Kicking *kitten* In Our Twenties - March Challenge!! Take 2!

Cynthia - Thanks for the encouragement!! You're right, I am ready. I just hated that being sick threw off my training schedule. And I felt like I was going through withdrawal too!! From you guys and MFP in general!! It was strange not logging, but nice to know that I survived the week!! You definately earned that yummy food after a 13+ miler!! WTG!! Thats amazing...I'm jealous!! You will totally rock your race...I cant wait to hear all about it!! And sounds like you have some great goals in mind. I hope to do around 2:30, but I am like you and just want to finish!! I hope you get some nice goodies in your race packet, let us know!!

Bethany - Thanks, although it wasnt as hard to workout there when they always had things to do!! Its so funny, before I saw what recipe you had posted I was planning on making Shepards Pie this week too!! Made it last night and it cam out great!! I hope you get your runs in before you leave for AZ, and hopefully you can still fit in a workout while there. I'm sure you will have a great time out with your friend, enjoy it!! Good for you for hitting the TM when you were frustrated!! Much better for you then eating (like I always do)!!

Meg - Well you sound like you needed a day off from Insanity!! It is very high-impact (from what I have seen so far). I hope you have a great time back with the family and enjoy your cupcake...you earned it!! And you are awesome to pack your Insanity DVDs. Its so easy to slack while away!!

Meag - Thanks, I am hoping that it has become a life-style change!! And you're right about the training schedule for a full....I dont know how people find the time to fit in 20+mile runs every week!! Even if my body could do it...I would never have the time either!! Yummm...grilled meats sound awesome right now!! I got get my hubby back out on the grill soon too!! And its great that you found a friend in spin class, I think having someone to workout with helps to keep you motivated! Have fun on your yoga date!!

Kendi - Getting running shoes should help a lot. Once I got properly fitted all of my knee and hip pain have gone away!! Definately worth the money!! And you will do great in your race!!!


AFM - So I had my meeting with the Dietician on Monday. She did that MedGem testing to determine my resting MR. It came out to be 1277. So she actually recommended upping my calories a little more but then not eating back my workout cals. She thinks it better to have a constant calorie intake. She has my meals planned out at 1500 cals a day then adding only 100 more on my long run day. So I will give it a try for a little and see how it goes. I ran on Monday and Wednesday (3 and 4.5 miles) trying to get my lungs back in shape. Both runs were a little brutal though. The weather has been amazing here though, nice 70 degrees with just a little wind. I am trying to do my last long run tomorrow before my race next week. Still a little nervous but excited too!! I also just signed up for the Delaware Marathon (May 13th) as a relay with 3 other friends!! So each person does 6.55 miles. I am soo excited for that. I guess that all for me!!
Hope you all are having a great week!!

Cynthia - I know what you mean, I still get nervous even if I know I can do it. At least you have run over 13miles though...I still havent gone past 11.5, so 13 terrifies me!! You will do awesome and I can't wait to hear about it!!! The nutritionist was helpful and helped me with a realistic macro breakdown too!! By now your race is probably already over...but I wanted to say Good Luck!!!

Meag - No worries, I will not be sticking to 1600 on long run days all the time....I always eat if I am hungry. She gave me those numbers based on what I told her that I usually eat on long run days...and usually I eat around 1600-1700. Eating more then that is hard for me, I am just not hungry after all that?? And she actually is a runner, she does marathons, so she understands the struggle I am having between still trying to fuel properly while losing weight. I think her perspective is to have me eat more on a daily basis so that I am not having a huge spike on long run days....she says drastically changing your cal intake day to day is bad for weight loss?? She set my calorie levels to only loose 0.6lb/week, so nothing drastic. I dont know, I am not firmly committed to anything though! Glad you had some great runs and a nice bike ride this week, even if it was windy!!

For the QOTD - I try to plan ahead and eat really good the rest of the day or workout extra so I have the extra cals. If I just wrote it off I think I would do it too often?? And I dont trust myself enough for that yet!! And no plans for St. Pattys day...unfortunately I work a 12hr shift...and then another 12hr shift on sunday....so no fun festivities for me


AFM - I did my last longer run before my race yesterday....only did 8.1 miles and it hurt. I am soo disappointed that I havent been able to get to 13miles before my race....I really wanted to just so that I would know that I could make it. But it is what it is...and I will still give it my all!! And run, walk or crawl I will make it over the finish line!! And Hubby got off work that day to come cheer me on, so that was a nice surprise for me!! Otherwise nothing else exciting going on here....stuck working all weekend, but then I have monday through wednesday off!!

