Lurker's Invitation November, 2009

[MDolfiniReed]

Yesterday was such a busy day, I forgot to post. I was at Quantico all day working with the Marines. It was Thanksgiving day at the command and I was fortunate to share an incredible feast with my Marine Corps colleagues. They actually had more food than the Marines could eat.

Before eating Thanksgiving lunch yesterday, I did do 4DS LIS. I'm with you Shoegal, I really like this workout as well. Love the music on HIS and LIS. This morning was Bootcamp. Boy, those 12 drills just fly by. I was a major huff 'n puff by the time they were over. Biceps and triceps--what can I say, the challenge continues, especially when I overload my barbell on the tricep barbell overhead extensions. YIKES, I had 30 pounds on barbell--no wonder, I was having such a struggle.

Okay--so here is the story--DH has suggested that we get ourselves a joint Christmas present this year. Uh-huh--so what do you want, DH? Because, I know this is about him, not me. Answer: just a 52 inch flat screen tv. Response: what's wrong with the tv we have, works just fine. DH: well the prices have really dropped and I really, really want one. Me: let me think about it. Second night: DH provides me with some "information" on a tv that he found in CostCo. Uh-huh. Me: will that television fit in our entertainment cabinet? Answer: not sure. Third night: the proposed 52 inch tv will not fit in our entertainment cabinet but DH has a plan for how this is going to work and the cabinet remains somewhat intact. I'm not grooving to this idea. Spit-spat and we go to our separate corners. Haven't discussed the topic in 2 nights, but I know another push is coming. If I can negotiate a cathe tower out of this deal, he can get the tv, but I think I'd rather have it mounted on the wall and just move the cabinet. We'll see. More to come on this topic.

Janie, Shoegal, and Laura: treadmills just aren't my thing. Okay, it's running that isn't my thing, therefore, no treadmills. Walking Ripken is much more enjoyable.

Speaking of Ripken. I'm working at home today (off and on) and my pup is being a major snooze hound. We got a new roof on the house this week and the past couple of days there has been considerable activity and very little naptime for Ripken. He is definitely catching up on his rest today.

Doing a split: you definitely have to work at doing a split and then continue to do them to keep that flexibility. I haven't done one since my 20s. Wonder if I could now with a little work? Wonder if I'm motivated to even try? I think I'd rather work on my chin-ups which I haven't been doing too much lately.

Looking forward to a nice Thanksgiving week next week. We are closing up the boat this weekend and then I will start preparing the house for Thursday and the upcoming Christmas holiday. Hope everyone is having a great day.

~michelle

 

[ladubose]

so yesterday I taught my morning Pilates class, evening Ski Conditioning and then did 95% of P90X Back & Biceps before the rec center closed. I was going to post last night but a friend came over so I didn't have a chance.

My husband came home from taking the girls to their 9 year check up and also getting the H1N1 vaccination at Children''s Hospital in Denver and wasn't feeling well. This morning I woke up with a sore throat and when I went to wake up my daughters, Eliza's cold sounded much worse, so I pulled the plug on the day and are taking a sick day. It was a hellish day ahead of me and to be honest I don't mind missing it at all...I am feeling better, been snoozing most of the day. I think I could have pushed through the day, and Eliza is certainly fine, but it may have gotten me sicker. Hopefully this will help me recover quickly.

I am contemplating a stretch, either P90X Stretch or Yoga, or maybe even a Cathe stretch. All your stretches have sounded so nice! I don't know though...I have not been as vigilant with this months rotation of P90X. Like I have said it is hard to fit into my schedule. It is silly of me really because I have done amazingly well considering. None of the other woman at the Rec Center who were going to do the rotation have done it at all. Not even the woman who initiated the whole darn thing! Makes me really appreciate and understand how self disciplined we all are with our at home workouts! GOod Job Everyone!

Shoegal: I can still do a full split with the right leg forward, I can get pretty close to the ground on the left, but I am no where near a split in the center! How did you do? A new kitchen would be awesome! Here is to hoping you get it! Reminds me of that Christmas Carol, forgot the name of the song, but it has a very sexy sounding woman singing to Santa about all the things she wants from him like diamond rings and new cars...it is cute. And I hear you about stressing about X-mas, I am so unprepared this year. It doesn't seem possible that it is so close....I will start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving...

Janey: I hope you are feeling better. You are no where near being overweight from your photo! You are very diligent! How do your overweight family members feel about how much you workout and eat well? Do they try and sabotage your efforts in subtle and not so subtle ways?

Michelle: Have a great week off! I hope you and your husband work out the Christmas present. I like your idea of getting a tower out of the deal, a tv for him and a tower for you sounds like a nice Christmas. And I totally agree with you about removing the cabinet and hanging the TV on the wall..

