Last week of Summer 5% challenge

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Well one more week completes the Summer 5% Challenge. If I lose 3 lbs this week I will hit my goal of losing 5% in 8 weeks!! Here's the thing though...Even if I fall a pound or two short of reaching my goal, I've still worked hard, didn't give up, and virtually met some awesome people!! So in reality- I've already met goal!!

Things I've taken from this challenge include:
I am worth the effort!

My friends on here are worth the effort!

Tracking, drinking water, blogging, goodies, exercise-all contribute to making healthy decisions and help maintain consistency!

Even if I mess a day or even a partial of a day-I can get right back up and steer myself in the right direction.

And if I can't seem to steer myself in the right direction, there are great people on here that helps!!

I've already signed up for the Fall 5% Challenge! You can too!! I'm hoping to be on the Shooting Stars team again:):) I forgot to grab the link for the team, but it's on my profile page...

Hope you are having a great weekend and enjoying free time, family time, whatever your heart desires-but also realize it's not the junk food that we truly enjoy.. I am catching up on housework, playing with my son, and nursing a cold. I have tons of homework and studying to do and maybe even a day at the beach? We'll see...But especially being so close to my next goal-I'm ready to stay focused and keep my eye on the prize:)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANATASHIKI 9/4/2011 4:12PM

you did great! and you'll do even better next time! Report Inappropriate Comment

VYVIENN 9/4/2011 4:04AM

Those are some inspiring lessons learned! Personally, I think you did quite well. I'm really looking forward to the Fall 5% Challenge and hope we can be on the same team again. If we're not, I'm glad that we WERE both Shooting Stars this time around, because that's how I got to meet you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRYPHON55 9/4/2011 12:36AM

It's been a fascinating journey to be on the Shooting Stars team. I didn't do very well in the whole thing, so I'm going for a do-over in the Fall! You've done awesome, and you're inspiring me to try again and make it really count! Report Inappropriate Comment

MFLYNN8 9/3/2011 5:52PM

Great attitude!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZEESPARROW 9/3/2011 5:24PM

I haven't heard of this 5% challenge but it sounds interesting. Going to see if I can find it now. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

GETSTRONGRRR 9/3/2011 4:36PM

Thanks! I see a lot of people writing great things about it.....I jumped in and joined the Fall challenge as a result! Report Inappropriate Comment

Can I have a do-over? No, I'm OK:) and Thanks!!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I'm having a rough week, more like having a rough time transitioning back to school. Last week really wore me out, but I got some rest over the weekend-had a really nice bday camping trip and caught up on my tan at the beach. Then Monday hits and here we go! I get to Math and realize I forgot a whole section of our homework, ugh. That's not like me, but it's still early so I can make up for it. THEN instructor starts lecturing on the next chapter and you've got to be kidding me...graphing with intercepts, etc. I HATE graphing with intercepts and last semester barely flew by on that particular area. Please can we just get to the linear equations???!! I had to work last night so I had no time to make sense of it all so I'll be using a homework coupon on that assignment and doing 2 assignments tonight. Oh well, I'm lucky the guy gives us a few coupons to begin with!!

I'm still in the beginning stages of pre-req's and I have no choice but to get a 4.0 to get accepted into the nursing program. I'm having a hard time keeping up in Med Term(4 chapters in one week!!) so I talked to hubby and we agreed that I'm quitting my job so I can ace my classes. I'll take a bit extra out in loans to help make up for it and we'll just squeak by for a bit. The next month will be rough because I'm already scheduled and I'm not the type to leave someone hanging, but we did already eliminate a few days so I'll manage.

We also agreed that my health is still a priority and the pride and happiness I get out of my running program isn't worth saying forget it. I will have to calm down a bit on some areas, but I'm not giving up running and I'll just minimize my ST program for awhile until I feel like I can breathe again. I'm not sure what that will do for my weight loss, but I promise this stress isn't helping either.

So yep, I started Week 3 Day 1 of my rookie run training yesterday and it felt great. It seems to be the best time for me to clear my mind and just focus on feeling good. I actually ran outside, down and back my country road and WOW hills make a difference! But I timed it decent so I was walking the hills and running inbetween and it all worked out. Apparently I even ran farther than I have been at the gym in the same time frame:) So even though it's gradual and I still walk more than I run, I am continually improving my time and length and that's such an AWESOME feeling!!

Last but not least- Just wanted to thank everyone for your continous support. Whether I'm having a good week or a rough week you are here to keep my spirits up and help me stay motivated. I don't always get around to personally leaving comments, but I really appreciate you and all that you do!! Thank you:)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARTHASPARKS 8/30/2011 11:53AM

Take really good care of yourself during this stressful transition: eat nutritiously and if you have to cut back a little on the new running program, do it. A flare will be a big setback and recognizing and respecting our limits is the smart thing to do. but be smart! Report Inappropriate Comment

VYVIENN 8/30/2011 10:58AM

I remember my time at school very well. DH worked two jobs while we were in MD, and that's on top of my student loans! Kind of sucks, but as everything, this too shall pass. Hang in there. You have a good plan to go by and the support of your family, which is important. I'm very happy to hear you're getting so much satisfaction out of your running!! To minimize ST without entirely putting it on the backburner (because we runners need strong legs, a strong core and even strong arms to maximize our running potential), I can suggest either the QuickFire Team (do one/two exercises every day throughout the day, totally doable) or BodyRock.tv (and looking intimidated doesn't count. I'm a superklutz but I have managed to not only not get hurt, but improve!), two options with short but possibly intense ST. The hardest thing with all-day school is always diet, I think, so be sure you think of some go-to snacks and light lunches you can make ahead and take with you. Yeah, ok, I'm done preaching. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANATASHIKI 8/30/2011 10:22AM

you're welcome sweetie! hang in there ! do what's the best for you. what's got maths got to do with nursing? just be careful at what you're eating. 4 months ago I was studying for a very hard exam and I was very afraid I'll gain 20-30 pounds like I usually do , that's how I landed in the 5% challenge , I knew I needed not to be alone. I was very careful with the eating and actually I did more cardio than when I was going to work , cause running was the only thing that made me feel better and not so tired . it worked , I lost a lot of weight , everybody was wonderful and very supportive( I was hysterical). so I'd say you can do it too Report Inappropriate Comment

Birthday, W2D3 Complete

Friday, August 26, 2011

I'm exhausted! What a week! I survived my first week of back to classes, but I'm feeling it. I was so tired I skipped my workout Thurs, but got right back into it today and successfully completed another week of my running training! Woohoo!!
Tomorrow is my bday..not a big deal-just another year, but I thought it would be fun to go to this park in a nearby town for the day. They have a beach, hiking, and camping-although I'm not sure we are going to camp. I think they have other ammenities as well, but I'm looking forward to swimming and hiking. I must be out of my mind LOL...You would think after the week I've had and as tired as I am that I would just choose to stay low and chill out for a day, but I think we will have a lot of fun!!:)
Then I have homework and studying to do and another week to prepare for. After next week my work schedule lightens up quite a lot and it won't come too soon. Med Term is intimidating right now and I could really use the extra time to stay on top of it!
Anyway, not a lot going on, although tons at the same time LOL...Have a great weekend!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VYVIENN 8/27/2011 4:21AM

Yay, two weeks done with!! Great job!!! In Germany, it's considered bad luck to congratulate someone before their birthday, so I'll just say for now, have a lovely day tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOTRODSANDY 8/27/2011 1:54AM

Happy Birthday. The park and being active sounds like fun! You know for the first time in a very long time I'm finally understand how hiking or swimming can actually be a stress reliever instead of a chore. Hope you have a good day at the park. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANATASHIKI 8/27/2011 1:06AM

happy birthday! have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

Maybe water weight?

Thursday, August 25, 2011

It's not official until tomorrow but it looks like I'm up 3 lbs!! My eating hasn't been perfect, but not less than usual. My workouts have gone up quite a lot. For a few weeks I was doing minimal or pilates and last week I kicked it up a notch. This week I've gone every day- running 2 days, elliptical 1 day and scheduled for elliptical today and running on Fri. I've strengh trained daily, but different areas. I've been alternating upper body and lower body and fitting in core when I feel like it's ready to be worked on. AKA-I did some new excercises this week to battle love handles and am still sore in that area so I'm taking a break from core at the moment. I plan on skipping lower body ST today because my legs are still sore from adding weight to the machines on Tue.

So, is this gain water weight due to changing my routine significantly, or possibly due to stress from back to school mode? I'm a bit lacking on sleep-between helping son transition back into school, helping myself transition back into classes, work, extra time at the gym, and homework/studying--I'm tired. But I want to push myself during the week because I know over the weekend I will get the rest my body and mind needs.

So am I freaking out? A little yes! But at the same time I just listed good possibilities that this is a temporary issue. I can't help be frustrated because I was right on track for losing my 5% in 8 weeks and now I'm scared I'll miss my mark...Nooooooo please tell me all of my hard work will catch up with me!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TLOVESB 9/5/2011 11:21AM

I'm going through the same thing right now - my weight is up around three pounds and I'm trying not to freak. Like you, I know what could possible be the reason - TOM, plus I finally started exercising (cardio and ST) last week. I keep trying to remind myself that I'm in this journey for my health and for the long term and not to let a temporary setback get me completely off track. Good luck and hope you're feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHARLIESGIRL69 8/25/2011 2:35PM

I wouldn't worry about it. Weight often fluctuates from week to week. Just keep up your hard work and it will pay off in the end. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANATASHIKI 8/25/2011 11:34AM

I'm up or whatever too this week , but I don't care , I just focus on the present day. it's so hot here that even my nails and hair are swollen . I'm also up since I run more lol , it will go away eventually Report Inappropriate Comment

JSPIN74 8/25/2011 11:14AM

i want to echo VYVIENN's sentiments exactly... don't worry...your body WILL respond...you will reach your goals... as far as the 5% challenge...i don't think i'm going to meet it this time (in time! BUT i will get there)...it's not because i'm not working towards it & doing all the right things. be happy for all the changes your making & confident that your body will respond...helps you walk taller & happier :) Report Inappropriate Comment

VYVIENN 8/25/2011 10:34AM

Don't get too upset about it, even if it looks bad - that's perfectly normal. Water weight can fluctuate as much as 5 lbs from day to day. Also, from everything I've read, oddly enough your body may react this way at first when starting a more intense exercise regimen. It's as if it's trying to hold on to the weight. Don't let that discourage you, you'll be fine. Just make sure you don't sneak in too many "bad" calories (for example, that extra cup of coffee with sugar because you're tired, or those Hershey bars because you're stressed), drink plenty of water and rest assured that your hard work WILL indeed catch up with you. Report Inappropriate Comment

Bad day elsewhere, but W2D1 Complete!

Monday, August 22, 2011

I am so glad I scheduled gym time before my day got too far or I would have never made it! My first day back at classes was overwhelming. Both instructors took half the time chatting about personal life and the syllabus and then talked for about 5-10 mins over actual material we need to learn. It would be ok for a first day, but we are still expected to turn in homework tomorrow! Oh well, I got it done and even some chapter reading...

Then my son comes home from school and apparently had a bad day. I knew he was a little off this morning, but I didn't expect...He hit his aide in the face, threw a fit because he didn't get any mail(things to bring home to show parents), and spit at someone. WOW! Yes, I know with Autism may bring behavior problems but we've never experienced this, especially so much in one day! We delt with hitting last year, but very minimal and nobody was hurt. It was more him not knowing how to handle anger and he would wave his fists. We taught him to hug himself and breathe real deep and that he could use his words to express that he's mad. That worked wonders, but here we go again. The spitting, I don't have a clue. I guess he was mad when he did that too, but he's never spit..Ever..for any reason at all other than if he tries a food that he really hates. So of course we lectured how important it is to control anger and use his words. I had to write 3 letters to his aide, teacher, and resource room teacher.

Then off to work for 4 hours and let's just say it was rough.

I'm spent!

The one thing that worked out today was me. I was confused on what to do about my running training since I missed over the weekend, but didn't really want to start over either. So I started week 2 and it worked perfectly. By the end I was watching my clock and convincing myself to keep going, but that's what I did...Kept going. I got just enough walking time to get me ready for the next round and completed the whole program for today:):)

Tomorrow will be a good day. I reassured my son that I loved him so much, even on his bad days and cuddled with him while he fell asleep. In the morning I am meeting a friend at the gym to get in some elliptical time and ST for legs. Then only one class tomorrow and no work! I have to pick up a few things, read more of Ch 1 for Med Term and then it's all about family! I actually missed them all today..

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VYVIENN 8/23/2011 1:18AM

Oof, what a day, for both of you! So good that you were able to fit in your workout, anyway! Let's hope that things settle into a better pace during the week. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRYPHON55 8/23/2011 12:43AM

Mondays can be so rough, and you had a bad one. But you did two great things: you ran for yourself, and you made sure your son knows you love him no matter what. Good job! And hope Tuesday goes smoother, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANATASHIKI 8/23/2011 12:21AM

hang in there , you're doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment