Week 1

OK so update on this past week. It went GREAT. Got my workouts in (still need cardio for today, but I'll get it done), got all my water in, and eats were good. Not going to say 100% because I missed a few meals occasionally because of being so busy at work, but didn't eat chocolate at all and didn't pig out on anything I wasn't scheduled to eat. So, week 1 success!!! YAY!!

Next week, I am concentrating on upping my intensity in the gym. Not necessarily upping weight, but just how I do things. I still have some shoulder issues from last year so I am a little leary to increase the weights TOO much on some exercises, but definately leg weights can go up without problem. LOL I am still soooo sore from Wednesday's leg workout but I LOVE that feeling!

On to week 2!

IM BACKKKKK!

OK, well over the past year I have now GAINED 20 lbs. It stops NOW!! I restarted (for the LAST time) on Monday. I've had 3 really good days. I just have to keep stringing them together. Its been really tough, for some reason, to get things going and keeping it going. But, there are no more excuses and the weather's starting to get cold, so I need to fit in my pants (which are presently too tight!)

I didn't retake pictures, but I can tell you I weighed 163 lbs on Monday and I know my body fat must be around 27% or higher. Can we all let about a great big UGHHH!!! But, its not going to stay that way. I've struggled so much over the last year, but I can't let any more excuses get in the way. I have to fit in my pants, I have to fit in a wedding dress and I need to be in the best possible shape BEFORE getting pregnant. It's not going to be easy, but then again, nothing I ever do is!! I'm up to this challenge and ready to get my life back!!!

End of week 4...

OK, so at the end of week 4. Diet has been good, workouts good and the last week, cardio has been good. I ran 4 miles today in 40:48 so I'm happy with that. I still haven't lost one lb and last time I checked measurements, it was all still the same. I keep plugging along, though. Hopefully, things will start happening SOON!!!

still here

I dont know really whats going on. I'm really watching my diet, getting my water in, getting enough sleep but my cardio is suffering. I have such a hard time running even 10 minutes. Very irritating!! I guess I'll have to start taking my inhaler with me from now on. Seems like I'm just gaining weight instead of losing weight. I have to get things rolling in the right direction and SOON!!!

second post for the day...

Got this off of Dana D's blog and played so need to post this here. Lets play!!! :)

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1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.(unless I already have! ;)
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still plugging away....

OK well I'm still here. I'm quite disappointed at this point because things aren't changing. I'm in week 3 and I've actually gained weight from the start. I lost 4 lbs the first week and gained them back the second PLUS a pound. I'm considering doing the Des Moines half marathon coming up in about 12 weeks, so I need to get to crack-a-lackin' (in Bluepulse Greg's terms) if I'm gonna be ready. I need a shorter term goal than just my wedding...especially since no date is set. I'm so cardiovascularly challenged at the moment though, that even running 2 miles is a chore. I'm working on it though. It's super hard to eat as strict as I used to with having Greg and his son around all the time. I'm trying though....I'm trying.

Yesterday I ran in the AM and struggled, then went for a 25mile bikeride with Greg later in the evening. This morning I got up and walked on the treadmill for 15 minutes and did an UBWO. TOmorrow is cardio again. Eats have been good for the day. Water is a little behind but will catch up here in a minute.

More tomorrow....

OK, well....

I started over. I restarted my challenge on July 7th so today really is Day 13! HA How about that? Things, for the most part, have been going pretty good. I've hit nearly every workout (I actually missed this past Thursday, but will make up for it tomorrow) and nutrition has been good. I guess it hasnt been 100% but for the most part, pretty darned close. I know it's important that the nutrition IS 100% so I'm going to work on that this next week. My goals are quite simple. To fit in my clothes again and to look hot in my wedding dress (no date set on that yet.) I'll get it done, I know it.

It's crazy how our perception is so off. When I was in the best of shape, I still saw myself as fat or that I could be better. Now that I've fallen pretty far out of shape, I think to myself "I just wanna get back to where I was." Well, I'll get there. I know I will. I took new pictures and posted them on Tracker and quite frankly, they are pretty disgusting. However, they will NOT be that way for long. Even though I can't physically tell anything is happening, I know deep inside that it is and I just have to keep plugging along. Gone is the day that 1 week of clean eating and good workouts bring back the quick results. I have to get in there, work even harder than ever for at least 4 weeks before I know things will start changing. But, I will do it. :)

OK, time to hit the gym for some cardio. I'll keep up with this blog this time.

Day 13 Still going...

OK, been a few days since I posted but eating has actually gone quite well. Workouts haven't been stellar, but I'm still on weight restriction and ab/core restriction for another 2 weeks. I dont think I've lost any weight, but at least I'm doing stuff. So, I'm happy. I'm still plugging away and doing well.

I went wedding dress shopping and found a dress I like. It actually wasn't horribly expensive either. I mean, expensive enough but under $600 so I'm good with that.

Did HIIT this morning and on Wednesday, I did my LBWO in the AM then went on a group bike ride in the PM for about 15-20 miles. I was tired, but I never stopped.

OK, will report more later.

OUCH!

OK, day 2 went well. 100% on the eats and I did a HIIT treadmill workout yesterday morning. It wasn't anything spectacular, but I did it. I'm not supposed to be doing any hard running just yet, and believe me, I couldn't anyway.

Oh, and my LB is SORE SORE SORE!!! Do you remember your 1st BFL LBWO? Remember how bad you hurt the next few days? Thats EXACTLY how I feel. I mean, WOW! I can hardly sit down on the toilet without screaming and going down stairs proves to be a huge challenge!! But, I guess thats GOOD!! YAY!

Anyway, today will be a light UBWO. I only work 1/2 days on Wednesdays so I'll do that when I get home. Meals are planned well and I'm happy that I really got through 2 days without any cheating. I feel like I'm on a good upswing. The scales aren't agreeing at the moment, but remember SCALES ARE FOR FISH!!!

More later....

Meals were good.

M1: 5 eggwhites with some mushrooms and 1 serving of fiber one cereal with some milk
M2: 1/2 cup 2% cc, 1/2 cup fiber one cereal
M3: 4 oz chicken, spinach, pineapple slices
M4: 4 oz chicken, spinach, pineapple slices
M5: 4 oz chicken, spinach, mixed veggies, 6 almonds
M6: 1/2 cup cc

Oh and can I say, even with my workout with out weights my entire lower body HURTS!!!! OUCH! YAY!!!! On to cardio in the am. It will be a light workout so I can see if I hurt when I run. More tomorrow.....

Day 1

OK, workout done.

Legs:

Triple Supersets
3 x 12
Squats
Deadlifts
Calf Raises (Ins and Outs each x 12)

Walking Lunges
3 x 12 steps each leg

Triple Supersets
3 x 12
Plie` Squats
Bulgarian Split squats
One Legged Calf Raises

OK, can I say I'm tired and sore already. Just by doing that without any weight. WOW! I didn't do cardio as in treadmill this morning. I was breathing so hard and heavy and my heart was beating so fast by the end of that workout, I decided to wait and walk on the treadmill when I get home tonight and then tomorrow morning I'll do some kind of light HIIT on the tready. I was sweating like crazy when I finished. That just tells me that wow, I'm out of shape!! But, I'm on the road to healthiness again.

I'll put up meals when I check in either tonight or tomorrow morning....

Tomorrow will start my OFFICIAL 1st day of this challenge. I MUST start official challenges on Mondays and tomorrow I will start adding in exercise. It will be without any weight, but I'll go downstairs and do my leg workout and then get on the treadmill and try some light jogging. I'm excited to get that started. I'm really disgusted with myself that I've let myself get so far out of shape. However, in 12 weeks, I WILL be back in shape, perhaps not in the best shape I've ever been but I EXPECT TO be close!

Today was a nice day, but technically free day so meals will not be shared. The last few days I went back to work and saw a TON of patients and then I've been on call for the weekend and saw about 15 patients!! So, I've been busy. Greg's been taking good care of me and I'm so lucky to have found him.

Anyway, I need to go pack my meals for tomorrow. I'll report how things went.

Lots has happened...

OK, I've been MIA from here for about 2 months I guess. A lot has gone on!

First, I got engaged. YAY! No wedding date set yet, but things are going really well.

Second, I had surgery. YAY! I hope that this will take care of my abdominal pain and bloating and pave the way to my getting pregnant and having a baby. WooHoo!! I had a new laproscopic surgery technique done called the da vinci robotic surgical system. So cool. I had 5 fibroids taken off my uterus, with the biggest size being 8 cm and total cm removed was 19cm!! Wow, thats like 7.5 inches of tumor basically in my pelvis that is GONE!! Im actually feeling really good. Haven't had any real pain since surgery and things that didnt seem to work prior, now seems to be working(people who know me well know exactly what I'm talking about!)

My previous challenge really fell to the way side because of things above. As soon as I'm released to start doing things again, I plan on hitting a hard 12 weeks!! I've been slacking for almost a year. Ive not really made it through a GOOD 12 weeks. Well, NO MORE. As soon as I'm cleared, I'm back in the gym to make some big changes. I may not be able to lift as heavily as I was previously for awhile, but I'll certainly be able to get it done and get back in shape. My priorities have actually changed! Where I was not happy with my progress previously, I just want to get back and maintain. Maintain I will!!!

Otherwise, as most of you are aware, our little angel, Jonnae, has come to her last days here on earth with us. Keep her, Denise and the entire Taylor family in your thoughts and prayers. Although I never physically met her, our conversations on the phone and through text messaging really brought me very close to her. I know I will "meet" her in our Heavenly Kingdom. Take a look at the Tribute Video Bill Phillips and crew put together. If this doesn't touch you, somethings wrong with you!

Jonnae's Tribute Video

Jonnae, sweetie, I love you very much.

Day 10: Cardio

OK, here I am! Thanks for all the encouragement. It really helps. Workouts have been going good, but eating is still a problem. It hasn't been with the times I'm with Greg either! It's when I'm at work. I feel hungry all the time. But, I'm eating TONS!!! Will have to just make it through 3 or 4 days WITHOUT any cheats and I'll be ok.

Just ate a good breakfast: eggwhites with shrooms and a serving of oatmeal, 1 cup o java and some water. The rest of the day will be clean as well!!

Have my Dr's appointment today and an MRI on Friday. Keep happy, positive thoughts for me!!

Day 2: Back and Bis, OH MY!!

