HeathBar

Hi Everyone!!! I have returned from the dark depths of finals week and emerged victorious! So far I got 6 A's, 1 B and 1 unknown. Overall I'm really freakin' happy with my first semester of pharmacy school The best part is I'M FREE FROM SCHOOL UNTIL JANUARY!!! Yay. Now I can focus on fitness related thingies, oh and leveling up the house too. I'm pleased to report that I have some updates on my goals. Lifting: Increase my bench to 80lbs, +5 gain Increased my pendlay rows to 90lbs, +5 gain. Running: I had a official 5k race this weekend. I crossed the finish line at 35:02. This is a big improvement from my last official race where I got a measly 38 minutes. Unfortunately, my goal was to beat my baseline time which was 35:08. I'm beginning to think that my GPS isn't calculating 3.1 miles accurately because I really pushed myself during the race. If I really have improved my endurance, my time will show an improvement I run the same route that I did my baseline calculation off of. I'll report back next time I do that route. Food 13/33 no-go's. I've had to use a bunch in a row this last week for dinner out with family, and 2 holiday parties. House: I'm hoping to really make a dent in this list in the next few weeks. So far I've only completed 1 of the 5 items from to-do list.

Nice job reducing your soda intake. You're almost up to 3500 calorie reduction, which equals one pound of fat!

Good idea! Week wrap up Best run time thus far: 34:17 Lifts: No progress yet. Food: 7/33 "no-go's" House work: No progress this week due to finals. Weigh in: 155lbs Days until winter break for school: 5 days!!!! Once classes end I hope to catch up on everyone threads.

I snuck in a gym session between studying yesterday, it felt good but man am I sore today!!! That's how I know it's been way too long between lifting sessions. I tried to progress my squats up to 120lbs but I had to bail on my 5th rep on the first set. Luckily I had the safety bars set properly so I didn't hurt myself or cause a scene. Did some extra cardio too, I tried to run 5k on the treadmill but the boredom made it really hard to keep up a good pace. I guess I only like running outside then I actually have a change of scenery. Also, I hopped on the scale to see if I was making any progress in losing the extra pounds I've gained. Weighed in at 155.5 so that's good news. I can't wait until my tests are over so I can focus on the rest of my goals!

I'm swamped with finals this week but I promise to check in on everyone once they are all over. Kick some booty for me this week and I'll try to do the same!!

Oy! Finals week is driving me a little bit crazy, but the end is in sight! I only have 4 more tests until freedom for the holidays Hoping to hit the gym then hit the books.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! What have you all done to make sure to stay on track after the holiday? Yesterday I went for a walk with Kyliewyotie and today I went for a run. What has everyone else been up to?

Thanks everyone for your encouragement! I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Mine was nice and delicious. Progress since last post Today's run: 35:54 No lifting due to lack of gym access Food: 4/33 "no-go's" House work: Unpacked the last few boxes. Decorated the master bedroom and got new furniture + TV for the living room. On a side note I noticed that my clothes weren't fitting very well and my stomach was looking a little chunky (normally I'm blessed with a very flat stomach) so this worried me. I hopped on the scale and was disappointed to see 157 lbs 3 days in a row. For reference my weight 2 challenges back in June was 146lbs, and that's where I feel the best. So that was quite a wake up call. As a result I have a new "mini goal" this challenge: Lose 3 lbs. I'll be cutting out some of the high calorie paleo friendly foods that I've been enjoying (maybe too much?) such as nuts, avocado and olive oil. Also, I'm going to limit my meat servings to about 8oz and the rest will be veggies. These 2 changes alone should be enough to give me a small deficit every day.

Good idea I'm sure the dog will be happy too.

Ya, I used to be really active over there. Not so much anymore since I don't track calories. 5k Running time today 34:17 I was going to go to the gym yesterday but decided to take care of some long procrastinated chores around the house instead. My house is now all clean and the frig is stocked! Feels pretty good!! I hope to get some unpacking done today and some other long procrastinated items (like waxing my eyebrows lol!).

It's kinda funny because before starting school I worked for a small business that almost never had any kind of free food. Now that I'm in pharmacy school there seems to be some kind of meeting with pizza or celebration with brownies every day. Sometimes both on the same day

So I walked into class today and there is a chocolate fountain (complete with pretzels, fruit and marshmallows) and a whole table full of brownies, cookies and cake pops!!! Must..... stay..... strong...!

Mmmmm in and out. Only went there once while visiting California, very yummy!

Yes, thank you I completely agree. It's just so easy to compare yourself to others sometimes. Week 1 Wrapup Food: 1/33 No-GO's 27/135 GO's Weight progress: 0/20lbs very close to increase many lifts though so I'm optimistic for this week. Running: baseline 5k time = 35:08 no progess yet. Level up the house: no progress yet.

You've got some good momentum going into Thanksgiving weekend, stay strong! Also, I have no idea what a lever is but, good job lol! #assassinstuffs

Oooo I like plans! Anyone going out of town to see relatives for Thanksgiving? Me and kyliewyotie will be staying local this year. My plans are looking like this: Today: 3 mi Run Monday: School stuffs Tues: Gym Wednesday: 3 mi Run Thursday: Enjoy the holiday. Friday: 3 mi Run

Thanks for the encouragement and the tips

Made some new recipes this weekend. As a result here is some food porn for your viewing pleasure. Paleo pad thai with spaghetti squash. Paleo sweet potato cottage pie

Finally was able to go for a run. Time: 35:08. Not so awesome when compared to other people on the NF forums, but when I consider where I started at (smoker with asthma!) this is pretty good progress. Now I just need to improve it more

A walk is a good idea! If that doesn't work at least hanging out inside while not drinking soda is better then inside while drinking soda.

Nice workout

Also I used to make this egg casserole a lot. It makes so much food! You can have it for lunch every day basically. Unfortunately I had to stop making it since I have cholesterol issues. If calories are a concern for you, swap half of the real eggs for egg whites and some of the sausage for turkey sausage instead of pork. http://www.niashanks.com/2012/03/easy-egg-casserole-recipe/

Don't get too down on yourself. It's about priorities, I'm sure school and your job are higher on the list then working out. Good job with walking, even though its forced exercise it's still betteer then sitting on the couch. I wish I could give your advice on the caffeine but to be honest I drink an absurd amount of caffeine as well. Good plan, maybe consider some bulk cooking as well so you have something healthy and yummy available throughout the week. Good luck and keep us posted For recommendations... that really depends on your taste. A easy favorite that I used to do was baked chicken with tomato sauce and a little bit of mozzarella cheese. It's like chicken parm without the breadcrumbs. For a side I usually buy the "steamables" frozen veggies. For a quick meal just put some chicken "parm" and a bag of veggies in the microwave and volia! a half way decent meal.

Another great day, way to go!

Feel better soon. I'm sure cutting out some sodium and possibly caffeine will get your BP down in addition to losing weight. 138/88 isn't too horrible, not hypertension technically, but definitely not ideal either. The GI diet is pretty good actually when you also monitor your calorie intake. Good luck, keep us posted on your progress.