Hakuna Matada - Hot, hot July!

[windwalker]

Made the tortelli with spinach, olives, marinara sauce, shredded chicken breast, onion, tomato chunks and fresh mushrooms. Just combined everything in a pot and let it cook, stiring frequently. It came out as good as any pasta dish I've ever had. Sally and I are enjoying cooking healthy.

Anyone else have a healthy dish that's fun to make?

Kimmer, I understand. Been there done that. Recently! Missed a lot of races myself the last couple of years. I'm finally able to be a competitor again now.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Evening Team!

Welcome Tandy!

Congrats to all who have lost weight!

It is still hot here but it is nothing compared to Missouri, if we lived there, we would really be couch potatoes! It was too hot to walk even at 5 am! We stayed inside the air conditioned house, or in an air conditioned car, the whole time we were there. No exercise to speak of, I gained 4 pounds. The birthday party was great. Today we got out for 15 miles on the bikes.

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

 

[Hockeychic]

Good morning everyone!!!!!

Lynn our heat has also been crazy hot. Tough to get outside for any trainning.

The scale is continuing to move which I am happy about, slowly but surely. Officially down 10.8 pds, still have lots and lots to go but working on it

 

[es45]

Congrats to everyone on the weight loss! Dave posts the changes that he and Sally made to their meals, I'm wondering about the changes that everyone else made to their diet?

Thanks, Mary for the Expedition Everest Challenge information. My DD is checking the website every day to see when we can register. I'm happy that she is motivated.

Got out for a walk this morning and hope to go to the gym this afternoon after work.

Stay cool, everyone!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone!! So sorry to be MIA but work has been crazy! Lots of people are moving onto the floor and it's a bit disorganized because everyone is showing up one by one. So each time somebody is missing a network connection, a moving bin, card access etc. I have to go and talk to each person and walk them through the process. On the plus side it's a good way to meet new people LOL

So the running has been good, except for this heat! How's everyone doing? Stay hydrated and go slower! The eating hasn't been too bad either but my trainer said that I'm going to have to make improvements if I'm going to that wedding in a few weeks.

I'll get the weight loss challenge set up for Friday. I think Friday is a good day to weigh in. I know people like to go out on the weekends and it's easier to eat healthier on the weekdays. With a Friday weigh-in, if you go to a BBQ or party, you still have several days to work it off before the weigh in. Sound good?

Kim - Congrats on your loss!! That's awesome! You're going to be so fit when I see you at the 10 miler next month! How's your training coming along for that? I'm looking forward to Midsummer Night's as well but I'm hoping we get nice weather for both!

Elizabeth - I agree with you on the heat, it's cut my appetite down and I'm sure I'm losing a pound of sweat every time I'm running! Expedition Everest is on my to-do list! I'll get around to it one of these days I think it's great that your DD is your partner! I'll bet she has a blast! Mike has done the race twice now - I think he said this year the obstacles were a bit watered down? How's your knee doing?

Lynn - Happy belated birthday to Scott's grandma! That's a fantastic milestone! What's her secret? How did your 15 mile bike ride go? With all the miles you and Scott put in, the 4lbs will be gone in no time. How are your pups doing? The skunk tested negative right?

Dave - I have a couple of recipes for healthy pasta dishes that I can pass along. In the summer, I love grilling - veggies, fish, chicken, shrimp ... you name it! I think most things you grill on the BBQ (unless they're hot dogs/hamburgers) tend to be lower in calories and high in flavour. Congrats on your recent weight loss too!

Mary - Good job on your 8 miler! My trainer has me do deadlifts, weighed squats and other glute exercises to take the focus off my hamstrings and quads. Glad they weren't feeling sore the next day! Did I mention that massages are great for losening things? Just sayin...

Emily - Congrats on the 2lb loss! That's awesome! How's your training coming along for DL? I can't believe we're already so close to August!

