IfItPlugsIn

Yeah, new house! Boo, double mortgage! We did the double mortgage thing when we first moved. I didn't think we'd be stuck with the double payment as long a we were, plus we lost $ when we sold the first house. Probably the most stressful time of my life to date (I was also pregnant!). Do you guys get snow down there? That would be my main concern as a single person moving to a more remote place - having to blow/scoop a lot of snow, especially if your gravel road isn't well maintained. Old houses are a lot more work, but I think the character makes up for it.

Technical difficulties and time constraints have caused me to fail on updating my thread. However, I'm still hanging in there. Week 3 1/19 1/20 1/21 1/22 1/23 1/24 1/25 Total Activity No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No 4/7 Gluten Free No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 5/7 Treats No No No No No No No 0/3 PT Yes No Yes No No No No 2/7 Organize Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Week 4 1/26 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/30 1/31 2/1 Total Activity No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No 4/7 Gluten Free Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 7/7 Treats No No No No No Yes No 1/3 PT No Yes No Yes No No No 2/7 Organize No........................................................... Week 5 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/7 2/8 Total Activity Yes Yes No 2/7 so far Gluten Free Yes Yes No Yes 4/7 so far Treats Yes Yes No No 2/3 so far PT Yes Yes No Yes 3/7 so far Organize No........................................................... Treats so far - Someone sent a big box of See's chocolate truffles to work. Also, caramel rolls from a local diner. Sorry not sorry, they were totally worth every bite. I feel like I'm running on empty. After a week or 2 of kids behaving well, they've gone off the deep end (and are dragging me with them)... was there a full moon this week?!? I've also had some work deadlines come up that I was stressing over. Got the loose ends wrapped up, but everything is wearing on me. Specifically, I think this is making me push the organizing and the PT to the side. I'm going to shoot for a planned supper, a load of laundry, and a few lifts tonight. It may only be a few squats, but I'm going for it.

Love the "swole back" comments! The elusive pull-up is on my goal list. Even when I was lifting and doing assisted pull-ups, I never got strong enough to do one. Guess I have to get back to practicing those too! I looked up your protein powder (trying to find one I like), and I'm curious if you've tried the "natural" one, or just the flavors? I like the idea of not being stuck with chocolate or vanilla, but worried it would taste like cardboard. I'm definitely anti-soy, and usually ok with whey, but like the idea of pea protein. Nice work so far!!

Day 17 (1/21) Activity: 2/3 - Walked at lunch. This feels like such a cop-out, and I really want to lift. Gluten Free: 1/3 - Finally stuck to this. Planned meals helps. The scale also moved in the right direction after sticking to this, so I'm hoping this is a trend that continues. Treats: 0/3 PT: 2/3 - Finally got this in. Organize: Laid out kids' clothes. A few side notes: When my back issues started, I got some tests done, including Vitmain D, which I was severely deficient in. I've been taking supplements, and they seem to make a difference. My 6 year old has been having some growing pains, and ongoing nighttime wetting issues. I came across unrelated articles listing Vitamin D as helping both issues, so I'm going to start him on supplements as well, and see what happens. Up here in the frozen tundra, it's a pretty common deficiency, so I wouldn't be surprised if it helps. Crossing my fingers! Kalua Pork was a hit with everyone!! Definitely putting this in rotation.

Day 16 (1/20) Activity: 1/2 - Walked at lunch time Gluten Free: 0/2 - BLTs... I was tired, and I caved on the bread. I could have just made it into a salad, but I didn't. Treats: 0/3 PT: 1/2 - Didn't happen. No excuse. I was still feeling good from my appointment the day before, so I guess I just forgot. Organize: Got a pork roast ready to throw in the crockpot in the morning. Trying NomNomPaleo's Kalua Pork recipe for the first time, and I'm pretty excited. Also did a load of laundry.

SO jealous of the awesome sleep you've been getting. Bacon speech... too fun! I'm very comfortable presenting in front of people, but I'm bad at "um"s too. Being conscious of it almost makes it worse for me.

