May Day Challenge! Take 2!

lisawest

I just wanted to say that you are all GREAT!
I hope we can start something for May and beyond? I am not that savvy when it comes to computers and given the impending changes coming in my near future, I don't know if I would be the best candidate for the "job", but I would love to continue with my progress, and with you ladies as well.

I'm up for continuing our challenge! Starting the group is easy (all I did was post the topic:blushing: ). I'll be more than happy to "host" the next one also. I'll start it on April 30th so that we can just continue right on going!:happy:

Chocolickkyss

Chocolickkyss, do you ever take a day off to let your body recover? Apparently my mountain climbing and running down the hill 1.5 weeks post-hamstring tear was not a good idea... but now I'm back to heat and stretching before and ice and rest and anti-inflammatories after workouts.

While I don't take an actual day off where I don't do anything Sunday is my designated rest day which means I take it real light. I will either complete a stretching dvd or just walk around the park. I want to remain active but taking it light on Sunday allows my body to rest so I'm ready for the next grueling workout week. I look forward to Sundays, BELIEVE ME!

msh0530

I'm trying Skinny Saturday today.
Want to join me?
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/90605-skinny-saturday-challenge-8

Chocolickkyss

Good morning everyone! Since my body had been screaming at me all week I decided to sleep in as long as possible this morning. I didn't actually sleep since this body seems to be on a timer of its own but I refused to get out of the bed so i read for a little while. As a result, I missed my Saturday morning kickboxing class. Have no fear though b/c a workout has been completed. I decided to rock it out with Billy Blanks and his cardio kickboxing bootcamp dvd. This dvd combines calisthenics (jumping jacks, push ups, sit ups), kickboxing (jabs, uppercuts, side kicks) and strength training (squats, tricep kickbacks, tricep dips) so after 45 minutes my body is slightly fatigued but my mind feels great.

This should be one of my best weekends in a long time b/c I have absolutely nothing to do and I'm soooo happy. I'm going to continue reading my book and relax today and tomorrow I'm thinking about checking out Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too" movie. My body really needs to recover if I think I'm going to be able to tackle Shaun T and all his Insane moves.

While I will continue w/the thread if we challenge ourselves past our April 30th date I think I'm going to change my weigh in days to Monday so that I can have more accountability throughout the weekend. I've continued to maintain my goal weight and am extremely excited about it but my girlfriends and I will be heading to LA for Memorial Day weekend and I want to rock a 2 piece but for some reason on the weekend I tend to take in more sweets than I should so I'm hoping having the weigh in day on Monday will help me keep this sweet tooth under control.

katielouhoo

this is an interesting article talking about adding exercise. it is written for runners, but the stages apply to anyone going from an inactive to active lifestyle. trying to build new habits. (btw- skim or skip past the steps of getting started to the stages of a runner)

as you read "the beginner: stage one" i think you will find it rings true. i'm sure some here have moved on to stage 2 or more. (definitely chocolickkyss has to be in stage 4 or 5 already, she is a high achiever). i find i'm a non-runner that is in stage 2 now.
hopefully you can find some support or confirmation of your efforts in this list. -katie

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/beginners.html

Chocolickkyss

Hello everyone! I hope your Sunday is going well! I'm logging on late today b/c I went to the 10 am showing of Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too" and then headed to the mall to begin shopping for my L.A. trip w/my girlfriends. The movie was alright and the shopping did not go as well as I had hoped. I wasn't able to find any outfits that really helped me get my "sexy on" so it looks like I'll be doing some online shopping.

Since today is my rest day I decided to complete 2 1/2 miles of walking w/the Leslie Sansone dvd.

lisawest

Something awesome happened today. . . I bought pants. No biggie, right? Well, I THOUGHT I was probably a size 12 or 14, so those are the sizes I pulled off the rack to try on. I tried the 12's first. There was TONS of room in them!:noway: So I sent DH back to grab a size 10. When I tried those on, you could have knocked me over with a feather! THEY FIT!! And there is a tad bit of room in them! I didn't want to push my luck and try an 8, though. There wasn't THAT much room.:laugh:

When I joined MFP back in August I was wearing a size 18 (which probably SHOULD have been a 20 in some instances). Amazing!

Besides that, I had prom last night for school. DH and I got duded up and when to dinner. Following the dinner, DH, my friend from HS, her husband (who is the councelor at my school) and I went to Applebee's for drinks and a more conversation conducive atmosphere. What fun! My friend and I spent the evening before and quite a bit of the afternoon texting each other about what we were going to wear, do our hair, etc, etc, etc. Brought back all kinds of great memories from when we went to prom together way back when! I did pretty well through dinner, but then we ordered drinks and got one of those trios. Even though we split it 4 ways, that's still a LOT of calories! But what fun!

I hope everyone has had a great weekend! I'm going for a walk!

Chocolickkyss

Happy Monday all! Today is week 6 day 1 of the Insanity program which means its Max Cardio Conditioning day. I really paced myself this morning and as a result I don't feel as beat and I didn't take AS MANY breaks. I'm still taking and NEEDING the breaks but its good to know that I can now do a few extra reps before its needed.

I have to begin my work day so I have to get going but hope to check in on everyone later.

Lisa: HIGH 5 on the weight loss and getting into a size 10 that is AWESOME! I see your ticker is almost at the end of the finish line keep up the great job and you'll be there before you realize it.

msh0530

I put this on my status, but just have to post it for those who don't see my status:
I have done it! My goal for the spring (by the end of May) was to swim 1/3 of a mile, all crawl stroke. Today, I swam .45 miles, all crawl! I think that by May, I may be able to do 1/2 mile. I debated putting it in as fast, vigorous effort, because it is as fast as I can move at this point, but compared to others that I swim with, I am slower. Anyway, I am woman, hear me roar!

Chocolickkyss

Happy Tuesday all! Today is week 6 day 2 of the Insanity program and I was suppose to complete Max Interval Circuit but I got a late start to my morning and knew I would be unable to complete a 55 minute workout and still get to work on time so I opted for the Plyometric Cardio Circuit dvd instead. So, 40 minutes later the workout is complete and I've made it to work on time.

Chocolickkyss

Good morning and Happy Hump day! Today is week 6 day 3 of the Insanity program. I completed the Max Interval Plyo dvd and it was a killer. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to complete the entire 8/9 weeks b/c my right knee has been really bothering me during some of these moves. I've tried modifying and jumping rope when possible but today it just didn't help. I'm going to Dig Deeper and stick w/it for the remainder of the week and then really re-evaluate what's best for my body. Overall I really like the program and I love the idea of not having to think about my workouts b/c the wall calendar that's included pretty much spells it out so I'm not sure what I'll do if I don't finish it. I'm thinking about returning to P90X b/c the Plyometrics dvd there's not as much jumping. I still have a few days to think about it but I'll be sure to let you all know what I decide.

If anyone has any suggestions regarding other workouts or programs that can continue to tone my body please feel free to share.

Chocolickkyss

Good morning all! Today is week 6 day 4 of the Insanity program which means its a recovery day! I always look forward to Thursdays and my body is always thankful for the day of "rest". My knee was still bothering me this morning so thankfully the Cardio Recovery dvd does not incorporate a lot of jumping.

sphinctress

You're a heck of a woman Chocolickkyss!
: )

Looking forward to tomorrow! I have been doing the Couch to 5K program and am on week3. I've been doing the week 1 program with a girl from school who just started on my off days.... I never would have thought this, but MAN, I might be turning into a runner~!
I really like it!

Hopefully some good results tomorrow!!!!
: )
If my weight doesn't change, I'll do measurements too...
Come on, 3 more pounds!
: )

OliveCulona

Hello everyone! Great job LisaWest on your size 10!!! That's so exciting! Sunday is my first 5k run... I'm hoping to get under 30mins because I have been training lower than 30mins for 3.1. I am excited and nervous but I know this is just the first of many!

Tomorrow i'll post my weigh in for this week... I'm hoping to be the same as last week or weigh less... I feel I might be heavier due to TOM DAMN HIM especially during the 5k

Good luck to all on weigh-ins!!

sphinctress

LisaWest,

Size 10!
Rock on!
I don't think I've fit in a size 10 in 15+years!
HA!
: )

Good luck all!
: )

sphinctress

OliveCulona,

Did you do the Couch to 5K Program?

: )
I am hoping to do my first one this summer... maybe Memorial Day weekend, maybe a little later...
: )

msh0530

I seem to have run into a busy section of my life :laugh: but wanted to let you all know that I have been keeping up on your posts. I really just want to say howdy to all of you, and wish you all a great Friday tomorrow!

Chocolickkyss

Start weight: 131 lbs (12/18/09)
Dec. 25: 129.5 lbs
Jan. 1: 130 lbs
Jan. 8: 127 lbs
Jan. 15: 126.5 lbs
Jan. 22: 126 lbs
Jan. 29: 124 lbs
Feb. 5: 124 lbs
Feb. 12: 124 lbs
Feb. 19: 124 lbs
Feb. 26: 124 lbs
March 5: 124 kbs
March 12: 124 lbs
March 19: 125 lbs
March 26: 125 lbs
April 2: 123 lbs
April 9: 124 lbs
April 16: 123 lbs
April 23:
April 30: 125 lbs


There's two more weeks for everyone to meet their goal. Hope everyone has a great weigh in.

Chocolickkyss

Happy Friday all! I must admit this has been a very unproductive work week. I'm not sure what's the deal but I need this week behind me b/c I like being productive. Everytime I attempted to begin a new assignment I would start procrastinating find any and everything else to do other than what needed to be done. It's going to be a crazy busy weekend here in the Atl. I have a friend visiting from out of town, I'm hosting a book club meeting and I'm still in shopping mode for this L.A. trip.

Anyhoo, enough about my work week and upcoming weekend and on to the workout. Today is week 6 day 5 of the Insanity program so I completed the Core Cardio and Balance dvd. As I have stated in previous posts I enjoy this workout b/c the moves are intense but the pace is not. It really allows you to focus on your form and to get the most out of each movement/exercise. I was suppose to complete Max Cardio but opted for Core Cardio and Balance so not to continue aggravating my knee.

I hope everyone has a great day and I will check in later.

sphinctress

Hi Everyone!!!
Well, I did it!!!!

Starting weight 195 June 2009
Goal weight: 125
Jan. 1: 189
Jan. 8: 184
Jan. 15: 178
Jan. 22: 174
Jan. 29: 173
Feb. 5: 174
Feb. 12: 169
Feb. 19: 168
Feb. 26: 169
March 5: 170
March 12: 169
March 19: 167
March 26: 166
April 2: 164.5
April 9: 165
April 16: 162!!!!! There it is!!!! YAY!!!!!!!
April 23:
April 30: 162

Now, just for poos and giggles, I am going to try to get to 150-something versus maintain or gain!
Thanks again for all of your encouragement and support! You guys are great!

Stay safe and healthy so you can stay safe and healthy!
: )

katielouhoo

Starting weight 244.2
weigh-in Jan.1- 240.2
Jan. 8: 237.4
Jan. 15: 235.2
Jan. 22: 231
Jan. 29: 228.2
Feb. 5: 224.6
Feb. 12: 222.6 (mini-goal 225)
Feb. 19: 219
Feb. 26: 215.8
March 5: 213.4
March 12: 211.2
March 19: 208.8
March 26: 205.4
April 2: 201.8 (woo hoo!!!!!!! i made 100 lbs lost, & my May Day goal)
April 9: 198.8 (welcome back to "onederland" - happy dance)
April 16: 196.4
April 23:
April 30: (205)

congrats sphinctress on making your goal. keep up the good work.
whoa- 2 more weeks, looks like i may be able to make 50 lbs lost during this challenge. wouldn't have believed it possible. i am very pleased with myself these days.:bigsmile: :blushing: :bigsmile: -katie

Mande_G

Checking in!

Start weight: 197.0
Dec. 25: 198.8 (+1.8 – TOM)
Jan. 01: 196.0 (-2.8)
Jan. 08: 194.2 (-1.8)
Jan. 15: 191.0 (-3.2)
Jan. 22: 190.2 (-0.8 -- TOM)
Jan. 29: 188.6 (-1.6)
Feb. 05: 188.0 (-0.6)
Feb. 12: 185.0 (-3.0)
Feb. 19: 185.4 (+0.4 -- TOM)
Feb. 26: 184.4 (-1.0)
Mar. 05: 182.8 (-1.6)
Mar. 12: 182.6 (-0.2)
Mar. 19: 180.8 (-1.8 – TOM)
Mar. 26: 179.4 (-1.4) (On vacation to San Diego)
April 02: 178.4 (-1.0)
April 09: 177.6 (-0.8)
April 16: 175.8 (-1.8 -- TOM) (0.8 lbs to goal)
April 23:
April 30: Goal 175

I could easily call my goal at this point, but I think I can get it down to a solid 175.0 or below in the next 2 weeks, so I will keep reaching for that little bit more. If I can get down just ONE more pound I'll be sitting at exactly 30 lbs lost since December. That would be a sweet way to end the challenge.

Everyone is doing FANTASTIC!!

lisawest

LisaWest,

Size 10!
Rock on!
I don't think I've fit in a size 10 in 15+years!
HA!
: )

Good luck all!
: )

:laugh: That's how long it's been for me too! (I cringed when I realized that high school graduation REALLY WAS 13 years ago!)

lisawest

Start weight: 182
Dec. 25: 182
Jan. 1: Didn't weigh in
Jan. 8: 180
Jan. 15: 177
Jan. 22: 178
Jan. 29: 175
Feb. 5: 174
Feb. 12: 174
Feb. 19: 171
Feb. 26: 170
March 5: 170
March 12: 169
March 19: Didn't weigh in
March 26: 169
April 2: 169
April 9: 168
April 16: 166!:noway: :bigsmile:
April 23:
April 30: 165!!!

I have been doing much better about getting in exercise everyday. Since it's been so beautiful recently, I have taken to parking my car when I get back from work and then walking the .75 miles to the babysitter's house and then .75 back. Most days I end up leaving Ruth with the teacher I carpool with while I take this walk. (I always invite Ruth, but somedays it is a DEFINATE no!) Ray really enjoys the walk back home. He talks a mile a minute about all kinds of things! He notices everything and has to point it all out to me. It has been really great bonding time for us. After dinner we usually take another family walk of at least a mile. The last few days it's been walks to the park (almost a mile away, 2 blocks further than the babysitter). There they have a tetherball pole, and DH and I have really been getting into playing each other. My upper arms and shoulders are VERY sore for at least two days after one of these contests!

Between upping my calories (I'm at a 1/2 lb per week not), upping my exercise, increasing water intake, and reducing stress I think I've really hit a combo that will work. I am officially 2 pounds away from "Healthy" on the BMI scale. I've thought really hard about changing my end goal. I think I am going to change it to 160. I'm leary because I haven't been that "skinny" since middle school! I can do it, though! I will do it! Then I don't have to go to another doctor that will look at me and lecture me about losing weight! Maybe in those 6 lbs I can lose MORE of my "baby bump" that has never left!:laugh:

Here's to a great weigh in day so far!:drinker: Keep up the good choices! I'm now off to finish inputting grades for the progress reports.

P.S. 45 post warning!!!

Chocolickkyss

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE LADIES WHO HAVE ALREADY MET THEIR MAY DAY CHALLENGE GOAL WEIGHT AND TO THOSE WHO ARE JUST ABOUT THERE. WE HAVE TWO MORE WEIGH IN AND I BELIEVE YOU ALL CAN DO IT

lisawest

This evening we took a family across town (.75 miles) to the park. Once there, DH and I engaged in a game of tetherball. I managed to injure myself. Really? Playing tetherball? :noway: I haven't hurt myself in tetherball since the late '80s or early '90s! Geez. I went to hit the ball and pulled something in my upper arm. It's feeling better right now, but I know it will be sore in the morning! The biggest problem right now is my bruised and battered hand. I hit the know on the ball with that little bone on the outside of the heel of my hand. I think I managed to break a blood vessle there because it has already turned black, and it really hurts! I think I also pulled or bruised a muscle on the outside of my hand because it really hurts to use my pinky while I'm typing. Eeesh. I guess no tetherball for a few days while my injuries heal. How pitiful is that?

Thanks for listening, just needed to share!

Chocolickkyss

Hello ladies, today I'm considering cleaning the house as exercise b/c I just finished two hours of cleaning and still have more to do. Since I am hosting today's book club I wanted my house to be sparkling clean from top to bottom. I've been up since 7 am and have just decided to take a break to check in on my ladies. Thus far I have swept and mopped all the floors in the house (kitchen and two bathrooms) and vacuumed all the rooms w/carpet (dining, living, master bedroom, guest bedroom and home office). I have also dusted everything and thoroughly cleaned one bathroom. I now have the master bathroom to clean and the front and backyard to mow. Just to ensure I got my heart rate up I jogged in place while I folded two loads of laundry. I'll admit I looked a bit crazy jogging in my laundry room while folding towels and things but I wanted to make sure I could count my house cleaning as a workout.

Well I'm off to cut the grass. I'll check back later. The book club meeting is not until 5 so I'm hoping to be done early enough to relax before the "Sophisticated Ladies" (name of our club) arrive.

kath711

Starting Weight: 137
Jan. 1: 137
Jan. 8: 135
Jan. 15: 134
Jan. 22: 134
Jan. 29: 135
Feb. 5: 135
Feb. 12: 134
Feb. 19: 133.5
Feb. 26: 134 up a little but TOM arggg!!
March 5: 134
March 12: 133.5
March 19: Didn't weigh
March 26: 133.5
April 2: 133
April 9: Didn't weigh
April 16: 132.5
April 23:
April 30: 129

Still moving down, just soooo slowly!!

Congrats on all who reached their goals already!!

katielouhoo

so chocolickkyss, i have a question. i am still a long way from reaching a maintenance weight, but i am curious and since you have been maintaining well for a few months maybe you can answer the question.

i wonder how quickly you changed the number of calories you were eating to a maintenance level. did you gradually add them back (slowing weight loss) as you got close to your goal or did you just "turn it all back on" one day? and did you always eat your exercise calories, or do you eat them now?

i just know after other less effective diets, when i stopped dieting my body seemed eager to add back weight (really fast) when my calorie intake increased, and i am feeling nervous. after enjoying such good success, i do not want to do anything that might mess with the loss i've had.

thanks- katie

Chocolickkyss

I completed the P90X fit test today. It's not nearly as intense as Insanity so today truly feels like a rest day. The fit test consists of the following components:

1. Taking your resting heart rate.....that was real easy...LOL

2. Pull ups - I completed 1 which is the minimum for a female, whew, glad I passed that

3. Vertical Leap - Not sure I completed this correctly especially since there's no one here to assist but I jumped as high in the air as possible. I got pretty decent height.

4. Push ups - I completed 10 but I realized afterwards I was suppose to go to failure so I'm sure I could of rocked out a few more (although my shoulders are still sore from the Insanity workouts so not sure how much more)

5. Toe touches - This was to measure your flexibility. Basically you sit on the floor w/your legs extended in front of you. You bend at the waist (never bending your knees) and try to touch your toes. I was able to get about an inch past my toes so I guess that's pretty good.

6. Wall squat - You stand against the wall and go into a squat position and hold the position for a minimum of 1 minute. I was able to hold it for 1 minute 10 seconds before my knee started hurting.

7. Bicep curls - Women needed to use a minimum of 8 lb weights and complete at least 10 reps. Since 8 lb weights are the biggest I currently have in my collection (I'll have to invest in 10 lbs) I use them and was able to complete 40 reps before my arms started to burn.

8. In and outs - Its an ab test and you needed to complete at least 25 reps and I was able to complete 30 before the lower back started hurting.

9. Heart rate maximizer: I had to do jumping jacks at a steady pace for 2 minutes and in the last 30 seconds are at a rapid pace. Then I had to immediately record my heart rate and then continue to record it in 1 minute intervals. Not sure why I had to monitor the heart rate. I was able to rock out well over 100 jumping jacks in that timeframe though so I'm happy.

It looks like I have successfully passed the P90X fit test and I will begin w/chest and back tomorrow. I've also decided that on P90X cardio days I'm going to head to the gym instead (whenever possible) to use the elliptical, treadmill, stairmaster and spin bike.

Katie: Once I hit my goal weight I simply added 100 calories back into my diet. When I was trying to lose the weight I seldom ate all my exercise points but once I started completing the Insanity program I was so dag on hungry that I began eating as much of them as possible. My problem was that I would usualyy have calories left but was too close to my carb/fat/sodium number so I wouldn't eat anymore. I'm still trying to find the right balance of everything.