I Don't Think Your Ready for This Jelly...

hello jelly girls...

2011-09-08T09:13:00.001-05:00

I miss you all!!! Its time to post again.... :)

PSA... he he do you know what that means??

2011-04-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

Hey Girls! So I've been doing some serious thinking lately. I feel like it's time to address the obvious... we are in a "funk"! It's no big deal, it happens all the time to everyone who is trying to lose weight. But, I think that the added pressure of the Bet is making it harder for all of us to get out of this funk. We all have had some pretty life changing events take place in the last few months and its time to re-evaluate our prioritites and get our lives back in balance again. Therefore, I'm calling for a hiatus... starting now, we are post-poning the Bet indefinately. I feel kind of bad about this, but it needs to be done. It's too much pressure for all of us to keep up with right now and I know we all have other things that need the bulk of our attention at this point in our lives. I hope this doesn't kill anyone's motivation... but judging by the lack of posting lately, I don't think that will be a problem. Now, that's not to say that any of us should be giving up! No, I'm not stopping and I don't want ANY of you to stop either!! Please, continue to use this blog as a place to post your progress, your frustrations, and words of encouragement for everyone else to see. I think this blog has been a great way for all of us to stay connected, since we can't get together and walk anymore... Thoughts?? Votes for or against the Hiatus are welcome... :) DC

WOC- Keeping it real

2011-04-04T14:59:00.004-05:00

First off- Congrats to CL!! You got 25 points last week! AND were the only one!! Yipee! Holy point cushion batman! Now onto this weeks challenge.

Workout 1

50 Mountain climbers

50 Leg lifts (as in the Ab workout)

50 Push ups

50 Step ups

50 Tricep dips

50 Hip raises

Workout 2

Run a 5k (3.1 miles). I don't care how fast & I don't care if you walk. Just get the miles in. Annie- be careful! :)

Workout 3 (max effort means, as fast as you can! PUSH IT!! Keeping correct form of course!)

Burpees, MAX effort, 3 min

Walking Lunges, MAX effort, 3 min

Plank Up/Downs, MAX effort, 3 min

Squats, MAX effort, 3 min

20 min of cardio.

Ok girls each workout is worth 10 points. Finish all 3 and you get 2 bonus points. You have until Sunday. Good luck!

Lauren

Oh yeah, this is what Hell is like- I remember now- workout Challenge

2011-03-30T13:29:00.003-05:00

So I have been a slacker. No I haven't posted your posts for the last 3 WOC!!! WOW- I suck. Anyway I still have them. They still count. No worries. I WILL eventually get to it.

Now, on to the issue at hand. ALL of us have been slacking big time! I haven't been working out as hard, and I know none of you have either! So in an effort to not get burned out- we dropped the ball... BIG TIME! Does that mean we quit? Should we just throw in the towel? Hells to the no is what I say! Time to pick ourselves back up, dust off our workout shoes, and start sweating to the oldies again. Who's in?

With that in mind... Here is your Work Out Challenge of the week! (yeah, I KNOW its WED... shut up, I am eventually going to get on track. Anyway that's why this one is small)

Set your timer for 15 min.

Do FULL on burpees, yep you heard me, Burpees for the whole 15 min. Don't stop, don't take a break, slow down only if you must.

stop. Stretch. Then do 15 min of Cardio- your choice.

3 x 20 Walking lunges

3 x 20 Static pulsing lunges

3 x 20 Plie squats

3 x 20 Push ups

3 x 20 Tricep dips

Then stop. Stretch it out. Do 20 min cardio- your choice.

That's it. No abs this week... cause frankly- I can't ask you to do what I am not willing to do myself! And there is NO WAY I am doing abs when my spine hurts like this.... so lucky us!

alright- comment when you see this.

25 points if you do both workouts. Nothing if you don't do BOTH. Comment on this post when you are done. So yeah, that's 2 total comments from each of you.

Go Jelly GO!

Lala

Commitment is the Devil!

2011-03-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

I am a commitment phobe... I hate placing myself out there, because, once I do, I can't back down...

Therefore...

I am committing to running a Half-Marathon this June.

This is about to get ugly!

I will continue to go.....

2011-03-21T22:40:00.001-05:00

Okay well who knows where everyone is, but I will continue....I will endure!!! (It doesn't sound as cheesy in my head)

So I still have my goal of running a 5k this summer. I have been trying to keep running segments in my exercise, and even though it hasn't been as regular (every day) as I would like, I try. This week I made a goal of running 1 mile without stopping. I haven't ever done this before, I think even in Elementary I walked a little bit. So today I just went for it, going in with a thought of I want to run 1 mile, if I can't I will just go as far as I can.

So I began, did my workout and......I DID IT!!!! I ran my FIRST MILE!!! YAHOOOO!!!! Me a 260ish pound woman running 1 mile!!! AWESOME!!! So you may be thinking, cool, how fast did you go? Well I didn't run as fast as I am trying to get up to mostly because I wasn't as sure how long it would take me, and I wanted to endure. So I set my speed at 3.8 and went for it. I finished my mile in 15:50 minutes! Oh I am soooo proud of myself!! Even after my run, I walked afterwards....just 4 minutes!! And started running again! It is almost easier for me to run than walk now! Weird!!!

Now since I have already met my goal of running a mile....my goal is to shorten each of my miles each time this week. So I will work on getting my time down on my mile....so that means upping my speed. Tomorrow I plan to try 4.0 and do the whole mile, and if I have to....drop back down to 3.8 again. But I think I can do it. Tonight I worked REALLY hard on not focusing on how long I have been running, or even how far I have actually gone. I like to count along (is this a "learned" autism thing?) and listen to my music, but I think I put in tons of mental effort. So anyway.....I just wanted to share....

I RAN MY FIRST MILE!!!!!

What has happened to us???

2011-03-17T00:32:00.000-05:00

What has happened to us ladies?? Where has this competition fever gone? Is it due to our injuries, mental and teeth??

Are we still in this competition? Or are we calling it? Just wondering. I mean I haven't been doing as well with posting either but just curious!?

FYI: I have now finished my deadline on my quilt!!! (HALA.....is that how you spell it?) and so I actually have time now to get things done....and am now caught up on my sleep....I had to pull some all nighters to finish it. But back to exercise and I really need to start working on my diet. I am eating less but not the right food. Just because it says Lean....doesn't mean it's lean.

I stole his computer!!

2011-03-12T10:18:00.002-06:00

Quick! Chris is asleep and I've stolen his laptop for a quick update...

Yes, I have been exercising. I have been eating fairly well with food. I am also completely computer-less until the weekends while we look for a replacement for my murdered laptop. So, that means I'm moving my weigh-in day to saturday mornings... starting today!

Weight - 176.4lbs ... down 3? (I can't remember my last weigh-in)

Chest - 35.5"
Bust - 40"
Waist - 37.' (I am not doing the "belly" measurement anymore... cause its kinda gone! So my 'waist' measurement will be done at my belly-button every week, instead of the "smallest" part of my torso.)
Hips - 41"
Butt - 41'
Thighs - 24.5"
Arms - 12.25"
Calves - 15"

Now, my plan is to start doing my cleanse tomorrow (sunday) thru March 21st... Unfortunately, I will be having LOTS more dental work done in the next 3 - 4 weeks, so it will be a little touch and go, but I will be working hard to stay on track. I have set a personal goal for myself for the next 6 weeks: I want to reach a size 10 by the day of my graduation - April 29th. I am currently a comfortable size 14, so I've got my work cut out for me, but I want to look good for all my graduation/Disneyland pics!

I will be stealing Chris's laptop again later tonight to post some Lola's... I've missed the skin!! ;)

I hope everyone is still committed to this little contest... I know I am!

DC out!

I have been exercising!!!

2011-03-10T13:03:00.000-06:00

Yes I have come back from vacation and I am workin my new treadmill!! I just love it! I love to be able to just jump on ANY time of the day (10pm one night) and get in a good workout!! So happy with it! Ahhh it's good to be in the treadmill club!

Lets see....

My beautiful treadmill. It has taken up quite a bit of my living room, and I can't open my front door all the way now, but I still LOVE IT! I also love the window right next to me so I can open the blinds and see outside and get some sunshine in!

Monday I did week 1 workout 1. I did all the running, and stayed in my walking times, but my speed was only at 3.8. I find that if I have to run for longer periods of time, I need to decrease my speed so I can actually finish it!! I also added a sprint in!! A 90 second one. Which I can't remember if I need to do 2 90 sec or one, but regardless this was an improvement to my first week of running when it took everything just to finish! I ran at a 5.0 and some may think, dang that is slow, but for now it is pretty darn fast for me and I am a huffin and a puffin when I am done.

Tuesday I didn't get a workout in. :( Between volunteering, parent teacher conference, errands and working on my quilt that is due (tutorial on how to make it and pictures) next Tuesday....I didn't get time in. Oh well.

Wednesday I had saved my workout to after I put kids to bed, but then by that time I was actually quilting my quilt and really didn't want to stop...until my needle broke and I had to wait until Trav got back from the store with new needles. So I got in a 20 min workout, but I did a 10 min running session at 3.8 too! I love that if I don't have much time, no problem...just run more and you got your workout!

After my workout...I do admit that I did do some other things right after, but still I am in my exercise cloths

Thursday I did week 1 workout 2. I did the walking lunges on the treadmill. Which I must say that the lunges don't hurt as much as they used to. I did try a set in the tippie toe and that worked them more. I was also able to get in a 90 sec sprint at the end of 5.0 Also on the last two running intervals, I moved my pace up to a 4.0. I felt more of a workout and the best part I was able to maintain it.

Kimball's wonderful picture skills....all my picture takers are gone!

So as I have discovered that running isn't that bad, expecially the better in shape you get the easier it becomes....what I have learned though is:
1. The first running session is ALWAYS the hardest! I find myself wishing it was over faster and towards the end of the session my muscles start to hurt more even though I have already did a stretch.
2. My breathing is getting better, but when I try to do a set breathing or concentrait on my breathing, I find it harder to maintain...so is there a breathing method to use? Do you do it with stride? Do you do a count?? Not sure.
3. Since I am not huffin and puffin so much as I do my running sessions, I am not as out of breath when I am done (meaning I think I can either up my speed or do a longer running session) but my muscles hurt more.
AND
4. I can finish the workout feel good, and the only thing that I need to do is just finish....I feel good as I do my workout and I think I feel that runner's high as soon as a running session is over, but the hardest part is just enduring the workout.

