I just looked up the Beach to Battleship registration. The date is October 20th. After signing up for the Spartan Beast, which is on October 13th, I don't think this would be a very good idea. I thought the B2B Half Iron was going to be in November. I suppose this means I'll have to do the FULL Iron in 2013. :)
I believe the Spartan Beast will be much more entertaining and physically challenging. For those who haven't heard of it, it's a 12 mile obstacle race. As you know, I did the Warrior Dash last year and thoroughly enjoyed myself. That was only 3 miles, and the obstacles in the Spartan Race are much more challenging.
Got a busy, physical year coming up... Going skiing in February (never been before), Spartan Sprint in March, Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in April, and the Spartan Beast in October. I'll see what else I can get into the other 7 months of this coming year. :)
:-D
Monday, January 9, 2012
Monday, October 3, 2011
Back to it!
October 3, 2011 - Yesterday you said tomorrow.
So, after a month "off", I'm back to the gym! After 8 days at the beach, 3 days in the mountains, a hellish week of grad school papers full of stress, and 2 days of splitting headache, I feel like I need another vacation! :) I've run across a lot of great motivational quotes lately that have been, well, motivating. One of my favorites says,
"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." ~ Jerry West.
Jerry West, in case you were wondering, was a player and coach of the LA Lakers. As such, I feel like he's a pretty good authority on hard work and exercise. Besides that, I'm well aware of the positive effects of exercise, having experienced them throughout August. To lessen my stress and get rid of this constant headache, I need to hit the gym.
So, all that said, I'm back to it! Daily workouts (almost daily) and proper eating. The plan is to get back to a clear mind and body! I regretted not taking any "before" pictures once I lost my love handles, so having put back on a few pounds, I took this opportunity to take some. That way, in a few weeks I'll be able to do a side-by-side comparison, which will make me happy.
"Rather than aiming to be perfect, aim to be better than today."
:-D
So, after a month "off", I'm back to the gym! After 8 days at the beach, 3 days in the mountains, a hellish week of grad school papers full of stress, and 2 days of splitting headache, I feel like I need another vacation! :) I've run across a lot of great motivational quotes lately that have been, well, motivating. One of my favorites says,
"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." ~ Jerry West.
Jerry West, in case you were wondering, was a player and coach of the LA Lakers. As such, I feel like he's a pretty good authority on hard work and exercise. Besides that, I'm well aware of the positive effects of exercise, having experienced them throughout August. To lessen my stress and get rid of this constant headache, I need to hit the gym.
So, all that said, I'm back to it! Daily workouts (almost daily) and proper eating. The plan is to get back to a clear mind and body! I regretted not taking any "before" pictures once I lost my love handles, so having put back on a few pounds, I took this opportunity to take some. That way, in a few weeks I'll be able to do a side-by-side comparison, which will make me happy.
"Rather than aiming to be perfect, aim to be better than today."
:-D
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Completed the Challenge
August 11, 2011 - 24 Day Challenge, Day 25
It's done! Let's jump right to the results....
Drumroll please....
So what does all this mean? Let's take a look back to the beginning...
Here's the rundown...
Total Weight lost: 12.6 lbs
Body Fat percentage change: -4.6%
Body Muscle percentage change: +2.6%
Gained a half inch in my biceps, lost 1.5 inches through the chest, 2.5 off the waist, 2 off the hips and 2 off each thigh!
Body image up to 7.5 and rising! :)
Now, just because the 24 Day Challenge is over, doesn't mean I'm gonna head back to my pizzas and double cheeseburgers. In fact, other than the pizza I'll be enjoying tonight, I plan to eat pretty much how I have been this past month. I liked it. Making healthier choices isn't that hard or unpalatable. In fact, at Jason's Deli, I used to always order the Ranchero Wrap (mmmm!). I'm not saying I won't enjoy one every now and then, but the Nutty Mixed-Up Salad is fantastic! And healthy. I've heard and read that anything done for 21 days becomes a habit. I think that's probably true now. I feel that my eating healthier has become the norm for me now. Which I like very much.
"Everything in moderation." I will have my pizza tonight. Next week I'll probably get a Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger from Clocked (Ooooh, so mouth watering goodness!!!). But it's not what I'm craving all the time, like it used to be. So I think that's the real goal of the 24 Day Challenge, and the goal that I feel like I accomplished whole heartedly.
I've lost a lot of fat, the next part of the plan is to gain muscle. I'm going to the beach in a month... let's see what we can do in that time. ;)
:-D
It's done! Let's jump right to the results....