Okay it's official. This thread has been completely taken over by runners! Love it!

Cynthia, how was your race? Can't wait to hear all about it!!!

Abby- When is your race?

Meag- So excited for you and your 30k next weekend!! A bunch of people from my running group are going down for it. i should have done that!!

AFM ran 16 miles yesterday with my running group. it took 2h50 minutes. Gorgeous weather out and beautiful run. Our clinic instructor didn't run because he wasn't feeling well so instead he set up a surprise station with his car at about 10 mile mark, with apricots, gummy candies, chocolate milk, tea, pieces of bagels, orange slices, pineapple.. it was such a boost (physically yes but mostly mentally)! Definitely gave me a second wind to keep going. At about 14 miles or so body was really starting to feel it (hip, knees, etc) but i made it. I had a nap in the afternoon and woke up with both my arms completely tingling, wonder if my shoes were too tight or if i just need to move my arms more?

Feeling alright this morning, not too sore, so thats a good sign. Think the aches and pain was more fatigue then anything.

Anyway happy Monday, have a great day/week!

Cynthia - thanks ! And the MRI stuff is going okay, no more symptoms of numbness since October so hopefully it means I am done for a while!!! And yes I am so glad I didn't face plant hahaha and I feel ya on those awkward ankle twist !! Glad you survived too. I did the same thing with day light savings- had absolutely no idea till half way through the day haha. And you were falling apart with all of those bruises and bumps this weekend! Hope you are healing up fast

Meag- Yes love me some Dallas shopping ! I really focused on my push up form because you are totally right , form is key and I am just glad I didn't hurt anything worse. Hope you had fun at your BBQ and is Carl officially back in your spin class ? I remembered you mentioned he hadn't been teaching the ones you were attending there for a while. And you deserved a break this weekend, what did you end up doing for st.patty's ?

Kendi- thanks I had a nice trip! Good luck on prepping for your race coming up ! I know shoes are key for my workouts, hope your feet feel better on those long runs and can't wait to hear about the race !

Bethany- I love a sprinkles cupcake and since I live over 2 hours away from the closest store it's a treat to get one. But yes, they could easily get addicting, especially around holidays when they have special favors !! Hope your week got better after the phone call but awesome job channeling the frustrations into something positive like a workout!!! Stay strong

Abby- the relay run sounds fun! Hope it goes well for you and we eat the same amount of calories ! I love my 1500, I know I have a lot more energy when I hit 1500

AFM: didnt get anything near an Insanity workout last week being at home. Did however have a wonderful shopping trip with my mom, and even on my "splurge" days, I stayed under or right at my calorie goal, I just made some adjustments for the lack of workouts. Hit the gym today though and it felt awesome ! I am going to make it a point to see the hotel gym the morning of interviews in Cali just because I always feel 100% more confident after a good workout. Early bed-time tonight, didn't sleep well last night and it's another busy week between work and school. I will try and post again this week before I leave for Cali !

Oh and has anyone read/reading the hunger games !? Addiction has set in and I don't even like reading !!! Totally channeling in the theater nerd in me and dressing Capitol for the premier hahaha

Hey everyone 24 years old ...new to posting not that new to the site ...looking for new motivation to hit my las little bit and physical goals....i know how to lose weight ...but i have become a chronic cheater...i snack on too many high calorie things while at work (thats in a steakhouse) ...i know it sucks....lol but thats what im here for

