AuGuSt WaLkErS, Just Walking Away the Pounds
 

Hi Ladies~

Sunny~loved the poem and picture, so cute!

I am ready for this new month ahead but will be aiming low on the walking goal. But hoping that I do get in more. Of course not getting off to a good start today since waking up with a very sore throat. I may get in at least a mile today.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday. :)

August Walking Goal~30 miles

I feel really good about July's results and hope to do even better in August. Got 4.5 miles in today so I'm off to a pretty good start, I think! :)

Food continues to remain on target... and I had *THE* best salad tonight... fresh greens tossed with mandarin orange segments and slices of kiwi fruit! MMM! I definitely need to focus on getting more water into my system though.

Anyways girls, good luck this month! I hope you all reach your personal goals! :)

Type you later...!

~mel

Walking through August
 

:D Yahoo! I'm ready! I'll imagine every step is burning away the outer layer of me and the newer, fresher, leaner me is showing up more and more. I'll huff and puff for now only to slip easily into those Fall clothes in September!
Let's come back and share interesting things we've observed on our walks (if outdoors)..like leaves changing, interesting people, animals, or even thoughts that come to us we would usually miss. :cool:

Happy August Everyone
 

Good Morning,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! My weekend was pretty good, last evening I had some hot wings and felt soooo guilty afterwards for eating them. So, today my goal is 3 miles, because I also did not work out yesterday. I have a new member of my family, I adopted a Terrier named Elmo from the Humane Society on Saturday (he is so adorable). He is 4 months old and was found in an abandoned house. He is soooo full of energy but I enjoy it. I have a German Shepard outside and I don't think he likes the new guy to much, especially if he gets to stay in the house......I hope he will get use to him! My birthday is August 22, so my goal is to be down 10 more from my July goal and I'm 8 pounds away from reaching it (wish me luck)!
I hope everyone has a BLESSED day


SW-290
CW-278
GW-185

Started June 21, 2004

Good Morning Ladies,

My goal for August is 40 miles. I need to stay on track with the eating also. Have not done to well with the eating lately. :mad: So this month, I will focus on my eating as well.

I did not get my walk in this morning. I got in the bed late on last night. So I plan on walking 2 miles on today.

Have a Blessed day ladies.

Good Morning Gang! :wave:

Wow July has come and gone! Time sure flies doesn't it!

My goal for August is 40 miles, plus I have just got to do more strength training.

I got up this morning and did a 30 minute 2 mile WATP w/2lb weights, and then did 40 situps and 15 double leg lifts (where you lay flat on your back and lift both legs up at the same time). I have been doing these everytime I get done walking, and I can feel my stomach muscles getting stronger.

I hope everybody has a Blessed and On Track day!

hugs,
Cathy

Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie on this thread but I have been trying to increase my walking the past month. I live in New York so I walk quite a bit naturally but have been trying to up it by taking walks during my lunch break and in the evening after dinner.
Hope everyone is doing great!
Melissa

Good Morning Ladies~

Was up early this morning and got a walk in, yippee. It's a good start for me since I haven't been walking so much.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

August Goal~30 miles
8/2~2 miles walked
28 to go.........

OK, new month, new start, new me! Or at least I hope.
Not going to walk today but about ready to leave in about 5 minutes for swim. Hope to swim 4 days this week as there is no swim on Wed. Next week there is only swim for 3 days then the program is over. I will be going on vacation for a week right after and will be at the beach so hope to swim there and get in some good walking on the beach.

BIG WELCOME TO THE NEWBIES! Best of luck on your weight-loss journey!

TOPS meeting tonight was cancelled, so no Monday-WI. :( Was actually looking forward to it. Is that normal? :lol: Continue fitting into my previously-too-tight-clothes which is a daily reminder to stay OP. :) I'm really aiming to fit into a size 9/10 by Labor Day weekend. We shall see.

Will be waiting until this evening to get my 4mile walk in since we're on our way over to the in-laws for a visit. Fun stuff. ;)

Food has been great... and I'm really amazed at my will power. I've been at this a month now and have remained on track with my cals. Very proud of that, I must admit. :)

Glad to hear that you girls are off to such a great start! And I'm really looking forward to hearing about your progress! :) Best of luck to all of you! Keep up the great work, ladies!!! :)

Take care and I hope you all have a happy and healthy day!

~mel

Sunny, Hope you're having a better day. How upsetting to lose something so special. It won't matter what they offer, it won't be enough...............Cristi, great job getting those first 2 miles in. It's wonderful to have you back with us. Fill us in on what's been happening in your life. ( only if you care to share of course)...............Mel,You sound awesome. Happy and upbeat. It's amazing how a little self control can do so much for our UP meter!!! Keep up the good work those 9 / 10's are coming your way............ psigirl, Welcome to you. I love to share what I've seen and how I was feeling on my walks. I look forward to getting to know you..................Abirdee, I bet your shepheard is jealous. We've had a wonderful dog (mix terrier breed) for almost 7 yrs. This past summer my SIL got a new puppy and my dog was so jealous when she'd bring him to the business. He still doesn't care for all that in your face puupy stuff, but they're pretty good buddies now. That was sweet of you to adopt. I see you've lost 12# in just over a month. That's super. Don't feel guilty over the wings. Just back OP today................Hi Brenda, I too have had real problems in the food dept this past couple of weeks. I feel I'm back strong now and we'll pull each other on. Go Brenda Go!!..................Cathy, I'm always amazed at the added effort you put into strength, but yet you give yourself so little credit.So I will for you. You go Cathy woo hoo!!! My goal for Aug is to adopt your sit ups etc.. after walking lol You're doing great. Thanks for being such an inspiration.............Welcome Melissa, You've joined a really supportive group here. Tell us a little about yourself. Single, children, old young etc.....? It's great having another newbie.....................Janine, Keep up the terrific work. It's great you're still enjoying the swimming...............Sheila, I think it's great you finally broke in the new TM. For me it's a totally better work out than the trail. I push myself so much harder when I can see all the numbers in front of me etc.. When you have finished your intended miles do you walk a little more at a slower pace or do you just shut it off? If you're not cooling down this could cause the dizzies. Once I've finished my miles I usually do at least another 1/4 mile at a gradually slowing pace. Never shutting until I'm down to 2 mph. Then I feel good. If I shut off early I too am dizzy. If this doesn't help make sure you've drank plenty of water before using it. I think you'll notice you sweat much more on the TM. Good luck getting into it............As for me by Wed of this past week the stress of VBS and college for kids and cub scouts etc finally got to me. I literally ate my way straight through the weekend. I did finally get some much needed time alone with the hubby yesterday and my children only have 3 days this month that have activities so life is back to normal. Yippee.As for my goals this month I'm aiming my miles way low at 30. I think if the pressure to get all the walking in is lifted I will get more weights done. I do believe where I am at this point I need to build the muscle. My legs look about as good as a 30" inseem can ( lots of muscle definition ), but my arms and abs are really lacking. I'm aiming for 3 times a week with the weights. Plus I plan to lose my last 2#. When I started in 2000 my goal was to weigh 135# by my 40th BD. That's 8 days away and I owe a great deal of my success to you ladies here. For my BD I'm planning to have a t-shirt made that reads 3FC Rule and I want a digital camera. When this all comes to friution I'm looking forward to posting a pic of myself. Something I never thought I'd want to do. Thanks again!

Kristi

Aug miles ~ 2

Good Tuesday Morning!
 

Good Morning Gang! :wave:
sounds like everybody is doing GREAT!
Kristi - thanks for the "woo hoo"

I did a 45 minute 3 mile WATP w/2lb weights this morning.
Then 40 situps and 15 double leg lifts.

August Miles = 5

Hope everybody has a blessed day!

hugs,
Cathy

Good Morning,

I have a question I drink Decaff coffee in the morning and put a little non-dairy creamer and splenda in it. Do you think will prevent me from dropping the pounds?

I didn't walk yesterday because I was sooo busy, but will be back on track today!
Everyone is doing such a wonderful job and you all keep me motivated, so I say "THANK YOU"!

I hope everyone has a BLESSES day!

