Running Thoughts

We have a sick little boy, but I did manage Tea's turbulence training today.  It felt good to do something!  Tomorrow, I plan to jump rope.  Kaegan is not feeling well, but I'm hoping he is better tomorrow.  He's already smiling again, so that's a good sign. It's fun to see how many people are taking the push up challenge.  I'm not sure how everyone is choosing a goal, but I am trying to do 30 push ups by March 24th.  Right now, that seems impossible! "There is no use trying," said Alice, "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen.  "... Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." ~Lewis Carroll That seems like a fun way to begin every day!  At breakfast tomorrow, I'll remind myself that I can do 30 push-ups.

I'm at my parents' house now, and will resume workouts tomorrow.  :) I will be eating on target, but allowing myself some space for special treats, starbucks, for example!  So, I will be here until Friday or so, we think.  That's longer than we had planned.... We will be doing some shopping, and I may get to see my old highschool buddy!  Cool to be thin again before seeing her!! Hope everyone is happy! 

Well, could be better, could be worse.  I'm at my In-laws' house right now and workouts have been pretty impossible, and timing on eats is hit or miss.  Not the worst as far as content or amounts of food, but not perfect!  I will have an easier time at my family's house beginning Sunday.  I'll just do the best I can.  I think I will be able to sneak a short workout in later today with resistance bands...I'm hoping.  I really miss it...just doesn't feel right not to be moving more!

tomorrow, we leave.  So, my Blitz is on semi-hold.  But here is the report after 2 weeks worth of the Blitz... down from 140 to 134.5 pounds. waist is down 2 inches. thigh is down .5 inch. All other measurements are the same which means that I'm losing fat and maintaining/gaining muscle!  Yippeeee!   We'll see where I am when I get back.  Jumprope and resistance bands are packed!  I'll be checking in because I have my new laptop!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Time has just flown by!  I can't believe I've already "blitz-ed" to Christmas Eve!  Free Day for half of tomorrow and then Christmas.  Then, I leave to go visit in-laws and my folks.   Eats are on, but slightly torturous...we have iced sugar cookies in the house!  My favorite.  I'm staying away from them so far!  No carbs after 4...and I went to the gym to work out with DH.  I worked back (upper...my lower back just recovered), biceps, abs.  Tomorrow is legs.  I did not do hiits today.  I'm down to 136 pounds.  I don't want to lose ground during our trip, but I know I won't be able to keep things up the way I want to.  I'm taking my jumprope, and my SIL and I will get out and walk, jump.  I want to take my dumbbells, too.  They are compact, so maybe I can.  I will ride the stationary bike at my parents' house too.  I'll take snacks....  It all sounds good until we get on the road... Anyway, I'll do the best I can and then be right back ...

After 4:00, I try to steer away from all carbs that aren't fiber-full veggies.  Ruth asked for some after 4 ideas...Here they are: boiled egg sliced onto salad with some kind of nuts sprinkled on top canadian bacon slices wrapped in lettuce whatever meat that is left over from dinner and cucumber slices hormel carved chicken slices dipped in salsa Any meat with salad spread salsa on slices of lunchmeat, add shredded lettuce and roll up cottage cheese is perfect, so I'm trying to teach myself to eat it...ick, but maybe you like it scramble 1 egg or 3 egg whites with frozen mixed veggies fry an egg hard  and roll a slice of ham lunchmeat and lettuce and salsa up in it left over meat from dinner and tomato slices These are some of my usuals.  I hope you get some ideas.  I also like to add a small handful of nuts and a flaxoil capsule to hold me overnight.

Today, I decided to take a break from working out.  I was supposed to do back, biceps, and abs, but my back and abs are still very, uncomfortably sore.  So, since tomorrow is supposed to be a day off from working out, I decided to switch and rest today.  I will hopefully feel better for back and abs tomorrow, so I'll do today's workout tomorrow.  I'll also run hiits on the elliptical if I can manage my time wisely enough because I'm really just resting today.  Still on track with eats, though.  I did allow myself a marathon bar as one of my snacks today.  I haven't been eating bars, so that was a chocolaty treat. It's very snowy and Christmasy here, and we are all excited about the fun times!  

yuck.  I'm a baby when it comes to headaches these days.  I used to get them a lot, but I don't any more, so when I do have one, I whine a lot.  Flowerpot is basically living with a constant and severe headache...so I have no place to complain.  I've thought of you a lot today, FP. On to non-headache topics... Psalm 42 was really interesting.  Let me share its premise...pretty much the author (David) was saying, "Things are especially going badly right now, Lord, so I will praise you even more than usual."  WOW!  And you know how things turned out for him...pretty great, a man after God's own heart.  Hmmm.  I will take a lesson from birthday number 42 to carry through another 42 years...praise God, especially in adversity because He is the one who can make it right whether He does or not.  He is the one who can. So, now for my workout...My back is sooooo sore from those silly deadlifts I did the other day that I can hardly move.  But, today's workout was c...

Well, I decided to eat forty-two candy bars. Just kidding.  I had my yummy latte and bagel, though.  Then, I felt too lazy to run, but it was beautiful outside...so, I ran outside today for the first time in a while.  It feels different with an inch of snow on the road, though.  I didn't manage 42 second intervals, I don't think...I need a new stop watch...but I ran had for as long as I could on some intervals and not as hard for longer on other intervals.  I was so tired from yesterday's workout...legs and back are sore and tired feeling.   In honor of becoming an almost-adult, I will list 42 things I'd like to be known for (this doesn't mean that I AM known for these...but I'd like to be, so I'm working on it: Being a Jesus-girl honesty strength of character humility reliable quick-witted hard-worker patience compassionate passionate loving happy forward-thinking intelligent creative trustworthy loyal hopeful persevering talented homemaker/mommy friendly g...

thanks for all the birthday ideas!   I have lots of good ones to consider now...tomorrow will be fun! I went to the gym with my spotter (he's really hot!)  I did squats, leg extensions, straight leg lifts, and calf raises.  I'm soooo exhausted!   Highlights:  90 pounds for squats and 60 pounds for leg extensions

Tomorrow's my birthday.  I'll be 42. So far, I have these special things planned:  latte and bagel in the morning, the rest of the day on target but will not try to avoid carbs after 4 tomorrow; Hiits: each interval no less than 42 seconds long; rests, no longer than 42 seconds between hiits; 42 minute bath while reading; paint for 42 minutes; knit for 42 minutes; have a 42 item pick-up session where everyone has to put away or throw away or collect to give away 42 items. Any more clever "42" ideas?

