Weight and Resistance Training - BFL/BB #68 - C3FC Week 3!

Howdy y'all!

Starting a new thread for a new week (well here in the States anyway JC :) )

Hope everyone had a great weekend! My free day yesterday was a little TOO free...but I'm back on track this morning. I feel so bloated today... :ink: serves me right anyway!

It was gorgeous in Vacaville where the horseshow was being held. a VERY low key schooling show - but it was fun being there, especially with the winning team - Kramer Training just ruled the place on Sunday!

Well...back on track...sorry I didn't post this weekend. Our PC at home is in the kitchen and I try not to spend too much time in there (so close to the fridge).

Let's hear from everyone! I still have to read the last couple of days' posts -- but right now I have to get my butt into a meeting.

Later all!

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone had a good weekend... Ours was spent painting, but it's going to look really nice...it's a ton of work (specially for hubby because he does the painting) and it's not really only one room, because the TV room runs into the parlor the parlor into the hall, the hall into the dining room, and the dining room into the kitchen, in a U shape open concept kind of thing....

JEC ~ it would be interesting to see your antiques from Australia compared to the Canadian antiques we have here... I'd love to see them.... I also agree with you on the fact that this site helps tremendously in keeping on track... I often think, when I come to eat something not quite clean, "Now how will I explain this to the 3FC girls!

My free day, wasn't really only one day, I had one treat on Fri., a glass of wine on saturday nite , then a sugarless cookie on Sunday... I don't feel guilty or bloated as I usually do after too much indulgence, so I think that's a good thing...

I took the day off today, from work that is, it feels so good, hubby is off too and we've gone to look at some lighting for the dining room. We picked the kids up from school and took them out for lunch, so it was a treat for them too...

Had a really good UB workout this morning and the day is turning out to be gorgeous too, cool but very sunny very fallish....


Well I have to get going, I'm going for my allergy shot, then going to pick up some upholstery samples, we want to recover a chair...
We are spending so much money these days, we are even getting a new van next week.... my 12 year old D asked last week if we are going to go broke... I thought that was so cute....
"no dear, not yet", ....:s: ...... Naw, that's not what I told her, but I did think about saying that just to tease her, but she can be so serious at times that she takes things very literally.....

Anywho, gotta run... the needle awaits me..... :(

I'll log in later.....

Yea - week 3! We're rocking this challenge, ladies! JEC, I agree with you that this board is what is helping me through this challenge. I am 400% more motivated this time around than I've ever been. I've stuck to all of my working/nutrition goals. Even though I don't know you guys in person, I somehow feel accountable to you, which in turn, helps to hold me accountable to myself.
Took a semi-free day on Friday. Went to see a band that night and had a margarita and grilled chicken and fries. Also, had a cookie earlier in the day.
Did cardio this morning (yea! 9th day out of 10 workdays in this challenge that I've managed to get myself to the gym before work! A new record!) Just did a short pilates workout (from a tape) before eating my salmon, sweet potato and veggies.
Gotta get back to the office! Have a stellar day, ladies!

Just got back from the gym- back to the 4 day split after two weeks of a 3 day on Pam's advice. OUch! Ouch! my triceps are still burning and I know my chest is gonna be sore tomorrow. That was after am cardio for 35 minutes of HIIT, then an unschedules 2 hours or vacuuming and steam cleaning my family room and home office carpets. Seems one of the animals has a problem....:( That big green clean machine thing is quite an arm and chest workout all on its own!

After my boxing-training endurance session last week, I felt great at first, but by the next day was too drained to do anything but light cardio. Plus my hips and lower back really hurt (must have been that graceful crab scuttling), so I don't think I'll be repeating that workout. Because of my fibromyalgia and CFS, I'm always afraid of triggering flare ups, so I think I'll put it in the "fun once" category and leave well enough alone. I can definitely see how it would be a great way to workout if you were also training for a particular sport ( JC- still playing?)

I agree whole-heartedly this challenge was a great idea! It's really helped my pull together what was becoming a very unspectacular C3. If may still not have photogenic results, but I'm much more committed and focussed! Thanks everyone!

I had I free evening- probably too much, but was back on track Sunday and today!

mel

Sounds like everyone had great, if busy, weekends. I had the type of weekend I love - I was busy on Saturday with errands and going to a concert (Cassandra Wilson) with friends, but then very lazy on Sunday, doing some BFL planning, reading a novel and watching the Sopranos. So, I feel very rested and ready to tackle the week, so to speak. As usual, though, I gotta run (figuratively, not literally -- yet!) Take care. Peace, Mox

and I am trying to eat my way through all of this food! I have a 7 egg white and veggie+corn omelette in front of me and 3/4 cup of oatmeal. But I am still full from my last meal! :dizzy:

I had a great run last night and felt strong despite it being a low carb day. I didn't have a workout this morning so I slept in until 7am, which I needed but I have shoulders/tris/sprints tonight. Still going strong!!

Lana: I have lots of Colonial style stuff, like an old sideboard, crystal cabinet and a tin collection (like cookie tins) I have about 50 tins at the moment and they are on display in my kitchen wall.

Mel: Yes I am still playing soccer if that is what you are referring to! :lol: I LOVE it! We have a 6 week break between winter and summer seasons at the moment but the summer season starts in about 3 weeks time. I can't wait..... We were Premiers in the winter season and lost our final on penalties but at least I scored in the final!

Mox: Can I swap your sunday for mine? :( I never get enough time to relax.

Well I will catch up again later - I have work to do.

JC :D

Good morning!!!

Everyone is doing so well!!! rocking the challenge as wcolleen said! Everyone here is an inspiration to me. As I'm working out, I think about everyone's posts and try to keep everyone here in my head as motivation.

While I didn't do free day and exercised on Sunday morning I tried to relax a bit on Sunday like mox. I had school reading to do :p: and watched a little bit of TV (yes, the Sopranos that I've been hooked on since season 1, episode 1) and felt my muscles GROAN. :lol:

I did cardio Monday morning and then I did something different last night. I went to yoga/pilates class as I had planned. I am NEVER at the gym on a Monday night and I could see why! It's CRAZY in there !!! So crowded. So many kids!

The yoga/pilates class only had 7 people in it which is different than Sunday mornings which usually has about 20. It was NICE. I haven't taken a class from the instructor and she was very different than the Sunday one. A very lowkey routine that builds and you're into intensive exercise before you know it. I feel it in my abs today! woo. I am SORE!!!

I am very very verv very very very grateful for the motivation this challenge has given me. I also am grateful for Pam's latest competition pix over on L&S. When I am in that dreaded workout room with the miles of mirrors and feeling like I'm 500 lbs and there is no where to hide, I think about the ladies who were large and are now lean. Like Pam and MrsJim and some of the other ladies who have found the strength and courage to change their lives. Everyone has heard my sad refrain about how HARD this is for me.....boo hoo...and it is....being a student, former smoker and perimenopausal has been a challenge in the activity/metabolism department. What I have to go through to lose a few inches sometimes doesn't seem worth it and I have given up at various times (even since first starting BFL) but I keep getting back on it...becuase this style of eating/exercise WORKS!!!! and i know it. Whereas I was so disappointed in my first challenge results AT THE TIME, I look at the pictures now and know I had a lot of progress. I've decided to keep going and not let today's results derail me because tomorrow's results are already in the hopper if I just STAY THE COURSE!!!

I am thickheaded and learning that idea sloooooooooooooowly. I FEEL my abs this morning. Between my ab routine and yoga/pilates, I can honestly say I have hope for abs for the first time in a year and a half. Still have layers of fat to get rid of to reveal them, but I feel that they are there and do-able.

I was so disheartened before this challenge. I spent the summer in NY with great expectations of coming back IN SHAPE and then worked long hours every day and NEVER got to the gym (though I did a lot of walking). I needed this A LOT!!! THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE!!!!

:dance:
Susan

And it's not even Halloween yet!!! (Which, BTW, I will be spending escorting my darling nephew door-to-door as usual).

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day, the best one in this entire challenge so far...I've been going to bed even earlier lately - before 9:00 - and bouncing out of bed at 4 am! (with kitty's help of course :lol: )

You all HAVE to try Rich's Mom's Chicken breast recipe - especially Susanje who I know is one of those people who get all their food for the week ready in advance. The chicken STAYS juicy! The Foreman grill is terrific for stuff you're going to eat right away, but chicken grilled on the Foreman tends to dry rather quickly. This was a great week to try the recipe since Safeway had boneless chicken breasts on sale for $2.99 a pound. The recipe is in the L&S cooking library, but I'll cross-post it in our Recipe thread today.

This weekend's challenge - Jim and I are driving down to San Diego to see his family on Friday morning. We're going to stay there two nights and drive back up to the Bay Area on Sunday morning. Here's what I plan to do:

Bring food - chicken breasts (I made a bunch of 'em), raw veggies, hard-boiled eggs, protein powder, Myoplex Lite, tuna pouches. And of course - water water water! I guess I should bring food for Jim as well :lol: He's intent on making the drive in 6 hours so we won't be stopping very often.

I still want to take my Free Day on Sunday, but am thinking of moving it to Saturday since that's when we'll be with Jim's mom and brothers (his father died 20 years ago of leukemia). Depends on where we end up eating...if we're just BBQing I'll just bring my own food along - it shouldn't be a big deal.

Exercise - I'm not expecting to be able to lift weights - I don't think the place we're staying at has a gym - but hopefully there'll be one nearby. At any rate, I'm bringing my road bike along :) and I'll be hitting the gym on Friday morning before we leave and Sunday when we return - so I'm only missing one day, right?

Whew! More later - got to get back to work!

Interesting day on 3FC huh MrsJim? :D

I had another good day yesterday except for some cravings last night which I DIDN'T indulge in. It was a high carb day so by the end of my workout I was burning up!

Susan: Our gym was crazy busy last night as well - I was lucky that I got a bench straight away. Apparently, hubby (who was with me) said that there was this 'skinny-fat' girl just glaring at me the whole time I was on the bench. He said she just stood there waiting for a machine with her arms crossed just staring as I did my french presses and shoulder raises. I didn't even notice because I am totally oblivious to those around me at the gym but he said quite a few people noticed and were looking at her and I. :lol: I don't know what her problem was, hubby thought it may have been because I was using a 35 lb bar for me french press and she must have thought I was weird. Oh well??

MrsJim: I want to try that chicken breast - I was reading about it yesterday. I saw the recipe - thanks for that I was about to ask you to post it for me!

Hey for your trip if you don't want to miss weights then just do a few sets of push-ups, sit ups etc. You know some ground work using your own bodyweight just to get your heart rate up and your joints moving?? Just an idea..... :s:

Well if you excuse me ladies I have a water bottle to fill. Talk to you later!

JC

PS - where is everyone? :?:

You are SO right JC - it has been a busy day here... :yikes:

So you have people GLARING at you? Maybe she was just studying your form! :) I made another batch of those chicken breasts last night - they are so good to have handy. I just now ate one with my meal that I cooked on Saturday - and it's STILL moist and juicy!

Today's a low-carb day for moi, but for some reason I'm not tired - maybe because I didn't have weights today?

Gotta run down to Travel, but I'll be back after I get home...getting stuff ready for my London meeting right now! I LOVE London...just wish Jim was coming too (he's waiting til next year when we go again in August).

I am not sure what it was she was looking at. I tell you what - I am going to take some digital photos over the next few days and I may actually display my 1st ever before and after photos on here - so you guys can decide whether I LOOK TOO MUSCLEY or not! :lol: Maybe that is why she was staring at me!

JC

Funny how the gym is always crowded on Mondays, huh? I guess it's from all of the people who declare that "Monday will be the day I start my new diet..." (or maybe they're jsut there to undo the damage they caused over the weekend...)

Well, I hit my first downfall today. Well, to be fair, I averted a total nutritional downfall - but didn't get my scheduled workout in. Today was nutty - had to finish planning an open house we're having tomorrow *and* had to get some reports ready for our board meeting tonight. Was out of the office for most of the day, running errands and picking things up, so i didn't have any of the meals I had planned to eat at the office today. BUT, did make a stop at the grocery store on my first round of errands for a tuna pouch and apple, and later, had a grilled chicken sandwich from Wendy's. Then, immediately before my 5:00 meeting, I was able to finagle a vanilla myoplex shake from my trusty coworker, Melissa. Not the best day nutrition-wise (sure wish I'd had more satisfying carbs today), but I feel good about finding ways to eat close to perfect despite a stressful chain of events at the office. For that, I feel good. I have no energy of course (it's just as well that I didn't make it to the gym tonight, I suppose). Three weeks ago, however, I woulds have used my lack of planning as an excuse to eat crappy carbs (crackers from the vending machine, etc). So for that, I suppose I should be feeling victorious right now!

Hey JC, personally I was wondering myself...because that photo in my avatar (over there <== ) is itty bitty - and I haven't updated my website in (gulp) over a year now...

Gotta run and make din-din for hubby (Meal #4 for me).

It's been pretty busy here today! WOO!

Hey Karen,

Have you seen the latest installment on the other thread?
Oh the drama.......

JC

Hi everyone! I have a question about bloating. I'm watching my salt intake and drinking plenty of water. Don't know why I'm a size bigger at night than in the morning. I thought I was imagining things but yesterday I measured myself in the morning and a few times during the day and I am definitely growing during the day and just so damn bloated by evening. Any thoughts?

Yesterday was another clean eating day. Cardio for me (;p:) and I noticed that my lower back is killing me. Pilates/yoga? I am wondering if that is it (I posted on the pilates thread). Don't know if I'm doing something wrong or its a beginner's soreness. Yesterday during my 2 mile walk from school to the train, I tried to walk as briskly as I could and felt my lower back cramp up...I walked it out but am still SO sore today. I was going to try to go to class tonight but don't know if that is a good idea or not. I do lbwo and power walk today. I was going to add pilates or a swim to it.

Free meal tomorrow!

:dance:

Susan

Hi ladies!
So sorry I've been so busy the past few days to post. Still going strong, although I'm a little PMSy the past few days and it's hard to not snack here/there. I've added a little more clean food into my plan just to avert an all-out binge this week. I swear, PMS kills me sometimes.

Susan--I too experience lower back pain when doing yoga. When I lived in CA, I had an excellent instructor who was absolutely diligent about correcting my positioning. When I moved back here, the instructor did the entire class with her eyes closed, never checking form. I know I was off, but with no help, my lower back would ache for a few days after class. My advice is to make sure your form is correct--it's crucial in both yoga and pilates.

I was reading through the posts about muscularity (found the link on L&S). I think that women are really intimidated by other women who lift weights, heavy weights especially. I'm constantly explaining myself at the gym to both men and women who ask me how why I want to make my butt bigger by squatting, etc. These questions even come from other trainers!! So frustrating the mis-information out there. I remember all too clearly what I used to think of female bodybuilders--now I want to look like one, of course! I get tired of people telling me I'm too skinny, too tiny. I want to be bigger, with muscles that pop! I'm getting there, but I only wish there was some way to magically pack on those pounds of lean muscle. In my dreams, I guess!

