Thanks to a marathon of step yesterday (mostly to make up for a very cal-costly lunch out to celebrate a co-worker getting a new position AND a wedding reception today) ........ I am now 80% Up Everest.

Near as I can figure, I only need about 5 more 30 min sessions to reach the summit.

This is the first day in two full weeks when my breakfast hasn't met the "15-20% range". It was under so that I could "bank more" towards the reception-dinner tonight.

Carolinagirl7 - great to hear that the courses are behind you, and hope the weather there is as nice as it is here!

Perfect weather for a race today. The pool was only 73 degrees, and my muscles all contracted including my lungs, had to go back to single breath for all of my swim. My bike ride was hilly, and lots of sharp turns. I am kind of glad I didn't ride the course before the race, because I would have been highly discouraged come race day...Every time I would gain some momentum, I would have to turn...I slipped my chain mile 6, thanks to the volunteer who held my bike and derailleur so I could get it back on...then mile 7...the evil twin hill of Sprunt Street. I had to walk my bike up the hill...but I made it through. The 2 mile walk was a breeze compared to bike ride. This how I spent 1:42:34 of my day (do you believe the top finisher finished in 50:34!!!) . Initially upset with how the race went, I realized I experienced a lot of "firsts" with this race, and the fact I finished, makes me a much stronger person and athlete. Rambling Rose Raleigh 2013 here I come... I hope everyone else had a great weekend!

Welcome back Amber! It's great to "see" you again. How have you been?

Queeda, I noticed you'd been logging on the spreadsheet. I hope the 3 of you are well and are enjoying your new life in UAE. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures whenever you're back online.

Karen, it sounds like a hard race! Well done for finishing and in such a great time too. The bike part of it sounds especially hard, but you made it! You must be so pleased with yourself despite your initial upset and you deserve to be pleased since you did so well -- go you!

Sorry I've been quiet this week, it's been yet another stressful one but the end is finally in sight -- Friday!! As of 2.30pm on Friday I won't be at sixth form anymore which I am excited about, but it'll be a sad day too as it is the end of an era. Two girls from my class of 11 are going traveling, one to Australia and one to New Zealand. Neither of them have intentions of returning to the UK any time soon and especially not to our town and since I move away in just a few months, it's unlikely I'll ever see them again. I don't have sixth form on Monday, which is technically today since it's gone midnight now, nor on Wednesday so just three days to go until it's all over.

Thursday is my 19th birthday! My class and I are going out for a meal to celebrate our leaving as well as my birthday and that night I am going out for dinner with my mum and step dad, so I am expecting a big gain this week! I finally had the chance to weigh in today, I am up 1.5lbs but it isn't anywhere as bad as I had thought it would be which was nice! I am really hoping my step dad will have my bike fixed for the weekend, I can't wait to get out cycling and shift this excess weight.

It's almost 12.30am here so I really need to head off to bed. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day!

I've been a bit lousy for posting this week, sorry everyone.

Congrats BeeJ on the loss! That's amazing! Perhaps though too the extra meals helped reset your metabolism a bit too? Sometimes when people stall/plateau I see people recommending eating more/or eating normally for a week or two and that's supposed to help, with the intention that it resets metabolism/throws it off. Whatever the reason, that's great!

Molly, I hope you have a terrific birthday and that your bike gets fixed.

Just wondering, what are the OWLs and NEWTs for this week though. On the spreadsheet it has them but on this thread I see mentions of a jump rope thing and sugars?

Congrats BeeJ on the loss! That's amazing! Perhaps though too the extra meals helped reset your metabolism a bit too? Sometimes when people stall/plateau I see people recommending eating more/or eating normally for a week or two and that's supposed to help, with the intention that it resets metabolism/throws it off. Whatever the reason, that's great!

