2 week challenge

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  • RisOnTheRun
    RisOnTheRun Posts: 624 Member
    Hi ladies!

    I was 261 over my goal for the week. I was pretty close to my goal every day, but then on Saturday night, after I had closed my diary, my husband came home with a piece of chocolate lava cake, and of course I had to eat it while it was warm. It was well worth it, but it did put me over for the week.

    My two-week yoga pass expired yesterday, so I need to get back to motivating myself to work out. My legs are pretty sore from lifting over the weekend, so I think I'm just going to ride the bike tonight, and then try to get up and run tomorrow morning, and lift on Thursday. Unfortunately it's starting to be darker in the mornings which is making it a lot harder for me to get up early, although I know I need to take advantage of the morning daylight while I can.

    Amy—I hope your dad is okay!

    Chloe--sweets are tough. I have no willpower so I just can't have them around. And great job on the morning walks! 18 miles a week is impressive.

    Lamb--welcome back! Glad you had a great time on your honeymoon! I'm sure you'll be back to your usual exercise routine in no time.

    Ashely--sounds like you had a fun weekend! That's great that you got in a good hike and a stroller run.

    Abi--that's great that you're able to fit in a few dance classes even with your crazy schedule!
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    Back to another week! I will post scores tonight for those who have weighed in:wink: sort of punny...
    Who wants in the challenge again this week? Is your goal new/different?
    I will stick with mine, 9100 and will log cardio but not weights to affect the net. which is kinda bad, because lifting makes me hungry but cardio seems to curb my appetite...
    This week, well, maybe I will get in a run tonight and a couple of sessions lifting with the FFB (female fitness bible) is my shorthand.
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    thanks for the well wishes about my dad, I think he will be ok as far as the hospitalization, he just needed some fluids and rest. We'll see the oncologist today about future treatment.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    I'm in for the STAR CHALLENGE for the duration. Same calories this week....should be able to hit them because i have an extra fast day in there.

    Abigail - thanks for the FULL REPORT on what dances, etc. I've been toying with taking some tap-dance classes. Likely in a couple more years when my kids are firmly in their teen years and don't want me around, anyway.

    Took my son to his new junior high this morning....it was pretty traumatic for him! He isn't in a class with his best friend and my son does NOT adjust to "new situations" very well. So, I cried all the way back to my car, because I know he is struggling, and all those tears just hurt my eyeball, which is already super-hurt everytime I put in the damn eye drops I have to put in. Ugh.

    Anyway, I know my son will be just fine. I think it's actually good that he and Nolan are split up this year (well, they have math and science together!), because they can find some new friends and grow individually. So, yes, it's all good....but, no parent likes to see their kid hurting.

    My 2-week goals:

    1. under 9,000 calories per week;
    2. walk 6 hours per week;
    3. sleep 7.5 hours per night; and
    4. try showering. Bathing just sucks when you have to do it everyday - my hair is long and thick and this is just awful.

    Oh, and I want to survive Thursday's surgery....I'm WAY nervous about it, now - was better last week when I didn't KNOW what was going to HIT ME!
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Morning ladies, I SUCKED last week - was 1,430 over calorie goal and really didn't workout at all. I am absolutely DETERMINED to get back into it this week. 6 weeks until Jamaica, I'd really like to see some differences before I go.

    Chloe - great work on keeping up with the walks. It started raining here yesterday, so I didn't get out this AM...

    Amy - so sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking good thoughts for him and you.

    Lamb - so jealous of your Honeymoon, hope you had a fantastic time.

    Ris - I hear ya on the daylight. It's getting harder and harder to get up early, even my dog won't get up.

    Beeps - Sad about the kiddo. I was the same way in Jr. High and HS, had a tough time with new changes/situations. I ended up ok ;) Hope the eye heals quick! Thinking good thoughts for your surgery!

    I am definitely in for the Star Challenge this week. Might be a struggle as I have a lot going on after work this week that involves not eating so healthy, but I am going to try and get runs in during lunch and get a solid start on NROL4W. I am going to keep my calorie goal the same this week and then really try and reduce it next week. My calorie goal is 10,500.

    My 2 week goals:
    1. Keep calories under 10,500 (this week only)
    2. 3 days of cardio
    3. Start NROL4W (get at least 2 days in)
    4. If it's not raining, get out and walk 30 min+
  • Better_Balance_2011
    Better_Balance_2011 Posts: 3,711 Member
    Put me down for 9500. It's going to be tough, but I can do it! Especially since it's only Tuesday and we already accepted an invite to my brother in laws for barbeque tonight. What goes good with bbq? Beer...... And my ongoing struggle continues..... socializing, food, drink and fun vs. weight loss..... We also now have a couple coming in town the week before South Beach. I'm just going to enjoy my friends and family and do the best I can!
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    aw, Beeps, that is tough. They say parenting is like having your heart walking around outside your body, and it seems so true. I get so worked up about bullying, my heart just breaks for those kids and I don't know what you can do for them?! I hope your son can make some new friends at his new junior high, but that seems to be a tough time for everyone. I still have friends I made in junior high, I think it's like war when you form close bonds with those who help you survive:wink:
    And the surgery, that sucks they couldn't have done it all at once and just be done with it.
    Oh, and Beeps, I had you down for 9300, was it supposed to be 9000?
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    Amy - I should be down for 9,300 - that's true. I'm aiming for 9,100 per week, but gave myself a 200 calorie "buffer", just to keep trying to be "nice" to me (and not "punishing").

    :smile:

    PS - my son had a GOOD DAY! He likes his homeroom teacher, they had hot dogs for lunch, and they just did a bunch of "team-building" activities ("just dance" video game, potato sack races, tug-of-wars, etc.). He got a school T-shirt! He's just fine....
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    I'm glad your son had a great first day, sounds like a fun school!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    ...well, I think "orientation day" (which was today, for grade 7's) WAS FUN! But, the real work is about to start....he is in "advanced placement", which means he does BOTH grade 7 and grade 8 studies for science and math. He'll have HOMEWORK like he won't believe!!!!!
  • Better_Balance_2011
    Better_Balance_2011 Posts: 3,711 Member
    Hearing all these first day of school stories makes me dread those days..... However my kid does pretty well getting dropped off at day care now most days. She used to run up to me when I picked her up. Now she just keeps playing.... I think having a kid really is like walking around with your heart outside of you all the time. I was never much of a sap, but certainly am now. :smile: So hearing all the positive first day of school stories makes me happy.

    I did stronglifts last night. I really liked it but thought I'd be more sore today. I could probably go up a little in my weight but not too terribly much in my tiny gym without a spot. (I did 130# squats, 75 and then 80# for bench, and finally up to 65# in rows once I got comfortable with my form) . I was just reading over the web page again though and find this interesting, "Now, with StrongLifts 5×5 your goal is NEVER to get sore or “pumped” because the only thing that matters for building muscle is gaining strength. That’s why you will always try to lift 5 pounds more (that’s 2.5kg) than last workout on each exercise." Ummm....not sure I'll be adding 5 pounds each time but will try. I'm just going to stick with this 3x a week + 2 days cardio for as long as I can, i.e. until I get pregnant.

    I did okay at the bbq last night. I could have eaten a little less. I was just hungry! But I only had one Corona Light and one cider. I came home and had a popsicle even though it put me over because I was really proud I didn't come home and drink 300 more calories in beer, so a littlle 60 calorie reward seemed warranted.

    I will probably do a stroller run tonight. It's only getting up to 80! Come on fall!
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Better - I was really jealous of your dinner last night, it all looked amazing. I looked into stronglifts yesterday and it certainly looks interesting. It looks easier than NROL4W... so I may give that a go instead.

    Finally worked out last night! Ran 20 minutes and then did some circuit work at home. I'm hoping to get into the gym on Friday and maybe even Sunday but that might be pushing it. A gal can dream right?
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    I can see some men being able to handle 5 more lbs every day, doing stronglifts - but, yes, I think as women near their genetic "ceilings", that just won't happen.....at least not without sacrificing "form". Also, Better - let's face it, squatting 130 or squatting 135, long term, makes no *real* difference. I'm glad you're taking the 'safe' route - you are still doing resistance training and your muscles will thank you for it!

    I'm soooooooooooo dreading those first few work-outs back at lifting. On the other hand, when I'm doing them, it also means I'm "recovered", and I'm soooooooooooooo looking forward to being THERE.
  • ChLoE1130
    ChLoE1130 Posts: 1,696 Member
    Beeps I am with ya on looking forward to getting back to working out hard!

    Ram- I would love to hear your opinions on NROLW, I know Beeps loved it. But, I love hearing others POV. I need to figure out a game plan once I am cleared to workout. I do know it will have to be at home though, so my options are limited.

    Better-I can't wait to cheer you on through your pregnancy! :wink: Plus that will hopefully mean mines over!
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Chloe - I never got past the first stage. I really struggled with how to do deadlifts, and I got really frustrated and just quit about 2 weeks away from finishing stage one. Now that I got a solid lesson, and feel less of an idiot when I go to the gym, I'm excited to get back into it. I did skip to stage 6 before my wedding to try and work on arm toning, but ended up injuring my shoulder because I used too much weight. I think they key is to just take your time and slowly add weight. I got cocky and it cost me. Of what I did, I loved. Hoping I can stick with it this time and finish out the whole thing. I like it because it has a solid plan, is relatively easy and can definitely be done at home with the right equipment.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    Any of the NROL series can be done at home. Chloe, I wouldn't start with NROL4women if you have a choice to do others in that series....the "supercharged" is the newest in the NROL series and there's some good research in there on why the author now selects the exercises that he does, in the order that he does. I'd start with NROL4Abs, frankly, and then do "supercharged" when you're a little more into the D-I-Y mode.

