Greetings from rainy London.  It's been the wettest April ON RECORD, and May isn't supposed to be much better.  When I started BFL I had fantasies of running through the flower beds at Victoria Garden, but no such luck.  So, back to the gym.

This weekend is going to be a bit of a splurge--we have a big event tonight and a big event tomorrow night as well, with lots of yummy food and alcoholic beverages at both.  Out of town guests who will be excited to try all of the pubs in London.  I will try to be relatively good tonight so that I can splurge a little more tomorrow.  I'm headed off to the gym right now to get some cardio in.  Wish me strength and fortitude, everyone!

Bobby, great news on the shirt.  I have two pairs of pants that I'm back into now, wahoo!  I had gained so much in the last  year that I was down to only 2 pairs that fit anymore, so it's a relief to have a couple more options.  That was actually a big motivator for me to start BFL--I refused to buy new clothes that were bigger.

First of all - thank y'all for the compliments on the abs ::blush::  acknowledgement from my peers is quite rewarding.  and as one of the guys said, everyone has them, it's just a matter of getting to them.  That happens through diet.  Ab exercises only defines them.  

@ Perth - looking for the report on the wrist straps.  I actually was experiencing tingling in my hands in the morning after lifting (and shoveling, but more on that later).  I think it is some type of pre carpal tunnel synd.  The straps eliminated the symptoms for at least that activity.  Your diet looks good from a lifter's perspective (may even be a tad heavy on the protein if that's possible)  I go for a 35% carb/25 fat/40 protein number and find the challenge in brining down the carb number.

@Run4 - good work on the numbers.  you are one stomach flu away from breaking the big 200 number.  It will happen sooner than you think at your pace.  

Everyone's excitement about planking has me curious.  It sounds like something I do with an unruly boatguest.  I'll look into it.  Like the sound of another good challenge.

Last night was my first workout since my illness.  Turns out I'm on the hook to build a concrete knee wall about 35 feet long.  Guess I forgot that part of the contract negotiations with the pool guy.  Long story, longer - I was out last night for 2-1/2 hrs digging a foundation and schlepping rock.  When I came in, my daughter said it looked like I had gone swimming already.  Woke up today with a tight back and tingling hands.   I plan to do the other half this afternoon in lieu of happy hour (good boy, FRick).  

Tomorrow is Cinco De Mayo AND the Kentucky Derby.  I will be attending a party of like theme.  Planning to drink Mint Julietttas (just made up the name, but I'm thinking tequila, muddled stevia and mint leaves, and ice) to combine the two celebrations.  I grow both leaves, and am looking forward to it.  Only 130 cal.  Moderation will be key.

Be strong team!  Weekend full of temptations!

Eat Clean and Work Out Dirty

Cheers,

Frick

Frick, Run4, Natalie,  Momof4...

Question to all that have done a challenge before - I am sooo tired this week?  Is this normal.  I didn't sleep well one night, but I usually recoup after a day.  

LBWO done & my last in this challenge which seeeeemed so far away at first.  I will give it 9.0 - I need to adjust my weights up and I need to get some of those wrist bands too.  Food is planned for the day except for dinner - chicken or steak or shrimp.

Also, I haven't lifted a dumbell in years - high school.  I asked on of the big guys this morning to spot me with just the bar - I was worried.  It was nothinig to it & added two 10 on the end!  I have no idea why I was scared of it!  I'll add it to my workout.

Frick, I never thought to change up the mint juilep recipe with tequilla & use to bartend.  I have been to the Derby - what fun!  I need to go back & see watch it from the stands.  Thanks for reminding me that my abs are there & just need to watch what you eat!

Bobby, I am not going to try any of my old clothes on until next week, but it has been tempting.  

Run4life, sorry I was so done last night - I forgot to do my plank!  I will give you an update next time.

Faith, I understand the rain thing...it is yucky looking here in Mississippi & humid.  

PertMom, I am getting excited & plan on staying with you guys thru July.  Can you pass on the recipe too?  I love blueberry muffins - I make them for the family, but skip them.

Have a good Friday & weekend,

Tonja

@ Faithrainbow- That's exactly where I was in January...2 pairs of pants that fit, 15 that didn't! I still have a stack of 7 that won't button...but I'll get 'em by July!  And the rain...I live in Seatttle/Tacoma area and we are, too, having the wettest spring ever- the good news is that the weekends have been somewhat dry. Nice!

@ Frick- Mint Julioettas---what a great mind you have! Hope the day is a raving success!

@ Tonja- Should be fun at your fashion show!

I use gloves when I lift and they seem to help my grip- just that little bit of material can give me much better control of the dumbell/barbell. And,of course, I need to protect my hands as they are my living. (massage therapy).

As to the carpal tunnel issues...my experience is that sometimes the issue is the muscles in the forearms getting over-used and too tight. At the end of those days when you have really wasted them, it is a good idea to take a few minutes and do some self massage on ones forearms...or better yet- ice. I'm a huge believer in icing. I use in on myself frequently have found it very helpful in keeping my arms alive and healthy...I have been a massage therapist for 22 years, so something is working!

Another option is stop lifting 10 tons of rocks...;)

Have a lovely weekend!

@Perth - Have at it girl!!!!

Sorry, I haven't been on the website much this week.

I wanted to make sure I posted my good news from yesterday.  Happy to report that I was able to put on a pair of pants that didn't fit me at the start of this journey.  They are still a bit snug but at least I could wear them in public.

I also had two people tell me they could see that I was losing weight.  Boy did that make my day!!!

Sounds like everyone has had a really great week this week!!   Looking forward to this weekend as well.  Celebrating my 9 year anniversary by going out to dinner...  Not sure yet but still looking forward to it.

Think I'll start doing my planks next week!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!  Stay Strong Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Bobby - That's what I love about this forum (and one of my favorite motivational business quotes) "none of us are as smart as all of us".  Thanks for your professional help.  Let me know if you have any supply chain questions and I would be glad to reciprocate.

I just finished another HIIT shovelling dirt.  The heart rate monitor was chirping most of the time as I hit my 10s.  It read that I burned 1289 calories.  Does that sound high for 90 minutes of work?  Average HR 143, max 162.

Great to see everyone working hard!  :)  I did cardio last night and topped it off with some relaxing Yoga.  I have not missed a single day and am determined to do this!  PLUS,  I am LOVING how my clothes are fitting these days.  I have to laugh, and maybe some other women have had the same problem, but I had gained so much around my middle that I had trouble keeping my jeans up!   Kept sliding down..I hated wearing a belt because it accentuated the dreaded muffin top..ack!  

So I am pleased to announce, at the end of week 4,  I have lost 2 1/2 inches off my waist and 2 inches off my hips and my jeans aren't falling off :)   YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mosher

Frick – glad you are back on the mend.

Hope you have fun, but not too much fun at the Cinco De Mayo AND the Kentucky Derby party.

Hope the knee wall is going easy on you!

Tonja – you gotta be closing in on the end of C1…awesome.

I am sure you will get the plank in and that it will be a thing of beauty. I have also had to jockey some workouts around this week. Hope to be complete caught up by tomorrow and I am also plank deficient…we’ll have to do something about that.

Jnjmartin love those comments you are getting …keep it up.

Perth sounds like you are moving forward.

And Mosher – keep tightening that belt …great job on those lost inches.

Not much else new here 9ers.

Week 4 almost in the bank…so be strong and enjoy the weekend!

Hey 9'ers, Boy you are a prolific lot! I have a hard time keeping up with all the posts! That's awesome! But it seems I seldom have time to get a note in. Everyone's still sleeping here, so I finally have a chance.

Why is this second challenge so much more of a challenge?! I've been thinking about it quite a bit....What do you guys think? I saw pretty good results. I've lost more weight and changed my body more than any other time in my life. I should be picking up steam! Not just struggling to stay afloat.....

But all in all, (after my little whine session there), I have changed some major habits in my life, even if I don't get a workout in every single day. I know my body is better for life!

jlcrum - I can relate with the "I am still waiting for exercise to feel good" thing. I have never been involved in sports of any kind or any consistent "workouts". I still don't enjoy exercise per say (except for maybe my Zumba class! But even that, I like thinking about it better, than when I'm actually there and only 1/2 way through! LOL), but I have come to respect it for the real change it has made in my body. I have started running for the first time in my life. I have also learned I CANNOT work out on an empty stomach! Wish I could, they say it's a better burn rate, but there's no way. I do want to throw up, just like you said. One of my sons is the same way. I've had to convince him it's OK to do things a little differently than those around him.

Bobby ,Faith, Mosher, jnjmartin - The new wardrobe without the $$, was a big motivator for me also. I REFUSED to buy up one more size! I ride a motorcycle with my husband and I cant afford to replace all that armored gear! So it may be sad, but I guess my pocketbook is a bigger motivator than my health sometimes.......

Run4 and Frick, I really think you guys should post some standard BFL before and after photos - of the landscaping! That would be a nice break between all the flabby body shots!

(By the way, where are Fricks ab photos??)

Have a great weekend all!   Sherene

Good Morning All,

It's been a busy couple of days!!  My son's regular season baseball is now over!!  We went to regionals and lost in an absolute heart breaker!!  Anyways, the good news is that my girls dance is over, baseball is over and we now have 8 school days left...then it will be summer break (I'm a teacher) so life is going to be slowing down some!!  

I've tried to stay true to the program, but like the rest of you I do find it harder in C2 and C3.  This is the reason I think for me...compared to where I was when I started...size 14 to where I am now...size 6...I look GOOD!!  I still have areas that for me are not perfect...primarily the mid section and these dang little saddle bags that I am willing with my mind to disappear, but just won't go away!!  I think I am still here wanting the perfection I see in other people's before and after photos!!  But in my crazy mind..I think dang girl you look good...if you stayed looking like this, it wouldn't be a bad thing!!!  So, for me it is that mental war!!  But...this is what i do know...as many have said, it is not really a 12 week program, it really is for life...and that is what I want...a healthy life so this time around i didn't sign up for the challenge because it is more of a life style for me now.  As long as i am making more healthy choices in a day than unhealthy, than i am a winner and i will take whatever body appears after all my hard work.

I hope this makes sense and (the disclaimer) this is not meant to discourage anyone from staying the course and being strict and hard core to the end of the 12 week challenge...this is what I think has happened for me and i am really trying to have realistic goals as opposed to some of the unrealistic ones I have had in the past challenges.

Tonja:  I understand the tired that you feel...there would be days that I was in bed at 9pm because I was so exhausted.  This time around i am taking a vitamin or an herb...not sure, but It has helped soooo much with my fatigue!!

Mosher:  Great job on the 2 1/2 inches!!!  That means more than any scale number!!

Run: I haven't done any more planking, but will later today.  My middle has recouped enough to try again!

ssm: The pictures are on his profile page...click on his picture.

Seems like we've had a pretty good week...stay strong 9ers..

Marcia

Ssm – not sure why C2 is so hard. For me I know that this program is giving me good results…you would think that should be enough right…In the back of my mind I know it is but I also know with this cycle I have been more susceptible to the distractions than I was in C1. I was more of a purist for C1. So, I am working even harder to get back to being as pure as I can. Progress…right!

Hey, Fricks ab photos are at the bottom of his profile. He is being ‘shy’ about them. It that were me, they would be posted all over the internet!

Mom of Four – how true is your post … for life!

I reconfirmed my 2:30 plank time yesterday after doing a cardio and a LBWO (minus the ab work). I was able to plank the full 2:30 and it felt even more solid that the first time which felt like my wheels were about to come off after just 2 minutes. I am starting up my plank/ab training routine today and will move it forward during my cardio days.

HEY SHOUTING OUT TO BUCKIBBQ – We are missing you something fierce my friend! I hope everything is OK and I hope you find your way home here soon! Thinking and worrying about you!

Be strong 9ers and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Good morning,

It is my last day on my 1st challenge - UBWO completed & I have my food planned except for dinner tonight which is between chicken or pork tenderlion.  I have to say .... I get a lot more hugs from my husband now.  I have my fitness assement tomorrow & I am a little nervous, but I think I will do much better.

Run, my plank sucked.....I am going to blame it on yard work & shovelling!  I need mulligan/do-over.

Have a good day,

Tonja

Tonja - first of all great job on finishing up C1. That really is something to be very proud of. I hope you spend a little time smelling the roses and getting lots of those well-deserved hugs!

Yeah...I like the yard work thought. I would consider yard work and shoveling like doing a vertical plank and you should never try 2 endurance planks in one day (meaning vertical and horizontal) ;-)

I keep telling myself slow and steady and small steps for improvements. While the 5 minute goal is fun, any endurance time increase, meaning a stronger core and abs is to be celebrated.

Keep going strong and be sure to celebrate putting 84 days in the bank. True a great accomplishment!

Tonja, we're all rooting for you on your fitness test tomorrow!  I remember that you're looking to go into the "above average" category.  Let us know how it goes!