40-Something May Day Challenge
 

Good morning, 40-somethings! May 1st is 7 weeks away, and I am hoping by then it will really be spring, and time to wear those beautiful spring clothes that don't quite fit now!

What are your goals for this challenge? Mine are:

1) Lose 5 lbs
2) Start strength training 3 days/week(classes, machines at gym, free weights/resistance at home)
3) Spend 5 minutes a day on a combination of planks and push ups
4) Continue to monitor calories and stay ~1350/day
5) Running or other cardio 3 days/week
6) Continue to do stairs at work.

I'm in! My goals for May 1:
1. Lose 10 pounds (I'll post official starting weight Monday morning)
2. Continue my Couch to 5K program
3. Begin strength training on my off days (maybe use my kettle bells)

I'm in! My goals are:

1. Lose 5 pounds: 152 goal
2. Have my fitness level retested from a year ago
3. Yoga 1x per week
4. Weights 2x per week
5. Cardio 4-5x per week

Hmm. May Day. Six and a half weeks from now. I am in.

By then Bicycle Club activities will be in full swing, assuming this snow gets around to melting. I want to see 14_ on the scale. I haven't been in the 140's since 1997. So my goal is 149 or below.

Plan to get there is 1)count calories every day. 2)Cardio (jogging, biking) 3-4X per week.

Thanks for starting this Natamars!!! We've been in this game for a long time together!!!! And we're still trying...YAY US!!!

Okay so I'm a little afraid to set goals because the last two challenges I didn't even come close and it all got shot to Hades....but here I go again. I've been feeling more in control the past few days so Im giving it my all and more..longer days and more sunshine is giving me a little gusto!!!

And yes, I also want to fit into those cute spring/summer clothes. Bought a dress from Bloomies yesterday that I want to look better in and not have to wear industrial strength spanx.....and don't get me started on the beach!

Goals for this challenge:
1. Practice Intermittent fasting and Intuitive Eating.
2. Continue cross fit two times a week, my Zumba classes, kettlebells and try and get more cardio in, either fast walking outside or on the treadmill, attempt to run although I dont think I can.
3. Make a conscious effort to get more water down during the day.
4. No more diet soda unless im out at a restaurant or bar (gotta mix that vodka with SOMETHING yanno)
5. I'm afraid to set a weight goal but I will make this one a biggie, since we have seven weeks. I'm going to say 137. My real goal is 133 but I haven't been that in over a year and I don't want to torture myself into thinking I could get to that. My focus now is to build more muscle tone and firm up all this junk in the trunk and thighs. I'll be paying attention to losing inches and getting back into my skinny jeans rather than be a slave to the scale.....

LETS DO THIS>>>>LETS GET READY FOR MAY DAY!!!

I'm in - going to town to do a little shopping right now - will post goals later!

Jennifer, I just noticed a parallel. We are the same height, and I was 182 lbs when I decided to try running. It was really hard at first, but it stuck, and now I can run 5K w/o too much problem. Power to ya !!

I'm game
 

My goals are simple


1. Stay active
2. Lose 5 lbs
3. cut out all soda by this date (it will be the hardest)

I am not going to do a weigh goal, but a fitness goal.

We are rejoining the gym.

1) Walk my puppy 4-5 times per week.
2) Use the gym 3 times per week.

Mine is going to have to be a fitness goal too: every day I don't work, I spend an hour on the recumbent bike. I also want to work on cutting out more carbs...especially the table sugar kind.

Kristy

Stay on my eating program. Start an exercise program. Enter onederland - it's been years since I've been there.

Starting weight
3/17/13 - 154

Current weight
3/17/13 - 154

Goal weight
5/1/13 - 148

Hoping to get back to my low weight since starting 3fc of 148lbs. I also want to reincorporate exercise back into my routine 3 or 4 days per week, now that the snow and ice are clearing up. Good luck to us all!

Okay, Time to post the goals: I will hit my weight/bf% goal during this time frame! And this time I'm prepared for what comes after . . . it's still so weird to try to gain after losing, though!

1. Continue: Phase III of NRoL Supercharged (weights 3x week)

2. Continue: Eat on Plan - ~1600 calories, 155g protein, 155g carb, 40g fat
2a. Add 150 calories each week: 08Apr(1750), 15Apr(1900), 22Apr(2050), 29Apr (2200) in prep for surplus starting 06May(2400+)

3. Continue: Drop body fat below 21% while maintaining lean mass of 117-118lb. It should take about 5lbs of fat loss to put me there. Scale weight doesn't matter - it all depends on how the hips/belly fare under the tape measure.

