of those people who thrive on routine and schedule, this works for me. And, I suppose it does also come from that all-or-nothing kind of thing that we sometimes fall into. Like I'm afraid if I miss one run, I'll quit. Which, I have disproved that a bit this time around, so that was a victory for me too. I had a spectacularly hard run several weeks ago - I pushed thru it, but it too hot and I was too tired and it was just tough - and couldn't push myself out the door for two weeks. But, then I found a race to sign up for and got back out there. I think that I'll just always have at least one race on my calendar - once I spend the money to register, I'm not very likely to miss it - and if I'm gonna do it, I might as well stick to the training schedule!

And...I was wondering if anyone has recommendations about starting a running program? Like couch to 5K? Which sports bra!?! I have wanted to run 5Ks for a long time, and would love to do one of the events at Disney. But find so many excuses...

Find a technical running store in your area and get the folks there to help you get the right shoes. If that's not possible, try www.roadrunnersports.com and follow their steps for identifying the right type of shoe for you.

Bra? If you're large up top and you want the bounce to STOP, you want the Enell bra. www.enell.com. It is expensive, but it's the best there is. And, it'll last forever. (I have seriously had mine for 10 years and they're still in great shape.)

I don't know anything about the C25K program that most folks are using here, but anything that starts out slow and easy and is self-paced will get you started. I use the program from www.runningforwomen.com, but for some reason they've "paused" new enrollments. I have no idea what that means, but if you want the first couple weeks of the program, I've got them written down and I'll share them if you like, until the program is available for purchase again.

I am happy to report I am down this week! I am now .4 pounds from a normal BMI and my 30 pound clippie AND 12.5 pounds from goal! Have an awesome day everyone!

Rose, this is fantastic!!! You're breaking through and it's all you! Very soon you will NO LONGER be OVERWEIGHT. THAT is an awesome accomplishment and YOU are doing it!!

As of today, I'm 1.1 pounds from "normal" myself and I can hardly wait to break on through!

 

[acename]

I'm down 2 pounds this week and I'm honestly suprised. i was sure I would at best stay the same. I know I've made some better choices, but I've also not been on plan all week. Anyway, I guess it just shows that even small changes make a difference.

Thursday QOTD:

To help with my goals, we had an entirely veggie dinner last night. I had some that I needed to use up so we had summer squash with onions and garlic, mashed cauliflower and carrots with honey. It was soooo good and we have leftovers for lunch. I don't know why I don't do that more often because we all love it.


Friday QOTD:

My biggest challenge this week has been finding time to exercise. In fact I haven't gotten to exercise at all this week. I keep using my kids as an excuse but really it's just me being lazy. I know I can come up with 20 or 30 minutes a day if I try. just when my son is asleep I don't want to do anything at all. But I plan to this week.

My victory this week isn't exactly weight loss related, but it will be big for me energy levels and sanity. For the last 4 nights my son has slept in his own bed. Last night he only woke up one time to eat. Napping is still an issue but if I can sleep at night we're headed in the right direction.

 

[Kimkimba]

Friday's QOTD:

Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it?

I lost 0 this week, but I attribute it to AF. I have to learn that I'm probably not going to lose anything that 1 week a month. It's a hard time for me.

AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

Probably my biggest victory is my dh telling me that my legs are looking thinner. I've been fairly consistent with running and walking, and it is making a difference in my legs, even if the weight is not coming off.

 

[keenercam]

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

My biggest challenge of the week was to not ask my family to bring me food when I wasn't hungry. I tend to self-medicate with food when I am tired or sad or bored or wallowing in self-pity. Plus I almost caved to the excuse that my pain meds had to be taken with food.

My biggest victory was eating really sensibly even when we did get take-out. I almost caved to the "I've been so good all day I should be able to eat whatever I want" mentality. Instead I turned it into "I've been good all day. I don't want to blow it now."

And my hard work paid off -- I am DOWN 6.6 pounds this week! I am so excited and so happy that my hard work and discipline actually showed up on the scale.

Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to keep this challenge fun and encouraging, from our coach to weightkeeper and everyone who posts here. I LOVED the COW this week. I am so happy that I had that motivation to stick with the water and veggie habits that I've incorporated into my life so that I had a reason to do it every day. Sort of a "check" just before dinner and I was able to fill in the blanks for water or veggies if I was falling behind. Knowing you were all here and trying to do the same really helped.

 

[Dahly]

Morning All...congrats to those with loses this week!

QOTD My biggest challenge of the week - my family eats whatever they want, and even though I have told DH I am taking part in this challenge, he still brings home crap. It is partly my fault, as haven't quite developed the will power to walk away, but the fact that he he brings the stuff in the house in the first place is challenging. I know I have to be fair, because he is trying to lose weight, so he shouldn't be denied, but it is hard. Ok..done whining now.

Biggest victory - exercising..at least 40 minutes each day since last Friday. Exercise is something I have not done consistently in many years, so to accomplish this is a big step for me.

For the week, my weight stayed the same, although I was down slightly on Wednesday, I think dinner last night screwed me up. I think i need to stay away from the scale except on Friday mornings. I think seeing that small loss earlier in the week made me think one more scoop of this stuff that i know is not good for me couldn't hurt..but it did show on the scale this morning. SOO, back to the starting line for me. I resolve to continue to exercise every day, and work with DH to keep the junk out of the house.

Happy Friday everyone. Good Luck JenAnderson on your run this weekend!

Dahly

 

[brinalyn530]

I didn't get to post yesterday because I was having internet problems, but I really wanted to thank everyone for their replies to my *issues*, especially Taryn!

Thanks to Taryn's response, I realized that it really just come down to being more organized and determined, making a schedule to get things done and then just doing it, making it happen regardless. I am going to formulate some plans over the next few days that I know will work during the summer and then over the next few weeks, I'll work on adapting them so they will also work during the school year (hopefully). I'm also going to be adding to DS's chore list - he's old enough to help me, plus he needs to be more responsible for himself, his things, and his environment. He will be helping me and helping himself, not that he'll be happy about any of it, but he'll get used to it.

I had a terrible weigh in this morning and I know exactly why. I just need to move past it and start again. I have a solid plan for this weekend and I will just get it done.

To catch up on the QOTD...

Tell us one thing you can do today to help yourself get to where you want to be.
This was yesterday's question, but since I couldn't answer yesterday, I'll answer today. I will begin to establish my plans for next week and for the summer. If I'm not stressed about eating, cleaning, and catching up on everything, then I can concentrate on getting enough rest, getting my workout done, and enjoying my summer.

Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?
Well, I'll start with the victory, cause I really only had one... I did drink all my water for the COW except the one day when I missed it by one glass. I know, one glass, but really I just couldn't get anymore down that day. (where's the "so full I could pop" smilie?) Bad, bad Bree...
Biggest challenge was a tie between stress and time, more specifically I was stressed over my jam packed schedule. I'm going to be working out my plans to overcome this so that by the time school starts again we've had enough practice to stick to it and I won't have to worry about going off plan just because of DS's extra activities.

OK, enough of my rambling. You've all probably noticed by now that I'm pretty long winded - sorry about that...

Here's to everyone having a great (and for me, productive) weekend!

Bree

 

[maiziezoe]

And here's a topic I don't think we've mentioned here before - does anyone else watch the show Ruby? I just watched the season finale last night and was amazed - it was the best episode of that show I've ever seen. They did a 6 day intensive program for overeaters and really delved into a lot of the pain that Ruby and her friends were medicating with overeating. I thought it was really amazing and well done.

I LOVE Ruby. She is amazing. I forgot to set the DVR to tape her finale... I hope I can find a repeat. I think she is so pretty. And I love the way she talks... especially her made up words.

Hi everyone! So many exciting accomplishments and plans! Maria, good job...it's so tough to stop yourself from eating something that's there, that everyone else is having-especially after you had a slice on your plate. And all of you who get up early to exercise , or go when the weather does not behave, what is it that you do to get yourself out the door? Any tricks? mantras? do you have someone there poking you with a stick?
And...I was wondering if anyone has recommendations about starting a running program? Like couch to 5K? Which sports bra!?! I have wanted to run 5Ks for a long time, and would love to do one of the events at Disney. But find so many excuses...
QOTD: I can write down each and every bite I take. And then keep doing so!