Day 15 (1/19) Activity: 0/1 - Unless you count running around my office like a chicken with my head cut off. I hate coming back from vacation/traveling. Gluten Free: 0/1 - Pasta last night. I also checked the sauce we used, and it had flour as a thickener. Treats: 0/3 - No treats yet. PT: 1/1 - Appointment day. She worked some muscles right around my spine, and it really made a difference. Organize: I was so far behind on stuff at home, that I didn't get things laid out. I did have to buy groceries, and subsequently made a meal list.

Week 1 Summary Activity: 6/7 - Activites were minor, but I tried to be conscious of getting things done. Gluten Free: 7/7 - Pretty easy at home. Treats: 3/3 - I ended up using my 3 treats for adult beverages, but I limited myself to meet this goal. PT: 3/7 - Not so hot, but making progress. Organize: Success - Plenty of organizing, and it made a difference in the smoothness of my days. I was traveling for work all week, so I didn't get much chance to update things. By the end of the week, I was pretty wiped, and some things started to slide. Week 2 Summary Activity: 3/7 - I had several days with no activity, and a few days with tons of activity. One night, a bar near my hotel had "80's Night" where they played music videos on projectors all night... spent 5 hours on the dance floor! I also ran my first run since my half marathon, which I enjoyed more than I thought I would. Rounded out the activity with a little Zumba in my hotel room, and a round of Lift Weights Faster. Gluten Free: 4/7 - Most fail days were minor fails, like a single component of a single meal. Treats: FAIL. I didn't even count the amount of treats I consumed (specifically drinks), and most of my non-gluten-free days coincided with treats. PT: 3/7 - I struggled a few days because of the travel, and standing to present in meetings, so it emphasized the importance of getting this done. Still did only a mediocre job. Organize: Minor opportunity for this, since I was just taking care of myself while traveling, and even then, most of my meals were planned by the conference organizers. Success, but not through much effort. Overall, I'm learning that I can do this on my schedule, but when I factor unknown circumstances or other people into it, I can get sidetracked. Time to amp up the conviction and willpower!

Day 5 Activity: Lift Weights Faster (not sure which one it was, but it was bodyweight with 2 kinds of squats). (4/5) Gluten Free: Yes. Had taco/burrito night, and just made mine in a bowl with rice, instead of a tortilla. (5/5) Treats: None. (0/3) PT: Glute bridges at home. (3/5) Organize: Laid out kids clothes. Day 6 Activity: Plenty of walking - carried laundry up and down steps all day, plus grocery shopping, which doesn't sound like much. However, my Fitbit tells me I got over 9,000 steps for the day. (5/6) Gluten Free: Yes. Got my husband to make enchiladas with corn instead of flour tortillas. (6/6) Treats: None. So far, so good. (0/3) PT: Not today. (3/6) Organize: Laid out kids clothes for all next week. I'm travelling for work, so rather than leave my husband to his own devices, I laid our 15 outfits for him to work with. Day 7 Activity: Airport walking. I got over 9,500 steps in, so I'm pretty pleased with that. (6/7) Gluten Free: Yes, even with airport food and eating out once I landed. It wasn't pretty (bacon cheese french fry tower... gluten free, yes; healthy, no). (4/4) Treats: Had a few apple ales with my naughty fries, so I think that counts as more than 1 treat, but I only had 3, so I stayed in my limit for the week. (3/3) PT: I wanted to get some done before I left, but I ran out of time. I'm definitely paying for it. (3/7) Organize: Picked out my own clothes and put my shower things in the bathroom, so I was ready to jump in when my alarm went off.

I always liked that he promotes doing what works with your "unique snowflake" metabolism, while recognizing personal preferences and working within those. If he says that, but then tells you to drink 2 protein shakes a day, it doesn't sound like he practices what he preaches. Personally, I have a really hard time finding a protein shake I can choke down that isn't filled with garbage ingredients. I'll be watching for more...

