Weigh In #15

Starting Weight: 189.2

Last Weeks Weight: 181.4

This Weeks Weight: 179.6

+/-: -1.8
Total +/-: -9.6

I have been off of the wagon for a while now. To the point where when I tried to catch up and jump back on I ended up getting caught and dragged. So, that's where I've been with that.

With my birthday coming up next week I made a deal with myself to not track or do anything special for the next week or so and then I would get back to it with 100% commitment on April 1st.

But then I woke up this morning. I thought about what I wanted, what I needed. I knew right away that what I want is to start tracking, start exercising and start caring about it again. I miss that feeling when you're giving it your all and it pays off. I can't expect to give it 50% and get the results you want.

So, I stepped on the scale and am moving forward with this new found desire to see results. I got a little too comfortable and even though I don't have all the motivation I would like at this point I am ready to fake it until I make it. 

I am hoping that whatever this new start is can kick my backside into gear to get more serious about training. I still have a lot of races coming up and I know I feel better when I'm in full training mode. Plus, it would be nice to see some successes at the end of the week in regards to my goals and workout schedule.

This weeks goals:

1. Track.

2. Water.

3. Clean out closet and dresser.

4. Work on training schedule.

5. Enjoy my birthday dinner.

Workout schedule:

March 21st - March 27th

Friday 3/21: 2-3 mile interval run

Saturday 3/22: 8 mile interval run

Sunday 3/23: minimum 1 mile interval run, cross train

Monday 3/24: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Tuesday 3/25: 30 day shred, minimum 1 mile interval run

Wednesday 3/26: arm workout, 2-3 mile interval run

Thursday 3/27: 30 day shred, minimum 1 mile interval run

Measurements

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Measurements taken on March 8th:
Chest: 40 (-1)

Waist: 33 (-4.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)

L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

Current measurements taken March 22nd:

Chest: 39.25 (-1.75)

Waist: 34 (-3.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 23.5 (-3)

L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

Weigh In #9

Starting Weight: 189.2
Last Weeks Weight: 181.8
This Weeks Weight:182.4 

+/-: +0.6
Total +/-: -6.8

So, clearly not the direction I was hoping for, however with the addition of a new 30 day challenge (No More Trouble Zones Challenge- NMTZ Challenge) I was anticipating a gain. In fact, I was actually anticipating more of a gain than 0.6. The gaining was the reason I wanted to wait to be at a healthy weight range before starting Body Revolution- Jillian Michael's 90 day challenge, but at the same time I knew that if I wanted to start toning then I would need to add more to my routine. 

I need to look at the big picture. This is week eight. In that amount of time I have lost a total of 6.8 lbs. That's an average of -0.85 lbs a week. Weight Watchers recommends .5-2 pounds a week for a healthy weight loss. I feel like slow and steady does apply here because I'm learning along the way and I truly believe that the slower it comes off the longer it will stay off. There's no get fit quick pills here! 

Last weeks goals:

1. Get back to basics and track 100%: I did much better this week but still had the difficulty of getting through the weekend. I make the excuse that I just had weigh in and can splurge but then I'm spending the rest of the week undoing what I did on the weekend. It's not productive at all. I know this.. I felt in control this week once I started tracking and doing so the entire day. 

2. Get back to basics and drink more water- minimum 6 glasses a day: Still working on this one. Again, I am much better about this during the week when I am sitting at my desk. I keep a cup with a lid and a straw right there so I am reminded to drink it. The issue becomes when the cup is empty and I have to go fill it. Pretty pathetic that laziness is preventing me to reach my goal. I have a difficult time when I am at work actually getting up when I'm in the middle of an account and need to work on that. In regards to the weekends, I am going to but a 1.5L water bottle. One of those on Saturday and one on Sunday. Anything after that is a bonus.

3. Follow workout schedule: Not quite, however I did workout everyday and I feel fantastic! I started a strength training challenge for 30 days in a row and I am feeling strong and am already noticing a change in my body. Today is only day 5, but it's Jillian Michael's and it's no joke. I know that I got results from 30 Day Shred and I am ready to see results again, even if it holds the scale from moving down for a while. 

4. Write one positive about myself a day: Yeah, this one was a complete fail. I don't know why I can't remember to do this..