I run to get out of the house. I have two little kids, a teenager and a husband that works from home... I need to run or I never get time alone.

I think C25k is an amazing program to start with!

The Enell looks like something I need! This thread is so hard to keep up with!

QOTD: Always make wise food decisions, keep drinking water and start running! Speaking of running...that is awesome that you are running in the race Ann! Is that for Founder Days?

How crazy everyone is talking about the Enell... I just ordered one yesterday!

Yep, the Founders' day run. Excited!

 

[50sjayne]

Sorry I've been awol, it's just getting really close to our trip so I'm on the Disneyland section of DIS, mouseplanet and micechat---waaaay too much. In fact I'm going to definitely start regulating myself starting today. I got a perm last Thursday at a new beauty college here. Between a 25% off coupon and a $5 off coupon from a customer of mine who's a student-- a spiral ended up being $33 dollars for me and it's gorgeous....Seriously, I've never been happier with a perm. BUT I kept lifting my head every time they were rinsing my hair, even with the perm rods in--OW! and ended up straining my neck because I was worried they weren't getting the back rinsed out so I haven't been exercising much. Also I'm just not wanting to wash my hair more than necessary so I think the next few weeks are going to be be harder for me to maintain...If the weather would just shape up it would be no problem but it's been raining constantly here...It's supposed to dry up tomorrow a little so maybe I can go on a bike ride.
Well, the cats are out of food so I'll need to go to Costco today so I'll 'powerwalk' there I guess and I need to go to Target to get their sunscreen. I've heard it's one of the highest rated sunscreens and cheapest, out there. I think I'll do my back exercises more too. Also just doing trip preparation will help. I still need to go through the freezers and see what I have exactly to take, I've gone through the cupboards anyway. I've set some clothes aside for the suitcase but I want to match stuff up with jewelry. Have to wash out all the litterboxes too (groan)
I'm still down from my goal weight--I'm at 131, but I'd really like to stay here for the trip. I'm happy to say I've firmed up my under arm flab some just being more aware of those muscles and consciously using them. I'll be on here more after my trip

 

[Littleprincess2010]

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

My brother's birthday and 3 days of eating pizza. I don't know how I managed to lose any weight this past week. Last weekend was a mess of being too busy to cook and eating more cake than I should have.

The victory is that I did (thankfully) lose 1 pound, which I got by working out anywhere from 40-60 minutes a day and drinking lots of water (or tea). I think exercising is the biggest thing for me, it makes me feel better and it burns off lots of calories.

 

[pjlla]

Ok, here's the update -- I took 1 piece of cheese pizza and a bottle of water, and I looked at the grease sitting on the top, and I just couldn't do it. I gave it to my co-worker, came back to my desk, and it's hummus and veggies all the way! Whew! I can't believe how much effort I just put into that decision. But if feels good -- I feel like I made a conscious choice, and even though my co-worker said, "What is wrong with you?" -- which almost made me cry, I know I made the right choice for me.

Maria

I am SO proud of you.... not so much for not eating the pizza (although that is a great victory), but for making the decision that was right FOR YOU!! You THOUGHT AHEAD and PLANNED AHEAD... and still overcame temptation and made the HEALTHY decision.

And here's a topic I don't think we've mentioned here before - does anyone else watch the show Ruby? I just watched the season finale last night and was amazed - it was the best episode of that show I've ever seen. They did a 6 day intensive program for overeaters and really delved into a lot of the pain that Ruby and her friends were medicating with overeating. I thought it was really amazing and well done.

I enjoy Ruby. I don't watch it very often, but I like it when I do. I love that she is tackling her weight in a "real world" way.... no gimmicks, no surgery (not a slam to anyone who chooses this route... just not a choice for everyone), no "special time on a ranch", no pills or potions, no $$ for each pound lost (although I'm sure she is being paid well for her show).... she eating less, moving more, and attacking the psychological issues behind overeating head on!! When I watch it I feel like I want to be her friend!! I am SO proud of her.... wish I could tell her!

