First Bike Ride!

Aubrey and I had our first bike ride today and it was a blast! Here's the route we did:



It was such a nice evening and we both just loved the ride! It took us just over an hour, so I know one of the things we'll need to work on is upping our speed. For me, I haven't ridden a bike in YEARS and this was Aubrey's longest ride as well, so I think it's a good starting point. We had a few hills and really just had fun. At one point she said, "This is the best day of my life!" She is soooo easy to please! ;)

I'd really like to get a speedometer so that I can tell how fast we're going as we are riding. That might help as we work on improving our speed. There's no question in my mind that we can do the 15 miler but I think that we'll be up to the challenge of riding 35 miles.

Getting so close!!!

It is really hitting me just how close we are getting to the cruise ... woot woot!!!

I'm like a roller coaster, one minute I am so pleased with what I've lost and the transformation I am making in my body and the next I feel fat and wish I had more time before the cruise. I think the number on the scale really influences how I'm feeling. Last week I had a big drop and then this week it was up .4 lbs. I am REALLY trying to not let the negative thoughts get in and to just embrace where I'm at. I will have a blast on that cruise no matter WHAT size I am, right?!? RIGHT!!!

Got in my workout yesterday. Today is a scheduled rest day. I'm going to start doing biking with Aubrey for my cardio days which I'm really looking forward to. I think this will be a fun way to get in the cardio which is not my favorite (I'd rather do weights every day!)

Aubrey and I are going to to the 35 mile segment of the Little Red Riding Hood bike race in June. It's up in Logan and should be all kinds of fun ... anyone want to join us? You can do lengths starting at 15 miles all the way up to 100 miles. There's a Hawaiin Luau the night before and tons of stops along the way. It's all girls and is to raise money for breast cancer research. My sisters are doing it and I'd love it if any of you want to join!

My Dress

Sorry Kacie, I haven't had a chance to take a picture of the dress yet, but I was just looking online to see if I could find it. It looks like this:



But it is knee length and hot pink. I have a black jacket I could wear with it, you know the halvies kind that is meant as a cover up for a dress, but I think it would cover up the part that makes the dress pretty, so I am thinking of maybe a top like this:

To go under it I might try this ...

In black. It is meant to peak out of the bottom of your skirt. What's your dress like? I have another formal dress that I may or may not bring. It is a full length black dress with beading around the waist.

All kinds of Revelations

Hi all! I ended up missing my workout on Wednesday due to having to help my Mom get ready for a unplanned trip back east (funeral). Since I hadn't gotten the workout done first thing, I had no other time to get it in. Good thing I didn't take my rest day on Tuesday! I did get LC2 in yesterday. It's been quite a ride and I'd like to get it down in writing, but I don't blame you if you don't read it ... it might be long!

Yesterday I spent a better part of the day trying to talk myself into working out. This week has been pretty sucky in my personal life, more of the same and then some more. (How's that for vague?!?) I kept finding that I really wanted to nurse my wounds with food and Revelation #1 ... I realize that I have really used food as a comfort tool in the past. But I know that cycle all to well and that is NOT the road I want to be on! Back to yesterday. So, I've been eating pretty well (out of the cycle ... wahoo!) but there was no part of me that wanted to work out. In fact, honestly I just wanted to crawl back into bed. Revelation #2 ... when things aren't working in my life (or are overwhelming, sad, angry, etc.) I want to retreat. Run away from all responsibilities, decisions, etc. So, to break the cycles, I MADE myself do the workout. It literally felt like my whole body was screaming not to, I'm sure the neighbors wondered what all the noise was about! I started doing the shoulder rolls in the warm up and almost immediately my body (and mind) stopped fighting it. At one point during the workout, Chalene said something like, "Forget the laundry that needs to be folded or anything else that is on your mind right now and just focus on the muscle you are working." At another point she said, "Make exercise your new go to. When there's stress, you work it out here." Revelation #3 ... Stress happens in life. We worry, we get angry, we get hurt, we are sad, things don't work, etc, but I don't have to go back to my old ways of being when this happen. I CAN make new ways of being instead. For a moment, I pictured a new me, a me that did not escape to bed with food but allowed my body the release the angst through exercise which would then allow me to powerfully face life. I did notice there were times during the workout that my mind started to stray to the worries and stress. It was during those moments that I wanted to just stop the workout and do something else. I focused back to the workout and pushed through. Was life perfect after the workout? Certainly not. But I am one huge step closer to winning this war!

Getting Closer!

Happy Monday! Today is my official weigh in. Will you believe that I lost 6.2 lbs this week? So I lost those 2 lbs. of bloat from last week and then some!!! I am just in amazement. It's been over 3 years since I've been this weight. Another 13 lbs. and I'll be in territory I haven't been for 10 years!!! (From before I had Aubrey.) What's really cool is that I had a wedding this weekend. I totally had my cake and the yummy meal, but I prepared by eating well up to the wedding and then immediately after. It was so nice to enjoy the celebration guilt free!

Today starts week 2 of LEAN for me. I gotta tell you that these workouts scare me, in a good way ... kinda! ;) I can see why this is the month that makes everything happen. Those first two months, I just THOUGHT I was working hard!!!

We are getting dang close to the cruise date ... All I gotta say is ... WaHoo!!!

Month 3 - LEAN - starts today!

So, I have to say, this past week has been kind of a downer for me. I got in my workouts, but my eating was horrific. This coming from me who made the declaration that it was easy to eat well! It has been a roller coaster of a week from Taylor's job search and lots of other stuff going on ... all the regular stuff that comes up in life. I have taken a step back and realize that eating really can be an emotional thing for me. What's funny is it really doesn't comfort me at all, because once I have that second piece of birthday cake or that 5th cheat meal of the week, those horrible thoughts come in that make you feel really guilty and then the cycle begins.

But not this time. I refuse to enter that cycle again. No way, no how. Nuh uh. Yes, my weight is up 2 lbs. this week, but overall I still have a loss for month 2 (which ended yesterday). No more feeling bad or guilty, but starting fresh and mustering up every bit of drive that I have within me. Here are the results at the end of month 2:

Weight Loss: Month 1 - 12.8 lbs. Month 2 - 2.6 lbs. Total - 15.4 lbs.
Inches: Month 1: 9.25 in Month 2: 4.5 in Total - 13.75 in
Chest: Month 1 - 0 in. Month 2 - 1.25 in Total - 1.25 in
R arm: Month 1 - .25 Month 2 - .75 Total - 1
L arm: Month 1 - 1 Month 2 - .25 Total - 1.25
waist: Month 1 - 2 Month 2 - 0 Total -2
hips: Month 1 - 2 Month 2 - 0 Total - 2
abductors: Month 1 - 2.5 Month 2 - .75 Total - 3.25
R thigh: Month 1 - .25 Month 2 - .75 Total -1
L thigh: Month 1 - 1.25 Month 2 - .75 Total - 2

You know what I just realized as I was posting these numbers? I have never gotten this far on a rotation before! I trained for a half marathon last year, which I completed. But I didn't focus on eating at all and as a result I did not lose any weight during that time. I've worked out on and off over the years, and ate well here and there. But never have I done both for more than a month. Maybe these downs are all just part of the journey and maybe I can embrace them instead of getting stuck because they scare me. Hmmmm, I'll have to think on that!

We've got one more month until the cruise ... WOOT WOOT!!! What are you going to do to make the most of your last month?

Week 3 of PUSH

Hi girls! Yesterday started week 3 of the PUSH for me. I switched and did PC2, since Taylor and I worked out together, and that was the only one where we overlapped on weights only once. I am feeling it in my butt and ham strings today! I had a big 3 lb. drop this week bringing my total weight loss to just over 17 lbs!!! I am so stoked! This is even with some cheats here and there for birthdays and other stuff. When I know I have a cheat coming on, I will try to prepare by eating super clean prior and keeping my calories down, so I can freely have the cheat. Even then I'll have a much smaller portion than I would have before.

Going into CLX I was hoping to be able to achieve 15 lbs. total, but unsure if I could really do that. I still have over a month left, so who KNOWS what I can lose!

I'm here!

I got flattened by a really bad case of strep throat last week and have hence been MIA. Last week was week 2 of PUSH, but since I was totally out of commission for three days and then not up to par until today really, I am going to continue week 2 this week and then move on. So glad to be feeling better finally!

Life is kind of crazy right now, Taylor lost his job last week (laid off), I'm starting a new part time job today. I know these are the things that in the past would cause me to change course all together, but I am determined to push through this and come out on top.

On the plus side my weight did go down some more this week even with Aunt Flo visiting me!

Dieting Isn't So Bad

I love seeing results! I am heading to Vegas to hang out with my sisters for a few days. Hopefully, I can stick to the diet plan. I did save my bonus points for this trip. Karen is also doing Weight Watchers, so that should help. 

I was wondering, Carrie, if you would post a pic of your cruise dress, so we can see it. I think Susan tried to send me a picture of it, but for some reason my phone won't open pictures. I keep looking, but haven't found anything that I love yet. Anyway, I'd love to see it to know exactly how dressed up we're talking.

