Late Update

I'm so far behind in my blog reading and didn't even get around to update my challenge(s) status this weekend. I guess it's a good thing I'm not wasting the summer sitting in front of the computer screen but I hate falling so far behind. I have almost 600 unread posts in my reader so if anything earth shatteringly important is going on out there it may take me a while to catch up with it all. I was extremely tempted to "mark all as read" but just can't bring myself to do it in case I miss something big. I may not comment while plowing through all those posts but I'll get caught up soon and back to commenting regularly again.

I'm just going to give a brief summary update for the 101 Days of Summer Challenge and the Summer Challenge 2010.

Goal No. 1: Lose 20 pounds (average 2 pounds per week)

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)
Week 5: 207.9 (-0.0)
Week 6: 209.2 (+1.3)
Week 7: 207.2 (-2.0)
Week 8: 206.4 (-0.8)
Week 9: 207.0 (+0.6)

I wish I could have used the numbers I saw on the scale on Thursday as I was down over a pound and a half but I'm sticking to my Friday weigh ins so a gain of 0.6 pounds is what it is. Let's hope I can show a decent loss next week so I can creep closer to that elusive onederland.

Things are pretty much status quo with the rest of my challenge goals. I'm happy to report I got my ass into the weight room TWICE last week with a little encouragement from Cammy. Sometimes all we need is a little push or a big fat kick in the ass to get us moving. Feel free to give me either one if you think I need it. Thanks Cammy!

I'm off to try to catch up on what's going on with all of you. I hope you're staying cool and enjoying the dog days of summer (or winter if you're down under).

Rock on, Challengers.

Summer Challenges Update

I know I'm late with my update but better late than never, right? I started writing my challenge update post on Friday but the day got away from me so I'm just getting back to it now. I don't know where my time goes. The days are just flying by and I'm trying to make the most of my last days of freedom because unless they decide to pass the vote for unemployment extensions I'm going to be forced to take whatever job I can get just to keep the lights on and my computer connection. I don't know where I would be on this journey without all the love and support you guys give me so I just can't live without internet access. As always, thank you!

Here's my update for the 101 Days of Summer Challenge and the Summer Challenge 2010.

1. Lose 20 pounds (average 2 pounds per week)

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)
Week 5: 207.9 (-0.0)
Week 6: 209.2 (+1.3)
Week 7: 207.2 (-2.0)

Week 8: 206.4 (-0.8)

Looks like a roller coaster ride, huh? I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that I can break through to "Onederland" before the end of the month. It's so close I can almost taste it.

2. Hit the gym at least 4 days per week (not all cardio - weight training too)

- I made it to the gym every single day last week and managed to pump a little iron on two days. I can almost feel real muscles poking through on my arms. Imagine what I could see if I made more of an effort to get in the weight room more often. I still find it boring and have to force myself to get in there but I know the benefits will be worth every minute of boredom.

3. Push myself to get 99+ minutes of cardio at least once a month

- I got this done the first week of July but still want to get more super cardio days in. I don't think I reached 99+ minutes of all cardio any day last week but I spent over two hours in the gym on the two days I did weight training and have gotten at least 60 minutes on the elliptical every day. It's crazy how much I've changed in the past 7 months. Last week I laughed when I caught myself saying "I ONLY did 60 minutes on the elliptical." Who would have thought that would be a light workout?

4. Start C25K program

- This one is really tough for me. I know I should be on week 7 or 8 of the C25K program by now but I'm worried about injuring my creaky ol' knees so I haven't been pushing myself to get out of week 1 or 2 of the program. I'm still running more and walking/jogging less so I'm making progress.

5. Get moving on the weekends away

- We planned to go hiking this weekend but it never happened. I wasn't a total slug but I didn't meet this goal this week.

6. Manage nighttime munchies

- It's such a mental struggle of me wanting something sweet after dinner even if I'm not really hungry. I can't be hungry since I just ate but I WANT something sweet. I'm still working on this one.

7. Get more veggies, more fruit and more water

- I still got this one covered. It's been crazy hot here and fresh fruits, veggies and ice cold water are going down really easy. I even joined Kenz and Sean's "Positive Effect Water Challenge." I drink at least 64 oz. or more on the days I go to the gym but the water intake is lacking on the weekends. I'm making a conscience effort to stay hydrated and keep things moving.

8. Avoid as much processed crap and HFCS as possible

- We never made it berry picking this weekend but I've stocked up on frozen fruits for my green monster smoothies. Checking for HFCS is making my shopping decisions easier. If it's in there, I don't buy it. It's harder than you would think because that sh*t is in almost EVERYTHING. Can you buy stock in HFCS?

