Hey Guys...

It has been crazy here since Saturday.  Long story short, Wendy got sick again and I had to come back from Atlanta early...so I was us at 3am yesterday and on the road all day.

I got my Monday WO on Sunday afternoon and I did get my WO in this AM.  I actually got a good nights sleep last night so I feel pretty good this AM.

Question for you all about water...do you have rough cut off point in the evening where you stop drinking water or any fluids for that matter.  I normally don't, but here lately I have had to get up in the night....and usually if I'm thirsty and its 9pm I will drink a glass of water, but I'm thinking about giving myself a cutoff of maybe 8 or so for the next week and see if it matters?

It's Super Tuesday...we voted this AM after the kids went to school.  We were voters #3 and 4 at our voting place.  We used to have wait in line for hours in Atlanta but now we were done in less than 5 minutes LOL!

Have a great day Warriors!!!

Oh where oh where have our Warriors gone, on where oh where can they be????

I miss our family; I wish they would all come back.

Wow, yesterday was a Monday for sure!  I won't get into detail, but I will say that I was up at 4:30 a.m. and pretty much went non-stop until 11:30 p.m.  Brittany had a solo in the choir concert at school last night.  I had to meet my husband and girls there since I had class, but I didn't miss anything.  I still got up at 4:30 this morning to do my HIIT, even though I was tired.  That's what Warriors do, right?

Today, I have class this morning and then to Costco for much needed items, and then to gym for UBWO and then pick up kids and start the evening rituals....

My weekend was Horrible foodwise!!  I ate that chocolate on Saturday, but Sunday, I ate everything.  I swear, you'd think I was pregnant again.  I did get a good 6-mile hike in that morning, but ate all day.  I ate as many carbs on Sunday as I do in a typical 2-3 day timeframe.  I don't know what got into me, but it is behind me now and this week is super clean & dirty!  This is it for me.  I gotta make every meal and every workout count.

runnermom:  I am so glad you are feeling better.  I am amazed you were able to run that distance after being sick.  You are going to do great with that race next weekend.  Wow, from one sport to another for the boys.  That is great that they are active!  It does keep you busy, but that's o.k.  We wouldn't know what to do with too much time on our hands!

island:  Yay.  Glad you are on MFP; I think you will like it.  I love the accountability.  Some people don't, but if that is an area you struggle with, I think you will like it.  Friend me at schmertnat, and then once you friend me, you can find runnermom under my friends (amyjslp).  That is easier than trying to find the regular way.  Parson is on there too.  So, are some of our other long lost warriors.

Parson:  Way to work around adversity!!  You are really focused and tuned in.  It is motivating to see your posts and your perserverence!!!  As far as water, I drink a lot earlier in the day, and as the day progresses, I just sip on my water the rest of the evening.  I try not to drink too much too close to bed, because I will have to get up to go to the bathroom (thanks to having two kids & a small bladder).

Alright, gotta go get ready to rock my day!!!  You all have a fabulous day!

Hi Warriors!!!!

This week seems to be going by slowly...I keep thinking today is already Wednesday!

BDMom: Sounds like you had a crazy, busy Monday! Glad you were able to fit it all in and got to see Brittany's concert. Did she sing a solo? I remember my last 2 challenges, the last 1-2 weeks were the hardest food-wise. I'm sure your body needed those carbs, especially with that long hike! You are back on track and that is all that counts!!!

Parson: I hope Wendy is feeling better. I am like BDMom...I drink a lot of water early in the day, but it seems to slow down after about 3 pm. Not intentionally....I just don't seem to drink as much when I am home and busy with the kids and dinner. I usually don't drink any water after dinner, just b/c then it is time to get the kitchen cleaned and get the kids and myself ready for bed.

Island: Hope you have a great workout with your kettlebells. I will be looking for a friend request on MFP!

Food is packed and clean today. It is day 2 without dairy but it didn't really make a difference yesterday...I still had lots of gastro issues after lunch and continuing through the evening (which is when it always seems to happen daily) I'm going to give it a few more days, but I am really beginning to think it is b/c I eat so many veggies, beans and whole grains. My nutrition is super clean and I think I eat over and above the veggies and fruits I need to, but I really enjoy those foods and know how much they benefit me nutritionally. I will keep experimenting, but always will keep it clean!!!

Today was double day for me. Got in my HIIT on the treadmill, then had a great LBWO. Tomorrow I will teach spinning in the morning.

Hope everyone has a great day! Hope to hear from some more Warriors today!!!

Hey everyone.. I've been looking through different threads for super accountable people who post regularly. I need to find a thread that motivates me... seems like you guys are on it. Mind if I join in then?

Just as a note, I started Feb 21st, so I'm in my 3rd week.

Anna:  You are absolutely welcome to join our thread.  It has actually been pretty quiet around here lately; I think some of our Warriors wen to OZ or something, but I am sure they will be back.  We will help hold you accountable if that is what you are looking for.  How is your challenge going?  What are your goals?  I took a peek at your blog, and only saw one picture of you on there, but you look amazing!  What are you looking to accomplish this 12 weeks?  A lot of us are at different places, and not technically doing the typical BFL challenge, but we all try to eat clean and workout dirty.  AND, we've all done a few BFL challenges by the book, so should be able to help you with any questions you have regarding the program.

runnermom:  Yes, Britt had a solo last night; she sang I'll Stand by You.  She did a great job.  It was a band/choir solo program, and turned out nice.  It ended up being a late night though.  I am totally back on track with my eating and it feels good.  The last two days have been really good.  I am with you on the slow week; I feel like it should be Friday already..ha.  My girls are off on Friday and then Spring Break is next week.  Just keep paying attention to the things you are eating.  I know the extra fiber in the veggies and the starches in legumes can easily bloat you.  Keep taking those probiotics.  My IBS used to be unmanageable until I was on those for about 6 months.  My sister started taking them about 3 months ago, and has managed to stay well, and not catch everything the kids are bringing home.  Today was my double day as well.  Did my HIIT this morning and then did a good UBWO at gym.  Tomorrow is LBWO with trainer.

Hope you all are doing well, and find your way back to the forum!

God Bless!!

Hey warriors, Tuesday check in :) worked my back good first thing in the AM warmed up on the elliptical for 10 minutes then did some assisted pullups followed by seated rows then hammer strength rows and standing cable rows, then finished with some hammer strength preacher curls. Then went back for part 2 of during my lunch break. Hit it hard with a 6 min tabada using the good ol 24kg kettle then went for my combat routine managed to complete 3 rounds but was completely spent after that. I sooooo love the gyms aerobic room!! during the lunch hour there are no classes so it's completely empty nothing but me my bells and mirrors everywhere lol..  My food has been good and have meals prepped and ready for tomorrow as well...

Anna: Welcome to the ohana you will soon see that "runnermom" and "BDmom" are the pillars that keep this thread going they will definitely help to keep you accountable and are some of the best cheerleaders for sure! O and I am in complete agreement with BD you certainly do look amazing you got this and u picked the right place for accountability and support.

BD: I am on MFP and thanks for the tips on tweaking my settings and profile.. Im still trying to get the exercise posting down as well as my meals in the correct order lol.. Thanks again for mentioning the app I am currently using cardio trainer it's good for recording workouts but I think this one is better for all around pruposes..

Runnermom request sent :) and I hope your tummy issues get better. Glad you were able to get your run in and got some "you" time :)

Well contimplating doing another double or just letting my body have a middle of the week rest (weights wise) and hit the cardio hmm maybe the versaclimber hehe.. anyway I'll be back to let you all know. EVERYONE, stay strong big hearts strong minds.. aloha

Everyone else.. Lets keep it going!

Morning Warriors!

Anna - Welcome to the family!

Island - We are now connected on MFP.  I use it every day...every day...

BD/Runner - Glad you guys are kicking it hard this week!

Cuervo - Where are you?  I know we chatted yesterday off line, but we need to hear from you buddy!  You always motivate because I know you don't cut corners with this....I need your example!

BIG life changing coming for us.  Wendy has been battling some pretty severe ENT related issues for months and months now.  After seeing the specialist this week and another doctor we trust, we feel very confident it is stress related due to her job.  She is a special education teacher, and an AWESOME one at that.  She has worked for an online virtual school for 3 yrs now...it is a very different environment compared to a traidtional school setting.  Long story short she is leaving to get back into the traditional school environment....and it will be the same school system our kids are in.  In the mean time while we are waiting for the opening there she got a job offer that is part time that will take care of our needs.  It will be a transition for us, but we are excited about it.  Bottom line....nothing is worth your health or family, so we are doing what we have to do for her health and our family overall.

Make it happen today Warriors!

Good morning, Warriors! I love checking in here and seeing that so many of you are spanking those weights!

My fusion was successful (don't remember if I posted that or not) and now I have 6 titanium screws and 2 rods locking my lower back in place. I had my 1-month checkup last week and I'm growing new bone and everything looks good. The recovery has totally humbled me. I'm a tough chick with a pretty high tolerance for pain, but these past 5 weeks have shown me who's boss and put me in my place! LOL! We are having beautiful weather today and tomorrow, so I plan to get outside and do some walking. I need to wear a brace any time I'm up and around. It comes all the way to my upper chest to stop me from bending.

Marc would love to have me come back to the gym with him, and I would love to go, but for at least the next two months, I am limited to walking 5 minutes at a time and lifting no more than 10 lbs. I've become painfully familiar with the daytime TV lineup and accustomed to a daily nap.  I'm a shadow of my former strong, weight-spanking self. This is a slow, long recovery and I look forward to getting back my strength and range of motion so I can feel good and feel strong again.

Good morning Warriors!!

I will be leaving in a bit for my workout with my trainer (lower body today).  I then have a few hours to get home and study before one of my mid-terms tonite.  I then have another one tomorrow morning.  Eating has been clean and I've been getting my workouts in!!  

Brick:  So good to see your post.  I am glad that the operation was succesful, and glad that you are doing what needs to be done not to set yourself back.  It is often difficult for those of us who are active to slow down and do what is best of our health.  How is your daughter?  I bet she is taking good care of her mommy.  The gym will always be there waiting for you...don't rush it.  You may not be able to do some of the things you did before, but I have no doubt you will be healthy and strong in no time.  Keep us posted on your progress!!

Parson:  I will be praying for a full-time position to become available soon for you wife.  That is great that she will be in the same school system as the kids.  

Cuervo:  Yeah, what Parson said....where are you?

Island:  Yay, we are friends on MFP!!  I hope you like that site as much as I do.  I guess I get overly excited about it...not sure why, but I love the accountability.  It has the best food database, by far, than any other program I have used.  Let me know if you have any questions maneuvering around the site.

Everyone else...have a fantastic day!!!

BDMom,

Omg , i just spent like 20 mins writing a reply thanking you for the warm welcome and BAM! Nothing... ughhhh.. ok so I'll start over:

Progress: Im in W3 with my new weeks starting on Mondays. In 2 weeks I have improved tons, which I am very proud of. Havent lost much weight - only 3lbs the first week. I have lost a few inches which tells me I am gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time.

I am known for not having any UB strength. Its pretty sad. All of my strength is in my LB. So, I was very excited to find out how quickly and easily I have been able to build my UP strength in just 2wks time. I went from doing my dumbbell bicep curls at 15lbs on the 6reps (from the book - 12-10-8-6-12 up the rack) to doing 25lbs on the 6reps!!! I love this. I feel sooo great that I can see the progress, literally, in my hands. All my WOs are progressing this well, I am just extra excited about the UPWOs.

Diet wise I eat very healthy to begin with. I have celiac disease (so that keeps me from eating most jink food as it is) which has completely whacked out my metabolism so I gain fat very easily if I don't watch it. The disease has slowed down my peristalsis and overall metabolic efficiency which really sucks. I am hopeful that with all the strength training and cardio that my metabolic efficiency will be restored. My GI specialist seems to think it will, so that's good :-)

Goals: I want to have a total body transformation. Get rid of cellulite, bat wings. I want to tone up and get shredded. I also want to build muscle, strength and endurance. Basically, be the best I can be. I think my ultimate goal is to compete in a figure competition.. hopefully by October of this year. I think it's possible if I keep my eyes on the prize.

Okay, so thanks again for the warm welcome BDMom, and everyone else!

By the way, BDMom and Island Dude,

Thank you for the "look amazing" comments :0)

I am about 25lbs over my original size right now.. but even at size 6 i was not where I wanted to be.. still had arm flab and cellulite and my butt was far from firm, lol. Not cool. I actually max out as far as fat gain = weight at about 214.. After I had my daughter I ate whatever I wanted for a couple years and never got over 214 (ice cream, guinness, pizza, you name it... wreckless diet and never worked out). Right now I am 189, and if you go to the very first post in my blog you'll see pics of me at 165/sz6.

So theres a break down of what's going on with my body type. I just really want to be in top shape.. something I've never actually experienced.

According to a figure comp coach I need to be at 145 with 11% body fat to be physically where I want to be... so that's what I am aiming for :0)

Hi Warriors!!!!

I am glad to see so many posts today! I love it when our thread is busy.

Anna: Welcome to the Warriors! Sounds like you are making awesome progress already.  Way to go on the 25 lb bicep curls! Sounds like you have some great goals. This thread is awesome for accountability.

BDMom: I hope you have a good workout with your trainer. Good luck on your  mid-term tonight. Is it already mid-semester? Wow...time is flying! Yes, I am really beginning to think it is all the veggies I eat that are causing my gastro troubles. I eat veggies with almost every meal...even breakfast. Like I said, I might have to tweak some things to see if anything makes a difference, but will most def continue to KEEP IT CLEAN. And yes, I am still taking my probiotics!

Island: So good to see you on MFP!!! It is an awesome sight...I think I am addicted to it!!! I love working out in the aerobics room too at our gym when it is empty. So much space....I go in there a lot and do core exercises, jumproping and walking lunges.

Parson: I will be praying for your wife. I work in special education as well. It is a very rewarding job most days, but just like any other job it has it's ups and downs. I work in the same school system as my children and it is wonderful being on their schedule. I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!!

Brick: Good to hear from you. I hope your recovery goes well. As BDMom said, it is very hard for us Warriors to take it easy, but please let your body heal and give it the time it needs so you can come back and be your BEST!!!!

Well, my gym was pretty empty this morning and no one showed up for the spinning class at 5:30 AM. I don't take it personally b/c the other group fitness class going on at the same time only had 1 participant! Literally I think there were only about 5 people in the whole gym this morning. So, I didn't get my cycling workout in. I decided to be nice and go take the other instructor's class in the aerobics room since she only had one person to do the class. Well, I never speak bad about other instructors, but this class was designed more for beginners and I didn't even break a sweat. I modified things to increase the intensity, but I never really felt like I got my heart rate up. It was a combined class of cardio and weights, but the heaviest weights available in the room were 10#. That just didn't do anything for me. So, I am trying to be positive and think that I did something different and it was still good for my body.....I am having DOMS in my lower body from my 10 mile run on Sunday and then my LBWO yesterday....so if anything it was a very low impact, easy workout. I contemplated going back to the gym this afternoon and doing a treadmill HIIT, but I have a hair appointment and I can't fit in both! So, I will just hit it hard tomorrow and maybe double up again with a HIIT and weights.

Nutrition is packed and clean. One of my co-workers took a picture of me today and posted it on Facebook (and I'm not even on Facebook!) b/c she is always making fun of my huge lunch bag and water bottle! She can't believe that I am my size and that I eat everything I bring in my lunch bag. I always tell them that I will share my clean eating and BFL secrets, but it is very hard to change people who don't want to change!

Hope you have a great day Warriors!!!! Make it count!!!!!

Hi Runnermom,

So how many BFLC's have you done? Are you where you want to be?

I always have to hit the gym on my lunch break b/c of being a single parent and working, my 1st opp is at noon. I time my WOs at exactly 48mins which puts me back at the office a sweaty, stinky mess. Good thing I have a private office and don't really interact with clients ;-)

To compensate for the fact early morning WOs are not in my cards, the only type of nutrition I take in before noon is very simple: Coffee, water, electrolyte drink, vegetable juice (low-sodium) and a protein shake (3gms carbs, 27 gms protein) mixed with water. I *hope* that by doing this I am somehow still getting some of the benefits of working out before the first meal of the day, seeing as how I am not putting solid food requiring hours of digestive processing into my body.

Any thoughts? Does this sound like a decent plan of attack or just plain not a good idea?

Have a great one!

I'm baaaack...but only for a few.  I should be studying!!

Anna:  It sounds as if you have a goal and a plan of attack.  It is always good to have something to work toward.  We have a warrior (KK), who is currently prepping for a fitness comp.  She checks in from time to time and you can certainly pick her brain.  She is great about sharing information that can be helpful to others.  She is working hard, and hasn't been on here as often as she used to be.  I am not sure if the above question was for just runnermom, but I think you need to eat some solid food in the morning. What time do you wake up?  What time is your lunch hour?  You have special dietary needs, I'm sure, but the electrolyte, veggie juice and protein shake are a huge glycemic punch to the system, especially without any solid foods in there.  I would recommend a good breakfast when you wake up.....eggs, oatmeal, greek yogurt; something to get your metabolism rolling.  As long as you aren't eating any solid foods 2-3 hours before your workout, you should be fine.  I would save the protein shake for after your workout.  Drink it within an hour on cardio days, and immediately after or within 30 minutes on weight days.  Also, make sure you are getting in enough calories.  I know BFL is not about calories, and that is why it is so do-able, but you should make sure that you never fall below 1,200 ever on any given day.  You will find, as your challenge progresses, that your body is going to start begging for more food, especially once you tap into that fat burning mode.  I remember being so hungy from weeks 8-12, and I upped my calories, and that is when I saw my best results.  Keep doing what you are doing, and you will continue to surprise yourself with your strength.

runnermom:  what a bummer about your workout.  Maybe it was meant to be that you didn't push yourself too hard today.  Heck, you are just getting over being sick, and running 10 miles last weekend.  I guess an unplanned "lax" workout was just in the cards for you today.  You will kill it tomorrow!!  That is funny about your co-worker and the picture.  People make comments to me all the time, such as, "you never eat, do you?"  Or, "you must not eat much."  It is funny when I have my husband and kids with me, because they always inform them that I eat all the time!!  When Britt was at summer camp last year,  a lot of the girls weren't eating because they are feeling self conscience about their weight, even the skinny girls.  My daughter, who was 12 at the time, told them that it is important that they eat.  She said, "we are growing right now and our body's need the nutrition.  You just have to pick the right foods to eat."  She then said, "have you seen my mom?  She eats all the time."  All the girls were amazed to hear that.  Funny how society is so ill-informed and so many people think they have to starve themselves.  I would rather look lean and fit anyday over looking too thin.

Alright, better go plug my stuff into MFP and then get back to studying!!

Wish me luck!

Hello everyone, I am on week Eleven of C-2. C1 was so long ago I am not sure it even counts since I never completed it. I have been reading this thread but wanted to wait until I felt like a BFL Worrier before I chimed in. Now that it is coming down to the wire on C-2, I am looking for like- minded people to keep the train going down the track.  I have not accomplished all my goals I set for this challange but that has more to do with the body I had to start with and not lack of intensity.  So if I am welcome I would love to join in the group. After all, who doesn’t want to be a Warrior, Wright lol?