OK on to day 2. So far so good! I got up this morning and did my back and bicep workout. Here's what we did:

Back/Bi superset
Dual pulley system Overhead pull downs
12 x 20
12 x 25
12 x 30
Dual Pulley system cable rows
12 x 20
12 x 25
12 x 30
Bicep Cable High Curls /_O_\ __O__
3 x 12 x 10

Supersets
Straight arm cable pushdowns
3 x 12 x 10
Seated Rows
12 x 25
12 x 35
12 x 45

Supersets
Alternated 1 hammer curl with 1 straight bicep curl
3 x 12 x 12.5
Decline Medicine Ball Toss Crunches
3 x 12 x 10 kg

Meals:

M1: 6 eggwhites, 1 serving oatbran with pb2
M2: 1/2 cup lf cc and 1 apple
M3: salmon, 1/2 cup brown rice, mixed veggies
M4: protein shake
M5: chicken, veggies with 1/2 cup lo fat pasta sauce
M6: 1/2 cup cc

Water: 3 L so far.

Butt is sore from yesterdays workout, as is my upper back. So, lets keep it going. Tomorrow is cardio day. Can't wait!!

Day 1: Let's Get This Party Started!!

Day 1: In the beginning, there were Squats! LBWO

Workout done:

Supersets
DB squats
1 x 12 x 25
2 x 12 x 30
DB Deadlifts
1 x 12 x 25
2 x 12 x 30
Seated Calf Raises
3 x 12 x 80

Walking DB Lunges
4 x 24 total steps x 10 lb each hand
Alternating each set with
Decline Medicine Ball Toss Crunches
3 x 12 x 10 kg
Abductor Machine
3 x 12 x pin #5
Adductor Machine
3 x 12 x pin #8 plus 5 lb plate

Ye Ole Dredded Frog Jumps
3 x 12 x 148 lbs (thats me! lol)
Alternating with
Weighted Crunches
3 x 20 x 10 lbs

Planned Meals are:

M1: 6 eggwhites, 1/2 yolk, sprinkle of 2% mozerella cheese, 1 serving of oatbran with 1 tbs of pb2 (done)
M2: 1/2 cup lf cc and 1 kiwi(done)
M3: salmon, 1/2 cup brown rice, mixed veggies(done)
M4: protein shake (done)
M5: chicken breast, mixed veggies
M6: protein shake or 1/2 cup lf cc

Water intake will be at least 4L

Vitamins taken and 1 cup java consumed along with 1 bottle of water!!

T MINUS 2 days!!

T Minus 2 days: Goals, etc...

OK, so I did really well through half of my Birthday Challenge, then met someone and lost out on the rest of it. The workouts were good, but eating not-so-good. I backtracked quite a bit, so now here I am, once again, trying to stop myself from getting worse. At least we (he and I) both realize what was happening BEFORE it got too far out of hand. So, starting Monday, March 24th, I'm back with my nose to the grindstone. I took pictures, and while they aren't that great, they certainly weren't as bad as I thought they would be. So, here I begin again.

The next 12 weeks are dedicated to ME! This is for ME to get myself back to where I feel comfortable. It can be done...dating someone and staying in shape. We, unfortunately, have 2 very different eating styles. One works for him, one works for me. So, we have to compromise something in order to each get to the goals we want. We have discussed it and, I think, things will work out just fine. I just have to stick to my eating habits!!!

My goals are as always the same: Lean back down to around 16%. Hit my legs harder to get them more defined, and build my shoulders and back better. I will make it!!

So, there ya go. I am eager to get started and get things back to my comfort level! Can't wait until Monday!!!! I hope you guys will stand behind me and support me.

Day 66: cardio

Did cardio after my 1/2 day at work today. Took this picture after I was finished:



Thats right. It says 708 calories, 6.01 miles, 59:29!! Oh yeah!! Who's back?!?! Burn it up people!!!

Day 62: Cardio

Just back from doing cardio. I did 2 miles in 20 minutes on the treadmill, then 20 minutes on the elliptical, and then 20 minutes on the recumbant bike. It felt good. I really wanted to run about 6 miles today but ye ole hammie was getting tight after only the 20 minutes and I dont want to risk reinjuring it.

I had some great cardio last night also!! No, not THAT kind of cardio. Greg and I went Salsa Dancing! It was awesome. I felt like a total dork, but it was fun. He's been doing Latin type dancing for years and is very good at it. When we came home last night, he told me that he was totally impressed by me. He felt I did really well considering it was my 1st time ever trying to salsa. I also learned the merengue and the pachanga (sorry probably spelled wrong.)

Meals have started getting much better in the evening. He and I had a great discussion about evening meals and its going much better. I cant believe I have 22 days left of my torch challenge. I gotta get on the ball. I haven't had much change since the week 4 pics and I'm afraid I've even back tracked a bit. I'm glad I'm able to get my cardio in again though, so I'm hoping that will really start helping!

Tonight is dinner at his parent's house. I've already met them but tonight is the first official "you're invited to dinner" night. She found out about a dish I *love* that my mom makes. Apparently, they have something similar to that in Russia and she's making it for me. Greg told me, "if I were you, I'd not eat all day because after you get done at my mom's house, you are going to be so full!!" European people are that way in the fact they FORCE you to eat!!! Germans are TOTALLY that way, and apparently so are Russians! Today is free day, so its all good!

OK, thats my update. :)

Updating

Updating before Casey calls me out again. LOL Computer has been getting fixed. I got it back last night, plugged it all in and nodda happened. It didn't even boot up. WTF?!?! So, gotta figure that out!

Workouts have been good, running has really picked up again. I did 2 miles yesterday in 19 minutes, so still on the same speed. It's really great to be able to run again. I told Greg that I have to stick to my diet and so we agreed to slow down on the eating part. It's not that we were eating THAT unhealthy but more than what I would normally eat and not the foods I'd normally eat. I'm still holding steady at 143 lbs so I guess all is good. I still have about 20 days left of this challenge so we'll see where it will take me. Everything else is great between us.

Jen, when I get a pic I can post of us, I'll do it. :)

Day 58

OK here I am again. Things continue to go well with workouts. I ran Saturday after work 2 miles in 18:55. Very minimal amount of hamstring pulling. YAY! Other workouts have been going well also, but eating has suffered a great blow. I told Greg today that I have GOT to go back to eating clean because I really just can't afford to backtrack and gain weight. So, we agreed to eat cleaner at night. We'll see how that goes. It's a bit harder when he's feeding an 11 y/o son, but I just have to do what I have to do!!

So you guys want the scoop on him, huh? Well, just know that he's a super nice guy, good looking, good body and is really REALLY into me and treats me like a Queen!! :) What more could I ask for! :D

OK< back to the grindstone!!

Day 50 something....

OK, I don't remember what day it is, but things are going well. Workouts have been goodand I actually got a good run in yesterday! I did 15 minutes (1.5 miles) without hardly any hamstring pain. I'm going to go today after I get off work and see about maybe running 1/2 hour, if possible. I so seriously miss getting a good run in!!!

OK, so meals haven't been 100% clean. I mean it hasn't been HORRIBLE, but nothing like how I normally eat. Dating kinda throws a wrench into super clean eating, but I'm holding steady with my weight and my top 4 abs are starting to come in, so changing up must be doing something. I know I can't continue to keep eating this way, but I am keeping a close watch on it.

Just finished talking with Jonnae. She is doing so well!! What a wonderful young lady to chat with. She certainly lifts my spirit and heart. She has the sweetest voice and the cutest laugh. You can't help but smile when talking to her. She's on day 64, so 36 days left in Cincinnati! Keep her in your thoughts and prayers still!

Day 52

Things are going well. I'm down to 143 at the moment. I really dont want to lose any more weight but need to tone up a bit more. That means encorporating in more cardio to get rid of the fat on my tummy, but increasing my weights and even calories to add some more muscle mass.

Yesterday, I did cardio after I got home. I did 20 minute HIIT and got 2 miles in 22minutes (slow, I know, compared to my usual but at least I'm getting it done.) Hamstring still bothered me but not as bad. Afterwards, I just kept walking until I ended up walking an hour/4.7miles.

Meals were good until a piece of cake jumped into my mouth yesterday. But, I'm actually feeling a bit more toned lately, so while I know this is my "no excuses" challenge, I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I did it, I'm over it, I'm moving on....

On the relationship front, just know that I found a wonderful guy who treats me like a woman should be treated...like a Queen! I swear, in all of my relationships (not that there have been tons) no one has ever treated me with such great respect and adoration. I almost feel like I don't deserve it. But, you know what, I DO!!! OK, so thats all you get from that area of my life.....for now. :)

Continuation of Day 50--the updates

OK, so today has been a good day. I went to the gym this morning and did LBWO. Meals have been good today although a little lacking in substance. Water is good. On my 3rd liter, so will have no problemo getting another liter in after that.

So, ya'll want details. Without invading too much privacy, yes there is a man involved in the details of my absence, yes it has to do with that beautiful car, and yes I'm having a great time and am really happy right now.

So, that's the scoop you get. If you want more details, you'll have to contact me somehow. :) Now, off to pretty myself up a bit for said hunk!

Day 50

OK OK...I'm here, I'm here. Sorry for the absence but I've been living my life a little bit and its been GREAT! Now, meals haven't been exactly great, but still getting my workouts in. Need to still increase the cardio portion. I'll report back more later. I have to get ready for work....

Day 44

OK OK, geez Casey gets so excited if I dont update every day!! Nothing new really to report. Things are going well, workouts good, eating good. Water could be better, but not horrible. I've had 3.5L today, so not too bad. Otherwise, I'm off to bed so I can get some cardio done tomorrow!

Day 41

Nearly half way there, but no where near where I should be at the half way point. I was sick the last few days and almost went to the ER, but am better. I worked out today and made up chest and tris, and did 20 minutes on the elliptical. I think the elliptical has stopped hurting my hamstring so wil have to push harder on it now that it seems I can do it. I definately need to hit things harder in order for these last 6 weeks to do well.

Here are some pictures of the Team Asylum Leg Challenge. I think is goes beginning, week 2, week 3, and today week 6. No substantial changes over the past 3 weeks but at least I think theres no back tracking either.

More later...

Snow Day and the big 4-OH

Well, today turned into a snow day. We got quite a bit of snow and this morning the weather wasn't the greatest. Since most of our patients are geriatric patients, we called them and didn't open today. Just about all of them said they were going to call and cancel anyway.

Then, today is the big 4-OH! Yup, my 40th birthday has arrived. Man, I bet my mom is feeling old about right now. Her baby is 40!! Well, I don't know what 40 is supposed to feel like, but I don't think I feel 40. I don't look 40, and I sure the hell don't ACT 40! LOL So, its all good!

Today I ate some birthday cake. HAH!! Other than that, I've not had anything. So, I need to get some food in (real food and NOT cake lol). Today is a no workout day! YEAH! Just being bad all the way around!

Heres a picture from the party last night. It turned out really nice and I had a good time. Too bad the snow kept half the people away. Oh well. :)

The cake said: 40 never looked so good! Ya' got that right!!! Heres to 40 more HEALTHY years!!!!

Day 33 and 34

OK so yesterday went well. Food, water, workouts all good! I've been trying to post since yesterday but things keep freezing!

Today has gone okay. I'm way behind on food, but water is good. No workout today, yet, but I think I'll get on the treadmill for a bit. I may try to run and see how my hamstring feels. If it starts pulling then, maybe I'll do the elliptical. We'll see.

I also bought the car last night. Everytime I try to post pictures, blogger crashes. I'll post this then try again!!!

Day 31 and 32

OK, so I didn't go get the car. I *want* to, but I had such a massive headache yesterday at work and I'm stressing about insurance, etc. I found a better place than Allstate (man, they stick it to ya). I've had Allstate my entire life. I just carried it over from my parents. I checked into somewhere else, from a patient, and they were amazed at the coverage I had through Allstate, saying if I had an accident, I really wouldn't be covered that great. So, with increasing everything to help cover "just in case" things, their quote was over $100 cheaper than Allstate. Plus, I sent them my homeowners insurance (which apparently DOES NOT have flooding in it..wtf??) and their price was $100 cheaper than what I'm paying now.

Anyway, so back to the car. Kate is tired of hearing me talk about it. I don't know why I'm stressing about it so much. I *REALLY* like it. I can not tell you the difference between driving it and then getting in my car and driving home! When I drove it back to the dealership on Tuesday, the winds were gusting around 30mph and I was on the interstate doing about 70. I didn't notice a thing. When I drove back home in my Saturn, it was getting pushed around like crazy. Its amazing really. And just so people dont think I just *WANT* a new car, my poor Saturn has been having issues and I've been having to put money into it. It's only worth about $4000 and the last repair was $1800.

OK, about why I'm here! Workouts have been GREAT! Cardio, not so great, but today I did walk on the tready for 15 minutes. Hamstring didn't hurt but felt a bit tight. I think I'll do some elliptical work later. Diet has been a bit off. The last 2 weeks have been off, either not enough food or ate stuff I shouldn't have (mostly not enough). I will correct that today. Because food hasn't been ON, and water has been OFF, and cardio hasn't been there, I've had no changes the last 2 weeks. Time to kick it back up. No more excuses......

Off to work.

PS: (for Casey) I tried to post the last day or two, but blogger wouldn't let me...ask Cake!!!

0 to 80 in about 7 seconds...

I'm looking for a new car. Test drove and actually was allowed to bring home this little baby to see if I like it. I LOVE the way this car handles. The Passat Komfort. Gotta LOVE the way this German car rides. OMG, I got on the interstate and stepped on it and was FLYING in no time at all. Such a smooth smooth ride!! The pictures are from my camera phone so quality is not the best. I really LOVE the red color but am just not sure about the tan interior. I think it could grow on me! We'll see how much the payments AND insurance will be!!! In the meantime, tell me whatchu think??

Day 28

Today is the end of week 4. I put on my kini to take some pics and well, I just wasnt feeling it, so I skipped it.

Today was supposed to be free day but I'm going to forego free day until my *surprise* birthday party. LOL My friend came to the clinic and said, I'm throwing you a birthday party. SURPRISE!! Now give me a list of people to invite. HAH So, no free foods until then.

I just woke up. Its after 11. This is the first time in a LONG time that I actually slept in. Usually Sammikins, just like any other little kid, will NOT let me sleep in. He usually wakes me 3 minutes BEFORE the alarm goes off. But, today, he just slept with me until just now. The only problem about sleeping in is, when you finally DO get up, you feel like someone beat the crap outta you ! LOL

I think I'll walk on the treadmill today and see how hamstring feels. Have been skipping cardio this week really because it has been bothering me. I'll test it out.

Oh, the house IS clean (woohoo)!!

I'm off....

Days 23-25

I missed a few days! Nothing really exciting happened anyway so no big deal. I did shoulders and abs downstairs yesterday. I lifted light because shoulder still doesn't feel "right." I dont want to mess it up further, so I only used some 15 lb dbs for some overhead presses, then used 8 lb dbs for front and lateral raises and bent over post delts. Between each set, I did 20 rep ab moves-either crunches, leg raises, obliques, etc. I thought I'd be sore today but I'm not. Today will be chest and tris and then later some cardio.

Meals have been off this week. I've either missed meals because of work, or I have nibbled on a few things I shouldnt have (no doubt due to the missed meals.) Funny how that works, eh? Today will be concentrated on 100% clean eating. No reason to mess up. Meals are packed and ready to go.

Today is Friday so YAY! Its no longer my half day off (awwww) but it IS payday! YAY! Its the first weekend in a bit that I'm NOT on call and I don't have to work at the Quick Care tomorrow! YAY! I will concentrate tonight, tomorrow and Sunday on cleaning this place. I finally got ALL my laundry washed, dried AND folded (that took some time) and now I just need to pick up the counter downstairs and vacuum! It will feel sooo good to get it done!

OK, off to do some weights so hope everyone has a great day! I'll post more later.

Day 22

While I was doing my LBWO downstairs, my phone went off. It was a text. The name that displayed brought a smile to my face: Jonnae Taylor
She's so darned cute, asking me how *I* was doing and how my BFL Challenge was going. Always thinking about other people! What a true angel this young woman is!!! So, we exchanged a few txts, then I asked if I could finish my workout and then call her. She said yes.

I've been wanting to call her for some time, but she's been so tired and not really wanting to talk to anyone, so I was really excited to give her a ring. She sounded great on the phone. A bit tired, but overall okay. She ate a bit today and she's been trying to get up and walk around in her room 2 to 3 times daily, to keep her muscles working. She said her stomach was still bloated, but it was feeling better and not hurting as much as previously. Her kidney function (lab work) was still a little high but much better than it was! She is bound and determined to get the heck out of the hospital. Denise mentioned something to her about Valentine's Day and she said to me, "but I won't be in the hospital anymore." Shes so ready to get the heck outta there!!

She thanked me for dedicating my Challenge to her and that made me feel so good. It makes me want to hit things even HARDER now for her. I mean I *know* I'm doing it FOR ME, but..well, you know what I mean.

Anyway, keep this wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers. She's not out of the woods, by any means, but it seems our prayers are being answered to help heal her.

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So, I was doing my LBWO and I have 2 words for you: FROG JUMPS!! I was talking to Tracy J yesterday and she mentioned them to me. So, I tried them. OMG! I could barely walk up and down the stairs after doing them! I will be encorporating them in my LBWO from now on!!

Meals were good yesterday. Water still lacking, by about 1 L. 3L is not enough for me, so I need to push that more.

Day 21 --End of week 3

OK, so its the end of week 3, so I took pictures. Things have changed, but still not as great as I want. I will have to work harder. The problem is my hamstring has been bothering me A LOT!! Everything I do cardio-wise causes it to hurt, even fast paced walking. I need to do something to burn the fat that will NOT make it hurt!! I will keep plugging along!

Today was free day but I still ate healthy and stayed in my calorie range. I might get on the treadmill and walk just a bit.

I really need to clean up my house. It looks like a bomb blew up in here! Thing is, everytime I go to start cleaning up, I look at what I have to do and get overwhelmed and go sit down. It's NEVER looked this bad in here. I told someone today that if for some reason I died right now and my mom would have to come and do stuff with my property, etc she would absolutely be embarrassed by how bad it is!! I just keep looking at that big ass basket of clothes to fold. I will get it done. Tomorrow I should come home on time, so I can do it then.

My workout partner is on vacation for a week. Tomorrow is LBWO, one of my favorite workouts.

Things to work on this week:

Getting my water in!!!
Cleaning up the house.
Hitting it hard in the gym even without a workout partner.

PS: GO KATE!

Day 20

Well, today started out with me getting up at 630 and eating my breakfast. I am working at the Quick Care Clinic at the moment. I have 4 minutes to go! YAY!! I have to go to the inpatient psych unit to see 1 patient, then I'll come back out this way (it's fairly close) and hit the gym.

Today's workout will be dedicated with Jonnae in mind. If you are reading this and you are working out today, push it EXTRA HARD for this MIGHTY young lady. I just can't wait to meet her. Once she's well enough for visitors, I will be right there!!!

Meals so far:

M1: 6 eggwhites, 1 serving cream of wheat, 1 tbs flax
M2: myoplex lite RTD, 2 tbs peanut butter
M3: will grab a protein shake after I do my cardio in the gym
M4: sweet n spicy tuna, veggies
M5: 6 eggwhites, 2 tbs pb2

OK, off to the hospital. HIT IT HARD PEOPLE!!

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OK, I'm back. I went to the gym and did 45 minutes of walking on the treadmill. My hamstring is still hurting really bad when I do any cardio, but at least I did something!! Day was a good day all round!

Day 19

OK, so like I mentioned yesterday, this whole week has been off. BUT, no fear, I'm back hitting it hard again. I think the whole abdominal issue (some of you know about that) just throws a wrench into things at times. I'm not dwelling on it, I'm just moving forward. HITTING IT HARD!! A few screwed up days (whether from no food, or the wrong food) doesn't ruin everything I've done!!!

Today I walked on the treadmill this morning at home (3ominutes-2miles.) The snow is blowing around like crazy outside and they predict blizzardlike conditions, so I just decided to stay home this morning. I worked ONLY a half day today, then since I'm on call this weekend, I went to the Inpatient Psych unit to see patients. There is a new Aspen just down the street from the unit, so I went there after I finished and did some chest and tris, then finished up with more cardio on the elliptical and bike.

Eating was good today. Ive gotten all my PLANNED meals in and most of my water has been consumed for the day. Yeah! Good to finish strong.

Today was MINE!! Did you make it YOURS??

Day 18

This week has been crap! I'm not sure what's going on!! But, I gotta get things turned around and QUICK! Tuesday was bad with my abdominal pain, yesterday I cheated and ate some chocolate, chips and salsa and today, well just meals are all OFF!!

I made all my meals for the week this morning, so I'm set that way. I just have to be sure I EAT them so that I dont eat other crap later!!

It's all good. I'm going to get on the treadmill now and do some walking for a bit. Im sure I'll feel better about things after I'm done! Thanks for checking in with me!

Day 16: Back and Bis

This AM's workout:

Triple Supersets 3 x 12
Narrow Grip Cable (45, 55, 60)
Wide Grip Pulldown (45, 55, 65)
Hammer Curls 15lb

Triple Superset 3 x 12
Bentover BB Row (40, 45, 50)
Straight Arm Cable Pushdown (20)
Bicep 21s (30)

Cable Bicep Curls
3 x 12 x 35, 40, 45
Decline Ab Med Ball Crunch and Twist
3 x 12 x #10 ball

Elliptical 15 minutes

Diet has not been 100% but not from cheating but lack of food. Missed M2, 4, 5 and now 6. I've been hurting really bad in my left lower abdomen so am not hungry. We'll see what happens.....

Day 15

OK, back from visiting Kate in MN. We had a great time. It's nice to be around friends!! She's going to come down in a few weeks to hang out with me after my birthday. We also met up with Bonnie Siegel. We went to the movies and saw "The Bucket List." Good movie!!!

OK, until then, I need to be hitting things extra hard. We ate BFL friendly over the weekend, and had our free day on Saturday. I did really well throughout the day, and then that night I had an entire bag of Lite Tortillas. The bag had about 7g of fat in it but about 650 calories!!! UGH!

Today has gone well. Workout this morning was legs:

Supersets 3 x 12
BB Squats (65, 85, 100)
Bulgarian Split Squats (10lb each hand)
Standing calf raises (120)

Walking DB Lunges
2 x 12 x 10

Supersets 3 x 12
Seated Leg Curl (75, 90, 95)
Abductor Machine (Pin #5, 5.5, 6)
Adductor Machine (Pin # 7, 8, 9)

Abs- 3 x 12
Medicine Ball Toss Situps #10 ball

Walked on treadmill for 10 minutes post workout

Meals:
M1: eggwhites, oatmeal, flax
M2: missed
M3: chicken, veggies
M4: protein shake, 1 w/w toast
M5: chicken, veggies
M6: protein shake

OK, I think I'll walk on the treadmill some more tonight. I just want to do more cardio. Tomorrow is back and bis with 20minutes of cardio after. I guess its the elliptical for me! YUCK! Hamstring is bothering me a lot especially when I try to run! Oh well!! I will keep going!!!

Day 10: Cardio

Went to gym this am for cardio. Plan was 15 minutes treadmill, elliptical and bike. I actually only did 15 minutes treadmill then decided to do 15 minutes on the stairmill. What a mistake! Hamstring was KILLING me!!! UGH again! I'm really losing my flexibility in that left leg so it is, unfortunately, strictly elliptical time for me.

Just home from getting a much needed massage. OK so you HAVE to hear this story. I wanted to get a massage. My nurse has been going to this ritzy salon to get hers. So, I call hoping that perhaps there was a slim chance I could get one TODAY since I'm off 1/2 days on Wednesday. OK, "yes, actually Cathy has a 330pm opening." WOO HOO. I said, "now I know you'll say they are all good, but I like a good deep tissue massage, is this Cathy good with that??" "oh yeah! You'll leave feeling like you got hit by a mack truck." AWESOME, I'll take it!

So, I go to this high faluting salon. Fill out paperwork, since I'm new. Then, I see this old African American lady come out from the back. She shuffles when she walks. She walks up to the desk, talks to the receptionist and then comes over to me. "Uhhh, Cathy??" So, I go back with her and I'm thinking OMG! You have got to be kidding me. This woman looks like she's 70.

To make a long story short, this short old frail looking woman gave me a 1 1/2 hour massage (I only asked for 60 minutes)that ranks probably up around one of the best massages I've ever had!! Wait, thats not all!! When she saw that I was a Physician Assistant, she asked me if I was taking new patients and now she's transferring her records to me.

LOL BUT WAIT...haha, when she was massaging me she asked me if I was married, etc etc. When I said no, she said "you have got to be kidding me?!?! I know the perfect guy for you!!!" Little matchmaker too.

Ahh, I feel better. Need to drink lots of water. Meals were ON today!! Kicking some bootay!! Yeah!!!

OK, off to relax a bit then eat some dinner.

Meals:
M1: eggwhites, oatmeal, flax, 1 tbs pb2
M2: turkey, asparagus
M3: chicken, mixed veggies
M4: protein shake-chocolate truffle
M5: chicken, mixed veggies
M6: protein shake- cappuccino

Day 9: Back and Bis

OK home from work and hey, its before 6!! Took my car to the shop this morning and got it back this afternoon. It was a happy reunion. Cost me $48!! YAY! Something fell off and they replaced it! Now, no more rattle! I'll be able to drive to Minnesota this weekend and hang out with my Challenge partner, Kate!

OK, I feel the need to give Kate a hefty pat on the back! She's really been hitting her workouts HARD and diet has been good. She's lost 8 lbs in 1 week!! Yeah Kate! :)

Diet was right on again today. Workout was good, but still doing lighter weights because of shoulder. Here's my w/o:

Walked on treadmill for 15 minutes

Triple Supersets 3 x 12
Narrow Cable Row 45, 55, 65
Wide Grip Pulldowns 45, 55, 60
Bicep Hammer Curls 15

Triple Supersets 3 x 12
Standing Straight Arm Cable Pressdown 20lbs (not sure what these are really called)
Bent Over Reverse Grip BB Row 30lbs
Bicep 21s 30 lbs

Bicep Cable Curls 3 x 12 x 40

Its not like woohoo, look at that but at least I'm in there doing it. I was gonna run on the treadmill, but hammie is really tight. Tomorrow will be cardio only so I'll do 15min on treadmill (maybe stairmill), elliptical and then bike.

Meals:
M1: eggwhites, oatmeal, flax
M2: turkey, asparagus
M3: chicken, green beans
M4: missed
M5: chicken, mixed veggies
M6: protein shake

Water so far: 4L

On to tomorrow!

Day 8

So, meals have been dead on. I've already gotten my 4 L down. Workout this morning was LEGS! Did the following:

Triple Supersets 3 x 12
BB Squats 65, 85, 105
BB Deadlifts 65, 85, 105
Standing Calf Raises 120

Walking DB Lunges
4 x 24 total steps with 10 lb DBs
Decline Ab Medicine Ball Toss Situps 3 x 10 k

Triple Supersets 3 x 12
Seated Leg Extension 75, 82.5, 90
Abductor Machine pin # 5, 5.5, 6
Adductor Machine pin # 7, 8, 9 (each pin 12.5 lbs)

Seated Leg Curls 3 x 12 (65, 70, 75)

Walked on Treadmill for 15 minutes. I didn't get my 1 mile run in before the w/o partner got there. Some issues came up and I left the house a bit late. Oh well.

Meals today:

M1: eggwhites, oatmeal, flax
M2: turkey, asparagus
M3: chicken, mixed veggies
M4: protein shake, 1/2 apple
M5: chicken, artichoke hearts and mixed veggies
M6: protein shake (pending)

Tomorrow is back and bis! :)

Day 7

OK, so yesterday went well. I stepped on the scales today and they actually went down between yesterday and today.

Start weight: 153
Today's weight: 147

So, a good week. I took pictures and I can see some difference in my belly and thighs, so thats all good. I'll spare you with those images at this point. Like I said, I did 1 hour of cardio yesterday. Meals have been good and water is starting to get back up to where it needs to be. I'm looking forward to another good week.

Driving up to see Kate, my challenge partner, next weekend so that should be fun! Can't wait.

Day 6

Yesterday went well. Today I worked from 9-1 then went to the new Aspen and did 1 hour of cardio (15 min treadmill, 15 min elliptical, 15 min bike, and 15 min recumbant bike.) Meals have been good, but fat grams slightly higher today than I planned. But, overall, not too bad. I weighed this morning and I have lost ZERO lbs this week....wtf??? Oh well, I keep plugging along!!

OK, tomorrow I plan on getting up and doing some walking on the treadmill. Hamstring still tight and bothersome. Getting old sucks!

Day 4: HIIT

Did my workout this morning. 20 min HIIT on the tready with my high point being 9.0mph. Then I walked for 10 minutes, increasing the incline each minute until the last minute was at 10° and 4.5mph. My left hamstring is starting to bother me just like the right one did. I might have to change to the elliptical for awhile (which I HATE) but I dont want to tear the left one like I did on the right a few years ago!

Meals will be same ole, same ole:

M1: eggwhites, oatmeal, flax done
M2: turkey, veggies
M3: turkey, veggies
M4: protein shake
M5: salmon, veggies
M6: protein shake

I should be getting my Syntrax Nectar protein powder today. YAY! I cant wait. I love their Cappuccino flavor!! I also got Vanilla Bean Torte and then something Mocha, I think. YUMMY. The cappuccino one is good if you mix a scoop in a small amount of water, then add it to your coffee.....oooooh!!!! Its delish!

OK, off to the showers...

Day 3

Just home from work and just ate dinner. This mornings workout was as follows:

Triple Supersets: 3 x 12
Narrow Cable row 45, 55, 65lbs
Wide Grip Pulldowns 45, 55, 65lbs
Bicep Hammer Curls 15lbs

Triple supersets: 3 x 12
Standing Straight Arm Pulldowns 20 lbs
Bent Over BB Row 30 lbs
Incline DB Bicep Curls 12.5lbs

Bicep 21s
3 x 24 lbs

I ran 1 mile prior to the workout.

Saw my workout partner in the office this afternoon as a patient. After examining her, I told her she should probably not be doing any overhead exercises for a bit and I'm sending her to PT. We are going to meet tomorrow just for cardio.

My shoulder is about the same. It still hurts, but I just do lower weights right now.

I did not have a glass of champagne or any alcoholic beverage on New Years Eve or Day.

Work was okay. We made it through, but I got home late. I hope this isn't how its going to be long term. Eats were good today, but water not as good. However, I still have 2.5 more hours to get down 2 L. I can do it!!

Go Bubs! :)