Sunny, I'm so glad the roofers ended things to your satisfaction and that you and Joe have long term goals you are working towards together. I can't waite to see pics. Now get out there and get that exercise done too................Sheila, I love it that you bested your beau on the TM. My husband is naturally VERY thin, but not too! Plus he works physically hard 6 days a week. When I challenged him it was only a couple days and he was doing 6 mph and not even puffing!!! Then I was silly enough to challenge him to wear a stepometer. I was convinced he really didn't MOVE that much during his day. He had almost 5,000 steps in his first 3.5 hrs at work. I almost angrily took it away from him lol. Try the cool down and keep with it. It's a great work out.........Cathy, Great job again today! ..............Abirdee, ALL calories count. If your not adding the cals from the creamer to your daily numbers they will add up! Some creamers are quite high in cals as well. I recommend that you still enjoy your coffee, but be sure and measure your creamer so your not indulging more than you think. Sorry, if I'm a bummer for ya!...........As for me, food was back on track yesterday. I hit the TM and avg over 5 mph for 2 miles and then went another 1/2 m at a slower pace. I feel good today for the first time in awhile. Stress load has been greatly reduced. I even lined up my last S.S. teacher yesterday. I have all I need more than a month before S.S. is to start. Yeah!!!! I'm doing 1.25 miles on the TM today, followed by 3 arm ex. with 10# weights and 1 with 5# weights. I'll do 3 sets of 8 reps each today. Am also planning 25 double leg lifts and 25 of another ab ex. I don't know what you call it, but you hold a weight (preferably ball shaped) over your head and act as if you are throwing it while extending one leg behind you. You hold for like 3 sec arms extended straight forward-leg extended straight back. Wish me luck. I'll report back how many I was actually able to complete lol

3 miles
1 UB strength

Kristi

Don't have more than a few mins to post. Have to get my morning exercises in. :strong:

Sunny... Sorry to hear that about your broken soup tureen! :( Especially since it had sentimental meaning! But I'm glad that the company tried to make up for the destruction. How very nice of you and Joe to treat them to pizza! That's really great of you guys! :) Sounds like the house is going to be gorgeous once all the reno's are done! Good deal!

Cathy... Keep up the great work! As always, you rock!

Kristi... Good luck on getting all those exercises in! :) I've been doing UB strength-training as well (3 days a week) and have noticed a big difference in my arms and stomach. :) You're doing awesome, girl! And I can't wait to see that picture of you!

Sheila... Too funny about your bf's attempt on the TM! :lol:

As for me, will get in strength-training this a.m. and 4mi walk this evening. It's supposed to be somewhat cool tonight so I may even extend the walk a mile or so. I was disappointed that I didn't get to WI lastnight but I'm very excited about next week's TOPS meeting to see how much I've lost in the past couple weeks. Hubby has been so supportive lately and his comments are a real ego-booster. I'm finding that having an outlet for my frustrations has kept us from arguing as much as we used to... so that's an added bonus! And what's even better is we've been bonding on our evening walks. I look forward to that hour we spend together. We're connecting in a way that never before happened. I LOVE it! :)

Anyways ladies, I hope you all have a happy and healthy day! Keep up the great work! :)

~mel

Good Morning Ladies!

Well I wasn't too good this weekend, BUT this is a new day. I plan to exercise tomorrow morning and get back on track. :drill:

My dad will be here next week from Afghanistan. I'm so excited! He will stay a week and then return. He is a civilian working for the military. He hopes to back for good next May when he retires. They are looking at having people retire early and I hope he gets to be one of them so he can come home in December. He tells me he has lost 65 lbs since he has been there (which was last year). :hyper:

I'm getting back in routine again. I know I can do it. Take care and *HUGS* to all. :flow2:

Wendy

Just logging in for today... see you gals tomorrow
 

Well girls, I came close to skipping my 4mi walk tonight. Was feeling very tired... very hot... and very cranky. After dinner (a delicious ginger beef stirfry) I contemplated walking vs. not, and in the end my guilt won out. So out we headed. Just in time to see a lightning show... which given our dry weather and the fact that we lost over 200 homes to last year's forest fire, is not a good sign. We're tinder dry here once again. :eek:

Anyway, once we got walking, it was good... and I feel better having done it. Esp. since MIL will be visiting on Thurs and Fri and so we won't be out walking those couple of days. Oh well... we're off to a pretty good start this month so I'm not too upset about a few missed days. Managed to get my strength-training in this morning... and even before it got too hot. So that's a relief. Will do so again on Thurs and Fri mornings so I won't be totally exercise-free. :)

Everything else is going smoothly. I'm sleeping a lot better now that I've found a routine and stuck with it. And I feel so "clean" having not eaten anything processed in weeks. It's truly been an amazing journey thus far.

Anyways girls, I'm gonna go crawl into bed with a good book so as to enjoy the rest of my evening. But I hope you all stayed OP today! Looking forward to hearing from you all tomorrow! Keep up the great work, ladies! :D

~mel

Hello ladies!!! Sorry I haven't been around much I've been pretty busy :)

Cathy I was going to tell you that my doctor was going to give me armour thyroid but we decided to add the T3 in seperately so I am taking 50 mcg of synthroid and 50 mcg of Cytomel daily and I think I'm starting to feel more myself!! I have also switched to phentermine and hopefully it will get me out of my stall lol. So I'm going to do 2 months phentermine and then 2 months meridia off and on so I don't get too used to the meds, so I told the doc that I wanted to only stay on meds til I got to 170 and then I wanted to do the rest of it on my own. How are you feeling?

Sunny how is your summer so far girly? I've so missed you ;) but with work and the kids wanting to be outside I don't get too much time til late at night lol. We are going to be doing some home improvement in the coming weeks because my inlaws will be here to help with that. We are putting in a brick patio in the back yard and putting in new tile in the kitchen and dining room, painting our bedrooms and framing up our basement. We also ordered an 8x8 shed for all our outside garden tools so we can keep them out of the weather. Any cheap yard decorating ideas you can pass on to me?

Kristi, how have you been? Are your kids keeping you as busy as mine are keeping me? We are in the process of potty training Taylor and boy oh boy I never thought it would be so difficult, so we are also gonna try and get teagan trained early even though she is only 9.5 months we take off her diaper and set her on the potty chair for a minute or two, Ive heard of people who have done this and had their children potty trained by 2 years old we'll see. My girls have both been sick the last couple of days we had to take taylor to the ER because her temperature got up to 105.6 they said not to worry and just keep giving her tylenol and motrin and it finally broke last night. Phew!! I was worried. How are your home improvements going?

Everyone else :wave: Sorry I'm not posting more but its so late and I need to get some sleep. I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Michelle

Good Morning,

I wanted to check in and let everyone know that I walked for 60 minutes and a total of 3.40 miles on the treadmill yesterday. I guess I was making up time from not working out on Monday....I felt really good after doing it, so I guess maybe once or twice a week I will have to take a day off to build my energy back up. Update on Elmo (my new dog) he is doing great and I have fallen so in love with him. After work I'm so excited about getting home to my husband and him....Well I hope everyone has a BLESSED day.......

Sharing some pictures...
 

Mel, That's so great that you and DH are connecting on that level. I don't see that happening for us until the children are gone. It's wonderful that's he's supportive of your efforts. Many hubby's sabotage. Give him a big hug!............Wendy, How awesome for your dad. 65 lbs less, he must feel like a different person. I'm happy for you that he's coming home for a visit. I will add him to my prayers that he may remain safe. Good job getting back on track! You CAN DO IT!..........Sunny, read ys later!.......Michelle, Potty training does seem like a nightmare when you first start. Of my 4 children 2 were trained by 2 yrs and 2 were trained by 2.5 yrs. My only advice (even though you didn't ask) don't use pull ups EVER. The wet feels no different than a diaper. If you need to go somewhere invest in good rubber pants to wear over their training pants. This helps you stay consistent and them knowing what's expected. Good luck to you and I hope they feel better soon!..................Abirdee, Sometimes a day or two off is just what we need. Great job!.............As for me. I started with 1.5 miles on the TM and then went right into my weight segment. I worked UB doing 3 sets of 8 bicep curls w/ 10#-----3 sets of 8 overhead press w/10#------3 sets of 8 incline fly w/10#-----3 sets 10-20 each tri cep extention w/5#---------2 sets 0f 15 leg raises-----2 sets of 50 bicycles-----2 sets 1/15 and 1/20 standing arm and leg extention for abs w/5# weight. I totally felt awesome when I was done. I read that Body Revival book suggested by Jack150 and it said a quick cardio warm up before lifting is the way to go to warm muscles etc. It did make me want to do it. Today I'm planning 2 mile TM and 100 bicycles and 3 sets of 8 bent over rows. I may as well go for it while I'm into it. I really feel renewed now that the children's activities are done. I'm realizing the stress really did get to me much more than I knew while in the throws of it. The one thing I'm thankful for was the commitment I made to myself to hang on here at 3fc no matter what. You girls keep me motivated enough to come back strong rather than fold. Thanks again.

5 miles
1 ub
1 mini ub

Yes Sunny, it is very pretty. I'm so happy for you!

Kristi

Hi again...
 

Hi all! I'm on again 'cuz I'm just so pumped. I di 2.5 miles and still went on to do my mini strength and actually did more bent over rows than planned and my 2.5 was done in 30 min 3 sec. I'm feeling SO GOOD. I found a weight lifting site for women and she had some routines that use just dumbells (all the equipment I have for now) So, I'm looking forward to tomorrow. DS and DH are at a ball game tonight so, I'm wondering what to do with the rest. Who knows! Have a great night ladies!

Kristi

Kristi... Glad to hear you're really enjoying your strength-training! It definitely helps to keep you motivated! :D And a big congrats on your speedy time getting those miles in! WTG! Keep up the great work! :)

Sunny... The roof looks great! I'm very impressed! And I'm certain that once all the reno's are complete, your place will look AMAZING! You've definitely got a good start on it already! :) Oh, and btw... your cat is adorable!

Abirdee... WTG, gettin' those miles in! And I'm really glad you're enjoying your puppy! :)

I didn't get any exercise in today. Bah. Had too much house-work to get accomplished before the in-laws arrived. I'm happy with the 5hr effort that took, so I suppose it all balances out. :) I'll try to get my walk in tomorrow at some point... prolly in the a.m. so it's out of the way.

Anyways I have to go put my little one back and bed... again. But I'll type you all tomorrow! Take care, ladies!

~mel

Good Morning,

I know a couple of weeks ago I was trying to motivate everyone else, but this morning I need some motivation :( ..... I stepped on the scale and its not moving in which I'm getting really, really frustrated. I didn't measure myself when I first started so no need to do it now. My friends and husband keep
telling me they can tell and in my clothes I can tell, but if I don't see it on the scale I'm mad. I'm getting to the point where I think if I start cutting out one meal a day and walk for an hour and a half I will start to see the scale move again. Please anyone, everyone help me! :cry:

Good morn Mel, 5 hrs of housework IS a work out lol I'd rather walk for 5 hrs straight than do housework that long lol Is it stressful having your IL's coming to visit or do you get on with them pretty good? Do you have special plans while they are here? I live next door and work every day with my IL's so I never have that "glad to see you" feeling lol. Have a great day, hope your visit is peachy!..................For today I'm doing my 1.5 mile TM and an lower body W/O I got off the net....... 3 sets of 8 squats w/20#..........3 x 8 stiff legged dead lift w/20#.......3 x 15 single leg calf raises.......3 x 8 straight leg dead lift (to floor) plus I'm doing 3 x 12 arms and leg extension w/5# for abs. When I'm through I'm going to just play around on my DH's exercise ball just so I can start to master a little balancing on it.............DH and DS had a ball at the game last night. Son received a miniature bat upon entering the park. That makes 3 in his collection so far. 1 of which I actually got in about 1973 so, he thought his eve was awesome. They had so much fun neither even bothered to tell me who won just everything they did lol.......Have a great day you awesome shrinking chicks!

Kristi

6 miles
1 ub
1 mini ub
1 LB

Abirdee, Don't despair girl!!! As Sheila pointed out WE ALL hit plateaus you are not alone. She gives very sound advice, follow it and believe her!!! Never skip meals, staying the course is the answer. So many people quit when they hit a plateau never allowing them to learn that what thye were doing IS the ANSWER. Stay with it, don't give up, we are here for you. You are doing terrific. Believe in yourself you'll make it happen!!