I gotta run to make it to work on time--have a great day ladies.
Maggie

Hi Ladies,

Well free day turned into a few days:(

Not trying to make excuses, but I had my mother visiting this weekend and I ate my way through unresolved issues with her. I won't bore you with the details. I'm feeling a little disheartened about how I'm doing in this challenge with you gals. BUT - if not for this board I would probably use this weekend to derail myself for a good few months. You ladies do inspire me to be better than my old self and I agree with Susanje - when I see those pics of PamB and MrsJim it gives me hope. So I'm movin on with my water.

MrsJim - that other thread - like water off a duck's back - a lean and strong duck - kinda like those chickens that lift weights on that commercial on TV (you get that one in the USA?) It's a commercial for a brand of chicken meat and the chickens are working out in a gym. Always makes me chuckle. I'm a closet weight lifter around here too - I've just given up on trying to explain the benefits of it - I'm not exactly a poster girl either - but I will prove to them (family, friends) that it does work!

Quick question - I saw the chicken recipe posted from Rich at L&S. One hour seems like an awfully long time to cook chicken breasts no?

Well time to get the armour on and back in the trenches!

Hey TH - I've done the chicken breasts twice already. Trust me, with all that foil, and at 350 degrees, an hour is not too long. Actually since you put liquid (chicken broth or lemon juice) in with the chicken and have the pan tightly sealed, you're really POACHING them I think. I cross-posted the recipe here in our Recipes thread as well.

Fail fast! Believe me, I'm sure most - if not all - of us have had those days. I know I have. :) I'm definitely not perfect. But what you do is learn from your mistakes and move on. We don't have that chicken commercial here BTW...or if we do, I haven't seen it (I usually just watch the news and Seinfeld for the most part).

I had a SUPER workout today - bis and tris...and when I was doing skulls I thought of JC's story about the gal glaring at her...almost laughed out loud! :lol:

This is odd...I was having my hair cut on Saturday and Stephen (my hair stylist) said he noticed my hair (which has always been fine) is getting THICKER. I dunno if it's because of all the protein or EFAs or what. But I do believe that weight training slows down or might even reverse the aging process!! Because I figured years ago that my hair was so fine that I'd be using Rogaine by the time I was 40...which is less than 2 months away. I'll have to rethink that now :)

Okay gals - we're gonna have another great day!!! Woohoo!

Hello girls,

Everyone seems to be doing so exeptionally well.... I had a great workout this morning, LBWO, last night I went for a good brisk walk and in the morning I did cardio and abs at the gym.... On Monday evening too I went for a walk....

Here's a cute story... Daughter and I were watching TV, I was lying on my stomach she had her head on my butt.... She said: "Mommy relax your butt it's too hard..." I said: "It is relaxed..." she said: "ok make if hard then....(so I did) and she said: "wow it's really hard now..." :lol: I was pleased as punch... as you can see it' doesn't take me much :o I thought it was cute...

Maggie ~ PMS killed me last week.... I was soooooooooo B****y that I could not believe I was the one talking at times... It blows me away at times.... I feel like it's an out of body experience...

TH ~ just keep posting here and talk your way through with us... we're all in the same boat really.....

The only problem with me lately is my water..... I don't have time at work.... i barely can go pee.........

Anyway i have to go i'm only on lunch....

bye all

Hi girls,

I learned a valuable lesson tonite at supper time.... I had meal 3 at 12 and didn't eat in the afternoon, or 2 - 3 hours later, like I should have.... I got home at 4:30 positively ravenous!!!:dizzy:
I ate 3 slices of bread, whole wheat (thank goodness), WITH margarine on it....:nono:ewwwwwwwwwww:ink: then I calmed down and had fresh tomatoes with a can of salmon....I'm going to be careful with the carbs in meal 5 tonite....

Starring at the gym makes me laugh.... I don't get it anymore because I go so early and the real lifters young and old are there... I feel at the gym that people stare at my shoulders, they are extremely wide, always have been, even as a kid.... My mother used to buy dresses to fit my shoulders, then hem the heck out of the skirt to the right length....:lol:
I have trouble buying jeans, do any of you? It's a real delema to shop for jeans for me....

I leg pressed 400 this morning.... first time ever!!
:strong: :strong:

I've been getting back pain too since I started speed walking at nite, and at the gym I used the incline on the treadmill at 8.5% at times, so I may slow down on that incline for a few weeks and make it more gradual...

Karen ~ I'm sure your thicker shinnier hair has lots to do with your eating.... what a great compliment to get! and I'm positive weight training keeps the years away... I just have to keep away from the sun and tanning bed so that my SKIN stays young.... My mother-in-law was a redhead, and could not go out in the sun at all because she would burn... and when she passed away at 81 she had the most beautiful skin, her daughter, my sister-in-law who is in the sun constantly is only 50 something and she looks older than her mother did at 81....and her face is creased with wrinkles, she also SMOKES!!

Well girls, gotta go do groceries.... good clean food...

See you all later :grouphug:

Hey everyone.....

Susan: I would say the lower back pain is from Yoga. I used to get it all the time. As for the bloating - how much water do you drink?

Thunder: So you fell of the wagon? What are you going to do about it huh? huh? :D

MrsJim: Yeah my hair has gotten thicker and healthy since being healthy - just another awesome benefit I guess!
Hey I think I know why that girl was staring at me - I took some photos last night (urgh :mad: ) and I STILL have tonnes of weight to lose but anyway I took a flexing shot and geez I have BIG GUNS! I didn't know my biceps had gotten so big! Check it out! I'm scary! :s:

Lana: your daughter sounds so cute. Children are always HONEST so you can be proud! Sorry I can't help you on the jean front.

Well today is a great day but Ihad a bad start to it. Last night I took some updated pictures for my L&S profile and I was *****ing because I have lot nearly 50 lbs and am about 18 lbs off my goal weight and I thought that I was 'getting there.' Well after seeing the pictures I realised that losing the 18 wasn't going to get me anywhere so I had to alter my goal. It was actually really hard for me because firstly I have had that goal for a year now and secondly because I couldn't get past the mental goal of 'I have never been smaller than 145 lbs' - note at this point I never stepped on a scale until I was 17. After complaining for a while hubby just turned to me and said 'WILL YOU GET IT OUT OF YOUR HEAD that you can't be any smaller that 145?' You can do it - just change your goal!

Well that hit me big time - another mental self-limiting belief I had established. I had a bad night's sleep and then when I got up hubby just hugged me hard for a few minutes :grouphug: and I said to him 'remind me why I am doing this again?' He said to me 'because the look you are going for is smaller than you first anticipated and you have come so far already' So I dragged my butt to the gym and did my workout. It was the single hardest morning I have ever had on BFL or any program.

I have a lot of deep thinking to do now to get my head right to finish this!

JC

What a long day this has been. Alarm was set wrong and I didn't even look at the clock when I got up and hit the treadmill, so when I got off, it was 1/2 hour later than it was supposed to be, leaving 15 minutes to wake groggy son, convince him that if he stopped complaining, he COULD get dressed, eat and make it to the bus stop. And that I wasn't really the WORST parent in the world. Then repeated process with daughter, who drove out to Ohio today to go back to school. Then argued with boss for a while..... but had an AWESOME back and bi workout! If I could just live a the gym, it would be so much easier! LOL.

JC- Glad to see you back at l&s... I have the same problems/quandry with goal weight. I actually started BFL last January after reaching what I thought my goal weight was. I just picked 135 out of a hat, because that was the last weight I remember being able to maintain. At 135, I still felt fat and my bf was around 28%. So I started BFL thinking I'd look like the "after" pics in 12 weeks, and would lose a bunch more weight. C1 I gained 3 pounds but bf% dropped to 22. Not exactly a stellar transformation, but a start. C2, I think I lost 2 pounds and bf dropped to 19%. C3 ends a week before our challenge, and unless there is some miracle, scale is staying the same, bf maybe down 2% more. Each time I get to a goal, I realize that's not what I wanted, and I still don't look right. My husband has been super supportive, too when I start wailing about it. But he did make the comment that I should keep in mind the big picture- that I had set a goal and reached it and should be proud of that. And that constantly revising the "look" goal downward in terms of body fat is like constantly revising a lifting goal upward- each day, the iron wins at the end. Hmm...I think I've lost whatever I was trying to say.

MrsJim- My hair is just getting grayer, but my NAILS are stronger. Think I scared 'em on the other thread?

Susan- I'm always "bigger' at night. I'm real careful now to NOT measure except first thing in the am. Too depressing otherwise.

Lana- I have a lot of trouble buying jeans. My waist measurement won't budge, but my thighs and butt are getting really lean. If it fits in the waist, it's baggy everywhere else. Oh, for the hourglass figure!

TH- Welcome back. Sending the wagon your way.

mel

HEY the hourglass figure has it's disadvantages as well!

I CANNOT get these thighs to move!

JC :D

After a whirlwind trip to Vegas and loads of e-mail upon my return... I have found myself unable to sleep and thinking about all of you and the challenges you are putting yourselves through. I thought I would stop in and see how it's been going.

I hope you all are still excited about getting to those goals you set for yourselves! You should be... even if you have had some setbacks, you can reach those goals you have set for yourself. One of you referred to yourself as being thickheaded... that's me... without a doubt! I just got so stubborn and so thick headed that even when I "blew it" and blew it miserably, I would somehow find my way back to that thick headed determination to see this thing through. I was bound and determined to claim the victory once and for all.

Believe it or not I still have my challenges with food. I've been wrestling the last few days because I have the "freedom" to eat whatever I want now that my competition is over. But what exactly is this freedom anyway? It's the freedom to make wise choices for yourself. Wise choices include healthy choices, include choices for your mental well being, choices for your family, and choices for your own self respect. I choose to eat clean on most days so that I can live a healthy, energetic, self respecting life! Now I have to admit, I have had a lot of fun enjoying some sweets with my 4 year old!! ;) But instead of eating ALL the cookies... we saved some for daddy! :lol:

Be proud of yourselves for continuing your journey onto better health and happiness! I applaud you ladies for all your efforts and your support of one another!

All the best!

Pam

THANK YOU! so much for stopping by Pam. I know how busy you are and I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that it means a LOT to us that you are thinking of us.

Take care and I look forward to your email.

JC

Just got back from the gym - cardio only day for me!

I have today off from work and a busy day it's going to be...cleaning the house...getting food ready for our road trip...laundry, laundry, laundry...quality time with Sparky...and of course time here at 3FC and L&S...

I'm also going back to the gym at noon today to check out a class called "Pi-Yo". It's supposed to be a cross between Pilates and yoga.

Jim talked to his mom last night and (this is so great) let her know that I was bringing my OWN FOOD during this trip and GRILLED her about where we were going to eat on Saturday night to make sure I could order something 'clean'. What a love! Of course Joan (Jim's mom) is a dear and asked what I COULD eat. I said as long as we go to a place where I could get chicken breast or fish and veggies (low-carb week for me) and lots of water and iced tea (my going-out-to-eat beverage) I'll be okay. I want to keep Sunday as my free day. We'll be so busy anyway that I'll probably have to REMIND myself when to eat! :lol:

OH and Jim said he wants to watch what HE eats too. He is intent on making the Bay Area-to-San Diego trip in less than 7 hours so NO STOPPING unless it's to fuel up or pee! :dizzy: (Of course we ARE stopping at the Kellogg Arabian Horse Ranch at California State Poly University in Pomona - he promised me that months ago... http://www.csupomona.edu/~equine/farm.htm

JC - I AM SO GLAD that you are posting once again at L&S. See how much you were missed, girlfriend??? Now if we could only get SUSAN to start posting there again...yeah, I know, law school really chews away at what 'free time' you might have! I have the same problem with my thighs BTW...the hourglass figure can be a real curse sometimes...usually I can see my abs before I see much thigh definition - weird huh? That's why I just decided to HECK with the numbers on the scale and even the calipers. I'll just go by 'look and feel' which is really what matters anyway!

PAM!!! I am so glad you decided to check in!! Sorry I didn't post right away...but I had to put my foot down on my evening Internet/PC use...because as I said, our office is in the kitchen and evenings are my worst time, as far as eating. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about food. I know a lot of 3FC'ers check in here even if they don't post. That little stir that happened on the main Diet Plans board (regarding the definition of 'lifting heavy' and muscularity) actually did some good as I've been PM'ed by a few folks wondering about bodybuilding and BFL. I know so many women are scared of weight lifting...and all those old myths still flying around that 'weights will make you too bulky' etc. etc. My hope and dream is that our little corner here (in conjunction with L&S - I really feel that our BFL/BB forum here is kind of a 'offshoot' or hand-in-hand with L&S) can dispel some of those myths for those who are on the 'diet roller coaster' and trying every pill, infomercial product, etc that promises the moon - with the only 'guaranteed weight loss' ultimately occuring in people's wallets... okay that's today's sermon...

Mel - Nails? What are nails??? :lol: I used to get mine done every two weeks...but stopped when I started taking riding lessons. Being around horses and weights isn't exactly condusive to nail growth - besides I'm a biter from way back...yeah, I know, bad habit!

Lana - My problem with jeans is the LENGTH. Obviously I have shorter legs than average according to the manufacturers. If I buy jeans at Nordstrom, they will hem them for me at no extra charge - unfortunately it appears they stopped carrying my favorite ones (DKNY Classics) so I have to go to Macy's (not like I'm doing much clothes shopping these days as I'm paying down bills right now in preparation for purchasing my own wheels).

Woo! Gotta go and get Jim ready for work (I have a kajillion hours of Paid Time Off - but he's saving his up) and check out L&S...I'll be baaacck...

Hey, I wasn't able to check-in for a few days and miss so much activity . . . I'll have to tell my boss to lighten my work load!!!

Thunder -- Hang in there! I hit a rough patch last week and had to work hard to get re-motivated. (the support from all the great people on this site helped tremendously). It seems to me that we're all trying to do our best every day. Sometimes this means we make it, but sometimes we don't. The key -- or what I keep reminding myself -- is to stay with the challenge of being/doing the best I can one day at a time. If I dwell too much on my past failures, I'm never going to get healthy; if I dwell too much on -- oh my God! will I have to go to the gym for the rest of my life -- I get overwhelmed. This goes to something JEC said -- really thinking about why each of us is doing this. For me, it's important to try to really figure out what I want with this eating/fitness challenge. Is it just to lose weight? If so, then there may be other methods that work (i.e., WLS). Is it to fit into some ideal female shape? Get fit? Deal with health issues? Etc. The answers (and I don't think it's ever a one-or-the-other type thing) drive the level of commitment to this, or any other, fitness/weight loss routine. For me, I'm trying to view this challenge as a process -- sure, I may be through with C3FC in 3 more weeks, but I can't go back to my old habits or the progress I've made (lost weight, gained muscle) will be gone. Mentally (and as many of you have said in the past, so much of the battle takes place in our minds), I'm trying to take a long view of what I'm hoping to accomplish, and to enjoy the journey along the way. (Sorry for long ramble . . .)

On a lighter topic: jeans - I have problems buying all types of pants 'cause I'm short waisted and have long legs. So, if the pants fit in the inseam, they're way too short; if they fit in length, the inseam falls half-way to my knees. :dizzy: I actually like the hip-hugger-style pants, 'cause they actually hit my waist about right!

Anyway, gotta go do some work. Hang in there everyone! Ciao. Mox

Hi Everyone,
Still stumbling along. I tried on some jeans that were baggy on me about 3 months ago and now I can't even zipper them up - ACKKKK!!! I gotta shake this off somehow. To answer your question JEC I don't know yet what I'm gonna do about it - but I'm gonna figure something out - I am getting way out of control. By the way JEC you look awesome - checked out your profile at L&S - you've come a long way!! How did you get past all of your starts and stops that you mentioned in your profile?

MOX - It's like you crawled inside my head and read what I've been stressing over the last few days - to the point of immobility. I am dwelling on all I have undone and looking at all the weight I have yet to lose (90lbs +) It just doesn't seem achievable right now. I need to look at it one day at a time like you say. I need to take another look at why I am wanting to do this and reclaim that energy I had to complete my first challenge. So thank you for your rambling (as you put it) - it's triggering some things I really need to look at. I know what you all are probably thinking - JUST DO IT!!!

Not for more excuses but it has been a vulnerable/stressful week for me - Mom's visit, PMS/TOM, and my daughter started school for the first time. But I had stresses and visits during my first challenge and I worked my way through it. My focus is getting lazy and I need to remind myself daily what I'm trying to achieve. I know what you all are probably thinking - JUST DO IT!!

Now I feel like I'm rambling - thanks for listening - it really does help to talk (type) this out. I don't mean to be a wet blanket - I'm still cheering you gals on! I promise I'll quit the whining now until I've got my sh#t together!

MrsJim - I just have to mention that your hubby is sooo supportive of you - that is sooo awesome - you picked a good one!

Thunderheart - thanks! I guess I was second time lucky :) because Hubby #1 was a total jerk - very non supportive to say the least.

Seriously though - have you tried JOURNALING? Just spend a week writing down your food and workouts each day - in a book for your own records - okay it's a diary!

Actually it also helps TREMENDOUSLY to write down your eating and training the night before each day - those BFL "Daily Progress Report" forms are great for that.

Right now I'm cleaning house!! AACK. Kitty is snoozing but that'll be short-lived as The Vacumn Monster, devourer of naughty kitties (or so Sparky thinks anyway) comes to life...and gets rid of all the white cat hair on the floor and furniture :lol: PiYo is in about an hour or so and I'm planning on leaving in about 40 minutes...looking forward to checking it out!

HI Karen,
I have just been so impressed with your research and success, I thought I would come over here and venture onto this board. I am a Gym Hoochie, I guess, but am also intelligent, and am very happy that way. I workout at a military post with soldiers, and lifting heavy is not shunned, but respected. It took a long time to get where I am, but I am happily progressing along my journey again. I am really happy you put yourself out here, you are looking so impressive these days!
Hugs,
Marie

I do agree on that part of it. There are so many people on Mondays, it makes me crazy, by Friday though, it is scant, and Saturday morning when I get to the gym, I have the weight room to myself. I try and do legs that day, as then I can do tri-sets and enjoy it without feeling like I take up other people's space, don't you get irritated when someone monopolizes more than one piece of equipment at a time. There is this guy who always put his towel on a bench and then comes back to it when he is ready. He can be using something completely diff and if someone asks if he is using it, he will say yes. :mad:
You should have seen the day when he went downstairs and talked to his buddies, came back up and his towel was hung on the smith machine which he WAS using. Someone was working out, he looked so confused. Can't imagine who did that?! :s:
Make today your own.............
Hugs,
Marie

bleech. I had my free lunch (may do a light free dinner or cereal and dessert) ...burger and fries and I am SICK. This food can't be good for you to cause such a strong and immediate reaction when you haven't had it in a long time!!!

WHAT WAS I THINKING????????????????????????????????

Hi there girls,

TH - Hang in there girl! Karen is right journaling your food intake is a great motivator.... We can help you along for a week or so if that will help you by posting our foods here, it'll also give you ideas on what to eat... Mox's rambling as she calls it was a great motivator me, take one step at a time, one meal at a time, one minute at a time if you have to... but JUST DO IT!! lol.... I'm just teasing you, but I hope you get the drift and are not offended....

This challenge is definitely a process for a life time commitment... We commit to our jobs, our families, now we have to commit to OURSELVES!! My mother (I do love her) but always says how women today are self centered and why exercise etc or work when you can stay home and raise kids !! OH, but how this annoys me!! she's better now because I've given her my two cents.... But who will take care of US if we don't take care of US... Ok I did stay home with my kids, but I was never home :smug: I dragged my kids everywhere, and my house was always a mess...
will the kids remember the house or the fun we had? the fun I think.... So think of YOURSELF for a change and take one step at a time... and.............JUST DO IT!! ;)

Geez .... did all that make sense....:?: I've even got myself confused....

The jean thang, when I try jeans , the hips fit but the waist is wayyyy too big... Just to show you we all have our different wonderful volumptous shapes...

JEC ~ saw your pics on L&S you look great what nice pics.... I wish I had the nerve to do that.... but you will probably never see pics of me, specially my whole body on the net.... maybe just maybe if I made that commitment I'd loose more..........hmmmm something to ponder...

Hello Pam so nice of you to take time to come by.... I've heard so much about you and all the great things you have accomplised... You are an awesome girl...........

Well gotta go girls, here's a great big :grouphug: to one and all .... and a special one for you TH....

Take care ..........

Hmm, burger and fries.....last had that about 1 1/2 years ago. Wonder what it would do to me? Sorry it made you feel so bad, Susan. Unfortunatly, the popcorn or chocolate I fall down with only makes me feel fat and guilty!

Had a good day, but TIRED! Only cardio and abs, but Pam has me doing longer cardio and it was another low calorie/carb day. Oh well, I'm feeling leaner (a bit) so I don't care if I'm tired for a while!

Marie: Equipment hogs bug me, but I am one. What really frosts me is when someone takes over a piece of equip I'm clearly using in a superset, re-arrages it all, does their set, then just SITS THERE! I workout when the gym is usually almost empty so when that happens I think it's on purpose. Tho I guess obliviousness is a better explanation than malice. What's a gym hoochie????

Thunder- PULL IT TOGETHER GIRL! You've done this before and succeeded! You know what it feels like. You can do it.

Hi Pam! Thanks for checking up on us! Your Vegas pics are awesome!

Hi JC! Love your avatar. I thinks it's time to change mine. No way do I look like that huffing and puffing dog now. :lol:

OK- Outta here!

mel

Wow well it's friday here which means that I am half way through this sprint! WOW I can't believe it time has flown so fast. I actually emailed Pam again to purchase another 4 weeks menu of her after I heard about the Waldorf salad episode! I am starting that in the first week of October so I am up to extending this sprint if anyone wants to join me! :eek: I felt like I needed something to freshen up what I have been doing and I am so looking forward to it.

MrsJim: That Pi-Yo class sounds interesting. I used to to Yoga and have done one class of Pilates but my instructer changed gyms so I stopped going. Now I just plain don't have enough time!
I can always see my abs before any other muscles, and my thighs are covered in what looks like cellulite but I am not sure. I used to have a little bit on my upper thighs but now it seems like it is everywhere! I am hoping that it is just all the fat breaking up and thus looking disgusting only for the moment. I am a nail biter from waaaaaay back too! But they feel harder when I bite them now! By the way Karen - how tall are you? I am 5'4" and I don't have much problem with the length of jeans - for some reason I always assumed that you were the same height as me (since we are the same body shape basically as well) :s:

Mox: I hear you girl so many people get caught up with hopes of ending up perfect they forgot why they made the mental commitment in the first place. If ANYONE knows about patience it's ME!!! Look at my pics at L&S it has taken me 11 months to get where I am and I still have another 6-12 months to go to get to where I want to. to be honest I look at my pictures now and think - I was so much bigger than I ever thought I was at the time. Sometimes I can cruise along ok and other times it's a daily battle (like the other day) - YOU JUST GOTTA KEEP GOING! I always say the number one thing you need for BFL or another program to work is CONSISTENCY! It ain't gonna happen overnight!

To be perfectly honest I sometimes get a bit jealous of those people who aren't that big to start off with and then they achieve their goals in one challenge or so. It's just a human reaction I think but it's frustrating when you have so much fat to lose. It's easy to get lost in the process. I have to continually remind myself of my goals and where I am going. I didn't like putting up pictures before recently because I am still 'in progress' and don't have the final picture yet, but I learnt something important recently and that is that there process is just as important as the end result. I believe Pam is an awesome person and part of that comes from her ability to overcome her fears and frustrations and keep battling through until she achieved her dreams. Whenever I get jealous or envious I just think of Pam and that it took her 1.5 years originally to get to her goal so it's ok if it takes me a while as well. :D

Thunder: Thanks for the compliment! I REALLY appreciate it.
How did I get through my stops and starts? Well firstly I didn't take it seriously enough and then one day (my birthday actually) I just got up and started crying. I had truelly hit my low point and I finally admitted to myself that I just couldn't do it. I could never lose the weight - it wasn't meant to be. Then my brain took over and said what the **** are you talking about? I started reading a book by Dr Phil called stop making excuses and I analysed my thought processes and my self limiting beliefs (you know the ones - 'I am big-boned etc') and finally just told myself to shut up and do it. I was constantly looking and waiting for motivation and a REASON to do it all the time. Telling myself 'once I am motivated I will do it' 'I don't have a strong enough reason yet' etc. That day I cried I just told myself that there was never going to be a reason and my motivation wasn't going to come - I JUST HAD TO DO IT. So I got up that morning and went for a run. Then I started to emerse myself in education and learning about nutrition and exercise until I was bursting with information. During the first full challenge I was obsessed with it. Then the whole process kinda snowballed from there...... :^:

I still don't have motivation to do it and I still don't have very strong reasons to fall back on I just tell myself I have to do it, because where I am now is better than where I was then. So something is going right.

I will stop babbling now! :lol:

Susan: You know what? The first time I did CPB I watched and listened to my body very carefully. I had vicious reactions to deep fried food but could eat Pizza and chinese with ease so you know what I did? I cut out fried food from my diet totally! My body obviously didn't like it so why bring pain on myself? It's strange because now I don't crave those foods anymore but I crave Pizza and chinese. When I eat either pizza or chinese I don't get free day hangovers anymore so obviously my body doesn't mind it in moderation! Sometimes I think it's important to listen to the signals your body is giving you!

Anyway guys I have rambled too much. Take care!!

JC :D

Mel!

It's so cool isn't it? I found it the other day when I was browsing... Maybe I should get the other thread girls and DNW to come have a look! :lol:

JC :lol:

this is not me :D

what do you think of the new avatar?

mel (who looks nothing like that!)

I do have 2 arms and 2 legs and a head.

mel

I LOVE IT!!!!!!

JC

PS It's that Bergmin lady isn't it?

Yep, It's Juliette Bergman in her younger (less roided up) days! I was going to paste my head on, but figured the pic was so small once I got it to avatar size, who could tell?

I love her early look- just lots of lean, long muscle. The last 5 years, tho, even I think she looks like a freak.


Just ate 1 1/2 cups of cottage cheese blended with a sweet potato and i feel like I've got concrete in my stomach!

mel

Good Morning Ladies
What can I say? Such a supportive group, I really do appreciate your thoughts and pointers.

JEC - It's so weird I think I was having my little cry last night about the time you were posting. What's even more weird is that it was Dr Phil I was watching when I heard those same words and decided that I was done wallowing in the victim pool. That's when I started to make changes that eventually led me to BFL. It also reminded me that I have a couple of his books that I have yet to read. One being Life Strategies about being your own personal Life Manager - in his words I should be fired right now for the job I'm doing. Thanks for sharing your struggles, it helped me to feel not so alone with this battle.

LANA - You are so sweet - I appreciate the offer of posting your menus but I have already completed one challenge so I have the knowledge of what to eat etc. My problem lies deep within myself which is sometimes more difficult to work out. Thanks for the hug!

MEL - Your right! I have completed one challenge already and I do remember what that felt like. I never felt stronger both physically and mentally.

MRSJIM - I know that you have suggested journalling before and I haven't done that yet. I think I will give it a week and see what happens - it will probably help me to remain focused. I did use the workout sheets for my 1st challenge and that really helped.

MZHALLOCKSWEET - Welcome to our home! I have to admit that I have been admiring your success for quite some time. I went to BodyChangers quite early on and you were one of the ladies that I could identify with. You have done an awesome job!

On reflection, I think things started going downhill after my FIL died 4 months ago. I just let myself use that to eat through my emotions and I think it's time to crawl out of that and get busy. What I'm doing now is not a tribute to the way my FIL lived his life - he wouldn't want this for me.

My mother is coming up again this weekend but I'm going to prepare myself mentally/emotionally this time. Isn't it funny how they can still treat us like children and we can react in the same way? Time to grow up and take charge. Now I have to take responsibility for my actions and go out and buy another pair of "fat" pants. I gave away my fat clothes as I was losing weight and now I have no pants that fit (hence my little crying jag last night). I have to go out of town for my job next week and all I have are sweat pants. ARGG - I'm only buying one pair because I will be getting rid of them very soon!!! I also have to face my doctor next week. Believe it or not I am big on personal responsibility - time to face the music.

Thank you ladies for holding my hand and giving me a gentle kick in the #ss. If I didn't have this board right now I think I could be creating major damage. That's enough about me now! You gals are so awesome with your energy and enthusiasm - can't wait to hear how you all did after the six weeks!

We're leaving in less than an hour (sez Jim) and he's determined to break his Bay-Area-to-San-Diego record (around 7 hours) today. Not to mention it has been HOT here lately. Hopefully San Diego (we're actually staying around Del Mar) is a bit cooler.

Yesterday afternoon my PC FREAKED OUT on me so I turned it off for the rest of the day...why I've been so quiet - I've got LOTS of catching up to do!

Just got back from the gym - did a quick chest/quad workout.

I'm still a bit sore from Pi-Yo. I've stretched like that before - it's HOLDING the stretches that make ya sore. A good sore though :)

JC - I'm thinking about buying another 4 weeks from Pam after I return from SoCal. I'd LOVE to continue this as well - until November 2nd (when I leave for London).

Just wanted to add - I am also 5'4" :)

Marie - I'm so glad you're hanging out here - I'll have to answer your questions in more depth on Sunday when we return (unless I'm lucky enough to score internet access this weekend - I left my laptop at work).

I gotta finish packing and take a shower and eat! Later all!!!

