Hi everyone!

**1hdhawk and roosed--thanks for the kind words of encouragement.  All that a big weight loss up front means is that I have A LOT of weight to lose.  I have some aggressive goals to hit before the end of the year.  I am not sure if they are totally realistic, but I have it out in front of me day and night nonetheless.  I have lost about 20, but I still have 50 to go on this challenge...and more in the challenge after that.  Thanks for all of the encouragement!

I also learned a valuable lesson about free days yesterday.  I must BEWARE of sugar.  It takes me living a healthy lifestyle for a little while, and then having a little bit of an over the top free day to realize just how crappy that lifestyle makes me feel.  Sugar is not my friend, and I need to find substitutes for it...even on free days.  I really believe that my body does not process highly refined sugars very well.  All day, I was crabby, irritable and tired.  I really don't want to pay that price just so I can have a bowl of ice cream.  Just thought I would share my experience...can anyone else in Q4 land relate?  

Cheers and Happy Monday to you all!

Marcus

Marcus -- I can totally relate.  I have a sugar addiction and that is the ONE thing that gets me off track.  I haven't missed a workout yet and I have always eaten fairly clean despite the sugar.  Put some cookies or chocolate in front of me and I am a goner.  I had some candy over the weekend and kept wondering why I felt so sluggish.  I think that is it!  I have also noticed that I don't think I can process sugar that well from a GI perspective....and yet, I ignore it.  Addiction, I guess.  Congrats on the 20#!  That is AMAZING.

1hdhawk:  I hear you about WI.  They beat my Buckeyes....;-(  KEEP up with the workouts!!!!

Roosed: Congrats on the inches lost!!!! And for keeping up with BFL while putting in so many hours at work.

I took my measurements yesterday (finally).  I wrote them in the same spot as I did my other 3 half attempted challenges.  I think I had ONE measurement that was lower, but most were higher.  It killed me that I am actually bigger now than 1 year after I gave birth to my son.  UGH.   Oh well.  MOVING FORWARD!!

WEek 4 here I come.

Marcus,

Way to go pushing yourself and reaching those goals! You have awesome progress and I’m sure it’s in part to setting and reaching your goals! Jen and I set new goals each week…we may not always reach them and some may even be ‘unrealistic’, but at least we have a vision and know where we want to go….we’ll ALL get there eventually!!! The journey starts though by actually knowing where we want to go! I see those 50 lbs falling off you by the end of this challenge…reach for the stars!!!

Roosed,

Man, I know how much stress of any kind can wreak havoc with a fitness plan, but you are showing great strength and stamina by sticking to your plan through it all!!! Work will soon return to normal and you’ll be ALL the better for not caving and sticking to your guns!!!

Hawk,

You are rocking the challenge and doing AWESOME…Way to go getting ALL the workouts in this week!!!

FREE DAY sugar danger!!!

Funny this is being brought up cause normally I don’t crave any ‘sweet’stuff, but last weekend’s ‘free day’ I ate pancakes with ‘syrup’ pumpkin pie and an apple fritter with powdered sugar…I felt like total crap the next day and it HAS to be because of the sugar. My normal ‘free days’ are not filled with ‘sugar’ as much as they are just more calories and if anything…more dairy…I love me some cheese!!! So now that I think about it that is the one and main difference in last week’s ‘free day’ and others…the sugar! So yeah, I think it must surely have a bad effect on our bodies and will be something I will be watching closely in the future! I do have a small piece of dark chocolate most every day, however…when I say small, I mean REALLY small and it’s not really sweet at all…it has CACAO nibs and it’s not much sugar content at all. It’s just the perfect end to a wonderful healthy meal! If you research cacao (stuff chocolate is made out of)  you'll find that it's actually VERY healthy and full of 'good stuff' for our bodies!!!

Jen and I took progress pictures yesterday and posted them on our blog and we also finally did measurements. I actually gained a pound this week, Jen lost another pound and she has lost 5 inches in her waist and I have lost 4!!! We are feeling great…had a nice ‘free day’ and are hitting it HARD this week!!!

Make this the BEST week yet Q4 crew!!!

~Rob

Marcus~you are doing amazing!  Wow, keep up the great work!

Rob and Jen~ Your blog is really inspiring!  Thanks for sharing with us.  You are making GREAT progress!

Hello Everyone!

Well....I kinda fell off the wagon last week.  OK, maybe I jumped off, but after some soul searching, I am here and ready.  But I am "starting over" again at week one.  So, I'll just keep on going after the New Year.  Sooo....I'm laying it all out on the line.  

Starting Point:  Weight:  167 lbs, Hips: 38.5, Thigh: 24.25, Waist: 37, Butt:  42, calf: 15

I took a picture of myself in a pair of jeans that I would love to fit into by NYE.  Every week I will take another picture.  I am hoping this will motivate me like it did last time.  I bought a pair of jeans that were 4 sizes smaller and it took me about 6 months to get into them and I thought it would be impossible.  It was the greatest feeling to get them on.  

Goal overall:  Around 148 lbs and size 6 jeans.

Goal this week:  Get in all the workouts, eat clean.  On my free day I will enjoy it, but skip the sugar.  It tends to reek havoc on me and it's hard to get back into the swing of things after eating it.  It is truly an addiction to me.

If I can figure it out and get up enough guts I will post my jean picture.  The accountability will be good for me, lol!

Thanks for all your motivation!  You are all doing amazing!

Kelly, I have yet to take my measurements and am only down a few pounds. I just keep thinking something will start to move in the downward motion at some point so I'll keep plugging along.

I had way more carbs than normal yesterday due to the birthday celebrations. I kept the portions small, but the bod isn't used to it. Within an hour I was in a carb coma and took a nap. Woke up with a headache and felt tired all day. I completely agree about the sugar thing. I have to avoid it big time. If I overdo it I feel tired and it causes migraines for me.

I'm headed down to my home gym shortly to do my LBWO. Since I'm somewhat pi**ed at a coworker it should be a great stress reliever. Let's just say she takes as much time as my special ed. students. I've tried to teach her how to do things, but she just doesn't get it. I'll be spending my evening writing out a schedule for the day, minute by minute. Frustrating. She keeps getting passed around because no one thinks she does a good job, yet we don't seem to be able to just kick her to the curb. She's nice enough, but she's clueless! OK, vent over, thanks for listening.

Off to workout then work on work!

Okay, so far this week is getting off okay. Workouts & diet have both been decent so far! For those of you who say you’ve blown it, fell off the wagon, & are starting over…it’s your call but this is “For Life” remember? Life happens!!! I’ve already made my mind up that there will be another challenge lighting up 02 January 2011 (I refuse to start on New Year’s Day LOL) so consider yourselves pre-invited to the march back to fitness. If this is truly “For Life” there aren’t any DO-OVERs, just ROCK ONs!!! One other thread I apologize for missing out on earlier was in regards to protein bars, calories & carbs. I MUST caution y’all (based upon personal experience) calories suck but carbs are plain evil. Now, don’t get me wrong, like BfL says, you need “X” carbs per day to function BUT in surplus they give you the sugar / carb hangovers I’ve noticed several of your mentioning in regards to free day or Halloween. That’s why Mr. Phillips has switched to recommending 3-4 free meals spread across the week instead of bombing your bod all in one day since it has been proven that too many carbs at once put your metab to sleep, defeating the purpose of the 6 small meals daily! You need to really watch protein bars as they like to hide the sugar as alcohol carbs which are pure evil!!! When I was heavily utilizing protein bars during my early efforts I wasn’t getting anywhere but since I’ve cut them out, except for one healthy “youbar” daily, & began utilizing clean “real food” which requires more energy to digest & isn’t loaded with carbs my progress has improved. Just take it for what it’s worth! I have slept at a Holiday Inn express before!!!

Martuc, congrats on your awesome progress man & good luck with your aggressive goals just make sure they are at least reasonably attainable so you don’t set yourself for a bummer let down if you go SO far, like you’ve already begun, but miss an unrealistic goal & burn out! You’re doing phenomenally well, don’t let perfect get in the way of better!!!

KellyW, I’ve got a personal favor to ask of YOU! Keep taking those measures, keep posting them in that same spot BUT stick with us darlin! No more ½ challenges…OKAY??? Lets make this one THE one that makes the rest of them a passion "For Life!!!" Promise?!?!?

Rob & Jen, I hear ya on the sugar hangovers! The Mrs talked me into a couple Hershey Kisses & a teeny tiny Nestle Crunch Halloween bar late Friday night & I awoke Saturday morning with a melon ache from purgatory! I’m positive it was the sugar &/or the chocolate. I’ve never had problems like that before BUT I was eating garbage like that all the time so the bod was used to it.

Utah!!! "Wagons Ho" girl!!! No jumping off allowed! We all fall off now & then, that’s what we’re here for…to pick each other back up & charge ahead! Post up those jeans pics so we can all cheerlead for ya when they’re too loose to wear!

1HDHawk, you really really really need to take those measures young lady! I’m sure as hard as you’ve been working it that you’d see more progress there than the scale tells & the de-motivation factor from a slow scale can be a killer if you don’t see “The Rest Of The Story!!!” Been there, done that, burnt the tee shirt LOL! BTW, pi**ed works in the gym pretty well if you can focus it BUT look at YOU…pi**ed at her but writing her a guide to help her out. You’re a gem even if you won’t admit it!!! You might be writing it because it’ll make your life easier as well but if you weren’t a great gal you’d just let her drown hoping the replacement would be better. Rock on young lady!!! You’re awesome!

Keep grinding crew! We’re in the second trimester! Time to kick it up a notch so Santa doesn’t sneak up & catch us flat footed Christmas morning!!!

Hi Everyone!  I love the energy that is rolling in our group right now!  It's so great to hear the encouragement and wisdom-share!  It sounds like I am not the only one that has an issue with SUGAR.  I am looking for a free day sugar replacement.  I would like to start replacing some of my free day pitfalls with something a bit more healthy.  Nothing worse than a FREEDAY HANGOVER.  

My pit fall has been ice cream in the past.  Any healthy replacement suggestions?  Again, I am talking free day replacement suggestions.  

Roosed--Thanks for the nugget about attainable goals.  I cannot agree more.  I also know that I am capable of a lot more than I sometimes give myself credit for.  I want to make sure that I stretch myself enough that it inspires me, but not so much that I am demoralized if I don't hit it.  It's a delicate balance for sure.  I am still shooting for my 50 by the end of the year.  Let's see what I can do.  I love what you said; "don't let perfect get in the way of better".  Good word brother!

Rob--Nice work on your results for both you and your bride.  Very inspiring to me!

Kellyw-- Hang in there friend!  You are fighting the good fight.  Have faith in the program...it really does produce results!

Everyone have a great Tuesday...I'll check in tomorrow.

Marcus

Today was a great day!  I was able to nail both nutrition and my workout, so I'm pretty stoked about that.  Thanks for all the reminders that I don't have to be perfect, just better!  

Roosed, that was just what I needed to hear!  Big thanks!

OK, I will try and figure out how to put my picture up.  Maybe in my profile?

Have a great day tomorrow ya'll!

Toni

Hi Guys,

I have been reading your posts for a while now and it keeps me motivated.. I started on the 4th of October.. Do you mind if I join the forum ? I have posted my pics on my profile of my 1 month progress so far..the pictures doesn't show that much difference but I can feel it in my clothes as I was about to buy a size 42" jean before I started and now my 38" is fitting comfortably - still a way for me to go but it can be done.. so I am very excited about the next month's challenges and results..

Way to go on the motivation and results from everyone else..!!

Ryan

Welcome Ryan!!!

Join right in...the more the merrier around here. We all learn and grow from each others journey so feel free to share yours with us! 22 pounds in one month is amazing!!! Way to go and not to shabby for a South African via Texas : ) You rock already dude!!! Keep up the great work and stay connected!

Roosed...that has got to be the quote of the week..."If this is truly “For Life” there aren’t any DO-OVERs, just ROCK ONs!!!"

Love it!

~Rock on Q4!

~Rob

Thanks for the welcome Rob,

I just went to your blog and you guys are kicking ass.. I will have to nodge my effort up a bit so that I can look as good as you..I have just finished my Cardio and it was excellent.. I gave it all and then some..Well done !!Yes when I registered there wasn't an option for other countries so I opted for Texas as I know some people there. haha..

Ryan

"If it's burning , it's working"

OK, figure I had better chime in, so y'all know I am still here.

Today is my birthday and I honestly feel better than I did 10 years ago, so 47  must be the new 37...

Had a breakthrough this weekend - My wife joined me for my run on the beach!  I think I have shamed or motivated her into considering a lifestyle change.  It was a bit of a compromise for me, since we ended up driving to the beach (I usually bike there as a warm-up) and she hasn't done any formal exercise in many years.  I ended up walking with her, running to my turning point and walking back with her, but It is a big deal that she is doing SOMETHING.  I can tell that she was really pushing herself.  Maybe she'll join the next challenge next year...

Had a great run on the beach before the sun came up this morning and parlayed my bike ride home with a trip to the voting precinct.  I looked like a Chilean Miner with my headlamp on my head dodging sandcastles, LOL (is it too soon for Miner humor), but was able to push myself farther than I have in a while.

On the diet perspective, still struggling with simplex carbs (Sugar and Beer) on the weekend.  I added creatine to my diet per our discussion a few weeks ago.  The stuff I bought is mostly dextrose (33g of simplex carbs).  I intend to use it prior to lifting, 3 days a week.  It is probably just a sugar rush, but I am perceiving a lift in energy during the workouts.  Your comments are appreciated.

Have a fruitful day, y'all.

Hello Frick,

First of all  -HAPPY BIRTHDAY !! - I hope you have an awesome day.. Never too early with the miner jokes lol .. Congrats on your wife joining you and hopefully she will keep it up and maybe even outrun you !! I also had some issues with the Sugar and beer and what worked for me was that I told all my mates that I am on a mission to sort myself out , so now if we go out on the weekends my mates help to keep me motivated and make sure I don't overindulge ...-. if that doesn't work for me i just have a look at my " Big, White, Beached Whale photo" and then I stay away from the bad feuls for my body !!

Have a sugar/beer free day !! :)

Welcome Ryan!

Happy Birthday Frick!

Roosed -- My pledge to you is that I will finish the 12 weeks!!!  I already told myself I will.  It doesn't have to be perfect....I get up and Rock on and make it to week 12.  

I am shooting to take measurements every 4 weeks.  No scale until week 12.

Got up at 5:30 am and got cardio in this morning!!!  Did my LBWO yesterday...and it was NOT up to par.  I don't know what is wrong.  I felt off balance, my form was bad, etc.  But, I still got it done and I am slightly sore this morning.  I think some time with the trainer would help.

GO TEAM!

Happy Birthday Frick and welcome to Ryan!

I am struggling. I don't know if I am still coming out of my sugar coma from sunday but it's bad. It's a mental thing right now. My workout and nutrition from yesterday were still fine. I was traveling yesterday so It was alot of quick meals that were still on the program but not whole clean foods.

I walked into the mall yesterday and tried on some jeans that are a size smaller than the ones I started in. Not even close. I was so bummed. No pun intended. My lower body is definitely an issue. I can see some changes in my upper body for sure but someone PLEASE tell me somethings going to happen in the lower body. I really need some words of encouragement right now. I think there is some muscle showing but I want them to shrink!

I know I'm not going to quit but I need some motivation right now.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

Jessica