AKLulu

So yesterday was a catch up day. Like I said, I haven't been mega consistent. It may have been a bit silly to see if I could jog for the whole 45 minutes when I knew I'd have to run again today.. and subsequently really didn't want to run today. It took a while to talk myself into it (maybe with the help of a shot of coffee), but I finally got out there and am back on schedule. Somehow I (unintentionally) managed to have most of my actual run be on a downward slope, so that made it a little less grueling, but my calves were definitely tight by the time I was done. It also went fast than I thought it would, so that was a pleasant surprise. Time to rustle up some grub!

Well... I'm first-time scouting it (well, not doing a challenge, but all the same)... so... that's a thing. Flowers are blooming, grass is green, salmon are running. What's not to love? How's yourself? Oh heeeeeey, scouts!

And since I'm still here and it's convenient, here's today's run. Totally a fluke. I've never run this far in my life... still counts even if I was going as slowly as I know how to.

"It's better than bad, it's good" Or so I try to convince myself. Long story short. Actually, there's not much of a story at all. Anyways... partly due to both low funds and living in a coldish place (stupid ice), I have been largely neglecting fitness. I reached the point where I decided I should stop being a fluffy cloud and try to transmogrify into something else. At least a... less poofy cloud? Maybe something more stratus-like than cumulous-y. A little more stream-lined... or something. I'm still not in a position to pay for a gym membership (I miss you, plates and bars!), so I decided to finally make use of my Runkeeper app and started some sort of train-me-to-run-a-5k program about two weeks ago. I definitely haven't been 100% consistent with it so far, but I'm already seeing improvement in pace, not feeling like death mid-workout, and even my waistline. I've never been much for running, but I'm happy about my progress so far (even if it sometimes feels like it must be a fluke) and look forward to maybe, someday, saying my run felt good instead of just okay. I definitely need to start utilizing resources from around the Interweb to probably get into better warm-up/warm-down/stretching habits, so if you have favorites feel free to share (all none of you that are following so far because I haven't posted this yet >.>). Wish me luck! And strength... and willpower... and all the other things it takes to stick to a program. Screenshots and such to follow.

Welcome to the rebellion, Chip, way to make it official I only have a B.S. In Biology, but I still like to claim I'm a science nerd.

Welcome (back)! Sounds like you definitely have some challenges to face with your knee, but I'm sure with a bit of awareness and care you'll be able get it feeling strong. You've already made your start, so good job and keep it up!

Great progress, good luck with your goals!

Hey all! It's a long shot that I'd actually be able to swing a meet-up (don't have my own transportation), but I'm hanging out in Tryon area for a few months and am hoping to make it to Cary to see some cousins at some point during my stay here. So maybe? Anyways, hi! I'm in your state

I'd invite you all to Alaska, but I'm gonna go visit North Carolina instead. But whenever I'm in AK there's plenty of floor space for nerds

So I didn't get any yoga in yesterday because I decided to go to an impromptu local choir thing instead. They're planning for a little Christmas program and I thought it would be fun to sing with a group again I wasn't feeling super enthusiastic about lifting weights today, but I went anyways and felt good. I did my squats at 90 lbs. and moved on to OHP. Eked out the first set of 5 on those and thought, "Uh oh, this is going to be a challenge." Hah. Understatement. Even with 3 minutes rest between sets, I still only got 2 or 3 reps on most of the rest of my sets. It's fine, I know, I'll just stay at this weight until I can get my sets (as per Stronglifts instructions), but OHP is and always has been one of those lifts that just makes me feel so WEAK. Real mental a-hole, that one. Finished up my DL at 130 lbs. then went to do my mile run like I've been doing on my "short program" days... and got about 1/10th of a mile into it and thought, "Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu." I really wasn't feeling it, so I decided to switch my runs over to my non-DL day and call it quits for today. I'm justifying it as making sense because really, as my squats and DLs get heavy, I'm going to be tiring my legs out a lot. Sure, some people might like to run that stuff off, but I don't want to force anything. And right now? I'm so glad I made that choice, because I'm sitting at home waiting for my dinner to cook and feeling super fatigued physically. That listening to the body thing? Yeah, I'm glad I'm getting back into that. I feel a little wussy because it never really feels like I'm working that hard with this lifting program, but I'm just gonna roll with it. Not looking to wear myself down.