With the things that I have learned....I have some questions....
1. The breathing....is there a specific method or is it just an individual thing?
2. What mind tricks can you play? I find that I like to count as I am running. It makes it go by faster and it keeps my mind off running and doing something else. Where I do my running is in the living room, and since we have no tv, radio (I don't have my mp3 right now) and all I have is kids movies to watch, I end up watching those since my kids are in the room when I run. So any good movie suggestions that have good pace? Or a musical? I get kinda bored of the music, and running with it. But mind tricks, any are good. :D

So I think I am taking those first steps to becoming a runner!! YEAH!!!

Tomorrow what I have planned is the final workout for week 1. (I have missed only have 3 workouts to do in a week). I want to make a goal of running a whole mile without walking. I haven't done this since hmm....elementary...and even then I think I ended up walking some. But with running a whole mile, I want to see how long I can run in a stretch. Right now I am at 10 minutes.....I would LOVE to get up to 20 minutes of running but will accept 15min. So we will see.

There is my SUPER LONG post (novel) with some workout pics. How is everyone else doing? Annie is your knee still feeling better after getting those shots? And have you figured out what you can do to get the same workout intensity in? How are you doing DC? Haven't heard from you in awhile...I heard about your tooth....feeling better now? Did you get any exercise in? What about our Jenergy? Getting in your workouts? Finding the time? How about eating? I think we are all in a funk and just need to push past it! Hang in there women!

30 sucks!

2011-03-08T13:17:00.000-06:00

So apparently now that I'm 30, it's ok for my body to fall apart. What!? I didn't sign up for this crap! I just want to clean my house and not hurt!

I'm so frustrated. I didn't even fall or do anything that should have hurt me! I ran. A little. And now my knee is "broken". Ok so not technically broken but still. My kneecap is NOT in the right place and it moves. Kneecaps are not supposed to move to the side. Ow! I know, I've just barely gotten a glimpse of the pain that Lauren has ALL the time. I will never "me too" you again!

So in light of my ouchie, I've taken something of a break. Good news, I have dusted off my puppets. Bad news, no weight loss. I'm trying to watch what I eat more since exercising is mostly out.

If anyone has any exercise ideas, I'm open!

I am back from my holiday....

2011-03-05T21:23:00.000-06:00

Umm Lauren you wanted my exercise tally....ummmm I did only two workouts last week...they were both one of your exercises....but can't remember which now. Then this week....Monday I did set up for a Relief Society Mtg...I set up 10 tables by myself and moved 2 couches, 4 chairs and 2 side tables (my biceps were killing me the next day). Then Tuesday I put about half of it all away, and then today I have done a small running workout on my NEW TREADMILL!! So basically....I get a big fat ZERO!!!!

For my food journal......ummmm.......ZERO!!!! LOL I was on holiday!! Okay well the truth is I am all messed up pyscolgoly. My mental health is surfering and I haven't been me for a bit. I am feeling a little better, but until I can get into the doctor (next week) and do something I am afraid I will still be kinda out and in.

But I did get a new treadmill last night. We got it from walmart...one of their higher end ones. It has a google map thing that allows you to do trails anywhere that there is a google map. It sounds fancy, but not. LOL I did get a little bit of running in tonight and wow....week one starting all over again! LOL But this time I know I can do it. I am looking forward to doing week one all over again, I DEFINATELY want to do at least 1 5k this summer and more if I can. So I better get cracking....

Then I realized I haven't posted any stats for some time......SOOOOOO......

My last weigh in that I posted was on the 15th!! HOLY CRAP!!!

So for week 14th to the 20th:
Exercise : yes
nutrition: no
Weigh loss: 1lb (266.2)
No measurements here

So for week 21st to the 27th:
Exercise: no
Nutrition: no
Weight loss : 2lb (264.2) DO NOT ASK ME HOW THIS HAPPENED!!
No measurements

K now I am caught up. Behind on the pictures, but oh well. I have noticed that my cloths are a little smaller again...so maybe I gained inches and then have lost them again or have lost more inches. Who knows!!!

One thing that I have learned....I like and HATE Lauren's workouts!!! KILL ME NOW! But getting those points and having the competition makes me move more and work harder. Even though I hate the feeling of being behind in points and whatnot, it makes me go. So I am looking forward to next week! :D

Welcome March......

***Pictures to come of me on my new "baby" soon to come....***

ok Jelly has gotten SO boring!

2011-03-05T14:29:00.003-06:00

Just a reminder- today is the last day of the two week challenge! I want to get emails from all of you with workout breakdowns and why they were balanced to you. I know I have not posted points from the last workout challenge... I plan on posting all the points together.

Next week is running! Its the same as week 1. Annie, I know your knees hate you, find an alternate exercise that gives you the same cardio boost and substitute it. The blog posts points and everything else is the same. Good luck girls!

Also- where are the food journals? Have you all just abandoned the bet or what?

Lauren

Has anyone heard of bodpod?

2011-02-27T01:20:00.003-06:00

I so want to go get this done!! It a pod that you sit and and they measure your bones, muscles, fat, and then tell you the healthiest way to work out the bad stuff. They do them at BYU. If anyone is interested in coming with me let me know :) They have other stuff they can measure there too but the bod pod is super accurate!

Here is a pic of the bodpod on the right hand side in the middle-

http://wellness.byu.edu/content/12

Y-BE-FIT also provides single assessments for the following tests:

Bod Pod (% body fat) - $20.00
Blood Lipid Profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) - $15.00
Glucose Test - $5.00
Nutritional Evaluation - $15.00
Treadmill Test - $15.00
Skinfold (% body fat) - $1.00
Osteoporosis Screening - Full body $130.00, Hip Scan $65.00, Spine Scan $65.00
*Hospital grade, full body osteoporosis screening by DEXA is now available for DMBA-insured postmenopausal women (45 or older), only a $20.00 co-pay for one scan (please provide written proof DMBA will cover the scan).

Water and I are not best friends...

2011-02-25T09:12:00.003-06:00

It keeps trying to make an escape from my body! If I try to hold it too long and i laugh, cough, or sneeze it's every water droplet for themselves! Can't wait for my body to regulate so I'm not running to the bathroom so much. Can I count the running as exercise? Say yes!

Happy Birthday to our sexy rockstah!

2011-02-25T09:09:00.001-06:00

Happy happy birthday Annie dear! Happy things will come to you all year! If I had a wish then it would be! A happy happy birthday to you from me!

Since I'm here....

2011-02-24T23:52:00.000-06:00

Well since I am still up and still online, I might as well post my Thursday progress....

Breakfast: 3 servings chips (I had them lying around, they are gone so I am good) : 210 cal
apple: 60 cal
cutie orange : 40 cal
Lunch: 3 chicken strips: 400 cal (I was running errands all day and so I grabbed fast food...to making Kimball happy I went to McDonald...I only had some chicken strips AND nothing else!! I resisted the fries!!)
Dinner: Buffalo Style pizza rolls: 600 cal

Total: 1310

When I was shopping today it felt like I had ate a lot more, but I guess I did a lot of eating with my eyes...you know wishing that I could eat that, and this....but nope this is all I ate. I am planning on eating a little of chocolate tonight....not 100% sure what it will be but it will be 150 calories or less.

Water: 85 oz ( I didn't do as well with this, darn it all. Oh well)

Exercise: Week 2- workout 2
I do have some happy news with this...I only did 6 reps (I had done 10 before) but because it was late I just did the original workout. But I can definitely tell that I am more in shape, it was easier to do the workout. I did it faster and it was tons easier too. I felt like I could have gone on, but decided against it. Also my forms were tons better too. I just think it's amazing how much your body can change and feel after such a short time. THANKS LAURA!!!

Wednesdays mess.....

2011-02-24T22:46:00.000-06:00

So do we really want to know how horrible Crystal did yesterday??? Well here it is.....

Breakfast: 4 1/2 doughnuts from Delight Doughnuts : 910 calories (I just couldn't STOP!!)

Snack: 1 apple: 60 calories

Dinner: Potluck : 900 ( It was blue and gold and I had a large variety of food....so I am not 100% sure what everything was or anything, so I guessed a large number.)

Snack: 2 serving of FF chips : 140 calories

Total: 2010 calories

Okay so I went over!!! Oh well. I could have ate a LOT more at the potluck but I didn't. Oh well day over....

Water: 122 oz.

Exercise: 60 minutes on the gazelle (Lauren I did spurts of a "jogging" stride, to see how long I could go before I wanted to give up...I made it 5 minutes, so yeah I haven't lost everything! But I did several of these, just thought you might be proud...or at least satisfied)

On to Thursday....I don't know how much better I did in my calories, I think I am in...but wasn't that great of a "nutritional" greatness, crap why do we do this?? I am seeing that I am not as healthy as I think I am...and a couple pieces of fruit doesn't cut it!

Food journal for Wed and Thurs

2011-02-24T22:41:00.002-06:00

Wednesday
B- green smoothie (kale,celery, pineapple, cucumber, and apple juice)
S- piece of bread and slice of Gouda cheese
L- salmon taco from cafe rio with beans
D- 3/4 cup cream of wheat with 1 tbs of peanut butter
S- glass of milk and two mini snickers

Thursday
B- tropical smoothie (mango, pineapple, strawberries, banana, and OJ)
S-Three crackers with peanut butter (yes I desperately needed to go grocery shopping!)
L- leftover salmon taco with rice and black beans
D- 1/2 Costco hotdog and 1/4 cup of gelato ( never go to the store hungry! )
S-milk and a square of dark chocolate

Ok writing this out really helps me see where I can improve!

Food Journal Wednesday

2011-02-24T14:02:00.002-06:00

Hi all! Here's what I ate yesterday:

Breakfast -
Egg Whites & Spinach (2 ew + 1 whole egg)
2 whole wheat tortillas

Lunch -
Turkey Sandwich on Wheat (Kneaders!)
Chicken Noodle Soup (cup)
Light Lemonade

Snack -
1/2 single serving bag of Potato Chips

Dinner -
Balance Bar
1 Large Bran Muffin

Also, I got all 10 bottles of water in!

PS- Crystal! You need to send Lauren all your Work-out Challenge info from last week! We can't get our points until you do. She needs more details than the blog posts usually show.

Motivation

2011-02-23T13:11:00.000-06:00

I have lost it again!!! I don't know what happened, I was so stoked and ready before my Yoga class on Saturday but then after that, no idea what happened!!! Then reading the blog FINALLY I find that I need to be exercising on my own....and writting down what I am eating. To be honest I haven't been keeping that good of track of my food, which is probably why I haven't seem as much results this week, and thus far I haven't done any exercise!! I am telling you my motivation has gone.......Lauren I need you woman!!!

So here is my plan, maybe if I commit to do things, publicly instead of just in my head, and then come back and report.....maybe I will do them. I like the accountability of people expecting me to do something.

K so for exercise this week (Wednesday thru Saturday) I am planning on doing any one of Lauren's previous workouts. I would say ideally I would want to do more, but one is about as much time as I have. Then I am going to be counting calories, it's just easier for me to do that instead of WW since I don't have an active account with them. I want to stay in a calorie range of 1400 to 1600 daily. And then with Crystal's water challenge, there is no way in Haities I have drink 266 oz of water daily....well maybe I could but right now I can't. So I will try to drink the 135 oz to 200 oz a day.

Now here is the hard part....please people check up on me!! Make sure I am doing this! I need the support more than anything as well as the encouragement! There is a reason why I reached a high of 293lbs....I am working thru some issues of mine, but the thing I need the most is support and encouragement!

Thanks Ladies (and silent patrons) you are wonderful! I feel honored to be in this "bet" with you all!

So I have a very hard time...

2011-02-22T22:02:00.002-06:00

losing weight. I can watch my calories, and exercise like an athlete, but I still never lose a single pound. No I am serious- I am not just forgetting what I eat, or over estimating, or whatever! I just stay in the same 2lb fluctuation ALWAYS. Months and months of effort always gets me the same result! I get stronger, or faster and improve from my workouts, but my body doesn't change! EVER! :( I am about ready to ask for weight loss medication! Cause its so annoying. Something has got to be wrong with me. It really doesn't make any sense. Anyway before I do that, I thought I would give it one last try- this time I am going to set a timer.... and eat all my healthy food (that I have already been eating!) in a more organized fashion. I am going to set my timer for 3 hours to remind me to eat. I will eat five times a day. Lets see if being this exact does ANYTHING.... cause I highly doubt it... here goes.

-L.

Quick check in from DC...

2011-02-22T13:22:00.008-06:00

Hey Ladies! So, I don't know how everyone else is feeling, but I'm pretty happy with how this little contest is going. I've seen some serious changes in body appearance, weight, nutrition habits, exercise habits and overall self-confidence! I know that Phase 1 was good, but Phase 2 has been HUGE people, HUGE! I think most of the credit for this phase really needs to rest with our sadistic task-master, Lauren. I don't think any of us would have pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones exercise-wise without her help. I, for one, have really not only improved my overall health, but have learned that I can accomplish waaaaay more than I ever really gave my self credit for... so thanks LaLa!!

Here are my stats:

Weight - 179.2lbs .... -2.8lbs (bring on the YoYo :/ )
Chest - 36.5"
Bust - 40"
Waist - 34.5" .... -.25"
Belly - 36.5" .... -2"
Hips - 41"
Butt - 41.75" .... +.25" its getting rounder baby! ;)
Thighs - 24.25"
Calves - 15"
Arms - 12.5"

Yummy!

As you can see, I've made lots of progress, but I still have TONS to go! Literally... So I intend to keep busting my butt on LaLa approved torture sessions.

What is your Plan??

Now, for a little contest business:

We took a break from the food challenges last week, but I'm ready to get back in gear. I have a three-fold plan for our next steps...

Step 1: Keep a food journal!

Now, most of us are already doing this, but here's the twist... you need to post your daily food journal ON THE BLOG. That's right girls, the silent followers want us to show them what we are eating and if we really are committed to changing our bodies and lives.

Step 2: Drinkin' da H2O!

Each of us needs to be keeping hydrated and eating our calories NOT drinking them. The minimum amount of water each of us should be drinking daily is your weight in ounces. For example, I weight 179, so I need to be drinking 179 oz of WATER daily... that's 10 bottles a day. I'll be nice and cap it at 8 bottles (135 oz) BUT this is PURE WATER... no additives (except lemon/lime).

Both of these steps will begin WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23rd... and continue until MARCH 6th.

They are both worth 10 points each, IF you do all 10 days.

Relax... there is a method to my madness...

Step 3: CLEANSE!!!

Let me say this upfront; this is a completely optional challenge. I understand that it is NOT for everyone, and I respect that. It will run from March 7 - 16; that's 10 days. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FULL 10 DAYS IF YOU WANT THE POINTS. It will be worth 15 points; those who do not want to participate, I will come up with an alternate challenge worth 10 points. Why would you do this challenge?? It will make a HUGE change in your body; it will help you push past plateaus, increase your bodies ability to absorb vitamins, and master your cravings.

If you want to participate in this challenge, please let me know and I will get you the info. It takes some planning to be successful, so don't wait! (prepare yourself... there will be many many green things involved...)

Don't forget!

2011-02-22T00:35:00.004-06:00

Hey, if you haven't given Lauren all your work-out info from last week, post it in the comments of this post. She needs them to calculate the WOC points that get added to the contest points.

Here's mine:

Monday - nada
Tuesday - TIght Tush (no extras)
Yoga
Wednesday - nada
Thursday - Race (5 extra reps, rest less than 2 minutes during timed reps, did 75 extra lunges)
Friday - Race (zero rest, no extras)
Saturday - 2 Yoga classes
Sunday - Burpees until you die (5 extra burpees)

The link works now!! Deep cleansing yoga

2011-02-21T22:28:00.003-06:00

Watch it and it will brighten your day! I'm reposting this because I think we are all in need of some funny pick me up entertainment. I know there's no points in it but I'm going to keep posting stuff for no other reason than I agreed to be your cheerleader!!

Post on it or don't, it's up to you!! :8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssyMOQktt3g

Hot Mama checking in!

2011-02-20T17:20:00.000-06:00

DUDE!!! I'm tired. Hotness is exhausting. So, funny story first. Adam made dinner to today and then did the dishes. While cooking is common, dishes is EXTREMELY uncommon. So I expressed my thanks and Adam answered back with, "well, now that your hot and have options, I have to up my game.". Um thanks? I laughed pretty hard.

So update on my activity: yoga Friday morning and Saturday morning too. I heart yoga.

Diet: 100% (I love my blender!!!! Thx Jenn!)
Exercise: 100%

Weight: 137 I'm finally back to where I started (before "carb loading" (-2)
Chest: 33 (same)
Bust: 34.5 (same)
Waist: 29.75 (-0.25)
Belly: 34 (-1)
Hips: 36 (same)
Butt: 40 (same)
Thigh: 21 (same)
Arm : 11.75 (+0.50) guns are getting huge!

"Lady" questions

2011-02-20T12:26:00.003-06:00

So, I've noticed a pattern with my weigh-loss and how it coincides with the monthly. However, I seem to be having issues alway gaining mid-cycle. When do you guys notice your weight fluctuations the most? I ask this because I'm struggling with the fact that the scale is going up and not down compared to how much effort I am putting in. I know you guys have felt this way too. I'm not so much in the burnout phase as I am in the "you've got to be kidding me rahhhhh!!! stupid scale, I kill you" stage.

I really don't think I need buns of steel. I'd be happy with buns of cinnamon

2011-02-20T12:00:00.004-06:00

I may or may not of cried when I got on the scale this morning. It's a work in progress though!! Sucking it up and moving forward!

Weight-163.4 +1.2
Chest- 35 -.5
Bust-36.5 -.5
Bicept-13 Same
Waist-35.5 -.5
Hips- 40 (same)
Calves-16 -.5

Burned out...

2011-02-19T23:26:00.000-06:00

Well today I feel burned out. I was able to attend a yoga class with Lauren, DC and Twin this morning. I was planning on finishing my last workout, the running one. But I just couldn't get myself to do it.

This is me before the workout. I was feeling a bit low after Yoga (go figure, being relaxed doesn't mean your happy)

So I have spent the day sewing on my recent quilt. I have a deadline on it in the March, so I am trying to get moving on it. It will be featured in an online quilting magazine. I have been able to relax and just chill...not having to work and worry about points. It has been nice.

*** at this point I haven't read the blog at all...sorry. I will try to get caught up and what not tomorrow***

****Also this is my official entry into the fashion show, I don't have the energy or desire right now to make a video! Sorry Lauren, it was a really good idea and fun. Maybe I will do one next week, to be a sport. ****

Better Late Than Never....

2011-02-19T23:19:00.000-06:00

This is from my workout on Friday. I was going to post on Friday but I fell asleep on the couch and enjoyed myself sewing.

I did the workout that required the stairs, pushups and the core workout.

I did a total of 10 reps of the stairs. It totaled out to be 100 sets of my stairs (that is up and down to count as 1). It was really hard! I did average about 10 sets of stairs on each rep and I got through it all by wanting to get to a total of 100!

Then I did the abs...hopefully I did them right, It seems my definitions of some of the abs and exercises are wrong. But regardless I was able to get in a great workout and I felt it all!

I did a total of 15 sets of push ups....oh it was hard, and my arms and neck (hopefully that doesn't mean I was doing them wrong) were sore for the rest of the day! With all my reps I made sure I got in 4 "boy push ups" per set.

Kimball watched me through this all and was rather cute.

I tried to teach Kimball how to do the push ups or the planks. But he didn't get it, I hope this isn't how I do them!

I was extremely sore already that afternoon because I was able to attend my first Yoga class that morning with Twin.

I was pretty happy because with all of my workouts, I got in 2 1/2 hours of exercise!! I am actually averaging between 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day. Hopefully the weight will continue to "melt" off!

I think I cracked my butt knuckle!

2011-02-19T22:17:00.002-06:00

So, I was practicing my big "opener" for the workout outfit contest and I slipped on the stairs and landed on my tail bone, OUCH!! No serious injuries but it hurts like the dickens so I had to take it easy today. I was hoping we could extend the deadline for those video's since I'm not really up to filming today and it doesn't look like anyone has theres in yet either and it wouldn't be fun to win by default.

