Combined Challenges

I've decided to combine my updates for the Summer Challenge 2010 and the 101 Days of Summer Challenge in one post since my goals for both challenges are similar and they are running around the same time. It just seemed silly to do one update after the other with basically the same information.

Here are my combined goals for both challenges and my progress update for this week:

1. Lose an additional 20 pounds by the end of summer/continue to lose an average of 2 pounds per week (13 weeks x 2 lbs. per week = 26 pounds)

- My regular weigh-in is on Fridays so I'm going to use those numbers for all future weigh-ins. It was getting too confusing to have different numbers and different weigh-in days to keep track of.

Challenge Starting Weight: 215
Week 1: 212.3 (-2.7)
Week 2: 211.6 (-0.7)
Week 3: 211.6 (+-0.0)
Week 4: 207.9 (-3.7)

WooHoo! I'm getting closer and closer to "Onederland." I'm making progress so I'm pretty happy with the numbers. I'm going to do my best to hold on to this week's loss through the weekend so I don't have to waste time losing it again next week.

2. Continue to hit the gym HARD every day I'm in the city and not in VT/continue to hit the gym at least 4 days per week (60 minutes cardio and weight training)/get off the elliptical once in a while and start hitting the weights at least 2x per week

- I forced myself to do the weight circuit three times this week in addition to my cardio time on the elliptical and dreadmill. I don't love it (yet) but I'm going to keep doing it until I do. I think I might actually see some muscles peeking out through my fat.

The only day I didn't get to the gym this week was Monday. B didn't go to work because he sliced his finger open Sunday night so we spent most of the night in the ER getting him stitched up (and watching Game 5). I was in the hospital again yesterday visiting my brother who had his appendix out. I really hate hospitals and hope I don't have to see one again for a long, long time.

3. Increase cardio to 99+ minutes at least once a month (Tuesday challenge)

- I already did my Super Tuesday workout for June but I may squeeze another one in this month. I don't have to limit it to just once a month or just Tuesdays, right?

4. Start the C25K program already

- I think this is going to take me longer than most because I don't want to move forward with the program until I'm able to comfortably do the running parts, or in my case jogging. I've done 3 days of Week 1 of the C25K and hope to move on to the next level soon.

5. Get some sort of physical activity on the weekends while away at camp/hike, bike, walk or jog at least one day each weekend

- We were stuck in the city last weekend so I was able to hit the gym on Sunday. It was nice and quiet and so much less crowded than it is during the week. I loved it.

6. Limit my nighttime snacking ritual

- I'm getting much better at controlling the nighttime munchies attack. A small handful of cashews or a jello pudding snack pack is more than enough to keep me satisfied these days. I'm so glad I haven't had the urge to binge and have not had any out of control eating in weeks.

I stopped buying sherbet, frozen yogurt and other treats so I don't have the temptation around. I know if it's in the house, I will eat it so I just removed the temptation. If I want something bad enough I'll have to go out and get it.

7. consume more veggies, more fruit and more water

- I'm loving my Green Monster ("Monstah" if you're a Bostonian) Smoothies. I've been enjoying their fruity goodness most days when I get home from the gym. They're so refreshing and filling after a good sweaty workout. Fruits, veggies and water all in one delicious drink. I still have the urge to try them with vodka .... Mmmmmmm....

8. eat less processed crap and avoid anything with HFCS

- I haven't had any cake, cookies, chips, crackers or any junk food this week. I'm sure I've had some HFCS because that crap is in EVERYTHING but I'm more diligent about looking for it and avoiding it when I go shopping. YAY!

Not bad, not bad at all (if I do say so myself). I don't want to jinx anything but I think I'm getting into the groove of this healthier lifestyle and I'm lovin' it. I have so much energy and feel so much better now than I did at this same weight when I was going up the scale. It's all such a mental head game.

I'm so inspired by all of you who have paved the way and those who've been struggling right along with me. We're all in this together, right?

I think I'm on a roll now ....

So, how you doin'? ;)