Kristi

Well I just did a big ole post and I got bumped off and lost it – RATS!

No exercise yesterday but I got up early this morning and did a 45 minute 3 miles WATP, then I did 40 situps and 15 double leg lifts.

August Miles = 8

Michelle – I’m so glad that the T3 is helping. Let me know how you do on the phentermine. Hey? Where are you posting your exercise at these days? I know you must be exercising like crazy.

SunnyD – your new roof looks BEAUTIFUL! How was the tailgate party last night?

Mel – whenever I clean house I have to count that as my exercise, because I can’t do another thing when I clean. Cleaning house is WORK! Believe me – it COUNTS!

Kristi – I’m so glad you are feeling good. That’s great! What weight lifting site for women are you going to? I see you’ve added “daily bible study” to your August goals. That’s awesome!

Abirdee – 60 minutes on a treadmill is awesome! YOU GO GIRL!
I agree with Sheila and Kristi – great words and advice. Hang in there girlie – I certainly know how you feel.

Sheila – how ya doing girlie? Hugs

Hope everybody has a blessed day!

later gaters,
cathy

First and foremost...

Abirdee... You're doing fabulously! And although you may have reached a plateau, don't be discouraged, you will move pass it and once again, the scale will read differently! :goodscale I know it's hard... but try and focus on the fact that your clothes are fitting better, and that your friends have recognized your hard work! That's a remarkable result in itself! :bravo: Please don't go skipping meals... that won't do anything but put your body into "starvation mode". Keep up the great work... and remember we're all here for you... cheering you on each step of the way! :cheer:

Cathy... As always, your exercise is excellent! Just where do you get your energy from? ;)

Sunny... I hope you enjoyed the tailgate party lastnight! And that you have a wonderful time at the movies today! :) WTG on all that exercise this a.m., girl!

Kristi... Omigoodness, girl! You are on :flame: ! :D I'm totally impressed with all that exercise you've been getting in! Keep up the awesome work! :)

Sheila... I hope you're doing good... and staying OP! Take care of yourself!

Thanks girls, for the encouragement re: housework = exercise! I was feeling pretty low about skipping a day but now... well... not so much. :) Whenever the inlaws visit, I find myself feeling very anxious... very overwhelmed with the endless list of things that need to be done. Hubby's mother is quite critical... and as you can imagine, I do anything to forego the negative comments. Last time she visited (a year ago), I lost it on her (it was a long time coming) so I was esp. dreading her arrival yesterday. She got in before hubby got home and I was actually quite amazed at how "behaved" she was. Perhaps now that we're married, she finally understands that there's just no getting rid of me! :lol:

Amazingly enough, it's raining cats and dogs here! :rain: And, I just realized that DH forgot to take the stroller out of the truck before leaving for work, anyway. Grrr! Ah well... perhaps it'll clear up tonight and we can get out for our 4mi trek then. :crossed: Regardless, I'll get my strength-training in this a.m.! :)

Well ladies, I have to go get some clothes on my nekkid baby, but I hope you all have a happy and healthy day! Take care!

~mel

How can I get past my plateau, just keep doing what I'm doing and it will start back on its on or what?

Cathy, I'm bumbed for you about your lost post. I totally hate when that happens! You're doing awesome girl. I'll get back to you on thesite I went to. It's called strump...something. I googled it, but didn't bookmark it. When you do your leg lifts how high off the ground do you lift? Do you hold them up for so many sec? Do you touch the ground on the downward move? I want to make sure I'm doing them correctly. Thanks for your input!! As for the Bible study. It's normally a part of my life, but I'd noticed it had slipped pretty good to almost gone this summer. I've studied each day of Aug minus the 1st. Take care lady!!...............Mel, Hang in there. We can do anything "short" term...........Sheila, You totally rock girl!!!!! You have 5 count them 1,2,3,4,..........5 flashing flowers!!! Big applause girly.

Kristi

Hey Kristi,

Is it stumptuous.com?