It was a daaaark and blustery day. Lulu was hunkered down in her home, trying to decide if it was worth braving the elements to seek out other living souls... And while she deliberated, she updated her battle log! Wooo! I made my M, W, F lifting sessions. Friday was a little lame because I happened to be there at the same time as this "Weight Lifting Club" that's just starting up, so there were a bunch of middle school/high school boys in the way. Booo. I stole a bar from them and did my lifts anyways. Also, my app deleted my M/W data for some reason so I had to re-figure my weights. Everything feels good so far, but I still have a loooong way to go. Can't wait to get that deadlift up to the 200s! I'm super happy because the guy teaching the boys to lift brought in a squat rack! Yay! Now I don't have to whine about that particular problem anymore. Also, Tony (the guy) is a beast... and I think he's starting the boys out squatting too heavy. But what do I know I also got my mile run in on Wednesday and did it at a 12-minute pace. Took a little will power to keep myself going, so I don't think I'll be speeding up too quickly. Here are the final weights for the week: Squat (Fri.): 85 lbs. - I could not do my math on these yesterday, so I had to adjust a couple times. Bench (Fri.): 65 lbs. - Still pretty easy peasy. I've been reading up on form for everything, so I've been tweaking things a little here. Barbell rows (Fri.): 80 lbs. - I thought that I wasn't going to be able to keep up with the +5 lbs. on this, so did a no-no and didn't increase one time, but now it's seems a lot easier. Yay, strength! OHP (Wed.): 60 lbs. - These are getting pretty difficult. I had to take a couple 3-minute breaks instead of 90 seconds. Made it through 5x5, but don't think I'll progress too quickly from here on out. Deadlift (Wed.): 120 lbs. - Business as usual. Can't wait until I have the 45s on so I don't have to bend as far to pick it up Also need to make sure I don't get the really bent up bar.... Food has been okay. Alcohol consumption isn't yet as infrequent as I'm aiming for. I have my excuses, but that's all they are. Leaves room for improvement! No yoga or Pilates yet, but that's a good Sunday activity. Hope everyone's having fun in Boston! I expect to see ALL the pictures.

Haha, I guess it is kind of funny, but after finding a way to eat that makes you feel good and allows you to cut fat without hardly trying... going back to having little control over your groceries can be a bother

Heya! I'm still here, livin' it up (haha) in rural Alaska. I've been doing a lot of substitute teaching since I got back from my trip to Norway last month and have finally been working my way back towards some healthier habits. I have other things I want to work on too and as always, I don't want to do a challenge, but I might update here once in a while just to share where I'm at A lot of these are things that I'm already slowly incorporating/implementing, so don't freak and be like, "WHOA, Woman! That's too much to start all at once!" I swear I'm not trying to overload myself. I just have a lot in my brain and need to organize these thoughts in writing. I've gained back 15-20 pounds of weight since I moved up from Portland and while I know the scale isn't everything, I've definitely noticed a change in how my clothing is fitting and things that the tape measure tells me. I don't like it. I also have a hip that's been bugging me a little and I do not want this to become a big problem. I need to fix the things that ail me by strengthening, stretching, and making the load a little lighter. Goal: Trim down a little, regain strength and flexibility, and stop calling myself fat. It's not nice. I get mad at the school kids for calling names, I should practice the same for myself. So what am I gonna do about it? Glad I asked: 1) I've been working on getting myself back into the weight room and am feeling pretty good about M, W, F and have only missed one day (Halloween) the last three weeks. I'm using the Stronglifts 5x5 app to basically tell me what to do. Some of it feels really light starting out (like deadlifts and bench) and some of it feels like I'm not gonna make much progress (see: OHP and barbell rows). I've been doing pretty minimal accessory work as a warm-up, but once I feel like I'm solidly into a routine, I'll probably start looking for more. 2) I recently read a MDA article about how everyone should be able to run a mile. I agree. Anybody who has talked to me pretty much at all knows that I don't consider myself a runner. I'm always talking about how I want to be able to run (a little bit), but I just never really make it a goal. I did a slow mile (probably around 12:30) on Friday at the end of my workout and it didn't feel terrible. I'm going to make a point of running a mile at least once a week (probably Fridays since I have a long "break" every weekend). Hopefully I get faster so I don't have as much time to get bored on the treadmill. 3) Another thing that I've been wanting to get into is some yoga or pilates. I think it would do me a lot of good to work on balancing my body out and getting my joints and muscles a little more limber again. My mom has several videos (and I did my first one tonight!) so I think I'm going to try to do one of those every Sunday and possibly one of my other non-lifting days. I'll probably get tired of all the talking in the videos, but I think having them for guidance will be a good jumping off point at least. 4) Feeding my face. I do that. Sometimes too much. I have been starting to reign in my poorer habits though and currently I have the luxury of being in charge of my own meals because my parents are out of town until early December. I may not have all the resources that I'm used to, but I think it will still be a good period of time for me to find a "new normal" for what kind of eating makes me feel good. I probably won't be going full Paleo or Primal, but I'm going to aim to be about 90% grain-free because I know I feel better (and lose fat faster) when I'm not eating so many grains. I'm also banning myself from making desserts unless it's something I'm bringing somewhere or tossing in the freezer in preparation for Christmas. Also also, now that my parents aren't home, I'm going to try to get out of the habit of daily wine. Firstly, I don't need all those extra calories and secondly, I'm kind of poor... so I probably shouldn't be spending a large chunk of what little money I'm making on booze. I'll still have some drinks on the weekend, but it's time to cut back. The other big thing in my life right now is that I don't want to be stuck out in the village all winter, so I'm doing a good amount of job hunting. I'm really hoping to find something out in Anchorage before too long, but until then I'll be here substitute teaching. I definitely don't ever want to be a real teacher. The teachers I've subbed for love me and want to request me any time they're gone, so that's a pretty feel-good thing. Wish me luck! I need more money and a better location so I can go visit nerds more often Start Stats: Height - still 5'6" Ha! 5'6.75" Weight - 230 lbs. Bust - 47" Band - 39.5" Waist - 43" Hips - 38.75" (Albeit this is after dinner and eating bread for the first time in a week or so... so these numbers might be slightly inflated.)

I just moved out of Portland in May! I was never successful at organizing a meet-up, but if I make it back for a visit, I'll definitely hit you all up! You might get in touch with the Seattle nerds too It's not so very far away!

Also this (because I think I'm funny): http://instagram.com/p/sGFSeCwqVz/ "What is this? A barbell for ants? It needs to be at least... three times this size!" Carved with the sharpened end of an interspace tøøthbrush given me by Svenge.

I think you need this: Hi! Carved with the sharpened end of an interspace tøøthbrush given me by Svenge.

Ah yes, and of course as soon as I start getting into a routine, I run off to have adventures and have to stop lifting. Ah, such a terrible life... Carved with the sharpened end of an interspace tøøthbrush given me by Svenge.

... I see you got all dressed up for me

1) I was just planning to follow the simple plan that was lined out on that blog, since I don't know what I'm doing and basically alternate two workouts (as follow) M, W, F: Workout 1 - Squat 3 x 5 Bench 3 x 5 Deadlift 1 x 5 Workout 2 - Squat 3 x 5 OHP 3 x 5 Power Clean 5 x 3 2) I wouldn't mind too much dropping back down to an empty bar. I'm not so far beyond that right now, so it's not like it would be a major setback. I think I'll see how serious CousinCee actually is about lifting before letting her be a major part of me switching the routine. 3) Rows are a good suggestion. They're not something I've done a lot of, so I always forget about them. I'm thinking maybe some good mornings in there somewhere also. I'm sure you're totally right about the curls too, but I might switch to barbell curls anyways so I make sure my form is more even per side. I feel like my form on my left side fails a little bit because it's not my dominant arm... but I guess the other option is just reducing the weight, but... but... guns! I definitely appreciate your input. I need someone around to keep me in line. Let me know if any of my theories/approaches are idiotic, please Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! I'm glad too. Now I just need to figure out what the actual hours are on the weight room so we can have a normal routine!

I haven't been here... and I don't remember who else liked Hiddleston aside from me... but... you're welcome: http://imgur.com/gallery/0P9jq

Hey... guess what. I'm aliiiiiive! After a busy summer and a little bit of down time, I've finally decided to procure a weight room key and start working out again. Yesterday was my first day back and I felt pretty pathetic. I guess that's what I get for not lifting things.... and only pulling occasional totes of fish through the mud. I'm trying to get back into the groove with a simple Starting Strength sort of plan that I borrowed from T-Nation (because I was reading their article about The Texas Method... but decided I need to go back to the basics). Sooo... I don't know how to program myself and this is all guess work at this point, but I just started loading the bar and worked up to weights I thought I could do my sets with. Yay? Squats 3 x 5 @ 65 lbs. Bench 3 x 5 @ 70 lbs. Deadlift 1 x 5 @ 155 lbs. I also tossed in some accessory work at random (between sets and after the lifting portion), I'll need to come up with a better plan for that. Dumbbell curls 3 x 10 @ 15 lbs. (looking back at that T-nation page, I guess these should have been barbell curls, oops) 2 laps lunges 20 seconds handstand against the wall 25 GHD sit-ups 1-mile run on the treadmill @ ~ 12 minutes So also, because I felt really sad that I could bench more than I could squat, I added about 3 squats at 85 lbs. after the bench and it felt HEAVY. I definitely couldn't have done my sets at that, so... yep. Just have to work back up. I've had some soreness in my left hip and some knotting in my right leg for unknown reasons for a little while now though, so that could be part of the issue. Mostly it's probably because I haven't lifted at all since April-ish, since when I've also gained back a few pounds. If anybody has recommendations for what I should be doing differently or what kind of accessory work I should be adding, tell me pleeeeeease! I've also got CousinC going to the weight room with me and have convinced her she should start lifting, so it'll be fun to have a partner She's the reason I decided to run a mile, because she said she "couldn't even run a mile anymore," so I wanted to see if I could. Treadmills are weird. I could also complain at length about the equipment in the weight room and the hours it's available, but I guess at least I have a weight room available to me. I can make-do, so I should just be happy I guess. I'm also contemplating doing yoga or pilates one day a week since my mom has a bunch of videos and the weight room is only open M-F. Now, if only I could say no to the carrot cake mom had me make..

Oh, also! Since I'm here and just booked some tickets, I should be around Anchorage from about Oct. 5th through 12th, so if anyone wants to meet up, let me know! I'll try to keep a better eye on the forums, but feel free to PM me too.

Will do, Ellet! I have a nephew living down there, so I might use that excuse to get over to Southeast someday!

Important to note - usually they recommend organic, grass fed butter, so it's not just any crappy old fat. It's actually kind of good for you. Also, I was just using one of those bullet blenders to mix butter and coconut oil into mine and it didn't turn into an oil slick even when it went cold. I'm notoriously bad at leaving my coffee around and finishing it cold. I also liked adding a little vanilla extract to make it ultra tasty Carved with the sharpened end of an interspace tøøthbrush given me by Svenge.