How was your week? Did you meet your goals? Do you want me to do a little cheer for you or give you a good kick in the a$$? Whatever you need, I'm here for you, just let me know.

I hope you're staying cool. Rock on, Challengers.

Versatile Blogger Award

Thanks to Jo at Weight on Me at 50+ I am one of the recipients of the Versatile Blogger Award. Thanks Jo! It's an honor just to be nominated.

As with all blog awards, there are rules so here they are:

1. Thank the person giving the award (THANKS AGAIN JO!)
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs.
4. Let your nominees know about the award.

So, here are 7 things you may not know about me:

1. After 27+ years, I'm still with the guy I lost my virginity to and we're still not married and have no plans to tie the knot (if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it, right?).

2. I'd rather be wearing jeans and a t-shirt than a designer dress (I haven't worn a dress in over 5 years).

3. I went bungee jumping off a crane and want to do it again just for the rush and perma-grin for days but I'm more scared now since I know what to expect.

4. Like Jo, I'm a handbag hoarder.
5. I hate to cook. I once burned a bag of frozen corn (I fell asleep while it was cooking and didn't wake up until the smoke alarm went off).

6. I love snow and would rather be snowmobiling in the mountains instead of sitting on a beach any day.

7. I love to read and usually have at least 2 books going at the same time. I think it's going to get even worst now that I got a Kindle although I'm old school and would rather crack a spine and turn the pages of a real paper book than turn on an electronic gadget. I'm always looking for good reading material so let me know what your favorite book is so I can add it to my list of "must reads."

I don't think anyone has ever responded to my blog awards and I'm a rule breaker so I'm just going to list my top ten newly found blogs and a few great ones I've been reading for ages just in case you've been living under a rock and haven't found these great blogs:

1. Lindsay at Healthy Stride

2. Leslie at Something Brilliant is Brewing

3. Bobbie at Anonymous Fat Girl

4. Tricia at Endurance Isn't Only Physical

5. Lori at Finding Radiance

6. Hilly at the new and improved Snackie's World

7. Jen, Amanda and Lindsay who are all Prior Fat Girls

8. Rachel at Body by Pizza

9. Jennifer at Ex Hot Girl

10. YOU, yes YOU. I'm sorry, but I'm too lazy to do any more links but I want you to take this award and tell us 7 things about yourself that we may not already know.

Thanks again, Jo.

I'm off to the gym to get good and sweaty. Peace out.

Quick Fixes, Magic Pills and Excuses ....

It's too hot to think around here so if you've been sitting there at the computer looking, JUST LOOKING, for some sort of motivation, head over to Anonymous Fat Girl's site and read this post. That's right Bobbie, there are no quick fixes, magic pills or excuses.

I had been feeling a bit discouraged lately by my snail's pace weight loss, especially when people like Jewlia Goulia hit 100 pounds lost in under seven months (Congrats Jewlia ;), and then a little light went off when I read AFG's post and realize I'm still a work in progress, but I am doing this. I have lost 34.8 lbs. off of my body and sustained a healthy lifestyle for over eight months. No quick fixes and no excuses. Even Jewlia agrees that there are no magic pills, no fad diets, no reality shows, just simply eating well and moving!

It's not a competition to see how fast we can lose weight but how we learn to live and love a healthy lifestyle. You know, live and learn.

Challenges

We're into the dog days of summer now. It's time for another challenge update for the 101 Days of Summer Challenge and the Summer Challenge 2010. I'm making progress slowly but it's still progress. How about you?

1. Lose 20 pounds (average 2 pounds per week)

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)
Week 5: 207.9 (-0.0)
Week 6: 209.2 (+1.3)

Week 7: 207.2 (-2.0)

WOOOHOO! I finally broke into a new low. I don't have any scale pictures because I left my card reader in Vermont but I'll be sure to post a picture next week. I think it still may be possible to see "Onederland" before the end of the month so I'm going to do my best to stay strong this weekend and not have to waste time working off weekend weight regain. I'll be happy if I can maintain over the weekend.

2. Hit the gym at least 4 days per week (not all cardio - weight training too)

- I made it to the gym 4 days this week and even went on my birthday. Again I only made it to the weight room once. Next week I'm going to start out in the weight room and then do my cardio so I can get it out of the way.

3. Push myself to get 99+ minutes of cardio at least once a month (Super Tuesday)
- I got this done on the 2nd but I plan on doing another super cardio workout next week.

4. Start C25K program

- I'm working on it. More running and less walking/jogging so I'm making progress.

5. Get moving on the weekends away

- We didn't go away last weekend but I didn't get much activity in since it was so damn hot out. I did sweat a lot though.

6. Manage nighttime munchies

- I've been doing better controlling the nighttime snacks. I did have frozen yogurt the other night but I got the kiddie size and it was more than enough.

7. Get more veggies, more fruit and more water

- I got this one covered. It's so damn hot and fresh fruits, veggies and water are all I've been craving.

8. Avoid as much processed crap and HFCS as possible

- I'm really shocked by how much HFCS is in EVERYTHING. I'm planning on hitting the local farmstand this weekend and stocking up on all the fresh produce. If the weather cooperates we may even go berry picking. MMMMmmmm...fresh berries....mmmmmm.

How did you do on your challenges? Are you making progress or do you need a push?

It's time for me to pack up and get out of the city. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Stay cool!

I'm Growing Older But Not Up

I can't believe it's been 43 years since the Summer of Love.

I was tempted to have cake and cocktails for breakfast but I went to the gym instead.

I get a little older, I get a little wiser - it's a shitty trade-off.

I'm off to celebrate. Peace out!

Challenge(s) Update

It's July! Can you believe it? Happy Canada Day, Independence Day or weekend to you. It's crazy to think 2010 is already more than half over and my 39th++++ birthday is next week. Where does the time go? It feels like we just made those New Year's resolutions and then we started these challenges and now it's already time for weeks 5 and 6.

So, here's how I'm doing on the Summer Challenge 2010 and the 101 Days of Summer Challenge.

1. Lose 20 pounds (average 2 pounds per week)

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)
Week 5: 207.9 (-0.0)

Week 6: 209.2 (+1.3)

#$%^&*, no loss again this week. You may not think it's possible but I once again managed to gain 6 pounds over last the weekend. That's right, two weekends in a row I gained over 6 pounds. That's just crazy. It was a three day weekend since B's company picnic was Monday. I indulged in BBQ at the ATV ride Saturday night, ice cream cake at my nephew's graduation party on Sunday and pasta and potato salad at the picnic on Monday so I'm not really surprised I didn't completely work off those extra 6 pounds (AGAIN) but I got close. I was hoping to give myself the gift of "Onederland" for my birthday but I don't think I'm going to make it in time. I may have to settle for getting there during my birthday month. I'm ok with that as long as I get there.

2. Hit the gym at least 4 days per week (not all cardio - weight training too)

- I only made it to the weight room once this week. I was too busy being a cardio maniac. I know I need to do more strength training but it's so slow and boring. I want to learn to love it so I'm going to force myself to slow down and just do it.

3. Push myself to get 99+ minutes of cardio at least once a month (Super Tuesday)
- Knocked this one out today, the 2nd of the month. I did 111 minutes of cardio on Tuesday and 112 minutes of cardio today (70 elliptical, 41/42 dreadmill). Imagine? I wouldn't have thought this was possible 6 months ago.

4. Start C25K program

- I'm running more on the dreadmill but I haven't moved past week 1 of the C25K schedule. I'm going faster with more running and less walking but I don't want to end up flying off the damn thing so I can't be bothered to keep checking the time every other minute. I'll get there.

5. Get moving on the weekends away

- We had to leave VT too early on Sunday so I never got a chance to walk down to the lake. We finished putting the deck on the new porch, got the ATVs running, went riding, and pushed the lawn mower around. I didn't "exercise" but I didn't sit on my ass all weekend either.

6. Manage nighttime munchies

- I haven't been out of control but I still wish I didn't crave something sweet every night. I have a mouthful of sweet teeth not just a single sweet tooth.

7. Get more veggies, more fruit and more water

- I've been doubling up on the veggies with dinner, drinking Green Monster Smoothies when I get home from the gym and constantly having to empty my pea-sized bladder. Who knew pee could be so clear?

8. Avoid as much processed crap and HFCS as possible

- This is really hard. What are all these chemicals, preservatives and colorings doing in all our food? We can see what they're doing to our bodies. I wonder what they're doing to our minds. These chemicals and preservatives are like drugs or cigarettes - addicting. Good thing it's summertime and the farmer's markets are in full swing with FRESH, LOCAL, ORGANIC, DELICIOUS, YUMMY fruits and veggies. It's berry picking time around here so I'm hoping to stock up next week. MMMMmmmm...blueberries....mmmmmm.

I still have the urge to drastically alter my eating so I can just lose it QUICK but I keep reminding myself that that never really worked before. I'm getting there, slow and steady ....