Monday

Wow, today I was feeling sooooo sluggish throughout my entire workout. I even went lighter and/or did fewer reps with the weights this week. Guess it was the Super Bowl party that did me in. I didn't think I ate THAT much, but I think it was the overly indulgent yummies that just didn't work for my system. Oh well, it was fun and worth it and I know that my next workout I'll be much stronger again!

My weight was kind of all over the place this week, with the net being a .4 lb. loss. I'll take it. Today is the high end of where it has been, but I'm not going to be upset ... I know my body is making changes, and it will all come in time.

So how are the Keele's (and Woods and Christophersons) doing?!?

Hump Day!

Got up early and did PC2. I love getting it done first thing because then I feel like I'm on a high all day long. Very nice. This workout was killer, especially on my hamstrings and glutes ... right where I need it! I really feel like these workouts are doing amazing work for my legs. 10 lbs. was my lightest weight today, which is pretty awesome because that used to be my heavy weight!

Eating is going well, although I was totally craving pizza yesterday for some reason. I might have to have a cheat meal this weekend for the super bowl!

Month 2 starts today!

Checking in with my month 1 final results. We weighed, measured and took pictures yesterday. Month 2 starts for me today.

Here are my results:
Weight loss: 12.8 lbs.
Total inches lost: 9.25 inches (Biggest losses were 2 inches off abs and 2.5 inches off abductors!)

Taylor's results:
Weight loss: 8 lbs. (he's lost 19 lbs. since November, when he cut out soda and started watching portions!)
Total inches lost: 10.75 inches (He also lost 2 inches off of his waist!)

We compared our day 1 and day 28 pictures side by side and were able to see some definite changes. It was pretty interesting to see what we accomplished in only 4 weeks.

After my last post, for some reason I started feeling like I was a fraud, like I'm having this success now, but I'll just go back to my old ways. I swear all weekend I battled this horrible thoughts. It really helped to do the measurements and pictures yesterday to prove myself wrong! I hate days like that, where you know those thoughts are bogus and no good comes of them, but they keep popping up. I read and re-read your comments here and on my message board and really worked on owning this success I have seen. I am now ready to push forward and have an amazingly strong 2nd month!!! (That's funny because the 2nd month is called "PUSH!")

I was going to get up to do PC1 this morning, but we got home laaaaate last night. I still need to print out the worksheet for it, so I decided to make time this afternoon so I could really focus on this new workout.

Great article ...

Someone posted this on a message board I visit it. It is worth reading if you'd like some motivation for your own exercise program:

It turns out that the idea of changing from the inside out is literally true as well.

From the notes I've received from some of you, the most common concern seems to be that your fat loss seems too slow. After starting a serious fitness program including cardiovascular and weight training, nearly everyone feels better and more energetic almost immediately (aside from the perpetual soreness). But even after several weeks, some people do not see a noticeable change in the mirror, so far as fat is concerned. And the scale! You've busted your bottom for weeks, and there's no change! Of course, if you've really been half-hearted about following your program, it's clear why this may happen, but it can also happen when you have honestly been experiencing intensity every day, and have been careful about limiting your portions. I've received messages from people literally in tears at the frustration. Kid, the road to Easy Street runs through the sewer. You gotta get tough (words spoken to me by my favorite teacher, Father Arnold Perham).

Here's what's going on. Fat is stored in several places, within the muscle as intramuscular fat (which is why pork is "the other white meat"), around the organs as "visceral fat", and under the skin as "subcutaneous fat". If you're inactive as you get older, the fat starts depositing in the muscles first - the muscle tissue gets "marbelized". After the intramuscular stores are full, the fat spills over to subcutaneous stores, which are more noticeable. Well, now take that process in reverse. Exercise (and specifically interval training and progressive weight training) tends to draw significantly from the intramuscular stores early on, so instead of seeing a major change in the mirror, you may instead feel your muscles getting firmer and less "mushy". That's a good sign. Don't give up! The subcutaneous fat loss becomes more evident once the intramuscular stores are whittled down a bit.

(continued)

If you were able to look inside of your cells and see your "good" enzymes increasing, your energy-producing mitochondria multiplying, your cholesterol falling, your arteries clearing, your blood vessels becoming more efficient, your muscles strengthening, your bone-density improving, and all of the remarkable changes that this program triggers, it would be clear that the scale and calipers are just insufficient ways of measuring success. As these internal changes become significant, your external progress accelerates. Some people just start out needing more internal changes than others, because of their prior lifestyle, long-term yo-yo dieting, and other factors. Please understand that if you're following the daily intensity and carefully limiting your portions, the progress is happening, whether it's obvious or not. I've just seen too many individual cases to think any different.

So don't force the numbers. They'll come. Here is your job today: adhere to a winning pattern of action that you know will produce results if you follow it consistently. That's all. And if you do that today, congratulate yourself as a winner. If instead, you insist on measuring your success by whether or not the scale or caliper show progress today, you're creating a game you can lose. In Steven Covey's words, you're putting yourself in the position of trying to manage consequences rather than actions. You'll never get a reliable sense of confidence that way. Look, you're following a program that works. Do troubleshoot. Do review your workouts, food choices, portion sizes, and meal plans. But make every day a game you can win.

Taken from http://www.hussmanfitness.org/html/TSInsideOut.html

TGIF

Hello! I haven't checked in for a few days, but I am still going strong. How are you guys doing? Fallen off the wagon? Start fresh RIGHT NOW. What's holding you back? What successes are you having?

Today was BC3, so that means only one more workout left to complete my first month! I have really worked on increasing the weights this week and pushing myself, and I have the DOMS to prove it! The only exercise I haven't increased weights on is shoulder presses ... I really am weak there, which makes me laugh because Chalene is always saying, "You'll be surprised how strong your shoulders are." On shoulder presses I'm lifting with Lailee (she uses the light weights) but on delts, I'm lifting with Chalene. Go figure.

Here are some of the changes I am noticing as I near the end of my first month:

• Major increases in strength: lifting heavier weights than I ever have, feeling stronger as I do the movements, actually being able to perform push ups (on knees) with good form, going deep in my lunges and having the strength to lift up completely from the heal (in the past I couldn't go as deep and sometimes had to rock a little for momentum to get back up when fatigued), not having to pause because I am out of breath.
• Changes in my body: I can feel that my stomach and thighs are smaller, I can feel my muscles ... (it's not just mush any more!), I am more flexible, I just breath easier
• Clothes fitting better: I am noticing that my shirts are not as tight on my arms, I bought jeans in November and could not fit into any 18s, so I bought two pairs of size 20s ... this week I was able to fit into one of my old pairs of size 16s!!! Granted those jeans are a big 16. I couldn't even pull them up all the way, let alone button them two months ago!
• Feeling better about myself: While I still have those occasional "bad" thoughts, it is coming more and more naturally for me to feel good about myself and find the positive. I feel more confident. I feel really empowered knowing that while I am building muscle I am increasing my metabolism. I am no longer a victim of my genes!
  
• It is not hard to eat well: Eating has always been my downfall in the past, but after one month of clean eating with really only one cheat which was planned, I feel great. I have taken charge, educated myself and found that this way of eating is working well for me. Sometimes I feel the need for more carbs, so I do it in the form of good complex carbs. Sometimes I feel like I need more protein, so once again, good protein. It's like I've crashed through this barrier that was holding me back, and I can do anything I want! I can plan off menu meals or treats and know it won't keep me from my ultimate goals!
  

I hope these don't come across as boastful or self centered. These are some major breakthroughs for me and I really am just reviling in this. I have lost weight in the past (and gained and lost ...) but I can honestly say this is different than anything I've ever experienced.

Long weekends are really bad for diets. I wish I had some of Carrie's will power. I think I've gained back at least 1 pound. What a waste.  Back to counting points today. And I'm headed to the gym.

Week 4

Week 4 starts today! And I am just amazed at the fact that I can say that. Aubrey had school off today, so we all slept in and did my workout later. It was kind of sad (not really) to think this is my last time doing BC1 (for a while at least). Really though, it is my least favorite out of the strength workouts, but I still like it. Have to go do some shopping because I am getting low on a lot of my food staples.

Today was my official weigh in and I am down another 1.2 lb for a total of 11.4 lbs lost!!! I am actually excited to record our official 30 days results next week.

Taylor has been keeping up with things as well, though I can't get him to post over here! I think that total he has lost about 15-16 lbs. Can't remember the exact number.

Muscle

This post is a little long, but I've been working on it for my own blog. Maybe there is something you can use ...

Since I have been in the mindset of losing weight and being healthy, I have been reading lots of information to keep me motivated and knowing the best way to achieve the results I want. These are thoughts I have put together and are my opinion based on what I've read.

You always hear about metabolisms, right? Like some people have really good metabolisms and can eat anything they want and are skinny, others eat like birds and are overweight. To me, this has always seemed be something out of our control ... something we were either blessed with or cursed with.