Workout schedule:

February 2nd- February 8th
Sunday: streak completed
Monday: streak completed, arm workout completed 
Tuesday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, NMTZ Challenge completed

Wednesday: streak completed, arm workout completed, gym did not complete, NMTZ Challenge completed

Thursday: streak completed, No More Trouble Zones completed, gym did not complete, NMTZ Challenge completed

Friday: streak completed, arm workout did not complete, NMTZ Challenge completed

Saturday: training run- 12 miles moved to Sunday, streak completed, NMTZ Challenge completed

This weeks goals: 

1. Continue tracking 

2. Drink more water

3. Continue NMTZ Challenge

Workout schedule:

February 9th- February 15th

Sunday: training run- 12 miles

Monday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, NMTZ Challenge

Tuesday: streak, arm workout, NMTZ Challenge

Wednesday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, NMTZ Challenge

Thursday: streak, arm workout, NMTZ Challenge

Friday: streak, No More Trouble Zones, NMTZ Challenge

Saturday: training run- 6 miles, NMTZ Challenge

(Make it to the gym at least twice)

 

Measurements:

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Last weeks measurements taken January 25th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 34 (-3.5)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24.25 (-2.25)
L arm: 12.5 (-.5)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

Current measurements taken February 8th:

Chest: 39 (-2)

Waist: 33.5 (-4)

Hips: 43.5 (-2)

L thigh: 24 (-2.5)
L arm: 12.25 (-.75)

L calf: 15.5 (+1)

My measurements after 30 Day Shred were:

Final Measurements:
Bust- 37.25 (-0.75)
Waist- 31 (-2.5)
Hips- 40 (-2.5)
Arm (left)- 11.5 (-0.5)
Thigh (left)- 23 (-1.5)

I'm obviously older and doing a different workout routine and finding that it is not as easy to lose weight and inches this time around, however I am not that far away from those measurements. Only 9.5 inches overall. Considering when I first started tracking and losing I was 20.5 inches overall away from those measurements I am thrilled. Getting closer with each workout and each day that I make healthier choices. That, to me, is motivating to see.

Overall this week was pretty great. I love challenging my body and mind and workout challenges do both. These challenges remind me that sometimes it's not about the number on the scale but about how you feel. I will take changes in measurements and a reflection I love over a smaller number on the scale any day. 

It makes me upset to think about how much time I've spent worried over something that is pretty insignificant. I obviously would like to be in a healthy weight range at some point, but there is no use in rushing the process. I am becoming healthier on a daily basis and still learning. I am happy when I can splurge on certain things and find that I appreciate them more when I don't have it as often. My body is getting stronger and that, above all else, is what I'm striving for. 

No More Trouble Zones Challenge

I have always been one to try to push myself just a little bit further. I have complete both 30 Day Shred and Ripped in 30 and am currently waiting to get closer to my goal weight before attempting Body Revolution.

Recently I have been doing a small amount of strength training every weekday, usually no more than 15 minutes. I fit this in on my lunch break and feel as though it is beneficial to me in so many ways. I plan on keeping this routine along with adding a bit of a challenge for myself for the next 30 days.

I took the exercises that I have been doing with No More Trouble Zones and set up the following workout that I want to do every day for the next 30 days (or longer if I am not completely bored with the routine). I decided to do it without the DVD because I find that I am not always able to keep up with their speed and I get frustrated and then my form suffers. Since I am trying to tone up without injury I figured this would be the easiest way because I can modify as I go along, take a few seconds in between exercises and complete this without taking up a TV in the apartment.

The fact that I'm starting after the first of the month is a little frustrating for my OCD, however I really do not want to wait until March 1st to start this. I need to start it now so that I can see the results sooner rather than later. I am going to use a chart to either check or put a sticker for the days I complete and at the end of 30 days (March 5th) I should have 30 stickers.

I'm going to give myself two free passes for the 30 day challenge. If I can (and I'm going to attempt to) complete all 30 days in a row then I will treat myself to a massage. If I take two break days (more likely than not on the two long distance training runs I have within the next 30 days including a half marathon) then I will treat myself to a pedicure (desperately needed). Anything under 28 means I did not complete it and I need to start the challenge over.

The workout:
Warm up

March in place- 30 seconds

Jump rope- 30 seconds

Windmills- 30 seconds

Skaters- 30 seconds

Jumping jacks- 30 seconds

Circuit 1

Squat with shoulder press- 15

Backward lunge with shoulder raise- 10 left side

Backward lunge with shoulder raise- 10 right side

Chair squat with anterior raise- 10

Press outs- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 2

Chest press with crunch- 15

Chest fly- reverse crunch- 10

Bicycle crunch- 15

Squirms- 15

Push ups- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 3

Dead lifts with hammer curl- 15

Static squat with concentration curl- 15 left side

Alternating lunges with wide grip curl- 10 left side

Alternating lunges with wide grip curl- 10 right side

Side lunges with bicep curl- 5

REPEAT (Static squat with concentration curl right side)

Circuit 4

Chair pose tricep kickbacks- 15

Sumo squat- 10

Surrender- 5 left side

Crescent tricep kick backs- 10 left side

Crescent tricep kick backs- 10 right side

REPEAT (Surrender- right side)

Circuit 5

Double crunch- 15

Twisting plank- 10

Toe taps- 10 left side

Toe taps- 10 right side

Windshield wipers- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 6

Plant rows- 10

Superman- 10

Hollow man scissor kick- 10

Pelvic thrust- 15 left

Pelvic thrust- 15 right

REPEAT

Circuit 7

Side plank- 5 left

Foot raises- 15 left

Inner thighs- 15 left

Side plank- 5 right

Foot raises- 15 right

Inner thighs- 15 right

Donkey kick- 15 left

Donkey kick- 15 right

Fire hydrant with side kick- 15 left

Fire hydrant with side kick- 15 right.

COOL DOWN/STRETCH

The checklist:

Here's to day one (to be completed after my run tonight) and to the next twenty-nine!

Workout Schedule

Scheduled Workout

Monday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD

Tuesday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Thursday: Turkey Day Dash 5K, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

Friday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run

Saturday: 4 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

Actual Workouts

Monday: 1.33 mile walk, 2.07 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack

Tuesday: 35 minutes gym, 1.09 mile interval run

Wednesday: 1.03 mile interval run, Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs DVD, Jackie Warner arm DVD

Thursday: Turkey Day Dash 1K, Turkey Day Dash 5K, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

Friday: 1.10 mile run

Saturday: 6.20 mile run

Sunday: 1.22 mile run

Today is the first day of December and all I can do is sit here and wonder where the time went. Each year the time seems to pass by faster and faster and if anyone has any idea on how to make it slow down, please share! 

November was a high mileage month and it gives me hope for a couple things. If I am able to keep up the mileage like this then I should be able to have a good amount in savings by the time I sign up for The Dopey Challenge. This month I added $107.78 miles to my savings, bringing me to $514.87 (enough to pay for the race). My goal is a lot more than that as I will also need to pay for a hotel, a flight for Patrick and myself, and of course money for food and souvenirs. To date I am 17% to my goal.

The other thing it gives me hope for is that I can easily reach my goal of 1250 miles for the year if I am able to keep that distance up. I plan on starting that goal in January, so it's important to see what I did right on the high mileage months. 

Yesterday's long distance run was also day 41 of my running streak. As each day passes I reach a new longest distance and it keeps me wanting to go out for my run. Unfortunately this week I did the bare minimum on quite a few days and only completed the one mile. I know that this still counts towards my goal, however I do tend to want to do more and feel better when I am able to do more. That's one thing I'd like to work on this week, actually getting in my scheduled workout.

Next Week's Workout

Monday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michael's 6 Week 6 Pack

Tuesday: 30-45 minutes gym, 2 mile run

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs

Thursday: 30-45 minutes gym, 2 mile run

Friday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD

Saturday: minimum 1 mile run

Sunday: Santa to the Sea half marathon

I'm not able to do the Jillian Michaels DVD on Friday because my parents are having their Christmas bunko party. I'm not able to do more on Saturday because I'm going to a fashion show with my mother in law and bonus (step) daughter. I actually think this will be a good week for me to accomplish everything I have scheduled. 

In other news, I took progress pictures tonight. I can definitely tell a difference in the forward facing photo, however I was standing a little different in the side photo and can't really see any difference. I'm still noticing that I am pointing out the negatives about my body, but making progress!