Day 4 Activity: Lift Weights Faster: Up and Over This is my favorite so far, because it's bodyweight only, and I can do it at work. It only takes me about 7-8 minutes, but gets my heart rate up. (3/4) Gluten Free: Yes. (4/4) Treats: None. So far, so good. I really wanted chocolate last night, but I had the willpower to skip it. (0/3) PT: Since the glute bridge is part of the workout I did, I got some PT in by default, but I did a few more at home as well. (2/4) Organize: Laid out kids clothes. Supper from the meal list, and my husband made it - Lucky me!

I'd be curious what you think of the metabolic damage plan, compared to the info he gives for free. I'm such a cheapskate, that I've never purchased a diet or exercise plan from anyone. Maybe if I want results, it would be smarter to pay for it and do what I'm told, instead of trying to piece together stuff myself. The roast beef sounds good. I have a bad habit of salting everything, even before I taste it. I've heard that craving salt means some kind of deficiency, but can't remember what. Yay for the workout friend! It's always fun to have someone to share that with, and to be accountable to.

Day3 Activity: Walked at lunch (2/3) Gluten Free: Yes. This really isn't too tough, as long as I can keep my family happy with GF suppers. (3/3) Treats: None. I really wanted ice cream last night, but went for a half-serving of greek yogurt instead. Super win! (0/3) PT: 1 of 3 exercises at home. I also had a PT appointment today, so that helped (1/3) Organize: Laid out kids clothes. I'm actually pretty impressed at how just this minor change is making the 2 big boys more responsible for their own getting ready in the morning. The 6-year-old toasted his own bagel with cream cheese and jelly, and 4-year old brushed his teeth without me having to cattle-prod him. Cooked supper from the meal list. Washed a load of laundry, but am failing at the folding/putting away part. Logging in MFP is definitely helping. I'm also doing Sleepytime tea most nights to wind down and help with getting a good night's sleep.

Awesome challenge! And swing dancing!! I've never had a good partner for dancing, so I'm a little jealous. Loved me some 2-stepping back in the day, but my husband is more of a "junior-high-arms-length-away-sway" type of dancer.

Thanks, friends! I was intending to post gifs/images with my initial post, but had technical difficulties. Alanna - that one fits perfectly! Day2 Activity: Walked at lunch, about 15 minutes. It's sad that I'm counting it, but I think baby steps are what I need right now. (1/2) Gluten Free: Yes! (2/2) Treats: None (0/3) PT: Nope (0/2) Organize: Didn't lay out clothes, and noticed a major difference in the morning!

Hi! 1. I am such an emotional eater. I know that I do it, and I just keep doing it. Great goal! 2. LOVE Jade Teta. 3. I have the same cold/sinus/drainage issue right now. It sucks. I hurt and there's nothing I can do about it. 4. Sometimes I think docs like to take the easy way out with drugs. I went in complaining of abdominal and back pain. My doc tried to put me on IBS meds. Turns out I had a fracture in my spine and tight hip flexors. Chiro and physical therapy are all I need. I also think that most people go in looking for an easy fix. "Body detectives" are not the norm. I'm sure I could comment more, but your thread moves so fast!

Day1 Activity: None (0/1) Gluten Free: Yes! Even managed to avoid the birthday cookies in the lunchroom. (1/1) Treats: None (0/3) PT: Nope (0/1) Organize: Laid out kids clothes. Made a meal list this past weekend, and cooked supper from said list. The morning was uneventful, which is a success!

I'm doing a "back on the wagon" challenge too! I love house shopping too! Looks like a great challenge

Respawn Rodeo Since I ran my half-marathon last spring, I've gained about 15 lbs, let my fitness habits slip, and eaten like crap (hence the respawn). I need some basic goals to get myself headed in the right direction again, so my days are less like an 8-second ride and more like a relaxing trail ride. Break the Horse My fitness habits have been left unattended for too long, and need to be brought under control again. I need to break some bad habits, and put better ones in their place. I've been using my bad back as an excuse, and it needs to stop. Actions: Work some kind of fitness into every day. Anything counts. I've been loving Lift Weights Faster, and their mini-routines should be easy to work into my life. I'm also getting workouts emailed to me from Metabolic Effect. Treadmill, Zumba, traditional weights, walking at work, DVDs at home are all options too. Success: Any day with activity is a success (x/42) Calf Roping My eating has gotten a little (ok, a lot) out of control. I need to lasso in my eating, especially sweets and "bad carbs." Actions: Go gluten-free. I seem to respond ok to other carbs, like rice, corn, and potatoes, so I don't see a need to really restrict them. I do have trouble limiting gluten items once I get started on them, and I think this will be a good gateway to a more paleo way of eating.Limit sweets to 3 or fewer treats per week. Fruit doesn't count, and I'm also not counting the sweetener in my coffee.Track daily in MyFitnessPal to keep tabs on myself. I'm not detracting for going over on calories right now, but it's a factor and needs to be watched.Success: Any day with no gluten is a success (x/42). Any week with 3 or fewer sweets is a success (x/6). Get back in the Saddle When you get thrown, you need to get back up and try again. I've been a pretty poor excuse for a PT patient. I don't do my exercises regularly or completely. I only have a few exercises to do, so they just need to be done. Actions: Do my physical therapy. Every. Day. No excuses. Success: Complete the exercises daily (x/42) Bonus: Do some additional "therapy" once a week - take a relaxing bath, get out of the house by myself, enjoy an alcoholic beverage to take the edge off, get a massage, etc. Side Quest: Herd the Cats Most days are so unorganized that I feel like I'm herding cats. I need to make a few easy changes to stay sane. Actions: Lay out kids' clothes the previous night. This makes things go smoothly in the morningMake a weekly meal list and have all ingredients on hand. This makes things go smoothly in the evening.Bonus: Do some kind of cleaning or a load of laundry 3 times per week. This will make for less work on the weekends.

double post

First new workout today: 4 rounds of Single-leg kettlebell dead lift (18lbs) 5x each side "T" pulls outs 10x Get-up leg lifts 10x each side 3 rounds of Dead lift (5x90lbs/3x130/2x150 <--PR) Pull ups - 8x w/ white band Push-up - 5x (military, knees) "No money" shoulder/chest stretch 15x Hip flexor stretch 10x each side Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lots of changes coming for this girl! I signed up for a new gym/class, which I'm super pumped about. They focus on functional fitness - kettlebells, barbells, pushups, pull-ups. It's only in a class format (kind of like Cross Fit, but they hate being compared to Cross Fit), and the only time I could make it work was 5:30am. I start next Tuesday (Barefoot Fitness is the name of the gym). They also support/recommend Paleo, so I'm going to try to make that happen too. I think I'll jump onto the next challenge, and see how things shake out. Sadly, I cancelled my Zumba license as well. I may go and attend a class now and then, but no more teaching for me. It just got to be a lot of work (and not as much fun anymore), class sizes were dropping, and I miss strength training. Oh, and my half marathon was AWESOME! My initial goal was to finish in 2:30 or less. I blew that out of the water, and finished in 2:07:44. Needless to say, I'm pretty proud of it. I haven't quite decided if I ever want to run a long race again, or stick to 5K or 10K's. Guess that's all I know for now. I've gone through NF withdrawal, and I'm (hopefully) back, and can be more consistent.

Congrats on the new job! I got Frozen for my kids' Easter baskets, so it's taking all I have not to open it up and watch it. My boys have been begging for it, and it's probably the only princess movie they'll ever want, so ongoing with it. I hope the de-stressing, and hormone stuff start putting the fertility goals on the right track. I definitely understand how docs only look at test results/normal ranges, and not how you actually feel or try to dig deeper into underlying issues. Hoping for the best for you! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

3/29 - Ran 8 miles; farthest I've ever run before! Tough, but done in 86 minutes. 3/31 - Ran 3 miles 4/2 - Ran 4.25 miles; was supposed to be 5, but cut short because my husband cooked supper and I didn't want to eat cold food. 4/3 - Will run 3 miles when I get home tonight. I'm getting a new vehicle tonight when my husband gets home from work. Pretty pumped for the new car smell (and all the other bells and whistles). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

3/19 - Ran 4 miles 3/20 - Zumba 3/22 - Ran 6 miles 3/24 - Zumba 3/25 - Ran 3 miles Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk