40+ Club: Spring Fitness Challenge

mkwood, good to see you also! I was wondering how your back/neck/shoulders were doing. I'm glad they are doing a ergo study at your work. Maybe that will give you some answers. Sounds like things are crazy for your daughters. Congrats to your youngest on graduating college and getting into OCS. Hope that goes well for her. I'm sorry to hear about your oldest's future MIL. That's got to be tough for she and her fiance during a time like this. And then there's KOREA?!? Wow. Your husband will find a very different country than the one he lived in back in the mid-80s. Where is he going to be stationed/living? Just curious. I hope you get a chance to go visit him while he is there and enjoy some of that good Korean food!

Stiring,
The hubby is going back to Camp Casey in Tongducheon (I think I spelled that right). It's on MSR-3 north of Seoul and Uijeongbu (another one I'm not sure I spelled right). Camp Casey used to be Army 2nd Infantry Division HQ, not sure if it's still there or not. He'll be renting an apartment in TDC for the duration. I'm seriously considering flying over to visit - I'm curious to see how much has changed in 30 years, besides us!! And yes, I'll definitely enjoy the authentic Korean food - haven't had bulkogi, yakimandu or oemrice in forever!!

As far as everything else gong on with my crazy, mixed-up life, I'm just hanging on for now. I'll do better once we know when the youngest daughter leaves for basic and we know more about when the hubby actually leaves. I'm concerned about him already being in Korea when she graduates from OCS - I've already told them both I've priced airfare from Seoul to Atlanta. I'm NOT going to allow him to miss that graduation and the opportunity to pin those gold bars on her shoulders!!!!!

Good morning. Today is our Reading Olympics competition. My kids read over 40 books from Sept to April in addition to their studies. We compete this year against 20 other schools in NEPA. Its awesome. GOOO Litterarius Pantheras!!

Texssippian- Funeral idiots are everywhere. That church group that runs around at the military funerals are even worse. No one needs that type of harrassment. Its bad enough with all the family pressures to have outsiders loosing their minds, too.

MKwood10- You and your family are in my prayers. Congrats to your daughter!

KimKelly- I loved doing the college tour. Great bonding time for our boys. Only have one left at home so One more college tour:)

Singfree. 15 miles on a bike is awesome! You inspire me to ride.Thank you

StringWendel- Enjoy your recovery week

Robin1117 Pampering is always needed and well deserved. Your routine/maintenance is awesome.

Heading South tomorrow after the competition. looking forward to see the trees change as we headout. Thank you all, for all of your words of comfort. I not only appreciate it, but need it.

To Heath!! Namaste

LadyP----Kim

Good Morning!

LadyPersia, thank you for checking in. I've been thinking about your this week. Safe travels. My thoughts will continue to be with you.

Tron, I think it is so wonderful that you are helping out your brother like this right now. I'm just really impressed that he's reached out for help (because too many people don't) and that you're there to help him. I know this makes for a hectic time for you, but it is really good what you are doing. So very sorry to hear about your Step Father, though. Take care of yourself during this time....please. And thanks for checking in with us!

Friday check-in.....I had a good week. This is my last week of the second phase of P90X, and I'm really seeing some changes now in my strength and body. Of course, I'm also finishing my third week of the first phase of an Insanity rotation, so that probably helps too. I can definitely tell an improvement in my cardio conditioning right now. To be honest, I'm beginning to feel more fit than I've felt in quite some time. Now if I could just control my eating. :blushing: Actually, this week has been much better. I've eaten clean all week except for last night (husband's birthday, so I had some cake). I've upped my calories and added back some protein, and that seems to have really had a very positive impact on my energy levels, my cravings (not nearly as bad as they were) and my mood (much better than it has been of late). I'd like to lose 3-5 pounds if I could, but I'm not going to kill myself to do it. I'm happy with where I'm at right now. I'm coming up to my two year anniversary for reaching my second goal weight (110.....my first goal weight was 120, and I reached that two years ago last month), and I'm happy that I'm still there. When I started losing weight in early 2009, I never imagined getting to 110 much less holding it for a couple of years. So, all in all, I'm pretty happy right now.

No plans for the weekend here. My husband leaves for Germany on Sunday (without me :grumble: ) so we'll just be doing some errands tomorrow and such. Hope you all have a great weekend!!

LadyPersia

Update Friday both my father and my husbands Grammy past today.

I'm so sorry for your losses.

Was wondering if I could join the 40+ group?? Here is a little about me. I am 48 and have a 17 year old daughter. Actually tonight is prom night for her. I have worked out most of my life but would not count calories. I trained and ran a half marathon in 2008 and still gained weight. This site has made it easy for me to count calories. I have lost 2.5 pounds and it is the first time I have lost weight and worked out. I hope to lost 17 more pounds. You guys have a nice day.

OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN!!!! :noway: I cannot believe it has been a week since I was here. I have been busy at work and even if I get a break I don't like to sign in and read posts and reply...I dont like the way my computer faces in away anyone can see what I am doing if you know what I mean. :laugh: :laugh: I kinda glanced at the posts this past week.

Lady Persia, so so sorry to hear about your losses. I just cannot imagine having two losses the same week. I hope you find comfort and strength to deal with it. :flowerforyou:

Marla, gosh, you are dealing with way too many things at the same time. Take care of yourself. :flowerforyou:

Tron, great to hear you are spending time with your brother.

Niknik, hang in there. Vent all you want. We all have our bad days just keep moving on...

trustyone, welcome!!!! :drinker:

Glad to hear from everyone else, tex, Stiring, Sing, gbryant, kimkelly...sorry cannot respond to everyone.

Things are going well here. I am amazed at how well I have been eating lately. Giving up sweets and alcohol for Lent has done wonders for me and I think I will continue beyond Easter. I really feel great and dont miss it much. There have been lots of temptations but I have not given into them. I am just a little concerned after Easter when the incentive is "not there" anymore but I should think about the way I feel now to continue my motivation.

Have a great weekend!!!! :flowerforyou:

Kim:

For over age 40, and any fitness level. We have a wide variety.

Thanks! I'll join in if it's okay.

Good Morning!

niknik, I'm so glad you checked in last Friday. Just a couple of thoughts here. Yes, some of what you are feeling could be perimenopause. But you should also know that weight loss/calorie deficits can impact the emotions as well. If you've ever watched The Biggest Loser and seen these contestants crying all the time....that's one of the reasons why. So just know what you are feeling/experiencing is VERY normal. That doesn't make it easier of course. And, for that, I think the key is to find a lifestyle right now that you are comfortable living with. For instance, you say you are tired of cooking proper food. Well, if you decide to eat low calorie prepared dinners a couple/few nights a week (something like Lean Cuisine or Kashi or whatever), then there is really no harm in that if it helps you stick with it. Yes, you are going to hear concerns about sodium and processed foods but, at the end of the day, it is more important for you to come up with something you can live with, and if eating frozen dinners (or whatever you choose to do) makes it more sustainable for you....do it. Regarding exercise, again, find something that works out for you. You don't have to workout an hour a day six days a week if you can't. I know that's what is recommended by many....but you don't HAVE to do it if you can't sustain it in the long run. You could go with 30 minutes a day four days a week, but make those 30 days VERY intense. And that would work too. If adding a 'cheat' meal once a week makes you feel more 'human', add that. Play around with things to find a plan that works for YOU because that is what is the most important thing right now. You really are doing great and in all of this, don't forget that! Don't beat yourself up for a bad day, a bad week, a funk....whatever because you really are doing terrific!

gbryant, congrats on the weight loss last week. Like I told nik, don't worry about last week and the snacks/eating out. We all have weeks like that. Sounds like you are doing great with the running, so focus on that!

trustyone, welcome!!! I'm glad MFP is working out for you. Sounds like you are fit and dedicated. Hope your daughter enjoyed the prom!

Kim, hope your daughter enjoyed prom too! I have no doubt you'll be able to meet your goals by the end of June! You've proven you can do it.

alf, I SOOOO wish I was where you are right now when it comes to sweets and alcohol. I just can't seem to give either up right now. Oh, well. It's just a stage I'm in, and I know it will pass. It sounds like you're doing great!

KimA1, welcome! Please join in the conversation! We'd love to hear from you.

zebras, HELLO!!!!!!!

Victorious_One, great job on the weight loss!!! Oh, buying those smaller sizes feels SOOOO good, doesn't it? I hope you've been feeling better.

LadyPersia, how scary! Glad you are safe.

All here is well. I wasn't feeling great over the weekend, but nothing serious. Of course, we had rain all day on Saturday, and that didn't help. Yesterday was better. My eating hasn't been great and, no doubt, that isn't helping with how I'm feeling. I really need to get back to healthier habits. I'm able to do it during the week, but the weekends right now are tough for me. But the workouts are good. I'm on a recovery week from P90X this week but still doing Insanity. So I did my Insanity workout this morning and will do P90X Core Synergistics a little later today.

Hope you all have a great day!

Hi all! Quick post, sorry I can't respond to everyone. Welcome newbies!

LadyPersia: so glad your family is safe from the storms.

I got some kind of GI thing after lunch last Tuesday. Maybe it was the "prewashed" mixed organic salad greens that I did not re-wash. Never again. Finally got my appetite back on Friday and craved sweets which I normally do not: 3 glazed donuts and a chocolate chip cookie. Yikes!