Random pictures from the week:



Workout Schedule

Scheduled workout: (crossed out workouts were not completed on the scheduled day)

Monday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD

Tuesday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1

Thursday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Friday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD

Saturday: 14 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

Actual workout:

Monday: 1.31 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD

Tuesday: 45 minutes gym: 12 minutes elliptical (1.08 miles), 5 minutes stairs (0.28 miles), stationary bike (7.82 miles), 1.33 mile walk, 2.09 mile interval run

Wednesday: 1.40 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Thursday: 45 minutes gym: 12 minutes elliptical (1.06 miles), 5:30 minutes stairs (0.30 miles), stationary bike (7.91 miles), 1.34 mile walk, 2.08 mile interval run

Friday: 1.32 mile walk, 1.34 mile interval run

Saturday: 8.03 mile interval run

Sunday: 6.31 mile interval run

 

There's really not much to say about this past week. I realized on Tuesday that I needed to make some adjustments to my scheduled workout. It actually turned into quite the internal debate with myself to the point where I had to call Patrick to talk it out with someone else. I basically told him to just let me talk it out and then if he was able to follow the conversation he could give me his opinion.

 

We both decided that the changes would be beneficial to my mental and physical health. I was worried that I was just making excuses to not do the workout DVD that night, but overall it ended up working in my favor and I really liked having the nights off from strength training on the days that I did cross training.

 

I did end up skipping the workout DVD on Friday (that was moved from Wednesday/Thursday) due to just being exhausted from getting up early to workout and working a lot of overtime this past week. I left the decision up to Patrick, telling him that 1. I was exhausted and 2. I wouldn't regret doing the DVD but that I might feel guilty for not doing it. If the DVD was on when I got home I would have done it, if not then I would take the evening off. I was oddly happy (and surprised) that the DVD was not on when I got home. 

 

This weekend's long run was spread out between the two days due to weather conditions. Saturday's 8 mile run felt wonderful and although Sunday's 6 mile run didn't feel as good, it was still a good run. Any run is a good run. I am so grateful to Patrick for letting me go out both weekend days for long distance runs. I do not know what I would do without my support system, but I am forever grateful for them. I would not be able to make these goals and move forward with achieving them if it wasn't for these people.

 

Sunday's run brought me to day 35 of my running streak. With each day that I complete my minimum 1 mile run I am achieving a new longest distance to date. It is really exciting to me to reach new milestones on a daily basis and I am only 15 short days away from reaching my first mini goal of a 50 day running streak. It's gone by so fast this time around and is still so exciting for me that I know this time is a lot different from the last. I have a really strong feeling that I could actually make it to my big goal of 500 days. I know that seems crazy to some (okay, most), but it's keeping me active and I am really enjoying this. I know my limits and I will know when to stop, but until then I am giving this my best shot to make it the full length of this streak.

 

Next week's workout:

 

Monday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD

Tuesday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Thursday: Turkey Day Dash 5K, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

Friday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run

Saturday: 4 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

Random photo's from this past week:

 



 

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

I will admit that I enjoyed myself a little too much in the food department and although I tracked (most of it), it was not pretty. Back at it today! I feel as though it's okay to splurge every once in a while, and there's really no better time to do so than on the weekend, however knowing myself, I need to get back to tracking 100% otherwise I will not get back to it and will slowly lose all motivation that I may have had these past few weeks. I am so not ready to fall back to old habits, so I am ready to get back to the healthy choices an d smaller portions. At least until Thursday...

Ripped in 30- Day 20

Today was my last workout for the Ripped in 30 DVD.

There's not much I can say about it that I haven't already said. I really think that this DVD is a good one and I intend to have it be a part of my DVD rotation. I'm just happy that I can mix it up a little more now.

I am pretty happy with the results that I saw overall. I wasn't expecting the same results that I saw with 30 Day Shred because they are two different workouts. At the beginning I was thinking that I was doing it wrong because I didn't see much of a change at all and I did start to compare the two, however I realized pretty quickly that there are too many differences.

30 Day Shred I did for 30 days in a row. I just couldn't commit to that this time. I could commit to the recommended 5 days a week and since it is a four week program I knew that I would be doing it for a total of 20 days while allowing two days a week to be "rest" days.

I experienced a similarity with both DVDs however, and that was knee pain towards the end of each program. It forced me to follow the modified versions, yet it's Jillian Michael's and her modified versions are still an amazing workout.

Next week is going to be interesting because I am going to be doing four different videos throughout the week. I am going to be spreading it out more throughout the week, focusing solely on abs one day a week, buns and thighs two days a week, arms three days a week, mixture in a combo DVD one day a week and cross training two days a week. And of course I will be running seven days a week.