Each day, our bodies burn calories just to exist. Our fat cells burn calories and our muscle cells burn calories. But did you know that one lb. of muscle burns at least 3X more calories than 1 lb. of fat? (Numbers vary, but this is the low estimate.) So, if we lose 1 lb. of fat and gain 1 lb. of fat, we are in essence "raising our metabolism" as our bodies are burning more calories just to exist. The other cool thing is, muscle takes up less space than fat, so you could weigh the same, but your measurements are small (and less flabby!)

Many people are still doing tons and tons of cardio with little to no strength training. There are many reports that show that you can and will actually lose muscle, not just fat, by training this way. In Chalene's blog, she talks about a woman who was a yo yo dieter and spent hours doing cardio. She could never lose weight and keep it off. They tested her BMR at the beginning of her 90 day rotation, and she was only burning 700 calories a day!!! I don't know about you, but I could not live on that little. That means that she could "diet" and eat a low 1,000 calorie a day diet and STILL gain weight. She followed the CLX 90 day rotation and initially gained weight, but as she built muscle and followed the nutritional guide, she ended up losing 40 lbs. and the coolest part is she raised her BMR to 1400 calories a day!!! She was able to turn around the years of abuse to her system and retrain it. You can ready the whole story with more details on Chalene's blog.

From Chalene:

When working to increase your metabolism (which is ultimately the goal if you want to eat more and come in a smaller package) remember that muscle is an active tissue. It's requirements are far greater than fat. Fat is this mushy, lumpy, yellowy stuff that requires very little to sustain itself, but takes up a lot of space. Lean muscle tissue on the other hand requires are great deal of calories to sustain. It's firm! It's tight! It's red with blood and healthy tissue that makes life easier and fat burning a breeze! Muscle burns fat!

From About.com article:

Even though muscle doesn't burn a huge number of calories on its own, it's still more metabolically active than fat and very important for weight loss. In fact, one study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology [6] found that, though weight training doesn't burn as many calories as cardio, it significantly increases average daily metabolic rate - the perfect foundation for losing fat.

And remember the other benefits of weight training:

• Prevents loss of lean body mass that happens from dieting and/or aging
• Weight training workouts burn calories
• Helps change your body composition, which helps shape your body and keep you healthy
• Strenghtens bones and connective tissue along with muscles
• Helps keep you strong and active as you get older

The bottom line is, strength training is important for almost any fitness goal, whether you want to lose fat, gain muscle or just get in better condition.

From a Mayo Clinic article:

Weight training can help you tone your muscles, improve your appearance and fight age-related muscle loss. And it doesn't take as long as you might think...

Lean muscle mass naturally decreases with age. If you don't do anything to replace the muscle loss, it'll be replaced with fat. But weight training can help you reverse the trend — at any age. Studies show that weight training and other types of strength training can improve quality of life and the ability to complete daily tasks for adults even in their 80s and 90s.

As your muscle mass increases, you'll be able to work harder and longer before you get tired. You'll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density and better manage your weight. You may even improve your mental health and reduce the risk of depression — all heavy reasons to include weight training in your fitness program.

Doin Better

Sorry I don't know what just happened, that was weird, but I am doing better, I a stupid work out tape on Friday that I won't do again, but then on Saturday I got on the treadmill for some cardio for a good 1/2 hour afterwards I did some strength training with weights. then today I was up at like 5:00am so I did The Firm Body Sculpt again which always kicks my butt. And since i was up so early I did sit-up afterwards. I also told tony to help me with my eating, so he's watching me like a hawk, which is annoying but good for me. I don't allow myself 2nd's, at lunch and dinner anymore, and last night we were watching 24 (which was awesome)and normally I would have needed a snack or something to munch on, but Tony kept me from going to the kitchen, instead he brought me some water and 1 package of the kids fruit snacks, not the healthiest snack, but at least it's not overindulging on something when I wasn't even really hungery. I think if I just wouldn't eat when I'm not hungery, I'd probably be okay. But it's the eating when I'm bored that gets me everytime. Good luck to you all. It's nice to blog about these oddball thoughts that I have. Thanks guys.

Week 3 start

Official start to week 3 for me today. I got up and did BC1 even though I went to bed waaay to late last night. I'm loving that I am still loving these workouts, no boredom factor. I love getting my workouts done first thing, because then I can feel good for the rest of the day knowing I did it. I may not be a morning person, but hopefully this will help get there eventually.

Official weigh in this morning has me done another pound, so that's 10.2 lbs. total!!! (I'll update my ticker when I get on the other computer.)

I'm surprised by how little I have been tempted. Like Friday, we went out so I made dinner ahead of time for Taylor and I, but ordered a pizza for the kids and babysitter. I wasn't even tempted to have a bite, and I LOOOOVE pizza. Knowing I only have these next couple of months to get ready for the cruise helps. Also, because I am seeing such great results, there's no way I want to sabotage myself now. Guess the trick will be to maintain eating well even when the results are not always noticeable or I am not counting down to something.

How are the Keele (and Woods) girls doing?

Week 2 down

Workouts for week 2 are officially complete!!! Did Burn It Off and Recharge this morning with Taylor. Killer.

It feels great to have been so consistent I've never been one to stick to a rotation, so this is something!

Loving it!!!

Taylor and I went to a gymnastics meet last night. Normally we would eat at the meet, since we had to leave here at 5:30. Well, I planned ahead and had dinner ready and snuck in some healthy snacks. So we were able to have fun and still eat within our plan!

TGIF

I did nooooooooooooooooot want to get up this morning and even lay in bed for an extra 15 minutes, but I MADE myself get up. That was a battle of will for sure. I made the commitment to work out at 6:30 each morning, even though I could do it later in the day. I know for me, if I don't get it done before Aubrey goes to school, chances are I won't do it. I did BC3 and MAN, did it feel amazing when I was done. I think since it had been such a battle, it was that much more rewarding when I was done.

One more workout and I will be done with the 2nd week. At this point my weight keeps bobbing around the same point. Of course there's that part of me that wishes I could lose as much as I did last week, but know that realistically, it is healthy for my body to settle into things. I want to keep my metabolism strong so that it will be easy to maintain things as I lose weight.

I am really happy with how the eating plan is working for me. To conquer my sweet cravings, I have a sugar free pudding with a little bit of cool whip and crunch up a 100 calorie snack pack into it. I tried some yummy combos, and it has been quite satisfying. The other night I did chocolate pudding, grasshopper cookies and some banana cut up. It tasted reminiscent of a banana split. I think it really helps that Taylor is doing this with me, so it's not like the fam is eating one thing and I'm eating another. Compared to how I have been eating, this is quite a change.

Hope you guys are doing well. I saw updates from Samantha and Kacie over on facebook. How did your workout go today, Jaime? Anyone heard from Susan? She and Samantha still haven't accepted their invitation to post here. Rachael ... what are you up to???

2 Days of Dieting

Woohoo! Two days of successful dieting. I wasn't sure I could really get motivated, but as with so many other things, the starting is the hard part. I have stayed within my point range (though I used several of today's points to down a Whatchamacallit bar and a few Dove chocolates-don't worry-I ate veggies and fiber too). I would probably be more successful in the long run if I could manage to give up chocolate, but then what would be the joy in living? 

Not going good!

You guys are awesome. So motivated. I really like working out usually, but everytime I wanted I find some dumb reason why I can't or I tell myself not now maybe later. I worked out really hard last Friday doing Billy Blank Tae Bo, then on Monday I did The Firm Body Sculpt, and I got dizzy and couldn't finish the arm part. I planned to workout Tues. but woke up so sore on my quads I could hardly move. I couldn't even walk up and down the stairs. Then on Wed. I was still feeling sore so I only did a light walk on the treadmill. Then I got no sleep last night thanks to Bradley waking me at 2:30 and Andee up at 6:00 that my workout got pushed to "later", which hasn't happened yet. So I'm not off to a very good start, and I'm afraid that my weight probably went up a little since last Friday, I am determined to get up tomorrow morning no matter what and do some serious strength training before I weight myself, so that if i did gain at least I'll feel a little better about myself for not being a total bum this week. I hope I don't depress you guys to much, but it hasn't been a good week yet. I've got to do better if I want to be down 20 lbs.

Thrilling Thursday

Today was Burn Intervals and Ab Burner. Whew. That was TOUGH!!! It a combination of cardio drills and light weights (to recover). I did 3 lbs. weights and eventually transitioned to no weights. I think out of all the workouts, this would be the one that has a little "dread" factor for me. But it felt SOOOOO good when I was done.

I am having so much fun feeling the differences in my body. I am really looking forward to hitting 30 days and taking new pictures and measurements.

Getting Down to Business

I guess it's time to get serious if I want to look halfway decent in a swimsuit come April. I wish I had appreciated my pre-baby body more while I had it. (No bikinis for me you'll be glad to hear.) So, I am following Weight Watchers again (starting today) and working out-running and riding the bike at the gym or walking with a group of friends. I may sign up for some kind of class at our fitness center...we'll see how it goes. I am hoping to be 20 pounds lighter by cruise time. I was thinking of getting a really sweet "Before" shot of me in my bra and spandex shorts, but I think I'll spare myself the humiliation and all of you the trauma. (You're welcome.) Good luck to all of us!

