sicil - lapsed Ninja with a funny belly, challenge #1

[sicil]

Nice looking salad and nice job on going home to the lettuce wraps.  A ninja with a will of steel. Woot!

 

I didn't workout yesterday either.  After grocery shopping and dinner there wasn't much time, but everyday is not the goal so that's fine!  Looking forward to seeing your progress this week!

 

Thank you! It was super hard! But I didn't want to disappoint everyone here, lol!

 

I agree, and it's tempting to overdo it at the start. Let's be cautious that we don't hurt ourselves and lose all of the progress we've fought so hard for!

[sicil]

Day 9: Today was hard. My body has finally caught up to all the exercise. Still have to get used to eating enough at every meal. Started getting little twinges after lunch (another glorious salad), and within 2 hours, I was starving. Thankfully, had stored enough healthy snacks beforehand - fruit, jerky and pistachios.

Unthankfully, I overcompensated and ate too late in the afternoon. Had an appointment after work, and almost skipped out on my workout. But then I thought of all you peeps here... Not to mention my long-suffering bf who brought me my stinky gym bag. Slogged through a 23 minute run, mixing in 9km intervals in the first half. (Whew, those destroyed me. Went down to my typical 8.5km and it was still a struggle to the finish line.) Then did strength training for 30 min. I can now do 6 assisted chin-ups with a 55lb weight (60% of body weight).

Did you know that a veggie burger from Costco has way more sodium and 9g less protein than the regular beef patty, and yet they're the same number of calories? I had time to kill on the bus, so came home to the informed choice, as well as some sweet corn on the cob. Came out equal to my daily intake, exercise included.

Another partial downer tonight - my starting measurements haven't been accurate as the tape I used was out of wack. Still lost the same amount, but am now at a few inches higher than where I had originally figured. I'll just have to try harder...

[Aerie]

I know when I got used to eating healthy in the past sometimes it felt like I was snacking all day.  Good job on your workout!! 

 

Interesting about the veggie burger.  I know a lot of the "healthier" stuff really isn't, but it's still shocking to compare the numbers.

 

How are you doing the belly measurement? I think we are pretty similar I'm just shorter.  I'm 5' (sometimes I say 5'1 heh) and 130, and at thinnest part of waist I was 32.. haven't checked the belly button area though.  By next summer we'll be hotter than the sun.    

[sicil]

I know when I got used to eating healthy in the past sometimes it felt like I was snacking all day.  Good job on your workout!! 

 

Interesting about the veggie burger.  I know a lot of the "healthier" stuff really isn't, but it's still shocking to compare the numbers.

 

How are you doing the belly measurement? I think we are pretty similar I'm just shorter.  I'm 5' (sometimes I say 5'1 heh) and 130, and at thinnest part of waist I was 32.. haven't checked the belly button area though.  By next summer we'll be hotter than the sun.    

Thanks! We gotta remember that it's the long term that counts. I was told to measure the thickest part of my waist. Last night, it was 34" and this morning it was 32". I think I'd better get used to doing all my measurements first thing in the morning, for sanity's sake!

[rogaecia]

 

Slinking in the shadows, watching the thread like a boss... IT'S BATNARA!

DUNADUNADUNADUNADUNADUNAUNDA~

Suddenly Batarangs with messages on them are thrown into the wall near you:

One message says: "You journey has come quite a ways in such a short time BLUH BLUH!"

The other one says: "May your progress be even brighter (or shadier) in the future! BLUH BLUH"

During your time reading those messages, you didn't notice the small little wrapped present in front of you. Picking it up and unwrapping a bow...

CONFETTI BURSTS FROM INSIDE~!

 

NINJA PARTIES CELEBRATION~! Just checking in, stalkin' how your doin'~ Seems your doin' AWESOME~!

I think this is the best reply to this post :)  

[sicil]

I think this is the best reply to this post :)

 

It's a long 6 weeks... I challenge you to do better.

[rogaecia]

Day 9: Today was hard. My body has finally caught up to all the exercise. Still have to get used to eating enough at every meal. Started getting little twinges after lunch (another glorious salad), and within 2 hours, I was starving. Thankfully, had stored enough healthy snacks beforehand - fruit, jerky and pistachios.

Unthankfully, I overcompensated and ate too late in the afternoon. Had an appointment after work, and almost skipped out on my workout. But then I thought of all you peeps here... Not to mention my long-suffering bf who brought me my stinky gym bag. Slogged through a 23 minute run, mixing in 9km intervals in the first half. (Whew, those destroyed me. Went down to my typical 8.5km and it was still a struggle to the finish line.) Then did strength training for 30 min. I can now do 6 assisted chin-ups with a 55lb weight (60% of body weight).

Did you know that a veggie burger from Costco has way more sodium and 9g less protein than the regular beef patty, and yet they're the same number of calories? I had time to kill on the bus, so came home to the informed choice, as well as some sweet corn on the cob. Came out equal to my daily intake, exercise included.

Another partial downer tonight - my starting measurements haven't been accurate as the tape I used was out of wack. Still lost the same amount, but am now at a few inches higher than where I had originally figured. I'll just have to try harder...

Hey Sicil, 

I'm so proud and inspired by you for pushing through feeling sluggish and kicking butt through your work-out. 

Corn on the cob sounds delicious!

Will you be adjusting your goals according to the new measurements or do you think you will keep it as it is?

Hope you are having a terrific day!

[rogaecia]

It's a long 6 weeks... I challenge you to do better.

OOOH! You know I can't turn down challenges!

[peggysr]

That salad is GORGEOUS.  You've inspired me to eat more salads.

[sicil]

Hey Sicil,

I'm so proud and inspired by you for pushing through feeling sluggish and kicking butt through your work-out.

Corn on the cob sounds delicious!

Will you be adjusting your goals according to the new measurements or do you think you will keep it as it is?

Hope you are having a terrific day!

Thanks rogaecia! I will keep my overall goals as-is, but I've changed my beginning measurements in the tracking software. Keeps me honest!

Thanks for checking in, hon.

[sicil]

Day 10: Not too much to report, just slow and steady. Ate healthy, went to yoga for a good stretch. Did my usual 25-min run and hit the 4km mark for the first time. Did 3 sets of assisted pushups, some ab work. Boyfriend made me couscous and I loaded up on protein with a few slices of turkey breast and a hard boiled egg. Sleeping better.

[sicil]

I started a discussion over at my group, Team TPS Reports ! and thought it may be of interest here as well:

 

I figure more than a few of us are feeling down-in-the-dump-y, so I thought a discussion was in order to get our minds off cravings and sore muscles. So I present to you... The Ultimate Equipment Discussion.

We're all geeks and geeks-in-training here, so it strikes me as incomplete if we didn't have a compare and contrast of preferred equipment. I know for a fact that having the right gear makes it easier for me during my exercise, as well as giving me less excuses when I'm feeling lazy. It can motivate me and make me strive for better. So what are your +1 secret weapons of choice?

Note: this is not an RPG-ish 'my sword trumps yours' ranking, but more intended to open our eyes to what people use, and why they like it. Mainly because I love stuff that works and makes me want to work more efficiently. I'm also looking to add a few things to my arsenal and figured this would be a great place to share opinions and advice.

 

So I'll kick it off...

Armour

Alas, my armour is showing cracks and serious disrepair. All of my workout clothes are more suited to hiking or yoga. Soft, flowy things, or heavy fabrics meant to stand up to scrambling up mountain trails. The only redeeming piece of the outfit: my sneakers - they're new and have been holding out very well on all of the gym excursions. It used to be that I would cheap out on sneakers and go running for a week, then get discouraged by the little stabbing pains in my feet. (No wonder.) Anyways, now that I'm training harder and longer, I need gear that will dry fast and provide support.

Question - thinking of these possible upgrades:
1) Sports bra: the girls are bouncing like crazy and it's super annoying. I've never had a sports bra that provided enough support. Anyone have any favourites they can stand behind?
2) Running pants: I've been recommended these from a friend who has been running most of her adult life. I'm not a big fan of the brand, but I'll do it if I have to. Any other recs for interval training, pretty much only indoors on a treadmill? I need pants that will, err, tuck it all in and make it stay there.
3) Where do savvy adventurers like yourselves suit up? What are your favourite stores / online retailers?

Weapons

(Okay, it doesn't exactly correlate. Sorry, I should've thought this out better.) Weapons I'm identifying as anything you use within your routine that makes you work out better, harder, faster, stronger. How do you get to 'slaying your dragons?'

For example, I come armed with some drop-in sessions to my local community centre. I started with drop-ins as I had the option of trying a few (great for variety) but also identifying the environment I worked best in. Now that I'm getting more comfortable strength training on my own at home, I might ditch the gym membership altogether and sneak into my mom's apartment downtown just to use the treadmill. However, the only reason why I like going to the gym is working out alongside everyone else; it just makes me work out harder, competitive devil that I am…

I do yoga 1-2 times a week for a great stretch and to work out the realities of being tied to a desk for most of the day. A year ago I made the decision of ditching the car and solely relying on public transit, biking, or walking to my destinations. I haven't looked back.

I also go hiking on the weekends. My local mountain trail is 3.3km at an elevation gain of 850m. I did it in 1.5 hours before this challenge. I'd like to get shave it down to an hour by the end of the summer.

Question – it's been suggested to me that I should get a personal trainer for a few sessions to watch my form and put together my workouts. Where do you guys stand on personal trainers, and what sorts of things would you be looking for if you were in the market?

Enchantments

Music. I love a good groove, and I'm in desperate need of 'enchanting' songs / playlists! My music isn't fast enough for running anymore.

Question – Need better workout music! What do you guys recommend?

I have an old tank of an ipod, but it's getting really unwieldy when I run. I'm thinking of a) replacing it with something lighter or getting one of those arm strap thingys. My only concern with the arm band is that it would heat up and be all gross halfway through the run.

Question – Do you have an armband, and do you like working out with it? Or, what's the best/lightest/cheapest mp3 player for working out that you've found?

Trusted Companions

Well, all of you guys! I check-in daily, which is kind of neurotic, but it also helps me keep motivated. I've also adopted the suggestion of telling everyone, especially my workout-esque friends. Acquaintances have been commenting on the fact that I've 'lost a lot of weight,' which is a good start. I work out alone – my bf has different goals (read: none), so we don't really sync together. Plus he likes swimming and I adamantly do not. I leave open the idea of having workout buddies in the future, but at the moment the online forums have all that I've needed to keep on trekking so far.

Well, that's me! Any advice greatly appreciated to my questions above. Also, I'm curious to see what your gear and setup look like!

[Paradigm]

I'm preeetttyyy excited that you're a nerd and you're in Vancouver.

 

On the fitness side though, those goals are great and completely doable! Yoga, even if it's not stress and sweat inducing is still a workout though. You're limbering up which isn't bad and don't forget it!

 

It looks like you're doing a good job though and I will definitely check back! But I did see someone else suggest measuring several places across your body and I'd recommend that too. In a lot of circumstances weight comes off completely unevenly and ways that don't really make sense to the casual observer. But if you measure several places you'll find measurements shrinking week by week!

[Aerie]

I was excited to read your equipment post last night.... and then a huge storm rolled through and I had to leave it for the morning.  We lost power for 9 hours or so, but it was mostly while I was sleeping.  

 

Here's my set up:

 

Armour

Everything DRI-FIT! Or other sweat wicking technology.  I looooove this stuff for working out, although if I do it right I still smell like a turd after.    (I need charm school what can I say)

Sneakers from a specialty run store, so they can watch my stride and I know they're the right kind for me.   

Sports bras from champion.  The C9 ones from target are decent, but the ones I've gotten from their website are best.  And affordable, bonus.

 

I like going to outlet stores because some of the regular prices are crazy and I really could care less if the clothes I'm going to sweat in are last season.  If I'm confident about the fit of an item I'll check 6pm.com for online ordering.  Love that site for all shopping really, but they have a nice selection of workout gear.  

 

Weapons

I'm lucky to have a few nice ones here... I don't have a gym membership at the moment but there's cardio equipment and 1 multi tasking machine at my apartment, plus a pool, tennis courts, and the weekly bootcamp class that killed me Wednesday.  

 

My nicest tangible weapon is a set of the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, that can go from 5 to 52.5 lbs.  I bought these for my husband as a birthday gift before we were married.  He barely uses them, but they're nice to have around.  And they probably really could smash a face if an orc came rambling around.  

 

For at home workouts I find Zuzana Light inspiring and awesome.  I never did mountain climbers or burpees or many other exercises I hadn't heard of until I saw her videos.  https://www.facebook.com/ZuzkaLight?fref=ts  She used to own bodyrock.tv with her ex and they still have good exercises too but a little too much focus on making it look sexy.  They have separate websites and youtube channels too with tons of free workouts.

 

I'd love to try a personal trainer, but right now I have plenty of things to do on my own for free.  When things get stale or I'm not improving I'll reconsider.  I'd love to hear others opinions on it.

 

Also, I'm considering picking up a pair of ankle weights for certain leg exercises and possibly running.  Has anyone tried them?

 

Enchantments

Pre-baby the woods were quite enchanting for me, but I don't feel right spending 2+ hours driving there and wandering anymore.  Gotta be quick.

I recently started trying books on tape and that's been interesting but it doesn't keep the adrenaline pumping.  

 

I don't like running with an armband.  My favorite mp3 player for running/working out is the iPod shuffle.  It's tiny, light and easily clips to shorts, shirt, anything.  Just googled and it's about $45 now.  I also use my iPhone frequently since I can just stream music and I put it in a waist pack that I found at a vitamin store.  It's like a fanny pack but tight and slim so it doesn't bounce around.

 

It isn't for everyone, but I REALLY enjoyed picking music where the BPM (beats per minute) matched my footstrikes per minute at my target pace.  I naturally try to match my steps to the beat anyway, so this helped me keep my strides consistent.  I can give you more detail for how to calculate it if you want, and there's a site with songs sorted by their BPM too.  

 

Trusted Companions

Everyone here, my husband, and one of my friends.  My friend and I inspire each other when we work out and report our workouts to each other and trade good jobs.  Kind of like we do here.  We used to workout together as well when we worked together, and maybe we will again in the future.  We both like running so we'll probably at least train for a local race together.  

[sicil]

Day 11: Went to yoga. Also packed more food today as planned to be elsewhere after work and didn't want to eat out. Lunch was couscous, greens, and a hardboiled egg. Officially finished my entire salad supply before the week is out. Proud!

Was going to check out a play after work, but felt sort of down. Used up a cheat meal to split a sushi combo and some froyo. Dinner for 2 at 13 bucks, win! Opted for a 3km walk back to the house, meeting and petting 3 friendly neighborhood cats along the route. Good way to end the day...

[sicil]

I'm preeetttyyy excited that you're a nerd and you're in Vancouver.

 

On the fitness side though, those goals are great and completely doable! Yoga, even if it's not stress and sweat inducing is still a workout though. You're limbering up which isn't bad and don't forget it!

 

It looks like you're doing a good job though and I will definitely check back! But I did see someone else suggest measuring several places across your body and I'd recommend that too. In a lot of circumstances weight comes off completely unevenly and ways that don't really make sense to the casual observer. But if you measure several places you'll find measurements shrinking week by week!

 

Me too! It's nice to have peeps close by! I can see that you're a big hiker as well, so we should swap favourite routes!

Thank you! I've been doing yoga for so long that I don't really see it as a workout anymore (and I have no intentions of moving into Bikram). It's a nice perk on top of my workouts, but it doesn't give me what I need to achieve my goals. The limbering up is definitely helping sore muscles tho!

I actually do measure all of the basics (no fancy body fat equipment) and have seen encouraging improvement in most places. My one problem area is my tummy, so that's the place I'll constantly post about here to keep myself motivated. But any progress is good progress!

