jenready wrote: »

I'm feeling like I'm the weak link on this team, sorry guys. I really need to try and add more exercise time in next week for myself and to help up our numbers.

It is funny how this challenge will end up getting in your head like that and making you want to do more. I think when I first started, my morning workouts were probably half hour to 45 minutes max. Now if I can get down there early enough, it's nothing to get in close to an hour. Some people actually find ways to sneak in some exercise when they are watching TV or even cooking in the kitchen. I have yet to master that one, for the most part! Lol.

Biggest thing is doing what you can. You might find that it will give you incentive to fit in more here or there, but also don't get discouraged with some of the numbers some people are able to put up. Always keep in mind we all have different situations in our lives and as long as you are happy with your performance, that's all that matters. Not a single one of us is here to judge, just to motivate each other as best we can.

jenilla1 wrote: »

jenready wrote: »

I'm feeling like I'm the weak link on this team, sorry guys. I really need to try and add more exercise time in next week for myself and to help up our numbers.

It's seems to me that the most important thing is that everyone finishes the challenges. Once we reach the minimum number of miles to get to our weekly destination, the challenge points make more of a difference overall. There's always someone who puts in a ton of miles to help balance out the lower numbers. Just get the challenges done and everything else will work itself out!

Good point, Jen! Thanks for remembering that.

I've seen so many people on the spreadsheet getting their max mileage (700) that it's inspiring me to try harder next week. I was pretty proud of getting almost 450 minutes this week, since I've been used to doing less than half that much before this challenge started. I'm so sore and wiped out, but I should be able to do more next week now that I'm warmed up! Go team 2!

ETA: I guess I should try to do more low intensity stuff. I just can't physically do my regular intensity exercise for 700 minutes per week. I'll burn out doing that. Too bad intensity doesn't count! So maybe I'll just do less running and more hiking!

jenilla1 wrote: »

I've seen so many people on the spreadsheet getting their max mileage (700) that it's inspiring me to try harder next week. I was pretty proud of getting almost 450 minutes this week, since I've been used to doing less than half that much before this challenge started. I'm so sore and wiped out, but I should be able to do more next week now that I'm warmed up! Go team 2!

ETA: I guess I should try to do more low intensity stuff. I just can't physically do my regular intensity exercise for 700 minutes per week. I'll burn out doing that. Too bad intensity doesn't count! So maybe I'll just do less running and more hiking!

I am in the same boat! My workouts are very intense, not to mention I have a kid that plays elite sports and a full time job....I have to make time for sleep too....

Awesome job! A bit more challenging for week 2. Come on Team2beat!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

I'm excited for the hike this week. My furbabies love going for walks and *hopefully* this Spring-like weather will hold out through the weekend.

I was able to get through a 25 minute Fitness Blender HIIT video this morning... Those things are killer but I love 'em! Then my workout buddy and I are going to a Pilates class this evening so that will add another 45 - 60 miles.

Let's do this!!

The weather is supposed to be amazing here all week, and I've got miles and miles of trails at my disposal, so I'm ready to hike! Wish I could do the hiking for the snow-bound people, too...

Lesley...I wish you could do my dancing and I would do your hiking!!

I love hiking in the snow!!

OK, I have nailed a little over 2 miles toward the challenge. The videos look fun. I will attempt those another night because I still have water running to go to this evening. I am trying to up my exercise minutes as well. I got some unfavorable results on my yearly blood tests in reference to cholesterol, so exercise is now a necessity!

Annampea wrote: »

OK, I have nailed a little over 2 miles toward the challenge. The videos look fun. I will attempt those another night because I still have water running to go to this evening. I am trying to up my exercise minutes as well. I got some unfavorable results on my yearly blood tests in reference to cholesterol, so exercise is now a necessity!

WARNING: LONG AND POTENTIALLY BORING PERSONAL MEDICAL RANT AHEAD

I have chronically crappy cholesterol. I have since the first time it was tested in my late 20's. But I'm not the typical high cholesterol case study. I'm what most people would call a thin person, with a BMI ranging between 20 and 21. I cook most of my food from scratch (almost no fast food or anything like that) and I include a lot of fiber, mostly low and no-processed foods and other good things in my diet. I'm also quite active, and get plenty of cardio exercise. I still have terrible cholesterol. Doesn't seem fair...

Doctor says it's probably genetic. Apparently, some body types need to be leaner to stay healthy, while others can be overweight and still have good numbers. The only thing that seems to bring my cholesterol down into the high-normal range (just under 200) is decreasing my body fat to below 27%. If I get it down below 25% it's almost normal.

But I've been lazy this winter, skimped on my weight training and protein, and ate a lot of sugary treats and now the BF% is just above 29% and my last cholesterol test (2 weeks ago) had me at 298. My highest ever. (I didn't even know it could go that high!) Poo to that. 29% body fat in a female is well within the healthy range. So uncool. At least my blood pressure and blood sugar are awesome...

It's been fairly easy for me to maintain a healthy weight and BMI here on MFP, but it's a huge challenge to keep the lean mass up and the fat mass down. And it only takes a few months to backslide. Maintaining lean mass takes discipline. But I guess if I want to stay off meds I'll have to get it done. The LAST thing I want to do is take medication if I have the ability to correct an issue on my own.

Thanks for the reminder that I need to be working on body composition. Sometimes I lose focus and I think it's "good enough" to just maintain. Good luck getting your numbers back where they should be. I'm sure you're not a genetic oddball like me. You'll be able to do it!!!

Well I have sucked it up 3 of the 5 dance videos done! I did not do the dance as such but not assure you I was moving....lol! I am a girl that would rather run, cycle, squat, lift, push ups, burpees, stairs .... so challenges like this are well challenging...lol!!!

Joanna2012B wrote: »

Lesley...I wish you could do my dancing and I would do your hiking!!

I love hiking in the snow!!

I'm not the best at the dancing, but if I could do that for you, I would...in a heartbeat. I like outdoor running and stuff just can't hardly find the time to get it in...especially now. Although, husband did said we'd get it in somehow this weekend. We'll see. Lol

I've completed the outdoor 5k. I'll do the videos tomorrow or Thursday. The hardest part this week is staying under calories. I'm going to have guests staying at our house Friday and Saturday night. I'm a social eater/drinker.

fyi...for whoever needs to know... the 4th video isn't working - it says its been taken down by the owner.... so I did 1-3 & #5... maybe we can sub another one?

and I'm with Leslie....Joanna...if I could trade you the dancing for the outdoor walking/running...I'd do it in heartbeat!!!!! I'm loving the dance videos...I do Zumba and bellydance so they are a blast! The 5k...mehhhhhh! I wish I could trade it out!!!

I finished the outdoor walking and the 5 videos. I think this is the fastest I have ever completed the two ten point challenges on the race. Now to stay under calories for three more days. I made it under today, even with a work potluck for lunch! I agree that I find this motivating and hoping to see some results on the scale this week