Straggletag

you can do it, don't let the brownies win!!!! (or if it fits in your daily plan, have a brownie or a half)

Day 2 Update Yesterday I got a 30 minute walk in at a pretty brisk pace, ate my veggies and fruits, and was under my cal goal. (And I made time to finish a book and do homework too!) Today has been awesome! I logged my 9th day of the Stronglifts 5x5 routine (ending "Wk 3") with 80lb squats, 60lb bench press and 55 lb bent row (had to deload this to work on form). I don't know if I'll get a walk in or just go home to do homework after work since there's some that really needs doing. Fortunately, I have dinner ready - gotta love crockpots!

Hi LuluLee! Good luck with all your goals- I think self-acceptance is just as important and worthy a goal as so-called self-improvement (and sometimes they're the same thing!). I'm still trying to find the activities that make me feel best (and/or that I'm most likely to stick with)... hoping weight lifting will stick for me!

Hi 2pinkTwo! 15 inches lost is amazing!! I like your strength goals and your desire to increase strength while decreasing your body fat. That's what I'm aiming for as well! I know I need to take measurements since sometimes the scale isn't the best monitor for this (I've been dreading it but I'll do it)...and I'm hoping I can get an updated caliper read from a pro in a few months. Each additional metric gives more spots to see progress...always a good thing I think.

You've inspired me to take some measurements (which I dread) but at least I'll have something other than that # on the scale to look at which I think is important for doing strength training.

Hi Iyona! Thanks for commenting on my thread - you're right we are practically quest twins in some of our quest goals. I am following and look forward to reaching some of these goals together!

Wishing you the best on your quest Jordan!

Week 1 Updates Main Quest: _ lbs/30 lost Quest 1: lifting routine done 3/7 days M: None T: 80 lb squat, 60 lb. bench press, 55 lb. bent-over row W: Th: F: S. S. Quest 2: 90 minutes of walking activity M: 30 minutes T: W: Th: F: S. S. Quest 3: 2 fruits or veggies eaten per day M: X T: X W: Th: F: S. S. Life Quest: Any items listed for sale on eBay or etsy? (_/10)

Introduction: Hi I am Straggletag (or you can call me Mandy) and this is my first challenge!! In the last few years I went through a personal/emotional rough patch that I failed miserably at dealing with and gained +30lbs. It doesn't help that I have an office job where I sit all day but for the last 2 years I've exercised consistently 3x per week (with a decrease in body fat but no weight loss!). Recently, I started the Starting Strength program (3 weeks in) and am loving it although I'm going slow and not increasing weight exactly as prescribed. Main Quest: Lose 30lbs by the end of 2015 or two dress sizes. Quest 1: Lift 3x per week. Three compound lifts for 5 sets of 5 (except deadlifts), following the starting strength program or other routine (such as new rules of lifting). Measurement: A = 3x/week for 5 weeks, B = 3x/week, 4 weeks, C = 3x/week, 3 weeks Reward A= +3 STR, +2 CON; B= + 2 STR, +1 CON; C= +1 STR Quest 2: Get 90 minutes of walking activity in each week. (I probably get 30 - 60 minutes in each week currently) Measurement: A = 90 minutes/week for 5 weeks, B = 90 minutes/week, 4 weeks, C = 90 minutes/week, 3 weeks Reward: A = +3 STA, +2 STR; B = +2 STA, +1 STR; C = +1 STA Quest 3: Eat at least 2 fruits or veggies a day. (I'm not super good about this currently) Measurement: A = 2 freggies, 42 days; B = 2 freggies, 36 days, C = 2 freggies, 30 days Reward: A = +3 WIS, +2 CON; B = +2WIS, +1; CON, C = +1WIS Life Quest: Post at least 10 items for sale on eBay or etsy. (A hobby of mine is to buy and resell vintage clothing and stuff but it's turned into mini-hoarding with my lack of posting these last couples years... if only I had a bag of holding it might not be such a problem!!!) Motivation: I want to feel more at ease with and empowered by my body.

Hearing that some of you struggle to complete all the reps for some stronglifts exercises (esp. OHP) has really helped encourage me to go forward with scheduling a "free weight orientation" at my gym to see if SL will be possible for me to implement there (if they have the right equipment). Not only am I unsure of whether I'll be able to do the exercises starting with a 45lb. bar, but it's intimidating to me since my gym is a university one and the free weight area definitely seems oversaturated with guys at all times (and I'm staff so def. older than the general undergrad types you see there.) I'm a naturally shy/anxious person which I think makes it even worse! Mostly, I just have to remind myself that I have every right to be there as anyone else and I can deal with criticism/looks/whatever happens without giving up. I keep telling myself it's probably not worth the $1,000 investment to buy all the equipment to do the program at home but saving that cash is starting to sound better every day I go to the gym and walk by the weight room. I'm too old to be this embarrassed to go in there and work out.