Thanks!

Workout challenge Weeks 4-5-6

2011-02-19T17:56:00.002-06:00

For weeks 4 & 5 I want you guys to be your own task masters. I have given you lots of workouts these past weeks. But I really want to know if you can do it on your own. We have seen incredible body changes during our intense workouts- learning that intensity works. BUT its not the only kind of workout, and all are helpful. We need to figure out what our own bodies like and need. Learn to challenge ourselves. The goal here is weight loss, and getting healthy. We need to set habits we can keep LONG after "the bet". Setting a workout habit that works for you and your own body, and is something you can do after this competition is over, is part of that.

So I am giving a two week challenge. Worth 50 points. Your goal is to have a balanced workout week. Each week. I think a balanced workout week is 2 days of rest, 2 days of moderate intensity, and 3 days of intense workouts. (BUT its not about me and what I think.) I want you guys to figure out what works for you. You pick your workouts. You decide the intensity. You do it without me pushing you. You keep track and let me know why you think it was balanced for you, and why you decided to do what you did. Good luck.

Now, I know what you are all thinking..... FREEDOM!! YAHOO!!!!! And it is, so enjoy it. :)

No points for posting, or pics. You may of course post, but it is entirely up to you. :) Please keep track of all your workouts so that you may email me the details when you are done.

Now, for week 6- assuming you still want me to help with the workouts- I say repeat week 1's workouts. Running is a big calorie burner. Its hugely efficient in not only developing good cardiovascular health, but also in building your leg muscles. So even though I know you all hate it- I would repeat the running workouts of week 1 during week 6. Lets see how far you've come in six weeks of training! The points will be the same for week 6 as they were on week 1. I will be in New Zealand until Thursday of that week, but will check back in with you when I get back.

Until then

-L.

I am getting a wiff of.....

2011-02-19T14:28:00.004-06:00

of something like burnout. Its the elephant in the room no-one WANTS to talk about. But I think we should. To be honest, I am not sure its totally here yet- but I think its heading our direction. At least with a few of us. Do any of you feel this way? Is the "bet" taking its toll? We are in that hard middle part of the journey. The excitement from the beginning is starting to wear off... and maybe the intensity, or structure, or pressure is getting to you; but the end is not yet in sight.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.

Rather than do nothing as we watch our burn out creep up upon us.... lets mix it up a bit. Reduce the stress. Fight the burn out. Anyone have any ideas?

I know your next workout challenge is going to address this issue a bit- pressure will be lifted! BUT it will be hard in a different way, trust me.... I will post it later tonight.

Lauren

Ideas?

Just a quick one...

2011-02-19T01:03:00.003-06:00

I dont have time to upload the video/pic but....

14:32

DC is back baby! See you at yoga, girls...

Just to clarify...

2011-02-19T00:13:00.003-06:00

Do we get points for jumping to conclusions, running our mouths, side-stepping responsibility, or pushing our luck? If so I may have a few more points to add to my total this week ;)

Ok, this like should work now!! "deep cleansing yoga"

2011-02-18T23:55:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssyMOQktt3g

Fair Warning...

2011-02-18T15:50:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to give all you fine ladies a heads up....

I'm gonna busy this weekend

He he he hehe

Just wanted to say how awesome Jenn is

2011-02-18T10:34:00.000-06:00

I'd like to bare my testimony, I know that Jenn smith is the true dominator of this challenge. She is my idol, hero, and mentor.

Mmmmmkay,

Annie Campbell twin Johnson pickle pie

OUCH!!!

2011-02-17T23:15:00.000-06:00

I am wounded!! WOUNDED!! I am injured....I don't think I can go on! I think I am too sore to continue with this workout routines....Okay so I wish!!!

Please don't mind my obviously dirty mirror! But they actually look a lot worse in person, and sting like a mother!

SO I finished workout #2...I was going to do workout #4 and get the stairs out of the way, but since everyone else was doing #2....I figured why not!

As you can see from my above picture the planks hurt me!! After the first minute, I put on a long sleeve sweater! So here are my stats:

Up and Down Planks: did a total of 12 (12 min planks) so only 6 extra. I wanted to do more, but my arms were burning too much :(

Then I did the timed trial. I do want to try maybe tomorrow or Sat or Sunday try to do it again and see if I beat my time. But we will see. My time was:

19.22.23

Yeah I beat DC time!!! YES!!!

This is me REALLY EXCITED that I beat her! I would glance at my watch and think of hurry so we can beat Twin, then all I wanted to do was finish, so the last set I sprinted through it!!

No extra reps for me. But maybe we will try it again :D

If you notice my headband is completely wet! I decided to follow DC and use a headband! I used to work out with them in the past and I like it frankly...it keeps the sweat out of my eyes!

I think I'd rather keep the darkness inside...

2011-02-17T20:43:00.001-06:00

Bahahahahaha!!! This is funny! Watch it when you are in a bad mood and it will make you smile... I hope ;)

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=0oQeTXozAEo

Oh Dear....why do you torture me?

2011-02-17T20:42:00.000-06:00

My love my love....the best candy of them all! It's that time again where you come onto the shelve and stare at me and talk to me. "Take me" you say...."Eat me" you say.....

I could bake you.....

I could put you in some delicious ice cream...

Or I could just eat you all.....

Question...

2011-02-17T20:02:00.002-06:00

Do you like zuzanna as a blonde or brunette? Either one looks awesome on her maybe it's the muscles? Do you think muscles/hot body allow you to pull off anything you want? Wouldn't it be fun if LC was brown, lauren was red, and Annie was blonde? Or what if DC had a pixie cut Hehehe! Where's my color and scissors? You should all come over.

What?! I'm not avoiding my workout these are legitimate blog questions, shut up!

HOLY planks Batman!!!

2011-02-17T16:42:00.000-06:00

So I know its been a while. Sorry about that. Crazy week. Anyway, I just finished workout #2. Um I'm exhausted. I finished in 17:19.5! Seriously so tired. Since I'm here, maybe I'll update you on my workouts.

Monday- Nada

Tuesday- workout #4 with 2 additional reps of phase 1 only and 1 extra plank. Also, arms were up on phase 1 for ALL reps. Last, I went to a yoga class that day. Total for day: 30

Wednesday- workout #6 with 14 extra burpees. Total for day: 21

Thursday- workout #2 with 1 extra plank and a yoga class. Total for day: 19

OUCH!! I'm sooooo tired. And my elbows hurt. But good news!! I LOVE my new Blendtec blender! And I'm finally back down to the weight I was when I started! Before "carb loading". YAY!!!! Me need sleepy now. Maybe I'll go use my blender. That always perks me up!

FYI... I'm am flippin' weak this week!

2011-02-17T13:25:00.004-06:00

My name is Crystal and I am a wuss.

Seriously. I mean, come on... really?!

Until further notice, I am stripping (he he) myself of the title DC. My wussiness is disgrace to such a cool acronim. I just completed work-out #2... it was brutal and NO ONE should be breathing that hard... that is just wrong!! I figured I'd have a rough week, since I haven't been able to push myself on the cardio (Hailey is super sick and hasn't been sleeping anywhere exept my arms since Sunday night), but I didn't think I would have lost this much ground.

Anyway, here is my time:

21.96 minutes

... I did not count the time it took to puke at the end... bonus.

I am hoping, if all goes well to get one more work-out in today, since I did nothing monday or yesterday... Everyone pray/cross your fingers Hailey gets better soon please... my figure needs it!

An Amazing thing.....

2011-02-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

Oh I feel really good today....

Remember when DC said she hates the "diet" word and is trying to train herself how to eat and what to eat, to become healthier and learn to eat right? Well I agree 100% with her! I don't like the word diet either and I think that if you use that you are 99% sure to gain it all back. So I have been learning to cut portions and to eat healthier.

Last night we have Apple's BBQ (okay) for dinner and some chocolate. I could definitely tell that my eating habits have changed and I could actually listen to my body and know that I was full! I didn't need to eat more. I used to just eat everything in front of me and finish my plate. But I was able to leave tons left and felt good! And with chocolate after dinner, I only had a piece of eat chocolate (Trav got 3 different bars) and I was satisfied!

Okay so some might think, umm yeah that's what I did all the time. But for me this is awesome, because I didn't get to the size that I am today from eating like that....I would gorge myself with food.

Happy Crystal

I think I have a long ways to go to fully understand myself more and to get things completely learned but I feel the start of things, which is the first step! So I just wanted to share with everyone!

Green Smoothies

2011-02-17T09:34:00.002-06:00

So its happened. I tried my first green smoothie last night. Annie brought me one to demonstrate her blend tec abilities. I AM IMPRESSED. With both Annies abilities of course, and the smoothie. It was good! Like YUM! and supposedly HEALTHY... double plus. Cool, thats all I need to know... where do I sign? How do I start? I am SO jumping on this train..... deeeee lish! :)

-L.

Bonus Fashion Show

2011-02-16T23:35:00.005-06:00

Patrick is currently judging the burpees... His post should appear below, but I thought while he was reviewing/posting I would make another mini challenge....

I want to see your best workout outfit! *Interpret however you will* :) A minimum of 3 pics and/ or video. STRONGLY encourage both. Music playing in the back ground will influence judge positively.... promise! ;) Now lets have some fun.

I will be having a guest judge.... my little sister Mari judging this one- I haven't asked her yet- but I am sure she will agree. :) I want something that makes you smile, that makes us smile, that really says "fashion" to you... also- it has to be POSSIBLE to workout in. ;)

The fashion show is going to be worth 12 points... cause lets face it- this could get embarrassing! SO I am rewarding the effort with points. Plus there really is a message... when we feel good about what we are wearing while we workout- we have a better body image- which helps us channel that positive energy into "I can do it!" thoughts- which means..... we do more burpees.... or lunges or whatever. :)

-L.

And the Winner of the Burpee Challenge is....

2011-02-16T23:30:00.005-06:00

Annie!!!

This pic of Annie is hot off the press-- Adam just sent it to me. After serious review and a technical breakdown of each burpee, I have determined that Annie's burpees are bested only by the lovely and talented Zuzanna.