starting: 275
current: 169.8
goal: 140



~Allie7383- PR in my Disney Half Marathon, be under 145, log 5 days a week and drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
~Skreal89 - break the 210 mark for the first time in 3 years; run 4 miles without a walking break; burn 6000 calories a week working out; eat all of my daily calories instead of eating low and being hungry all the time.
~Catrina9785 - actually finish the 30DS, work on completing my C25K, decrease my muffintop area by 0.5in, lose 5 lbs, start cooking more homemade healthy meals.
~courtneymal17-Lose at least 1 lb//week, workout 6 times a week, no fast food, & start running (Long term goal is to run a 5k in november!)
~jnbud2002- start working out 6 times a week with P90, drink at least one whole 3 qt ish jug of water while at work, lose at least 5 lbs, and start eating more homecooked meals
~adam4life - Swim 3 times a week, Bike at least 3, run at least 4. 3 hours of workouts per day. Push-ups and sit-ups in the morning and at night before bed. Keep up another solid month of no soda and no fast food. TRAIN HARD!!!
~Kaitthegr8t- go to the gym M/W/F and walk the park or beach Saturday AND Sunday. Cut carbs and eliminate beer all together. Only go out to eat twice this month
~strunkm4 - Run 100 miles this month, Lose 5 lbs, eat at least 1,200 calories a day.
~miss_amy- hit onederland this month!, lose at least 6lbs, work out 5-6x a week, making sure to get at least 2 arm/back workout days in every week, do more yoga!
~monkeypantz - Do some kind of cardio workout 6 days a week, no takeaways/ fast food, track food in MFP everyday, stay within calorie limit everyday
~StacyAnn1001 - work out 6 days a week, minimum an hour a day - double works out 3 times a week (cardio on my lunch for 45 mins, circuit training at night for 55 mins), learn how to use weights (this is the goal i didn't complete last month), get down to 120 lb by feb 29 (HAPPY LEAP YEAR!!!!), continue to NOT snack on cheese at home, book a vacation for March to somewhere tropical i can wear a bikini, continue to network on MFP and help support all my new friends on here
~lilieslosinit- I have one goal that is really important to me. I want to log everything, every day. I'm terrible at holding myself accountable. Other goals include: drinking 8 glasses of water, getting down to 160, and exercising 5 days per week.
~abby459 - Run 100 miles in Febuary (will be harder this month, less days and vaca!!) Keep up with my training plan for my 1/2 in April. Hopefully get to 135lbs. And since I have vacation from Feb 25 - March 3, I am making it a goal to work out a minimum of 4times over that week!!
~mkingraham (Megan)- stretch, drink at least 64oz of water a day, make heatlhy eating choices, and visit the gym
~ eleanoreb- El- rack up the running miles
~ moochachip (Emily)- Drink 8 glasses water a day, work out at the gym 3-4 times a week, run 4-5 days a week preparing for 5K in May.
~Maridelsol82 (Mari)- Drink at least 10 cups of water a day, weight train at least twice a week, and some type of cardio at least 3 or 4 times a week. Lose at least 4 pounds this month:)
~Jessie544- get below "lowest weight" (since I've been dieting) which is 175 (current weight 184.8) AKA lose 10 lbs, continue going to cardio classes and maybe try zumba (big maybe cuz they charge $11 a class!)
~Cassi_Eats_Apples- Knock off 5 pounds this month, try a Zumba or Aqua Zumba class. Do more strength training.
~Shannonaufman - Eat 1200 net calories; Drink 64 ounces of water on weekdays, 32 on weekends; exercise for 1000 minutes; burn 10000 calories; walk/run 30 miles this month. I wouldn't be devastated if I saw 161 on the scale at the end of the month.
GreenHumanClay (Cynthia) Continue to train for my 1/2, increase h20, 1-2 days of R&R, eat less than 10% of boxed food items, lose 2 pounds, weight train 3xs/week, sleep more, focus and stay on top of my current school program and enjoy this month more than last!!
~Meagalayne- Complete 4 more weeks of ATB training (modified for my travel schedule) including a long run up to 14miles; weight train 2x per week + spin with CrazyCarl on Mondays; Try hot yoga; No weigh-ins after Feb 3rd until post ATB; allow myself to indulge while in Austin, but not to completely derail my progress with food and emotional eating; Start/Finish another novel on vacation.
~jublum- workout 4-5 days a week. each of those days include cardio, but each day i need to incorporate 15-20 of strength training which I have been lacking in. Also, to stay on tracking and meet my calorie goal everyday!
~lalonmeg000 (meghan) Finish up Insanity, only 4.5 more weeks! Continue eating healthy by grocery shopping 1x/week so I can get fresh fruits and veggies. Do 1 thing this month that is fun, for me just because I am worth it (ie, a new shirt, a pedi, massage etc)
~KCrandi-I'd like to fit into size 10 Jeans. BUT the goal I'm setting is to Work out atleast once everyday, as well as drink atleast 8 glasses of water/day.
~btor- My goals for this month are to not drink pop, work out a minimum of 5 days a week for an hour each time, and to eat more veggies!
~Stylistntenn - My goals this month: to lose 7 lbs, to keep increasing my exercise and treadmill time as I get in better shape, also decrease my diet soda intake and up my water. Good luck to everyone!
~Alcavin08-My goals for this month are to drink at least 8 glasses of water 7 days a week, be more active, eat more fruits and veggies, and be down in the mid 170's by the end of this month.
~clairification-Complete the 30 Day Shred, work out on breaks at work, eat more raw foods and remember to take my vitamins!
~GuamGrly (Bethany) - create a meal plan each week, workout 3-4 times per week, keep up with 5K training for the mud run on March 31st, consume no less than 64oz of water per day, up fruit and veggie intake
~CaliAliLouise- stick to my meal plan for the month, only eat out twice this month, work-out 6 days a week and get below 175!
~Twisted88- My goals for this month are to be under 225 by month's end, to workout at least 5 times a week, and to start bringing my dinner with me Tuesday-Thursday when I have class in the evening (10 out of 13 potential times if possible).
~alodell89 - My goals are to drink more water and to work out at least 4 days a week!
~ TonnaJai - lose 5 lbs, 6 glasses of water I want say 8 because I am beginning from old habits, use my elliptical Monday through Friday!
~melrose09 - run a 10k and get my 5k below 30 minutes. 5 second one arm handstand on EACH side, 4 press handstands in a row, perfect 2 man squat and at least 3 more acro tricks with my partner.
~siobhanhannon: workout 5x weekly including at least one pilates class to improve my posture; drink 3L of water a day (regularly not gulping down when I realise its been hours!), lose 8lb to bring me down to 160lbs, think positive and keep at it
~kendib - work out 6 days a week, enjoy my rest day, back to going to bed early, lose 6 pounds.
~jacksonsarah6 - work out 3 or 4 days a week, drink 6-8 glasses of water every day and finally see the scale move in the right direction!
-ThisisMiss - Walk at least one hour every day with my DD, get more aerobics/dancing time in at least five days a week, drink more water, eat fewer carbs
-nyfashionista19- Stick with my zumba for wii routine, while incorporating 30 DS starting on the 13th and complete it! Get under the 210 mark(7 lbs.to go!) and take my son for more stroller walks!-weather permitting
-ser1019 : Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, lose 6 pounds, eat more fruit/veggies, and work out 4-5 days a week for 1-2 hours. Good luck everyone!
-ElleD89 - Lose at least 3 pounds, bring my running up to 25 miles/wk (currently at 18), and limit my drinking to one night a week.
-charf88 - Try 30 Day Shred, but if i vomit work out by walking or doing a Zumba DVD at least 3 times a week
~zgolub - log in every day to MFP till end of month, work out every day off from work (I work 3 days a week), get up early one workday to work out, stick to under 2000 cals 5 days a week.
-missgolightly727(Emily)- Run 3 days a week(stick to 10k training plan), spin 1 day a week, drink 3 water bottles full of water per day, track EVERYTHING, BREAK THIS STUPID PLATEAU!
-CindyM29 -log in everyday, run at least 2 miles a day, lose 8 lbs this month, drink at least 8 cups of water a day, be able to do at least one pull up.
bb0322 - this is the last month i'll be 23. goal before birthday is: get back down to mid 120 lbs range and never go above it again!!! I will reach my goal by staying on track of 1200 cals a day, tracking everything on this awesome website, and hitting the gym when i plateau. We're in the best age of our lives and need to be as hot as we can!!!
tiffintn- log all calories (no cheating). work out at least 4x a day (not cardio bunny style.. real lifting)...lose 29 more lbs then reasses body comp...most of all GAIN SELF CONFIDENCE>>>BE HAPPY WITH MYSELF!!!