As I mentioned in my schedule post, I am going to see how this week goes and if it's too much then I will cut back, but I have to see what I can do.

Long Run Recap, Workout Recap and Schedule

Scheduled workout: (crossed out workouts were not completed on the scheduled day)

 

Monday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4?

Tuesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Thursday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Friday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Saturday: Long distance training run- 4 miles, Ripped in 30 week 4? (if not done on Monday)

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

 

Actual workout:

 

Monday: 1.35 mile walk, 1.22 mile run

Tuesday: 1.37 mile walk, 2.02 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Wednesday: 1 mile run, Jackie Warner arm workout, Ripped in 30 week 4

Thursday: 1.35 mile walk, 2.09 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Friday: 1.09 mile run

Saturday: 2.20 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4, Jackie Warner arm workout

Sunday: 4.68 mile long distance training run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Today's long run was uneventful. I decided to run 45:1 intervals in order to give my foot a bit of a break. I felt a little tight and could feel just a slight pain in my foot around mile 2, but nothing too bad. I feel like I really hit my stride around mile 2.5 and was maintaining a relatively decent pace. I was trying to stay on the slower side, and probably would have been fine going just a little slower, but I have a tendency to get going and also get into going faster each mile. 

 

Scheduled workout:

 

Monday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD

Tuesday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1

Thursday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Friday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD

Saturday: 14 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

I highly doubt that I will complete the whole week to perfection. I'm not setting myself up for failure. At least I don't see it that way. Instead I look at it as an intense challenge to keep myself going with this habit of working out almost every day. 

This week is going to be busy and is sort of a base to see what I can do. If I find that I can't maintain this then I will cut back. I want to mix things up, which is why I have multiple DVDs going. The arm DVD is only about 10 minutes and I do that after my afternoon run at work. The abs, 30 Day Shred and buns/thighs are replacing Ripped in 30. 

I'm also adding two days at the gym. I'm paying for it so I should be going, right? I've been going in early to work because it's necessary in order to get my job done. I'm used to getting up early, so if I get up just an hour earlier two days a week I can get in 30 minutes on the bike, 10 minutes on the elliptical and 5 minutes on the stair stepper. 

I am so ready for the "after" body that I am willing and focused on putting in the work for that.

With that being said, this weeks eating has taken a turn for the worse. I've ended more days in the red than I would like, but I tracked. I tracked it all. That's such a huge accomplishment for me that I don't even care about this past week. Not just because I'm tracking it, but more importantly because there is nothing I can do about it now. I made choices, I am ready for this coming week where I can make better choices. New week = new chances to prove to myself that I can do it. 

Ripped in 30- Day Eight

Wednesday was a pretty hectic day.

One of my coworkers was let go on Tuesday and since I was the only one in the office who knows his job I took it upon myself to handle his submissions that he already had assigned to him. When everyone got in on Wednesday we made a game plan for the new business that would have been his and it is going to be pretty evenly split between three of us, but that still means that I have 100+ accounts to go through and then the new stuff that comes in daily.

I know I volunteered for it, so I really shouldn't say anything negative. Basically my schedule from this point until the beginning of the new year will be 6am-5pm Monday-Friday and weekend work. Thankfully I plan on saving the weekend work to be stuff I can do from home so that I can still be with my family.

That being said, I decided that I would be willing to skip my workout Wednesday night since I wouldn't be home until close to 8pm since we do trivia with the family at a nearby restaurant. Then I needed to make cupcakes for work for Halloween. And help Isabel carve her pumpkin. All in all, I just ran out of time and new that I could be flexible and  reschedule my workout for Saturday.







I almost did the same thing tonight since it was Halloween and all and since I had dressed up for work. I ended up making it work though and got my workout in around 7:30pm at my parents house. 


I went to work in my costume and we had a potluck from 1:30pm-3pm then we were able to leave early. I went to my parents, changed, went for a 1 mile run then put my costume back on. We took Isabel to my sisters for pictures with my niece and then took her back to my parents to trick or treat. We got back to my parents around 7:30pm so I decided that I would do my workout there since I had my DVD and weights with me.

I'm actually pretty proud of myself for not skipping it two days in a row. Although I could have (and would have) made up the workouts over the weekend, I know that it will be nice to know that I do not have to workout on both of my days off (with the exception of running of course).

