Running Thoughts

Well, just so you know...I'm being a total sloth. I did frog jumps one day, and I might do HIITs on the stationary bike tomorrow...MIGHT. I'm eating on program, though...NOT! I'd forgotten how yummy peanut m&m's are! It's been fun, but I am anxious to get started back when I get home! Christmas was great, and our trip has been great. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday time!

...Blogger won't let me sign in on the home page, but I can sign in to comment and then come straight to my dashboard. So, here I am. I did 5 HIITs on the treadmill yesterday. Never did get to abwork, but will do it today. My shoulders and arms are still sore, so I'm planning to do abwork and pushups and let that be it for today's workout which should have been chest, shoulders, and tris. I will do 3 sets of 10 pushups (pushups are a challenge for me...how many are you doing now, Ruth?) and 50 incline twists and then 3 sets of 12 hip ups. There, now I have to do them! I am leaving on Christmas afternoon to head to west tx for the week between Christmas and New Year's. We will be back on New Year's Eve. I will take part of that totally off and will do HIITs on my mom's recumbant bike for the part where we are at my folks' house. When we get back, we will immediately have company for the first week of January. It will be very hard to stay on program during tha...

Well, today is my B-day, so I have had an eggnogg latte, some sweet things, and haven't paid attention to timing of any meals...tonight, I will go out to eat with fam and McClungs and have my favorite nachos! Did my workout today, though--I didn't take the day off from that...Here is what I did... leg presses--weights are old and worn, so I'm not sure what the weight actually was, but to fatigue frog jumps lat pull-downs roman chair bicep curls hammer curls Hubby sent flowers, lots of calls and emails from friends, haircut, new camera...nice birthday!

I kept thinking I would get to workout today, but was continually needed elsewhere. It didn't happen, and I really missed it. It was a cardio day and I wanted to make it count. Eats were good though. I hope your workout went better than mine. :( In Ruth's footsteps, Here are "then and now" pics of me... First two, are about a year and a half ago. Not bad pictures except for the FAT! Ha! This is a few weeks ago, and the most recent I have. I've lost some weight and gained some muscle since this pic.

This is what I think Santa is doing in preparation for Christmas Eve...all that climbing he will have to do. Today's workout... chest: inclined press push-ups shoulders: press upward row triceps: extensions dips I did it the Sculpting Her Body Perfect style for a change-up. Almost all my Christmas shopping is done! I still need a couple of last minute things I forgot. How goes your shopping?? Your workout??

I swear that I only made it to the gym today because of you. I knew you'd check my blog! I had planned to go at 11:00, actually went at 11:30. Did 7 HIITs on the elyptical, about 2 billion (or close) inclined twists, roman chair, and 30 straight leg lifts. Late with my next meal, but headed that way!! Just wanted to say "I DID IT!" first. I'll be checkin' your blog! something to ponder... The present is a present, the past is history, the future is mystery.

Happy Free day!!! Well, half-way free. I decided to split my free day this time. Yesterday, I was free of the workout. Today is free food. So, I will be doing yesterday's workout today. Here is the plan: legs, squats biceps, inclined curls and hammer curls back, pullovers and backward sit-ups. sweetened coffee, danishes, coke, chocolate,...... You get the picture!

And the winner is.... Ruth, for your hard work, adding "one more" to your workouts and for waiting this long for your reward! Yay for you, Hotmom! Today has been beautiful here. I did 8 HIITs at 9 and 10 mph on the elyptical machine. I haven't done abs yet. Still plan to....I think...might take a day off from abs!!!

I took our friends back to the airport this afternoon. Came home, did chest, tris, and shoulders. Ate supper. Going to bed. Nitey nite! A more interesting post tomorrow....

My Houston friends are here. Hubby is still here for a little longer. No school. Got my workout done. Yesterday was my free day, so today I'm ready to eat right again. :)

Haven't had internet service for the past few days!! I did post that I got my workout finished, but it apparently didn't go through--yet another lost post somewhere out in cyberspace! I DID IT! I finished my workout. I included in the lost post that I most likely wouldn't get my cardio done on Thursday because I had to go pick up guests from the airport and that if I got it done, I would be extra proud of myself, but if I didn't do it, I was just planning to forgive myself. Well, I forgave myself. I knew it wasn't feasible to get it done that day for many reasons that I had no control over. I've eaten a few cheats, but not too bad. I did workout yesterday and this morning too! Even with my buddies from Houston here! I don't have time to post more, but I wanted you to know that I've had withdrawals from my BFL pals these computer-less days! Thanks for checking in on me! (A, frog jumps are beginning in a frog position and jumping as high as you can ...

It is 7:22 pm, and I've done my back workout... I still have biceps and legs. I'm posting this because, as Ruth did with her eats, I think it will help me to feel accountable and go FINISH! It won't take long, after all. Especially since I won't be doing burnouts on my legs...they stay sore from HIITs. Here is the plan: Biceps: inclined curls 12x15 10x17.5 8x 20 6x 22.5 12x17.5 hammer curls 12x15 Legs: 3x12frogjumps That absolutely will not take long at all. phone rings....will I do it?????? YES!

OK, so I call it a "Bicep Bud." LOL

Well, to make a long story short, I finally made it to the treadmill sometime after 4 o'clock and ran 5 HIITs. The first one at 8mph and the others at 9mph. I think I may want to change my 40 second goal at 10mph because of all the trouble I had with my sciatic nerve and over training... I will say that as I was running, I reached down to pull up my pants and was reminded of my nerve...Last time I ran, I ran holding up my pants with my left hand, and I think that may be what hurt me. OK, so it's time for new sweat pants. I did inclined twists and leg lifts after I ran. I had two mishievous boys with me so I only did 40 of the twists and two sets of 12 leg lifts. Anyway, I finally got it all done after a chaotic day....Odell took all keys with him to Houston. I had meetings to go to...neighbors loaned me their vehicle...didn't start...had to jump it....Body for LIFE .

Day One of the Christmas Challenge: Chest: presses-go heavier next time! Yay, progress! Flyes-ouch! Yay, more progress! Shoulders: presses-yikes! side raises-yeee-ouch! triceps: extensions-sore tomorrow lying extensions-go heavier next time! HIITs tomorrow...Dashing through the snow!!! Eats: good, except--snuck in one cookie. hmm.

I loved my Body For Life Journal so much that I decided to make a Christmas Challenge Journal. Here is what I liked about the first one that I am incorporating into the second one: I liked crossing off the days, so I am putting a calendar on the inside front cover of a spiral notebook to cross off the days--one half of an "x" is for successfully eating on track, one half of an "x" is for getting my workout in. A line across is for checking in with my on-line pals...you. I liked that I planned ahead what I would eat and then kept track of what I actually did eat, so I am including a column called "Planned Activity" where I record my planned meals and planned workout. Then I have a column called, "Status" where I record what I actually ate and did in my workout. I also have a column along the left margin to record the times so that I can keep up with meal timing. Here is what I am changing about my BFL-style for this challenge: I am including a...

Sorry for the echo(echo) in Cyper-abyss. I forgot to tell you that we had a Son-Rise Teacher coming from the Autism Treatment Center to do a workshop in our home for Thursday and Friday and that I might be "out of pocket." I thought about you, though! I was too (mentally) pooped to pop, and didn't even check email or anything. Also, didn't work out, but had actually decided that would be best because I needed to focus on Kaegan's program. My plan turned into: Begin my actual Christmas challenge on Monday...Yesterday was Christmas in Lake City, which I hadn't realized would be an all-day affair since we weren't here for that last year. And Odell is leaving this afternoon for several days... I want to focus on him today. (We also have some company coming in town on Thursday, and that will be challenging. I will do my best to stay on track! I think they will be fine with me leaving to workout. I'm still having some trouble with my sciatic nerve,...

Did do one set of lunges with no weights. Did do backward sit-ups. Did do concentrated bicep curls. Did do hammer curls. Did reach good high point on biceps. Did eat well today. Did drink one too many cups of coffee..it's cold here! Did eat a few chips. Did double up on water. Did work on cleaning up the upstairs. Didn't do as much leg or back work as I would have liked...trying to take it easy on Mr. Sciatic Nerve. Didn't eat mini marshmallows. Didn't clean the kitchen (yet). Didn't go for a walk. Will walk rather than run tomorrow. It will be cold and snowy, but I will do it anyway, Ruth ! This is not a picture of here, but it looks like this outside...

Well, ever since my run yesterday, my sciatic nerve has been bothering me. I think it has something to do with 18 hours in the car and then another 18 hours back....then running jarred it. Today is leg day, and I think I will take it easy on legs and maybe even skip it just today so that I can walk tomorrow. I will still be doing back and biceps though, and may walk today or do squats. Here is what I found on-line about sciatica and exercise: Active exercise is important for sciatica relief Although it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain than bed rest. Patients may rest for a day or two after their sciatica flares up, but after that time period, inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Without exercise and movement, the back muscles and spinal structures become deconditioned and less able to support the back. The deconditioning and weakening can lead to back injury and strain, which causes additional back pain. Exercise is also important f...

Beginning a new challenge as we move toward Christmas is exciting to me for several reasons. 1. Because I feel better than I have in years because of the challenge I just completed. 2. Because I know I will complete it after just completing 12 weeks of the last challenge. 3. Because I have friends who have stuck it out with me, and will stick it out for another challenge (or more). 4. Because I know from this past experience that you will keep me accountable and encourage me. As you may have noticed, all the reasons to do the next challenge are related to the challenge I just completed. I know now that I will complete what I begin even if I muddle along through parts of it. Missing a workout doesn't end things for me anymore. I am determined and I am strong. I choose to do this, I don't have to do this. So, I will do it and do it well. You may remember my goals at the beginning of Challenge 1 included just being able to keep going even if I get off schedule or mess up...

Well, I'm back. Did I mention how fun it is to come home to lots of comments? I loved catching up on your blogs too. I took the weekend off rather than just one day. We just got home this afternoon. I started the eating program back at dinner tonight and did my upper body workout: chest: inclined presses and flyes shoulders: presses and side raises triceps: extensions and lying extensions Tomorrow is cardio and abs. Then, Wednesday, I will do legs, back, and biceps. Like absolution, but keeping the same 12, 10, 8, 6, 12, 12 pattern of body for life. HMMMM. Goals for my Christmas Challenge.... Size 6 (to need all new clothes!) run 40 seconds at 10 mph more defined arms and shoulders take my vitamins and flax REGULARLY (check with me...find out if I did it...Keep me accountable!!)

I'll be back Monday night! Legs in the morning, then I'm off! I can't believe my first challenge is over. Pretty exciting to think of what is next....

It was 10pm last night, and I still hadn't gotten my upper body workout done. Company is wonderful, but time-consuming.... So, I settled for 3 sets of 10 pushups before collapsing into bed. Interestingly, I tried to do push-ups (military style) a couple weeks ago and could only do 3. Yes, I am sore, so I don't feel so bad that I didn't get an entire workout in. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I excused myself after getting the turkey on to cook, and went to the gym to RUN! While doing my 7 HIITs (first and last were at 10mph, the rest were 9mph--60 paces!!), I thanked God that I am able to run, able to use my muscles. I came away with a huge amount of gratitude. My Mother-in Law has a muscle condition that is degenerative, and I ran the last HIIT for her. So, today, I am especially thankful!