    All can be done at home - I'm a gym rat and much prefer the gym....but, I know tons of ladies who do their heavy lifting at home!
  • RisOnTheRun
    RisOnTheRun Posts: 624 Member
    I’m in for the star challenge! My goal is the same—net of 13,370 for the week. My “platinum” goal is to be within 100 calories of my target, rather than to be under my target.

    Amy—glad your dad is doing okay.

    Beeps—middle school is a tough age, but glad to hear your son had a good first day! And good luck with your surgery; hopefully it’ll go more smoothly this time!

    ramalem—I like your determination! Sometimes we all need a break, but I have no doubt that you’ll be able to get yourself back on track this week.

    Ashley—Great job at the bbq! And glad to hear you’re liking stronglifts.

    Abi—Great job getting back to logging!
  • Better_Balance_2011
    Better_Balance_2011 Posts: 3,711 Member
    Just kidding about not being sore.....not "hurts to sit on the toilet sore", but it just took a bit to set in, and I'm still sore today from Monday afternoon. Did my second series of stronglifts this morning. Sort of rushed it because I got up late, and did the overhead press seated instead of standing. But I tried one rep at the end standing, and my low ceiling does not prohibit me from pressing.

    Beeps, I'm with you on the adding 5 lbs. Stronglifts on the website is very geared towards men. I may go buy some 1 pound plates though, just to get a bit stronger, slowly. I do think I'll tire of all these squats. They are in both workout A and B, which means I'll be squatting 75 reps a week. Did 130# again for squats, started with just the bar for OHP, but ended up with 55, and I think I can do more standing as sitting with my equipment was a little awkward. I deadlifted 110.

    Ram, I watch youtube videos. I've been lifting in some capacity for a long time, but it's only been in the last year I feel like I'm really doing it right and getting my form down. I feel like just in the last 4 or 5 months I've learned to deadlift properly. I used to rely heavily on my back. It's a wonder I never injured myself.

    Chloe, we're not going to start trying till October, so yes, your pregnancy will definitly be over. :smile: I secretly hope it takes at least a couple months as we have a family vacation planned for Hilton Head next June and I'd rather not be 8 months pregnant in the care for 10 hours and 10 hours away from home. My sister got prego her first try with kid #2 so.......

    Ris, I meant to tell you how cute you look! You truly are ALL belly. I see you're still lifting. I did not lift at all during my pregnancy and am pretty bummed to omit it completely once I do get prego. What types of things are you doing? I was told no heavy lifting by my dr. last time.

    That's all I can see. Hellos to everyone else!

    Today is my Friday. We head out for St. Louis tomorrow afternoon. I hope to get a walk in tonight and probably another run in tomorrow. Doubt I'll get my 3rd stronglifts in, but I probably could use the extra burn instead of lifting for the weekend. Oh, and I'll be trying my friend's Dailey Method class Saturday morning too.

    Have a great weekend all!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    Better - I don't even hardly do squats anymore. If I do, they are bowler squats or goblet squats. I'm just too damn quad-dominant and they just don't work my glutes the way they are supposed to. I've subbed in weighted glute bridges or weighted hip thrusts when squats show up in my work-outs!

    Anyway, I'm determined to make today a success.

    Of course I've had no food or liquids because of the surgery, so that part will be fine. I'm also going to try to look at this process with "curiosity", rather than "dread", which is a skill I want my kids to have when they are trying new experiences, or going into experiences (dentist, blood draws, whatever) that they don't really like. There are parts of this surgery I am NOT gonna like (having just gone through it). So, hopefully, with curiosity, I can simply ask, "Hmmmm, wonder what my leg feels like right now? Hmmmm, wonder if I breathe a little slower if that will help?" etc, etc.

    Hope springs eternal!
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    Just wanted to check in. Last night was close but I stayed within 2 cals of goal, tonight might be high...
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Good luck with surgery Beeps!

    Better - good call on the YouTube videos. I too feel like I'm relying way too heavily on my back, and am also surprised that I haven't hurt myself. We are also going to start trying for baby number 1 in October, and am very curious about lifting during pregnancy as well since I really love it. I see some girls at the gym doing it, so Ris any tips on that will be much appreciated!

