Kicking *kitten* In Our Twenties - May Challenge!!

I really love seeing how much this group has grown over the weekend - I've been having such an unusually busy (even for me) and hectic life these past few days and have not had proper access to a computer, unfortunately, so I have lots to catch up on... Logging and keeping tabs on the list here has just not been possible, but I did well for myself and tried to stay on task. Here's my quick update for now.

Welcome newbs to our group! And welcome back to all our returning "challengers" :bigsmile: Can't wait to get to know you all better this month and to support you in reaching your goals!\

AFM - April was a rollercoaster ride! Emotionally, physically and in all aspects of my life. My goals got totally thrown out the window mid-month and I really struggled to keep my life together... Here's hoping May is better! :noway:

meagalayne- maintain between 125-128lbs; continue with YogaFit once a week; increase my H2O consumption to at least 6 cups a day; quit my job by May 1st; take time every day to feel happy and enjoy the journey!

I weighed in at my lowest weight in recent memory on Friday - 123.2lbs - definitely TOO low and a sign that I am over-stressed, not sleeping enough, and just generally over-taxing my body. I need to work harder at finding balance, if that makes sense.
I did yogafit for the first two weeks but dropped it the last two because my shoulders and back were really suffering. I find that certain poses are just way too stressful on my shoulders, and so decided to take a break.
Water consumption was a fail. Keeping that goal for sure. I need to do better!
Last work shift was Saturday night! WOOT!!! Finally done but I have a new job starting up soon, hopefully, and I'll be working crazy hours at another bar next weekend (12/13th) - For next weekend, my first weekend OFF since Aug, I'm taking a celebratory trip to Ottawa to see my best friend. WIN!

I have NOT been enjoying the journey and I need to do more of it. I need to find balance in my life, peace with myself and with food, trust in my body and my choices without constantly second guessing and relying so heavily on MFP for personal affirmation, and mostly just to take time each day to do something that helps me unwind and feel good. I miss being the happy, carefree and fun Meag that I was last year. This obsession over being the healthiest "me" I can be is making me feel very unhealthy, and it's not doing me much else. Sounds like a fail to me!

In better news, I tried spin again this month and am enjoying it. I also started the push-up challenge again and got back to running at least twice a week. So my goals definitely changed. Will be working hard at making life work this month.

Leela30: comment more on this month's challenge; eat at least 80g of protein a day
Believeinmagic: To lose 13 pounds; eat more vegetables and do more strength training
Meggonkgonk: To reach 133lbs; to run my 10k course at least 1x, Run my 4m run at 9:30
Allie7383:get out of the 150's finally, continue with the 30 Day Shred, work on increasing my running distance, and overall feeling good about myself!
SpaceCoconaut: To lose 2-3 lbs a week and stick to my experiment.
Shannonaufman: lose 4 pounds to hit 169. Drink 64+ ounces of water 25/30 days. Finish C25K. Start One Hour Runner. Stick with 30DS.
~KanCrav~ Reach 143, Jog at least 3 times outside,follow WO schedule, incorporate Low GI foods into my diet.
rai8759: GW 160.4, One day off per week (tracking food), WI on Friday, JM should kick my *kitten* 5-6 days a week, Cardio 3-5 days a week x 20-30 min., Tracking every day except day off, Eat less processed sugar
wardiemelissa (Melissa)-continue to maintain weight between 120-125 lbs; exercise routine 5 days running, 2 days strength, 1 day rest (long run 10+miles on Sundays), continue to test out new recipes (including new fruits and veggies), and making more time for my family, AND try to post at least ONCE a day!!!
pixycats: lose 5 pounds, continue C210K at least 3/week, stay under calorie goal 6/week, rest one day/week
finncmh- not focus on the scale loss! keep working on running plan that I came up with for the 5k in June. Start the push-up and squat 6 week challenge
lostalykat- To get back to 169 by June 1st. Work on headache prevention and be mindful of what I am doing and eating. Focus on my new training plan and enjoy life. Stress less, yoga more!
WannabRN10- get out of the 160's!!! Work out at least 3 days a week (piloxing class, hot yoga class, and weights class). Eat Dairy Queen only twice (it is my fav!). Stay in a positive mind set and not get over-stressed with school.
alwhisler-Increase my run to 45 minutes non-stop, get down to that lower pant size instead of being in-between
sarahmay25- Complete an ab circuit every day of the week except rest day, and decrease my finish time of a mile by the end of every week.
mkingraham (Megan)- get down to 208, strength train at least 2 times a week, run 3 times a week
eleanoreb (Eleanore or El) - improve 10k run time, stay in bottom part of weight range, face food head on and not give in to temptations (rather than just avoid)
MamaMango: Lose 7 pounds,keep my portions under control, do HIIT 3 times a week,strength train moderate-heavy 5 times a week,do some form of low to moderate cardio every other day,eat more fresh greens and less starch and grains!
jyopchick: get back to 130lbs, only allowed one day to go over cals (and within reason), and MORE WATER!!
crystalfaith: continue to workout at least 4 times a week, drink tons of water, finish the C25k program, and break into the 140s
LisaRid - lose 10 lbs, drink 8 glasses of water each day, exercise 4x per week, and curb my dessert eating. May is the month!!!
emmarie- do the best I can!
shelsab-keep up my 10k running schedule, lose 5lbs, strength training 2x week, 3 yoga classes.
k_ewilliams - log in everyday and keep out of the red, lose at least 5 pounds, run 3x a week
spellbinder25: (1) Lose 4lbs to reach 133.5, (2) Do 30 Day Shred 5 times/week, (3) Count calories everyday, (4) Update on this thread at least twice a week.
meagalayne - get back into my maintenance range and stay there, log food no more than 5 days/week, complete weeks 2 and 3 of the push-up challenge, make it to 4 spin classes, increase H2O consumption, and find ways make each day great!