REMINDS ME... I am SO proud of all my BL friends here. Even if you didn't have a loss this week, at least you are STILL HERE and plugging away at it. Every day you are thinking about a healthier lifestyle, talking about a healthier lifestyle, and working on LIVING a healthier lifestyle, you are doing it right!!

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING ALL!!!!! I am Taryn, and I will be your coach this week! Thanks to Lisa for a great job last week, Shannon (LuvBaloo)for being our weight keeper, and jenanderson for the COW! I hope the scale is good to you this week!

I am going to need your help, and ask that you keep doing the great job coaching each other for the next couple of days that you have been doing this week. I am a teacher, and today is the last day of school for the kids. However, my first grad school class of the summer is this weekend, from 4-8:30 tonight and 8-5 tomorrow. I will get the QOTD's in, and as much coaching as I can in the next 36 hours, but I am afraid it won't be stellar!

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

For me, my biggest challenge was stress eating when I saw the syllabus for my class I leave for WDW 2 weeks from tomorrow , but I have a lot to accomplish for class between now and then, in addition to DDs crazy gymnastics schedule. I am going to write down all of the assignments AS WELL AS all I need to do to get ready for my trip, assign everything a day, and my exercise time. If I have every hour of every day planned, I can stay on track!

My biggest victory was running the most miles in a week yet! 12.5. I had been pretty steady at 9-11, so I am glad I could increase. I planned how far I wanted to run each day, and used the time to think about what I need to do, how much I want to accomplish, and how many calories I want to burn. I also got all of the COW points for this week, water is easy for me, but the veggies take a concentrated effort to make sure! I did lose 1 pound this week, so I am counting that as a breakthough, since I didn't lose any last week!


I hope you all have a wonderful day, and a great weigh in! I'll try to check in between school and my own class, but I don't know how much time I'll have. Otherwise, it will be around 10 before I can get on!

Taryn.... thanks for coaching... especially when you are so busy. Don't feel bad if you can't hop on here very often. We are very good at helping each other out, as you know.


Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?


My biggest challenge last week, by far, was the holiday weekend. I can easily fall into that "it's a holiday so it's okay to eat _____________" thinking very quickly.... which might be okay for one meal, but can quickly snowball into many meals. We stayed home and I had preplanned every meal except Monday's (in case we got invited to a picnic or bbq). Except for an overdose of Twizzlers while watching a movie on Sunday, I stayed pretty much on plan. It really helped having every meal planned and written and posted on the fridge. For some reason, when the plan is "IN WRITING" it is more "official" and easier to stick to (for me anyhow). And that applies to ALL areas of my life, not just meal planning.

My BIGGEST victory of the week occurred today on the scale when I realized that I had lost the bit I gained last week plus some and can officially record a new all-time adult low weight!! I made it happen by STICKING TO MY PLAN ((both eating and exercise plan), weighing and measuring my portions, journaling all my foods.

I am now just 1.8 pounds away from my goal weight. I am beyond excited! If I could hit it in the next few weeks I could hit the ripe age of 46 at my goal weight! What a GREAT birthday present to me!! (Well... that and the fact that Disney is opening Toy Story 3 the day after my birthday.... that is ALSO a great gift to me!!)

I'm at work right now with limited internet access.... and the Robotics team yard sale is this weekend, so I probably won't have a free minute to hop on again until Sunday. I hope everyone has a superb weekend!!.................P

 

[LuvBaloo]

Thanks Lisah0711 for being our fabulous organizer and our Week1 coach!
Thanks FlipFlopMom for coaching this week! Enjoy the start of your class this weekend

QOTD- I think I can believe in myself today and it will help me continue to meet my goals. In the past I have always given up thinking Im too far gone and cant be helped. I have now realized with every food decision and every choice to run/workout if I just believe that I can really do this it will help me to continue to make the right choices. Even when I slip and make a bad choice, if I still tell myself its ok....the next choice will be better it will help me to keep going on the right path.

Very well said, had to quote it! I've added this to my page of motivating quotes

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

Biggest Challenge - Getting in exercise. Need to get it in more days of the week, so this weeks COW is perfect reminder for me.

Biggest Victory - making the time to get out and start the C25K program. Got it done 3 times this week. Last one was last night, and was the first time, I've had to take the girls with me. It worked out well. They packed a snack and we walked up to the school. I ran/walked circles around the goal posts, and they could play in the playground, eat at the picnic table and come out in the field and join me however they wanted. The girls were hoping for rain so they brought umbrellas along, but it stayed sunny .

JenAnderson: Good Luck on your first half marathon this weekend!

I had a loss this week, so I'm . Now I just have to keep getting losses in a row and I'll get back to where I was in March and then move further down.

 

[lisah0711]

I know I'm crazy, but...there is a half-marathon tomorrow here in our new town. While the longest walk I have taken lately is only 6 miles, I signed-up anyway!! I'm not shooting for a good time, just to finish. It will be a baseline time as my sister and I prepare for our half marathon in WDW at the beginning of next year. The distance scares me a bit, but I know I have come very close to walking that far at Dland and WDW on more than one occasion--and that is pushing a stroller or wheelchair.

Congrats on the move and good luck on your race tomorrow!

Very soon you will NO LONGER be OVERWEIGHT. THAT is an awesome accomplishment and YOU are doing it!!

As of today, I'm 1.1 pounds from "normal" myself and I can hardly wait to break on through!

Isn't that exciting for both of you!

My victory this week isn't exactly weight loss related, but it will be big for me energy levels and sanity. For the last 4 nights my son has slept in his own bed. Last night he only woke up one time to eat. Napping is still an issue but if I can sleep at night we're headed in the right direction.

for sleeping babies!

And my hard work paid off -- I am DOWN 6.6 pounds this week! I am so excited and so happy that my hard work and discipline actually showed up on the scale.

Wow Cam! You so totally rock!

I'm still down from my goal weight--I'm at 131, but I'd really like to stay here for the trip. I'm happy to say I've firmed up my under arm flab some just being more aware of those muscles and consciously using them. I'll be on here more after my trip

for maintaining! Can't wait to see your new do in a couple of weeks!

 

[tigger813]

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

Part 1: My biggest challenge of the week was the long weekend and all the cookouts that we went to and all I ate and then on top of that feeling lousy on Tuesday. I'm staying OP all weekend and getting in my workouts all weekend. I bought myself some Bud Lite Lime so I can have a drink but not overdo it!

Part 2: My biggest victory was my weigh in this morning. I was sure I would have a gain this week and because I got focused again I ended up with a 1.6 pound loss for the week! I was worried after having pizza and ice cream last night but I think my metabolism and the fact I did another 2 mile workout last night after I ate that stuff kept me good!

My goal is to be at least 150 is not 148 by next Friday. My parents arrive next Friday so I need to really focus this coming week. I have 3 massages scheduled to give next week so far and a lot of other stuff going on as well!

Time to make the lemonade and iced tea for the Poetry Cafe in 30 minutes! Then picking up DD2 at school and swimming the rest of the afternoon! I'm looking forward to that and talking Disney with my friend!

 

[Connie96]

PART ONE
Drink 6-8 oz of water each day (1 point for each day) ( 1 cup of coffee or tea counts)
Eat 2 vegetables each day (1 point for each day)
Exercise 20 minutes each day (1 point for each day)

PART TWO
It is easy to get bored with your exercising but this week, I want you to come up with something new and tell me all about it! Got a piece of exercise equipment sitting around? How about an exercise video you bought but haven’t tried? Don’t just think about something new…get out and give it a try. It doesn’t have to necessarily have to be something you have never done…just find something you haven’t done in a long time or that you have wanted to try. Can’t wait to hear about all the new things people tried (be sure to tell me if you liked it or if you will try it again).

I've got my 5K race Saturday. I'll do my 3-per-week 10K training runs on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Today, I went out and walked the parking lot for 20 minutes during break time. (Okay, break time is only 15 minutes and I rarely take it at all, but I stretched to 20 minutes so I could get my point for the day.) So, that leaves Monday and Wednesday. The easiest options are to walk the parking lot again, throw in a couple 30-Day Shred sessions or hop on the exercise bike and be done with it. But... how do I fit in "something new" on a Monday or Wednesday when I barely have time to do something tried and true? Getting the exercise is doable, and I like the idea of doing something new, but I just don't know what that "something new" might be...