Tandy - Welcome!! How bad am I? I invite you to join our group and then I disappear! Did you end up running your 10 miler? The weather here isn't much cooler - in fact waking up early, doesn't make that much of a difference. Do you get a break from your classes between now and September? Btw, I'm stealing some of your ideas for the weight loss challenge

Mike - I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts.

Hopefully that catches me up!

Btw - one quick tip... I had been making my breakfast smoothies with soy milk. My trainer said that I should switch to almond milk or rice milk ... anything else. I asked why and he said that soy milk has estrogen like properties which isn't good for weight loss. D'oh! Just thought I'd share in case anyone else is drinking soy milk.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[windwalker]

Hi Team.

Got my intervals done this morning before it got to hot. We did 5 X 200m at 1:06 each. That is a pace of 8:48 per mile, pretty decent for walking. Now if I can just work up to where I can hold that pace for a full mile.

Vicky you are in super shape, you will have a great Goofy race in January.

Lynn I did a post about bicycle questions, I'm looking for a place I can get a good buy on bikes and bike stuff. Sally is wanting to start doing some biking.

Dave

 

[Saylan]

So, it took a little longer to get back here but I made it.

Congrats to everyone on their weight loss achievements.

Welcome to the team, Tandy! It's not being the 'newbie' anymore.

Nicky: Thanks. The leg was getting better and now it's kind of flaring up in the knee again.

Emily: Yeah, a lot of places closer to the parks were full but we manged to find a place not too far away. I wonder how close we are to your hotel.

Vicky: Pet insurance is available but we wouldn't use it enough to justify it so I just had to bite the bullet on it this time.

Glad car boy wasn't just singling you out (though it's still no excuse, imo).

Thanks for the awesome tip on soy milk. We use 1% white or chocolate currently but I've used almond before. DBF doesn't like the different taste though.

Where do you go in the US for shoes? I'll be needing a new pair soon and if I can find a good place there, I'd rather their prices to ours. And I'm sure DBF with his size 15s could use a break in prie too.

Regina: We managed to book a room last week after a lot of humming and hawing. Everything's booked except some dining decisions.

Lynn: Yeah, I was warned that LAX would add hours of travel time just to make airports and flights on time. No thank you!

AFM: I've finally got most of our DL plans in place:

Red Lion hotel (of course with awesome fireworks view) for 73.50/night took a lot of persistance but I'm glad I got it. We did end up going with American Airlines for the flight and into SNA, not LAX. I'm now looking into the DL Express (which I found a 5$ off coupon for per person, if anyone's interested). I'm trying to figure out how to arrange that but details!

My parents rearranged their vacation plans and can now drive us to and from the Detroit airport saving shuttle costs cross-border.

I also ordered our park tickets from Flight Centre for pretty cheap so I'm stoked about that.

All that is left is dining. I'm looking at Blue Bayou (maybe) and then one of the WoC packages. DBF didn't like all the dinng I had booked in WDW so I'm trying to slim it back to one per park.

I've started running training again but my knee is starting to hate me so I'm not sure how far my long runs will get before I have to taper. I think I was ramping up a little too fast so we'll see where I'm at mid-week once I have tried a maintenance run.

I finally got to run with DBF though so it was super fun. Our cardio room at the apartment sucks for air circulation and has no fan but we're just making sure to hydrate more and pretend it's the California heat we're so not ready for.

Vicky, I'll post the leg workout I promised in a separate post to avoid writing an essay (which I already have done, lol).

 

[Saylan]

Here's the workout I promised I'd post. I'll do my best to describe the exercises. The thing to note is there is only one set of each of these. Once you finish the 25 reps, then you're onto the next exercise.

- Speed squats (with 10/10 bar weight) x 25 (weight is helf to the chest, palms facing away, squat and as you push up through the heels, use the momentum to push the bar up till arms are straigh, lower and squat again)
- Squats x 25
- Superskater x 25 left and 25 right (on one leg, knee bent slightly, other leg out behind, arms forward, staying on the heel lower yourself like a squat and push up through the heel)
- 1-leg floor bend x 25 left and 25 right (on one leg, knee bent slightly, other leg to the side [tip: balance the toe on a medicine ball for balance, but don't lean on it], squat down to touch the floor with finger without leaning forward, push up through the heel)
- Groucho walk x 30 forward and 30 backwards (standing with legs open wide, crouched down till knees are as close to 90 degrees as possible, keeping butt low and legs wide, move one foot forward then the other for ten steps and then back ten steps [you may look like you're doing a forward crab walk], remember to keep butt low)
- Side lunges x 25 left and 25 right with weight (I use a 16 lb medicine ball for comfort over hand weights)
- Reverse lunges (with resistance band) x 25 left and 25 right (centre of band under the middle of the front foot, pull the ends up flat to the chest, keep elbows in and forearms tight to the torso, step back into a lunge and back up, pushing through the heel)
- 3-way lunges x 25 left and 25 right (do a side lunge, come back in, then a lunge at 45 degrees [if side is 0 degrees], come back in, and lunge out front [90 degrees], keeping the back foot stationary, that is 1 3-way lunge)
- Wall sit x 2 minutes (through the heels, knees at 90 degrees)
- Calf raises x 25 (increase if necessary)
- Wall sit kicks x 25 left and 25 right (wall sit form, kick out, keeping knees unmoving and using glute to stabilize, knees shouldn't be touching)
- Wide calf raises x 25 (toes out like in ballet, raise up as in a normal calf raise)


Hope I explained it all well enough. It's a really fun workout to throw in on a leg day if you are wanting to change it up a bit.

 

[Lynn G]

Good Afternoon Team!

Vicky - Yes, the skunk tested negative for rabies! I have already lost 2.5 of the 4 pounds in 1 day! Don’t know Grandma’s secret to longevity - she does not smoke or drink, but I cannot say her diet is exceptional, I think genes have something to do with it - she will say it is due to her faith in God.

Kim - Today is actually nice so far, with cloud cover! Congrats on weight loss!

Dave - Great food choices! I will look for your bicycle post.

Elizabeth - When I am in weight loss mode, I try to cut out the desserts - it worked for me to lose 20 pounds earlier in the year.

AFM - Today we got out for a 30 mile bike ride (actually 31.5 for me, Scott got more because he goes faster, then circles back to me several times). The dogs are getting their early morning walks - they get me up at 5am for those walks! Weather is cooler today - high is supposed to be only 86 degrees, instead of 95 - but because of cloud cover, it did not heat up fast. We have the blessing of cool nights - 50 degrees - so mornings start off cool.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[MaryJ]

Vicky...thanks for the glutes suggestions. I really miss not having a trainer at the gym since the one I had now has a "real" job as a physical therapist.

Saylan...I can't remember how long you're staying in DL, but we made ressies for the WoC for Monday night at the Wine Country Trattoria. We also made a ressie at Napa Rose for the night of the race because 1) we are celebrating our anniversary and 2) we figured we'd be ready for a nice dinner with a little wine after that race (I may be doing some whining of my own by then). However, I was listening to a podcast today where someone said that they would recommend Steakhouse 55 over Napa Rose, so I might change my mind on that one.

Going out EARLY for a quick run tomorrow. Been a busy day for me. Appointment with chiro at 8:15, Bible Study at my friend's home from 9-11, then off to get my hair cut at 1:00. Stylist was running late and I waited for 40 minutes before I even sat down in the chair. He made it up to me though. Took 30% off my cut/color and gave me a free deep conditioning treatment! Having a guest for dinner, so better get going!

 

[Hockeychic]

Hey gang!!!!!!

Just checking in. Hope everyone is doing well!

Our weather has turned sooooo nice got out for a nice walk last night. Jogged a bit as well but at Mike's walking pace, he doesn't want to jog at all yet cause everytime he does the PF flairs up. Thigh tight still but gave a good stretch and Mike used the stick to roll it out, wow did it hurt but a good hurt. Very proud of myself sticking to my good food choices....I am not on a diet, have cut the pop out of my diet completely exercising regularly and the scale is moving and have even lost some inches.

Have a super day!!!!

 

[rubato]

Hi all. Sorry I've not been back for awhile, but school's gotten stressful lately.

Kim: I am so proud of you for giving up soda. I remember when we started the weight loss challenge last time. You were struggling so much with that. Awesome! Sorry you had to cut out some races, but at least you're still keeping the important ones. No, I'm not coming in January. I wanted so much to repeat Goofy, but we're going to have to skip Disney entirely next year. Too many vacations, not enough money. We HAVE to go to Europe next summer, because my hubby's best friend is getting married, and hubby will have to be his best man, and he is German,so, trip to Europe is required.

Mary: How nice that the stylist gave you a discount. I don't think mine would even consider it, no matter how much she inconvenienced me.

Lynn: Great job getting the bike miles in! I can't remember the last time I went out for a good, long ride. I miss my bike, but just can't seem to find the time. Yes, Missouri is brutal. We live on the Kansas side of KC, and we are dying here!!!!!

Saylan: Sounds like everything's good to go for your trip! I love all the planning, but am looking forward to our next Disney trip where I only get us a room and tickets, and plan nothing else! Sorry your knee is bothering you. Hopefully, you get that all figured out soon.

Dave: Fantastic pace on your walk yesterday. I run at anywhere between 7:06 and 8:30, depending on the distance, so am quite impressed someone walks that fast! Wow! I wish I could give you some bike advice, but I only know where to go here, in Kansas City, so I'm of no help.

Vicky: Sounds like work is crazy!!!! Sorry. Please, you aren't stealing my ideas, you're stealing Beth's! Seriously, I just borrowed hers, because they were so good, and then, just tweaked them a little. I'm going to have to weigh in tomorrow, instead of Friday, because we're heading out of town tomorrow afternoon. Are we pming, emailing or just posting? I'll just post, if that's ok.

AFM: I have finals tomorrow, so I've been studying like crazy. I have 2 guaranteed As, but my chemistry A is dependent on me getting a 91% on the final, which is so scary to me! I dislike this class immensely, so if I can pull on A, it'll be quite the accomplishment. Why I decided to go to college at the ripe old age of 41 is beyond me!

I only managed about 17 miles total last week, but hoping for more this week. I've had to slow it down a lot due to the temperature. We have another 100+ forecast today, so I've been running at 4am. But, it's still 80 at that time, and just too hot for running. We leave for Texas tomorrow, and it's 107 in the area we're going to, so that ought to be fun. I think I'll just try to get one run in there.

Hope everyone's staying cool and active!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone!

Kim/Sue/Saylan - Any plans for the long weekend? I have a BBQ and a dinner to go ... Going to attempt a 15 mile LR but I'm just looking forward to the extra day off!

Kim - WTG on giving up the soda pop! I have trouble even with diet soda! How did the jogging go? I thought I saw Mike the other day - he was in a TDBS truck but maybe it was my imagination. Is he just at the high school or does he look after the elementary schools as well?

Mary - How did your run go? That's great that you got a discount from your hairdresser. My stylist is pretty punctual so I'm usually out of luck there. Maybe in the future your PT will do both rehab and training if their clinic allows it? My PT did both and it was great! We were able to use the training as pre-hab exercises.

Lynn - Stay cool! Those are some great miles you and Scott are getting in No wonder you're losing the weight! I think I gotta get me a bike! Maybe the secret to longevity is being able to indulge every now so that you enjoy yourself! At least the cookie monster in me likes to think so

Saylan - Thanks for posting the leg work out! That's pretty hard core! I've done the Groucho walks with resistance bands as part of rehab/prehab exercises. I think my PT called them monster walks. Notice when you do them, how much longer the gym floor feels LOL. My new trainer has me doing the speed squats as well but I haven't tried the wall sit kicks or the speed skating.