Ill be back tomorrow to catch up with all you lovely, hardworking Pals! Keep it real, folks!

Tara - Thanks for staying on top of the list, girlie :happy: And thanks for the congrats haha - there was no official announcement because nothing's been finalized yet. Still waiting to hear back. Always waiting! Good luck on your weigh-in tomorrow lady - I know you're going to smash it!

Melissa - I am so impressed with how consistently your pace is improving. You are a tried and true example of how persistence and hard work really pays dividends when it comes to running, or any other fitness endeavour. You are so inspiring and I hope that the newbs and other members can get a lot of motivation from what a stellar example you set. You're FABULOUS! :bigsmile: You really do just have to LIVE THIS!

mcbody - Welcome! great goals - resting can be so tough for those of us all that have that all-or-nothing, conquer all challenges sort of personality. I hate to half-*kitten* things so resting always feels like a "cop-out", but it's totally 1000% necessary. So good luck with that goal this month.

jyop - Welcome! :flowerforyou: Glad to hear that you are so excited for our challenge and already feeling "at home". This group is the shizzle! :laugh:

Space - Fab loss! Do you weigh-in every day? Maybe try stepping back from the scale and only weighing in once or twice a week... You won't really see any "real" weight changes from day to day but the natural fluxes in our weight throughout the week can sometimes drive us mad, so make sure you keep some perspective on it Real, consistent, long lasting weight loss takes time and dedication -- Doesn't happen overnight

wannabrn - I love yoga! But I find that it can be really tough on my shoulders and back from time to time.... Might just be the instructor I have, or the fact that I really "give-r" and push myself hard during practice, but Ive decided to take a step back lately from it. How's the hot yoga? that's always intrigued me. Sounds great!! I know there are a few other ladies in on the challenge that love yoga as well.... Gonks, Cheralicia, and some others. Congrats on the upcoming nuptials, btw! AND welcome to Kickin' *kitten*!

Spell - Great job on your April goals, lady! :drinker: You did fab even though you aren't overly happy with your progress And wicked job with your running progress. Getting as pumped for the Warrior Dash as I am?!?! :noway: Doubtful! haha You're going to be killing those runs by August!

Alexis - You rocked your first month in this challenge chickie! Great to see you back and hope to see such fabulous commitment in May! Good luck on your 10K training - Definitely eager to hear about it. Lots of novice and seasoned runners here so feel free to post about your runs, any questions or concerns, or just to celebrate your running victories with a group of fellow runners that totaaaaally get that "heck ya, I just ran my fastest mile EVAR" feeling

Em - Just gotta do what you can girl Sorry to see that you're feeling so negative about your progress but you have to trust yourself to make the best decisions you can and just work within the limits of your lifestyle. It's tough not seeing scale results - I hear ya! But you know you're doing better than before, you're still getting out to bootcamp, and you're working towards a healthier you! So work on giving yourself a break and not feeling like you've "failed" - instead, just focus on what you have managed to accomplish this last month and how you can incorporate new goals this month that are attainable and will make you feel great :happy:

Guam - Welcome back and glad to see the renewed energy from you! I love it! I know you're going to do great this month - You always really inspire me by how well you manage life stresses while staying on track and doing good by yourself. I am in awe of you balance and dedication :blushing: Rock it this month, girl!

That's all the time I've got for now - Great job and welcome to everyone else! I'll try to keep up with the posts from now on, but I'll be leaving on a short trip this Friday so I'll be MIA the next few weekends, as well. Hoping to get in a good workout today, catch up on errands and all the stuff I couldn't get done this weekend, and then maybe just RELAXING this evening! PHEW! Have a great Tuesday, all :drinker:

Meag

QOTD - YES! We should!! I love getting to know random things about everyone:bigsmile:

I always wanted to be a highschool or university math teacher/professor...

Yep! NERD ALERT!! I was a total mathlete in highschool and the proud owner of countless math awards from my younger years... The things you'd never have guessed about me, eh? :laugh:

Meag -- I'm about 5'4 and I'm 'stuck' at 173. I'll be honest, I'm not one to really think about what I'm eating... which may be part of my problem. I try to watch my sodium intake, but other than that, I don't really think about it. So long as I'm under my calories, I eat whatever. I tend to be a little (mm, ok, a lot) bad about processed foods. I just know that if I start saying "you can't eat this or that", I'll start to feel like I'm depriving myself and I'll give up. So I eat just about whatever I want, but in moderation.

I definitely vouch for doing whatever works for you - We're all different and whatever keeps you on track is the best plan of action for sure. I took a look-see at your diary and it sees that you may not be eating enough calories for your height and weight. Perhaps go into the goals section and set your calorie target manually to 1530 or even 1600 and make sure you are eating back all, or almost all, of your exercise calories. Since you'll be eating more, try to increase your healthy fats whenever possible - this could even just be a case of eating some nuts, nut butter, seeds, healthy oils, avocado (instead of mayo?) etc along with the stuff you already eat. Even just adding some yogurt, fruit or protein to your breakfast (which is quite low-cal) should help bump up your calories and will also help to kick start your metabolism. Processed foods have their time and place and I definitely don't fault you for eating them. We all have to make choices that work for us :happy: As long as you're making informed decisions on what you're putting into your body when you do have choices, then you're on the right track!

That's my advice - Take it or leave it! Oh and definitely give it at least 2-3 weeks to see results. If you're stalled because you are eating too little, you may seen a small gain before your body kicks bad into weight-loss mode, so don't get discouraged!! It takes a while for our bodies to figure this all out. :bigsmile: