Today is the last day of the month. Summarize what you have accomplished since the start of the challenge. Whether you simply state the number of days you got in a workout, or if you get very specific- give me your take on a progress report that you would issue to yourself.

--PROGRESS REPORT - Feb 28, 2011--

In fact, today also marks exactly 9 months of being active on Sparkpeople for me! I weighed myself today, just to have a benchmark, but I probably should have waited until my official WI on Wednesday. Having been half a pound away from that 50 pounds lost trophy, I was NOT happy to see those 2 extra pounds back. I have spent the last month bouncing around the same 5 pound range, and it's been really frustrating. I KNOW this new challenge is ramping things up for me as far as exercise and fitness goals, and I love that feeling. I'm annoyed at the yo yo. However, I've got a good feeling I know where those 2 extra pounds I saw on the scale came from (still exhausted after 8 hours of sleep - just can't catch up from being up 26+ hours with anything less than 12, AND yesterday we ordered from LaRosa's after all my running around, and I didn't go with my usual choice, not realizing just how far over my calorie ranges that would put me until after I tracked it - doh!). I'm pretty confident that if I knuckle down and pay closer attention the next 24-48 hours I can shake that - I've bounced higher during the week and still managed to have a decent weigh in by the time all was said and done before. But that's a symptom of the problem I've been battling - consistency. Consistent weight loss. I'll get there, I just need to keep fighting and give this new lease on exercise a chance to do it's work. And it really does feel like a "new lease on life" in a lot of ways - I'm EXCITED about getting to the gym and pushing myself to finish these missions. I'm excited about having signed up for a half marathon. I'm excited that we're coming up on spring, summer, and amusement park season - and for the first time in decades I'm looking at being able to ride the rides at Kings Island without any worries about being able to fit. And am looking forward to horseback riding with my niece (typical 10 year old girl interest in horses going on) without worrying about whether I'll be within their weight recommendations. AND told 'Yote yesterday that when we get to camp this year, I'm gonna be HAWT! *grins* (He let me know in no uncertain terms I'll just be *hawter* - I'm already plenty hawt in his world...gotta love that man) On Sunday my sister totally raved about my progress (we're within about 5 or so pounds of each other now), telling me she can SEE how much better I'm doing this time (as opposed to when I lost all that weight out of anger just before the Disney Half we did together) just by looking at my face - my skin has cleared up, I look younger, and I'm so obviously happy. :) And you know what? I am.

ADVICE TO SELF: Pay Attention - as much attention to what you're putting in your mouth as the attention you're paying to paying it off in sweat!

B2W MISSION 4


FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 3

MAKE ME _CONSISTENT_

Continue working on the part of your body that you started with this weekend!
(to recap, my general focus is "total body" but this weekend I chose to focus on core - I'm going to do BOTH challenges over the next 4 days)

For those of you who chose CORE/ABDOMINALS to work on this week... look up a new workout to try on 2-3 of the next 4 days. That would add up to about 45-75 minutes in 4 days. On Friday, I will ask you to report in on how many minutes you spent working on your CORE.
BONUS: To mix it up- try adding different kinds of core strengthening moves- such as twists- or attempt a Pilates DVD that focuses on your core muscles.

For those who choose to jump back into working on their TOTAL BODY this week... use the next four days to test just how consistent you can be with your workouts during the week. On Friday, I will ask you to report in on how consistent you were with your TOTAL BODY workouts.
BONUS: To mix it up- trying working on everything in a circuit- so it will get your heart beating cardio-style as well!

CHALLENGE BONUS: Try a new fun healthy recipe this week on a day that you had a killer workout. Post a pic (if you can- totally optional) of both proof of your workout AND the delicious healthy meal you made yourself for a full circle of sexiness.

GOOD LUCK CHAMPS!