Do you like my water ticker?  I can think.... 688 glasses to my goal...(YIKES!) or I can think, I'm 12 glasses toward my goal!   You can see on Tea's blog where the idea came from, but basically, the idea is to add one thing.  This water goal was the thing that two friends added.  So, Tea and I joined in and added one thing too.  In my son's program, this is one of the premises for being creative with him...I just have to think to add one thing.  He has autism, ya know, and that means (a lot of things, but) that he is pretty inflexible.  So, by going with his game exactly how he has to have it done, and then adding one thing, he becomes more and more flexible.  It has taken many many "one more things" to get him to become more flexible.  And, it will take many many "one more things" for me to become more and more healthy.  It makes ya wonder, doesn't it, how many parts of your life you might be able to add "one more thing" to so that you ca...

A New Day Every day is new, and with it comes a beginning For you to draw upon For courage, strength of character, and joy. Today has never been before; It is for you to make your mark By attitude and choice. Tomorrow will be influenced by What you choose today. And by today Is yesterday redeemed. So, breathe in the day as it comes. **** I hopped onto the elliptical and ran Hiits today.  I don't know how many, but it felt good and wobbly when I was done.   Last night, while at the gym, a very fit friend was there on the elliptical.  (Sara, it was Amy Jo)  She told me a trick to getting through a tough or long workout...she listens to books on tape as she runs or whatever.  I might have to try that!

An intense workout was the goal, and that goal was met.  I went to the community gym and worked back, biceps, and abs. completely fatigued all muscles.... too tired to type....................................... adding water ticker tomorrow........

I went out and did my workout just a little while ago.  These workouts just feel like they take so long...really only about 45 minutes, but I think the rests between sets, sometimes up to 2 minutes, make it seem like I'm wasting time.  I really need a stop watch, too, because I'm sure I'm not even waiting as long as I'm supposed to.   I did Chest, shoulders, and triceps today.  I haven't been as sore as usual with this rep schedule.  I was fatiguing my muscles before and I still am, so I don't really understand why unless it is because I never knew I was supposed to eat within a "workout window."  My BFL book is an older version....I wonder if that's why??  

Well, this morning, I had my free latte and a not-such-a-good-choice breakfast... half a bagel with just a thin shmear of cream cheese and lean ham. So, that's out of the way for the day!  I think I might try to clear off a spot on the back deck to jump rope today.  I'll be eating on target the rest of the day, jumping or running an extra HIIT or two on Ruth's behalf, and trying to locate the Christmas orders that haven't arrived yet and should have.... Have a great day!!  I know that Tea already has...she is ahead of the game! Hiits...done!  I did my OKgo workout on the elliptical.  We were all planning to go play basketball in the community gym and I was going to jump rope while there too, but the gym was locked.  That was ok for me because I like my okgo thing.  I decided that I would do it all the way through the 2 minute interval, (that's 21 min), and then stop after a rest IF I could pull off a good, strong 2 minutes.  I thought of my poor sick friend, Ruthie,...

Well, welcome to Friday!  OK, Saturday if you are Tea who has already informed me that Friday's workout is a good one.  This being the case,I will take 2 little boys and their sister (and her book which has become a part of her, it seems) and my camera over to the community gym this afternoon for a foto friday frenzy.  This will happen later today...like 4:30 or so.  So, check back!!!  We might get to it earlier, but I don't know.... Happy cake-eating to certain of you who I KNOW will be having cake today...I hope it is chocolate or chocolate containing. Ruthie, get well. Janelle, drink that water, girl!  :) Sara, get a foot massage after all that dancing! Flowerpot, where oh where are you? And Everybody, have a great day! Photos and Phood kaegan and Braeden helped me with my workout.  Gracyn was still at school. Here I am doing my barbell squats.  I managed all of these, all of the leg extensions (fatigue on both), but was running out of the time I had, so I only had time for...

Today was considered an "off" day from lifting.  I ran Hiits on the elliptical.  Our warm pellet stove hasn't been so warm...it stopped working just after hubby left town.  So all of our house is freezing except the back room that has a gas heater and fireplace.  So, after getting all hot and sweaty, I just went into the living room to cool off.  Ha!  I normally go walk around in the snow, but today, I didn't even have to don my boots!  Hubby comes home tomorrow night, so he will save us from the cold!  Super-Dad!  (super hero music can be heard in the background) Tomorrow is legs day and I will need to go to the community gym for that because all I have are dumbbells and bench for lifting at home.  It's less than a block away, so why does it seem so inconvenient?  Could it be that I am too lazy to walk from here to there? **Update** I thought I'd post today's food because when you guys do that, I get new ideas: Breakfast:  (I'm not big on breakfast fo...

Here is our dog, Banjo, enjoying the snow!  He just sort of goes crazy out there!  This is the snow I have to tromp through to get out to my workout room.  So, I pulled on my boots, drug on my gloves and hat and trudged out there for back, biceps, and abs.  I didn't feel like the abwork was enough, but usually when I think that, I wake up sore the next day.  Tomorrow is cardio only, so that will feel like a break.  This challenge is...challenging.  For one thing, as Ruth and I have marveled, stepping out of a comfy routine is a challenge in itself.  This Blitz isn't really that different, but just slightly enough to make me have to actually THINK.  And sometimes just changing the rep schedule from the "known" to something new, sends the message of change to the muscles and they respond and a plateau can be broken.  That is the hope.   I posted about my strength test and a little about some general goals in taking on this mini challenge.  Some specific, personal goals ...

Hiits this morning on the elliptical.  pre and post snackies.  On track for the day with plans for chest, shoulders, triceps this afternoon!  This will be my first day with the new rep schedule.  Does shoveling snow count as a workout?  We have nearly 3 feet out there and it's still coming down!  It's a good thing I've decided to enjoy shoveling snow! ****Update**** Well, I will be sore.  My lifting workout looked very much like Ruth's except that she is stronger than I am!  hehe!  I didn't like that it took so long, and I have trouble with the long rests between sets.  Music helped with that.  I like the change for the most part, and breaking my little routine, is a good thing for my muscles.  You should have seen me plowing through the snow to get to my little workout space out back...we have sooooo much snow!  LOOK!

