Emgel, I think we are pretty similar when it comes to working out. I think that's why I was battling some minor injuries before because I just go balls to the wall.

Morning.

I'm hoping/praying to get a lifting session in tonight since I missed the last two nights. The reason I'm not sure about it is because I caved last night and drank quite a bit at the game. It's not a hangover that plagues me but BAD BAD BAD gastritis. My whole stomach area is in so much pain. I need to remember this when I think about drinking alcohol again. This always happens. Grr.

it feels good to see the scale go down :bigsmile: I hope the fatty thighs, saddlebags, and butt are the places it is coming off of BUT being pear shaped I highly doubt it. People see it in my face.

Lcu, nothing helps. I've been through the wringer with doctors and everything too. Basically, I feel best when I have no dairy and eat as cleanly as possible (pretty close to Paleo). Also, avoid booze. That's always been a nasty trigger and since I have been avoiding it, it's worse. Then I forget, like you said, how much it can affect me.

Beeps, that sounds like a blast!

Emgel, ha, we seem to be the same! I'm starting to realize that to be serious I can't be running around all guns a' blazing if I want to be successful. Balance is key.

Something "exciting" might be happening!!

My gf's back in OLDcity are planning a "surprise" bday thing-a-ma-doey for my bff from law school....her birthday is early June, but I think we're trying to get together at end of April, beginning of May! One of these gf's is a photographer and she's organizing a "boudoir" photo session for all of us to get dressed up and spend some time with my bff!

Now, I'm not into the 'boudoir" thing, but I'm sure I could turn it into a "fitness" photo shoot, for me. The gf's are organizing FULL make-up and hair, etc. So, why NOT take advantage of it??

For me, that means:

1. I need to self-tan before I go down to OLDcity;
2. I need a couple cute work-out outfits; and
3. I need to DUMP these last 5 lbs tout de suite!!!

GREAT MOTIVATION!

PS - all of my gf's are heavier set, except one of 'em (who went through a divorce last year and lost about 35 lbs)....so, since they haven't SEEN me since I grew all these muscles, I EXPECT their eyeballs will POP-out!

I don't know ANYTHING about 'cute' work-out wear....suggestions?? (reminder: I'm in Canada!)

This sounds awesomely fun!! I want to do a photo book for my husband, but trusting a photographer is another issue. Have fun with this

I need help! I pushed myself really hard on Monday, for my 9th B workout (doing the 12-version of stage 1). I was nearly in tears the rest of the day. I could barely move after that, but was a "good" sore the next day. On Wednesday when it was time for my A workout, I was terrified. I did a half-hearted workout at home. Tomorrow I'm headed to the gym again for B10 and am scared silly. Mentally, I feel like I want to give up, like this is over my head, etc. WTH is wrong? I've loved it until now! I know I can back the weights down, so why am I off balance? I feel like I've completely lost my momentum. Part of me wants to do the same weights as Monday, hoping it won't be nearly as bad and that my body will step up and really transform for these last couple of weeks. But I can't end up immobile and fending off an emotional outburst in fetal position the rest of the day...

Did any of you go through something like this? It's so weird!

Motivation has always been my biggest detriment. Eventually it becomes an excuse. I forced myself to get it done. I found that when I went to the gym and starting up again, I remembered how much I LOVED it and I'm glad I went oooh, that reminds me. be right back!

Ok, My friend posted this today. I don't run and probably never will, but I think this applies to anything we find difficult;
So funny. So true
My thoughts during a run

Me: This sucks, can it end so I can love it already!?
Me: WHY TF IS THIS SONG EVEN ON MY PLAYLIST!?
Me: Why am I doing this?
Me: Don't look at the distance. DON'T LOOK AT THE DISTANCE
Me: ****, I looked. TF, that was longer than .36 miles you liar!
Me: Power song? Let's do this
Me: *LEFT. LEFT. LEFT. RIGHT LEFT. TILL I COLLAPSE!*
Me: Oh look, I burned off breakfast, yay!
Me: Oh dear God this is the longest break between songs in the history of the life
Me: I will smash you with a hammer if you fall out one more time earbud. Seriously.
Me: Who glued cinder blocks to my feet?
Me: This still sucks
Me: I'm hungry
*Finishes run*
Me: Dude that was awesome!

Wrote? shoot no. That's a cut and paste from one of my friends.:bigsmile:

I had an incredibly busy but really great work week and now it's Friday and look at you all talking it up! I do have fun plans for the weekend. After I go to the gym tomorrow I believe a few of my girls and me are taking the bikes up to a chili cookoff planned by another club chapter (I ride with Women in the Wind). Oh and my guilty pleasure has to be ice cream. I could eat it by the quart!