I buy my shoes from RunningWarehouse.com - have them shipped to a friend in the US or sent to your hotel. There's a new discount code for them but I can't remember what it is. They have free shipping too! RoadRunnerSports.com is another good site but I generally order from RW.

Dave - Thanks! I'll feel better and get some GRRR back once I drop this extra weight! WTG on your intervals! Heck, I don't even run that fast most of the time You are going to be in tip top shape for January! And like you, I am looking forward to Disney!!

AFM - Not much of import to report. I did book a massage tomorrow night after work and then I'm meeting up with a friend for dinner.

Stay cool and hydrated everyone!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Oops guess we were posting at the same time!

Tandy - Oh yeah I forgot the original challenge was Beth's creation You can post or if you want to keep it private, feel free to email me.

WTG on all awesome marks! I'll bet you have most of the younger students in your class beat! And can just say that 41 is no where close to old! Heck, I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told me

Safe travels! Hope it's a good trip!

 

[Lynn G]

Good Evening Team!

Vicky - I actually lost most of the weight before we started the bike riding! But I now am only 1 pound over where I started before headed to Missouri. I do need to keep off the sugar so I can lose a bit more!

Kim - Great to hear about improved weather! Ours has been a bit better, 85 rather than 95!

Dave - Glad to hear Sally got a bike she likes!

Tandy - Good luck on your finals!

Mary - Sounds like you got a good deal from your stylist!

Saylan - Good luck with your knee problems, looks like you got some good suggestions on the DL 1/2 thread.

AFM - Today we hit the free pancake breakfast that is part of Cheyenne Frontier Days - the Rotary Club puts it on, and it is practice for feeding masses in a disaster, they mix the pancake batter in a cement mixer - the big truck kind - and they feed quite a few folks in the 2 hours it is on. Today, we were there in line at 7am when they started, and by the time we got up to the pancakes, they had already fed 1600 folks! After the pancakes, we took the bikes to check out the road race course Scott will be doing for the Senior Olympics, so we rode 12 miles today. Weather is a bit cooler.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[windwalker]

Had a super training walk this morning. Only one of my race walker buds was able to make it. We had a great discussion on world affairs and the US economy while we zipped along doing our 10K distance.

We had record heat hear today, it hit 109 degrees, that's insane for Kentucky, we used to get temps like that in Las Vegas but there was no darn humidity in Vegas.

I'm having my evening snack as I write this, cherry tomatoes with a little salt. The healthy eating is still going well. I was craving a grilled bratworst today at work though.

Lynn tell Scott thanks for the link to the bike site.

Have a restful evening y'all.

Dave

 

[rubato]

I am getting ready to head to school, and then, to Texas, so I'm officially posting my starting weight.

I am at 133.8. My goal is around 125, but would be happy with anything. Sorry, don't have longer to respond to anyone. Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[windwalker]

Good morning team.

Rest day today for me, 3 reasons: hard workout yesterday, working an 11 hour shift today, hard workout planned for tomorrow, oh and racing this weekend. Just a local 2 mile walk race, basicly a sprint as races go.

Panda goal for the rest of the year, get stronger, faster and leaner for each race and not spend any energy wondering who will show up at the race that can beat me.

Feels good to be in smaller waistline pants but wish the scale would start going down again. I'm still eating healthy and not having any beer in the evening but the scale is stagnating at 184.

Have an awesome day y'all.

Dave

 

[bunnyfoo]

Weekend Racers ​

Good luck Dave! Give 'em your best GRRRR!!!

July
30 - Bowling Green Purple Striders 5K Run/Walk, Bowling Green, KY - Dave

 

[windwalker]

Weekend Racers ​

Good luck Dave! Give 'em your best GRRRR!!!

July
30 - Bowling Green Purple Striders 5K Run/Walk, Bowling Green, KY - Dave

Yep Grrrrrrr is on, I'm tired of losing.

Dave