I think that part of Hufflepuff not getting to see much change in my numbers in past weeks had to do with the special events being on a Saturday, and not enough time before Sunday weigh-in to make up for it -- MFP guestimates my BMR at just under 1350, and recommends 1200 net cals per day to eat. I do my best to end up with 350-390 of the original 1200 left by supper, and try to end up and just enough on the Right Side (above 1200) to avoid the "you may be triggering starvation mode" message. If I have to eat a bigger yoghut / cereal / fruit evening snack to get there - so be it - but that is usually only when I have somehow missed my am and pm snacks.

Since I have been averaging 3.5 or so pounds per month since starting Boot Camp in Jan. I am probably doing ok. I will know for sure on Thurs when the monthly Weights and Measures / Fit Test happens.

The Boot Camp Instructor has also mentioned the concept of 1 Cheat Meal (note: MEAL ..... not DAY) per week to throw your metabolism a curve on occasion. It has to work harder to deal with the unexpected. You just aren't supposed to make it more than the single meal, one time in the whole week. AND only if your general eating is stable enough / healthy enough that you aren't going to trigger a binge. If that were a danger, better to stick with the all-round healthy eating.

Breakfast on track - good size for lunch and pm snack - DRAT! with no am snack (or snack content) I am going to be making a post-dinner snack to bring my total cal level to minium of where they need to be!

Either that, or another cup of coffee, which I don't particularly want to do ..... HOLD THE PHONE!! I can do a scoop of VegeGreen in water! That adds cals, and all of a very healthy type!

Crisis averted!

Perfect weather for a race today. The pool was only 73 degrees, and my muscles all contracted including my lungs, had to go back to single breath for all of my swim. My bike ride was hilly, and lots of sharp turns. I am kind of glad I didn't ride the course before the race, because I would have been highly discouraged come race day...Every time I would gain some momentum, I would have to turn...I slipped my chain mile 6, thanks to the volunteer who held my bike and derailleur so I could get it back on...then mile 7...the evil twin hill of Sprunt Street. I had to walk my bike up the hill...but I made it through. The 2 mile walk was a breeze compared to bike ride. This how I spent 1:42:34 of my day (do you believe the top finisher finished in 50:34!!!) . Initially upset with how the race went, I realized I experienced a lot of "firsts" with this race, and the fact I finished, makes me a much stronger person and athlete. Rambling Rose Raleigh 2013 here I come... I hope everyone else had a great weekend!

Proud of you girl!! GREAT JOB!!!! Would love to do a triathalon someday.

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Moe.

Regarding the OWL and NEWT challenges -- the challenges posted on the spreadsheet are the correct ones for the week. The challenges kindly posted in the common room by Suzie and BeeJ are going to start on June 3rd. Just a reminder that after this week, we have a week off of inter-house competition. The dates for the week off are Sunday May 27th through to Sunday June 3rd. In this week I will post the new spreadsheet along with the challenges (which we already know, see above) and starting weights for the month will be accepted between Friday 1st June and Monday June 4th.

Oh okay, gotcha! Still quite the newbie, wasn't sure how it was working but that totally makes sense. Thanks

I think that part of Hufflepuff not getting to see much change in my numbers in past weeks had to do with the special events being on a Saturday, and not enough time before Sunday weigh-in to make up for it -- MFP guestimates my BMR at just under 1350, and recommends 1200 net cals per day to eat. I do my best to end up with 350-390 of the original 1200 left by supper, and try to end up and just enough on the Right Side (above 1200) to avoid the "you may be triggering starvation mode" message. If I have to eat a bigger yoghut / cereal / fruit evening snack to get there - so be it - but that is usually only when I have somehow missed my am and pm snacks.

Since I have been averaging 3.5 or so pounds per month since starting Boot Camp in Jan. I am probably doing ok. I will know for sure on Thurs when the monthly Weights and Measures / Fit Test happens.

The Boot Camp Instructor has also mentioned the concept of 1 Cheat Meal (note: MEAL ..... not DAY) per week to throw your metabolism a curve on occasion. It has to work harder to deal with the unexpected. You just aren't supposed to make it more than the single meal, one time in the whole week. AND only if your general eating is stable enough / healthy enough that you aren't going to trigger a binge. If that were a danger, better to stick with the all-round healthy eating.

That's a great average, ahh that's awesome! That's not just probably okay, that's great. Honestly I've had months where it didn't move at all (mainly because I gained all my old habits back) so that steady rate is great.

Reasonable, totally agree with the one cheat meal a day vs the day. One meal is not as crazy as a day, too much bad stuff could be consumed in a day. I know I couldn't personally handle a true cheat meal even because I do have that history of binges and meh, my eating isn't perfect anyways and I don't object to the odd random treat.

However just in case... I was sort of talking about the different level of calories (more then normal) for long plateaus - where people have been doing the same thing for months and not seeing results in the last month and that's seen as an attempt to restore things. Bah I'm not even sure how to explain it. XD

Who knew??? Aparantly, after a heavy-duty work out (boot camp class or equivalent) I am supposed to feed my muscles with something like 200 cals worth of fruit and yoghurt smoothy or something like that.

Maybe I do have to do some "eat more to weigh less" on heavy-duty exercise nights :huh: ... maybe that is part of what has been holding me back. Lets see what the results are at the end of the week.

Haha, yep, that's totally a good idea! Something needs to maintain those muscles, strengthen them, and repair any damage. Food truly is fuel! Protein is definitely a good thing to have after a work out, I typically go for a Greek yogurt smoothie with a half cup of chocolate milk and all the fruits XD I'd have one right now if half the house wasn't asleep.

Here's some other ideas/information about that if it helps! Everyone should be aware of this kind of thing because we need to take proper care of our bodies. [/lame psa lol]
http://www.livestrong.com/article/541910-do-i-need-to-eat-a-post-workout-meal/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/103484-post-workout-foods/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/213669-the-best-pre-post-workout-foods/

Another Wed is upon us. Where does the time go? Thunderstorm woke me up, enjoying listening to it rain now.

BeeJ Totally agree with the refueling after workouts...I usually eat breakfast after working out, and really try to add a greek yogurt to whatever I eat in the mornings to add protein. Also, feeding your body before workouts is important with carbs and some protein. Moe posted some good articles. I get sick to my stomach if I eat too much BEFORE working out, so almond butter works for me. I do notice a difference in my workouts on days I forget my almond butter before working out.
I like the concept of cheat meals vs days, it may be a next step for me.

Moe thanks for posting articles, some great information. I have finally begin to accept that "my excess" exercise calories really should be spent on fueling workouts, instead of just eating junk because you exercised...ahhhh but that is no fun is it!! There is a sports nutrition lecture I am going to try to make next week at my gym.

Suzie Glad to hear the toe is better and you can resume zumba. I like the diversity of triathlons. I can't believe I am doing them now (and enjoy them no less). I got hooked by completing an indoor version of a triathlon that many gyms (at least in this area) will hold, a good place to start.

Molly Happy birthday this week and Good luck with graduation this week, it sounds as if you have a lot of fun stuff planned this week and weekend. It is always sad to have friends move away. Technology today is amazing to keep in touch (though I agree not the same is visiting in person). Last year I totally reconnected with a group from college I hadn't seen or heard from in almost 20 years. It was amazing, it was like we were never apart, and now we are keeping up regularly on facebook

Who knew??? Aparantly, after a heavy-duty work out (boot camp class or equivalent) I am supposed to feed my muscles with something like 200 cals worth of fruit and yoghurt smoothy or something like that.

Maybe I do have to do some "eat more to weigh less" on heavy-duty exercise nights :huh: ... maybe that is part of what has been holding me back. Lets see what the results are at the end of the week.

Haha, yep, that's totally a good idea! Something needs to maintain those muscles, strengthen them, and repair any damage. Food truly is fuel! Protein is definitely a good thing to have after a work out, I typically go for a Greek yogurt smoothie with a half cup of chocolate milk and all the fruits XD I'd have one right now if half the house wasn't asleep.

Here's some other ideas/information about that if it helps! Everyone should be aware of this kind of thing because we need to take proper care of our bodies. [/lame psa lol]
http://www.livestrong.com/article/541910-do-i-need-to-eat-a-post-workout-meal/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/103484-post-workout-foods/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/213669-the-best-pre-post-workout-foods/

I will be doing some reading at lunchtime!

Just back from the Boot Camp 4 wk Weigh&Measures .....

Ta DAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!! I am down 5 pounds over 4 weeks :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: / 8.6 pounds over 8 weeks :flowerforyou: :bigsmile: / a whopping 15.4 pounds since the beginning of January :flowerforyou: :bigsmile: :flowerforyou: :bigsmile: :flowerforyou:


Looking back at the difference between January inches and current inches in 8 different points and the total inches. also fantastic no mater which way you slice it. And it's not quite the end of the month yet!

Fyi, one more 30 minute session (tomorrow) will put me At The Top Of Mount Everest ... then I will be switching out much (but not all) of the step bench for interval wind sprints, which my boot camp leader says is THE most fat-burning return on your cardio investment. Even better than spending longer at a steady pace.

Finally going to see Wicked tomorrow. I have been looking forward to it for months.

I've read the book, and I hear the show is AMAZING!!!! Looking forward to details!

We in Canada had our Long Weekend last week. Attended a wedding and did some planing of "purr-enials"

And by the way, today is my 60th day on MFP - and I haven't misses a login yet! (no where near your record, but then I haven't been at it as long :laugh: )

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in days, what a week I've had! I had a great birthday, so thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I got a lot of great things and I was able to spend the day with some close friends and family, plus we had amazing weather too which made things even better. Though, the fact that my best friends (one of which traveled 85 miles specifically to surprise me) turned up at my house with a cake and presents really made my day. I cried! Haha. I wasn't expecting to see either of them as we'd arranged to do something in the week so I was overwhelmed. I've eaten so much cake plus I went out for dinner twice so I am not looking forward to what will inevitably be a gain tomorrow. But I have now finished sixth form forever so I am really really happy about that!!

I had work today and it was awful. The country is currently experiencing a heatwave, or what should probably be regular weather for this time of year but given it always rains here, a heatwave and so conveniently our air conditioning broke meaning it was 30 degrees Celsius in my department and it was awful! Of course, no customers were in the shop either due to the weather (and the fact they have sense. Who'd want to go shopping when you can enjoy the sun?!) so it was a boring day but it could have been worse!

Tomorrow is the start of an 'off week'. Karen and I have not arranged challenges for this week so for now I am going to say that we will continue with the previous challenges for the next 7 days. Of course, you are welcome to create your own challenges and share them if you'd like, but we are not competing as a house or with the other houses so you don't have to and can give yourself a complete week off if you'd like!

How are you all doing?

So no challenges for this week, well I will continue with my own personal challenges then, to snack healthy, and to exercise at least 4 times per week. I would like it to be everyday, and am working towards that, but am happy when I get more days in than not.
I did have a weight loss this week, was really pleased with that as I had 2 parties last weekend. I also have two parties next weekend (a wedding and retirement party) and a holiday weekend in between. Oh, I love summer because of all the fresh fruits and veggies, makes it easier to eat healthy, but on the other hand..parties..parties...get togethers...makes it more challenging. I plan on weighing less at the end of the summer though.....so will not let myself indulge mindlessly 8 )

Molly --happy belated birthday, that was sooo nice of your friends to surprise you.

Have a great day everyone.

Sorry for the lack activity on here. This week has been busy as I've started a new job and I still have summer school on top of that. Just added all my NEWTs, OWLs, and exercise minutes to the spreadsheet though, that's all caught up.

Hope everyone's doing well and that any Yanks on here are enjoying their Memorial Day Weekend.

Too tired to write more XD