I have really been enjoying week 2 and I know that I am getting a good workout in because I am dripping with sweat when I am done. I love it!

I have started to think about what I want to do after Ripped in 30 and I am thinking of doing 30 Day Shred again, but only Monday-Friday, not for 30 days again. Maybe after that I will just do strength training three days a week. I'm not quite sure yet, only because I don't know what the results from Ripped in 30 are going to be. As of today I really don't feel any difference, but then again it hasn't even been two complete weeks yet. That, plus I am just getting back into tracking my calories on My Fitness Pal.

Who knows what's going on. All I do know is that I am making healthy changes and I'm sure my body will catch up eventually.

Ripped in 30- Day One

A year ago August, I set my mind to complete the complete 30 days of 30 Day Shred.

It was a personal challenge to do it and the timing was perfect because I was trying to lose some inches for my wedding.

I updated daily after each workout and I do believe the results spoke for themselves...


Before                                                                                         After



Original Measurements:
Bust- 38
Waist- 33.5
Hips- 42.5
Arm (left)- 12
Thigh (left)- 24.5

Final Measurements:
Bust- 37.25 (-0.75)
Waist- 31 (-2.5)
Hips- 40 (-2.5)
Arm (left)- 11.5 (-0.5)
Thigh (left)- 23 (-1.5)

That's a total of 7.75 inches lost overall.

I was thrilled with the results. Yet I was still missing something when I looked in the mirror. I didn't see what I wanted to see. The problem was, I couldn't see what was really there because I still saw someone who was bigger, someone who wasn't pretty, someone who wasn't enough.

Fast forward a little over one year and I not only erased the progress I made to that point, but I have taken about ten steps backwards.

Current measurements:
Bust- 41
Waist- 37.5
Hips- 45.5
Arm (left)- 12
Thigh (left)- 26.5
Calf (left)- 14.5

That's a total of a 19.75 inch gain from my lowest after 30 Day Shred.

That's not good.

That's not good at all.

Looking back at my "after" pictures makes me feel two things. When I first saw it my initial reaction was sadness. Sadness in the fact that I'm not there and sadness in the fact that I thought that wasn't good enough because it was. Looking at it I think I look good and I want to get back there.

The second thing I felt was hopeful. Hopeful that I can do this and get back there. Motivated to keep going no matter what happens during the week. I can gain and still stay focused and dedicated. I can skip a workout and get right back to it the next day. I can eat a meal that may not be the healthiest choice and I can track it and eat healthier the rest of the day. These are all choices.

I've made a lot of choices in my life. I mean, every day brings choices.

Today I am choosing my health. I am choosing my fitness. I am choosing to make better, healthier choices so that I can lose the extra weight and run faster and farther and prevent injury. I am choosing to get back into shape. I am choosing to get back to that after picture and then choosing to improve even more from there. I am choosing success!

I am worth this. I am worth the time, the energy, the sweat, the tears. I am worth spending a few hours a week away from my family in order to work on my health. I am worth spending a little more money on healthier food choices. I am worth it!

I decided tonight that I want to cross another item off of my bucket list as well as get back to a healthier, more toned body. That means doing Ripped in 30. Jillian Michael's recommends for this DVD to do the workout 5-6 days a week for four weeks (each workout lasts for one week). I feel as though this is more realistic for me than to try to do it every single day like I did with 30 Day Shred.

I was talking to Patrick tonight about the workout DVD. I couldn't decide if I wanted to start it tonight or wait until the beginning of November. The OCD side of me kept thinking to start on the first of the month, but Patrick told me to start tonight. Four weeks is four weeks no matter when you start, and in all honesty starting on a Monday does make more sense.

So I started night one tonight and plan on doing the DVD Monday-Friday for the next four weeks. When doing 30 Day Shred I posted about it every night. I felt it was helpful to write out my feelings about the workout and my frustrations with Jillian. I like it, maybe more so than 30 Day Shred, but I say that now in my post workout glow.

Night One- I found myself exhausted at the end and am already feeling it. It could be a mixture of the two mile run I did this afternoon and the workout DVD, but either way I am loving the burn. I feel as though this is going to be a good thing and I think the accountability of posting about it as well as Patrick knowing I need to do it every day will keep me going for the next four weeks.