Well, my in-laws arrive today. That is one reason I had planned on Thanksgiving Day being my free day--more convenient. But, I got a call from a very close friend this morning that her mother passed away early this morning. So, now I am planning to try to fit my workout in tomorrow while my in-laws are here, and then again Friday morning as well. We will need to leave Friday morning to take my in-laws back to the airport an hour away and then head to Tyler, TX. The funeral is Saturday afternoon. So, Saturday is my new planned free day, but it will be very difficult to get my workouts in while my in-laws are here. My Mother in Law is in a wheel chair and needs (wants??) constant tending. Anyway, I will do my best. We will be gone until Monday afternoon and I guess my challenge will end with some time traveling and unable to workout anyway...not the way I planned, but life comes when it comes. So... Today is upper body at home. Tomorrow is cardio (early) at the gym. Friday is lo...

Turkey post for yesterday...(I forgot) shake, water, coffee, water picnic: turkey, tomatoes, a few chips, water brisket, small piece of bread, water turkey, dressing, tomato slices, cranberry sauce, water tea, water water, turkey six meals!!! Very exciting! Today's cardio: six HIITs on the treadmill, last interval was 40 paces at 10 mph. Plans for Thanksgiving: My in-laws are coming tomorrow afternoon. I'm planning to take Thanxgiving day as my free day. Then, Friday, I will probably do my cardio from Thursday and just shift forward. I will take an extra free day at the end of my challenge and then hop back into things for my one week challenge in the interim between my challenge and starting my next official challenge which will be the Christmas Challenge with whoever takes it. I'm excited about that...not sure specifics about it, but it is a fine idea!! I'm hoping to be a size 6 by Christmas. Seems reasonable all of a sudden. wow.

Well, my trip was fantastic! I came back wearing a size eight!! Can you believe it???? Here is the lowdown on my eating while I was there. I won't post everything I ate like a turkey post as it would be a week's worth of food! But, I stuck with the program with only a few bobbles when they changed the schedule and it messed up my timing, but not too bad! The only naughty thing I ate was half a piece of carrot cake (no icing). I took protein bars, string cheese, applesauce, wheat crackers, and salmon for my snacks. The cafeteria was only open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I needed my own food for in between. They served plenty of program food, and it was easy to stay on track. Workouts while away...I did upper body on Monday and was soooo sore on Tues. and Thurs. I ran on the treadmill on Tuesday, but was crunched for time, 4 HIITs. I had planned lower body for after class on Wed., but they changed my schedule, and that got canned. No lower body. Ran on the treadmill agai...

I'm about to leave, but I wanted you to know that I did cardio and abs this morning!! I was cold, stiff, and slightly nauseated (fried mushrooms???), and did 4 good intervals. I thought, "I trully can NOT do even one more." So, I did one more. That's my theme for the week...one more!! Actually, on abs, I did 10 more when I thought I'd reached my limit! So, my challenge to you for the week is to concentrate on doing one more than you think you possibly can while I am gone. I will do the same and we can compare notes when I get back next Saturday!!!

Yesterday...only got 4 meals in... plain nonfat latte, water, turkey lunch meat, water hamburger "guts", part of one bun, tea, water, water marathon bar, water water chicken parmesan from BFL recipe book (yum), pasta, broccoli, spinach, water water water Today...began free day this evening's meal. Odell got home today after 2 weeks gone. We went to a (the) restaurant. coffee, peanut butter foldover on wheat bread, water EAS shake, water left over chkn parmesan, broccoli, water Turkey foldover on wheat, cherry peppers, water chkn fajita salad, fried mushrooms (that was the freebie, I mentioned!), soup, tea water string cheese, water Tomorrow, I will be leaving to go to Massachusetts for a week. I'm going to the New Frontiers class for Kaegan's home program. Odell just got home today, and I leave tomorrow. AND I have to travel alone...I don't like that. I'm excited about the class, though! I will be keeping up BFL while gone. Tomorrow is cardio day, which I ...

We are blessed to have clean water in abundance. Arnold presses are not for sissies. I am not a sissy. Kick-backs using Mark in some way as a target would be most fun (in answer to Ruth's comment) It's a tricep exercise, actually. Backward sit-ups are very effective. 30 pounds is heavy when doing pull-overs. Everyone should have a jacuzzi for soaking sore muscles. So, I went to the gym early this morning for HIITs on the treadie. Only did 4 because I was chit-chatting in between. Later is better for me so that no one else is in there to talk to! LOL My longest sprint is 45 seconds at 9 mph. Shortest is 20 seconds at 10mph. I try to at least make it 40 steps. I figure that is about 40 yards, or close. That's how far Shawn Phillips goes, 40 yards. But I'm sure he doesn't take as long to recover as I do. And I walk in between as I catch my breath, I don't know that he walks...ever. He looks to me like he never, ever walks or sits. What a wad of muscles he is!! But...

Thanks for the encouragement, gals!!! Yesterday's turkey post: eas shake, water , coffee, coffee, water water salmon with wheat crackers and water water marathon bar, water water chicken fajita with tomatoes and water water boiled egg and water . Upper body today was an all day affair. Done, though! Will definitely feel it tomorrow. Changed things up... Did incline dumbbell press, pansy push-ups arnold press, shoulder press backward sit-ups, pull-overs lying extensions, kick-backs incline curls, prone incline curls Today's turkey post goes like this: eas shake, coffee, coffee, water , water salmon with soy sauce and wheat crackers and cherry peppers and water 1/2 c coffee, water marathon protein bar, water , water water water soft steak tacos, tea, and water string cheese and water Ok, that does it for today...OUCH! My shoulders!!!!

...only 16 more workout days until the end of this challenge. I want that to spur me on and to gain momentum from that, but instead, I feel like I haven't made all that much progress for the amount of work I've done and I'm letting it get me down. I do feel stronger and I am healthier. I don't get winded easily like I did before, and those were all goals too, so why is it that the "appearance" goal gets the most attention from me?? Well, anyway, I'm sticking with it! I thought yesterday that I would do some frog jumps because my leg workout didn't feel all that strong, but I realized yesterday afternoon that I had done enough! I was sore, and even woke up every time I moved in the night. In fact, my legs were sore enough this morning that I trudged up the steps to the weight room thinking, "I can surely at LEAST do 4 HIITs." I did 6, and the last one was 10mph (but short!). So, I felt good about getting more done that I felt like I c...

food yesterday: EAS vanilla shake, water, coffee with splash of nonfat milk water latte, plain, with nonfat milk, turkey lunch meat, 5 pepperonis off Brae's pizza, water, water water marathon protein bar, water, water water Mexican stack--hamburger meat, tomatoes, salsa on about 6 corn tortilla chips, water, water water applesauce (unsweetened) and string cheese, water, water

Leg day... I went to the gym to change things up. Did leg presses...never feel like that does enough... Did hamstring curls...I know that will hurt later...did calf presses...did squats for burnouts on quads, but didn't know how much to put on the bar...ended up with 40 lbs because I couldn't negotiate the bar up onto my shoulders with more on it, so squats were wimpy. I will do some frog jumps later to make up for it! It just didn't feel productive enough. Did some stretching, although I'm not convinced that makes any difference for soreness or for injury prevention. It feels good, anyway. I think the warm up is probably more important, but I didn't do that! I'm down from a size 12/14 to a tight 10 with 3 weeks to go. I just don't see me down as much as I'd hoped by week 12, but we shall see. I'm not giving up or even down about it, just contemplating. Hmmmm. Will post TURKEY later....

Can't believe I've started my 10th week. I only have 3 weeks left in this challenge! Here is today's workout: I ran on the treadmill...6 HIITs @ 9mph...(I noticed I ran a 15 minute mile within my run :) That's good for me! abs...3 sets of 15 incline twists and 2 sets of leglifts (ran out of my alotted time) Have a good Sunday! Tomorrow will be legs and I think I might go to the gym for leg presses and hamstring curls to change things up a bit. What is anyone else's plan??

couldn't wear them... ...Now I can! No one will even reco gnize me! That tag says size 10!

legs today... I decided that I was overworking legs by doing both lunges and squats, both with burnouts. I think that squats and variations thereof work your entire lower body. I felt much better last week (but still very sore, so good workout) when I let up some on legs, so I am following that this week. Exercising with intensity, but not overdoing. frogjumps squats w/60 lb dumbells tired.

I only had 15 minutes by the time I got to the gym for the treadmill. Shawn Philips says 15-20 minutes of HIIT, so I guess 15 is...OK. The good thing is that I got in 5 HIITs in that 15 minutes and pushed the last 2 to 9mph. So, I was happy with that. I still have abwork to do, and I sure don't want to do it! It seems like I work and work and my abs never get sore.... Oh, don't worry...I'll do it anyway!

Go, Angell, Go! Here is my idea...why don't you look at how many days you would have had left in the challenge, and challenge yourself to that many days? Or set a deadline for yourself like Ruth has? That way, you are not starting over, you are starting a new challenge, like Ruth. Challenge 2!!! Then, after Christmas, we might all challenge each other to another 12 weeks! What'ya think?? You don't have to do it all or nothing, just do it with all you've got!

Well, if it was easy, it wouldn't be a challenge! I just finished my bis and tris about 6pm! I did the rest of upper body late morning, but saved tris and bis so that they would have a rest before isolating them, and because it worked better for me today to do it that way. Tomorrow, I will HIIT it on the treadmill!

Did my Hiit workout yesterday on the treadmill. M&M were there working out, so that was a nice surprise. They usually are done long before I get in there. Good, strong hiits, getting longer in duration! ran at 8mph. That's fast for me. I think I will go for 9 next time. I take a little longer recovering between hiits than Mr. philips, but that is getting better too. My legs were limp noodles the rest of the day. Got into the hot tub with kids and hubby. That felt great! Today is upper body, but I've planned it for a little later today. I will post about it later. We have an occupational therapist coming today to meet Kaegan (will post that on www.kaegansjourney.blogspot.com later) and Odell leaves today to be gone for 2 weeks straight. Bummer. Ok, Ruth, I'm hoping for big changes the rest of this challenge! I'm beginning week 9. When I see Odell again, I want him to be surprised! I'm hoping to post a pic or two later today. Does everyone realize that Ruth stuck...

Today has been a very welcome free day. I am really feeling yesterday's frog jumps. Must've done something right! Tomorrow, I will run HIITs on the treadmill. That should work some of the soreness out, at least make me numb!!!

Did frogjumps, walking lunges, and calf raises. I think I've been overtraining my legs. They're tired and achy all the time. Not just muscle soreness; a deep ache. Anyway, I took it a little lighter today although I guess frogjumps are never light. But I did few lunges without weight. I may not be eating enough either...I'm going to concentrate on trying to make sure I eat every 2.5 hours today. I'm so excited to see that my vacationing friends are still blogging!!! I thought I was going to have support-draught for several days! Not so! yay!

Treadmill for me today. I'm afraid of the pack of dogs, but it also snowed. I got up and made myself a protein shake, waited almost 3 hours and then ran HIITs on the treadmill in the community gym. Did 7 or 8--lost count-- at level 8. Still have abs to contend with, but I will do reverse crunches and cross-crunches in 3 back to back sets of 15. I noticed that I have a calf muscle popping out these days. That's nice! Those calf raises are paying off! In honor of my new calf muscles, I think I will do this seated calf exercise tomorrow for a change.

Well, I'm accomplishing today's workout in baby steps. I'm not feeling at my best this week, so I decided to do today's workout a little differently. After some advil, I managed to do the first "shift" of my workout, chest and shoulders. I'm about to do the second, which will be tris and bis. Then, after I go get Gracyn from school, I will go over to the gym for lat pull-downs. I would like to be all finished long ago, but that isn't the way it is today. Tomorrow, I will go to the gym for the treadmill.

Well, Ruth says that she likes the treadmill because of "x, y, and z." I met x, y, and z this morning. They looked something like the picture... And they had a buddy with them. I kept trucking up my hill like they weren't there and wishing I had some mace, and the biggest one followed me for just a few seconds before they all went on their merry way. Whew! I'm planning to find out if the store here carries mace before my next outdoor walk. Good news...finished in record time! Ha, ha!

Today was lower body which I procrastinated for some reason. Finished finally! High points were: 50 lbs on squats--(can do more, I'm figuring that out with my new weights) 50 lbs, lunges (might die if I do more) burning calf muscles HIIT and abs tomorrow. DidNOT eat Mindy's yummy dessert last night. OK, one bite. But that is because I didn't plan my meals and accidentally skipped, and Gracyn was about to throw away an entire BITE of delicious chocolate delight. I couldn't let that happen! I don't think 1 bite counts when I wanted the whole dish. Cast your vote: Does 1 bite of chocolate delight count against me? I mean LOOK at it!

Is Sunday. We have 3 day weekends here. Monday, no school. I love that! So, Sunday can actually be a day of rest and praise without worrying over Monday. I slept in and then went to the gym to climb onto the treadmill for HIIT. I don't like the treadmill as much for these reasons: I like the hills outside, believe it or not, I like the fresh air and the scenery outside, I'm more motivated to MOVE outside. I would say that on the treadmill, I move, but I don't MOVE. So, I managed 5? HIITS, I think. They are short, but getting longer. I was only running at a level 7 because I'm not used to the treadmill (another reason my workouts are not as good with the treadie), so I constantly feel like I need to be "careful." So, 7 felt a bit precarious, but not my fastest. Anyway, I like to do my workout in the morning before I eat (burn more fat) but it is significantly warmer by 10am, and I could easily run outside by that time...oh the dilemma!

The body of man is a machine which winds its own springs.- J. O. De La Mettrie Today is a day of rest for me, but tomorrow I'm back to winding the springs of my body. In the meantime, I found some yummy-looking recipes on the BFL site: http://www.bodyforlife.com/nutrition/ExpoRecipes/index.asp Have a good weekend! Angell, get off the treadmill, put that heating pad back on your neck, and lie down! You've wound your springs too tightly this week, and they need a break! ;)

Did upper body with my new exercise equipment today! My new dumbells are heavy!! I think maybe we ordered the wrong ones...I would have preferred lighter ones. Ha! Seriously, they are harder to lift because they are bigger and longer, so there is more of a balancing issue. I really like them and am looking forward to the added muscle-building of the balancing act. The weights are so easy to change. You just turn a dial and the weight is adjusted for you, and they only take up the space of one set of dumbells. They go from 5 pounds up to 50 pounds by increments of 2.5 pounds. ...And, I'm so happy to have a bench! I was planning to do my back workout this afternoon, but had forgotten that I was due at the school to talk to Mindy's class about autism. So, I still have that to do. Here is what I did this morning: chest presses and flyes shoulder presses and flyes tri extensions and lying extensions bicep curls Made a yummy key lime shake. MMMM. Had to share it with my ...

Well, here are the exciting pictures! I got this great coat at Walmart, and I thought you gals might be interested until I read Ruth's post! Now, I think I might be the only one crazy enough to run in the cold. But, see the nifty pocket for my MP3 player??? And, it's cute too! Below, you see me in a shirt that I absolutely would NOT wear before now because it was tight around my mid-section, aka, jellyrolls. Now, it is loose and comfy! Notice the baggy, saggy jeans.... Last, is a picture of me about 2 weeks into the program doing backward sit-ups with our dog, Ricky as my weight. Very silly! But it worked!

Well, between the hiills and the hiits, I managed to stay warm. I like sprints better than the BFL style because I lose track of where I am in the BFL intervals, and the hills mess up those intervals anyway. Besides, the sprints are like drinking a can of JOLT or something. I especially like the sprints on a downhill stretch--feels like freedom. I can go twice as far as on flat ground. Now, the uphill stretches....'nuther story, but it's a good feeling of accomplishment and discipline. One problem...My pants fall down now. :) I would guess that I've lost just over 5 pounds, maybe 7 or so, but my mid-section is definitely taking shape!! I didn't measure at the beginning....I'm terribly organized and couldn't find a tape measure anywhere!! I'm going to try to find one or borrow one (I doubt the country store has one) and take measurements for this second half of my journey. I would call the med center to see if they test body fat (they probably do) bu...

I'm talkin' HILLS! This is one of my favorite downhill stretches! That's a mama deer. Her babies had already crossed ahead of her. They just watched me as I ran along, up and up and up. I guess my runs have been sort of HIIT since I am constantly trying to recover from one level 9 to the next because of the hills.... ha!

Well, I feel like I am constantly working out as Kaegan spills paint all over the carpet and writes on the white board with paint pens and dumps out all the art supplies and leaves the lids off all the markers and and and and.... But here is my official workout today: legs....(did abs yesterday on aerobic day and will again tomorrow) plie' squats with graduating weights and frog jumps as burnouts one leg calf raises luvly lunges with graduating weights and straight leg lifts as burnouts The key to straight leg lifts is keeping your back straight, I would say. Anyway, it seemed like it took forever to finish those few things, so I'm glad I moved abs to aerobics day! Have a goooood Wednesday!

Here are my favorite little sportblock adjustable dumbbells that I use for my weight workouts. They only go up to 21 pounds each, though, and guess what??? I'm graduating to these... Odell ordered them for me and they have already shipped! I'm so excited! He also ordered a bench for me...isn't it way cool? I am looking at treadmills and thinking...."these things are expensive!" He is trying to talk me into something else, but I really prefer the free-er feeling of running...feet actually lift off the floor and aren't strapped into anything.... We'll see what I end up with. I'm hoping to find something used. I went to the community gym to use the treadmill this morning. Took it really easy since I can still barely breathe from my cold. I realized as I got on it, that it has been a week since I had a good, strong aerobic workout. I can't really call today's workout "strong" but it felt good to work up a sweat and to move. I...

So many interruptions in my upper body workout today!!! I'm about to go and complete it just now (almost 1:00)....At least I managed to challenge myself in the part of the workout I did get to complete! It was cool....I was doing chest presses, 15 pounds each hand, 12 reps at the very beginning for a level 5, and I thought of looking back in my journal to my first upper body workout. There is a note in that section where I had tried to lift 15 pound barbells for a level 10. It reads, "15 pounds too heavy." Now, 15 pound barbells made for an easy level 5! Progress!

Well, things didn't go as planned on the filed trip... I was sick. It's funny that on the day I felt the worst, and knew that I was goint to miss working out, this is the excerpt in my BFL Journal: "If you miss a workout, you miss it. Put it behind you and move on!" By this point in the program, nine out of ten people will have missed a workout...or two. In fact, the vast majority of people whose before and after pictures and success stories are featured in this book missed a few workouts during the course of the 12-week program. And still, as you can clearly see, they succeeded anyway. the key is sticking with it day after day, and finishing all 12 weeks. My advise is that if you miss a workout, don't try to make up for it by doubling up the next day. For example, if you missed yesterday's aerobic workout, don't try to "make up for it" by doing your leg training and aerobics today. That approach can put you in a "reactive" mode...

Ode to Ruth's Abs (to be read in earnest and with admiration) Oh to be able to wear the tight shirts with low-riding jeans (not that I would) but to be able to... would be beautiful indeed. Like Ruth, I would be with my 6-pack, so sweeet. Not afraid to post my pics because within those portrayals all could see... A beautiful six-pack so hard-earned, not free, but mine, none the less at forty, my best. One day, will this, too, be me? Oh to have abs like Ruth's a dream that would be... for Ruth's abs are so strong a 6-pack of glee.

...But I managed to keep warm. Ran a large portion of my workout. I like to run, but my joints do sort of ache. I plan to get into the hottub later for a soak. :) 1.5 mi in 21 minutes. Getting there. Tomorrow, I will do my upper body workout before we leave for our 3 day field trip. On Thursday, we will be hiking all morning, so it may not be the intensity, but it will be a long, good workout. Friday, I will do lower body and just keep up my schedule the way it is with Saturday supper to Sunday supper being my free day. Even a 3 day field trip will not hold me back!!!!

I don't know what adelga.com is (I hope it's not something bad), but isn't this a cute pic? Lower body: walking lunges (whew!) plie' squats frog jumps (youch!) squats with 30 pounds calf raises til my calves were screaming abs this afternoon will be crunches and leg raises. Tried to switch it up, but it always feels wierd to change things and I'm not sure the burnouts were as good... I leave for a class field trip on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with Kaegan's class (Mindy is his teacher) I will do upper body before I leave and I'm trying to decide if Thursday will be a free day (then it will be a loooong time until the next one) and Friday, I will do lunges, frog jumps, calf raises, etc. in my hotel room. I'm sure they have a gym, but I won't want to leave my boys in the room while I go work out. I might be able to take them with me, but I doubt it...Hmmm. Still contemplating. I really don't want to mess up the schedule I have going, but that ...

Good run this morning, and I do dare to call it an actual run now. I still walk too, but it's now more of a run than a walk! Beat my time again! I still won't challenge Ruth to a race, though! Maybe Odell.... ha! OK...I just figured out who Christy is! The "Kate" threw me off! Here's my survey! childhood ambition: artist, scientist, archeologist... Quite a combo, huh? fondest memory: growing up in southeastern Oklahoma...little creek, little grove of trees, big forest, my dog, Yo-Yo, catwheels in the front yard soundtrack: Phantom of the Opera retreat: home wildest dream: Odell not having to travel; and the beach thing sounds good, I may borrow that one! proudest moment: when Kaegan finally called me "mama"--age 5 biggest challenge: autism alarm clock: only if you want me to wake up perfect day: snow with nowhere to go first job: babysitting indulgence: coffee with real half and half and real sugar..mmmmmm last purchase: green jacket ...

Finished chest, shoulders, and back as planned. Will do tris and bis this pm. Highs were good and high! Tomorrow is free for me!!! My daughter is looking for a lime pie recipe as I type!

Here is today's "Lesson for Life" in my BFL success journal: From Bill Phillips... "Today I want to share something that I would like you to keep in mind: No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. Therefore, no one can follow the BFL program "perfectly." Even I miss workouts and meals from time to time, and even my planes sometimes get interrupted by traffic jams, delayed airline flights, meetings that take longer than expected, and even oversleeping. But those things are the exception, not the rule. Most of the time, I eat six nutritious protein- and carbohydrate-balanced meals a day. Most of thet time, I exercise intensely, first thing in the morning. Most of the time, I keep a positive mindset and am optimistic. And most of the time, I feel healthy and energetic. Remember, it's what we do MOST of the time that shapes us, not what we do some of the time. So, don't worry if you're not 'perfect.' " It's what you do most of the ti...

So, in my quest to learn to LUV lunges, I killed myself this morning. I figured if it's gonna hurt anyway, it may as well reach the limit. My goal has been to reach a higher high point, so I am working at it! I forgot to mention that yesterday was day 30! I spent 30 minutes in the hot tub! And had a nonfat, plain latte. That's actually not off limits...just add a little more protein and don't do it everyday. That way, it's a treat. I should have had 30 of them, huh? BUZZZZ! It wasn't as yummy as the sweeeet one Ruth posted for me looked. But, it was yummy in an unsweetened sort of way. So...legs: lunges and straight leg lifts (which I'm getting bored with--any ideas?) squats and sissy squats (taking a break from frog jumps) calf raises and angled calf raises This afternoon: abs--Odell's ab-killer-gadget or else the gym for incline crunches and as many sit-ups I can muster which is about 5! ha

Four Week Pictures Unforgiving > > By: Roving Reporter > > > > Beginning the Body for Life challenge is challenging in itself, but to > continue on through the fourth week…amazing. Josha, of Podunk, USA, defies age and skirts past obesity in her quest for the > finish line. What is at the finish line? Fitness, the ability to > keep up with her kids. "It's been ages since I've bothered to take > care of myself," states the mother of 3 who gave up her figure 12 > years ago at the birth of child number 1 and then completely lost > sight of her former self when her middle child was diagnosed with a > severe disability. This story is so similar to those of many mothers, > but this woman has made it a top priority to stick with this program > for no less than 12 weeks. > > > > At the close of week number 4, Josha's progress pictures show very > little change. At this, Josha scoffs, saying, "I can tell it i...

Coming up on Day 30, and I thought it would be fun to celebrate somehow. Any ideas out there?? Today's highlights... Upped my weights in tricep, lying extensions. severely challenged my biceps muscles, 15 lbs, each hand, curls Reached intensity level of 9+ and 10! in each exercise today even with children chattering at me. Another idiom my family lives by in Kaegan's Son-Rise program... Remember to believe that everyone is doing the best they can for what they know and for their own circumstance, it is the best they can do at this moment. In our fitness program, I think this applies this way: When your workout is not what you know it could be, remember to believe in yourself...this was your best at this moment, that doesn't mean you won't have a better best next time. Moment by moment, we will get there.

My hubby doesn't know, yet, how to download the pictures off the camera-phone either. We are going to try to figure that out so I can share some photos with you. Soccer games all morning yesterday in nearby (2 hour drive) town, so we spent the whole day there. This being the case, I had planned for yesterday to be my free day since there is a STARBUCKS there! (I had 2 of them!--My husband said something about me being spoiled rotten!) Back into the routine today, although late and had to force myself...it's only 20 minutes, after all...what was the big deal??? I did it, bettered my (slow, but steady) time, and am now putting off my shower...must procrastinate something, I guess. Actually, I am enjoying my hubby being home. He has been out of town. He hugged me and said that I feel smaller! He bought a grill yesterday, and we are going to make 2 yummy rotisserie chickens and some celebration steaks since we are celebrating the selling of our house! Nice, yummy program food. I ca...

Well, I am taking progress photos this weekend...I had planned to do that every 4 weeks. I'm 1/3 of the way through this challenge and feeling good about it! I see lots of progress even without the pictures! Lower body today... I got through: squats and sissy squats lunges and straight-leg lifts calf raises This afternoon, I will go to the gym and do: incline crunches/sit-ups knee/leg lifts "Instead of pushing against what you don't want, simply move toward what you do want." --a quote from the Kaufmans who began the Son-Rise program we use with Kaegan. This is what our family lives every day, and it motivates us to move forward without giving up. Hopefully it will motivate you too.

Well, TOM is visiting me, so my morning aerobic workout was challenged. Just didn't feel like it. Did it anyway, but took it easy. Only reached high intensity level twice, and my high point was rather weak, but next time will be better. I did enjoy the time and I saw some beautiful deer along the way. They just watched me crawl along. I managed a short burst of energy up a hill and then ran down a long stretch, but mostly, I walked. I took pics of the deer to share with you, but didn't successfully download the pics from my camera-phone-new-fangled-gadget.

I saved "back" for this afternoon when I can run to the gym and do lat pull-downs and this other thingy I like. This morning, I did ... chest: presses and flyes shoulders: presses and flyes tris: extensions and lying extensions bis: curls and hammer curls Very challenging. Yesterday's inspiration in the BFL journal (which I'm glad I bought) said to reach for new highpoints, so I am concentrating on making my highpoints trully highpoints. It felt good. As I reach the end of a set, Kaegan says, "Got it!" Hearing that from a little boy who was supposedly not supposed to be aware or be able to talk is quite inspiring!

I posted a scary looking bear because it made my story more exciting...these bears are really not aggressive and after giving it some thought, I decided that if there was a bear, it would hear my thudding footsteps and leave me alone. They don't like confrontation and go the other way if they know a human is about. So, I didn't get out the door until 9-ish this morning. Brae had a field trip and the teacher told me to have him at school at 8:30 which I did, but the bus was already loaded and about to leave! (Mark is the driver...hahahahahaha! That struck me as very funny. I guess remembering all those ACU days makes it seem funny. Is there anything that guy doesn't do?) anyway, back to this morning. By the time I got back home, it was almost 9. I was going to go to the treadmill because it was a cold morning with ice on the ground and I'm a wimp, but by this time, it was warmed up some, so I ran outside. I was tentative to run outside very early anyway. I do...

Well, I have a unique problem. I've been waiting until 7:30 or 8 to go for my morning walk/run because I don't want to run into a bear. My neighbor went out at *9:00am* to get into his car and there was a huge bear standing next to it. I guess I need to re-think my bear avoidance strategy. I may run on the treadmill again tomorrow, but I don't wanna. I don't even have a can of mace, though, so I'm a little afraid to go by myself tomorrow! Completed my ab workout: 3 sets 20 reps of incline crunches 1 set 12 reps of knee ups 1 set 5 reps of leg ups

Free day began Saturday night for dinner and lasted until Sunday night, dinner. M and M made a yummy program stew, then Mindy and I went over to the gym across the street and stretched while the kids played. I didn't make myself totally sick, just sluggish and a slight tummy ache. A little baking soda dissolved in water does the trick for me every time. Just a few swallows, and RELIEF! I decided to do my abwork in the community gym today, so this am, I did lunges first, then squats and came to a realization. I'm not the wimp I thought I was! Isn't that good news!? I've been thinking, "Surely I can handle more weight than 18 lbs!" Then it occurred to me...duh...I have 18 lb dumbbells in EACH hand! 36 lbs!!! That's much better, especially since it's gotten too easy and I will have to UP the weight. I also did calves, but they never feel worked out, so as I did last week, I just did angled calf raises on a step until they became like jello. I will do abwo...

Good idea, Ruth! I tried to post yesterday and the day before, but couldn't get it to work.... But, I have been keeping up and overcoming more obstacles. Here is a list like R's of obstacles I've overcome lately: Gracyn's birthday trip when we ended up having to stay overnight unplanned...I still stuck with the eating program and managed to get my workout in! Gracyn's actual birthDAY...chocolate chip cookie cake On her birthday, my workout got delayed...still did it! Had a party-lite candle party (it's still open if you want to buy any Christmas gifts) and didn't eat the yummies I fixed. Snow...still ran. Have a good FREE DAY, R! A, when is your free day? Mine's tomorrow! Yippeee! Little white powdered donuts are awaiting me. ;o)

messy classroom, but my too-tight jeans aren't too tight anymore!!

I am wearing a pair of jeans that had gotten too tight for me at this very moment. I slipped them on easily!

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies! I am 1/2 way done with week 3. I will be taking 1/3-of-the-way pictures next weekend. I actually ran up a hill yesterday. Nearly fell over, but did it! I really muddled through my lower bod workout this morning, though. I thought it was going to take me all day. I got up late, my kids were up....But, I did manage to challenge myself. So good to read of your successes! Keep posting!

At 9:00 last night, I finally finished my upper body workout!! Yippeeeee! Today is my daughter's 12th birthday, and she got up just as I was walking out the door for my morning walk/run. So, I delayed that until 9:00 this morning, but it is done. No missed workouts!!! All right...birthday time. I made a big chocolate chip cookie cake for her, but none for me! (I bought another package of dough for my free day!!)

I will never trully love lunges. But I will do them.... Monday. But for now, I am finished working out until then!!! Who loves Ruth's picture in her profile?? (raising hand and waving it in the air enthusiastically) The 3M girlies spent the night with us last night as did our other friends' dog. It can get pretty crazy around here. We are headed to soccer in about an hour, then my hubby comes home. He has been in Houston for the past several days. Yesterday was his birthday. Kaegan and I are planning to bake a chocolate cake for him while the other kids play soccer (I will eat a piece of it tomorrow). I realize that soccer is over, but LC is behind the times! I love it! Well, I ran for more of my workout this morning and found a route that better fits the intervals I want to walk/run. I only went 1.4 miles this time, though. My run must be slower than my walk, huh? I wonder if I will ever actually run the whole thing, though, since it is mostly uphill? I run dow...

I'm going to learn to luv lunges. It hasn't happened yet, but I know it will.

Kaegan kept me up from 4am to 7am. Sometimes he does that. I got up at 7:15 after he went to sleep to go and run, but realizing that I would not have a chance for a nap later, I decided to take my nap then. So, I got back in bed and slept until 8, got up, drug myself out the door and had a fantastic run. I say "run" but remember I am thinking ahead...it was mostly a walk. I didn't quite do Ruth's time...It took me 25 minutes to go 1.66 miles. The hills are killer. I'm talking HILLS. Going down them is great fun. Going up them is great work. Still, the mountains are shimmering with color and the weather is perfect. When I start to feel like I neeeeed to stop, I just look up and let myself get distracted by the beauty around me. What a shame it would be to miss that. God is at work with His paintbrush. Hey, guess what!!??? Gracyn and I walked in the Cancer Walk last week and she said, "Well, I set a goal to walk 3 times around the track, and I did...

Reasons for making this change: I feel better when I weigh what is appropriate for my height. My children need me to be a healthy example for them, and Kaegan may need me for many years. I want to be as healthy as possible so that I will be more likly to be here for my family in years to come. I want to have energy to hike and ski with my family, keeping up with them and enjoying our time together. I also want to feel the accomplishment and become more productive and confident. Five Most Important, Specific Accomplishments I Need to Make Within the Next 12 weeks For Me to be Pleased With the Progress of my Body and Life: Commit to follow this through even if I mess up or struggle. Be more consistent with homeschool and Kaegan's Son-Rise schedule. Make time to exercise even if I fail in the morning. Get my weight down by 20 pounds. Lose 3 inches in my waist. Be able to hike and ski with my family with energy to spare! Stay tuned for a list of statements/self-promises along these...

Well, here ya are! New shoes...healing toe.