I am going to cut. And I'm going to add a day of cardio - I know I thought/talked about it before, but I really didn't make a clear decision abut it until recently. My trainer keeps saying "you're strong" so I feel as if I can start cutting now and work on the body fat. The carb cycling actually seems to be working. I lost 1 pound last week, despite eating more cals than usual. So I think it's time to cut - just 100 cals per day. That's going to be very weird, I haven't even been looking at cals for 6 months! Mary you are motivating me girl! I think we are shaped very much alike and have the same weight loss issues.

Beeps, I hope the photo-shoot isn't a pipe dream! It sounds like so much fun!

I hear all of you talking about how drinking bothers you. My issue wasn't that it hurt me physically, my issue was that I got too stupid when I drank - I'd pick arguments with dudes 6' 200# and not even remember the next day - or I'd wake up somewhere and not know how I got there. I was a blackout drinker! Not so good! It's been 19 years since I had a drink and honestly I'm grateful every single day!

I don't know how "cute" but I love Kohl's TekGear. They fit really well, don't bunch, don't fall, don't cling and wear like iron!

LB and Em, my key to failure is taking off guns ablazing and with no balance at all. A few days, I'm all worn out, bored and done. I'm not going to let that happen this time, so I've been taking everything slow, thought about all my decisions before committing and been able to stick with this for a year now!

I think it's odd that there are so many of us in the legal profession! Em, we're an appellate filing notice on Monday. Boring? Nah!

Cowgirl I see that 7/8 reg tag you're sporting! Congrats!

Sam I love lifting, but I always have to convince myself to roll out of bed and get to the gym!

Sounds like a plan Mary.

I need to start using youtube or something on these weeks I get stuck ay home because of hubby's schedule.

Sue, I pretty buy everything I own at Khol's...or Unique

Beeps, YUCK! I can't imagine snow this time of year. But YAY for an early day off! Athleta and Title Nine have really cute workout outfits. I LOVE anything from Athleta. The clothes last and last and last. And their sports bras are amazing. If I were as close to goal as you are, I'd buy some even if you don't get to do the shoot.

Sam and Mary, I keep seeing the nerdfitness routines posted as good alternatives to weights. Maybe see what they have?

Sue, thanks! I haven't worn a 7/8 in jeans in...well... I don't know how long. I think I was much lighter (scale weight) when I did. Good luck with your cut! I think doing a very slight deficit is probably best. I am sure you will get amazing results. You work so hard, the fat will probably melt off your body once you focus on cals.

I didn't get my Friday lifting session in yesterday, so I need to get to it today. Someone give me a virtual kick in the rear!
Our trip next week is canceled. DH's parents are farmers and he was going to go watch and help with some planting, but it's too cold and wet for them to do anything in the fields. So we're going another week. I was relieved as I wanted to get BTII finished before I take a break from lifting. I hate taking a break in the middle of a stage. Plus, I stepped on the scale this morning and I am .4lbs from 20 lbs lost! I should hit it next week if TOM doesn't screw it up! Maybe I should schedule that spa day now

Got my lifting in, woot! AND I made myself do 4 sets instead of 3 like I have been doing (he gives an option of 2-4 sets for these workouts). A lady at the gym told me I was "inspiring". What a way to end a great workout!

CP, I am going to have to check those out for the next time I don't have access to a gym.

ETA: Since no one else has posted yet, I'll ask the QOTD(hoping to get some ideas from this, LOL).

QOTD: What's your favorite pair of jeans?

I have a really hard time finding a good pair as my hips and thighs have not decreased as much as my waist. Right now I like Maurice's "Taylor" $29 jeans. They are "curvy" cut and loose enough I don't have to size up to fit my legs in them. AND they don't cost a fortune. Second place would be the Silver Natsuki.

I'm going with the theory that Birthday Calories don't count. Already my husband brought me entenman's for breakfast, I'm having lunch with my dad and Grandma, and dinner out with the family, topped off by our traditional ice cream cake. First year I didn't have to buy my own cake and My husband got almost exactly what I asked for. Great day so far.

Happy Birthday Sam! You're right - birthday calories don't count. Love your profile pic too!

*goes back to lurking*

I just posted this on my feed

Crap, I really blew it today. It's a high carb day - 75-150 carbs and I'm way below. I'm already at 1400 which is what my calorie load is on a non-workout day. I don't know if I should eat the carbs or stick at 1400.

Happy Monday everyone!

Beeps - I agree, buy the hot workout clothes anyway! You can always have your hubby take the photos...

Ok so 5 months away from Bikram made for one EXHAUSTING first class back. But I loved it and am going to try and make it to one class a week (I know it is good to go twice, but time and $ do not allow for that...also the studio's schedule is not conducive to those of us with jobs). I also did some cardio both Saturday and Sunday - so not bad overall!

QOTD: o jeans, everyone's nemesis. I only buy my pants at the Limited. I have a VERY odd waist to hip ratio (a la kim kardashian my waist measures at 27" my hips measure at 42"...and i don't lose inches there lol) and for some reason The Limited's size 6 jeans fit me.

Happy birthday Sam!!