 

I was excited to read your equipment post last night.... and then a huge storm rolled through and I had to leave it for the morning.  We lost power for 9 hours or so, but it was mostly while I was sleeping.  

 

Here's my set up:

 

Armour

Everything DRI-FIT! Or other sweat wicking technology.  I looooove this stuff for working out, although if I do it right I still smell like a turd after.    (I need charm school what can I say)

Sneakers from a specialty run store, so they can watch my stride and I know they're the right kind for me.   

Sports bras from champion.  The C9 ones from target are decent, but the ones I've gotten from their website are best.  And affordable, bonus.

 

I like going to outlet stores because some of the regular prices are crazy and I really could care less if the clothes I'm going to sweat in are last season.  If I'm confident about the fit of an item I'll check 6pm.com for online ordering.  Love that site for all shopping really, but they have a nice selection of workout gear.  

 

Weapons

I'm lucky to have a few nice ones here... I don't have a gym membership at the moment but there's cardio equipment and 1 multi tasking machine at my apartment, plus a pool, tennis courts, and the weekly bootcamp class that killed me Wednesday.  

 

My nicest tangible weapon is a set of the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, that can go from 5 to 52.5 lbs.  I bought these for my husband as a birthday gift before we were married.  He barely uses them, but they're nice to have around.  And they probably really could smash a face if an orc came rambling around.  

 

For at home workouts I find Zuzana Light inspiring and awesome.  I never did mountain climbers or burpees or many other exercises I hadn't heard of until I saw her videos.  https://www.facebook.com/ZuzkaLight?fref=ts  She used to own bodyrock.tv with her ex and they still have good exercises too but a little too much focus on making it look sexy.  They have separate websites and youtube channels too with tons of free workouts.

 

I'd love to try a personal trainer, but right now I have plenty of things to do on my own for free.  When things get stale or I'm not improving I'll reconsider.  I'd love to hear others opinions on it.

 

Also, I'm considering picking up a pair of ankle weights for certain leg exercises and possibly running.  Has anyone tried them?

 

Enchantments

Pre-baby the woods were quite enchanting for me, but I don't feel right spending 2+ hours driving there and wandering anymore.  Gotta be quick.

I recently started trying books on tape and that's been interesting but it doesn't keep the adrenaline pumping.  

 

I don't like running with an armband.  My favorite mp3 player for running/working out is the iPod shuffle.  It's tiny, light and easily clips to shorts, shirt, anything.  Just googled and it's about $45 now.  I also use my iPhone frequently since I can just stream music and I put it in a waist pack that I found at a vitamin store.  It's like a fanny pack but tight and slim so it doesn't bounce around.

 

It isn't for everyone, but I REALLY enjoyed picking music where the BPM (beats per minute) matched my footstrikes per minute at my target pace.  I naturally try to match my steps to the beat anyway, so this helped me keep my strides consistent.  I can give you more detail for how to calculate it if you want, and there's a site with songs sorted by their BPM too.  

 

Trusted Companions

Everyone here, my husband, and one of my friends.  My friend and I inspire each other when we work out and report our workouts to each other and trade good jobs.  Kind of like we do here.  We used to workout together as well when we worked together, and maybe we will again in the future.  We both like running so we'll probably at least train for a local race together.  

 

Thanks Aerie! That's a great-looking bunch of equipment you've got there! I haven't had any luck with a good fit in Nike clothes, but I'll find the DRI-FIT line and try it again. Now that I know exactly what I'm looking for, it definitely helps narrow down the selection. I was just wandering around lost before!

I've had a Champion bra in the past and it wasn't my cup of tea. However, I did try out Moving Comfort in a local outfitter store yesterday - probably 50% more expensive, but it was really, really comfy. Trolling around online to see if anyone carries it cheaper, but haven't had any luck lately. Oh well, you can't expect to pay peanuts for anything 'technical' these days... I've never used 6pm.com! I'll have to dig around for my next US order.

 

Weapons - you're so lucky to have such a well-stocked arsenal! In fact, I don't see how you could not work out with all the amenities in your building! And on my god, weights at home. That would solve so many of my workout gripes. Lucky you. I should do that for my bf's next birthday... and just use them myself. Thanks for the tip on Zuzana Light, I will check it out!

 

Enchantments - I've been debating between shuffle and clip zip. I think I'll go the SanDisk route because I'm just not a big fan of iTunes. Here's a nifty comparison I found.

BPM sounds great - that's exactly my problem, too. I try to match my stride to the beat. And then I slow down too much.

[sicil]

Day 12: One small win early this morning. Like every other girl, I have a pair of pants in my wardrobe that just aren't my favourite thing ever. They're a pair of cords I picked up on ridiculous sale and, because I own no other cords, have remained in the closet since then. They've always been a little tight in the waist, so I've worn them perhaps a handful of times. Today I slipped them on and they're starting to get comfy, and less muffin-toppy. I even slipped on a belt just in case. Then my boyfriend came by and commented that my stomach was shrinking. Yes, whisper those sweet nothings in my ear. Even if they're just a little on the side of false.

So busy at work today that I didn't really have time to feel too hungry. The entire office went out to the pub at lunch, so I used my remaining splurge to eat a steak. Devoured. Will fuel my workout tonight for sure!

Mini Challenge #1 - accomplished within my first few days of joining my fantastic group, TPS Reports, and the bonus (0.5 CHA, 0.5 WIS) has been added to my stats.

Mini Challenge #2 - looked back through myfitnesspal stats, and to my pleasant surprise I had already accomplished the 5 days over 75g of protein! (There was even one day at 145g, wow...) Looks like my newly found eating habits are on track! Added +1 CON to my stats.

Happy Friday, all!

[sicil]

Day 13: I noticed something on the treadmill last night that frankly, makes me question my nerd-dom credits. Apparently I thought I had been running at 8.5km.... But it turns out I was actually doing 8.5 MPH. Worlds of difference. This 'lil Canuck had better start figuring these things out.

Which is a big plus, I'm miles ahead (had de har) where I should be if I had started in km. And that prolly also explains why moving up to 9MPH has been so bloody difficult.

Anyway, did 4.14km in 25 min, and 6 x 3 sets of assisted chin ups.

This morning I noticed we had nothing left in the fridge. So instead of the hike as planned, had a breakfast of odds and ends, then did a 9km bike ride interspersed with grocery shopping. Also picked up a new bike helmet as my old one was getting too tight with age.

Managed 3 sets of the Beginners Bodyweight workout when I got back, can wrangle 5-6 full pushups in good form, and 45 second planks. Was going onto an ab workout when my shoulder started complaining... Too much too soon. Icing and stretching it out now.

Tonight is a local French music festival, contemplating biking there and back as well. Mental note to self to bring along some snacks so I'm not tempted to buy anything...

[Aerie]

Oops didn't think about it being US specific.  Trust me there are still plenty of ways to not work out!!!  But yes I do have a lot of motivation around me.  And I'm a big fan of birthday gifts that I can use too..  

 

Truthfully I don't like iTunes either but literally everyone in my family has an iPhone and I caved in cuz I wanted to play games with them.

 

Holy cow 8.5 mph!  Yea, that's a huge difference!  I'm envious.  

[Paradigm]

Sounds like you had a good weekend! We almost went to the French Music Festival, but I honestly was too sore and lazy. Was it any good?

 

I'm really, really pumped up just reading your progress. You're not playing games here. You're making that belly your bitch! But on a more serious note, seriously amazing progress and I hope you keep with it since your improvements from stats look great!

 

As for favourite hiking trails, I'm still checking them all out! We only moved to the lower mainland in May actually so it's been a bit of a learning curve lol. I really like Cypress Mountain though and we're planning on picking two new places this week to try out so I'll keep you posted! Any recommendations our way?

[sicil]

Day 14: Well, I deserved that one. Shoulder seized up during the night and woke up with a sore neck. Wasn't able to do much exercise as a result. Did manage to stretch lots so hopefully I'll be back in shape tomorrow. Eating was all right, went to Starbucks for the first time in ages and managed to not order any coffee - had an unsweetened shaken green tea instead. Their plain oat bars have 14g of sugar, I had no idea! Had our typical Sunday backyard BBQ so lots of tasty protein to be had.

Second week recap: A's A's A's!
Worked out 4 times this week, and even made it to yoga twice. Ate clean and feel strong, with two healthy splurges outside. Belly is holding at 33.5" but I'm stepping up the strength training next week, so hope it'll make a difference. Got some gaming in tonight, running through the Cerberus missions in ME1, and also playing a few rounds of the Catherine demo. Thinking of picking up the game; puzzles aren't my thing, but the mix of story and gameplay is intriguing.

[sicil]

Oops didn't think about it being US specific.  Trust me there are still plenty of ways to not work out!!!  But yes I do have a lot of motivation around me.  And I'm a big fan of birthday gifts that I can use too..  

 

Truthfully I don't like iTunes either but literally everyone in my family has an iPhone and I caved in cuz I wanted to play games with them.

 

Holy cow 8.5 mph!  Yea, that's a huge difference!  I'm envious.

Thanks! It came as a big shock, but I'll roll with it! I guess I won't try going up to 9MPH in a hurry... Still trying to increase the sprint duration... But every time I go up 10 more seconds I feel like I'm going to die.

 

Sounds like you had a good weekend! We almost went to the French Music Festival, but I honestly was too sore and lazy. Was it any good?

 

I'm really, really pumped up just reading your progress. You're not playing games here. You're making that belly your bitch! But on a more serious note, seriously amazing progress and I hope you keep with it since your improvements from stats look great!

 

As for favourite hiking trails, I'm still checking them all out! We only moved to the lower mainland in May actually so it's been a bit of a learning curve lol. I really like Cypress Mountain though and we're planning on picking two new places this week to try out so I'll keep you posted! Any recommendations our way?

 

The Festival d'ete was all right! I would go again, its a great way to see major Quebecois bands without breaking the bank. Thanks for your encouragement, right back at cha!

As for local hikes... If you haven't done the Baden Powell out to Quarry Rock, then that's one of my favourites. Dogs are allowed on-leash. Otherwise one of my staples is the BCMC up Grouse Mountain. A bit longer than the Grind, but much less traffic and more technical. Tho I really don't like how they've jacked up the fare down...

[rogaecia]

Day 14: Well, I deserved that one. Shoulder seized up during the night and woke up with a sore neck. Wasn't able to do much exercise as a result. Did manage to stretch lots so hopefully I'll be back in shape tomorrow. Eating was all right, went to Starbucks for the first time in ages and managed to not order any coffee - had an unsweetened shaken green tea instead. Their plain oat bars have 14g of sugar, I had no idea! Had our typical Sunday backyard BBQ so lots of tasty protein to be had.

Second week recap: A's A's A's!

Worked out 4 times this week, and even made it to yoga twice. Ate clean and feel strong, with two healthy splurges outside. Belly is holding at 33.5" but I'm stepping up the strength training next week, so hope it'll make a difference. Got some gaming in tonight, running through the Cerberus missions in ME1, and also playing a few rounds of the Catherine demo. Thinking of picking up the game; puzzles aren't my thing, but the mix of story and gameplay is intriguing.

Yeah! You are awesome. 

[sicil]

Yeah! You are awesome.

As are you!

[The Borg Queen]

Holy crap, you are fast!!! Do you sustain 8.5 mph speed for the full duration of the 25 minute run? If so, very impressive. If not, very impressive anyway. I've only made it up to 7.5 mph on a treadmill, and I can't sustain it for longer than a few minutes. I usually run 6-7 mph.

 

I'm interested in your meal plan. How do you like it so far? It must be kind of nice having your meals mapped out like that. You might be relieved from the anxiety of eating... whatever, and whenever. I wonder if that's one of my problems. Lots of meals, and no plan.