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Friday, October 29, 2010

Thoughts

I am averaging about 1 pound a week of weight loss.  I have built some lean mass.  I am really happy about that!  In the first challenge I lost some lean mass, my guess is it was mostly glycogen and water, but still it looks a bit scary to see that.  I am overjoyed that this time around I gained some lean.  So my overall weight loss was not as dramatic, but do I care?  No, not really.

I am hoping that by keeping the weight loss to 1-2 pounds a week I can allow my skin time to shrink down a bit.  It isn't looking so hot with the extra sagging :(

So, the biceps.  Maybe they didn't grow because of the body fat loss.  Fat puffs things up too.  They LOOK better, which is the important part I think.  I will keep working on it.  I don't need them to be huge, I just want them to get bigger than 11 inches...lol

I had a good workout today.  I messed it up since I wanted to do 2 exercises for each target area and forgot a second upper body thing.  So, maybe some dips or something tomorrow to make up for it.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

End of Challenge II

So, I didn't make a bunch of my goals.  Blogging was not up to par for sure, nor was tracking some of the stuff I wanted to track.

My successes.  I did get to bed very close to 11 most nights, some nights even before 11.  I did exercise, but not according to my plans because of my injuries :(

So, the results are in.  Are you ready?!?


September 22 stats:

 thigh fullest part: 22.5
thigh: 17.5
calf: 14.25
ankle: 7.75
wrist: 6
forearm: 10
biceps: 11
waist: 34.5 (NW), 37 (AF)- my way of measuring, not sucking in like I do for 'official' tapings 
hips: 38.5 
chest: 35
neck: 13.5


October 28, 2010
thigh fullest part: 21.75
thigh: 17.5
calf: 14.5
ankle: 7.5
wrist: 6
forearm: 10
biceps: 11
waist: 32.5 (NW), 34.5 (AF) !!!!!!!
hips: 38
chest: 34
neck: 13.25


total inches lost= 8!  holy cow!


So the BF is harder to know for sure.  The tape site I normally use doesn't take into account the waist measurement, so it doesn't show that I have lost any body fat.  I found another site that says I am 30.4% now, and I was 32.8 with my last measurements, so it gives me a loss of 2.4%, which I like.  The scale at the gym that uses impedance says I have lost 1% of my body fat since Sept 22, from 29% to 28%.  I think I will stick with that one from now on.


I am down a total of 4 pounds, but I don't know the breakdown in fat percentage.


So my next 'challenge' ends on the day before Thanksgiving.  Still have the same end goals: reduce body fat, increase biceps.  I will do it!




So, I just re-did the one body fat percentage using the website I normally use.  At work it was giving me 26%, the same as it was in September.  Now it says 24.8%.  I am guessing because of the parts of the inches i wasn't using before?


So that stats for that:
24.8% BF ( 38.6 Pounds of fat and 117.4 Pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water) - 10/29/10


September BF%- 26 (40.8 fat, 116.2 lean)


Down 2.2 pounds of fat and up 1.2% lean!  That is some good stuff!!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Running Strikes again!

So, now my knee hurts AGAIN from Squadron PT.  I can't wait until Wednesday so I can get on profile and maybe get this knee to finally feel better.

Eating was good today, I had a couple of times where I was super hungry, but was able to stay primal for 90% of the day :)  I ate one bite of the shell from a taco salad and 1/4 of a piece of Ezekiel bread, so not bad at all.

I was down another pound this morning.  I don't expect that to keep happening, but if it would like to I wouldn't mind.

We had pizza soup for dinner, yummy!  Then David brought home some Taco Bell, I ate the guts of a steak taco and some of a chicken taco salad, but not the beans or rice.

Exercise today:
walk/run for about 20-25 minutes
cool down 5 minutes (walking)
squats on TG
calf raises on TG
fitter: 1 min
elliptical: 3 minutes
rebounder: 2 mins
SLR for my knees

Tomorrow I was going to run, but with my junked up knee I may do the elliptical instead and let the knee rest a bit more.  I should do a tabata dumbbell thrusters session too.

I guess that is all for now.  Have a good night all!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Working It!

I waited until the last minute, but I finally got in some upper body stuff.  I did 2 sets of pull-ups on the Total Gym, 1 set of low rows on the TG, 3 sets of over head presses with 8# dumbbells (need more weight).  Then when I got home I did 3 sets each of diamond wall push-ups and regular close arm push-ups.  It isn't much, but it is better then what I normally do, which is nothing...lol.

Food was great today.  I was really hungry this afternoon though, I need to pack better for snacks at work.  Nah, I really just needed meat, beef today.  I was totally craving it!

I did some measurements this a.m. and it looks like i might have lost some more inches.  I am going to wait until next week, the end of the second 30 day challenge.  I was totally not as good this time around, but still not terrible.  I don't know if I will make my goals, but I might be closer than I originally thought.  After that I will do one more.  Basically 25 October until 24 November.  That way I can go 'off plan' for my birthday on the 25th.  So, next week I will re-do all the original measurements from 22 September.

I guess that is all for now.


Breakfast: almonds, coconut milk, green tea
lunch: 2 eggs, brie, sausage, carrot, coconut milk, red peppers
snack: almonds, pistachios
snack: string cheese, beef jerky, dark chocolate
snack: 1/2 banana, carrot, green tea with coconut milk
dinner: 2 slices bacon, asparagus and cheese fritatta
snack: dark chocolate

took supplements: magnesium, fish oil, Vitamin D3

Tomorrow is squadron PT, bleh...lol  Friday I will go run on the indoor track, double blah!

I posted the above blog, and then saw off to the side that I had not updated the weigh-in section in a while.  So, I added the weigh-in for today, 157.4.  And then I realized that I lost 2.7 pounds since September 29, which is only 3 weeks ago.  That averages out to .9 pound a week.  Basically I have lost a pound a week, for someone as close to goal as I am, that is excellent!  I really need to quit being so hard on myself!!!!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Great Day!

At least foodwise.  I probably had too much cheese, but how can I not eat my own yummy chile relleno casserole?  It was so good.  I also had some leftover ribeye, grassfed yummies.

The dog has learned how to open the back door!  She got out the other day and was missing for a few hours.  We thought the kids let her out, but not... she opened the door herself!

I am hoping we can find out for certain what is going on with my knee.  I have my doctor's appointment on Wednesday next week.  It has really been swollen a lot lately, and spin class on Friday made it a LOT worse, not good.

Because of the knee, and partially my still sore shoulder, I have not been doing the workouts I need to do to build more muscle.  It might take longer to get to my goals because of this.  It also means I need to be better about what I eat.  No more treats on weekends.  I need to bring primal foods with me to friend's houses.  Hopefully they don't get to offended.  I know most of them won't care.

We did circuits at Squadron PT today, and I did some leg strengthening stuff to help my knee.  Tomorrow I will do some upper body stuff at lunch time, I NEED to get that part under control.

Plan:
pull-ups on Total Gym
low rows
bent rows
over head press

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Fitness Update!

Well, today was my fitness test. I did not do as well as I would have liked, my run time was down, but I did pass. So I am good for another 6 months. I will do better next time! Considering my knee issues lately, I am not too upset with my run, I actually 'whooped' a little when I was finished...lol

Stats:
abdominal circumference (measured around the waist at the level of the right ASIS) 33.5 
sit-ups: 33 (my goal was 30+)
push-ups: exempt (bum shoulder, which surprisingly is aggravated by sit-ups  )
run 1.5 mile: 15:25 (was shooting for 15 or less, but was happy as long as it was under 15:30)


My score was 78.7 (I think)  But, it was 78-something.  We need a 75 to pass, so I did just 'okay'.  My goal is an 85 next time!


I am not sure exactly WHAT I need to get an 85, but right now I am saying these are my goals:
decrease run by 1-2 minutes
do 43 sit-ups
decrease AC by 1 inch.


If that isn't enough to get 85 I will adjust :)


I plan to use Friday afternoons to practice the running.  I am going to do 12 laps (1.5 mile) on the indoor track alternating running as fast as I can and active rest with jogging (walking if I have to) until I can run the whole thing at a faster pace.


I am also going to increase my weight lifting for legs.  I think that will help too.  I need to make sure I stretch enough.  mY inner thighs are extremely tight and I think that is adding to my knee problems.


I have been good about getting in bed by 11 :D
I have been okay with tracking my treats, I think I forgot something yesterday.
I am not sure where I am with my fitness goals for the week.
I think I need to keep track better...lol


Oh, I was 159 this morning, so back down a bit from where it got to after this past weekend.  No more adult beverages for me until this month is up.  I really want to decrease my body fat, so I have to get serious!!!!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Kicked its ASS!

I overcame this morning. The little bugger in my head was TRYING to get me to skip the elliptical this morning. I left my medication at home, so it was telling me I should go get it, that I wouldn't have time for both. I have my fitness test on Thursday, so it was telling me i should rest and not overdo it. It talked me into the locker room after our morning routine. And I kicked its ASS, told it to stuff it, grabbed my Ipod and did it anyway! I only did 18 minutes. I normally do 30, but I did need to go home and get my medication. But, some is better than none and i can get in 12 minutes at the end of the day here in the clinic. I did HIIT for the first 15 mintues. So even thought it was less time, it was still a great workout.

We did 'circuits' for squadron PT. Sprints/running, crucnhes, planks, squats, bicep curls with bands, push-ups, ball toss (partners with medicine ball), lunges and a rest. It wasn't so bad. I really prefer that workout over others we do because there is more variety. I like having more than jsut 3-4 stations. Especially because I can count it as a LHT workout 

Food so far:
b-fast: 2 eggs, sausage patty, brie, hot sauce
sanck: 10 almonds
lunch: 4 large strawberries, .5 cup Greek yogurt. (had salad with chicken and bacon planned, but I ate -b-fast late and wasn't hungry for it), 1 square dark chocolate
snack: apple
snack: 3 dates, babybel cheese, bacon (let me tell you this was AWESOME)
dinner: flank steak, coconut flakes, tea with coconut milk
snack: a few bites of apple dessert my son had (it was sweet and sticky and gross  )


More on life in general, not just diet/nutrition and the challenges.

How did it happen that we are now parent's of busy kids? We went from 1-2 activities per YEAR to more than one per season! Are we nuts?!? I really think we are trying to prepare for the winter, knowing there won't be as much outside play so they will need structured activities to keep them active.

We have swimming, basketball, acrobatics, bowling (for the three oldest), cub scouts, boy scouts and daisy scouts. And I am thinking of coaching the 7-9 y.o. basketball if they don't have a coach. The only one that doesn't have any activities is the 2 y.o. But, since my hubster is back to work in the a.m. and on Saturday's, she will be at the daycare 4 days per week. That will keep her engaged.

Now I just need an activity to keep my from going crazy this winter. I might join a bowling team. I enjoy bowling, so it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe I should try out the Zumba class at the Youth Center or something. Any suggestions?

I do plan to start swimming when I take my son to his swim team practices, the coaches said there in plenty of room in the pool. THis will be cool because I have always wanted to participate in a triathlon, this will get me in shape for the swim portion 

Now, if I just had more interesting stuff to blog about. Bleh, sometimes I feel so boring....lol I mean I don't in WHO I am IRL, but when I try to write stuff out I feel stifled or something. Anyone care to hear about my supervisor and I sining "Lily the Pink" in the clinic on Friday? Yeah, we are a bit crazy, but loving our job and working so well together.


Monday, October 4, 2010

I know, I know!

I really started the challenge on Tuesday last week, but I really, really didn't start until Wednesday, but I was 'good' on Tuesday so I went with it.  Well, I find it easier to keep track from Monday to Monday, so that is how I am doing it.  It means I couldn't reach all of my first week goals, but that is okay.

I picked up my new medication today for my thyroid.  It is a natural thyroid medication.  It should help to balance out my T4/T3.  I think it will help me feel better and help me lose weight.  I am pretty excited about it.

My fitness test is Thursday.  Nail biting!!

Food today:
breakfast- 10 almonds, tea with coconut milk
coffee with half and half
lunch: 2 eggs, 1 sausage patty, 1 serving brie, asparagus
snack: 5 almonds, 1 square dark chocolate
snack: 5 cashews
dinner: fried chicken with skin removed, 1 piece of bacon



Not the best since i usually like to have more veggies, but eh, it will do.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Bleh

Feeling a little blah today.  Not sure exactly why, but I am, so there :P

I didn't do my workout today and I don't really feel like it.  I know I need to, but the motivation is lacking.

So far my 'treats' today are: brie and dark chocolate.  We had some nitrate free hot dogs, not sure if that is a 20% or not...lol.

We are having some shrimp for dinner and I think I will cook some flank steak very rare, yummy!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Woot! Woot!

Woot, woot!!!

Doing great. I ran today, did I mention I hate running? Yeah, I do, but since it is a condition of my employment, I do it. We did about 2.2 miles today. I started walking for a bit because my knee was feeling puffy, hate that. It is better now, but I need to take my meds. After Thursday when I take my fitness test I will be able to go to the doc and get a waiver from running for a while.

I also got my strength training in  I was putting it off, but that won't help me reach my goals. I did arms and core today. Tomorrow will be legs and that will get me my two strength workouts for the week. I really can't count the stuff I do at squadron PT because it is always the same stuff and I don't feel like I am making any gains with that. Sunday I will head to the gym and run on the indoor track just to see where I am. I need to be able to run the 1.5 in under 15 minutes. I need to be able to do 32+ crunches in one minute. I think I can do it, but those stupid tests make me so nervous.

So, I was a little 'bad' with my eating. I had some fried mozzarella sticks for lunch, they were so good and worth it. They also had the first grains I have had all week. I guess it isn't horrible. I think I still ended up with under 20% of my intake being non-primal stuff. I always have trouble with deciding if I consider cheese to be a 20% or not. Eh, either way, my 'treats' today were; 1 tsp honey powder, 2 slices provolone cheese, 3.5 mozzarella sticks and 1 square of dark chocolate (serving size 6 squares), about 2 tsp mayo.

Food:
2 eggs, sausage patty
mozzarella sticks, sweet potato fries, 1/4 cheese burger (no bun), lettuce
cheese steak with provolone, beef, onions and peppers
4 tablespoons coconut milk in my tea
8 almonds

Hmmm, I really didn't eat that much today. Guess I didn't need it. 

Looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully it isn't too rainy.


P is really enjoying swim team.  They don't compete, but they are learning a lot, so it is a good no pressure environment.  I used his practice time to run to the commissary and to do my strength training.  I am hoping I can get David to use the gym while he takes P to practice on occasion :)


P has a trip with the Scouts tomorrow, and if he gets home in time we are going to go and practice swimming.  Since I want to do a triathlon it makes sense for me to start getting in the pool too.  P actually said he wants to try one too, but it will take a while to get him where he can run far enough.


M wanted to do basketball, but it looks like practice will be at the same time as Cub Scouts, so he might have to pick a different winter sport.


How did this happen?  How did we go from parents that had run of the mill kids to kids that are so involved?  Have we lost our minds?!?!?!  Or are we just worried that the winter will be so cold and long we need them to have something other than T.V. and video games?