On the other hand, I haven't done 30-Day Shred in... I don't know... since early this year. January or February, maybe? I've been meaning to, but I haven't. I know that starting it again will make my calves sore with the jumping jacks and jumping rope and I know it'll make the next few running days harder, so I've been hesitant to start up again. If I finally suck it up and do it anyway, would that count as "new"??

I guess I'm just thinking "out loud". But, I can't let you throw down a challenge and then NOT rise to meet it or NOT get all the possible points! ("All or Nothing" is rearing it's ugly head again!! )

 

[maiziezoe]

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?

My biggest challenge of the week was to not ask my family to bring me food when I wasn't hungry. I tend to self-medicate with food when I am tired or sad or bored or wallowing in self-pity. Plus I almost caved to the excuse that my pain meds had to be taken with food.

My biggest victory was eating really sensibly even when we did get take-out. I almost caved to the "I've been so good all day I should be able to eat whatever I want" mentality. Instead I turned it into "I've been good all day. I don't want to blow it now."

And my hard work paid off -- I am DOWN 6.6 pounds this week! I am so excited and so happy that my hard work and discipline actually showed up on the scale.

Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to keep this challenge fun and encouraging, from our coach to weightkeeper and everyone who posts here. I LOVED the COW this week. I am so happy that I had that motivation to stick with the water and veggie habits that I've incorporated into my life so that I had a reason to do it every day. Sort of a "check" just before dinner and I was able to fill in the blanks for water or veggies if I was falling behind. Knowing you were all here and trying to do the same really helped.

That is AWESOME!! Congrats on your fantastic weight loss!!

 

[jenanderson]

I've got my 5K race Saturday. I'll do my 3-per-week 10K training runs on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Today, I went out and walked the parking lot for 20 minutes during break time. (Okay, break time is only 15 minutes and I rarely take it at all, but I stretched to 20 minutes so I could get my point for the day.) So, that leaves Monday and Wednesday. The easiest options are to walk the parking lot again, throw in a couple 30-Day Shred sessions or hop on the exercise bike and be done with it. But... how do I fit in "something new" on a Monday or Wednesday when I don't really even have time to do something tried and true? Getting the exercise is doable, and I like the idea of doing something new, but I just don't know what that "something new" might be...

On the other hand, I haven't done 30-Day Shred in... I don't know... since early this year. January or February, maybe? I've been meaning to, but I haven't. I know that starting it again will make my calves sore with the jumping jacks and jumping rope and I know it'll make the next few running days harder, so I've been hesitant to start up again. If I finally suck it up and do it anyway, would that count as "new"??

I guess I'm just thinking "out loud". But, I can't let you throw down a challenge and then NOT rise to meet it or NOT get all the possible points! ("All or Nothing" is rearing it's ugly head again!! )

Connie - Your thinking out loud cracked me up! It is what I totally do all the time.

Some ideas for you to think about...for my something new, I have decided that all week I will park in the back corner of the parking lot at work and I will walk to the other back corner of the lot and then walk in. I know it is not much but it all adds up. I know that I walk all the time so that is not new...but normally for work and other errands, I park up front because I am always in a rush. I have decided that this week, even if I have to jog from the back corner of whatever lot I am in...I am not parking up front. Today I had to run to Michael's at lunch to pick up clay for my students. I was stunned at how far away the corner of the lot was and then I even added to it by walking my cart back into the store when I was done.

I have also printed out 2 quick ab workouts that I am going to try at night since I want to work on my tummy right now. They are only 10 times each so I figure it will only take me about 5-10 minutes to give them a try.

I am with you...life is busy! Hope some of these creative ideas help get you thinking about what you can do to rise to the challenge!

Jen

 

[hmonkeyruns]

On the other hand, I haven't done 30-Day Shred in... I don't know... since early this year. January or February, maybe? I've been meaning to, but I haven't.

My friends at work all love this DVD and I just bought it. I did my first sesson on Wednesday before work (and it was incredibly hard to make myself get out of bed for a date with Jillian) but I haven't done anything since then.

I have a million workout DVDs but find it really hard to work them into my schedule - especially because I can pretend I'm skipping them because running is more important. But I REALLY need strength training to help with weight loss and my overall running performance.

When you do Shred, how many days a week do you do it? Maybe we can have mini-challenges together and make one another do the sessions!

 

[maiziezoe]

HEY JEN.... Good luck on your half this weekend. I will be thinking about you! I can't wait to hear all about it!! Rock that skirt!!!

I maintained my weight this week at weigh in... which would be great if I was a maintainer... but I am a loser.

I got up early and did a 4.3 mile run. I had a lot of trouble catching my breath. Not sure why I couldn't breathe, but it slowed my pace down a lot. Oh well, at least I ran.

Friday's QOTD is a 2 part question: Today was our first weigh in of the challenge. What was your biggest CHALLENGE last week in your weight loss journey, and what step(s) can you take to remove it? AND what was your biggest VICTORY, and how did you make it happen?


My biggest challenge last week was watching the Blackhawks play. I have been a Hawks fan since the late 80's so having them in the Stanley Cup has been exciting AND stressful. In the past, during stressful times, I would eat Garrett's cheddar cheese popcorn. Since I am not doing that anymore, I find myself pacing a lot during the games and eating a lot of ice!

My biggest victory this week came from the measuring tape, not the scale. Since January I have lost 7 inches from my waist, 4.5 from my hips, 4.5 from my thighs, 4 from my arms and 5 from my bust. That's 25 inches gone from my body! TWENTY FIVE inches! Wow.

 

[Connie96]

Some ideas for you to think about...for my something new, I have decided that all week I will park in the back corner of the parking lot at work and I will walk to the other back corner of the lot and then walk in. I know it is not much but it all adds up. I know that I walk all the time so that is not new...but normally for work and other errands, I park up front because I am always in a rush. I have decided that this week, even if I have to jog from the back corner of whatever lot I am in...I am not parking up front. Today I had to run to Michael's at lunch to pick up clay for my students. I was stunned at how far away the corner of the lot was and then I even added to it by walking my cart back into the store when I was done.

I guess I was thinking that one of my 20 minute daily workouts had to be something new. I wasn't thinking of just doing a new physical activity within the day. That may be a little easier to incorporate. I already park as far from the front door of my office as I can, and I already take the stairs every day. I'll have to think of something... Thanks for setting me on the path...

My friends at work all love this DVD and I just bought it. I did my first sesson on Wednesday before work (and it was incredibly hard to make myself get out of bed for a date with Jillian) but I haven't done anything since then.

I have a million workout DVDs but find it really hard to work them into my schedule - especially because I can pretend I'm skipping them because running is more important. But I REALLY need strength training to help with weight loss and my overall running performance.

When you do Shred, how many days a week do you do it? Maybe we can have mini-challenges together and make one another do the sessions!

Maybe so! Yeah, I don't generally do any workouts besides my 3-days-per-week run training.

I have a few boxes of workout videos, too, and I used to do them fairly regularly, but I guess I lost interest after a while. I've got a pretty good collection from "The Firm", but they're so LONG. My favorite workout video of all time is Buns of Steel 3. That one makes me so sore and it's fairly quick and easy to follow. (I hate that I can't buy this one on DVD - my VHS tape is dang near 20 years old now!!)

I like Shred for the simple fact that it hits the major muscle groups in 20 minutes. When I did do this video earlier this year, I don't think I ever stuck to a particular schedule, I just did it when I did it. I did do the level 1 enough times that I did try level 2 once, but then... who knows. I quit doing it for whatever reason or excuse was working for me at the time. If I was going to really incorporate it into my current routine, I would try for 2-3 days a week on non-running days. I will challenge MYSELF to start with 2 days this week. You wanna??

 

[hmonkeyruns]

My biggest challenge last week was watching the Blackhawks play. I have been a Hawks fan since the late 80's so having them in the Stanley Cup has been exciting AND stressful. .

This sounds familiar....only I'm a Flyers fan! I've been drowning my sorrow in homemade ice cream but hopefully I won't have to do that anymore. Can't wait til the puck drops on Game 4!