Hi Shadowpup! Glad you didn't miss my little comment snuck into Michelle's personal

 

[ladubose]

Michelle: When are you planning on starting your STS rotation? I was just looking at the calendar and I am thinking of starting on the 12th, a tuesday and doing the weight work on tues, thrs, and sat. That would give me the time to completely finish my P90X rotation and have a week to do all my 1RM.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Good morning. Today was cardio of choice. I opted for an old favorite: rhythmic step. I was really in the groove this morning or maybe I was in the zone. Didn't feel quite as winded but still ended up dripping sweat. Felt good.

I wish I could get sister to post on our forum every once in a while, but she just hasn't gotten into this aspect of the Cathe Nation. She is doing great with her exercise--down 61 pounds from nearly 2 years ago and only 2 pounds away from the goal I gave her when we started doing Cathe of 135 pounds. She says her new goal is 125 and she is contemplating how a size 6 might feel.

Janie: I'm with Laura. You don't look overweight in your picture. In fact, you look great, very happy, and relaxed. Do you try to motivate your family to exercise? I know that can be a tricky thing to do. I've got one other sister who also struggles with her weight although sister says that she is exercising too and losing some weight. Problem for older sister is that she doesn't like to drip sweat from head to toe.

Laura: hope you guys don't have the flu. The stretching really helps. I love when there is a stretch day right in the middle of the week. And so what if you miss a few days of the P90X rotation, as long as you get back to it. Regarding the kickoff on STS, the last time sister and I talked about this, we were targeting January 1st. I already have a business trip on the horizon in January so that is going to mess me up a little, but that is the way it goes sometimes.

Well, the 52 inch flatscreeen purchase just got complicated. Sister pointed out to us that most likely our dvd/vcr player will not be compatible with an HDTV nor will the surround sound system. The directv box might have to get changed too, although DH thinks they are both HDTV compatible. Ugh. I told DH that if we get this tv that does not mean he can also get a new surround sound system, and we can live without the dvd/vcr player for a few months because the one I use for Cathe is upstairs in our bedroom. If we want to watch a movie, it will have to be on the upstairs dvd. Anyway, we are going over to the boat today, so I'm planning on bringing this up again for discussion.

~michelle

 

[janiejoey]

Did Insanity Core Cardio and Balance yesterday, today Joey and I did Meso Legs Week 2 Disc 29. OMG!

Took out all meds from my life. The symptoms from them are worse than the disease itself. I've ordered a couple of books on what to eat, and cook for GERDS (written by doctors who understand about dangerous meds) plus helpful tips on how to get through rough times. No more meds for me! I truly believe it was sucking life right out of me. No More! Done, co-put.

Shoegal, Glad you enjoyed LIS, good job.Great way to keep your back safe. Modify. You should have felt great about that workout. You did what you could do. At least you did something. There sites that suggests other exercises for your tummy other than sit ups...Hip Hop Abs package from Shaun T. comes to mind. Very very good. I don't have that one yet, but I'm getting it ASAP. Same person who does Insanity. Come to think of it, I bet he uses a lot of those moves in Insanity. Hmmmmm.

I use to be the person that could eat anything I wanted and still was like a toothpick. When I turned 40, everything changed. Now I have to work hard to stay ahead of the game just like most people.

Michelle, The feast with your comrades, sounds delightful. So glad you had a good time. Your workouts are great, and it sounds like you are getting stronger, congratulations. You sound like me and Joey! Can't wait for the next topic. Too funny, well, maybe not for you. I'm sorry, but you hit home and I think you guys are so like us. Except I'm the one trying to justify it and Joey is trying to save money. LOL There is another Joey and Janie.

Don't worry about the treadmill, it isn't for everyone. I'd much prefer to walk with Ripken too. But he is not here so, when I don't want to think or if I want to see a program, then the treadmill will be used. I need to see another picture of Ripken resting from his ordeal around the house.

I also need to get our house in order for the holidays. Nice to be reminded. Sounds great and looking forward to it.

Laura, Great job on the P90X. Man, this year has been such a bad year for flu and colds. Glad you are on the mend. Get well fast. Thanks for the encouragement of our exercises. Makes me want to do more.

I'm not very much overweight (about 5 pounds), but my sisters are. That's why I keep at it, so I don't even look close to what they look like. I love them, but they need this in their lives in the most way. Their health issues are going rampid all the time. I'm afraid one day, I won't have anymore sister with me. Perhaps they are my inspiration, I don't want to look like them.

My family lets my exercise talk go in one ear and out the other. They say they don't have the energy, it's too difficult...any excuse not to do it. Oh yes, they try to sabotage all the time. But they don't get their way. Besides, I'm trying to be an example for them by not eating that way especially in front of them. Sounds like I don't love them. But I truly do, or I wouldn't care what they did.


Well, the 52 inch flatscreeen purchase just got complicated. Sister pointed out to us that most likely our dvd/vcr player will not be compatible with an HDTV nor will the surround sound system. The directv box might have to get changed too, although DH thinks they are both HDTV compatible. Ugh. I told DH that if we get this tv that does not mean he can also get a new surround sound system, and we can live without the dvd/vcr player for a few months because the one I use for Cathe is upstairs in our bedroom. If we want to watch a movie, it will have to be on the upstairs dvd. Anyway, we are going over to the boat today, so I'm planning on bringing this up again for discussion.

Michelle, Love Rhythmic Step, good job. I always feel great when I'm dripping wet, feels like it was all worth it then.

Congratulate your sister for me for a good job well done. 61 pounds is a lot of weight to lose. You guys need to do something special on the last two pounds lost. That's how ya do it, by goals. Reach one and do another. Good for her.

I motivate my family until it's coming out of my ears. I've slowed down considerably in the last year or so, beause I'm feel I'm just talking to myself and they never take my suggestions. So, like I said to Laura, by example might do it. Who knows. I guess you have to really want to change or you just don't. Tell your older sister that when you drip sweat from head to toe, that's when it's working. It's hard work, and the more you do it the more you can. Here I go again.

Hi Shadowpup.

Take care everyone, see you all later,

Janie

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all,

I'd mean to post Thurs ... I got sidetracked when I glanced at the news. I am sure you've read about the breast cancer recommendations from the latest panel.

As best I can tell, none of the reputable organizations or real scientists in this field agree with the findings. However, because this was an 'official panel' the opinions carry great weight and will affect care for us all.

When I think about the simplistic approach to the cost/benefit equation, which is being framed as though the only solution is to reduce testing and not to improve the accuracy of the tests themselves - it makes me angry to think of all the faces of women who will die because of what truly appears to be pseudoscientific approach to decisionmaking. I haven't read enough about the individual deliberations to consider myself truly well informed about the panel itself - and I'll remedy that - but first, I need to spend some time with the kids. And wanted also to send ((hugs)) to all of you, my sister lurkers.

I'll be back again when I'm feeling upbeat; and I promise, I won't drag our thread into these ugly national debates! But I did want to explain why I wasn't here much right now after saying I'd post.

 

[ladubose]

Well yesterday I was really down, slept most of the day on the coach, doing the absolute bare minimum that I had to for the kids. I feel much better today, still a little low energy, but not really sick anymore. I think taking it super chill yesterday helped my knock this out pretty darn quick! I am so glad, I would hate to be sick over the break.

I am about to put in Kenpo X and do a little bit of it, taking it easy though, probably won't do the plyo jumping jacks! Than going to Boulder for a friends 44th B-day party....

Michelle: glad to be on the mend so quickly! How did the TV purchase talk go? I am surprised that they make TV that aren't compatible, it seems it would deter people from buying them because it doesn't make the purchase significantly more if you need all new equipment to go with your TV. I bet there is some flat screen out there that would be compatible with what you already have, and that would be worth looking into. That is an amazing amount of weight your sister has lost, if my math is right she must have been pretty close to 200lbs when she started her weight loss journey! Remarkable.! I wish she would join us to! I am considering starting earlier for STS so we could start together, it would just mean shaving off a week or two of the P90X rotation so I could get my 1RM in before I start....since my right shoulder seems not so happy with the P90X I may consider it more closely. It has been hurting me when I raise my arms overhead, something it has never done before and as I have mentioned before P90X is exceptional ly intensive on the shoulders...

Janey: No meds? Not even the alternative herbs you mentioned? Well you know your body and it's needs better than anyone else. It is hard to see the value in taking a medicine if it makes you feel worse. My friend is having more test done, an upper GI track test, she also has blood in her urine which they can't figure out. I am worried about her, she has not been eating at all for some time now, only broth and crackers. She is a big girl and really has wanted to lose weight but I don't think this is a good way to do it! As soon as she starts eating again I am afraid she will gain the 10+ lbs she has lost and maybe more very quickly...because her body must being going into starvation mode from not eating for so long.

Shadowpup: you must have posted while I was writing mine. I too am concerned but also uninformed. I need to read up on the subject but certainly the best health care would be more proactive and focus on prevention and early detection. That must be more cost effective than full blown cancer treatment, and while paying for health insurance I want to be paying for good quality care for my health, not being viewed as a statistic and or as a dollar amount in the profit bottom line in a company that makes millions....

 

[janiejoey]

Hi all,

I'd mean to post Thurs ... I got sidetracked when I glanced at the news. I am sure you've read about the breast cancer recommendations from the latest panel.

As best I can tell, none of the reputable organizations or real scientists in this field agree with the findings. However, because this was an 'official panel' the opinions carry great weight and will affect care for us all.

When I think about the simplistic approach to the cost/benefit equation, which is being framed as though the only solution is to reduce testing and not to improve the accuracy of the tests themselves - it makes me angry to think of all the faces of women who will die because of what truly appears to be pseudoscientific approach to decisionmaking. I haven't read enough about the individual deliberations to consider myself truly well informed about the panel itself - and I'll remedy that - but first, I need to spend some time with the kids. And wanted also to send ((hugs)) to all of you, my sister lurkers.

I'll be back again when I'm feeling upbeat; and I promise, I won't drag our thread into these ugly national debates! But I did want to explain why I wasn't here much right now after saying I'd post.

Deborah, (((((HUGS)))))

Well yesterday I was really down, slept most of the day on the coach, doing the absolute bare minimum that I had to for the kids. I feel much better today, still a little low energy, but not really sick anymore. I think taking it super chill yesterday helped my knock this out pretty darn quick! I am so glad, I would hate to be sick over the break.

I am about to put in Kenpo X and do a little bit of it, taking it easy though, probably won't do the plyo jumping jacks! Than going to Boulder for a friends 44th B-day party....

Janey: No meds? Not even the alternative herbs you mentioned? Well you know your body and it's needs better than anyone else. It is hard to see the value in taking a medicine if it makes you feel worse. My friend is having more test done, an upper GI track test, she also has blood in her urine which they can't figure out. I am worried about her, she has not been eating at all for some time now, only broth and crackers. She is a big girl and really has wanted to lose weight but I don't think this is a good way to do it! As soon as she starts eating again I am afraid she will gain the 10+ lbs she has lost and maybe more very quickly...because her body must being going into starvation mode from not eating for so long.

Laura, Well, I should say no meds from the doctors except for herbs/supplements, foods and natural meds. Sorry about that. I don't think I could live with this pain if it weren't for the herbs. They are helping so much more than the doctors meds. YEAH!

Sure glad you are feeling much better today, and taking it easy on the exercises today. You need the rest.

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Glad everyone is back on the forum. It's good to have the family together.

Yes, sister was close to the dreaded 200 pound number. She couldn't bear the thought of seeing that number on the scale (again), so she got serious. I really think that she has finally made a lifelong change. It has been great to see her get rid of clothes that don't fit anymore, putting on that size 8 pair of capris in the spring, and now almost giddy with the prospect of wearing a size 6. Sister says that older sister has lost a little weight by walking everyday, so maybe we are inspiring her. I know older sister was pretty upset last Christmas about her weight given that younger sister had done so well with her weight loss. But at the end of the day, it's up to each of us to take control of our fitness and health.

Laura: I hope you guys have really kicked the germs for good. It's just no fun to have someone in the family not feeling well during the holidays.

Janie: well, my Joe won out, and he had given up. I did some research on the flatscreen tv that he had selected. It had very good reviews and the sale at CostCo was pretty darn good. We've got a big red bow that Joe had made when he gave me my Aviator for Christmas a few years ago. The big red bow will go on the tv for Christmas. We will go pick the tv up on Tuesday and then worry about set up. We did have to order an HDTV receiver upgrade from DirecTV. We'll see about other peripherals as time goes by.

Shadowpup: I wasn't grooving to the breast cancer screening recommendation either. Just doesn't seem right.

Hi Shoegal--hope you are hanging in there.

~michelle

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all!

We're having quite the snowstorm today! Well - for November. Three inches last night, four inches since we shovelled this morning This is more or less a warmup for real winter to come.

I'm back in a reasonable place with the whole breast cancer discussion. Not pleased with the panel, no not a bit, but 'nuff said and I'm able to watch the dialog again. If enough reasonable people get involved this could become a positive in terms of a better educated population.


Now on to other things. The kids are not happy it is winter, I can tell you that! Still, we're as ready as we ever are. I'd put on their heavier blankets and readjusted them, so they're as bundled up as is good for them. Too much blanket this time of year means not enough hair produced in time for it the single digits, so every has one toasty blanket and we'll save the double layer for later. Atreides just cracked me up this morning: he is so impatient to be out riding! He let the others go over to their morning hay and hung out by the gate, sticking his nose over and asking for attention. He got it, of course, but was still plaintively watching me leave with the dogs for their walk in the woods ... If it weren't blizzard conditions right now we'd riding now (it's safe enough when the ground is solid). We also redid the doghouses, so that they are all double-lined and warm.

Michelle, so you went for the big screen! I have a suggestion: use it for STS I wasn't all that happy when we 'invested' in a 48 incher, but it's pretty amazing to work out with Cathe when she's near life size! Sounds like your sis is doing really well, and it's clear why you're proud of her. That is quite a transformation. Neat that you're inspiring your entire family, and I hope you are proud of yourself as well Your sis would be warmly welcomed here as a kindred spirit; hope she'll stop in to say hi at some point. BTW, I have another DC trip. A very fast one - Sunday/Monday right after Thanksgiving. I'm checking to see if there is any slack at all.

Janie, I saw your post on Open - I'm glad some of the natural meds are helping! Very very sorry that the medications aren't doing any good. But at least you know your body well enough to now when substances are poisoning it rather than helping it heal. And great job on the workouts! I may restart this rotation, as I'm taking altogether too much time out to ease this flu thing out of my system to get full benefit. But Meso 2 plus insanity is really intense. Are you enjoying Insanity as much as you'd hoped? It's hard when family try to sabotage, and so few people realize how much they can accomplish. At least your family sees you! And so they know that there is hope for healthy and energetic living, even if they won't admit it.

Laura, is that December 12 you and Michelle are thinking of starting? I'm going to join in, about then! The exact day will depend on my travel schedule and this flu; I want to retest 1RMs. But to me, the holiday season is the best time of year for heavy strength training, what with all the protein-eating opportunities You've done so well with P90X, too. That's going to really help in STS.

Hi Shoegal! Looks like you have had a busy weekend! And, on shoulder work, doing the smaller increments is so much safer. Love those magnets.


BTW, Shoegal, Janie, you have inspired me to do something creative for the holidays. Techie, but creative. I'm doing a collage calendar on shutterfly for my husband! I played with it last night and put about 80 different pictures in various spots. That will be different And I've done my Christmas cards, for once, and will get those out this week. It's funny how having Shutterfly doing the mailing has reduced the dread factor for that. I have always hated all the labelling and stamping. But I love playing around with putting photos in unique cards for everyone. Go figure

Well, more later - we probably are up to six inches outside now since I started this post! And it is time to shovel some of that off.

 

[Shadowpup]

After all that, I should post my workouts Sunday, did Mindy Workout!. Monday, did plenty of walking in the concourses, probably 45 minutes of that. Tuesday, Cardio Coach 2 - came close to my calorie-burning record Wednesday, scheduled rest day. Thursday, more Cardio Coach. Friday, flight home so plenty of walking, rode Atreides, hiked, and did Pure Barre. Very nice! Saturday, snow shoveling (and added an extra rest day). Today - Pyramid Up, but only the premix, since we had so much snow. An hour of snow shoveling and a short hike today also.

 

[ladubose]

Well unfortunately I woke up with that dang sore throat again, I was afraid that going out might put me back again! But it was a friends birthday party I really didn't want to miss, a great group of woman I want to get closer to.....anyway took it easy today around the house with the girls. Did some light cleaning and ended up just finishing P90X Yoga which was on the schedule. I took it easier, not going as low as I can in the standing asanas, stepping back not jumping back to plank, did the savasana's into upper dog, but took out the other pushups into downward dog, so made it through it.

Janey I am so glad the herbs are providing relief! Good for you for listening to your body and finding out what works for you. I think so many of us tend to give our power away to our Dr, listening to them instead of/or over our own bodies...I realized that we might condition ourselves to that starting with being a kid getting vaccinations. It hurst like hell and our instinct is to fight it with all our being but all the grownups our parents included are telling us to sit still and be a good kid and let the Dr give the shot....so we learn that they know best and what ever they want to do, no matter how painful is for our best interest...just a thought anyway...

Michelle: your sisters' story is inspiring me to try once again with losing those last dreaded pounds! Good for her! Are you happy about the TV now?

Shadowpup: Yea another snow girl!! Enjoy it! It is actually Jan. 12th that I am looking at starting STS and Shock Cardio in a rotation. I might shave a week or two off of my P90X to start earlier with Michelle and her sister, haven't decided yet. I am liking the results I am getting from P90X and I may want to finish it out completely, than I need about 1 week to do the 1RM's...which I definitely want to do before starting STS.

 

[janiejoey]

Today, Joey and I did Meso 3 week 2 disc 30, Shoulders, Biceps& Triceps.

If any of you want soap let me know your address and I'll send it. Just PM me. I don't want to push it on you, but if you want to try it, just let me know. It will be my treat.

Deborah, You seem to keep on top of your exercises. That has got to be so hard to do with travel and mending from the flu. You are one tough cookie! So proud of you.

I know you are upset, I can tell, I think it is about the finding of the panel. But women will not allow the panel to do this to us. I believe it will be OK. Positive thinking. More (((hugs))). I'm going to write my congressmen today, at least I'm doing something. Is there anything else I can do that you can think of? Already there is so much outrage, they will have to rethink this one. We women will have to pull together to prevent this from ever happening.

Laura, When I feel sick, I don't exercise. Maybe that's my problem. You are so consistent with your workouts. Good for you to modify when you are not feeling well. I'm glad you got close to your friends and enjoyed yourself at the party. We all need to do that sometimes.

I can't tell you enough how good I feel by using these supplements. They are like a miracle, really.

Why don't doctors know about these things? Wait, I think I know the answer to that. The drug companies and FDA are closely bonded, so in the end it's about money. It's so disconcerting to figure it all out by yourself, with no education about that kind of thing. So, it's a lot of trial and error and research. What is working for most people on the internet is what I'm taking for myself. So glad we have internet. I think of all the negative things that could have happened to me and is now at this moment happening to other people with the same problem. Even my own doctor son, wanted to give me a cocktail of meds for two weeks, and my pharmacy daughter, well, I haven't talked with her about it yet, but will tell her over Thanksgiving, what that drug was doing to me. Very scary stuff.

I agree, when we are young about letting people decide what to do for us. We, need to be more responsible for our own health. It's like doctors have blinders on or something. During their education, they were not taught about herbs at all, and unless they have been scientifically studied, (which won't happen because of FDA and drug companies) then they don't know at all about alternative ways. It's so sad. How do you fight that? I don't know. The more I find out about these things the more it's all about money instead of lives. I want to change it, but I'm one person. Don't even know how to begin to fight it, with these powerful companies, insurance companies too.

Janie

 

[Shoegal]

Had a very frustrating day - nothing seemed to go right.

Well I had a good weekend though - and did 4DS:Boot Camp on Friday - and on Sunday I did my cardio of choice which was Seasun Zieger's Rock Steady Step. She was confusing me in the 3rd combo - but overall I was having some fun with it. I took Saturday off - self imposed Rest Day.

Tonight - I will do Leaner Legs - or Meaner Legs. That is what I have on my calendar - going to check to see if that is right tonight. This rotation is very motivating - I don't want to miss a workout - and that is a good thing for me.

Laura - sorry that you are having trouble ridding yourself of your cold - take good care of yourself. On my splits I can go all the way down with the right or left leg forward - in the center - I actually used to be able to get my legs pretty far apart, lay my torso on the ground and bring my legs all the way behind me (does that make sense?) well - can't do that now - so my middle split is not good but I'm praticing. It will come back. It sounds as if you are enjoying P90x and getting good things from it. Keep up the good work.

Michelle - congrats to your sister - she has certainly changed her life - a 61 pound loss is a big deal!! It is a huge help to have someone to share your exercise/ health regime with - and to have them work with you. Did she modify her diet as well? Congrats to you on your new TV!!! DH and I were talking about a new TV as well - especially with all these black Friday deals out there but it was more of a luxury than a necessity and I decided that we could probably do without right now.

Janie - glad that the supplements are doing good things for you - and you are right about it all being about money - it's maddening. I agree that right now we are in a better position to research about the new alternatives for treatment we have out there with the internet - just regular people and their real experiences is really enlightening. In some cases I value their opinions more than I do the experts.

Shawdowpup - I make a Shutterfly calendar for my DH every year with our girls on it!!! I love doing it - but it puts all this pressure on me to take pictures all the time of them - in different situations, everywhere we go. This year was a bad year for me with pictures - didn't take not one single picture when I went to the beach this year. It sounds as if you did well with your exercise while on your trip - that is great!! I'm always amazed by your resolve. I also was miffed by the panels findings for mammograms and self exams and suspicious - I know woman who have died from brest cancer in their 30's and 40's - how can this be right?

Ok - gonna go home and try to end this hellish day on a good note.

 

[Shoegal]

Is everone gearing up for the Holiday? Any preparations underway - major cleaning? Cooking? I plan to go over to my Mom's early to help her the day of. I'm also wondering about a workout that day - wonder if I'll get that in?

Well I did Leaner Legs - I was super geared up to do it too - don't know why . I am enjoying this rotation and I think I have made some strength gains - last night I used a 35lb barebell for nearly everything. Those sit and stands - oh God I was dying!!! Barely made it through. I was glad that there were abs in this workout - still I had to modify.

Tonight S&I 's - this is a good one. I got my Jari Love in the mail and it has been sitting here eyeing me. I will pop that in just as soon as I finish up this rotation. Can't wait. I love getting new stuff.

Ok - hope everyone is well - hope your day is a good one!!!

 

[janiejoey]

Shoegal, Oh, I'm so sorry you had a rough day. Your workouts are ones. Great job girl! Have you ever did Seasun's double step workout?

Leaner Legs, after a step workout! You are good! There is no way I could do that, my legs would be rubber.LOL Motivation is key. 35 pounds for sit and stand, wpw you are strong. I'm so proud of you! Congratulations on the muscle gains. You worked hard for it. Good for you!

Enjoy Jari Love, she does lots of endurance, which really helps the smaller muscles be able to lift much better when doing workouts that help gain muscle.

I read on the internet on foods that have probiotics, yogurt, kifer, sauerkraut, pickles...so, today I'm making 15 pounds of sauerkraut the old fashion way. I've had a crock for many years and decided to take it out of storage and use that baby. It holds much more than 15 pounds, but just wanted to start with that much if anything should happen to the batch. Also I've always made kifer and yogurt. Next Summer I'll grow/buy a lot of pickling cukes and ferment them as well. I'm feeling so much better.

No cooking, just a vegie plate is all I have to do this year. I hope I find the time/inspiration, to workout on Thanksgiving. We'll see.

Everyone else:

Note: I was feeling kinda constipated from the supplements I've been taking. Decided to take two figs and 2 prunes last night. This morning I didn't go, so decided to take 10 prunes. As soon as I ate them, I had to go. Oh no! It was kinda lose. What is going to happen to me tonight?!? This is not going to be fun. LOL?

Today is scheduled for Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit. I better do it right away.

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Yesterday, we were so busy that I never got to Leaner legs. I'm going to try to double up and get it in later this week. Today was Step and Intervals. Didn't exercise as early as I wanted to because I had to run Ripken to the groomer, then we went to pick up the tv, brought it home, put together the new tv stand, got the tv set up, then finally exercise. The Directv man came and upgraded us to HDTV and we also have a DVR--somebody is going to have to explain that to me. We now how two tvs in the family room, one is hooked up, one is not. I think we will try to sell our perfectly fine "old" 32 inch sony on craigslist. One thing at a time.

The weather is not cooperating with my plans to get my outside decorating done. Although, I don't think I could have found the time today. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Shoegal: I'm glad that you are enjoying this rotation. I'm going to put another one together for December. Sister wants lots of cardio and a couple days of weight work each week. I have some different ideas that I'm going to play around with. So, I have that on my "to do" list as well. We've also got to do 1RMs over the Christmas break. Some folks on the forums says that doiong the 1RMs is a workout in and of itself.

Janie: Sounds like you and your gastrointestinal system are doing some adjusting. But you haven't mentioned any pain lately, so has that symptom subsided?

Laura: you and Shadowpup amaze me. You both workout when you are sick. I hope ya'll kick whatever keeps circluating through your household. Probably hard to do with children.

I think DH and I may be heading to the grocery store for the last few Thanksgiving day items this evening. Oh boy.

~michelle

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all!

Well, yesterday ended up being more of a work day than anticipated. One of those days when the phone rang and rang, with emails too. Oh well, mostly it's people headed out of town with last minute things to discuss ... The upshot is that I nearly didn't work out. But then I saw the ad from AdvancedWorkouts about their sale, and felt guilty about the new workouts I'd barely used ... so I 'compromised' and went through it Squeeze Lower Body Challenge, and ordered two new ones. One is a Kelly Coffey-Meyer 30 minute fitness dvd on sale, and the other is one that Jan recommended - a "Latin Kickbox". I have no idea what that means but I want it. And I got a nice discount too.

Today, Joey and I did Meso 3 week 2 disc 30, Shoulders, Biceps& Triceps.

If any of you want soap let me know your address and I'll send it. Just PM me. I don't want to push it on you, but if you want to try it, just let me know. It will be my treat.

Janie

Janie, that's the one I'm supposed to do tonight! And I will pm you about the soap

I know you are upset, I can tell, I think it is about the finding of the panel. But women will not allow the panel to do this to us. I believe it will be OK. Positive thinking. More (((hugs))). I'm going to write my congressmen today, at least I'm doing something. Is there anything else I can do that you can think of? Already there is so much outrage, they will have to rethink this one. We women will have to pull together to prevent this from ever happening.
Janie

Yes, you are absolutely right. That is exactly it. I am trying very hard not to fret uselessly and yet it is hard to know where to do something good at this stage. Personally I know I'll be okay as long as scientists are funded to do research that is published where I can find it. I know how to read scientific studies and have the resources to cover any treatments that I might need. I'm not worried for myself. But how many women will go through the summaries even, to understand the choices that about one in eight of us women will need to make? How many will know how to understand the balancing act?

Addendum:
here I got fairly heated and you may want to skip the rest of

For instance. Radiation is certainly cumulative and leads to deaths. Fewer mamograms mean less radiation and definitely saving some lives. Driving to the doc's for chemotherapy also puts one at risk - traffic accidents - and my doc mentioned that they'd lost a patient once who survived the treatment but died in a car wreck. So, it's complicated. But the panel was not looking at this kind of thing when they made their recommendations. Some people even on CatheNation are citing the dangers of radiation as the reason for arguing against mammograms and implying that this consideration was behind the recommendations. Also, a few of the reputable people support mammograms starting later in life, or less frequently, are doing so because of the radiation issue. However, I've gone back to read as much as I could. I found quoted remarks at sites that ought to be reputable. The actual panel finding indicated that the panelists felt the radiation danger to women from multiple mammograms was negligible - and explicitly said that is not why they made their recommendations to screen only after fifty. In other words, the panel did not think there was a problem with cumulative radiation. Not a bit - they considered that aspect and decided it had no effect on death rates and so it was definitely NOT the reason why they suggested avoiding so many mammograms.

Another thing. How many people reading these findings know what a three percent death rate increase is or how to put it in context? The predicted three percent increase in death rate through changing screenings (purportedly part of the predictive model) is slightly higher than the lives saved by women who are diagnosed, and then choose both chemotherapy and radiation as their treatment in addition to lumpectomy(based on observational studies). I know this because it is partly how I chose my own treatment back in '01 - I looked at how individual decisions could affect death rate, quality of life, and so on, and made my choices on that basis.


I've studied predictive models intended to support decision making as part of my job. There are two kinds, population/group (the common ones) and individual (uncommon). You cannot normally use predictive population model to make individual choices or to make recommendations to individuals without a lot of work and long study. Often you can't do it at all. It's rare to find a model that is good both for helping an individual maximize the benefit to themselves, and at the same time maximize the benefit to the group. Models that are good at predicting group dynamics will, for instance, help you know how many ham sandwiches to stock in your lunchroom - you can see how many have ordered which kinds in years past - but that same model will be useless if you are wondering whether your coworker would prefer pastrami on Tuesday. You have to ask more questions to make that individual prediction accurate. That requires a modeling approach, and data, geared towards an individual's choices as opposed to what large groups of people choose in aggregate. An individual predictive model is usually very detailed because of this - and because they are so detailed, they are rarely used in group situations. Too expensive, like a supercomputer that perfectly predicts the weather 24 in advance and requires 48 hours to do so. There are some models that begin to get at breast cancer risk for individuals - but they are quite detailed. Most of us who do this sort of modeling end up considering agent based strategies and not the typical style at all, but it's an evolving field. In any case, it is not at all clear that the data driving this model used by this panel was based on detailed information suitable for individual predictions. Since it must have been collected during a time when most of the predictions were group oriented, I rather doubt it. That's why I want to get at the actual report, to see for myself what information was used, how represented, what the underpinnings of the model might be. And to look at the code if that's possible.

And bad assumptions can really add up even if one doesn't get confused about the difference between group predictions and individual predictions. Without looking at the sensitivity of the mathematics to the data they used, I can't tell how much difference it makes that the panel purportedly used detection statistics based on film mammography (which is less accurate and used less often nowadays) rather than to choose detection rates from digital mammography, or digital plus second-look mammography. But clearly, they underestimated the accuracy of prediction (and therefore overestimated the number of true positives, and underestimated false negatives, by some amount). For comparison, imagine making a retirement decision based on guessing inflation at 4 and investment growth at 14 percent, and discovering years later that we had 7 percent inflation and 6 percent growth. There's a whole lot less money left to use ... or women who survive ...

Clearly I need to find the actual report rather than the media summaries, and go through the model that the panelists used. Without solid knowledge it is improper to say too much. Once it is out there it may become clearer whether there's something useful I can add to the debate. So much nonsense being put out there now, that reasonable discussions about improved treatments and balanced risks are not taking place as they ought.

Well, thanks for letting me blow off steam. I get very mathematical when I'm angry. I will post a normal post after this; just left in the above in case anyone is interested.

 

[Shadowpup]

Shadowpup is back to normal

Okay. I promise now I will not inflict any more diatribes about mathematics in this email

Janie, I was reading that you're so much better - that's great! Are you keeping a diary of how you're feeling/what you're taking? This can be a big help in tuning your treatments. GERD is so sensitive to everything from mood to what you eat ... You also got me thinking about how fun it is to make yogurt and greek yogurt. You've probably done that, with your talent for soap? It might be just the thing for your stomach, too. And oatmeal! oatmeal! oatmeal! Let us know how the Insanity goes. I'm supposed to do an STS one tonight.

Shoegal, I'm also really impressed about pairing Meaner Legs with anything. Especially step. That's an incredible combination. And so funny that you also do the Shutterfly calendar. I take plenty of pictures of the kids and scenery - and of course, unlike people shots, most can't tell whether I'm using an old shot or a new one.

Laura, good for you in finishing out p90x. I never did get that going as a rotation, but you are inspiring me to think about it! Still, STS again first. I need to get those 1RMS started. And sorry to hear that flu is lingering ... am getting an on/off scratchy throat myself, too. We both need all those extra hours in the day to catch up, I bet!

So, let's talk Thanksgiving strategies. How do all of you manage? This year we're for the first time going to neighbors, gulp. I'm thinking I will do a major STS Legs or maybe Muscle Max 2 in the morning beforehand, and that way my muscles will need all the protein I'll be feeding them in the afternoon! Do you limit portions, decide not to worry about it, work out extra, ... ?

 

[ladubose]

So still under the weather, but not to badly. I did teach my morning class but canceled my two evening classes. I probably could have made it through, but really didn't want to expose everyone to the flu/cold Thanksgiving week, and it was nice to be home for an evening. I did do P90X Stretch for myself which felt very good, been needing a good stretch! Today I did P90X Core Synergisitics, modifying and not pushing myself, but still moving.

Janey: so guess what my friend was finally diagnosed with after all! Yep! GERD!! She isn't convinced and feel like something else is going on, but they did that UGIT test and saw the acid reflex on the screen...I told her about you and I am going to look back and see the herbs you are taking that are helping you so much. By the way very impressed with you taking on Insanity!

Shoegal: Nice to hear from you! I had no idea what you were saying about the center split!LOL! Do you mean a full split or legs just out wide? I am surprised how tight my groin/hips are on the center line, I had to face that with the frog stretch Tony does a lot, very painful, and I am not used to not being able to do a stretch as good if not better than everyone else. On Frog I am really limited... Good job on your weights! So do you do Cardio everyday?

Michelle: I am planning on not doing any other weight lifting while I do the 1RM, (well other than my classes) how are you planning on tackling that? I will do cardio though... and pilates.. and maybe some P90X Yoga (my new favorite) Congratulations on the TV!