Annie wins primarily because of her amazing jump skills--did you notice she actually kicks her feet back? And, because at the top of her pushup she jumps her legs forward--that really increases the intensity as opposed to walking your legs up.

I will give props to all of you though. Burpees hurt so bad (as you all know).

Lauren says I should do a breakdown of each so here we go.

Crystal Blonde: Great intensity and that is most important part of the burpee. Don't drop your head on the pushup--keep your head and back straight and lower yourself until your chest touches the floor.

Jenergy: Love the jammies! That was classic. You get 2 bonus points for the jammies. Quick note on the burpee-- just because you do a nice clap at the top does not mean your feet have left the ground!! Get some air!

Crystal Goth: Good energy and you were pushing yourself hard. Quick note, jumping 0.00000000000019 inches off the ground is not actually jumping. I know you've got some worries (just like any 90 year old lady in a diaper) but don't let that drag you down. Also, increase the intensity of the push up.

[Another way to modify the pushup but make it harder than girl push is to find a small bench or something that is flat, place your hands on the bench and push up from there. That will put more weight on your feet.]

Annie: Awesome!! Great burpees. Now that you've got it down it's time to drop into the pushup and catch yourself as you go down. Let yourself fall the last couple of feet and catch yourself in your hands and continue down into the pushup.

Just think, after a few months of Lauren's "Why in the hell am i doing this will someone please shoot me now" workouts you guys will be doing pull ups at the top of your burpees!

Get some!!

P-Riz

At least it's not called a burpoo or burpup!

2011-02-16T22:57:00.003-06:00

Can you tie it in a knot? Can you tie in a bow...

2011-02-16T22:11:00.004-06:00

Dude, there is just something about this video that makes me giggle. Can you spot it??

Did you notice the small peek at my backside? What's a little butt cleavage amongst friends, eh? Also... the belly flap... um, wow... that was disgusting!! It was just out there... flapping in the wind! You can't see well in the video, but I am NOT doing full boy style push-ups. My arms are far too weak for that! Twin wins that competition for sore.. I mean sure...

Also, I can no longer walk. Of all the work-outs we've done, nothing has made me as truly sore as my back to back thighs of death work-outs yesterday... warrior pose, you are my Nemesis!!

Its all on you now P!

ps- I don't edit videos. That would require a lack of laziness that I was born without. :)

I just made a burpee...

2011-02-16T21:47:00.002-06:00

video.

hehe

So, this really really sucks! I had to wait for Dave to film me but thought I'd go ahead and do the stairs workout before hand so I would make sure I had it done for the day so, uhhh yeah it's pretty lame! BUT I did it! WOO!

Workin' Hard

2011-02-16T18:55:00.000-06:00

So I finally got my butt together and cleaned house, and then after bringing kids home from school I got my workout in!! Holy Crap I thought that at least 1 of these workouts would be easier...NOPE!! I now know why Jenn was curled on the floor!

I am kinda confused for the points but let me tell you what I did.

Phase 1: 1st two reps (done with hands in the air. This was a LOT harder than I thought)
Phase 2: 1st two reps
Phase 3: 1st two reps

Then after I was done with that, I did two reps of each one again. So I don't know if that is just 2pt for each phase or 4pt. So let me know.

Me after the workout...you can't see but I am sweating pretty hard

Then I did the 8 superman planks. HOLY CRAP SUPERMAN! My triceps are burning!! And then my quads from all those squats and kicks.


Me watching my clock...seein when to start the next round of planks


Nathan wanted to take a picture with me, instead of taking them

YEAH another workout done and in the books!! I kinda hope that I can get in 2 workouts tomorrow...I am thinking maybe the stairs and then something else. I would like to do Yoga but we will see.

I'M HERE!!!!

2011-02-16T18:36:00.000-06:00

Pushups are a little girly cause my arms are still sore, but here you go! And notice I'm wearing my 24 hr clothes Lauren. Yes, I did go grocery shopping like this.

For your viewing pleasure...

2011-02-16T18:13:00.002-06:00

Crystal.... Doing a burpee.... at my house..... during our sister sleepover... it was pretty hilarious. Love it.

Holy Opaque-ness Batman!!

2011-02-16T11:58:00.003-06:00

Ok, Lauren is asking for transperency, but here's the thing...

I can't always post right away. I'm not trying to be secretitive, I just usually don't finish my work-outs till like 11:30 or 12 at night. So, in an effort to be more open, within my frame of ability...

Monday - nada :(
Tuesday - Tight Tush (#?) and live Yoga class (no extra reps... I know, I'm a wimp)
Wednesday - only time will tell...

By the way, I freakin' love Yoga! I'd forgotten how much I loved it until I went to a live class (found a SUPER early am class... yeah me!). It kicked my butt and I can tell my strength and flexibility is no where near what it was when I was doing it more regularly. I am hoping to get back to it... anyone want to come??

On a side note, Hailey is super sick. Like stay away alllllllll night sick. This is not helping me be effective, but I'm just trying to get something in each night before I crash. I am also trying desperately NOT to eat all the food I can get my hands on... this is hard when I'm stressed at work, with not much to do to fill my day.

I'm so sick!!!

2011-02-16T10:39:00.000-06:00

I feel so sick!!! Trav and I had a fight this morning, you know the one that you yell at each other over something stupid and then storms out going to work. I know your asking why are you telling us this Crystal...honestly we don't care. But after he left I got so stressed and upset that I ATE and ATE and ATE! Now I feel so freakin' sick!! The thing is I ate what I normally would have in the mornings!! But now my stomach has shrunk enough that what I normally would have ate make me sick!! So the silver lineling, I am eating WAY less that I used to! Which is always a good thing. I get sorta excited about those little moments.

Now if your curious, Travis and I did make up. Since we are soooooo poor, he gets stressed out a lot with it, and then I was super sensitive this morning and so yeah. We fought for nothing. The joys of a marriage!! But we are good and lovey again. And will still have our romantic evening together.

Now I just need to work on the stress eating thing! I need to find other things to do besides eat....exercising came to mind but that was the last thing I wanted to do. Hmm....any other ideas???

Why do I do this?

2011-02-16T00:00:00.003-06:00

Its no secret that I have had some health problems. LOTS of health problems. My body pretty much hates me. With things like bipolar disorder, anxiety, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other stuff... life can be a bit challenging. But exercise has always helped me cope. ALWAYS. It helps level out my depression issues, it helps me feel less anxious and more in control, it has obvious health benefits to my body, and it keeps my joints strong. BUT all this is not really the reason WHY I do it- personally. Exercise is my own happy place. It helps me be a better mom, and wife. It helps me feel like I am putting an example of fitness for my kids, and of working THROUGH life's problems not avoiding them. It clears my head.

So, its "me" time- and its kind of- for my kids and family too. I never feel guilty for working out. I don't feel guilty for going to the doctor, or going to the physical therapist, so why would I feel guilty for the time it takes to maintain a healthy or recover my healthy body? Its a necessary part of my life. I will never look like a super model, but the other benefits I have are still SO worth it to me. Stability, strength, health, and happiness. What are the reasons you work out?

Me and my kids Christmas 2010. They are a big part of my reason for wanting to stay healthy. :)

-L.

PS- work hard in your workouts this week girls!! You can do it!

This isn't going to be pretty!!!

2011-02-15T21:55:00.000-06:00

This is NOT going to be pretty!!! I haven't even watched the video....

Now I start out really good, then about 5 I get to being really tired....that's where you can see where I kinda slack in my form...but I am still trying and going as hard...my legs just don't want to cooperate. I get just as good of a workout when I do my "very modified" version. Just remember that I am a 267lb woman doing these!!! (More than twice the size of most you lovelies!!)

***Hopefully I have now given Jenn something to look at...Lola pictures and a very interesting video!! ENJOY!!***

*This is what I id for my workout! Tomorrow I plan to get my workouts done during the day and then spend the evening with my hubby while we eat some BBQ and watch sappy love movies...a perfect anniversary!*

You asked for it!

2011-02-15T21:41:00.000-06:00

Okay you asked for it Jen!!! You wanted Lola....your gonna get Lola!!!

**Here is a kiss for you Jenn**

**This isn't that great of a picture...oh well....this is me!**

Weight: 267.2 (down 3lbs but if you count last week's gain, 5.2lbs)
Nutrition: Yes!!
Exercise: Yes!!
Salad challenge: 6 out of the 7 days plus one day with the spinach
Measurements:
Chest: 43" (-1")
Bust: 48" (-1")
Under Bust: 40" (-2.5")
Upper Belly: 44" (-3.5")
Waist: 45" (-4.5")
Belly: 53" (-1")
Hips: 53" (-1")
Thigh: 30" (-.75")
Arms: 16" (same)
Total lost: 15.25" HOLY CRAP!!! No wonder I could tell a difference in my clothing!!! SWEET!!!!

**I am liking these muscle poses....so much more fun**

So I guess that even though Lauren is trying to KILL us.....it is making a difference!! Thanks Lauren!

Dear JellyBelle's

2011-02-15T19:25:00.002-06:00

Dear JellyBelle's,

I need more pictures, videos, Lola, and posts. Mkkkkay?

Sincerely,

Give-me-a-reason-to-not-fall-asleep-checking-the-blog

Good News and Bad News

2011-02-15T19:17:00.000-06:00

Lets start with the good news, because it's nice. Remember how last week I felt REALLY fat and just wasn't seeing any results? Well this week so far (yesterday and today) I put on my skinny jeans (okay the ones that were super tight and caused me to have the biggest muffin tops) and they fit nicely!! Not too tight at all!!! I will even go so far as to say they fit perfectly! So YES I am FINALLY seeing some results in that area! I feel like I am finally loosing enough weight to actually make a difference.

Now for the bad news, I am so freakin' tired! LOL I don't want to exercise tonight, all I want to do is go to bed! With that said I had about a 3 hour nap today as well!! I think Lauren's sleeping habits are creeping up on me! I have a meeting tonight and then I am HOPING to get in a workout, but I just am loosing that motivation. You would think that the competition of getting points would help or the fact that my hard work is starting to show....but nope.

PLEASE tell me someone feels like this too!! And it's just not me!

What are some good news and bad news from everyone else today?

The weird beard is no more...

2011-02-15T01:34:00.003-06:00

Ok I'm tired tonight and don't have the energy to do something "new" so here is a clip from the tape bloopers. Oh and yes, my face is hairless now... no more peach fuzz for me! Hmmmm Annie is your knee hairless now too?

The best way to be healthy is wishful shrinking

2011-02-15T01:16:00.003-06:00

I did workout four and while it looks like the least menacing work out.. HOLY SHMOZE!!

Look Ma, no hands! (bonus points for all three sets done with my hands up!)

OK not so fun anymore (this is at the half way point.. Ok almost half way... OK IT WAS AFTER THE FIRST ROUND OF PHASE ONE, GET OFF MY BACK GOSH! CAN I BE ANY MORE TRANSPARENT?!)

Post workout with my second wind I rode eight seconds on my valentine puppy I got from hubs today! Extra points for that stunt, right? ;)

Bonus Burpee Contest!!

2011-02-14T23:43:00.003-06:00

Send in a video of you doing ten burpees.... PATRICK says he wants to judge every ones form. :) Winner of the best burpee, (judging form, intensity, and who pushes themselves the hardest) gets 25 pts!

Why? Because good form increases difficulty AND effectiveness of every exercise. Having good form keeps you from getting injured. Having good form is important- we should all try to do the workouts with the best form possible(myself included!). BUT modifying is OK- and good- IF you need it. Don't do a workout incorrectly if you should modify instead. Modifying helps you BUILD up the strength and endurance needed to do the exercises correctly. Also pushing yourself is not easy- and maintaining intensity during the whole workout is something we all strive for.

Best of Luck.

Contest Entries need to be in by Wed 10 pm to count.

-L.

Am I the only one???

2011-02-14T22:56:00.000-06:00

Sheesh it's almost 10pm and I thought at least someone would have posted a workout by now!! Oh well I must be the special one!!

I will tell you who is not special....LAUREN!! What did I ever do to you? Why do you insist on torturing me?? Even with the modification I BARELY survived workout #6. Burpees until you die....yes I have now died!

So as you may have seen....I finished workout #6

Here is what I did.....

5 reps (I wanted to first do 10...then after a little ways in...I thought okay 6 would be good...then when I got to rep 4, I knew I was going to die so just stucked with 5 reps)= 7pt

Extra Burpees: 12 =12pts (I was going to try and do 6 extra for each rep so I could get a total of 30 extra...but after the first 2 I had to stop so I could get through the rest of the workout!)

Total for this workout= 19pts

Posting video=2pt

Posting pictures =3pt

#posts today=2pt

Sharing all= 2pt

Grand total = 28pt

Is that right Lauren??? It better be or I will come over and SIT ON YOU!!!

Do you see how much sweat I had??? I don't think I have EVER EVER sweated this much during a workout!

This is me aiming for Lauren....

And yes....I have FINALLY died!

***Serious stuff: Okay so my knees are feeling lots better! I am hoping that as soon as some more weight comes off I can start doing these normal...maybe. But after tonight my wrists are killing me!! I don't know if I am doing them wrong and putting too much support on my wrists or what. Not sure, but I wanted to check to see if that was normal, or a sign that I was having bad form or slacking or something. Not that I would, I mean I am perfect. Just the other day Twin was saying how much she wanted to be like me and how she admired my workout ethic. Then I heard Trainer telling DC that if she could be anyone she would be me. Then DC in general worships the ground I walk on. ***

The "Utah Claw" - bangs that shot up towards the heavens!

2011-02-14T19:02:00.006-06:00

Wow, I've been posting for like an hour straight, I'm getting tired of listening to myself type my thoughts. Ok, so I forgot to say what my embarrassing thing will be if I lose. I think we should do a whole recap post for that so we can keep tabs on whose doing what. I have a few friends who follow this blog (Heeey peeps, yeah that's right, I'm talking about you *points finger at the screen*) and they are having a hard time following what we are doing so recaps of rules and stuff will keep them interested. That and I give them candy.

ANYWAY... WITHOUT FURTHER APOO...

I am going to wear huge 1980's glasses, hopefully with turtles on the sides and cut and style my bangs into "the claw" with the sides fanned out and aqua net crusty sprayed. Then I will wear an over sized denim shirt tucked into a pair of light stone wash jeans that are so high waisted it cuts me in half in the front so I will have junk in the front yo! That in itself is enough to keep me going so I can get rid of my "front butt." It's my biggest nemisisisissis. iss. is.

Utah Claw n. a female hairstyle typified by bangs projecting outward from the forehead. Subjects: English, United States, Apparel, Appearance, & Fashion, Body, Slang

1990 -“Bad Hair Day””: “It was often used in reference to something I came to refer to as the “stiffened frontal bang facade,” a hair tierra set in place with blow drier, hair spray and teasing comb. The heights these can sometimes reach is quite ridiculous.”… Referred to the tall, teased bangs as ‘joke-catchers’

Random thoughts- and a question?

2011-02-14T17:01:00.002-06:00

Random thought..... My legs are tired. I want candy. AND I think Doing workout number 3 AFTER a Body Rocker workout... wow, I am crazy. Basically I did 4 squat jumps, followed by 10 high knees(repeat)- as fast as I could- for 10 straight min. THEN I did workout 3. I am wasted. It may not have been my best choice for a night of romance. More like a nighttime recovery love affair.... but I digress....

Ok- question- What color should I paint my workout room? I am thinking an accent wall thats orange... thoughts?

-L.

Contest Standing Update...

2011-02-14T16:40:00.002-06:00

These points are for Phase 2 ONLY...

DC 182 pts
Twin 175 pts
Crystal Light 172 pts
Trainer 162 pts

Keep it up Ladies!! Remeber the original three can choose to drop either their first or last phase, but not the second or third phases, so make these count!

Anyone want to know my challenge-winning secrets??

DC

points WOC#2

2011-02-14T15:47:00.002-06:00

I can't explain them all cause wow thats a lot- if you have questions CALL me.

Annie- 55 points

C.L.- 69 points

D.C.- 86 points

Jenn- 46 points

PLUS your shout out points.

Good work girls!

-L.

shout outs week #2

2011-02-14T15:25:00.003-06:00

First off I am doing something new- These are my personal shout outs for the week!! (worth POINTS of course)

Jenn- Most Motivational! Your blog post frequency, and content, exceeded all expectations this week! You are making it so fun to check the blog, and helping everyone stay more motivated! THIS is a BIG deal in my book! Way to bring the positive energy! +10 points this week.

Crystal Light- Um, HUGE shout out for 10, thats right I said 10 reps on workout 2!! You did more than anyone else!! You beat everyone on this workout by a LANDSLIDE! WOW! Good work!! +9 points!!

Annie- What the extra workouts?!?! You did more workouts this week than anyone else! Like HOURS more work than anyone else! WOW! You and Fabio must have had a good week. ;) +9 points.

D.C.- Smartest work. You did good workouts this week, GREAT workouts. BUT where you really shined. Picking the smartest workout points. You didn't chase them all. In fact you chased very few. But the ones you DID chase you went full throttle. You put in the extra effort where it counted most. Like in Burpees. WOW! Its a great example of how we don't always need our workouts to last all day- to earn(or burn) the most. Hard work, and concentrated effort, counts big time. BUT, I am not giving you extra points this time, because you have a few advantages the other girls don't. YOU have worked out like this and with me before. For example: you knew what burpees were before this week- and KNEW you could do more. Because I have made you do more on previous workouts. Either way I am beyond impressed with your efforts. With you pushing yourself. So I give you.... +serious bragging points.

Good job girls!

-L.

Weekly Check-In...

2011-02-14T14:09:00.004-06:00

I had a little problem this week...

I was so focused on the competition and having enough energy to "Ironman" my way thru them, that I kinda over did it on food... oh, who am I kidding, I was on a straight binge all weekend!! Even I am a little disgusted by how I behaved. So this weeks stats are NOT awesome:

Weight: 182.0 lbs That's right, a 3.4lb gain!

Chest: 36.5"

Bust: 40"

Waist: 34.75" .25" loss

Belly: 38.5" .25" loss

Hips: 41"

Butt: 41.5" .5 loss

Thighs: 24.25"

Calves: 15"

Arms: 12.5" .5 gain

I guess Twin and I both made it to the "Gun Show"...

Here is a little Lola for you... courtesy of Logan and his mad photog skills!

He did pretty good! He wanted to do a picture for mommy's blog too... here is his BEFORE pic:

We will try his AFTER pic on another day... he got distracted by Jungle Junction! :)

So I am looking forward to a better week this week. I am starting to wean Hailey (not really by choice, my body just can't keep up with her by pumping anymore). Even though it is gonna be a super slow process (read Human Binkie for months), I will be dropping my points this week. No more nursing points! I'm not sure whether these tears are for the loss of the breastfeeding or the nursing points... I'm so conflicted!! ;(

Anyway, since Lauren has asked for transparency this week...

My workout plan for the week:

Monday: Work-out #3 ... possibly yoga, if I can swing it

Tuesday: Work-out #2... maybe a Zumba class??

Wednesday: Work-out #1 + Yoga??

Thursday: Work-out #6

Friday: Work-out #4

Saturday: Yoga + Work-out #2

Sunday: Work-out #6 ...again! hehehee

Let's see how it goes!!

Racking up the points!!!

2011-02-14T14:05:00.001-06:00

Okay so I am not really trying to rack up the points. But I did want everyone to know that if you are interested I have created an excel worksheet of our Week #3. With all the rules for each week, and the sums worked in to. I bet DC would have a better one, but I am just letting you all know if you want one. I think I have everyone's email but our New Love :D

***We still need a nickname

Questions Questions Questions

2011-02-14T13:34:00.000-06:00

Lauren you are definately trying to kill us this week!!! These workouts are very creative and interesting!

I do have some questions:

1. When doing the burpees and jumping jacks...this jumping hurts my knees more than anything, so from the very beginning, can I do a modified version? I know how to do one for the jumping jacks but as for the burpees I am not sure, unless I actually just do step backs.

2. When doing Yoga, if we have a workout video already can we start doing that untiIl we can find the time to go to a class? And what if we cannot go to a class at all this week? Can we still get points for doing the yoga workouts?

3, When doing workout #3: Burpees until you die! After each rep can we take a rest? I know tat I will definately need to!! And is there no set time on it? Then as far as the repeats, if you don't give us a rest time and/or you don't give us a time limit for it, we can make our own rest time to get us through the workout?

That is all that I have now. I am planning on looking up some of these different exercises. I probably know what they are but know them under a different name! Maybe in the future we can convince you to do a demonstration video! Get Lauren on tape for us!

Thanks! Hopefully none of us will die this week!

Feel the Burn #3

2011-02-14T10:27:00.002-06:00

First let me say this, you guys are doing so great! I am truly amazed at your determination!!! That being said, I DO feel that for your own health/sanity, I am going to have to remove the bonus points for extra workouts this week. So the workouts may be longer than before- but they are all that is required this week. See I am so nice! ;)

Workout 1: A LONG RUN workout worth 7 points.

But if your knees are hurting, try doing it on the elliptical. Or talk to me about a different alternative. (you may of course add more time to the recovery walks if needed)

This is going to be an endurance workout. Be prepared. Should take you an hour or so. Pick your own speed/incline.

Run 2 min

Walk 30 sec

Run 4 min

Walk 1 min

Run 6 min

Walk 1.5 min

Run 8 min

Walk 2 min

Run 10 min

Walk 2.5 min

Run 8 min

Walk 2 min

Run 6 min

Walk 1.5 min

Run 4 min

Walk 1 min

Run 2 min

Walk to Cool Down

**1 bonus points for running speeds 4.0+ on a treadmill. Must run that speed the for every run segment, the whole workout. OR *1 bonus points for running on a track/outside.

**1 bonus point for no additional time on the walk times.

Workout 2: this workout is a race. We are competing to see who finishes first/fastest! So keep track of your time! And watch your form! Workout worth 8 points.

30 mountain climbers (google it or ask me)

25 jumping jacks

15 Alternating lunges

25 jumping jacks

8 burpees

25 jumping jacks

Rest 2 min (may add more/less rest time as needed)

(repeat 5 times) whats your time? :)

*additional reps will be worth points but not included in timed trial!

Abs: Plank up-downs for 1 min. Repeat 6 times. Try not to rock hips! Keep 'em flat girls (facing the floor).

*Additional reps: 2 points each. Done at time of workout. No limit.

*Additional plank up downs: 1 point each. Limit 12.

*Keep the rest as written during the first 5 repetitions: 1 point.

*Winner on Time Trial: 5 points! Must post time on blog when completed.

Workout 3: Running Stairs workout worth 5 points

You will be Running up and down the stairs for this workout. Push hard for the running portions! And use the recovery time to help you KEEP PUSHING HARD each repeat. Can be done at home, outside, at a stadium, I don't care- just find some stairs. Good luck.

Run for 4 min.

Walk for 2 min. (you may add time to this if needed)

(Repeat 6 times)

Core work

10 Reg crunches

10 Alternating knee crunches

10 butterfly crunches

(repeat for 5 min)

Try not to die... then do these....

30 sec Plank pose

30 sec Plank up downs

30 sec One leg plank (each side)

(repeat for 5 min)

*Additional run repeats are worth: 2 point each. Must be done at time of workout. No limit

*Add 10 push ups to workout worth: 1 point per set. No limit :)

**Make 4 push ups in your set boy push ups worth: 1 point per set. No limit. :)

Workout 4: Think tight tush! Workout worth 7 points.

Watch your form! And SQUEEZE that booty at the top of each exercise! Rotate between exercises with no rest.

Phase 1

30 pulsing Static lunges right leg

30 pulsing Static lunges left leg

30 squats

30 plie squats

(repeat 2 times)

*2 bonus points per set, for keeping arms raised above your head, during all the exercises of phase 1. Watch your form!

Phase 2

20 right leg Backwards Lunge kickups (google it)

20 left leg Backwards Lunge kickups

25 donkey kicks right leg

25 donkey kicks left leg

(repeat 2 times)

Phase 3

40 hip raises (google it)

20 leg raises/ leg throw downs

(repeat 2 times)

8 super man planks. Hold for 1 min each.

*2 bonus points for each additional repeat you do PER phase. Must be done at the same time as workout. No limit. (that would be 6 points to repeat entire workout, except abs)

*1 bonus each point for additional superman plank poses. No limit.

*2 bonus points for each set of 20 Squat jumps added.

*2 bonus points for each set of 20 walking lunges with Tippie Toe squeezes added. See/talk to me to understand what these are- google is failing me on this one.

Workout 5: Go to a Yoga class! Workout worth 10 points. May repeat workout.

I know you are not all familiar with yoga. And I want to work it into the challenges. But before I give you at home DVD's to do, I want you to take a live class. Or two. You learn a lot in the live classes that you have to kind of guess at home. You need to learn about form, about what the poses are called, and even what the point is for each pose. I don't typically enjoy group workouts, but I love yoga classes. Yoga can be an intense and HARD workout! But it isn't jarring on your joints. So its perfect to use as cross training with things like running. There are Yoga classes at the Orem Rec Center- I will go with you to any of them if you want! They are Tues/Thurs/Sat mornings at 10 am OR Mon/Wed at 7 pm. The Orem Rec is going to be the least expensive classes around, but they have great instructors. AND they have babysitting available. Let me know if this works for you- maybe we can all go together! :)

Workout 6: Burpees until you die. Workout worth 7 points.

20 burpees

20 mountain climbers

20 side tricep pushups (10 each side)

(repeat 5 times)

*1 bonus point per additional burpees you do

*2 bonus points per additional repeats you do

Additional ways to get points.

We are keeping it simple this week.

*1 point per post. No limit.

*1 point per pic. Limit 3 per day.

*2 points per video. Limit 1 per day.

*2 points for being TOTALLY OPEN DAILY ABOUT WORKOUTS in posts! (thats for you DC!). Yep you gotta let everyone know- THAT DAY- what you did (including bonus points) to get these points.

Other things to remember:

You may repeat workouts. You can call me and ask for some ways to modify things if your body needs it. You need to warm up! And to cool down! Stretching is super important! And have fun!! These workout challenges are supposed to push us- but also are supposed to help us have fun doing the same workouts as our friends! Thats why I want everyone to share all this week! We lost something in the secretiveness of it all last week. Ok, good luck!

-L.

Food Baby

2011-02-13T22:35:00.004-06:00

Food Baby

I have a food baby
that lives inside of me
it like to eat bacon
with chicken and gravy

Whether it's eleven a.m.
Or a quarter to three
I crave the powdered donuts
and beans made of jelly

My middle is made of muffin
and my legs cottage cheese
don't for get the chocolate
the baby says, please!

It's time to evict
this wicked food kid
I start doing lunges
all the junk food I hid

I'm finally post partum
and getting into shape
my everything is sore
where the heck is the tape?

Lola's missing

2011-02-13T21:14:00.000-06:00

Soooooo, I may have gotten distracted with all the videos and workouts and forgotten until last night to do measurements. Well at least it was a fun and productive week. I am still exhausted. And I'm just not feeling very Lola at this point so you'll have to use your imagination to satisfy your need for Lola.

Chest- 33 (-1)
Bust- 34.25 (-1.25 oh no! Call the plastic surgeon now!)
Waist- 30 (-0.5)
Belly- 35 (-0.5)
Hips- 36 (-1)
Butt- 40 (same)
Thighs- 21 (-1)
Arm- 11.25 (up 0.25 due to guns, my guess)

Diet: 90%
Exercise: 100%
Weight: 139 (same)

Bring on WOC #3!

Im making it mandatory.

2011-02-12T17:23:00.001-06:00

Sunday has to be a COMPLETE rest day for everyone. Your bodies need it. And I am not going to count one point that you do! Rest up girls! You are going to need it....

-L.

Can you handle it? I say no

2011-02-12T17:18:00.001-06:00

This is a public service announcement...

Ohhhhh Ladies!

You my friends are in deep kung-chee.

I don't think you can handle me.

I'm not tryin' to make you sad

But I just can not deny I'm that bad

Don't worry, I wont be a sore loser... just a sore winner!

2011-02-12T14:14:00.002-06:00

Ok, here is my physical fitness update

2011-02-11T22:24:00.005-06:00

Ok, so Lauren you asked us to post how we are feeling and where we are physically. Well, first, I'm pretty much a baby beginner. I have N E V E R been much of an athlete so this whole working out on a regular basis thing is new to me. You know how when a baby horse is born and it's trying to stand up the same day it was birthed? Ok well imagine that, only on a treadmill. Yes, I look like a new born horse trying to stand up and walk while on the treadmill and I get sweaty so it does get slippery. Sadly, I only have two legs so I do fall down quite often... but I get back up and keep trying. It doesn't always work but there it is. I have a lot of room for improvement so that is a positive. My burpee's are fairly sissy-like but the fact that I do any is a good thing. I am extremely sore and to demonstrate this I will post a video... as soon as it's done downloading. :)

Mmmkay.

Ode to the Week

2011-02-11T18:13:00.000-06:00

I look perky because I am done

I look perky because I looked drugged when done

I look perky because I am happy I am done

I look perky because my aderall is in my system and I am done

***I taped myself 3 different types!!! I looked like I was high the 1st too....thus the ode to the perky!!***

****What is this running form?? I think I need to work on that...because seriously this running at the end of the week, killed me!!****

Motivation

2011-02-11T15:40:00.000-06:00

Oh Motivation, Motivation, Where for art thou Motivation?

I look high, I look low, I look in a sandwich filled with nutella, where for art though Motivation?

Alas tonight, I am all alone with three ~~terrors~~ Angels with no hopes of finding you Motivation.

Where have you gone? To the Darkest of all or to the other Half? Or have you moved to newer Love?

Oh Motivation, Motivation, Where for art thou Motivation?

Be it GOD's will....

2011-02-11T15:37:00.002-06:00

Ok so let's say for curiosity sake, I lose this AWESOME bet. What shall I do? Well, I think I came up with an AMAZING idea. But I can't take full credit for it. I first read about it in a book and then my sister, Heather helped me dream up this plan. So, worst case scenario, I lose, then I will spend an evening talking only through a puppet. With a designated voice. I will order food, converse with friends, buy movie tickets, etc all through the use of a puppet. Whatcha think? Good enough?

Confessional #2

2011-02-11T10:07:00.000-06:00

I'm still tired and about to do workout #3 so without further ado, confessional #2. I hope you guys enjoy it!

Physcial Update...

2011-02-11T06:38:00.002-06:00

Yeah, I've been a little sore, but mostly in my abs, which is a spectacular feeling! I forgot my NTR after once last week. I figured that it was an "easy" work-out so I didn't get back up to get it... MISTAKE! I actually had a harder time getting started this week because I took longer to get over that one walking work-out.

I think these challenges are great! I know my legs are getting stronger and more toned, so that's good. Also, my core is hugely improved... I can get out of bed while holding Hailey so much easier now! You should have seen me before.... I looked like a crab on its back... I was a crab on my back... *giggle*

I'm feeling really really good Lauren. I will catch up on my posts soon!

My secret love affair...

2011-02-11T06:10:00.004-06:00

Dear Lola,

I push and push until I pu... get sick
But don't worry we won't feel it in the morning
Advocare Nighttime Recovery has got our back!

Workout #2 was a kick
But someone should have given me a warning
Wear some protection! Kegel muscles you lack!!

Advocare is the bomb!... tick tick

Love,
DC

(don't judge my rhymes... its 4:30 am! I'm so tired...)

Por Favor

2011-02-11T00:32:00.003-06:00

I am going to ask a favor... I need updates! REAL updates on you guys. What is going on with you physically? Let me know how everything is doing. I know you are getting sore- but does it go away? Do you heal? How are your joints? I want to know! Also I would like a review of some of the workouts! Whats been the hardest? How was it hard? What was surprising? How did you feel afterwards? Accomplished, or just wasted? I am needing info as I make workout challenge number 3... and i just get nervous when it gets quiet!

-L.

If worst comes to worst

2011-02-10T22:39:00.000-06:00

Okay so in the Phase 2 period (2nd month) we are suppose to pick what we will do if worst comes to worst. After talking with DC and thinking, I have decided I will sing in public. Now I wish I was a talented singer and I can sure belt it out in the privacy of my own home, but I will be belting it out in public, where ever we decide to do it. The problem is I sing best with the actual music in my ears, so I will have the mp3 player in my ears and sing a song. It will be a glee song, because I know those the best!! Lets hope I don't have to do it, but since I know you all would LOVE to hear me sing, I can put on a special concert for you guys! My personal favorite is Poker Face :D

Also I miss you guys talking, I check the blog about 20 times a day!!! Hoping and wishing someone has posted so I can check up on people and laugh! So....maybe next week we can have a challenge of posting a couple times a day or something!! :D

Burpees....don't you mean Slurpees?

2011-02-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

When I do Burpees, it makes me think of Slurpees...

When I do work on my ab core it makes me think of apple cores

When I run it makes me think of buns...

***I suck at thinking of rhymes! Oh well...***

Lets take a minute...

2011-02-10T19:54:00.005-06:00

Ok, this post goes against my nature but it must be done... this is going to be a serious one.

This is me.

This picture was taken in 2008, when I weighted 185 lbs. This isn't my personal high (that's actually 205) but it is my NON-Pregnant high. I hated myself and I rarely did anything to make myself look better than this because I felt disgusting. I had tried to lose weight here and there, but always gave up before I made any real progress because I was only looking at it as a short-term goal.

In June of 2008, Twin and I were walking :) and told me how much she loved Weight Watchers. I thought, you know what? I want to lose weight and I want to learn how to eat so I don't gain it back ever again! So I joined and refused to use any "diet" food... no shakes, no bars, just real food. I focused on moderation and the long-term goal of a healthier life. Some weeks I did better than others, but I just pushed thru the bad days and slowly but surely I became this...

Here's the thing...

I get that sometimes this is hard, depressing and you don't want to keep going. But time is going to pass whether you try to get healthy or not... why not let go of the "quick fix" or "rapid results guaranteed" attitude and make a long term comitment to small changes? After a while, those 1 lb losses add up to big numbers... in my case, 50lbs...

What did I learn then that helps me now?

Support systems are HUGE... but I'm the who is ultimately responsible for my own weightloss.
Weightloss by diet alone is wasted effort; you gain it back twice as fast and you end up with weird side effects during the process...hair loss, insomnia, wacky temperature fluxes... Just work-out already!
A 0.5 lb loss doesn't seem like an accomplishment, but 10 weeks of that is 5lbs, and 20 weeks is 10 lbs... a year is a 25lb loss. It all adds up, so be proud of every loss!
A small gain isn't a failure, its a wake up call... how can you fix what you did wrong last??

This challenge is about fun. Its about competition. Its main goal is to take your focus off the scale and put it on something more exciting! This is about changing and sharing that change with others so we can all get there! Don't take it too seriously; don't stress about the embarrassing moment at the end... for the love, people we don't even know are looking at our Lola's right now! Can you really be anymore embarrassed?? Most importantly, DO NOT QUIT! Keep going, and you will see results at the end of this contest.

Ugh! I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit... EMOTIONS.... ewww...

Keeping it interesting.

2011-02-10T13:30:00.002-06:00

I got a question from my sis. "if I do one of the challenge workouts again, can I get the set points value again for the repeat?" I giggled, cause I thought of that one last week... but no one else did. :) The answer is YES. I will give you the same points for the repeat. And because I like to reward hard work, I will still give you the bonus points for the workout "add ons" on the repeat. So if you want to do workout#4 again, with the burpees, AND you still want to add a few. The points and bonus points stay the same. So keep track. BUT I will not give additional points for the "fluff" on repeat workouts. No post points, no pic points, and no video points, etc.... for the repeat workouts.

And BTW, I will be posting EVERYTHING you are doing this week online for the world to see. All your workouts, your extras, and all that. So keep up the hard work!

-L.

None of yo' biznaz

2011-02-10T13:25:00.004-06:00

If I
wanna take my guy
jogging with me tonight
It's none of yo business!

And if she wanna be plankin'
only on the weekend
It's none of yo business!

Now you,
shouldn't get into
who I'm givin' points to
It's none of yo business!

So don't,
try to change my mind,
I'll tell you one more time

Huhhhh! J-Smi coming atcha! Word.

Oh yeah, I'm racking up the points!

2011-02-10T01:22:00.004-06:00

My kids are the best!! Working out with them has been really fun!

Everybody "Splanks"

2011-02-10T00:48:00.006-06:00

Everything hurts
I hobble around
even my waddle
makes a crying sound

Today I did a plank
and was up for a while
I let a little stank
it was pretty vile

Proudly holding my pose
I hear people shout
everyone plug your nose!
and then I passed out

For the record- having this happen during a group workout is one of my biggest fears when it comes to exercise, so I figured I would write a funny poem about it for a little exposure therapy. I mean, what is the worst that can happen, right?! Ha ha ha!

Double your pleasure

2011-02-09T23:14:00.000-06:00

Me need sleepy

No more 'sizing today

Eyes are gettin' weepy

So rain check on the foreplay

Crystal!!!!!!!!!

You don't have to kill yourself, just keep trying! And remember, this whole thing is about losing weight AND having fun! I'm having fun, are you?

No food or drink allowed during the video portion for the safety of our viewers.

Thank you Adam!! See I married you for your editing skills!

I will give it a try.....

2011-02-09T20:57:00.000-06:00

I am....walkin' it

I am....stretchin' it

I am....holdin' it

I am workin' it

Workout #1

**If I don't make sense....it's because of the drugs that I am on....I had to take a lot so that I could move!!**

Checking in...Phase 2 week 1

2011-02-09T20:44:00.000-06:00

Okay so here are my results for last week (1/30 to 2/6)
Weight: 274.4 (gain of 2.2lbs)
Nutrition: 0
Exercise: 4 days
Arms: 16" (-.5")
Chest: 44" (-3)
Bust: 49"
Underbust: 41"
Upper Waist: 45.5"
Waist: 47.75"
Belly: 53.5"
Hips: 53.5"
Butt: 52"
Thighs: 30 3/4" (-.25)
Total Inches Lost: 3.75"

What I learned, that even though I am exercising HARD it doesn't mean that I can let my eating go. So this week I am really focusing on my eating. Also in the past this is the point that I have gotten to and have given up...or lost control..so I guess there is a little mental issue I need to overcome. I don't want to sabotage myself.

Tunes to Shake Your Jelly To

2011-02-09T12:44:00.000-06:00

1. Coming Home -- Diddy (feat Skylar Grey)

2. Kill The Light -- Kitten

3. Cosmic Love -- Florence + The Machine

4. California Gurls -- Katy Perry

5. Dancing On My Own -- Robyn

6. Higher --Taio Cruz & Travie McCoy

7. Forever -- Chris Brown

8. Better Than Her -- Matisse

9. Club Can't Handle Me -- Flo Rida

10. We R Who We R -- Ke$ha

11. Only Girl -- Rihanna

12. Jackie Will You Save Me? -- Shiny Toy Guns

13. Gimme Sympathy -- Metric

14. Clap Your Hands -- Sia

15. Hold It Against Me -- Britney Spears (gotta end on a high note!)

Music is what gets me through horrible cardio workouts, I hope it will help you too!

xoxo

Mari

Snippets from my day two

2011-02-09T00:41:00.003-06:00

MMMM BREAKFAST ANYONE?! (See Annie you not the only one with good blendtec ideas)

This is a picture Dave took- ratting me out for my post work out snack... what?!

This is my "what e'er" face! I'm sore and I pretty much HATE stairs right now.

Feminism in the 21st century

2011-02-08T23:52:00.000-06:00

These words came to me during workout #2. I was inspired, if you will.

Jump?

Really Jack?

Momma don't play like that!

Squat?

Um, that's only happening on the pot.

Push up?

Here, fill my cup.

ADAM!!! I need help. (Insert pouty face)

Lauren, this pic is for you! SEE!! I'm stretching! A LOT!!!!!!

Jenn,

This video is dedicated to you! SAU!!!!

Your chance to influence WOC#3

2011-02-08T15:20:00.002-06:00

Tell me about what you would like to do? cardio? weights? Do you have a goal you are trying to accomplish? or maybe want to learn how to do something new? I am pondering next weeks workout challenge, I make no promises, but maybe if you comment- I will take your suggestions into mind. :)