Hey I don't know if I'm doing the double leg lifts right or not, but what I do is lay flat on the floor, and then I put my hands up under my behind (don't know why but it takes the pressure off my back) I put my legs straight up in the air, like at 45 degree angle (oh wait is that a 90 degree angle, well I hope you know what i mean - I put my legs straight up in the air) :dizzy: to my body and then I slowly lower both legs down, and slowly left them back up. I don't touch the floor with my feet, but I go about an inch from the floor. I don't hold them for so many seconds, but I may start doing that at some point. For some reason, I find that always puts strain on my back, and I don't want to throw out my back doing these, and then end up not being about to walk or exercise.

hugs,
cathy

Kristi... I do the same leg-lifts as Cathy (with my hands under my tush) but start with my legs on the floor, lifting them to a 90 degree angle and down again. I find them to be a nice work-out for my abs! I usually do 2 sets of 25 reps. And am really pushing the last 5 or so. I also do single leg lifts (lying on my side), 70 on each side. It's a great work out for your inner and outter thighs. :)

Abirdee... re-reading your post, I agree with Sheila, having lost 2lbs just a few days ago probably doesn't = a plateau quite yet. Perhaps pick the same day each week to WI so you can monitor your loss better. Monday is my WI day and I find that it's quite a good incentive to keep me OP over the weekend. I also agree with what Sheila suggested for when you do plateau... change things up a bit. Add in strength-training. Or join an aqua-size class. Or just do more of what you were doing in the past.

My weight-loss has been slow... but consistent and while I'd love to be at my goal weight now, I know I'm doing things the healthy way in the meantime. Try and stay positive and from there, it'll be easier to stay on target.

12lbs in six short weeks in phenom! So be proud of that! Use that as a push to keep going! That's how I look at all my little accomplishments... "If I look this good in my size 11's, I'm going to look even better in my size 9's". This is a process... and what you've already achieved thus far is amazing! Keep up the great work! :D

Sheila... 10 miles this weekend! You go, girl! Your short-term goals sound awesome, and I'm sure you'll be reaping the rewards very soon! :D How are you liking your new TM?

Cathy... Do you have any other exercises/tips you could share? I'd really like to lose some of the chunk around my hips but don't know what to do to get rid of it. Any ideas?

Anyways gals, the inlaws came by immediately following my earlier post so my a.m. work-out has been pushed back until later tonight. And... I think the rain stopped so hopefully I can get out and enjoy my 4miles! I'd love to reach 24miles by Monday. That would put me 1/2 way to my Aug. goal! Wowzers! :)

I'll be back tomorrow! Yes, you've been warned! ;) But I hope you all have a wonderful evening! Type you later, ladies!

~mel

Good Evening everyone,

I just wanted to THANK YOU ALL for being sooooo supportive. Since this morning I've read all the post and thought about it, and all of you are right. I think that myself and so many others have been through this and end up quitting. You don't have to worry about me, because as long as I have my SAVIOR, the ones that love me, and you guys supporting me how can I go wrong. Thanks to everyone for your comments.
By the way I walked 60 minutes yesterday on the treadmill, and about to do it again today. So everyone have a BLESSED night, from me and Elmo!

Hi Cathy, yes, stumptuous.com it is. I don't feel she has the end all of lifting for me, but it was a nice place to start. I lifted in my mid 20's alot w/ my first husband. It was very different though, because we had alot of equipment. I could pick up any magazine or whatever and be able to do what they suggested. It's a whole new deal using just dumbells. Thanks for the info on the leg lifts. That's how I've benn doing them.......... Mel, You're doing great girl keep it up..........Abirdee, You're welcome. That's why we're here. To keep pushing and pulling each other to our finish lines!...........For today I'm planning 2.5 on the TM ( I've only been counting the 1's and 2's because the .5's are warm and cool downs. I want to count only when I'm working at 70-80% of my capacity ) 2 x 50 leg lifts......3 x 8 tricep w/ 10#.........3 x 8 lunges (yuch) w/ 20#.....I will have put in a good week this way and plan maybe just a liesurely bike ride with my children for tomorrow. My kids got into the act w/ th weights a little yesterday. I have some real tiny ones so it can't hurt them. They were so funny, but they totally got into the tiny bit of yoga I've added for stetching at the end. Who knows, maybe they will learn to exercise regular from me. That would be awesome! Have a great day ladies!

Kristi

8 miles
1 UB
1 LB
2 Mini Strength