Good afternoon Warriors for Life,

I had another awesome UBWO this AM.  I increased weights & was close to several 10's this morning.  My upper body is burning.  My legs are also still sore from Monday!

Granpa Hiker - Outstanding job on pushing those boundaries.  I am with you on the legs.  I went up on weights with Lunges Monday & WOW; it is a good time!  Keep it up my friend!

BDMom - Keep working at it on the meals; I know it is tough!  But your right, it simply comes down to making personal choices; I like the group because you all help me hold myself accountable.  Meals today have been spot on.  I did add an extra approved carb at lunch, my body needed it after the last several days of workouts I have had.  Additionally, I am hoping that will alleviate that hungry feeling I have been getting at dinner.  If I am going to have a big meal, I think the earlier the better!

Everyone else - Have an awesome day.  Only 2 HIIT's & 1 LBWO to go to the finish line.  Give it all you got & make them count!

Grandpa: Way to push yourself to that new level.  It feels great when you are able to push harder than you previously thought possible.  Go for it!!

Staats:  I do hear you.  My first meal is the largest of the day.  I really need that in the mornings.  I have been tracking my calories (& carbs, protein, fat, sodium......) on this fitness site, and I love it, but it allows more calories for exercise, so I find that I am just throwing food in there to fill the deficit without making the best choices.  I have been doing better this week, and the scale is going back down.  I am 1/2 pound from where I wanted to be on my birthday (last Tuesday), so that's not so bad.  I think you probably do need to up your food some based on how hard you push yourself through your workouts.  And at least you are eating approved foods....

Wow, I cannot believe you are all so close to finishing this challenge.  I hope you start a new "Warriors for Life" thread that we can follow one another on.

Where are Brick, Susan & 2C & what about Cuervo & Parson....????  Check in everyone.

I worked out with my trainer today.  My legs were wobbly when I was walking down the stairs at the end of my session.   I think I am gonna be hurtin tomorrow & Friday.  I told him he has to do mostly upper body next week since I am running my 5K the following Saturday; I don't want to have sore legs for that.  Other than that, I am doing good.  My food has been spot on today and I am feeling good!!

Have a wonderful day.

I'm here! I'm feeling cruddy - I seem to have caught the cold that's coursing its way through my house. The great thing about today was that I booked our airfare and now it feels so real! Can't wait to break the news!

Here I am!!! Sorry I've been MIA, but I've been struggling with my back off and on throughout this challenge.  Unfortunately, these past 2-3 weeks, it's really been bothering me.  I've been laying off the weights completely and focusing on the exercises I learned in PT.  The worst part is that the pain is on the side upon which I already had surgery.  So consequently, this challenge didn't turn out as well as I had hoped.  I will be very happy when Sunday gets here.  I just hope I can avoid the knife!

I will be focusing on a full recovery before I start another challenge.  I am shooting for mid-March so that I will be in good shape for summer.  I'll just have to wait and see.  

I will definitely ride out to the end with you all.  You are a terrific bunch of folks and I don't want to lose touch after this challenge is over.  I will stop in from time to time!  

Good mornig everyone,

Sorry I haven't checked in. I have been out of town for work and just returned last night. Travelling was really challenging this time. I went with another guy from work and it is hard to stay the course when you have someone else around who wants to eat differently than you. All in all, I did the best I could given the situation. I am up about 5 lbs, but suspect that is mostly water weight.

I missed a couple of workouts while on the road, but can make them up and get back on track starting today. I am happy that I have stayed the course through this 12 weeks, but realized that I really need to buckle down and have no mercy on myself during the next 12 weeks if I intend to get to my goal by summertime. I will take what I have learned and apply it to get me there. I will make you all proud by summertime.

I haven't had time to read all of the posts, but hope you are all doing well. Have a great day and give it all you have.

Good Morning Warriors for Life!

Another HIIT in the bag; it was great.  I feel awesome.  I had not been on the "good" dreadmill in about a week due to weather & availability; but we got to have a date this AM.

Cuervo - Glad to hear from you brother.  I don't need to wait until summer; I am already proud of you man!

Susan - Hang in there and take your time.  Once the back heals, you can get back on the horse.  We will be waiting.

Brick - I hope you feel better.

BDMom - How are the legs this morning?  Sounds like you are getting your money's worth!  

All - Only 1 LBWO & 1 HIIT to go; then break time!  

Have a great day!

Good Morning! Sorry I have been MIA for the past few days. Yesterday we got some snow and it took me 5 hours to get home. By the time I arrived, I was a mess. The worse day for me in a long time (stress wise). I came home and drank a glass of wine...This morning I didnt make it to the garage either: it was single digits and I needed the extra sleep. So, will get back at it tomorrow.

SusanC, sorry about your back. I sure hope it heals and you dont have to do surgery. Hang in there!

Staats, make the last few workouts of this challenge be your best!

Cuervo, I know what you mean about traveling and eating with others. Its tough. I know that you have done great on this Challenge and will do great on the next!

Brick, how exciting about the surprise!!! I bet its tough to keep it a secret.

BDMom, you are almost where you wanted to be weightwise but even better, you are killing those workouts! You are doing great.

PB, GP~ hope you are doing great!

Ok, who is going to start the Warriors thread????

Have a great day.

OK Crew - I am back in the saddle today. Food and water are good, I am going to punish my weights this afternoon. . . LIFE COULDN'T BE BETTER.

I am already starting to plan my next round. I will incorporate more running into my weeks since the weather will be changing. I want to be in prime shape for summertime and need to lose some fat. The elliptical is good, but there is nothing better than good old fashioned pavement pounding. I am going to continue what I have started and slowly get closer and closer to my goals, then I will add some more goals. It is a viscious cycle I know lol.

I think the warrior thread will be a good place to check in regardless of where you are in your journey. I know some of us are on a different schedule than BD and 2C, but we can all push and encourage one another as we have been. I personally will start again after 1 week of AR. My AR will be different this time. I will continue to do something beneficial daily, but will lower the intensity somewhat. Food will not change. Last time I had a week of freedom that added about 4-5 hard earned pounds back to me. Not this time...

Have a great day.

Happy Thursday!!

Another great session of HIIT, abs & hiking training this AM!! I have some DOMS from yesterday’s LBWO & it feels great!! Mentally it feels great to know that I have broken through the barriers that kept me from increasing weights enough to cause BOMS.

Brick – sorry about the cold you have. It is so neat that you are surprising your husband with a cruise. Things like that help keep your relationship strong and fun at the same time.

SusanC – I am so lucky that I have never had any serious back problems. However, my wife has suffered from a disc problem & I know back problems can affect your entire life.

Cuervo – welcome back. Work travel can be a real disruption. I agree with Staats, we are all already proud of you!! I too plan on taking a week of AR with no food changes. I’ll also do some light cardio & hiking training.

2conquer – wow!! 5 hours in the snow!! I am so thankful that here in southern Virginia we don’t get that much snow.

I hope all of you “Warriors for Life” are having a great day …. honk honk!!

"Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more."

~A. Lou Vickery~

Good Afternoon Warriors,

I rocked my workout at lunch today.  Today was my day for dealifts and for my final set I put up 275x6!  I was pretty stoked about that.  I am determined to finish out the week strong.

I agree, we need to make the Warrior thread.

Glad everyone seems to be doing ok...let's stay focussed on finishing strong!

Hi, Kids! Our BFL Warriors thread is still out there. My vote is that we revive that one!

I'm going back, reading some of my old posts, getting motivated to begin getting to the gym more often next week. I've gone over my food and I have a solid plan that will allow me to not break the bank, and get my workouts back on track. It sure is hard to get back in the swing of things once you've slowed down. Encouragement appreciated!!

You're all such an inspiration! Finish strong, Warriors!

All right BFL Warriors!  

I searched through and am resurrecting the BFL Warriors thread.  I am letting you all know via this thread that I am starting a ROLE CALL on the BFL Warriors thread!  

Some of us are finishing C-2 & others are on midway through... but we know our gang.  I am going to try & go to the BFL Warriors thread hence forth daily for inspiration on finishing C-2, during my AR, and phase 3 of who knows what - probably 3 days of BFL lifting & 4 days of cardio to prep for a half marathon that starts in 8 weeks!

You guys / gals are great & are my motivation & accountability partners - I love all of you!

Good morning everyone - I had my last Chest/Triceps workout for this 12 weeks last night.. I have made some gains...

310LB one rep max on BP (was up to 325, but have fallen off a little in the last weeks)

4 full sets of weighted dips w 55 lbs hanging from my waist

95 lbs x 4 on dumbell incline press (new PR)

My other exercises have improved, but those are the ones I am proud of. Looking back, I feel really good about my progress over the course of these 12 weeks.

Lets all redefine our goals and really focus on what we want to accomplish during the next weeks and months. I told Parson that I am going to really dig down deep and uncover that drive that is buried deep inside to push myself beyond my perceived limits. I know it is in there, I just need to tap into it. I will set some high standards for myself and need yall to push me to accomplish them.

Have a great day. I will go check in on the warrior thread now.

Yay, it's Friday!!

So sorry I deserted you for a little while.  I did join Gold's Gym this morning, so I am now an official muscle head (ha ha).  I think I will grow to like it a bit more.  They have a totally separate weight room for women, if they want to use it.  I have been working out in the big room with the guys though.  I had a guy at my old gym tell me that he increased his weights after watching me lift; maybe I can teach these guys at Gold's a thing or two...ha ha!!  O.K., I won't get cocky, I promise.  

Well, my life is about to get even busier than it already is....sigh....I am going back to school.  I am o nly 43; I can do that, right?  All my educational and work background has been in business management.  That was my life before kids, and I worked a lot of hours.  I don't want to go back to that, but instead do something I really love....are you ready?  I am going back to school to get my Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology.  In addition to the credits, I will have to have 466 hours of hands-on (intern style) experience.  It should be fun, but I have to admit that I am a bit nervous.  I have to take a college algebra class and that terrifies me; math has never been my thing, but I guess I will take advantage of the tutoring services that are offered, if that is what it takes.

I went to a local wine store today and picked out a bottle of wine that they are going to personalize the label for my husband.  I wrote our names on it and a personal message.  I can pick it up on Monday, along with some fancy chocolates.  He should be impressed.

Congrats to all of you for finishing your second round; I am so proud of all of you!!!!

Cuervo:  I am right there with you for setting and reaching those goals.  I am h alfway through my second challenge, and realize the first half has not been even close to what it should have been.  The last 5 weeks are gonna rock!

Staats:  I feel the love this Valentine's day...you all are my motivation and drive as well.  It is so nice to have a place to come and be accountable.

Brick:  Ready to hear about you bringing down the house again!! You have always amazed me, and continue to do so.  So proud of you.

To everyone else....xoxoxooxo

I worked out with my trainer on Wed, and could barely walk yesterday.  Exciting though, He held my feet (very lightly) when I did 12 pull-ups (3x).  I was excited to see that I am finally developing strength in my upper body.  Most of the rest of the workout was lower body and my glutes were on fire; they were shaking.  I was so darn sore yesterday, but already told my dad and sister I'd hike with them (we did a 4 mile hike).  So, I just did UBWO today.

Grandpa:  Did you get your treadmill yet?

Gotta go get clothes in washing machine.  The piles never seem to go down, just up!  

Have a fabulous weekend.

I guess I will check in with all of you on the Warrior thread starting next week, right?

I hope to get some pictures taken tomorrow, kids! Although I may have to do them myself in the mirror again... I'll be entering myself as "starting a new challenge" on Monday when I record my weight. I will be checking in with the Warrior thread starting then, too.

BDMom, congratulations on making the brave decision to follow your passion! Best wishes to you on that!

Cuervo, Gramp, PB, Staats, 2C, Susan... can't wait to keep up with all of you on the Warrior thread!