Drumroll please....
| Weight (lbs.) | 178.6 |
| Body Fat | 30.2 |
| Body Water | 53.1 |
| Body Muscle | 40.1 |
| Bone Mass | 4.6 |
| Right Arm (in.) | 13.5 |
| Shoulders (in.) | 45 |
| Chest (in.) | 39 |
| Waist (in.) | 36.5 |
| Hips (in.) | 39.5 |
| Right Thigh (in.) | 24 |
| Right Calf (in.) | 14 |
So what does all this mean? Let's take a look back to the beginning...
| Weight (lbs.) | 191.2 |
| Body Fat | 34.8 |
| Body Water | 50.9 |
| Body Muscle | 37.5 |
| Bone Mass | 4.6 |
| Right Arm (in.) | 13 |
| Shoulders (in.) | 45 |
| Chest (in.) | 40.5 |
| Waist (in.) | 39 |
| Hips (in.) | 41.5 |
| Right Thigh (in.) | 26 |
| Right Calf (in.) | 14.5 |
Here's the rundown...
Total Weight lost: 12.6 lbs
Body Fat percentage change: -4.6%
Body Muscle percentage change: +2.6%
Gained a half inch in my biceps, lost 1.5 inches through the chest, 2.5 off the waist, 2 off the hips and 2 off each thigh!
Body image up to 7.5 and rising! :)
Now, just because the 24 Day Challenge is over, doesn't mean I'm gonna head back to my pizzas and double cheeseburgers. In fact, other than the pizza I'll be enjoying tonight, I plan to eat pretty much how I have been this past month. I liked it. Making healthier choices isn't that hard or unpalatable. In fact, at Jason's Deli, I used to always order the Ranchero Wrap (mmmm!). I'm not saying I won't enjoy one every now and then, but the Nutty Mixed-Up Salad is fantastic! And healthy. I've heard and read that anything done for 21 days becomes a habit. I think that's probably true now. I feel that my eating healthier has become the norm for me now. Which I like very much.
"Everything in moderation." I will have my pizza tonight. Next week I'll probably get a Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger from Clocked (Ooooh, so mouth watering goodness!!!). But it's not what I'm craving all the time, like it used to be. So I think that's the real goal of the 24 Day Challenge, and the goal that I feel like I accomplished whole heartedly.
I've lost a lot of fat, the next part of the plan is to gain muscle. I'm going to the beach in a month... let's see what we can do in that time. ;)
:-D
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Almost There
August 4, 2011 - Goals being met.
Here are the starting numbers again:
And here are the new:
An even 10 pounds lost!! And still 7 days left! More than that, take a look at fat and muscle percentages! Fat is decreasing and muscle is increasing! Woo Hoo! According to BMI and Body Fat Percentage charts, I'm still overweight, but well on my way to "normal", not that I care about those charts. In the mirror today I noticed my face seems a bit thinner, and one of the doctors I work with (whom I haven't seen in a while) said to me yesterday, "Hey, you're looking skinnier." Haha, yes he used the word 'skinnier'.
Another increase that I haven't charted yet is my Body Image scale. I'm up to a 7! I had/ have a minor goal of reaching 175lbs. The last time I recall feeling at a healthy weight, I was around 170-175, so that's kind of a goal weight that I was aiming for. Though I say 'minor' because I won't be upset if I don't reach 175. The real goal here is to feel better physically and to improve my body image. So far so good on both counts. One more week!
:-D
Here are the starting numbers again:
| Weight (lbs.) | 191.2 |
| Body Fat | 34.8 |
| Body Water | 50.9 |
| Body Muscle | 37.5 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 181.2 |
| Body Fat | 30.4 |
| Body Water | 53.8 |
| Body Muscle | 39.0 |
Another increase that I haven't charted yet is my Body Image scale. I'm up to a 7! I had/ have a minor goal of reaching 175lbs. The last time I recall feeling at a healthy weight, I was around 170-175, so that's kind of a goal weight that I was aiming for. Though I say 'minor' because I won't be upset if I don't reach 175. The real goal here is to feel better physically and to improve my body image. So far so good on both counts. One more week!
:-D
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Max Phase
July 28, 2011 - Cleanse Complete
So yesterday ended my 10 day Cleanse Phase, and today begins the 14 day Max Phase. Thought I'd wait until today to post an update since it seemed like a good "check-in" point.
So here are the old numbers:
And here are the new:
So, a loss of 7.2 lbs and 1.1% Body Fat, I'm staying more hydrated than I used to, and I haven't lost any muscle (which tends to happen during weight loss). I feel better, my love handles are shrinking, and the other day at the gym I noticed my muscle tone and definition is improving. I woke up about 40 minutes ago, and just before I started typing this, I did 5 Marine Corps style pull-ups before I pulled my legs up to kick. First thing in the morning? Nice! So far, so good!
I'm very excited to see what the next 14 days bring! I'll update you at Day 7.
Until then, if you see me or talk to me, tell me to keep it up! No cheating! Ok, maybe a little cheating. ;)
:-D
So yesterday ended my 10 day Cleanse Phase, and today begins the 14 day Max Phase. Thought I'd wait until today to post an update since it seemed like a good "check-in" point.
So here are the old numbers:
| Weight (lbs.) | 191.2 |
| Body Fat | 34.8 |
| Body Water | 50.9 |
| Body Muscle | 37.5 |
| Bone Mass | 4.6 |
And here are the new:
| Weight (lbs.) | 184.0 |
| Body Fat | 33.7 |
| Body Water | 52.0 |
| Body Muscle | 37.5 |
| Bone Mass | 4.6 |
So, a loss of 7.2 lbs and 1.1% Body Fat, I'm staying more hydrated than I used to, and I haven't lost any muscle (which tends to happen during weight loss). I feel better, my love handles are shrinking, and the other day at the gym I noticed my muscle tone and definition is improving. I woke up about 40 minutes ago, and just before I started typing this, I did 5 Marine Corps style pull-ups before I pulled my legs up to kick. First thing in the morning? Nice! So far, so good!
I'm very excited to see what the next 14 days bring! I'll update you at Day 7.
Until then, if you see me or talk to me, tell me to keep it up! No cheating! Ok, maybe a little cheating. ;)
:-D
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Measurements
July 19, 2011 - The Cleanse Begins
So, a friend of mine introduced me to Advocare, a "premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products." It all sounded a bit too sales-pitchy for my liking, so I decided to do some research. After speaking with a surgeon (who was obviously NOT a salesman) about the science behind the products, I spoke with my trainer, who is also my dietitian (M.S., R.D., L.D., and soon to be Ph.D.) She said she approves and actually takes a few of their products herself. So I decided to give it a try. They have a "24 Day Challenge" which starts with a 10 day cleanse and finishes strong with a 14 day "Max Phase".
I realized this afternoon that I messed up yesterday and today, but the program says that if you adhere to at least 80% of program, you'll see results. I think I should be fine. What are the results like you ask? Of those that I've physically spoken with (not reading internet articles) who have done the 24 Day Challenge, the average weight loss is around 15 lbs lost. If I can lose that in 24 days, I'll be sold on Advocare and will become an advisor, or at least a distributor. But, we'll see. Results first.
So, some starting figures:
The first 5 figures come from my scale. I weighed myself 3 times and the scale returned the same figures all three times, so I will take them as accurate. Accuracy, in this case, is only for my edification since all I really need is a difference. For example, if my scale is off my 5lbs, it doesn't really matter since it will also be off by 5lbs at the end and the amount of weight lost is the same. The next 7 measurements were taken with a piece of paracord and tape measure. Each was taken twice. I was going to measure my biceps both flexed and relaxed, but the difference was negligible. A quarter inch perhaps. And the last is a subjective rating on my body image, 1 being completely dissatisfied and 10 being completely satisfied. I doubt I'll reach '10', but only because I don't think anyone ever actually does. I'm shooting for an 8.
So there we have it! A nutrition plan that just might work! The best part is that everyone I've talked to has kept the weight off, which is very encouraging! I'm hitting the gym EVERY day. Got an incredible leg workout in yesterday with Katie and today I ran 3 miles (was gonna do 5, but I was incredibly sore thanks to Katie).
I'll post updated measurements every 6 days.
:-D
PS. On a whim, I was walking down the hallway and decided to grab the pull up bar. No warm-up, just cold-muscle, dead hang pull ups, Marine Corps style (fully extended arms, chin over the bar, legs remain still throughout, no bouncing). I did 4 before I had to start kicking my legs for assistance!!! FOUR!! I've never in my life pulled more than 2!! Ah, that's a good feeling!
So, a friend of mine introduced me to Advocare, a "premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products." It all sounded a bit too sales-pitchy for my liking, so I decided to do some research. After speaking with a surgeon (who was obviously NOT a salesman) about the science behind the products, I spoke with my trainer, who is also my dietitian (M.S., R.D., L.D., and soon to be Ph.D.) She said she approves and actually takes a few of their products herself. So I decided to give it a try. They have a "24 Day Challenge" which starts with a 10 day cleanse and finishes strong with a 14 day "Max Phase".
I realized this afternoon that I messed up yesterday and today, but the program says that if you adhere to at least 80% of program, you'll see results. I think I should be fine. What are the results like you ask? Of those that I've physically spoken with (not reading internet articles) who have done the 24 Day Challenge, the average weight loss is around 15 lbs lost. If I can lose that in 24 days, I'll be sold on Advocare and will become an advisor, or at least a distributor. But, we'll see. Results first.
So, some starting figures:
| Weight (lbs.) | 191.2 |
| Body Fat | 34.8 |
| Body Water | 50.9 |
| Body Muscle | 37.5 |
| Bone Mass | 4.6 |
| Right Arm (in.) | 13 |
| Shoulders (in.) | 45 |
| Chest (in.) | 40.5 |
| Waist (in.) | 39 |
| Hips (in.) | 41.5 |
| Right Thigh (in.) | 26 |
| Right Calf (in.) | 14.5 |
| Body Image (1-10) | 6 |
The first 5 figures come from my scale. I weighed myself 3 times and the scale returned the same figures all three times, so I will take them as accurate. Accuracy, in this case, is only for my edification since all I really need is a difference. For example, if my scale is off my 5lbs, it doesn't really matter since it will also be off by 5lbs at the end and the amount of weight lost is the same. The next 7 measurements were taken with a piece of paracord and tape measure. Each was taken twice. I was going to measure my biceps both flexed and relaxed, but the difference was negligible. A quarter inch perhaps. And the last is a subjective rating on my body image, 1 being completely dissatisfied and 10 being completely satisfied. I doubt I'll reach '10', but only because I don't think anyone ever actually does. I'm shooting for an 8.
So there we have it! A nutrition plan that just might work! The best part is that everyone I've talked to has kept the weight off, which is very encouraging! I'm hitting the gym EVERY day. Got an incredible leg workout in yesterday with Katie and today I ran 3 miles (was gonna do 5, but I was incredibly sore thanks to Katie).
I'll post updated measurements every 6 days.
:-D
PS. On a whim, I was walking down the hallway and decided to grab the pull up bar. No warm-up, just cold-muscle, dead hang pull ups, Marine Corps style (fully extended arms, chin over the bar, legs remain still throughout, no bouncing). I did 4 before I had to start kicking my legs for assistance!!! FOUR!! I've never in my life pulled more than 2!! Ah, that's a good feeling!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
June Heat!
June 8, 2011 - Up and down.
It's half past midnight, so I actually mean June 7. Oh well.
Going to the gym after work is always a bit of an annoyance. But it's gotta be done! My back's been hurting a bit too much lately to get a good workout in, therefore today was work AND workout day. Yesterday I worked out with Katie and told her my back has been giving me problems, so she showed (say that 5 times fast) me a few exercises I can do that won't hurt me further. She also noted that my problem wasn't my back... it's my abs! I'm not tightening my abs when I should, so all the strain is moving to my back! Oops. I sense more core work in my near future! (Which I'm actually pretty excited about!)
Tonight I ran hill intervals. For a half mile the speed was set to 6.0 and the incline at 0.0. Then the second half of the mile the speed was set to 5.0 and the incline at 3.5. I repeated this mile 3 times, for a total of 4 miles. At one point I wanted to quit and say, "That's good. I'm done. Yay me." Only problem was that I was only half way through! Shame, shame. I knew I'd be mad at myself, so I kept going and completed the 4 miles. NOW I can say "Yay me!" and mean it!
Yeah, it's tough. If it were easy, everyone would be an Ironman (or IronWoman). The difference comes between those who quit too soon and those who keep going to the end. I've always think about the line from Alice in Wonderland, "Begin at the beginning and keep going until you get to the end. Then stop." So simple, yet it applies almost everywhere, don't you think?
Anyway, time to sleep, 6am comes real early!
:-D
It's half past midnight, so I actually mean June 7. Oh well.
Going to the gym after work is always a bit of an annoyance. But it's gotta be done! My back's been hurting a bit too much lately to get a good workout in, therefore today was work AND workout day. Yesterday I worked out with Katie and told her my back has been giving me problems, so she showed (say that 5 times fast) me a few exercises I can do that won't hurt me further. She also noted that my problem wasn't my back... it's my abs! I'm not tightening my abs when I should, so all the strain is moving to my back! Oops. I sense more core work in my near future! (Which I'm actually pretty excited about!)
Tonight I ran hill intervals. For a half mile the speed was set to 6.0 and the incline at 0.0. Then the second half of the mile the speed was set to 5.0 and the incline at 3.5. I repeated this mile 3 times, for a total of 4 miles. At one point I wanted to quit and say, "That's good. I'm done. Yay me." Only problem was that I was only half way through! Shame, shame. I knew I'd be mad at myself, so I kept going and completed the 4 miles. NOW I can say "Yay me!" and mean it!
Yeah, it's tough. If it were easy, everyone would be an Ironman (or IronWoman). The difference comes between those who quit too soon and those who keep going to the end. I've always think about the line from Alice in Wonderland, "Begin at the beginning and keep going until you get to the end. Then stop." So simple, yet it applies almost everywhere, don't you think?
Anyway, time to sleep, 6am comes real early!
:-D
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