4. Add: 30 minute spin bike sessions 2x week

The Hypertrophy Section of NRoLS starts in May- this should put me in a perfect position to build some real muscle!

Disclaimer: Not sure how much recovery (if any) I will need after 28Mar surgery. But, for the first time ever, I will make myself take time to heal /rest and not rush back into exercise at the detriment of my health. If needed, I will just adjust the above goals to compensate for surgery/recovery.

I'm In!!
Continue exercise 5-6 days a week
Get under 200
weight loss goal is gonna be to lose 7 pounds (Having a lot of get togethers in the next few weeks, my bday, easter, etc....that is why goal is low.)

cw 206.6
gw 199.6

I'm definitely in too.

My goals:

1) End the challenge weighing less than I do currently.
2) Continue to exercise regularly (5+ times a week).

We can do this! :carrot:

Here is weight goal:
SW: 183
GW: 173

Wow, even if I get close, I'll be happy!

I've been off plan since Friday night. Friday night and Saturday
were expected, yesterday was not. Have my b'fast and
lunch packed and my calorie notebook filled out. Gym and planks
tonite.

Hello everyone!! Looks like everyone has some great goals here.....I hope you all had a nice St Patty's day. I made the traditional corned beef and cabbage and won't get on the scale today because I know that corned beef has me bloated. I also had an ice cream ball (Target sells those, why did I buy them) last night. I felt like it was a holiday so why not. So...that was my cheat day and I'm back on track today. Going to Zumba and then tonight Cross fit...(eeeeek...dreading it already).....I also have a free month at a local 24 hour gym and I have to sit and figure out when in my schedule I am going to get there......I feel like we're down to the wire with the warmer weather on its way and I need to make some headway.

I notice some are choosing fitness goals over weight goals....I never thought of that...why put the pressure of that number down? And a fitness goal will eventually turn into a weight goal achieved anyway. Great idea ladies!

It is freezing again today, but the days are longer and sunnier, so I know that spring is on its way and there will be no more hiding under sweats and sweaters. When my arms went to Hades that is when I truly felt "old". So I guess my fitness goal should be me focusing on some upper body work and gettng these arms a bit more toned and ready for tank tops....

Well as usual I'm talking the talk, time to get off my bum and make this day happen.

Morning Ladies!

Mondays will be my official weight/bf%/check-in days:
18Mar SW: 151.8 SBF:22.4%
25Mar
01Apr
08Apr
15Apr
22Apr
29Apr
01May:

I weigh in on Mondays. I was up 1# to 157.0 this AM. But some of it is sure to be PMS bloat. 140's here I come.

LuvCats. I like your goals, definitely using the "Keep It Simple" principle.

I wish it would quit snowing, but winter is hanging on tenaciously. So its off to the fitness club, AGAIN.

Well I did'nt make it to Cross fit tonight, I think the new sneakers I've been wearing to zumba are causing me a lot of joint pain...not sure why .....my ankles and knees hurt. I was too shot to get to CS tonight but now I regret it..atleast I gave it my all at Zumba this morning.......

Didn't do so great on eating today, made some Irish Soda bread and how could I not eat it? But tomorrow is a fast day, I look forward to it.......

hope everyone else had a good day...

Monday: 1450 calories, 30 min elliptical, 5 min push-ups/planks

Wow, eating off plan for just a few days makes it hard to get back into it and keep calories low. But I'm proud that I drove myself to the gym in the snow at 9PM when I really just wanted to go to bed.

zumba, how are you doing the fasting? I try to eat most of my calories between 8 and 3, although I allow myself a few hundred calories around 6 before a workout.

june, it's snowing here in NY too. So freaking sick of it.

2fc, your body fat is amazing..you're such an inspiration.

I'll join this thread this time. I've been struggling to get back to my exercise routine since my mother-in-law got sick. I want to get back to at least 3 times a week.

Starting weight
3/17/13 - 154

Current weight
3/19/13 - 152

Goal weight
5/1/13 - 148

Super busy right now, but really trying to watch the sugar and carb intakes. The next 2 weeks will be a challenge with various events that involve lots of food! Still fighting the good fight.

Good luck today, everyone!

Keeping it simple works for me, Junem. Glad you like it.

Hang in there everyone! We can do this.

As for me, only down .2#. Lol after last week I kind of expected this though plus I did go out to dinner 2x this past week. Now the challenge will be to behave relatively well when I travel to my daughter's house this week.

I'm in!! Talk bout perfect timing...I have just recommitted myself to getting back to my "fighting weight" and my son will be 13 on May 8th. I will read all the posts so far after jumping in here but wanted to do ONE THING today that proves to myself that i am serious about this. I don't know yet what exactly my weight goal will be because i haven't stepped on the scale in over a week (denial much??) but WILL do this in the morning. Thanks for this thread. And i promise i will learn everyone's name in the following few days lol.

Thanks Natamars! You're an inspiration! It takes some amazing dedication to drive to the gym in the snow AND at night! I detest driving in either of those conditions much less both. I pretty much don't like driving period.

My bf% is getting there - it looks better on paper, though! Sadly now I look like a snake that swallowed a big soft meal. *sigh*
Gotta get rid of the last of the belly bulges! You can't see it in clothes- but it's there. Taunting me.

I walked 4.7 miles

I'm in! I do plan to have pelvic mesh removal and reconstruction surgery done in the coming weeks, but my goals for this great May 1 challenge is:

1. Make it to the pool 3 times per week until and after surgery/recouperation.
2. Work up to 180 abdominal crunchies in the water
3. Break the 180's and weigh 17_

Epic fail yesterday. Felt weak and hungry all day at work so consumed
1400 calories there which would have been ok had
I not had another 900 when I got home including pizza and
frozen yogurt for a total of about 2275. Still feel painfully bloated
this morning. 35 min of stair climbing

Today will be a better day...I did this to myself

OK. Finally got my nerve to stand on the scale. 146.4. There it is. In black and white. It irritates the heck out of me because that is exactly what I have weighed for the last 6-9 months. Give or take 1.5 pounds. Workout or not. Eat what I want. Or not. I've got to figure this out. But in the meantime I have all of you wonderful ladies to keep me motivated to not give up. And I promise to do my best to cheer each of you on as well. I know how it feels to get that "pat on the back"...especially from someone who KNOWS.

So....my goals are looking like this:
1)Get under 14_ I don't even care if it ends up 139.9. Seriously
2)Drink 4-5 bottles of water a day. Used to do that without fail.
3) Get in some form of cardio a minimum of 4 days in a week. Weights 2 times.
4)Check in here at least once a day. Sometimes that is hard with my work schedule but I'm working on FOLLOW THRU LOL

Alright ladies....lets go out there today and kick some butt!!:carrot: :carrot:

Ugh, TOM is here with a vengeance! I basically ate from the time I got home yesterday until I went to bed. I was way too cowardly to weigh this morning, but at least cravings seem to have subsided (only to be replaced with massive back pain). I will be brave and weigh tomorrow. I have to work 13 hour days today and tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be too busy to eat much!

JENNIFER:; I'm out of control when I PMS also...its insane...I get the wierdest cravings...salty stuff, sweet stuff..then just a crazy hunger in general..there has to be a way to control that.

PLAINSGIRL You and I are the same weight and almost the same height..I also have been fighting that number for months now, and it doesn't matter what I do....totally nuts how our bodies "set" themselves to a weight. Hopefully I will get this extra weight off once and for all, because spring is here and there's no time to waste anymore!!!

NATAMARS: we all have those days that we fail, I have a lot of them.....I think once in a while having a mega calorie day doesn't hurt us as long as we confine it to one day and then jump back on the wagon..that's how skinny people eat!!!! They eat at parties but then they become normal again whereas someone like me keeps the party going for months...hang in there kiddo...we'lll get this right....I just know it.

FIRGIRL: good luck with your surgery.....good time to start "new"

SUM38: Good job on that walk!!
2
2FATCATS: There's always that last area taht holds on for that famine that isnt' coming any time soon...you'll do it girlfriend...you're on fire!!

GUAC: just stay mindful to be careful in between those events....balance honey..balance!

Well there's always something coming between me and working out.....last night I woke up in the middle of the night with the worse UTI pain ever...it was awful...I was in agony...thank goodness I had some old pyridinine that helped a little.....but i didn't have much sleep at all.....went to the doc's this morning and sure enough I have an infection..On antibiotics ........Im still in pain but feeling better......so its safe to say that cross fit didn't happen tonight, and it won't happen tomorrow either..I'm not making progress here with my workouts and its pathetic.