Eleven and a half years ago, a sweet baby boy was born to me and placed in my arms on the delivery table.  His eyes were already turning brown and he accidentally smiled, showing off the dimple in his right cheek.  2 years later, he was diagnosed with autism, and I was informed that he'd probably never talk and would certainly never have a relationship with anyone. There is no way to explain autism.  The experience itself is the only explanation.  I will say that I felt a huge loss of the brown eyed, dimpled baby who had developed normally up to that point. His look became vacant and in the private world he had created for himself, I no longer occupied a position.  It was as though I had vanished from his conscious reality.   I grieved.  I fought against it.  I was unhappy, and I couldn't see any way to become happy without a miracle.  I existed this way for 2 more years as I fought to teach him to "be normal."  I gained weight and got even less happy.  I slept very l...

Today was strength test day as part of the evaluation system for this mini-challenge.  The test was to find out at what maximum weight can I manage 5 consecutive reps in each exercise?  The exercises I chose are below and the weight at which 5 reps maxed me out.  At the end, I will perform the exact same exercises again and hopefully be able to lift more weight at that point. This way, I will be developing more muscle to burn the fat I still need to lose!   Bench Press:  30# dumbbells in each hand @ 5 reps  Squats:  80# @ 5 reps Bicep Curls:  20# dumbbells @ 5 reps Shoulder Press:  20# dumbbells @ 5 reps I took measurements today too, including body fat percentage.  I forgot to weigh myself, so I will do that tomorrow morning. I also drank my pre-workout shake and post workout shake with an orange.  This is to feed the muscles in a window of time when they are fatigued and needing the energy. More later!!  Oh, I added an inspiration link to my links list in the side bar.  Have you ever...

Ruth is right!!   It's time for a temporary change to shake things up. Beginning tomorrow, we will begin our Blitz challenge, and I'm very excited about it!  The challenge is pretty well outlined on Ruth's blog, but I will add that one change is to consume carbs (fruit) at workout time to feed the muscles during the optimal time that they are needing energy.  The other really big change is the rep schedule as it targets fast and slow twitch muscles still, but in a different schedule.  Our muscles get used to the same ol' routine, and a change sometimes can really shake them up a bit!  Another part of the challenge is to do 2 more.  When you reach your last rep, do 2 more!  The goals of this challenge are to reach a new level mentally and to build muscle to burn the fat and break this routine!   If you'd like to download the ebook that includes the 4 week blitz by Shawn Philips, go to www.realsolutionsmag.com.  The workout comes from a group of fitness fanatics that...

I published my slideshow of progress on my .mac gallery .

I made a cool slide show of progress for this foto friday.  I can't get it to upload to blogger.  :(  sad Oh well... all done for today.  tomorrow is free!

I'm hoping dh will get snowed in!  It is really coming down, and they've upped the snow predictions to about anywhere from 8-12 inches!  :)  C'mon Christmas!! Ran on the elliptical.  Ran hard.  I did my OKGO workout again.  This time, I was able to keep my fast pace for the full 2 minutes in the longest interval of the workout.  Very cool.  Definitely hit 10+!!  I didn't think I could do it, but I decided, "Yes, I CAN!" and I did!! Abwork later today.  I like to save that for later because it's relaxing to have a workout in the evening to me.  Then, I read in an ebook I downloaded something I had been thinking.  Now, this is just another person saying the same thing I felt, so it doesn't necessarily have scientific backing... "Performing your cardio exercise before you workout will only deplete your body of the essential glycogen (energy) reserves it needs to train intensely.  Basically, you'll be exhausted before you train, and you don't ...

Done with my workout today.  I lowered the weight on triceps and chest press, so that I could concentrate on using the entire range of muscle movement.  I will be sore.   Do you know about "hormel naturals?"  lunch meats and carved chicken pieces without the additives and preservatives?  I forgot to mention in my "tricks" list that those have been a life saver for me.  I was reminded today when I wrapped some chicken and salsa in a corn tortilla for lunch.  Yummy!  

Here is a link to an article that I enjoyed and thought you might as well.

whew!  Late is better than never... 7 or 8 hard hiits (lost count) on the elliptical.  Seems we bought that thing just in time.  There is no way I'd be able to get a good cardio workout with my hip messed up like it is if I could only run or jump rope.  It continues to improve, but by bed time, I'm moving very slowly and need advil and a heating pad to sleep.  As it is, I can get a great workout without too much stress on the injury.  I wish I had some great story about how I hurt my hiney...like wrestling a stolen purse from a 6 foot thief...or riding my dirt bike (I don't have one..yet) over rough terrain in hot pursuit of the abominable snowman...anything besides that I was clumsy and slipped on the ice and fell on my tush.  I know!  You can help me come up with a good tale about my tail!  Please submit your stories.  Ha!Ha! Hey!  I subscribed to the absolution (shawn philips) message board today.  It looks well moderated and I'm hoping it will be a good place to ask...

seems to be a trend today... I got up late today, too.  I normally get up and do cardio first thing; not today.  I'll have to do it later even though it's less effective that way.  I'll try to do it just before snack time...not always easy since homeschooling, etc. all has to be done when it can be done too.  I like to save lifting until later in the day and usually do, but I know that cardio is best done in the morning.  My hip is really hurting today too after belly dancing and lower body yesterday.  Good news is that it had been a while since I'd done lunges, so I'm pleasantly sore from those.   I will post declarations later after I've had more time to think it through...I was just complaining to dh about my looooooooooooong plateau when I logged on and read Ruth's post.  Very good for me.  I also got on the bestabs blog and read some about losing the last 10 pounds.  That was good too.

first, thanks to Sara for the okgo video ...I knew there was a video, but hadn't seen it.  It was great!  Still, crazy frog is my favorite, also sent to me by sara... second, today is lower body day and I will get that done and report back later... third, Ruth tagged her blog readers for Body for Life "tricks" to help keep us going.  So, here are the ones I thought of. mind over matter-giving myself a true choice of not HAVING to do any of this puts my desire to do this into perspective and also, deciding that setting goals doesn't mean that I have to be unhappy with what I have right now. water, water, water--it will keep you energized and strong dropping the "all or nothing" mentality--deciding up front that if I mess up, I'm not a failure and to keep going with all the bobbles, this is a long haul making every workout "count"--pushing myself accepting my personal best without comparing with others putting the scales away!  I chose to go b...

I just finished "running" my new OKGO  MASTER THE TREADMILL workout on my elliptical .  It was a really good workout. It is set up in 7 or 8 intervals...I forget..., and they vary in length/intensity.  I'm wiped out for the moment, but my hip isn't upset like it would be if I'd run outside or on a treadmill.  This workout is designed for the treadmill, but I got it with the plan of using it also on my elliptical and running outside.  It's a nice change of pace, too, which I am enjoying.   abwork later...I'm too exhausted right now!

I'm sitting here enjoying my free day hazelnut latte in the warmth of my home while it snows piles outside.  I thought of my cyberfriends and hope that you are all having a nice warm day too!  I wanted to encourage you to look on itunes for health and fitness podcasts...(free)...and check them out.  I found one about a 43 year old man who decided to get back into running on his birthday.  The podcasts are his actual "couch to 5K" (coolrunning.com) workouts to guide you along so you don't need to check your watch, etc.  Anyway, encouraging stuff.  Check it out!  I'm about to go to coolrunning to find out more about the couch to 5K in 9 weeks thing.... I'm also getting so excited about my workout buddy, sara, coming to stay for a (long...i hope) while.  I have a fun collection of Birthday/Christmas goodies for her!  AND we are about to embark upon fixing up the dungeon for her!!!  See, Ruth, you should come for vacation...we'd put you up in the dungeon!

I had a fun upper body workout today! I was chatting online with Sara when she popped up saying, "I just did a set of pushups!"  So, I did my set.  Then, we both did the second and third sets together.  Then we went on to do tricep dips together.  Well, "virtually" together!  I am not doing shoulders because my shoulders are still sore from Tuesday and pushups work shoulders too. More good news is that now, I can do men's pushups all the way to the floor.  I did a set of 10, a set of 8, and a set of 9.  finally!

Hey! My hip and back are feeling some better!  The rest was a good idea.  I've stuck with it on eats, though, and I will be doing chest, shoulders(which are still sore!), and triceps today!  I wonder what combination Ruth will do??  She's getting creative!  haha!   Hubby comes home tomorrow!!   It was fun ichatting with Sara yesterday...Ruth, you could ichat with us on your dh's mac!!

I thought I'd check in to say that my hip has really been bothering me from my fall.  I think that I'd better lay off.  I did the elyptical on Tuesday and some stationary squats yesterday with lower weights and more reps.  Oh, and belly dancing...ok, I will rest my hip and lower back today.  I probably haven't done enough resting.  I just don't want to miss!  I hope you don't have to miss today!  Do extra for me!  :) Tomorrow, I will do upper body with no problem, then free day Saturday.  So, by Sunday, my back and hip will have rested an extra 3 days. In the meantime, check this out: www.workoutmusic.com 

...and now I'm tagging you!  My SIL tagged me in a fun blogger's tag.  I'm to tell 7 things about myself and then you are to tell 7 things about yourself on your blog! 1.  I've gone from a size 14 to a 4 in the past year!   2.  I didn't learn to swim until age 39.  I finally realized that the motivation that kept me from learning to swim (fear of the water) could motivate me TO learn to swim, so I "took the plunge." 3.  I'm a homeschooling/son-rise mommy.  What this means is that I homeschool my 2 typical children and my son with autism.  I use the son-rise method with my son with autism.  Here is the website:  www.son-rise.org.  It means that our family chooses happiness with what is, not worrying about what was or could be.  It means loving first, teaching as a result. 4.  I love coffee.  It's good. 5.  I have a Bichon Frise, a Golden Retriever, and a rabbit.  The cat moved to a ranch outside of town...yay! 6.  I love my jeep!  It can climb over ...

I'm sitting before my brand new MacBook (Yay!) deep in thought.  As you can see from the picture, I have much to consider.  Should I have plastic surgery or will BFL indeed create a "new Me?" Ok, enough fun and games...down to the business at hand.  Today was 3B's day, and I killed my biceps while lowering the weights on back and booty for more reps so I could try not to injure myself further.  I think I did ok, but I am looking forward to a good, strong workout when I'm back to normal.  I know that from the above picture, you might conclude that I will never be normal, but I'm hoping!   Also, abwork and belly dancing were yesterday & both were good.  We have learned all of one dance and most of a second.  I have a few trouble areas that my brain has trouble correcting, but I will manage!  All in all, it's fun! How are you gals?

Still in some pain...so I took it pretty easy on the elyptical trainer. I did my nike+ workout, just took it down a few notches. It will feel good to be able to move more when I'm finished healing. As it is, I still need to tone things down. Advil is my friend. Abwork later...probably on the exercise ball to cushion my back and hip. I'm being a big baby!

I have felt better today, so I did upper body. Eats are on. BFLife is good. Here's a picture just for fun!

well....so...I mentioned that I fell (comment on my last post). Here's what happened. I stepped out of the jeep onto the Target parking lot which was a sheet of ice. I slipped down hard on my behind and whacked my head on the jeep. I took a minute trying to convince my left leg to move and get underneath me so that I could stand which took lots of brain/will power. Anyway, I hurt myself. From my left shoulder down to the middle of my inner foot on my left side is sore, achy, and generally painful. I'm resting. I had thought I'd do back and biceps last night, but as I got more and more sore, I decided to rest in case I had hurt my back as well as my booty. It seems that was wise because, today, there is no way to work out. I am resting again today and possibly tomorrow. We'll see. Bummer.

I had really wanted to do cardio yesterday, so I did it this morning and will do 3 B's tomorrow, then be back on schedule. I got to use my elyptical trainer! Gracyn was supposed to take my pic for the blog, but I guess she got busy because she never returned with the camera. I had downloaded a workout album of interval training onto my ipod nike+ and I ran that on the elyptical. It was a really good workout, but the intervals are longer and not a full-out sprint. I like the Hiit style better, but it was good, and I will use it some more. I think it will be great with jumping rope because I like a longer rope interval, but the rests will be too long. I'll have to adjust that. The music was great with the exception of the content...why do all great-beat songs fill your mind with junk? I like Shakira in Spanish. That way, I get the great beat, but I can't understand her (a good thing). We cut down our Christmas tree yesterday! It was just the right one. It was in a...

No run for me today. I got up too late and the elyptical machine wasn't ready yet for this 2 degree morning. Neither was I. :) Had a great Thanksgiving, though, and hope you did too!

Hey, Fitness Friends! Check out the new featured challengers on the BFL site!! Today will be upper body for me. Tomorrow is cardio/abs with free eats. :) ***update*** Odell and I did chest, shoulders, and triceps today. Yippee. It's fun for him to be involved. Tomorrow, we hope to workout on our new elyptical trainer! I'm going to try my new nike+ workout.

So, today I did the 3 B's because I decided to run yesterday. The big switcherooo. Got around to the workout this evening just before dinner. Hubby and I went to the community gym. I did frog jumps, squats on the squat machine, lat pull-downs, abwork, preacher curls, and hammer curls. Odell is helping me tweak my workout. Here is the lowdown in case it helps you. He says that when you do more reps to reach muscle fatigue, you work one set of muscle tissue...the long-twitch muscle tissue. If you raise the weight so that you reach muscle fatigue in fewer reps, you work the short-twitch muscles. So, according to him, I should change it up. Go for a while one way and then the other. I guess that makes sense with Bill Philip's rep schedule...it would work both. hmmm.

Oh so very coooool. I switched out 3B's today for cardio for a couple of reasons. #1, it was such a gorgeous day and tomorrow is not expected to be so pretty. #2, I got my nike+ all ready to go. It's way cool. If you have an ipod nano, I highly recommend it (except for Sara who *MIGHT* be getting that for her birthday...). The set-up without ipod is only 30 bucks. You can choose a power song to jump to for interval running, etc. A voice tells you your distance, time, and pace. Also, you can chart your runs and set goals, win trophy icons, join challenges, lots of stuff! I downloaded a workout tonight to try. It has longer intervals at less intensity than I'm use to, so I may have to alter it if I don't like that. I thought it would be a nice change, though. The intervals are 3 minutes with 6 minutes recovery.... Anyway, I think I will like it for jumprope. Good run. Taking votes on the best "power song" for running intervals. I know you have some favorites...

This weekend was my Mother-Daughter weekend with Gracyn. I had decided to take both saturday and sunday off, and I have except for the swim yesterday. We went to a little town about an hour away and stayed overnight in a hotel. We played and swam in the indoor pool. She worked me out pretty well, swimming back and forth, racing. She won. I'm not a strong swimmer, but it was great fun. We did this Passport 2 Purity weekend workshop together, shopped, went for ice cream (coffee for me), and out to eat. We ordered pizza, swam, and had general fun. While we were out shopping, I bought my ipod nano...all set for nike+. I'll haffta write you a review after I try it out!

Workouts were great this week....including today's chest/shoulders/triceps. The weakness of the week came in a little can from the girl scouts. They seem innocent, those little girls...but they bring order forms with pictures of chocolate covered things. Those chocolate covered things were almonds. They arrived this week. I admit my offense! Even wonder woman couldn't resist a few every now and then. OK, so now you know! I must go stop a war with love now in my satin tights (according to Ruth's post). More soon about my workout changes.

Odell and I ran 6 Hiits along the river. He over does everything, so he was light headed and nauseous again... Silly Man. My Christmas present came today...Nike+!!! But I don't have an ipod nano yet to go with it. That will be cool. I hope it's green! Abwork in a bit.

I was soooo mentally exhausted yesterday that I didn't want to work out. Odell said, let's walk to the gym and work out. We did, and I felt much better! Then, he took me out to eat at the only restaurant that was open in this one-horse town. I had salmon steak and rice pilaf...so yummy! workout included leg press, squats on the squat machine...hubby said, "I think this will be too much weight for you (squat machine)." NOT! I did them with no problem. Then, he did leg press after me and couldn't believe I was pressing 245 lbs, a substantial weight even for him. I tried to explain that I'm wonder woman, but I don't know if he bought it.

picture from our trip of the amazing and glorious color change of the northeast. And I thought I'd let you know that I just finished abwork! Gooooodnight.

It amazes me how the day can start off so cold here this time of year and then become so perfect by lunch time! It was a very cold 20 degree morning! Now it's warm, and O and I are about to jump rope before lunch! I can't wait to get our ellyptical machine so I can choose to do cardio earlier without freezing my tush off! Here is a picture of it...well, of the machine, not my tush...I'll update later. *******************update****************** We jumped rope! It was fun. I'm having trouble learning my newest move, though. It's the crisscross jump. Some days I can do it really well, then others, I just can't seem to do it at all! Today, I could NOT get it! Had fun anyway. Fun to have Odell jumping with me. Abwork soon to come.

Today's pictures from our trip are from the National Zoo...definitely our favorite part. The kids each had their own photo ideas with this dinosaur skull. Today's workout was upper body...chest, shoulders, and triceps. I anticipate soreness on the morrow. :) Belly dancing was fun. We are learning our second dance. Here is a link to a you tube video of the dance. It's called "entrance of the stars." We don't exactly look like these graceful girls, and I know my abs need more work before I look like this! But, this is what the dance looks like when done very, very well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWyn27A2kc4

Such a great run today! What was great about it? Odell decided to run with me! Yipppeeee! He wants to work at becoming more fit. I'm so happy. I worry sometimes about his lifestyle, sitting in front of the computer for hours and hours. He collapsed when we got back home...maybe his personal trainer pushed him a little too hard??? I told him we still have abwork to do later, and he groaned. He ran 6 hiits with me. Pretty good for a computer geek! :) Here is a pic from our trip...I'll try to include one or two here and there. This one is at Arlington Cemetery...there's the MAN. He already looks good (wolf whistle, please), but he is out of shape as far as cardio and lung capacity....the important stuff. Another from Arlington Cemetery. It takes my breath to realize what has happened and what happens to keep me in my safe, warm life. As far as you can see in every direction looks like this. Hey, running buddies...do you know about this?? http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/

I don't want to!!!! I do not want to do the 3 b's today, so I'm checking in to let you know that I AM going to do it and do it well! Check back this evening to hear about my intense 3 b's workout. You are holding me accountable! See? Now, I already want to do it!! You're great! **********yes update********** I took the boys to the community gym to rollerskate and play basketball. then we all went upstairs to the little workout room (free for the community). See pic... My legs and arms were shaky when I got done...should be a good kind of sore tomorrow! More pictures: They fixed the lat machine! Yay!! It was broken last time I tried to use it. In this picture, I look happy, but my mind was saying, "hur-r-r-y...Br-ae-dd-en...I can--t hold th-is mu--ch lon-ger...." Braeden shows his strength on the leg press. And Kaegan shows off with some lower abwork.

My hips just ache...a lot...I wake up in the night with them hurting. I always think, "Maybe I should skip running or jumping today." But I really love running and jumping rope, and it seems like the activity eases the achy-ness some. So, I strapped on my shoes (saucony cross trainers-love them! Sara needs some.) and went out with my jumprope. The day is go great. The sun is shining, the sky is an amazing blue, cool breeze with warm sun...doesn't get any better. I'm so glad I did it! I hope you have the same kind of day and an opportunity to get out in it and MOVE your body! Abwork later...will be pilates. Love pilates for abs! Yay! for all of us making moves toward healthy LIVING! And double YAY YAY for my pal Susan (in case she is reading this...) for getting started just yesterday on BFL!! :)

Unfortunately, I'm too lazy to download my trip pictures tonight...that will have to wait. Fortunately, I did manage my workout and eats today. Unfortunately, I didn't get to call Sara back today. Fortunately, there is tomorrow. Unfortunately, I'm very tired tonight. Fortunately, it's from all good stuff. so, g'night for now!

Hey Everyone! Thanks for missing me! I'm back! I'll try to post pictures from our trip tomorrow. I jumped rope and did abwork today. Ate a mini-tootsie roll and a hard candy. Other than that, I'm on track! Missed you! More tomorrow!

I did nothing but prepare for our trip today. We leave in the morning!! Yay! I'll be checkin' in on you! Have a great week!

Today, I did a fun, challenge jump. I jumped fewer jumps per set, but very intense sets with active-rest moves in between the sets (as in hopping figure eights) or else lunges between. It was fun and the day here has been just nothing less than grand. I plan to do biceps and back tomorrow which means that I will have more than made up for my misses during our workshop days. I will also either do abwork tonight or tomorrow. We leave the next day. Yippee! I'm glad to have the vacation, but will be right back into my BFLifestyle when I get back! I'm sure dh will take his laptop, too, so I will be checking in and, hopefully, posting pics. Here is a pic of the kids at last night's Halloween bash...Gracyn has pink hair and the black haired geisha is our friend, Maddie. Kaegan is the magician and Braedy is the ninja.

Today, I did cardio and upper body. Tomorrow, cardio and 3 B's. Here are some photos for Phriday. Master bedroom BEFORE... and AFTER. This was a fun set of squats. About 50 pounds... Have a good weekend!

because I didn't yesterday or today. The workshop was really great, but exhausting. I always forget just how tiring these things are. We have a teacher come from the Autism Treatment Center of America for 2-3 days. We work one-on-one with Kaegan in his playroom while she observes. Then, she gives us feedback and teaching sessions. It's exciting to see how far he has come, and I'm rejuvenated from within that I really am making a difference for him and that he really can make changes for himself. Not to mention the changes in myself, shift in mindset, decision to be happy with what IS. Life is full of curve balls. This workshop was a curveball in my BFL program. Next week will be too. We are leaving Monday for a week. Our destination is to Edison, NJ to see a new doctor who specializes in autism and hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Since we will be so close, we decided to go to the capital and to NYC as well. We are excited about all of it, but the hyperbaric treatme...

I thought I posted this morning, but I guess not. I've been busily preparing for our autism workshop tomorrow. A teacher from Son-Rise is in town to train us here in our home. It is tomorrow and Thursday. Always fun but intense and emotional. My workouts will be later in the day, but I will be sure to get them done! I felt rotten this morning AND it was 21 degrees outside. So, I gave myself some time to feel better and let the day warm up. It ended up being an amazing, beautiful day and I jumped rope just before lunch. Abwork is not looking appealing as I'm wearing down, but I'm planning to at least do something!

Gracyn fancied up my blog for me! She's a whiz! Well, I did lunges up the stairs which might kill me later. Then, I did the funnest (homeschool word) squats I've ever done. I'll post a picture later....I'm on the wrong computer right now. I also did biceps, but am leaving back for belly-dancing. I seem to be finally catching "the sickness" that I've been fighting. I forgot my airborne for 3 days in a row...today my throat is very scratchy. Not a ton of energy, but staying on track mmmmmostly. I asked dh to bring home some yummy free day food saturday. I meant one serving size of something good. Those of you who know my hubby can guess that he brought home bags and bags of the best most chocolatey halloween candy...I had a mini-snickers bar with breakfast.... Lunch was late and a little more fat than I normally eat. It was a yummy sandwich from the coffee shop. I'd never had one, but now I know that their sandwiches are not BFL food! Good,...

Decided to take today off...so much to do that hasn't been done! So, I'll be back tomorrow!

Upper body was rejuvinating today! A day off from lower body, back, and biceps was a good thing. My legs are still sore. As are my abs. And my back. Still feel biceps some too. Tomorrow, I will feel my chest, shoulders, and triceps as I take a day off from it all! I hope you have had a great day and are looking forward to a great weekend! I've included in this post a couple of belated pictures of a clean and organized bedroom. Notice the curtain for a closet door, Sara. Also, pic of B and K in their organized room! This weekend, I will be trying to finish organizing the master bedroom and closet and this time, I did think to take before pictures!

Here are some pictures of the snow, my new jeep, Kaegan as a clown, and Braeden in unusual snow-gear. I fully planned on resting today, but when the sun was shining and snow was flurrying all at the same amazing time, I just had to get out there and run. I ran 7 sprints with Braeden along on his bike for the fun while K and G were in school. So, tomorrow I will rest unless I lift. I'll see how my muscles feel. Flowerpot asked if I've been drinking airborne, and I have to sing its praises. Yes, I've been drinking it, and I'm sure that is why I've been able to successfully fight off the virus so far. I love the lemon-lime and the pink grapefruit! It's like a special treat!

I decided last night to take today off from 3 B's because I have been staying perpetually sore and achy. I think I'm fighting off the virus that knocked dh flat. I have a continual headache and low energy and not recovering from workouts very quickly. So, I decided to let my body rest today. My back is still sore, my lower body is still sore, and my biceps are sore from upper body flyes that worked more than just chest and shoulders, apparently. Eats are still on, and hopefully, I will be less sore tomorrow for cardio/abs. It snowed again last night! In fact, it's snowing right now. Beautiful...I'll post some pics.

I've been so sore lately, I almost skipped cardio today. But, I just couldn't resist. The day turned out so pretty after a 20 degree start, and I had a little time between running kids around for school pictures, lunch, Kaegan's time at school.....so, I jumped my beloved rope. I'm sore from upper body yesterday, and I probably should have taken the weights out of my jumprope handles, but i didn't think of that. I plan to do abwork in front of the baseball game tonight. So sad the redsox lost, but the Rockies won and are going to the world series!!!! Whether or not you care, now you know. I really don't have a way to do the video thing for belly dancing, but Sara could do that!! That would be fun. I'll try to post pics of my new stuff at least. I got black velvet genie-looking pants with a shirt that ties in front. Then, I got a long jingly scarf that is a pretty deep blue and black with silver coins and beads. It has a flowy deep blue top. And I ...

At belly dancing class tonight, we got to shop for pretty, jingly costumes...hip scarves, skirts, tops, etc. It was super fun because I'm not a fatty-pie anymore! All the small stuff fit and looked cute! Yay! I bought a few things. It was fun. We started learning a new dance too. Before belly dancing, I lifted...upper body. Felt good. I hope I'm not quite as sore as I have been! I like to be sore, but wow...I was too sore. My back is still sore and I thought I took it easy on back! I did up the weights, though. Eats today were good except for a few tastes of the brownies I made for the kids for our friend, Mariah's B-day. They were really yummy! Gotta root for the Sox now! The only sport I really enjoy watching.... :)

Here I am in the middle of a hopping figure eight this morning. I had lots of excuses not to work out...soooo sore from Friday's workout, still. Slept late. Snow. Low energy--I think I'm fighting off hubby's illness. But, I really wanted to get out there. It was fun. I keep thinking I'll run, but jumping is so fun. The best news?? I got these new pants and didn't have to pull them up even once! SCORE! High point: 150 straight jumps with no "pants breaks"!

eats: left-over hamburger patty (ha ha) and coffee and water turkey wrap and water marathon bar and water chicken breast, rice, green beans, water hot tea, unsweetened water turkey lunch meat and cheese, water good day for food. workout: squats, lunges, dead lifts bicep curls (20 lbs, yay!) rows good workout, but light on back again. I just have a hard time coming up with anything interesting for a back workout! I haven't felt great which has been a bummer too, but I think I'm fighting off what Odell had. tomorrow is soccer out of town and FREE.

didn't get to post yesterday before leaving for our field trip, but I worked out hard before leaving and ate right until dinner which was my plan. I knew we were having pizza for dinner, so I planned to cheat. I didn't manage eats today, which was not my plan...I forgot to take my protein bars with me! Oh well! And I missed cardio/abs which I figured might happen too. Life, ya know! I got home a little while ago, and we had fun! Learned some history which was the point, so that's good. glad to see that you guys are hangin' in there! Thanks for all the pants offers...It's true that I do need new pants, but I have trouble finding any that will stay up through jumping rope. I bought some very snug yoga pants that almost stay up through a set of 100. almost. suspenders, I tell ya!

set the stop watch. Jump 10 straight jumps, hopping figure eights, jump 10, eights, jump 10, eights walk repeat Now warmed up, so 100 straight jumps that were more like 50, pull up pants , 50 more..ha! walk *jump 10, fig eights 5 times pull up pants walk jump 50, pants , jump 50, pants, jump 50, pants walk repeat from * Until 20 minutes has passed. End with practicing side to side, front to back, criss-cross, and running step Pull up pants . So, do you get the idea that the pants thing is a problem? One good thing about it is that since I stopped just for that tiny moment of pants-pulling-up, I felt like I could go for 50 more, so highest intervals today were 150 straight jumps, with "pants breaks." Abs were crunches and side crunches. upper body tomorrow with the "ruth" attitude!

..legs!!! What have I done? Will I be able to move tomorrow? And my back...owie! Not to mention my biceps...yeow! So, you may have guessed that today was 3 B's for me. I decided to change things up a bit and went to the gym for leg press, hamstring curls, roman chair, and bicep curls. The lat bar was broken. I think I managed to work my back out well enough, though. I'm very tired. Our friends came to visit...that was fun! The word, "skinny," was used since they hadn't seen me since Easter. :) DH is sick...am I next?? Hope not!! Cardio/abs tomorrow! I'm looking forward to it because I just talked to my mom. she told me that my Grandmother could only make 2 rounds walking around the house today when they were doing their inside-the-house "walk." She could do 4-5 not long ago. I am jumping and running and biking as long as I can because one day, I will not be able to. Now, I can. So, now, I will. Tomorrow, I'm jumping for Gran-Gr...

chest flyes, presses, plus shoulder presses, upward rows, plus lying tricep extensions, equals tired me. tomorrow is free, and I'm ready. I've been hungry all day for no good reason! Do you like my lack of Friday Fotos once again??? I never seem to get a long enough time on the computer to download pics AND post them! All I had were some pictures of the kids' rooms since we finally got them unpacked and organized. Sara would be impressed. 'spose to snow this weekend!! Friends coming in town tomorrow.

well, I only have a minute, but wanted you all to know that I jumped and jumped for cardio today! Abs before bed. I hope you all had a great day!!

I did 3 B's, light on the back. To answer Sarah's question about belly dancing and tummy muscles...I feel it more in my back muscles which is the reason I went light on my back today. I think it is similar to pilates in that it makes you more aware of your tummy muscles and how it feels to concentrate on them. But it was my back muscles that felt sore. Mostly, it's fun and is a great brain exercise, crossing information over from left to right constantly. I like that. I'm looking forward to spring break now, M, do you think you will come? R, I'm about to check out your blog..."Keep truckin'!" Sara with no "h"...I miss ya!

Well, we moved into our house in June. Today, I managed to finish unpacking the kids' rooms upstairs. You wouldn't believe the mess up there! They've had friends over, of course, and have played and then boxes and half-done organizing...just a mess. I wish I'd taken a before picture! I didn't, but I did take afters so I'll try to post those tomorrow. I'm too tired tonight. I also went to belly dancing, and almost forgot to work out, I was so busy. But, work out I did. I am sore already too. I bench pressed 30 lb dumbells, each hand for a set of 15!!! *record* Then, I had to go down to 25, and could only do 10 and 8. Next time, I think I'll lower the number of reps and then do all three sets at 30 lbs.

I decided to cut myself some slack this weekend and take sort of 2 free days! ha ha! Not feeling the greatest and needed a break from thinking about what to eat, when, etc. Back on tonight! I may still jump rope anyway just because it's so fun. But, again, haven't felt great...so we'll see! I'll try to take some pictures, Ruth. Hubby is back to take them, so watch for those!

Yes, I finally reached a point in my day where I could sneak in 2 of the 3 B's and I will do back before bed. I did squats and hammer curls all together...saves time, wears me out. Then I did plie' squats and bicep curls alternating...saves time, wears me out. My back was so tired and I was so hungry, I stopped and ate dinner. I plan to do backward sit-ups before bed. I'm really tired though...... tomorrow is free!

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Cardio for this glorious autumn day: Jumped long sets with short resting intervals, some bouncing with figure 8 rope swing, some walking. Some sets were straight jumping, some running step, some front-back. Highest Hiit: 150 straight jumping. To cool down, I practiced criss-cross, side to side, and another resting move that I can't remember the name...you swing the rope in a figure 8, but with an extra spin at each side. Anyway, it's lots of fun! It always makes my legs and tushy sore. It was 31 degrees when I got up, but has been a perfect fall day ever since the sun managed to peek over the top of the bluff. I mean, it's an awe-inspiring day...you should be here. Nothing short of grand.

today, I did pushups. then chest flyes. then shoulder presses. then tricep dips. That's all, but I figured the pushups work 'em all. I'm doing better with pushups, too! Yay! My plans for cold weather are as follows... we are moving my workout bench into hubby's office space (heated). I ordered a warm fleece from llbean that was on sale for 15 bucks I plan to get this cool ear warmer from the bike shop I will jump rope on the deck...after shoveling the snow I will run the stairs I will wear my shoe spikes and run outside I will run on the treadmill or elyptical at the gym around the corner we are looking for an exercise bike. coffee I love the cool air as long as it isn't bone chilling. Most of the winter here is crisp and clean. There will be some "too cold to get out there" days though!

It was cold when I got up this morning to do cardio, so I put it off just a little until the sun was out nice and warm over the mountain...about 8:30. Then, I jumped rope. I actually did a crisscross, which I've never been able to do. That was cool. I am pretty good at the figure 8 resting move now (not really much of a rest though!) Did the running step for the longest I've ever been able to keep it up...50 steps. Highest Hiit was 120 jumps. The air was cool and crisp and the sun was warm. Such an interesting combination! Felt so nice. I'm a good kind of sore from yesterday, even my biceps which seldom actually get sore. Abwork later in the day. ***********update*********** The latest in jump rope fashion?? Well, the picture to the left is what I think I need for jumping rope...every time I jump rope, I struggle with falling pants. What I need are suspenders!! Besides being useful, they are very goodlooking. I did a superset of abwork and then the plank. Thought you ...

I compleeeeetely forgot abs yesterday! oooops! I cleaned and cleaned today and nearly forgot the 3 B's. Then, I thought of it, and went out and did it. I did walking lunges with 15 pound dumbells in each hand which I curled as I lunged. Afterward, I did plie' squats with bicep curls and hammer curls. Then, I did rows and reverse flyes. I'm sore already and will check back in after (my first) belly dance class. Gotta go wiggle now. ***********************Update************ Yes, I will definitely be sore. ouch already. Belly dance was fun and surprisingly easy. We are learning a fun dance which I'm not so good at YET. I'll be interested to see if my abs are sore tomorrow. I didn't really feel anything while there except my shoulders at one point. Granted, I am just learning and not doing it exactly right yet.

we had a soccer game this morning, then a wine/music festival all day. We can hear the music from our back deck. I was inspired to jump my rope as I listened to the music, so I did. Today was free beginning with dinner last night. All done with free day for dinner tonight. I'll do abs tomorrow. Our guests being gone, I decided to try to reclaim my house. I cleaned the bathroom and then put away stacks and stacks of laundry. Then, I went into my closet (egads!). I took out an entire section of clothes that needed to be tried on to see if they still fit, etc. I tried them on and kept 4 things. All others were either too big or I'm not crazy about and have something else similar. Some old favorites are toooooo big now, and I'm glad to say that I have no qualms about getting rid of them. I know that I will never again be that size! so,... Good bye last of the fat clothes! Don't be bitter. You served me well, But now, you're litter. I'm much smaller now....

I loved Ruth's Photo Friday idea, and I fully intend to steal it for next friday. Today, you will just have to trust me that I really did do this though I have no pics to prove it... chest press: 25 lb dumbells for 1 set of 15 reps, then hubby showed up to spot me and I did 2 sets of 30 lb dumbells, one for 8, one for 6 chest flyes: 15 lb dumbells shoulder press @15 lbs, then upward rows tricep extensions (lying): 15 lbs, and then dips Already sore. Feel great!

Hi! Yesterday, I did manage to get out and jump rope! It was so great, I didn't want to stop. The day was beautiful! The exercise felt great! aaah! Here's what I did: I alternated my jumping steps now that I am a little more practiced. I did straight jumping with sets of 100+ (I'm up to 120 for about every other set). I alternated the running step and the front-to-back jump as well as using the figure 8 active rest move. Pretty way cool. I felt like an amazing jump roper even though I made plenty of start-stop mistakes! I took shorter recovery times in between sets too. Just bumping things up a notch! Today, I should be able to manage upper body! Yeah! I'll still take tomorrow as free, and "jump" back into it on Sunday! Going to check out Ruth's PICTURES now!