    My legs are toast today - 2 days in a row of 2 mile+ runs and burpees/squats/Mt. climbers after not doing a damn thing for over a month will do that to you. Thinking about trying our stronglifts for a bit before I decide if I want to venture over to NROL supercharged. Managed to stay within 150 calories with bookclub last night, took some serious self restraint!
  • RisOnTheRun
    RisOnTheRun Posts: 624 Member
    Ashley--thanks! I've been pretty happy with the with the weight gain during this pregnancy. For weights, I just use dumbells and my kettlebell at home (I generally use my kettlebell as a dumbell or as a barbell). My routine is generally to do bicep curls, triceps extensions, overhead presses, upright rows, kneeling one-armed rows, dumbell bench presses, lateral raises, squats, and romanian deadlifts. I start with 20# dumbells and then eventually switch over to the 25# kettlebell. So rather than increasing weight (which I can't really do without getting more equipment or going to the gym) I'm working up to all three sets with the 20# dumbells. Eventually I'll have to add weight, but I'm okay with waiting until after the baby's born to do that.

    Beeps--I hope the surgery went well!

    Amy--great job on staying within your calories! Hopefully yesterday went well too.

    ramalem--I love that feeling after getting in a good workout! And great job restraining yourself at bookclub! As for lifting during pregancy, I think that as long as you have good form and you use common sense (i.e., make sure you're not dropping weights on your bump or anything) you can keep up your pre-pregnancy routine. I haven't been adding weight (see my response to Ashley above), but I know people who have. The things you have to be most careful of when exercising are not to get your heartrate up too high, not to get overheated, and not to get dehydrated, and at least for me lifting doesn't really trigger any of those risk factors. I've had to change my running routine pretty dramatically over the course of my pregnancy, but that's really the only thing that I changed.

    I've had a pretty good week so far. I've been within 100 calories of my goal every day, and I've gotten in at least a little bit of exercise every day. I have a pretty free weekend coming up so I'm hoping to get in some long walks and a run or two.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    Surgery was WAY easier this time! Thank goodness....much more like the "walk in the park" they promised!

    I am SO glad to be on this side of this whole experience. 2 more weeks of recovery and I can lift again!

    My eyesight is PERFECT (for distance) - crystal clear and glorious! Yes, I have to put on "cheater readers" to read the newspaper, but that's no different than what I was doing before. I threw out my contact lens' yesterday! And, I've buried the solution in my bathroom (my husband wears contacts when he scuba dives).
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Yay Beeps! So glad to hear it went well :)

    Ris - thanks for the tips. I need to get my routine started to I can keep it up!

    Happy Friday everyone.
  • RisOnTheRun
    RisOnTheRun Posts: 624 Member
    Beeps--glad the surgery went okay!

    ramalem--I just saw this thread and thought of you: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1092162-lifting-and-pregnancy
    A lot of it is relative to what you're doing now, so like you said it's a good motivation to get your routine down now so you can do more down the road!
  • ramalem
    ramalem Posts: 1,066 Member
    Thanks! Reading now :)
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    My dr actually said i could start lifting in a week.

    But, i'm going to stick with the original plan. Take 2 weeks no lifting. And then ease back into it. I don't want to *kitten* with my eyes!
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    Glad everything went well, and the clear vision must be really nice!

    I did not get started with lifting this week but I did get two runs so that is something. I think if I can control myself this weekend I will be up for a star. I haven't been tracking everyone this week so let me apologize for being a poor host of the star challenge. If anyone wants to take over, I am cool with that. Or if you want to keep it informal and say-I was under goal, or 500over or whatever, that is fine too.
    It is working for me! I track everything and plan and I don't just eat midlessly. Even if I have the donut, or the wine, I make it work.
    I think it's easier to keep cals low when I am not lifting so I don't know how to maintain or lose while lifting, I get so hungry. But I do want to get started on my goals for strength!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,193 Member
    Amy, i can track and post what *star* everyone gets for the week. Please just post handles of who is in the challenge, and their expected weekly calorie goal.

    I've got an excel spreadsheet from the last star challenge, so i can just re-use that!
  • HI Ladies,

    My name is Jane, looking for a thread that can motivate me to get my butt widdled down to where I'd like it, where it was before I moved cities four months ago! This seems like a good start :) That's only 10 lbs away!!

    About me - I'm 31, 142 lbs, 5'6, no kids and not married, living with my boyfriend. I eat at home and leftovers for lunch most days of the week, and have been logging with MFP for 30 days, and have LOST 5 lbs (feel like I have to shout that cause I keep getting so down on myself when I should be proud!!). I do Jillian Michaels videos at home (30 mins) 5 days a week, was a former runner but am contending with a leg injury - which is super tough for me bc I found it so easy to shred weight when running!!

    I seem to have stalled out of late even though running a 600 calorie deficit but don't want to lose my resolve just cause that number isn't budging!!!

    Beeps - can you tell me how the *star* thing works?

    Nice to meet you all and good luck with your goals!!!!
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