Weightloss Challenge Thru Dec. - Jul 6th Thread

gonnabea5

gonnabea5

Cathlete
OMG, I forgot to start a new thread this morning. today's a rest day for me. Tomorrow's workout should be an 8 mile run. I cant believe I just typed that. The dread factor is kicking in because of those hills. I may just walk them on lap 5 and 6 since this is supposed to be an easy run. But, by latp 5, I'm busted. Those sports gels really helped last saturday.

My weight is up today. PMSing. Need I say more. It's amazing how this 12 day period reeks havoke on my body. I hate it. This week I will focus on cutting way down on the artificial sweetner, Stevia, in my coffee and ease up on other sweet things that have been creeping into my diet.
 
Oh, here you are!! I just posted on the old thread, but here it is copied over:

Hi Everyone!!

My plans got derailed since Wed and haven't worked out since then unfortunately. Tmrw I should be back on track though! I went out with a bang though...I did my first pylo legs Wed and WOW! It was non-stop, fast-paced, heart-racing, sweat-pouring, doable yet challenging!! Im not sure I want to do another one...LOL!!! I think I may just like lifting heavier. We'll see, I still have yet to do Squat Rack yet. I gotta a little off schedule and am 2 discs behind. I don't think I'm gonna try and catch up tho, not with these intense workouts!!

I should have checked in here for support. I got bad news and then I got more bad news (nothing health or family related, all job related and if it doesn't straighten out I may have to move back home with the parents...I am divorced). Needless to say, it put me in a tailspin that I am just finally getting out of today. I reverted to old habits of major stress eating and checking out mentally in front of the TV. I just couldn't deal any more so I shut down. Terrible. I couldn't even bring myself to workout. I was just so depleted. Can you believe the scale jumped 5.5# in 3 days?! I know some of it is water retention d/t salty foods, but that's my body. I gain weight incredibly fast when I don't work out or follow a healthy eating plan.

Anyhow, I looked for a new Friday post, but couldn't see one, hope everyone is still checking in here...

Shereta, I just read a book called "Eating for Endurance" from my library. You may want to check it out. It talked about gycogen depletion and hitting a wall and it sounds like you may be experiencing that as well at times. For your kind of running, you need to make sure you consume a high carbohydrate diet to fuel those glycogen stores. Glycogen depletion makes your workouts become more difficult, feeling sluggish and unable to maintain your usualy intensity leading you to wonder if you are overtraining even. No wonder I kick butt after I eat a lot of carbs the day before!!

She also recommened you definitely eat during the w/o if over an hour workout. Try to eat before you feel hungry or tired, about 30 minutes in to your run then consuming small amounts every 15-20 minutes. Fluid replacement as well of 6-12 ounces every 15-20 minutes especially if you are out in the heat.

Like I said, it has a lot of great info you may just be interested in!

Oh, and I am sooo excited about Cathe's new project XTRAIN of 10 DVDS combining cardio and weigths....whoo hooo!!

I'll be touching in more often girls, hope everyone is doing good.

Gina
 
Hey Everyone. I didn't workout today cause I was up after 12 last night and just couldnt get up on time. So, I'll be doing my long run tomorrow. Im so ready to get this 8 miles done.

Gina, kudos to you for persevering through all your trials. Talk about dedication. If you cant catch up, maybe you can do two shorter workouts back to back to get back on track.... Thanks for the tips from that book. Yep, you just got some water weight. It'll be gone soon.

I do realize I need to eat during the run. I started using sports gels. That really helped a lot. I also keep fluids at the bottom of my drive way for a drink when I run past. Thanks for the reminders.

I run 4 times a week, so I'm not too far off my plan. I will tack a Cathe onto my runs Tues and Thurs. I'm not feeling burnt out, just lots pulling on me this week. Glad it's all over. I was reading an article about not getting stressed out if you miss a run. thank goodness I can tack it into this week and still be on plan.
 
Shereta, 8 miles? Good luck. I don't think I could run one mile. I'm with you on staying away from the scale during PMS, I won't go near it for an entire week.

It's been a whirl wind three days. Lake on Friday, cycle and work on Saturday and cycle and salt water kayaking today. I'm officially beat, but in a good way. Weather was just perfect and eating wasn't too bad. We've started drinking a recovery drink after our long rides and it really does seem to help with fatigue. It's a water based drink, so it sits much nicer than a protein drink.

I didn't buy any (My son cried NOTHING?!) junk food this week and doubled up on the fruit. My dad just handed me a zucchini the size of watermelon, so it looks like I'll be baking some bread this week. I'll try to give it all away, that stuff is dangerous.
 
THIS IS FROM Janie/Joey.

Last night was To The Max. Very challenging for me and a lot of room for growth. How can people get all the way through that without modifying? Used less risers. Man I need to get stronger! I was sweating buckets! Will do it on a regular bases to get stronger and hopefully add risers equal to Cathe and crew, someday. Can't wait to do CrossFire in two or three days. Will post later tonight for STS weight training.

Today I did STS disc 13, chest, shoulders and triceps. It's really nice to get to do weight training again. Bench Presses were 68#'s, fly's were 20#'s,Seated Front Press and lateral raises were 8#'s. All the triceps exercises were 8#'s. The only exercise I improved on was the Flat and Incline Bench Presses by 3 pounds. Not too shabby.

Have a good evening everyone,

Janie
 
Happy Monday girls!

Gina - I'm really sorry to hear about all the stress you've been going through. I am all too familiar with stress-eating, and know the havoc it can wreak on your system. But good thing you're checking in - it shows that you want to be accountable and get things back on track. Just keep telling yourself that eating better and working out will immensely improve how you feel emotionally. When everything else is caving in around you, at least you can control how you feel physically. Those workouts will really give you a good shot of adrenaline, pride & self-respect!!

Shereta - Congrats on the long run! It sounds like you're really trying to work out how best to fuel your body, and I'm sure you'll figure it out. We can't get things perfectly right away!

I had a good weekend out of town, and didn't overeat. This morning I decided to do my long run (7.5 miles), since I missed it yesterday. I felt great. I ate half a banana beforehand along with an energy chew. I felt I could have kept going, but didn't have the time.

I got the new Cathe dvds today (takes a little longer to get the dvds in Canada). I can't wait to try them out! I was going to run tomorrow, but I may just do one of the new dvds.

Have a great day everyone!
 
Hey, Ladies. 8 miler done! I did it on the dreadmill cause it's supposed to be an easy run and my neighborhood is pretty hilly. I ended up having 2 gels and a cup of light chocolate milk during the time. It was the slowest pace I've ever ran, but I did have several interruptions. I put my laptop in the garage to watch some tv shows to cut down on boredom. Sometimes, I even forgot I was running. But, it's under my belt now. I have 3 more runs this week and then a 6.2 tune up on Satuday. 10 weeks left before the half. I'm excited.

I've made my food plan out . Now, I just have to stick to it.
 
Shereta - Good job on the 8 miler. Don't discount it because you were slow - it means you burned lots of fat!!

Here's my menu for the day:

1/2 banana
1/3 cup kashi cereal with 1/3 cup greek yoghurt and blueberries
apple

spicy chipotle black bean burger (recipe from skinnytaste.com)
carrot sticks
apple

snack for later this afternoon: oatmeal with blueberries

Not sure yet what's up for dinner - I may just have left-over bbq salmon with veggies and quinoa.
 
Congrats Janie!

Hey Janie!! Just saw that your recipe for the avocado dressing made it into the newsletter. Good for you! I tried the recipe by the way, and it was awesome. Loved it.
 
Melanie and Shereta great job on your long runs!! I think you guys are rubbing off on me. This weekend I was doing some reading/research on resuming training to run a 10k. I've done a 5k in the past and for some crazy reason I desire to run the Peace Race through our beautiful local park this fall. It's 15 weeks away and I believe I could train and finish it. The weird thing is I am not runner, hate to run, but like I said, this race has been calling my name....

After reading this marathoner's advice for doing walk breaks from the beginning of your run, I feel like I can do it. Straight runs kill me, but his article made sense. Based on your minute/mile pace he recommends running for so many minutes, then walking. He has run 130 marathons, 1/2 of them with no walk breaks and the other 1/2 with walk breaks and guess what, he finished with faster race times when he took the walk breaks!! I can run for a few minutes if I know Im gonna get a break!! hehe ...He states that as you walk you rest your running muscles and erase their fatigue so by the time you are finishing your race you can end strong. I'm going to try this method and give running another shot.

Also, thanks you two for the encouraging words. It really has helped :) I took a nice 4.5 mile walk in the park this morning and it has left me feeling great just like you said Melanie :) Eating is back under control as of yesterday. I've dropped 2 of the 5.5# I put on. Trust me, I did some serious eating damage!! I've bounced back faster than usual...4 days vs weeks!! Having accountability here in this forum and support from you guys made a big difference for me!!

Ive got a lot of work to do here today, but I hope to get in STS Disc 27 later today. I am behind schedule with my STS plan, but hey, it doesn't matter b/c I am back on track and not quitting!!

Janie your avocado dressing looks delish! I gotta get me an avocado now :) To the Max was hard! But I fear Crossfire is harder...I have not tried that one yet. Have you? I did TTM straight through, but I think Im going to ease into Crossfire with the premixes first. I don't wanna wipe myself out!! If it was easy from the beginning, then we would have nothing to work for! I like striving to complete things b/c when I do, I know my fitness level has progressed! and that is an awesome feeling :)

I am soooo excited for XTRAIN!!!

Have a great day ladies and catch you soon.
 
Hi Gina,

I'm really excited to hear about your plan for the 10K. You will be so proud of yourself.

Believe me, I know what you feel about hating to run. I used to really loathe running. My dad would always encourage me to try to train for a marathon because he's run several. But I would just think to myself "whatever - this is what he likes, not me!"

I don't know what really spurred me on to register for the half marathon - I think I was at a low point in my life when I felt lots of things were happening that were out of my control, and I was unhappy with where I was in my life. I guess I felt running a half marathon would be a great way to make myself stick to something (a training program), and the end result would be something to be really proud of myself for. I keep picturing myself crossing the finish line, knowing that this is something I did, on my own, no one forced me to do it and I accomplished it because of my own determination.

The last few long runs that I've done, I've discovered that I actually like running! I love the feeling at the end of a long run, and usually sprint to the finish, just feeling so happy.

I'm actually reading a book by the man you mentioned in your post (Jeff Galloway). I really like his method of taking walking breaks. He also has tons of good suggestions about getting over the mental challenges of long runs. It has really helped me.

So if you're feeling inspired to try a 10K - go for it! Start out slowly on your runs. Don't be competitive with yourself or other runners that you may see during your runs. Listening to music helps. Think positively! Replace those thoughts of "I HATE THIS" to "I CAN DO THIS!" Positive thinking may sound hokey, but honestly its a secret weapon for running.

Just one thing - I don't run 5/6 days a week. I run 3 times a week, and will increase that to 4 once I get closer to my half-marathon day. The other days during the week I'll do strength training (STS) and other Cathe cardio dvds.

Also, if you feel after a couple of weeks that you still don't like running, just keep going - something will click and you'll love it!
 
Did a recovery ride with my neighbor this morning and she invited me to do the cycle portion of a Tri relay. I'm really excited! She's a marathon runner and her friend is a great swimmer. I'm not usually competitive, but this sounds like fun. Something to motivate me for August.

I'm thinking about joining Cathe's nutrition site again. It really does motivate me to eat cleaner. I've been sliding with the juice and need a kick in the pants. :confused:
 
Last edited:
Checking in ladies!

What a waste of 3 days, as far as workouts go. My period kicked my butt right to the couch and I stayed there for most of 3 whole days I finally got my energy back Sunday and started workouts again. I am not going to fight my body when it is screaming for rest and battling pain.

ANYWAY, I am still with the challenge and am happy to hear your successes and am glad to have a place for support. Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday, so there will be cake! Big workout in the morning will counteract that. :)

Lisa
 
Quick post for now.

Today's workout was STS-TB. I love this slow mo workout. Normally, I don't finish the last set of leg work because I'm just done by that point. But, today, I just lightened my weight and was able to finish it all. Yeah.

more later
 
Good morning everyone,

This morning was TTM for the first time (just got the new DVDs yesterday). Loved it!

Here's my menu for the day:

Breakfast - oatmeal with blueberries
Snack - greek yoghurt with strawberries
Lunch - salad with 2 hardboiled eggs, apple, carrot sticks
Snack - apple
Dinner - not sure yet!
 
Melanie thank you so much for your post about running!! I know you are right about the positive thinking! And I agree that music definitely helps! And, don't worry about me overtraining, I would only run 2-3x/wk. My goal is 2 short and 1 long run. I think half my problem is treadmill running. I can't really run on pavement, it kills my low back and knees, but after walking in the park the last two days, Im thinking of doing some of my runs on the trails to break up the treadmill dread factor. Ooh, I need to look into Jeff's book. Ive read an article or two on his website and really liked his info! Which book of his are you reading, he actually wrote quite a few!

Today, I took another long walk/hike in the park with my friend. Today we encountered some challenging hills to climb. We covered about 6.5 miles in 2 hrs burning a lil over 700 calories!! I wish I had time for this all of the time!

Last night, I did Disc 27 of STS and tonight I hope to do the 1st Squat Rack disc. Im trying to catch up on my rotation doing STS 3 days on, 1 off, then 3 more, but we'll see!!

Lisa don't feel bad about the 3 day break. Sometimes we just need to do it. If you read the posts, I was on the couch too for 4 days last week eating my sorrows away!! But hey, we just get back on track and move forward. You may even find you will work out better/harder after that nice little break!

Ok, ladies, keep plugging away and meeting your goals. I am sooo proud of everyone :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Gina.

I don't feel bad about the break. I have learned over the years to listen to my body and not fight it. Don't feel bad about your break, either. It is about the journey, not the individual steps.

Have a great week, everyone!

Lisa
 
Happy Wednesday, Ladies. Today's workout was 6 X 400 on the dreadmill which equaled 3 miles and then I tacked on Tabata from TTM. Glad that's over. Off to work. Will check in later.
 
Good morning everyone,

This morning for me was STS 20 (legs). It really went by quickly, but on my way to work I felt my legs were tired. Maybe because yesterday I burned them out doing TTM!

I followed my workout this morning with a veggie omelette & greek yoghurt. Lunch will be salad with tuna, apple. Snack will be carrots & watermelon. I made myself some oatmeal with banana just in case I get hungry later this morning.

Gina - the Jeff Galloway book is called "Marathon - You can do it!" Its a book I picked up a couple of years ago when my dad was encouraging me to try for a marathon, and I never read it until now. I didn't realize he also has a book for training for the half-marathon. AND I didn't know he has a website! So, thanks to you! I'm sure it'll help me even more with my training.

Lisa - sorry to hear about your last few days, but you have the right attitude. We just have to listen to our bodies and take a break when we need it. The trick is not to feel guilty! I think I'm getting over those feelings of guilt when I don't workout. I feel so much more positive.

Shereta - your workout this morning sounds killer! Good for you!!

I'm holding myself back from stepping on the scale before my regularly scheduled weigh-in. I don't want to get obsessive about the number on the scale. But I'm feeling so good, and my clothes are fitting so much better that I am tempted, just to see. HOWEVER, I WON'T step on the scale before Friday!!!

So have a great day everyone.
 
Melanie, you're good. I get on the scale every day - even when I'm pmsing. But, I will follow your lead and not do it again until Friday am.

Scheduled Fuel for today:
b - 2 eggs, oatmeal, strawberries
s. - 2 cheese sticks
l - grilled chicken salad
s. apple, luna bar
d. small hamburger, small fry, apple
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top