I finally bought the Fast Diet book today so I can do this properly. I went off my fast and had sugar, and that resulted in a two pound gain...OUCH...not cool.....I absolutely love not having the pressure to eat every four hours and all this other stuff we're told to do......So back on the fast wagon I go. Tomorrow night having breakfast with a friend before I drive her to the doctor....and then dinner tomorrow night with the girls but I already know what i"m ordering.....On antibiotics so no booze...less calories...
Hang in there everybody....we had our first day of spring and its all uphill from here!!!

Ugh....yesterday was about par for the course. Couldn't go work out in the am as planned cause I got called in 1 1/2 hrs early...recovered quite nicely by packing very healthy, and filling lunch and snacks. And then...dd texts and invited her brother and I over so she can make dinner for us. She just moved into her first apt and was chomping at the bit to show her domestic side. Only problem:shes been living with her dad for many years and inherited his taste for...ummm...crap? Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn. And she filled my plate. sigh..... I weighed in at exactly what I did yesterday. I did however get in 2 bottles of water....those big ones from Ice Mountain with the sports top. So all in all I will count yesterday...neutral? lol. Hoping I can get to the y today since I get off early today. I need to sweat. :exercise::exercise: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/imag...s/exercise.gif

...sorry about the link...lol. Still learning how to do this. :dizzy:

Wednesday: 1295 calories, 20 min stairclimbing, resistance training at home

Yesterday went much better. I couldn't go to the gym since DH didn't get home from work until midnight, but did free weights, squats, lunges, sit ups at home. I did a few planks and push ups but my abs were still SO sore from Monday night. My core is really shot..needs so much work.

Weighed in and am up 1 lb from last Friday. Could be much worse considering I was off plan for most of the week. Hopefully there's not more to come.

guac, you sound much better. You're an inspiration for me to keep going...I know how hard it's been for you and yet you've never given up. And when you look back over time you can see how much progress you've made.

plainsgirl, sounds like you did a great job w/ a day where curveballs kept getting thrown at you - be proud!

zumba, sorry about the UTI..ugh. But the IF sounds like it will work really well with your lifestyle, so yay on that! Hope you feel better soon.

jennifer, I am exactly the same way, in fact I wondered if I might be getting mine early since I was so OOC with food Tuesday. It's like a huge gaping hole that has to be filled. Hope you're feeling better today.

Starting weight
3/17/13 - 154

Current weight
3/21/13 - 152

Goal weight
5/1/13 - 148

Had a so-so day with eating yesterday. Going out to a fabulous restaurant with the family tonight, and so I really want to save my calories for dinner. I'm feeling kind of hungry right now and am hoping I don't blow things by going into dinner with most of my calories used up. I know I am not going to hold back ordering tonight, because I have been looking forward to this. So...I need to buck up today and use what little will power I have to consume calories in moderation. We have 5pm reservations - I can keep it under control until then! Right? LOL!

Good luck today, everyone. Once again, thanks to all of you for sharing and being there - it helps me so much to know there are others in the same boat.

Yeah on the loss Guac! Keep it up everyone! Hang in there you can do it!

Sorry no time to go back further and respond individually... I leave for my oldest daughter's in an hour and return on Monday. My youngest daughter is going with me--her first time on a plane (lol at 17... I made her get her permit so she could go and now that she passed the test she is super thrilled and wanting to drive any possible chance).

Still OP and hoping to stay that way most of the time on the trip. Should get decent exercise too. Have a great weekend everyone! :)

Zumba: Love the comment about how skinny people eat--you are so right! Why does something that seem so easy have to be so hard? Occasional gluttony is not a bad thing--unless, as you said, it becomes a month long (or a year in my case!)

Plainsgirl: A neutral day with lots of water is not too bad! I hope you got to work out today.

Natamars: Good job on always getting the exercise in--I really struggle with that!

Guacamole: Hope your dinner is fabulous!

Luvcats: Have a great weekend. Hope DD likes flying! My DD is going to Santa Monica for spring break Sunday while I stay here awaiting another spring snow!

I'm on my second day of working 13+ hours, and I don't know how people do this regularly! I'm exhausted.