Claude - rockin' speed on that trail run, especially if it had hill work. And super-rockin' if there were lots of roots.

Good afternoon Warriors & Happy Hump Day!!!

Lane had her last day at cheer camp, so I got to go watch what they've been working on the past few days.  It was fun.  I did get to the gym and got my weight workout in as well as 20 minutes on the stairclimber.  Tomorrow morning will be Hiit with my new running shoes; can't wait to see how they feel.  My food has been good so far....except for 1 rice krispie (I haven't put that on MFP yet.....I will check in there next).  The girls have friends over right now; they seem to be having fun.  I am so enjoying not having any classes or homework this summer.....maybe too much.  I am registered for my fall classes, so no backing out now...ha.

Claude:  I totally enjoy having my girls home.  I know how time flies, and I can't get these days back.  There are days they have me pulling my hair out, but most days I can't get enough.  The summers fly.  You did great on your run, especially considering you still have pain in your calf.  You may need to just do the bike or something for a few days.  Keep us posted on what Linda finds out on her knee.  I hope they will be able to find something to help relieve the discomfort for her.

runnermom:  I am so jealous!!!!  It sounds like you are having so much fun.  Now that is truly a vacation!!  I am taking my oldest daughter and a friend to the waterpark tomorrow, but it's supposed to be 112 degrees; we'll have to be in the water the entire time..ha.  I figured someone hacked into your system, due to the fact that there was no subject line, it was sent out in the middle of the night, and there was an attachment in it, which I did not open.  I hope chaning your password corrects the problem.  Glad you are getting your workuots in.  Don't worry about the food; it sounds as if most of it is healthy, and you are staying active.

Parson:  I never thought I'd say that I bought Nikes for runners, but I did.  It was a toss-up between those and asics.  I have several pairs of nike tennis shoes, and I wouldn't consider running in any of them.  The ones I got are so comfortable and solid though.  One of the employees there runs marathons and owns several pairs of shoes, and this is one she highly recommended.  They did make custom insoles for me, so that will help.  They do have a 90-day no question asked return policy, so if I find these aren't cutting it, I can exchange them for the asics down the road.  Cousins is a local sub shop; I think mostly in SW states.  I actually had a salad with grilled chicken and fat-free raspberry vin. dressing.  It is official, you got up and got that run in...good job!!  Why do you feel like you need more water?

Island:  Yay for you.  Yes, it sounds lke you have a few weeks to get those pullups down.  You can do it...no problem.  Sorry about the blisters.  Do you not wear any gloves when you lift?  I know it's macho for guys to lift without.  I wear them so I don't get rough hands, and they help me with my grip.  Sounds like things are coming together for you.  Good job!!  Didn't you find some help at work?  I thought you all hired some more people.  I emailed you a copy of the Warrior email list.

Better get the doggies fed, and check on the kiddos.

Have a good one!!!

Good morning Warriors,

Went to the gym did a UBWO last night and hot tub, sauna felt soo good. Haven't done an UBWO in so long using free weights I'm sure my body was in shock.lol May go back to that not sure. I will talk to Kristy when I have my training session on Mon. Looking forward to that. My routine is starting to get old nwo time for a change.

Mythmere,

There are some roots and my gait is constantly changing.

Heading out to work now.

Have a great day .

Morning Warriors!

UBWO is done!  I ended up with a training partner about half way through my workout.  My little boy showed up to help finish the workout!  Decent workout overall.  Not to beat a dead horse, but I can tell I'm ready for a break.  I have to keep telling myself that the longterm is so much more important than ANY short term gains or progress.

BDMom - I don't think I need more water necessarily, but mentally drinking a bit more helps me stay focused.  It's as easy as keeping a full glass at my work desk during the day.  An extra 30-40oz just seems to help me stay on top of each meal if you know what I mean.  I hope the run in the new shows goes well.

Runner - Do you still have family visiting?  I've been thinking ahead to my vacation.  You mentioned dinner and deserts being a little off plan.  Part of the family we are visiting will include anything but normal eating...the other half will be near a non issue.  Whatever it is, I don't plan on stressing too much.  No need to stress on vacation right?

Fit, Island, WPBill, Cuervo, Claude, etc etc...have a great day!  Remember - take all of this one day at a time.  Enjoy it all along the way.  This exercise/fitness stuff we do is supposed to enhance our lives, not add stress to it!  I appreciate everyone of you.  All of you motivate and encourage me sooo much!!!

Good Morning Warriors!!

I will be taking Delaney to a summer camp she wanted to attend this morning, and then will take Brittany and one of her friends to the waterpark.  Her friend will then spend the night.  So, this is probably the only opportunity I will have to check in.  I got my HIIT in this morning.  The shoes felt a little bit like they were slipping at the ankles at first, but seemed to correct.  We will see...the true test is how my feet feel over the next few days.  I won't run again until next week since I am doing weights tomorrow, and will spin in place of HIIT on Saturday.  So that will give me a few days to see if I have any aches/pain associated with the run.

Parson:  How sweet of your son to come help you push through the end of your workout.  Our bodies definately know when we need a break.  We need to listen more closely sometimes.  I know the only time I take time off is for vacation or if I get sick.  I am sure that the extra water will help with the drop in calories for you right now as well.  I noticed on MFP, that your macros aren't set at 40/40/20.  Do you always eat more carbs than protein?  Did you mention where you are going on vacation?  I can't keep track..ha.  Runnermom is at the beach with her parents, sisters & their familiies for a week.  

Claude:  Great job getting that workout in.  If you are bored with your workout; it is definately time to change things up.  Your body will respond so much better if you trick it.  Why have you backed off free weights?  Be sure to get that workout in today and get those healthy meals in.

Everyone else................hope you are rockin it.

Have a great day!

Greetings and Salutations Fellow Warriors,  I reached one of my milestones today, I went for my followup Wellness Checkup Blood test at the local clinic to be used for my evaluation next week by  my physician and the form he has to fill out. (they need LDL/HDL etc for the form ) If I succeed (I plan to) then the company will put another $100 in my check at a future date for meeting a healthy BMI (the doc and I have already discussed what would be a great weight versus BMI for me since we all know that BMI is soooo acurate with us folks that lift (NOT).. Keep you posted on what happens there. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get home from WDW to the gym last night due to local traffic and weather(accidents and rain) by the time I got there I was REALLY ready to de-pressurize with a good solid UBWO for week 11 of my C3... did that and done. One minor problem trying to get an Inclined bench for my starting Dumbell presses (now up to 55lbs each arm on that one) but not a road block, simply pulled up the smith rack bench and used that one in a tight space but ...gitter done!!  BDMOM: Hope the heat wave isn't too bad for y'all up there.  Have some fun with the kids when they are out and enjoy your summer activities but stay hydrated!!! Best wishes on your classes in the fall too!  Parson:  Kids are such an inspiration when it comes to working out aren't they? (wish more kids would get involved with active activities, saw some stats on the news today about the obesity problem with kids again).  Keep up those inspirational workouts, and I can relate to wanting to workout at home instead of a gym sometimes.  Claude: Hope you get better soon on that one problem.  Kudos for trying to bet back into the workouts despite the problem.  RunnerMom: Have a great, fun , healthy and safe vacation with the kids.  I won't be taking mine until August on our anniversary week.  I have to leave July open for 20th celebrations for my time at WDW . I have 20 years with the MOuse on Jul 2nd and hopefully a nice party that week with the special ring that should be coming my way (14kt white gold with MM and my hire date on it and initials too).  Islanddude:  It would help you to wear some gloves if the kettlebells are doing a job on your hands.  I do wear the fingerless type but not with the wrist support because I am trying to toughen up my wrist area for higher weights in the future or more reps sometimes. I just found out that they serve thge Dole WHip in our Polynesian hotel downstairs. Might take a treat on that one on Free day sometime. Thanks for your encouragement Everyone during my current C3,  I have just one week left after this one and I do feel like I have made some serious improvements (down one swimsuit size from WL to L now) and advancements in strenght and size as well.  A little different on the results this time, trying to tone up more as well. Best wishes for a great week and enjoy your Free days as well. Keep Moving Forward!!!

Hey warriors! Well it''s almost the end of the week folks! I have been hitting my wo's not skippin a beat I had my LBWO wednesday and man I almost overdid it lol.. on the leg press I have been staying at 780 for 12 I decided to up it with 2 more 45lb plates which took it to 870... staring at the weight I decided what the hell.. lets just make it an even 900 so I added 30 more lbs to the sled and went for it telling myself that I WAS GONNA GET 10! By rep 8 my legs were on fire down for rep 9 pushed holding on to the hand grips for dear life got it up took a few seconds to tell myself that I said I was gonna get 10! Down I went again.. pushed and got stuck.. doubt filled my mind for about a half second and I stared up to wave for help and something in me refused I gripped the handgrips and pushed with everything I had I literally felt like my neck and face were gonna pop but I managed to push the sled past the lock and locked it back into place.. I hit a true 10 on rep 10 Man I stood up and the let what just happened sink in.. A huge yet quiet victory for me.. I was happy and a little dizzy lol.. I then super setted hack squats with some stiff legged deadlifts and finished with 5 sets of floor wipers.. Did 2 kettlebell cirtuits with both the 24KG bell and 16KG bell.. also did a snatch sprint basically snatching that 24KG till I was about to pass out lol.. managed to get 50, 25 on each hand.. IDK how long it took me but it was non stop.. I drenched the floor around me.. another good day..

Runner: Glad to see you are enjoying your QT with the family and enjoy those desserts you earned it!

Claude: Glad you got that WO in and change is always good keeps things fresh and even better keeps the body guessing which in turn spells GAAAINNNS!! :) You make trail running sound like so much fun. I gotta start to look into that here I know there is soo much some scenery change might do me good too instead of the roadside or the TM.. Keep rockin!

Parson: That is wonderful that you ended your W/O with a partner :) I'm trying to get my son more active he will exercise but only because im making him my daughter on the other hand is a soldier lol... Hopefully he will catch on soon ..

BD: sounded like you have had a busy day for sure.. I never ever trained with gloves and yes my ego gets in the way sometimes from purchasing a pair.. from work as well I have had very rough hands but ever since I got back into weights plus work my hands take a real beating.. especially my calluses with kettlebelling and Deadlifting back to back I tear them up pretty bad.. This weekend I shall look into getting a pair.. as far as work yes we hired a new guy and this is his final week of training so by next week I should be back on track with a full staff on my day shift.. believe me I am soo loooking forward to maybe actually taking a lunch break where I can actually leave and take lunch lol..

Bill: Congrats on the Milestone!! What a great gift of appreciation from WDW! Also way to go on gettin it done at your gym we warriors will find a way lol.. I gotta see if I can find some of that "dolewhip" here sounds mighty tempting lol.. Finish strong!!

O yeah one more story for you guys.. well I officially broke my first kettlebell yesterday too.. I planned on filming myself doing some circuit training to send to my cousin to follow so since it was pouring rain I did it on the loading dock at work.. perfectly quiet and just rain in the background.. The first round I was gonna do a 10 minute circuit managed to get to minute 9 and the bell slipped outta my hand.. so I started all over again.. and again at minute 9 was doing figure 8's between the legs and was gonna "try" and get fancy making a transition by coming around the leg bringing it to the front of my body flipping it catching it and placing it on the ground to do pushups on it.. *note I have done this before lol well didn't flip it quite right missed it AGAIN, and this time the handle landed just right on the concrete below and CRASH 2 seperate pieces went in 2 different directions.. on the playback u can hear me AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! hahaha my heart was broken for a lil while thankfully it was on clearence from walmart so not much of a setback.. I am planning on ordering 1 or 2 more from amazon they actually ship free to hawaii!! Walmart.com dosent anymore :( booo! It all depends on the funds available but at least a 40# will be ordered.. anyway hope that brought a laugh out.. :) O yes It's 430 gym opening and shoulders and biceps day MY FAVORITE!!  Stay strong warriors!!!

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLoooooooooooooooooooHHHHHHHHHHHHHHaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

Happy Friday Warriors!

Bill - Awesome job on the BMI and physical side.  That is what this is all about...improving our health and quality of life!

Island - Way to hit that 10!  I always look for your posts before I head into my garage and this one fired me up for my leg workout!

I had a couple of times this AM where I almost said I'm just gonna give up, but I kept going and finished the workout...every rep I had committed to at the beginning was hit!

That said...what is your mentality going into and during your workouts?  A lot of times I try to stay calm - kind of a "I got this with no problem" mentality if you would.  I need to work on that I think and get a little more fired up and angry.  This morning on my last set of squats I was supposed to get 280 for 5 reps.  At rep 3 I almost said, "i'll just quit now and try again next week..."  But something hit and I got aggravated!  I got a little grunt going and got mad at the weights and nailed it!  I guess I need to work on my Warrior attitude some!!!

Have a great weekend Warriors!  I get to play Mr. Mom with Wendy going out of town!  

Cuervo - enjoy the vacation and your birthday next week!!!!

Hi Warriors!

Quick check in from the beach. We only have one more day before we head home. I love being on vacation but also love being home and on a schedule.

I ran 5 miles on the beach this morning! It was awesome! My legs are getting tired though from running everyday. I am ready to get back to my strength workouts and more cardio cross training!

My eating has still been okay during the day but I tend to lose control in the evenings. None of our dinners have been healthy and of course there are desserts every night. I know I will get back to it once I am home but I am scared to get on the scale on Sunday! Oh well I know exactly what to do to get back on track. I will most likely start a new challenge when I get back. I need to do something different to shake things up!

Have a great Friday Warriors! I will have more time for personals next week.

On my way out the door, so this will be brief.....

runnermom:  If you do a challenge when you get home, let me know...I might join you.  I was just thinking I need to do something to re-motivate me; I am just gettin by right now, and I know it is because the kids are out of school and I haven't been eating as good as I should, and I think I am mentally rushing through my workouts because I feel bad leaving them home for very long,etc....guess I need a kick in the behind!

Parson:  You've got that vacation mentality starting to kick in.  It is tough to stay motivated when you are so ready for a break.  Way to push through this morning.  I need to work on my warrior attitude and ability as well.  Seems I am slacking!

Island:  After reading your post, I realized how long it's been since I truly hit a 10 when working out; I have to work on getting back to that place again.  Sorry, but I did laugh at your kettlebell story.  I can just picture that, you crying with the rain falling in the background (ha ha).....Sorry though.  I am glad you can get it replaced without having to pay shipping.  I love Amazon!

WPBill:  I can't wait to hear h ow your appt. goes; please do keep us posted.  I cannot believe you are wrapping up another challenge soon.  WTG!!!  So proud of you.  You have been so committed and have really followed through with those workouts.  Wow, Happy Anniversary to you and Mickey.  That is Awesome!!!

K...gotta go braid Delaney's hair and get her to camp.

Will check in later.

Have a fabulous Friday!!!!

Don't have time to re-read, so excute any typos....

Hey PEEPS!! Quick phone check in post boulder shoulder workout :-) got those 70 lb dumbells up for 10 today military press on my last set hit my shoulder circuit after that 4 sets and finished with some standing biceps curls 40lb dumbbells supersetted with hammer strength behind the neck militarys topping off at 90 lbs on each side!! Great day indeed!! It's aloha Friday warriors!!! Herds to a great weekend!! Aloha!8

Wow, where is everyone??  I hope you are all having a great weekend!!!

I went to my sister's gym with her this morning (Mountainside Fitness) to take a spinning class. I went early to help her through an upper body workout.  She doesn't feel totally comfortable doing free weights by herself.  Well, a trainer approached me, and told me that I can't be training clients at their gym.  I told him that I wasn't, and that I was just helping my sister with her workout.  He said, "well then you need to be working out with her too since it appears that you are training her."  I told him that I wasn't interested in working out since I was going to be taking a spinning class and training with my trainer later in the day.  He was so rude and nasty; the situation could have been handled differently.  The same thing happened there a few years ago when I was working with my sister and brother-in-law; they basically asked me to leave.  My sister said that if they are worried about the liabiltiy; she feels more comfortable with me there helping her than being there not knowing how to use the equipment.  Three other members approached my sister and me today and said that it was not right, and that they obviously feel threatened.  There isn't any competition for them on that part of town, so they feel they can get away with that, I guess.  They have even told groups of people working out together that they can't do that there.  So, as nice of a gym as it is, I really don't want to go back there.  They charge a lot of money for a membership, and then really could care less about their members' health or happiness.  It's just a corporate money maker, like most places. He was so petty too; he went back to his client, and was pointing at me and talking about me, and then continued doing that with other trainers when he was done with his client.  So.......................I am boycotting Mountainside Fitness!!!

I was really peeved, so I took it out in the spinning class, and got a great workout in.  I then went and did a LBWO with my trainer.  I know my legs & butt will be feeling it tomorrow.  

Eating has been good today!

Island:  Great workout!  Love the shoulder boulder term!!

runnermom:  Are you home yet?  Have you faced the scale?  Do you want to do another challenge?  I'll join you.  I am thinking of starting one on July 2nd.  We don't have too much going on for 4th of July, so I'd be fine with starting then.  I need a structured challenge to get my head back in the game!!  I am thinking of doing a full 12-week challenge, so it would end on September 23rd.  Are you game?  Anyone else?

K...guess I have rambled enough.  Time to clean and get laundry done!  Seems like I am always doing laundry.

Have a great weekend, Warriors!!

Good Morning Warriors,

WPBill,

Sounds like your just about to wrap up another challenge and right on track, WTG on the DB Press. A gain is a gain nothing wrong there.There are not too many people in this day and age that have been able to stick with the same company for as long as you have enjoy your time in the spot light. Youv'e earned it. Sounds like they know how to treat their employees that's also a bonus. I sort of get the BMI thing they are trying to do when it boils right down if everyone follows you they will save big time on insurance premiums and hopefully pass some of that back to the employees. Your last week as you said gitter done and will be wiating at the finish line to cheer! Funny things happening up here on July 2 this year as CANADA DAY falls on a Sunday July 1 Stat. holiday. All the stores have decided since they are normaly open on Sunday's up here they will be open a full day and close on the 2. So that sucks for those employees. As far as I'm concerned this is a time to spend celebrating being CANADIAN with friends and family since this is the Nations Capital maybe go up to the Parliment Hill as the buses are free for this event. Sign of the times. Julie works for Walmart that's how I know this they haven't advertised it yet that should start tomorrow. She will be with her family as always.

Island,

Holy Crap, 900# , the highest I got on a similar machine was 300# and unlike you I had to get help as I was stuck and just didn't have any juice in the tank and had to wait for one of my co-workers to finish on the TM and help me. I tried and could only get half way. After that I have never been stuck since so far on the leg press and reached 320#. It was very hard on me mentally having to ask for help. lol. That was a while ago. You should be able to get that KB welded. That was a true 10 congrats. Now that is intensity. I need to put my Warrior face on NOW! I love hearing about your adventures on this journey always up beat and colourful. I love running outside now with my tunes, yrs. ago I would try and run outside but the sound of the car tires would make me feel like I had to go fast and I would burn out shortly after starting and I would quit. Now I can block that out with my tunes and all is great. I enjoy the challenge every run brings on the trail no 2 runs are the same. There's a tobogan hill we go to in the winter I want to try using that for part of my training. I noticed that there was a soccer team using it. When I do I'll be sure to take a picture and post it. Hope to get Chris to come to KB Class with me soon as of Mon. he starts training with Kristy. He's not too thrilled about getting oiut of bed at 8:30 on Sat. to do this so hoping he will join me.

Parson,

Great job on staying comitted to your wo. To your question this is what I try and do especially when I am wo alone and will try to do this when in class. Background, I took a spinning class and the instructer encouraged the class to ride in the moment and to mentally find your zen moment. Meaning to stay calm and focus on the movement and your breathing and being one with the bike. He also said that in doing so you will be able to push further than you ever thought possible. Well I thought I was in some wierd yoga spinning class and this guy was a nut job. So he did his thing and I did mine. Then I did TRX and guess who was teaching that the same nut job go figure so I said to myself whateve and did the class. He also helped me in KB Class with the same sort of speech. Well months later I was training by myself and the light bulb went off and it all became clear and I started to find my zen moment and was able to focus on the task at hand and push that little bit harder to get that extra rep in. The next time I saw him I let him know that I finally got what he was saying about getting in the moment and making your wo's count. Thanks for helping me remember that sort of got off track a little while ago. Going back to Zen!

Runner,

I lost track where I was in this challenge mainly because I stopped writing down in my book and went on MFP for tracking my wo's. I know your vacatiopn was great. Now I don't think you've gianed that much. So hop on the scale and let us know. lol.

BD,

Is this place a franchise or a one of a kind. If ever one of the trainers at my gym ever did that he would be in for an ear full and so would the management team. Not just from me but from everyone who would be in ear shot I'm sure. It seems at our club the trainers and the customers have a great relationship and are always looking for feedback and if you are getting help from someone I have noticed that they keep an eye on you from a distance I guess to ensure you are using proper form and if you ask they will help out at no extra cost. That's how it should be in this bussiness. That trainer would not last 2 minutes. If I were your sister I would be all over management on this and put a stop to it and make sure this guy stays as far away from her. Just reading this has my blood boiling and all fired up. With this kind of thing going on this place won't last once another gym opens up.

As for me not using free weights. Well I decided to concentrate on balance and flexibility this time around as I sucked in both areas according to my trainer. Kristy. So I have made slow progress there but none the less progress. Was getting board just lifting also was told that lifting heavy weights was hard on the joints. So I figured my body is the heaviest weight I will be pushing around so that's what I decided to do to change things up. The one part I didn't do due to laziness was an ab wo which is going to change as this was a mistake on my part. I will have my last session with Kristy on Mon. @ 5  pm. Hopefully she will have a new routine for me, including abs and weights. As she comented that I should have been using some weights as part of my routine when I emailed her what I was doing a couple of weeks ago hence this session. I guess she feels we need to get some things sorted out. I am finally starting to get this nutrition thing I think as far as getting what I need in before and after my wo's to maximize my performance and recovery a work in progress. I'm ALL IN FOR JULY 2, what better way to start not sure if the gym is open but will do something anyway. My goal will be to get all my wo's in this time around and use both my wo book and MFP.

Accounability,

Had a great KB Class yesterday this class really kicks my ass in a good way. Yesterday we were told that the class was all about hating the instructer.lol We did warm up stetching then 3 sets, Pushups 15,10,5 slow,fast,faster.Jumping Jack 25 same way. Running on the spot high knees. Sumo Squats 25 x 3 when finished into a low plank and hold until last person in the class was done only allowed to drop to knees if your back was hurting. Burpees with a pushup and a jump and slap your knees as many as you could do in 2 min. Alternating Shoulder Press 25 each arm with two different weights I used 16k & 20K then switch sides and 25 more nearly died and was told by the instucter to finish with 16k did as many as I could went to failure. Low plank again.Burpees again 2 min. Then laying on your back KB held under your chin in craddle position,Knees bent lift butt off the floor,lift opposite arm off the floor,lift opposite leg off the floor then press  KB up and on the way down have arm extended out from your body and do 25 each side as heavy as you can go. For me that meant 15 with 20k and 10 with 16k. Plank again followed by the flavor of the day Burpees. Ended with deadlifts hams are sore today. Stretching the end. Soaking wet and wet and did more stretching followed by my favorite part of my wo, hot tub, sauna. Done. Feeling it all over today. Almost forgot my calf made it through the whole wo.  Need to get into my zen for this class for sure. Also the instructer talked about what to eat before this class which was good. I figured it out the hard way. The Sat. before I had 2 scrambled eggs, 3 oz. cheese and could feel it all through the class. I knew I ate too heavy. This time I had a 40 oz. fruit smoothie 1.5 hrs. before and on my way about a half hr. before an enegry drink. I use Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer I need all the help I can get.lol

It's 90 Degrees here another coffee then take the dogs for a walk and jump in the pool.

Have a great day everyone keep pushing it.

Claude

Hi Warriors!!!!

I AM BACK!!!! And I am back with a vengeance!!!!!

In response to your inquiring minds....I gained 5 lbs on vacation last week!  Like BDMom has said, it only took me a week to put on 5 lbs, but it will take me at least a month to lose it...uugghh!!! I am very disappointed with my lack of control, but with that being said, I am starting a new challenge TODAY! I have to have structure or I have no control. My body literally hurt this morning all over...my skin hurt, my joints ached, I had terrible headaches all week, my mood was poor, and my breast tenderness from my fibrocystic disease returned (probably TMI for you male Warriors but just trying to make a point here!). I am convinced that poor nutrition and sugar wreak havoc on my body. I don't think I am being hard on myself. I think that everyone's body responds a little differently to nutrition, and my body definitely responds poorly to processed foods and sugar.

BDMom: I am so sorry that happened to you at your sister's gym. That is just terrible. I don't blame you for boycotting that gym. I don't understand why people have to be that way. I just think they must have very unhappy lives to act that way. In response to your question, I am starting a new challenge today...well, it will officially start tomorrow, but in my mind I am starting today. I know that July 4 is coming up, plus I have another vacation in a couple of weeks, but I am determined to stay on the plan. The way my body felt over the past few days has convinced me that this has to be for LIFE and that I cannot afford to lose control for any amount of time. I just got back from the grocery store and stocked up on lots of clean foods. I am adding back chia seeds to my daily regimen too. I am going to research some new workouts today...I really need to shake things up. I would still like to build more mass in my legs, and continue to improve my upper body strength. My abs/core are always part of my goals as well! I will email you with some more specifics....

Claude: My last challenge officially ended yesterday, although I can't say that the last week counted as a very good Week 12! I really didn't keep up with the challenge this time around, but I use a workout journal and last week was week 12 from the time I had started the journal. I made good progress, with the exception of the past week. It just goes to show you, though, how fast things can get ruined when you let your nutrition slide. Lesson learned!

Island: Your workouts are killer! Please come to NC and be my trainer...HA!!!! I really need someone to push me in the weight room. I guess I should look into getting a trainer again, the trouble last time I looked into it was none of the trainers wanted to train me at 5:30 in the morning. I really have to keep that schedule due to my kids and my husband's work schedule. I thought about you last week as I ran on the beach....it was so beautiful and such a different workout than pounding the pavement or treadmill!

Parson: I am always motivated during my workouts, mainly b/c I workout in the mornings and my mood in the mornings is always UP. Plus, I always workout with music and music is a TOTAL motivator for me. I do have to say though that when I was at the beach and I was limited to what I could do, my motivation starting going down by the end of the week b/c I was getting tired of running and missed my strength workouts. As I've said many of times, I like being on a schedule and do very well with routine. So, as long as I am on my routine, I am totally motivated and dedicated. I think we all have "blah" days, though...if we didn't, we wouldn't be normal!

I got up early this morning and ran a 10k outdoors. The weather here was perfect....60 degrees and cool. The first part of my run was super tough, as my body really hurt, but after the first few miles I settled in and finished strong. I kept telling myself I was getting the poison out of my body! Then, I came home and my husband and I walked the dogs around the neighborhood and it was a good cool down for me. I plan to start tomorrow with UBWO. I still plan to do 4 strength trainings per week...2 upper and 2 lower per week. That has worked really well for me the past few months.

Have a great rest of your weekend Warriors! I'm about to go make a big salad for lunch. I just got some fresh okra...yum yum! The girl at the checkout was from NJ and had to ask me what the okra was....she didn't even know what it was to put the code in the register. She said "it must be a southern thing". HA!

Quick check in.  It's been a pretty quiet day around here; just a lot of food prep, laundry and housework..never ends.  I am sore from my workout with my trainer yesterday..I love that feeling.

Claude:  Yay; I'm glad you are ready for a challenge too.  I am going to use this week to figure out what my goals are for this challenge.  I did tape measurements with my trainer yesterday, and will do pictures this week, as well as do my weight and body fat next weekend.  I know one of my main goals is going to be to get away from sugar!  I am glad you feel the same way about my gym encounter; my blood was boiling.  Sounds like you had a great KB workout.  So glad your calf is hanging in there.

runnermom:  I hear you.  I think when our bodies get accustomed to eating a certain way, and we throw them off; they rebel.  I know the first few days of vacation, I typically have a stomach ache.  I am glad that you are back and back at it.  I guess you will just be a week ahead of us for your challenge, and that's just fine.  You have to do what works for you!  I just bought okra last week at a farmer's market here.  I like to boil it and eat it with some smart balance butter and salt.  My husband and girls think it is disgusting!

K....I am going to the gym tomorrow for a weight workout and a spinning class.  I haven't heard great things about this instructor, but don't want to judge until I try her myself.  If I don't like her style; I'll just modify it.  I am then going to take the girls to the mall and to go see Madagascar III.  

I will check in tomorrow when I have a few minutes.

Have a great week!!!