Hey all! Finally getting a chance to post after a crazy week last week. Work was busy as hell, plus I had a quiz and midterm to get through, ugh. On the plus side, I ran the NYC Half last Sunday and had an amazing time. Amongst 15,000+ people was crazy, but I got to chat with some cool people in my corral. The race started at 7:30, but I didn’t cross the start til a good 30+ minutes later. In fact, I was still marching towards the start when the elite runners went past us, which meant they had already completed the 6 mile loop around Central Park!! Omg it was so cool to see them just fly by like it was effortless. The CP lap was def challenging with one big hill around mile 4, which I’m proud to say I ran the whole way up. There were tons of charities being represented which was inspiring to see. We exited the park and it was a straight shot down to Times Square with a great view the whole time. When I got there my mom was waving at me so I stopped for a pic before going on my way. Then it was down 42nd street and down to the West Side Highway for the last 5 miles. It was nice running along the water, and somber going past the 9/11 site as you could see runners turning their heads repeatedly to look at the gaping space. In the last mile we entered a long tunnel and then one last hill around 800m before making our final turn around the corner to see the finish line ahead. At that point I was def tired, but just kept staring at the finish trying to go as fast as my legs would allow. I managed 2:20:25 officially and I’m def happy with that. The pictures went up today and there were some really awesome ones from TS as apparently I was broken away a bit from the crowd so I will def be ordering some. We taped the coverage, and the funny thing is that while I didn’t make it to tv, my mom did! You can see her standing at the barrier as the male leaders went by lol. So overall it was a great day with perfect weather and I’m happy my mom got to see me not only on the course but crossing the finish line this time. Tonight I signed up for a 5K in April. Def want to keep motivated!