Mel is that you in that pic? HOLY MOLY, you are awesome.................

I see that isn't you, but what a great pic, thanks for the compliment Thunderheart, if you ever need me, my email is always posted somewhere. I just recently relit my fire watching other compete, I want those abs to show. See you all this Monday.
Hugs,
marie

I can't believe how fast this week went. Well, gals (and any guy lurkers out there), we're half-way through our challenge! And, even though some of us maybe haven't had the cleanest weeks, it looks like everyone is still trying hard. Yea!!!

I've had a pretty good week, and am looking forward to this weekend (although no lazing around on the couch for me -- too much to do, too many people to see . . . ) I've set aside time to spend at the gym – I think I'm ready to get acquainted with "the bar"! I want to try to do some squats, and I'm sure I'm going to need lots of time to figure out the machine I want to use (it's the kind where the bar stays within tracks, so I hopefully won't tip over), and there's always plenty of staff around on the weekends.

I'm extra motivated to get into shape, 'cause I just confirmed that I'll be going on a big trip to S.E. Asia next spring. I really want to go diving and do a lot of trekking -- both of which are easier to do if I'm in shape. Also, I know from experience that it's hot and steamy where I'm thinking of going, so I'll be a lot more comfortable if I lose about 50 pounds. Anyway, I was planning on going on this trip (a friend of mine lives in Malaysia) in any event, but it just became much easier: I found out this week that I won a huge raffle prize – RT airline tickets to Japan! The only thing I've ever won before is a coffee basket, so I was stunned to learn that I had gotten this lucky. So, I'm hoping to use these tickets to get to Tokyo, and then take another flight from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur. I'm very, very excited.

TH: It's scary -- but reassuring -- to me when I read other people's posts, and realize that I'm not the only one who sometimes feels unmotivated, frozen, lost, etc. That's why I think this site is so great – it really does help to realize that other people are going through the same struggles. And I think I understand what you're going through, 'cause I felt (and still do) many of the same things. About 8 years ago, I lost 80 pounds, only to have regained all of the weight. Talk about feeling disgusted and angry – I was so mad at myself for having "let myself go." But, after years of whining about it (in my head, of course; I was too embarrassed to admit to anyone that I had fallen off the exercise/good food wagon, although the evidence was there for everyone to see), I just got tired of hearing it. I'm still trying not to be so mad at myself, and I work to focus on the present and what I'm gaining by becoming healthier (e.g., the trip discussed above). Anyway, just know that you have supportive people here who are going through the same challenges you are!

MrsJim: Hope you had a great trip this weekend (I'm assuming you're reading this on Sunday). I saw the picture you posted on the other thread, and you look awesome. Congrats!

JEC: Where are your pictures on the L&S site? Are they under "JEC"? I'd love to take a look.

Susan and Moxie: Regarding back pain and yoga – I suggest you ask your teacher to check your form (even if she'd prefer to have her eyes closed, it's her job to teach). I've been doing yoga for a couple of years and haven't experienced that type of pain. More importantly, my instructor is very insistent that we be gentle with our bodies; in her view, yoga is an exercise that should flow with your breath (that is, unless you're doing power yoga or whatever it's called).


Mel: I love your new pic! If I was being honest, mine would look like a dumpling.

Gotta run for a final meeting of the day. Hope everyone has a great weekend! See you on Monday. Mox

So I am leisurely typing away before I get to all my cooking for the week!

Hubby INSISTED that I take another back shot to put in my profile because in the first set I was standing with legs together and one with legs apart. He said that it distorted the view SO I took more shots this morning and updated the colloge. It's funny but he was right aafter I looked at the pictures I saw what he meant. Also I tried to smile a bit this time (years of damage from being scared of having my photo taken.)

Mox: No my pictures are under my original SN - JC. I tried to register as that here but you need a minimum of 3 characters so I had to add my middle initial to it. (eve)


Thunder: Know that I am thinking about ya!

MrsJim: I redid the form for Pam yesterday and just about wrote my life story on it! :lol: I still can think of some foods that I don't like and forgot to mention! She said that she would have the plan to me by next weekend so I will continue with this until I get it.

I jumped on the scale and in the 3 weeks of C3FC I have lost 9 lbs, which puts me back are where I was before I took the 6 weeks off. It's NICE to be back on track again!

Mox: Um hello??? How LUCKY are you! I would love to go to Japan one day. Hey whilst you are in my part of the world you should drop in sometime! Where in SE Asia are you heading to besides KL?

Well I have about 30 meals to prepare for the week so I had better get cooking! :o

Take care all.

JC

That is not me! The lady in question is Juliette Bergman, a Dutch BB who won MS. Olympia and many other titles. That's how she looked 5-10 years ago. Her 2001 Olympia pictures show her with about 40 lbs more muscle. And not natural, I'm sure.

In my dreams I look like that! I've got a ways to go.

But I had a really good day! Ate 100% all week, did great workouts, even one I wasn't supposed to do (um, can you believe I got up a did cardio, then remembered it wasn't a cardio day?), and best of all, Husband (Jon) just got home after a week and a half in England. He says there is less of me than when he left. I don't see it, but what a sweetie!:dizzy:

JC- Where are these pictures? Here or at L & S?

Mox- What an incredible thing to win! You'll have quite a trip to prepare for, then tell us about. I'm jealous- most I ever won was a free snapple.

mel

Hello ladies! My computer monitor needed a new board so some of your posts have been hard to read so I don't always respond. I am UP and RUNNING now with a new video card...I installed it a few minutes ago, so now everything is CLEAR. But now there are so many posts, I can't answer everyone!

I'll do better from now on. :lol:

TH, I just wanted to comment on the backsliding thing.

I know you've heard my story before but I will just say that I feel like the last six years have been such a struggle.

After I quit smoking in 1996 I gained a ton of weight (I stopped looking at the scale when it informed me I had gained 60 lbs) and didn't think much of it because I had always lost weight easily and really wanted to be QUIT so I couldn't think about the weight gain or else I'd smoke again. After being off cigarettes a year I tried to "diet" and nothing happened. In fairly rapid succession I tried WW, phentermine, Atkins, Zone, Jenny Craig etc. Whereas I used to be able to lose about 12 lbs a month (and never really gained all that much), I couldn't lose ANYTHING in a month. It was so debilitating. It went on like that for THREE YEARS. I would go on some plan and give up after 4-6 weeks because nothing budged. Then I found BFL in January of 2001. I had just signed up with WW again and did that for the 8 weeks that I had signef up for but I was reading the BFL book and "getting ready". In 8 weeks on WW I lost 11 lbs. The next 2 weeks I started working out with weights to get ready.

Then I started my first challenge in earnest. I did okay although I had no inches lost until week 10. I started C2 but went back east in the middle of it. I did okay. I thought I looked good for a trip back home and was looking forward to hitting 10s when I got back. I came home with an inner ear infection and couldn't work out. I was homesick for NY and very depressed. Then 9/11 and I was freaking out. I went home in Oct and visited ground zero...it was horrible. I was depressed and anxious and then I saw my ob/gyn who thought that I need low carb because of perimenopause...then I did THAT...the whole time I am not working out intensely and instead of having a GREAT one year anniversary of BFL, I'm BIGGER than I was before c1. I was so horribly depressed. I did okay, in and out of the program, but I kept reading all the progress (esp. MrsJim) and kept coming back to it. I had planned to work out a lot over the summer but worked ALL THE TIME. I did walk a lot and noticed that after 10 weeks the walking was starting to have an effect. so I must be a 10 week person....it must take 10 weeks for effects to show. A VERY LONG TIME to wait when you are busting your butt every day.

Well, I am in the middle of this sprint and really loving it. My hubby has to be somewhere tomorrow morning when I normally go to the gym so I am getting up at 3 am to get to the gym. I have that kind of motivation. For me, six weeks is easier to deal with and I would like to take a short break and then do a pre Christmas sprint.

I know JEC and MrsJIm are talking about extending this challenge...maybe we could start a new one right away (with a couple of days off in between) because I love BEGINNING motivation. I love the beginning of these sprints!

Anyway, this was a long winded reply to say....no matter where you are, what is important is that you do not quit.

The thing I LOVE about bb and bfl is how I FEEL. I know that free day yesterday was awful and I didn't even go that crazy. I like the way I feel when I am eating clean. Right now I am working out INTENSELY and eating clean (I only took one free day in 2 weeks) and my loss has been minimal...but I keep going....as a 10 weeker I have no choice. :)

So if you are grieving or having a hard time for whatever reason, BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF and COME HERE and TALK because we need you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And if you're not doing so well, we're still here for you!!! :grouphug:

Take care,
Susan

meliris: JEC's pics are over at L&S. Click on "view user profiles" at the top of the message board page, and here's are under "jc."

jec: I checked out your photos yesterday, and they are fabulous! It's funny to finally see someone's pics on here, because I have images in my head of all of you, and when I finally do see a photo, it is *nothing* like what i imagined! :-P I didn't realize you were my age, for starters! I, myself, am working up the courage to post pics. I am going to attempt to attach a recent head shot below, and will see if I have the courage to post my full "before & after" photos at some point in the near future ;-P

i'm so glad the weekend is here! it always seems that as I get towards the end of the work-week, my workout motivation begins to wane. but saturday and sunday are *always* stellar days where workouts and nutrition are concerned, so the weekend really helps me get pumped for the week ahead.

Have a great weekend, ladies - and can you believe we're already embarking on the second half of our sprint?!

Oops- meant to comment on your post above, but forgot - was busy figuring out how to attach a photo into my post ;-P I truly admire your motivation, despite all of the personal setbacks you've had - truly a testament to the fact that anything is possible, if you want it bad enough! Like you, it takes a *long* time for changes to take effect for me, but I think part of that is just my perception. I will always see a fat girl when I look into the mirror, even if (no, not if - WHEN!) I get down to a size 8 or smaller). :^:

MrsJim: like susanje, your progress was a huge motivator for me. When I first started WW, your website before and after photos (this was pre-BFL), were what convinced me that I could lose weight, too, if I really wanted it. After you decided to give BFL a whirl, so did I. Ok, I'm a copycat- sue me! :lol:

And on extending the challenge - I agree that maybe a second sprint would be in order - I've given myself some set goals for this challenge, and would love to take a day or two to assess my progress and develop new goals for a new challenge - maybe a pre- thanksgiving sprint? Not sure offhand how many weeks there are between the end of this sprint and thanksgiving, but anywho... I'm loving this sprint! I can never stay this motivated for a 12-week challenge, but I'm doing so weel this time around. I was able to downgrade (or would it be considered upgrading?) to a smaller size of jeans last week. VERY exciting! I'm finally through buying jeans from Lane Braynt - yea! (Not a slam on Lane Bryant, as they have *great* jeans, but just an exciting thing for me, personally ;-P)

OK, I've rambled enough :-P

Colleen, I feel the same way about lizwear. While Liz Claiborne is my favorite "big lady" designer, she does design clothes in sizes smaller than 16. I just love her "WOMAN" line though, even more than her regular size line. She's a class act and her clothes always fit nice.

I did look for JEC's profile on L&S. I'll have to look again.

I did get to the gym at 3:00 am. I went to bed at 8:30 to make it happen. It was NICE. There were 4 people there and I had the free weight side of the gym all to myself.

However, I did scratch my face. I was moving my hair out of my face (since it's too short to pull back but still long enough to fly in my face...I need a bandana or headband or something)...and scratched my face right across the cheek. YOW. :yikes: It is sore and red. I have an interview on Tuesday!

Does anyone know anything that promotes healing of the facial skin? QUICKLY??????????????????

Even with that incident, I feel very good. Tired but good.

:dance:

wcolleen:oh my goodness I had no idea we were the same age - I thought that you were so much older than me! Thanks for the picture!

susan: try aloe vera, not the cream, the straight green stuff. You can normally get it from a health food store etc.

Well I had a decent free day and unfortunately broke my no sugar rule by having some chocolate. But it was a conscious decision so I am not going to beat myself up about it at all. I also tried the CC & jello mixture - I used lemon which is my favourite and I could not believe how could it was! Hubby tried it also and said it was exactly like lemon cheesecake and that I had to make him some of it to take to work! The way I made it was;

a portion of low fat CC (no FF in Australia)
3 teaspoons of WW lemon jello dissolved in hot water
some splenda
a little fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons of vanilla SF/FF pudding (I get someone to send it to me from the US.

I blended it up in the blender all together and then put it in the fridge for a few hours. It was INCREDIBLE!!! I so wanted to make more today but I have CPB menus so I can't! DAMN!

Thanks for all the encouragement with the photos ladies. It has taken me a long time to get the courage to do it (10 months) but since I have had some improvement I thought it was important for people who aren't getting their ideal body in one challenge to see that the heavier you are the more patient you have to be. It can happen it just happens at different speeds for different people. I hope that it encourages at least one person to stick with it.

JC

Weight Upper Waist Lower Waist Left Calf
May 8 200 41.5 50 18.25
July 10 199 41.5 49 17
August 14 199 40 48 16.5
September 21 196 38 45 15

**Since august 14th, down only 3 pounds, but 2 inches off upper and 3 inches off lower waist???!!!

Here are my stats since the start of C3FC
1 inch off upper waist
1.5 inch off lower waist
1 inch off left calf
down 3 pounds on scale (but who cares what THAT monster says!)

Colleen, those are impressive numbers. I think so anyway. :) For me, the lower waist area is my nemesis. Before turning 40, I could lose weight very easily there, now it is the last place to lose! :p

JEC: I did see your photos on L&S. VERY VERY VERY nice work!!!We have a similar build I think. My old profile is still there as well (under SJ).

Thanks for the aloe vera tip. I do have a huge aloe vera plant on my deck...I"ve only been able to grow the monster thing in California. I could not get them to grow like this back east. I will try it. I know it works well on burns but I haven't tried it for cuts. I need RAPID healing!

Also, could you post that LUSCIOUS cc/jello recipe under the recipe thread?????? I would love to try it sometime.

Well, I did an ubwo and swimming this morning (about 5:30 am). I wish I could get to the gym early every single day. the weekdays are not do-able with a 9yr old at home. Hubby leaves for work at 4:00 so I'd have to be at the gym but like 2:30....meaning I'd get no sleep!!! But I LOVE the early morning hours.

First day with my new gloves for my UBWO and what a difference they made. They not only helped my wrist stability but they helped with the rough edges of some of the lat pulls. Nice gloves. I like them a lot. I used to be a strict no-gloves person but got tired of callouses so I switched to gloves and now really like them. A good pair makes a difference (to me anyway)

the swim was simply marvelous. I really enjoyed the water and did a lot of exercises in the pool. It seems to complement UBWO very well. I didn't split my routine this week because it's a weird schedule week. I almost didn't go. I got up at 4:30 and had coffee and was just sitting in the recliner watching some garbage on TV and almost fell back asleep, but I opened my eyes and away I went!!! I'm so glad I did.

Feeling stronger every day.
:strong:

susan