charlotte

Thanks for the advice--I've taken some pictures! I haven't seen any progress yet, but hopefully I will if I keep at it!

Well, I've completely fallen off the wagon. I haven't done any weight training the past three weeks. Things have gotten very busy at work and I hurt my shoulder (not doing weights... just randomly pulling something down out of my closet... but it is back to normal now). There is no way I am going to accomplish my main quest. BUT. I have been keeping fairly well to my diet changes. So instead of giving up completely I am going to aim for three workouts in this last week, and if I accomplish that along with keeping to my diet changes, give myself barely passing grade for this challenge. I slipped up for a bit but I have to keep at it, right? The good news is if it ever stops raining here, it seems to have warmed up to something one could consider spring--ish. Sorry I haven't been updating at all... thank you to everyone who has commented. It really helps keep me going!

Okay, first day of the challenge! Did the Women's Fitness Academy Dumbbell Division Level 1 workout for the first time. Good lord. Legs are going to be feeling it tomorrow. I've tried to move up to doing regular pushups from knee pushups, but I can only do 1-2-ish. But I guess it is something to build on! I ate vegan all day, and no sweetened beverages so far. Starting strong!

Pretty excited about the food porn; I can't lie. We are going to hold you to that part of the challenge. : )

Hi, bananandrea! Sorry, I guess we all stopped checking in with the last challenge being over, but I just logged in to start up the new challenge and saw your post. I agree it is always awesome to meet more Veg Rebels!

It sounds like you aren't eating enough calories. You are only just barely in to the "normal weight" category and you are running 6 miles a day! I agree you need more fats and proteins in there. Nuts and avocados are pretty much my all-time favorite fats, so I second this. But it is okay to eat some unhealthy fats sometimes too! Your diet sounds very restricted for a vegan, with your gluten concerns and struggles with disordered eating. I think if staying vegan is important to you, you could use the help of a different dietician--one who is supportive of vegan lifestyles. (Though I don't know if your prior dietician was generally against being vegan, or just in your case, because of your gluten issues, and maybe also out of a concern that being vegan is tied up with your prior disordered eating. In that case you might should take their advice, or seek out a second opinion to see if they agree.) Anyhow, I'm very glad you've managed to gain some weight and are in the "recovery" phase. It sounds like you are on the right track! Good luck with figuring things out!

It is! Isn't it glorious? Thanks, Sunmage!

Hello! I am charlotte and this will be my first challenge with the Druids. I started working on strength training with my first challenge, which I will be continuing. My main motivating force in exercising is that it just makes me happy--when I exercise regularly I feel a contentment and peace that I carry with me through each day. It makes me feel satisfied knowing I'm actively working to promote my physical and mental health. I used to run outside a good deal, but I don't since I moved to New England, at least in the winter. I love going outside, hiking, relaxing, just being around trees and not people for a bit, and I go a little stir-crazy being cooped up in the winter in the city. I am a vegetarian of 15ish years. I work and study A MILLION hours each week, so carving out the time to take care of myself is something I sometimes forget to do... which is why these challenges are helpful! So on to the challenge... Main Quest: Lose 5 lbs. Goals: 1. Weight training three days a week. I will be following the Women's Fitness Academy Dumbbell Division Level 1 workout, with some modifications because I do not have a pull-up bar. 2. Eat vegan on workdays. 3. Drink only 5 sweetened drinks per week. (This will be so hard for me! I usually drink at least one, and sometimes two, per day.) Life Quest: Study 1-2 hrs every day for big exam in spring.

Thanks!!! Thank you so much for organizing the Meat-Free trainees. I know I haven't been very active with posting, but following everyone on there really helped keep me motivated!

Final check in! I give myself a B+ overall on this challenge. I missed two workouts over the course of the 6 weeks, consistently walked to work, and stayed active on the weekends. I'm very happy overall with how this website has helped me get started with strength training!

I haven't checked in in awhile... just wanted to update that I am still going strong. I missed 1 of my 3 workouts last week, but I was on call so working 24/7 for the week... so I was pleased that I got in the 2 workouts that I did!

My sister lost something like 100 lbs training for a marathon years back. I remember she told me she and the other people in her running group just came to accept urinating on themselves while running. So you aren't alone!

I am trying to learn the theme to Downton Abbey, but it is super hard for my level. Fun to play though!

Update: Week 2 was a success! I am meeting all my main goals well, I think. I haven't been playing piano 4x a week, but I have been playing more than usual which has been good. Really enjoying my workouts.

Fantastic! Extra points for the capybaras at the end!