Cynthia- I’m so so sorry about your race, that is incredibly sucky, and they should’ve let you re-route to the correct path. I hope you at least get some type of refund, and get in a good 13.1 miles.

Abby- When is your race? The longest I had run before the last 2 was 10 miles. When you’re in the atmosphere you’ll be able to get through the end. Just think, you’ve come 10, what’s another 5K? The relay sounds great! I would love to do something like that if I had friends that would join me lol.

Meg- Enjoy your Cali trip! I’ve heard nothing but good things about The Hunger Games, and I have the first one, but haven’t opened it lol. Glad to hear the MRI stuff is going well.

Meag- I know you got your race bib and you’re gonna freakin crush your race! Yay for another vacay as well. I’ve only been to San Diego briefly but I hear it’s nice. Just watch the intake of Mexican food ad that last time I was there we had it 2 nights in a row and both mom and I ended up with Montezuma’s Revenge.. Not pleasant!

Bethany- Hope you’re enjoying your trip! My sis has told me repeatedly about the goodness of Sprinkles. I have yet to have one, but I’m hoping one day she comes home with some lol.

Unfortunately that’s all I have time for at the moment. Have a great week all!

Abby- Just a quick reply to try and answer your running questions. I'm sure the other gals will have advice too. If I'm running a 5 or 10k, i will run a little bit before hand to warmup, but for a half I don't. You will need all of your energy (and more)! so it definitely won't be a rest day. What i would do is take Friday off then do a short 2 mile run or so Saturday, get your legs moving a little bit, and then nothing until the race.

As for racing with music, it depends. Have you been training with music? I think it's a good idea to stick to whatever you are used to. For my half, i had my ipod all setup and i told myself I would wait until partway in and use it as a boost. I think i turned it on right before the first hill because I felt i needed it. Maybe 5k in, whichw as sooner then planned but served its purpose. I think I run faster with music. It is nice to soak int he atmosphere of the race though, especially at the start/ finish.

As for rain, don't worry about it. I've ran in pretty much torrential downpours and it was fine. Wind is worse then the rain, so just hope not too windy. Also some people like to wear baseball caps, mostly personal preference. You will be so caught up in the race you will barely notice.

Do you have a time goal in mind? And no matter time you do, it's a huge accomplishment just to do it.

Good luck!!! will be cheering for you from Canada!!

Abby- just wanted to respond to the running questions, though the other ladies did a great job with their responses.
i took a couple rest days before the race, though one more than i wanted due to my wack-a-doo schedule. i agree with keeping everything the same. Run with clothes/belt/ things that you know you're comfortable in. Also a common piece of advice is to not eat anything new the night before as it may give you issues come race time. The night before my last half I was out with my friend and ended up having an appetizer of basically all fried deliciousness. I took a couple pepto in the AM just to be safe and was totally fine.
You'll be fine in the rain! I've ended up getting caught in some light rain/snow a couple times and really for the most part didn't notice. Your head will be elsewhere. Oh and I usually keep the music going the whole time. I also have my runkeeper going so I get the time update without having to look at my watch.

Best of luck!! I'm sure you'll be great, and remember to relax and enjoy yourself!!

for those of you racing tomorrow (Abby and Meag..anyone else?) goodluck!!!!

I would definitely track you if I weren't out for my long run in the morning (rest week so just 12 miles- haha just a few short weeks ago that seemed so far! ). but I will check-in when I get home!! you girls will rock it!!