Permissions

Hey ... if you would like to have admin permissions to this blog, just let me know. (This gives you access to change the layout, like if you want to add your own ticker and update it.) I have no problem updating things for you, if you'd like. Currently Kacie and I have admin rights.

Going Strong

Hey Family! If you haven't already seen, I have a blog that I've been using to post my fitness journey ups and downs. I think I will mostly copy/paste my posts from there and add when I have things to say to you guys specifically. Otherwise I could spend all day writing blogs!!! Here's today's blog:

Hola! This morning I got up (early again ... this is a FEAT for me!) and did BC2. I am noticing that instead of feeling so incredibly sore (like last week) my muscles feel "warm" and worked, but not nearly as sore. That is nice. Oh and this morning I noticed my stomach feels flatter. Now it is not flat by any means, but it felt like there was less bulge there! My weight is still moving, though I think the pace has slowed down, which is fine. I know I can't really lose 9 pounds EVERY week, maybe just every other week!

Yesterday I noticed I was having more and more feelings of doubt and pessimism coming into my head. You know the famous, "You're not really going to stick to this," "You're not really going to lose any more weight," "You know you just want to sleep in," etc. In the late afternoon, I decided to pull out Chalean's motivational CD and listened to that. Since then I've been actively combating those thoughts with, "Oh yes you can!" Hope I'm not the only one who has battles in my head!

Sometimes, it's easy to look at the past and see failure. To think all of my periods of working out and eating right must be failures, because I am still overweight. But really that is not true. I am choosing to look at this as my journey. Everything in the past, including the ups and downs, has led me to THIS point RIGHT now. Ultimately, who I am is someone who is UNSTOPPABLE. I will NOT let the roadblocks and dips in the road stop me from being who I ultimately want to be. This is what I must remember when those other thoughts try to creep their way in ... I am unstoppable!

Eating is going well! I totally lost track of time this afternoon and didn't have time to make lunch, so I grabbed two snacks and had that on the way. So glad I prepared things ahead of time otherwise I would have been up a creek!

I did the chicken kabobs the other night (marinated chicken, zucchini, pineapple and seasonings) and they were YUMMY! The chicken was so moist, it was just perfect. I am noticing that my appetite has definitely decreased. I had two skewers on my plate and thought "There's no way that will fill me up." I'm used to having starchy things on the side like pasta or potatoes. I was pleasantly full when I was done. (Not overly stuffed like I've been used to in the past). Last night was a leftovers night. We were stacking up quite a few, so it was time to eat them up. We each had something slightly different.

Monday weigh in ...

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting my weigh in results, right?
















Duh Duh Duh ...













9.2 lbs. lost. In my first week. Yup. That's right. Almost 10 lbs.

I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't see the weight steadily dropping each day. I have never, EVER lost this much weight in one week. Ultimately I know it won't come off this fast for the long haul, but what a nice start to the program. I was thinking it would be nice if I could lose 15 lbs. before the cruise. I may have to re-think that! Actually, I think it really isn't about a number at this point. I can't control what the number is on the scale but I can control whether or not I workout. I can control what I put into my mouth. So, those are the things I will work on.

What's really crazy is, that while I have been working out very hard, I do not feel like I am overdoing it in the least. And my eating has changed drastically, but I am not feel deprived. Overall, I am loving life. I am glad that I am keeping track of my results in several ways (weight, measurements, fit test, body fat) because I know there are weeks when my weight may stay the same and these results will help me find this motivation. Nothing fires you up quite like results!!!

Here's to a great week!

Getting up to date

Here are a few of my posts which bring me up to date:

From 12/29/08

Today is the official start for my 12 week rotation of Chalean Extreme. This month is called "Burn" and this morning I did Burn Circuit 1. It is a strength workout that is just over 35 minutes long. I'm tracking the weights I'm using, because you're supposed to fatigue between the 10-12th rep. On about half of the exercises I'll need to pyramid up next time. That was encouraging, because it made me realize just how strong I am!!!

One of the things I love about this program are the extra materials that came with it. Usually those "add-ons" are just junk, but not with this one. There is a guidebook that talks you through all the aspects of getting ready for, form and recording results. Last night, Taylor and I took pictures, measurements, weight, and the fit test. It is designed to do every 30 days so you can see the results. Then I went through the recipe book and planned out meals through next Monday ... I'm talking every meal. I am getting ready to go shopping in a bit. I think having it all laid out will leave less wiggle room. I'm glad I like most of the recipes because it made it very easy to plan and create a shopping list.

Anywho ... I am going to update some info here giving the details for this new rotation.

12/31/08

And I'm feeling great. Just got done with BC2 woooo, that sure worked me. What I really like is that the moves are way challenging, but I don't have to do 2-3 sets. The pushups at the end are the only set I couldn't complete fully, but I tried my best!

Also, I've have been way on track with my eating. I've planned all my meals and prepared snacks and so far it's been great. In fact, since Sunday the scale is down 5.2 lbs! I won't officially record until Monday, since I know sometimes there is a big drop and then it settles back up. But I am very happy with things. So far there has not been that "dread" factor. I am sooooooo excited for the cruise, so I think that is really helping keep me motivated. Maybe I just need to go on a cruise once a year and then run a half marathon 6 months later, so I'm always working towards a big goal!!!

1/2/09

I just finished BC3 and feel so good. I have been having a lot of muscle fatigue this week (that's putting it mildly) and wasn't sure I would be up to this today, but I don't have any time to spare so I just did it. And I was able to lift much heavier than I thought I would be able to (each time I went heavier than I thought I could and only twice was it too heavy.)

Yesterday I did Burn It Off and Ab Burner. I misread and thought that was what was on the rotation. No problem, I'll just make sure to do Burn Intervals tomorrow and then do it the "right" way next week! Since Taylor had the day off we did it together. Oh and I am so feeling my muscles popping out. I was taking a shower and washing my arms and was amazed at how rock hard my muscles were.

I am really proud at how on track I have been staying with eating on this plan. The planning I did last week really helped (Scheduled B, L & D for each day, pre-packaged snacks, shopped). In the past I have planned out dinners and just had stuff for lunch and breakfast. Having each meal planned leaves me not having to think about food all the time, which is very nice. I also did what Chalean suggested in the video and made convenient snack foods. I bought a bunch of little Rubbermaid containers to make snack sizes for the fridge and I have a bin the in the pantry with snacks in Ziploc bags. I got Aubrey to help, and it was very easy. Took about 10-15 minutes longer while we unpacked the groceries. Now if I'm heading out the door and know I'll need a snack, I can just grab one.

Yesterday I had the Canadian bacon sandwich and loved it. We went to Red Lobster for dinner and I was able to eat yummy food, but stay on plan (crab, shrimp, broccoli and salad) and I totally resisted the biscuits. I was nervous at first when DH suggested going out, but we picked a place where I wouldn't be as tempted by the food I have a weakness for (like pasta) and it went well. I've discovered I just don't like veggies in with my eggs. So I've started cooking them separately and then eating them on their own first, then eating the eggs. I'm weird, but it works!

1/3/09

Today Taylor and I did Burn Intervals and Recharge. This is because I mistakenly did Burn It Off on Thursday. I was thinking it would not be as hard as Burn It Off, since you got the light weights for a "break". Well, I was wrong ... this was tough! On some of the shoulder work I transitioned to no weights, because I was totally burning from all that shoulder work yesterday. Taylor wasn't too thrilled about Recharge, since it is yoga poses. I think the rest of the workouts work for him, but just not that one. I told him that he could spend the time doing his own stretching and breathing. I think he'll probably do that. He's so tight, that I think the yoga poses just were too hard for him. I am soooo looking forward to a rest day tomorrow!

Still doing great on the eating plan. Last night was flank steak with faux mashed. I added more to the marinade to make it more like our favorite marinade. Steaks are always good, what was different was not eating as much as we normally do. The faux mashed (puree cauliflower) ... eh. We both decided we'd just rather have the steamed cauliflower. So we'll leave that step out next time. We didn't do spinach but had salad instead. This is more veggies than I've eaten in a LONG time! Had the Canadian Bacon Sandwich again this morning ... love that one!

I had to make the text smaller so it doesn't seem so long!!! ;)

Hello!

Hey everyone! I am setting this blog up for those of us who have weight/health/exercise goals we are working towards. Rachael, I know you're not going on the cruise, but I'd love to have you come join us for the next three months or see what we're up to.

So to start, let's each make some goals (or post the goals you have already made). Here are some questions:

1 - Would you like this blog to be private? (Meaning only those of us that are authorized can view it.)

2 - Would you like a weight loss ticker? I can add one to the sidebar if you like. You'll just need to let me know when to update it.

3 - Do you want to set up a prize pool?

Also I only sent invites to those whose email addresses I have. If you send me an address for Mike, Tony or Trent, I can invite them as well. Or they can post on their wife's account.

~Carrie