yes_i_can

Okay, I have to admit that I've fallen off the wagon with this challenge. :( I've had house guests this week and (1) while I would prefer to do this in the mornings, I don't want to wake people up, and (2) for some reason think I will feel silly doing my workout while they're there in the evenings. BUT, I'm just going to…

I would recommend starting at the beginning, just because the shorter intervals will make you more aware of your stride, breathing, etc. You'll probably find it rather easy until week 5 though, if you're already comfortably doing a mile. If you do decide to start in the middle, though, I would say week 4 would be a good…

After seeing all of you put yourselves out there, being proud, and motivating others, I decided to take the plunge and post mine. I don't know how to post directly to here, but check out the second picture in my profile for my progress. Yes, that is a swimsuit I've had for a while because I felt I could hide my legs in it.…

Absolutely! I have been cutting my carbs pretty drastically, so I haven't eaten it in a while, but it is a favourite of mine... Bulgar is another one for you to try if you haven't yet - not as much protein as quinoa, but no fat. I'll post a tried and true recipe for each the quinoa and bulgar in the next couple days... one…

This morning I decided to dedicate my blog to sharing a healthy dinner recipe each day. Maybe that will provide some inspiration??

I would love to see some inspiration too! I will try to add some tonight - I'm certainly not an "after" yet, but did hit my half-way mark this week :)

Excellent!! I have a similar problem today. I was soooo not in the mood to get up this morning, so I slept in a bit, and then rushed through getting ready - simple make-up, hair pulled up, pulling out a standard go-to outfit rather than agonizing over what to wear.... well, as I walked past the windows into my office, I…

In the same amount of time it takes to order, you can make your own, and it's much more healthy and yummier!! (If that's a word :tongue: ) My favourite is to take some cooked chicken breast (cubed), cherry tomatoes (halved), onions, minced garlic, some fresh basil, and a handful or two of part-skim mozzarella (shredded),…

It depends on your taste in music, but the ones I see people mention most often are available on the following sites: http://runningintoshape.com/ http://gonicoleyourself.blogspot.com/2008/06/couch-to-5k-podcast-page.html http://www.kissmyblackass.org/?page_id=86 http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html

I've not heard of it, but I would bet that anything that allows you to lose 10 lbs in three days won't last long... If your goal is to use it as a kick-start cleanse type thing, it might be okay, but be prepared to gain at least half of it back shortly after. I did a 10-day kick-start that limited food items to 5…

I'm in week 5 as well, doing day 2 tonight and day 3 on Wednesday. I'm rather frightened of day 3, but I'm building my confidence beforehand. I would say try it, and you could even tell yourself that if you're struggling you can throw a 1-minute walk into the middle, making it two 10-minute intervals, and then extend to a…

You can also go to C25K.com to get the program times and then, in case you don't have an iPod (like me), you can search around and download free MP3s that have the timing prompts in them to tell you when to walk or run. It's a really good program that eases you into running using manageable intervals. Well... manageable…

I'm on week 5 of C25K. I'm planning to try to do 30DS every day, doing both that and C25K every other day. We'll see how that goes though... depends on how sore the 30DS makes me!! ;)

Okay... I hate to actually put these numbers in writing, but here we go!! I added calf measurements because that's something I'm hoping to improve through running (big calves are a family trait I'm trying to break!!). Day One Current weight: 196.6 Waist: 39.25 Hips: 46 Left Arm: (upper) 15 Right Arm: (upper) 16 Chest: 37…

(deleted and moving to the right thread)

Hmmm... I think everyone has one of those thresholds that are difficult to get past, and then once you break that number you're off and running again. For me, it's the 195-205 range, and I'm struggling through that right now (1.4 pounds 'til I beat it!) I would try reducing your sodium as much as possible and upping your…

Sounds like you have amazing motivation to get you going, and MFP friends will definitely KEEP you going. Feel free to add me as a friend!

The best way to track your burn is with a Heart Rate Monitor. And, you look great, Brph!! I'm starting 30-Day Shred on Sunday, and I'm hoping to see results as well :)

Welcome, Mel. This really is a great site for support and encouragement. I will send you a friend request now :)

Take it a day at a time... you'll be shocked at how much better you feel once you've gotten the other crap out of your system. Plus, your energy will be better, so the exercise will follow. Take one step at a time and you'll see the momentum pull you along from there! Personally, when I made the decision to break the bad…

I have a 16oz cup at work that I fill every 1-2 hours. Keeps my water up, and gives me an excuse to walk away from my office on a regular basis!

I am SO with you on the judging! That's one of the big things I'm trying to work on... every time I'm grocery shopping, or eating out, or even walk into a clothing store I feel like all eyes are on me and they're thinking "Look at the fat girl buying more food!" OR "What's she doing here? Nothing in this store will fit…

I would say change things up a bit... if you're eating all the same proteins, doing the same work-outs, etc. you can sometimes plateau. So, if you usually stick to the protein shakes and chicken, throw in some fish or lentils and see what happens... I also find, while it's totally counter-intuitive, if you have a cheat day…

To anyone that's done this before - how much work is done on your knees? I have bursitis in one knee and walking, standing, bending, lunging are no problem, but if I kneel on it... well, it's not pretty. Imagine stabbing a knife under your kneecap, and that's a pretty good equivalent to the pain! I definitely want to do…

You made me hungry with all that bread and cheese and wine talk, Jenny!! I completely agree though - it certainly does not taste better than anything you can make at home. The last time I was at a McDonald's (I haven't gone by choice in -years-, but I was on a roadtrip and the rest of the car wanted to stop), I got a…

They HAVE to put that much crap in it... how else would they fit 11g of fat in two eggs?? :tongue:

Did you get your shoes based on a specialty store recommendation? Shoes are -extremely- important for injury-free running. A good running store will look at the shape of your foot, how your old shoes are worn in spots, you running and walking gait, etc. and will match you with the best fit for you. Stretching is also very…

I'm in! The 15th will give me time to pick up the DVD and a Heart Rate Monitor (been meaning to do that!). I will add you as a friend as well, so I remember this promise! :tongue:

Go for it!! Some people might say that your goals are a bit fast, but I tend to be a fast loser when I put my mind to it, so as long as you're being healthy about it, it really depends on how your body reacts individually. I would recommend setting your final goal in stone and looking at the mid-point as a milestone -…

I know what you mean, and I encourage you to do what you can to change that perception. About 6 years ago I lost 85 pounds and was the thinnest I'd been in my adult life. But, like you're describing, I never saw myself any differently. In my eyes I was still bigger than everyone. That, I believe, is a big part of why I…