We went to the iris place in Argyle on Saturday and went overboard on ordering iris: 22 for us, 12 for my mom and a couple for my uncle. There is an iris named "Wabash" which is the name of the college my uncle and his dad (my grandfather) went and where my grandfather's father (my great-granddad) taught mathematics. So I had to order the Wabash iris for my uncle.

We made it to the gym again on Saturday which is two Saturdays in a row. Did a lot of yard work yesterday and worked on my niece's First Communion dress. I am finished smocking it but am having to "back smock" on the back of the dress to stabilize the smocking. The cat won't let me work on it in the den (he wants to sit in my lap) so I have to work on it in the bedroom. Hopefully, I can finish it tonight. My mom will hem it in Mississippi. I also need to hem a formal gown for my daughter and get that sent to Austin. Sewing is a good way to stay out of the kitchen.

Take care all! TxMs

Good Morning!

singfree, good to see you! No doubt this is a busy week for you. Hope you enjoy it!

TxMs, sorry you weren't feeling well last week. I've never had that issue with 'pre-washed' salads and I never re-wash. :blushing: I know....I'm probably playing with fire there. :ohwell: Sounds like your garden is coming along well. I so admire you for having the patience to smock. A friend tried to teach me once, but despite the fact I like work like cross-stitching and such, smocking was just a little much for me. I bet the dress is beautiful.

zebras, good to see you posting again! Congrats on your successful return to the gym.

Nothing much new here at all. Working out, eating well, etc. So....all is good.

Hello everyone!!!! Glad to read about so many of you!!! I am doing pretty well. Teaching my Zumba of course and after 4 wks of doing the same combo of Cathe's butts and guts workout I switched it now to a new combination. I was getting kinda bored already. LOL I also started doing a basic upper body workout, hopefully will stick to it at least 2 days a week. I am not so sure yet about it, my shoulder continues to bother me so I need to continue to take it easy. Yikes!!! My eating is very good. I really want to increase my protein intake. I need to play with some food combinations and my food log. I wore my HR monitor last night to class but I always forget to turn it on at the beginning of the workout. I remembered into my 4th song, about 15 mins into the workout. I burned 357 in 45 mins. It might have been about 400 total. I just have to find a way to remember to turn it on when I start the warmup and of course stop it after the cooldown at least. I have also forgotten to turn it off after the stretch and realize I never did until I get home. LOL Any ideas? Maybe I should recruit someone to remind me...

Zebras, sorry to hear about your Zumba experience. My students always let me know when the music is too low or too loud so I immediately adjust it to their preference. Great job staying out the sweets at work. That is usually my biggest challenge but I have been doing great so far.

Txm and Stiring, I normally dont wash the veggies that are "pre-washed", that is scary. I will make an effort to do so from now on. Stiring, hang in there, we have all been there. You always come out of the rut beautifully, maybe your body is just telling that for now it needs the extra calories from the sweets etc.

Great to hear about everyone's successes. Have to be short, at work.

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

singfree, I'm jealous!!!!! Just kidding. I'm happy you are planning your next trip. My husband is in Germany right now, and I'm hoping I get to go on one of these trips with him down the road. I miss Europe so much. You plan sounds great.

Nothing new to report here. I got in my new Asylum workouts yesterday and started previewing. The one I've previewed (Speed and Agility) actually looks tougher than any Insanity workout I've done. I can't wait to give it a try, but that will have to wait until after I finish this Insanity/P90X rotation at the end of next month.

Good morning! Just wanted to check in quickly and say Hi!! My son is on April vacation so time to catch up on posts and to write something of substance has been limited.

Anyway, I'm still on the same path. I have been slugging through the Ripped in 30 video (although it's going to be more like ripped in 75 for me, since I do not do it every day, maybe ever other, or every 2). Yesterday I moved my maintenance calories up a hair--to 1500 (+ adding in exercise after that). I weighed myself and am at the very low end of my range now so figured it was worth giving it a try. I'm thinking I'm finally losing a little weight from the last few months of using these videos. I did not see that at first, actually saw a gain but it all seems to be reversing. Yay to that!

Lettuce--no I do not wash pre-washed either and no issues so far. I think I'll keep on that path until my CSA starts up again and I can get local lettuce, all of which I'll have to wash unfortunately.

Alf, do you have an ipod? Maybe you can set an alarm on that, or your smartphone at a certain time to remind you to turn on the HRM? I'm addicted to mine and it calculates a training program so I never forget to turn it on. If I don't, I lose valuable minutes towards my goal and I hate missing my goal!

Anyway, legos are once again being shoved in my face so I must go. I so wish my kid would watch some TV every once in awhile but he's not interested! (hee hee.....).

Hope you all have a great week, and I'll check in more next week! Take care! Robin