Sammiejune29 - The Voyage Home

[sammiejune29]

Challenge #3
 
Goal #1 -  3 BW Workouts Per Week (18 total) (3 STR, 1 DEX, 1 CHA)
- Working towards push-ups and chin-ups
- I need to have a solid goal if I am actually going to do 3 BW workouts per week (wisdom from last challenge)

- This will keep me working towards the physique that I want
 
 
Goal #2 - Do something different each week (6 total) (1 STR, 1 DEX, 1 STA, 1 WIS)

**This is in an effort to get me out of my exercise rut and encourage me to get out and do something different while the weather is nice and I kind of have time

- Do some kind of workout each week that is not biking or a BW workout in my apartment
      - This can be hiking, swimming, tennis or even a long walk (maybe climbing )
      - A BW type workout at a playground would count towards this goal because it is still getting me out of my comfort zone a little
-OR-
- Add a new exercise into my routine for at least 3 workouts
 
 
Goal #3 - Take care of my teeth (3 CON - 1 for each part)
Part 1 - Brush Teeth twice a day (I'm pretty good about this, but definitely not perfect)
Part 2 - Floss Teeth 5 times a week (I'm at about once a week right now)
Part 3 - Find a new dentist and make an appointment for a cleaning (my old dentist doesn't take my new insurance)
 
 
Goal #4 - Get moved into my new town house - these are guidelines but not hard goals because its hard to predict how these things will go (the most important part is making some sort of progress each week) (3 WIS)
Weeks 1 & 2 - Start packing up boxes (get at least 1/4 of our stuff packed to go)
Weeks 3 & 4 - This is the overlap between our two leases
   - Week 3 - get enough stuff to the new town house that we can start sleeping/living there
   - Week 4 - get the rest of the stuff out of our old apartment, clean our old apartment
Weeks 5 & 6 - I'm going home for half of week 5 and all of week 6 the goal is to get as much stuff unpacked as possible before going home (the goal right now is to have less than a 1/4 of my stuff still in boxes)
 

Starting Stats:
STR: 11 STR
DEX: 5.25 DEX
STA: 10.75 STA
CON: 5 CON
WIS: 9.25 WIS
CHA: 6.75 CHA

 

 

Progress Photos:

 

I haven't actually taken new ones yet for the beginning of this challenge. These pics are beginning of first challenge, beginning of second challenge and end of second challenge.

 

 

Starting Measurements:

I'm pretty bad at taking consistent measurements but I'm not too concerned with it at this point

 

Sept 2012 / June 2013 (to show the progress I've made thus far)

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 204 / 171 lbs (ish)

Bust: 45" / 40"

Waist: 37" / 32.5"

Hip: 42" / 38.5"

Neck: 14" / 14"

Forearm: 10.25" / 9.25"

Thigh: 27" / 24"

Bicep: 13" / 11"

Calf: 16.5" / 15.5"

 

My waist has finally started losing inches after stubbornly staying the same for months!! I'm so happy with all the progress I've made thus far and I can't wait to make more.

[Wolverine]

Yay, she's back!!!

[BlackWidowEowyn]

good stuff there

[sammiejune29]

That's some amazing stuff right there. To keep up with all your challenges with such a busy schedule is awesome!

And the progress pics are great!

 

Thanks Rybo Always love the kind words and encouragement!!

 

This is unbelievable!!! Well done Sam! So so so proud of you and so inspired by you! You rock sister!

So so glad you had so much fun with your mum and managed to find so much stuff that fit you! And WOW!! Well done for going so many sizes down, that's wonderful!!

 

And I totally trust you'll find cute shoes in a jiffy!!

 

Thanks I'm excited to look for new shoes but that's going to have to wait a few paychecks. Lol (But I did finally get paid for one of my jobs which was super exciting!) I miss my family already but its also nice to be home and start getting back to my normal routine. 

 

You did awesome!! Especially when life got in the way, you just kept on going, and that can be hard. Way to go!!

 

You are so awesome Obax!! Thanks

 

Awesome work Sammie!

You rocked this challenge! big time!

good stuff there

Thanks Eowyn!! I am excited for this challenge

 

Great work, SJ!  Your progress photos are AMAZEBALLS!  It's crazy how much your face has changed.

Yay, she's back!!!

 

Thanks Wolvie I am much happier with how I look in pictures now! And much happier when clothes shopping. Lol

And undomesticated equines couldn't keep me away

[chris_de_maas]

Yay! Your thread is up!!!

Awesome goals, as always! Look forward to seeing how you completely smash them!

[rybo]

HAha, I see you were a slow goal poster like me this challenge

 

Great goals, I'll be sure to follow along this challenge

[Elder]

Hurray for getting your goals up!  And thanks for pointing me back in the right direction!  Looks like you are making some great progress with your pictures.  I am sure you will make amazing strides this challenge too!

[Wolverine]

Hey, SJ.  Check out the second variation in this video.  I think it'd be a good option for you.

[Aeryn]

Nice goals! I like the second one for adding variety - looking forward to seeing how it goes!

[obax]

Ah ha! I've been keeping an eye out for your thread, I finally found it!

 

Moving sucks, but with that kind of plan I feel like it could be as smooth a move as is possible. You should definitely try climbing if you have the chance, it's a blast (though I may be a bit biased...)

[chris_de_maas]

How are you Sam?

[sammiejune29]

So I did two BW workouts on the week off. And I've done one thus far this week. I will hopefully get that stuff posted soon. Also, lots of things happening with my company which I will be sure to share when I have time.

 

I added measurements to my original post. I may be adding RP but I'm not sure its feasible with my time commitments this 6 weeks. I will also be taking progress pics again hopefully tomorrow.

 

Also, I've subscribed to lots of threads but haven't gotten chances to respond to all of them yet. But don't worry, I will be there cheering you on as always this challenge

 

Diet Update:

I also took a break from my diet on the week off between challenges. After eating at a 500-600 / day calorie deficit for a couple of months I thought a week of maintenance would do me some good. It made the week less stressful and I could just relax and spend time with my family. And now that I'm home I feel ready to go back to my deficit to get rid of the extra fat remaining. I also felt some leaps in improvement with some of my exercises due to the slight increase in calories.

 

Yay! Your thread is up!!!

Awesome goals, as always! Look forward to seeing how you completely smash them!

 

Yay!! I think its awesome that we are both working towards pull-ups/chin-ups this challenge

 

HAha, I see you were a slow goal poster like me this challenge

 

Great goals, I'll be sure to follow along this challenge

 

Very slow. Super super busy week. I even had the goals picked out, just didn't have time to do the write up. Lol. And I'm always happy to have your support

 

Hurray for getting your goals up!  And thanks for pointing me back in the right direction!  Looks like you are making some great progress with your pictures.  I am sure you will make amazing strides this challenge too!

 

No probs!! Glad Nuala got it sorted out I'm excited to keep moving forward with my life and goals!

 

Hey, SJ.  Check out the second variation in this video.  I think it'd be a good option for you.

 

Thanks!! Now I just gotta figure out how to make that work in my apartment. Lol. I may not put a lot of effort into it until after we move. Probably not worth it for a couple of weeks.

 

Nice goals! I like the second one for adding variety - looking forward to seeing how it goes!

 

I'm excited about it too!! Routine is good but ruts are not. Lol

 

Ah ha! I've been keeping an eye out for your thread, I finally found it!

 

Moving sucks, but with that kind of plan I feel like it could be as smooth a move as is possible. You should definitely try climbing if you have the chance, it's a blast (though I may be a bit biased...)

 

Yeah, I was a little slow this time. My week at home with the family just flew by!!

 

I have my follow up dizziness appointment on Monday so fingers crossed that it goes well and I can go climbing

 

How are you Sam?

 

I'm good. Struggling to get on top of everything but so far I'm keeping my head above water in life, just not keeping up with things on here. Lol

[BlackWidowEowyn]

 

 

 

I'm good. Struggling to get on top of everything but so far I'm keeping my head above water in life, just not keeping up with things on here. Lol

oh well! keeping up IRL is more important anyway right?? we're always here to help but the main thing is what you're doing.

glad things are going the right direction for you

good luck with your move too

[sammiejune29]

Workouts while home over break week:

 

Tuesday's Workout (May 28, 2013) - Grandparent's House

Warm up: 60 jumping jacks
3 Circuits (37 min 12:38, 10:58, 12:28)

BW Squats (hands over head):10/10/10

Inclined Push-ups 4(5): 3(10)/4(8)/1(7)

Lying Abduction (5lb ankle weight) R(L): 6(6)/6(6)/6(6)

Right Arm Dumbbell Rows 25lbs: 4/4/4
Left Arm Dumbbell Rows 25lbs: 4/4/4

Weighted Lunges (20 lb): 5(5)/5(5)/5(5)

Plank: 60s/60s/55s

Jumping Jacks: 30/30/31

Stretches (6 min)

 

Friday's Workout (May 31, 2013) - Grandparent's House

Warm up: 60 jumping jacks / 30 jumping jacks
3 Circuits (37 min 11:31, 12:23, 11:41)

BW Squats (hands over head): 11/11/10

Inclined Push-ups 4(5): 4(10)/2(8)/2(7)

Lying Abduction (5lb ankle weight) R(L): 10(10)/10(10)/10(10)

Right Arm Dumbbell Rows 25lbs: 5/5/5
Left Arm Dumbbell Rows 25lbs: 5/5/5

Weighted Lunges (25 lb): 6(6)/6(6)/6(6)

Plank: 60s/60s/60s

Jumping Jacks: 30/30/30

Stretches (9 min)

 

Sunday's Workout (June 2, 2012)

GTG Pushups (4th stair): 2/2/2

 

 

Current Challenge:

 

Tuesday's Workout (June 4, 2013)

Warm up: 60 jumping jacks
2 Circuits (33 min 21:11, 12:17)

BW Squats (hands over head):12/12

Chin Up Hold - Bottom (standing)**: 10s/10s

Inclined Push-ups 29"(36" countertop): 3(6)/0.5(9)

Chin Up Hold - Top (chair)**: 10s/10s

Weighted Lunges (12lb in each hand): 10(10)/5(5)

Chin Up Hold - Eyes at Bar (chair)**: 10s/10s

Right Arm Dumbbell Rows 24lbs: 7/5
Left Arm Dumbbell Rows 24lbs: 7/5

Chair Assisted Chin Ups**: 2

Lying Abduction (4lb ankle weight) R(L): 12(12)/12(12)

Plank: 60s/58s

Jumping Jacks: 30/30

Stretches (8 min)

 

**Most of my weight was still on my feet for all the chin-up stuff but I could feel it in my arms.

 

Did not have a lot of strength for push ups. They were still a little sore from the GTG pushups on Sunday. Plus I did a lot of arm work in this workout.

 

[sammiejune29]

Life Update:

 

My business partner has decided to leave the summer program to follow another opportunity. I miss him already!! But at the same time I'm happy for him. Over the last few months he has become one of my closest friends and I wouldn't trade that for anything. So now its just Daniel and I but we are looking for more people to fill in the gaps of our team. Otherwise the program is going fairly well. One of the facilitators had nice things to say about how well we have dealt with the changes.

 

I had a really awesome meeting with one of my bosses today. He had super nice things to say about me and it was a very productive.

 

 

oh well! keeping up IRL is more important anyway right?? we're always here to help but the main thing is what you're doing.

glad things are going the right direction for you

good luck with your move too

 

RL is definitely more important But I miss all my wonderful friends and support!!

[Nymeria]

**Most of my weight was still on my feet for all the chin-up stuff but I could feel it in my arms.

 

Did not have a lot of strength for push ups. They were still a little sore from the GTG pushups on Sunday. Plus I did a lot of arm work in this workout.

 

Once again, you have some great goals!  I love the fact that you're jumping into the chin up progressions and not letting grip/forearm strength hold you back!  The second goal sounds great, since you'll end up finding new things that you love.

 

You're absolutely going in the right direction with the assisted chin-up.  As long as you feel your muscles working and you're taking as much weight with your arms as you can, you'll get stronger. 

[Wild Wolf]

SAMMIE!!!!! Hey gurlie, glad to see ya back and ready to kick some tail! Great goals..good to see you getting out there and trying some new things this 6-weeks I'm always here to back ya!

 

WOLF

[chris_de_maas]

So much stuff!!

 

What happens in real life is way more important than posting here. As I told you, just do what you have to do, take your time, and when you have a minute, post here (first) then on other people's threads.

 

I'm glad you are dealing with the changes so well and have people actually compliment you on that! That's really great! But I'm sorry you miss your business partner already... You'll still have time to see each other over the summer though, right?

 

And I'm with Nymeria regarding the chin-ups! Every single bit of effort you put on your muscles makes them stronger!

[Wolverine]

 

MOST EXCELLENT!!!

 

Nice work on the chin-ups.  I love that you've added them in and are facing those negative thoughts from last challenge.

[sammiejune29]

Long long post cause so much has happened since the last post.
 

Kirk: [Explaining Spock's odd behavior] Oh, him? He's harmless. Back in the sixties, he was part of the free speech movement at Berkeley. I think he did a little too much LDS.
Dr. Gillian Taylor: LDS?

 
This is one of those weeks where I feel like I've done a little too much "LDS" It was so crazy busy that sometimes I'd just stare off into space for a min or so for no reason other than I was tired. Lol
 
I was supposed to work out on Thursday but by the time I was finished doing all the other stuff I needed to do it was 3 am and I needed to get up at 8:30 am. But I planned my day on Friday better to make sure I fit it in.
 
Friday's Workout (June 7, 2013)
Warm up: 60 jumping jacks / 60 jumping jacks
3 Circuits (41 min 14:16 / 14:37 / 11:05)
Weighted Lunges (16lb in each hand): 5(5)/5(5)/5(5)
Chair Assisted Chin Ups Neg: 2/2
Right Arm Dumbbell Rows 25lbs: 5/5/5
Left Arm Dumbbell Rows 25lbs: 5/5/5
Chin Up Hold - Top (chair): 10s/10s
BW Squats (hands over head): 11/11/10
Chin Up Hold - Eyes at Bar (chair): 10s/10s
Inclined Push-ups 29" wobbly table (36" countertop): 1(12)/1(8)/2(9)
Chin Up Hold - Bottom (standing): 10s/10s
Clam (5lb weight) R(L): 25(25)/20(20)/20(20)
Plank (hands): 60s/60s/60s
Jumping Jacks: 30/30/30
Stretches (8 min)
 
In the interest of time I didn't do all the chin up stuff in my third circuit.
 
I had a chiropractor appt to go to. For the last year or so I've had a weird intermittent pain in my left shoulder blade. I would only hurts for maybe a day or two out of every month. It didn't like pull up motions but chin ups didn't bother it. Any horizontal pushing or pulling didn't bother it. I had appointments to go see someone about it multiple times but they kept getting cancelled for various reasons (ie: my bike accident)
 
It turns out one of my ribs was popped slightly out of place and it was fighting with my shoulder blade. The chiropractor popped it back in and it has felt great ever since. Such a simple fix. I was terrified it was going to be worse.
 
 
Goal #2 - Get out of my exercise rut
 
So I did a bunch of physical stuff yesterday that wasn't biking or a BW workout in my apartment. 
 
Fun anecdote with goats:
Daniel and I went over to our chicken and goat having friends' house to pick up our buckets of plants that got evicted from our balcony a few weeks ago. While we were there the littlest goat (who lives in the chicken coop) managed to escape from the chicken coop, TWICE. So we spent a while chasing and wrestling with the goat. So we stuck him in the electric fence with the female goats while we were trying to repair the hole and they were teasing him so badly that he managed to escape from there. So we put him back the in the chicken coop and I go in the chicken coop with him to help Daniel put a patch on the broken part. While I'm doing this the silly goat keeps trying to eat my dress (yes, I was wearing a dress cause I did not expect to be wrangling goats, lol) Then we realize a baby chick ended up in the big chicken coop with the two male goats instead of in the small one with all the chicks. The poor thing is terrified. I go and pick it up and as I get it in my hands the silly goat tries to escape again, so I'm standing there with the shaking chick and Daniel is fighting with the goat. I finally give him the chick and then it was a fight to get out of the chicken coop without the goat escaping again. It was ridiculous.
 
Then I carried a bunch of 5 gallon buckets filled with dirt to our new garden plot at our new apartments. We don't move in till next week but we are allowed to start gardening so we did that for a little while. 
 
And then we went to a bonfire and did a small hike through the woods including jumping over a small creek. I almost felt like a real assassin. It was a wonderful day (even if it wasn't terribly productive.)
 
Oh and I also started packing stuff and moving stuff in our apartment (which was also physical). 
 
I'm kinda on the line. I think this should all count towards my getting out of my rut goal but I'm not sure. Opinions?

[sammiejune29]

Once again, you have some great goals!  I love the fact that you're jumping into the chin up progressions and not letting grip/forearm strength hold you back!  The second goal sounds great, since you'll end up finding new things that you love.

 

You're absolutely going in the right direction with the assisted chin-up.  As long as you feel your muscles working and you're taking as much weight with your arms as you can, you'll get stronger. 

 

Thanks!! I'm hoping that by the end of the challenge I will be able to do band assisted chinups. The strongest band I have still didn't get me enough support but I can already feel myself getting stronger!!

 

SAMMIE!!!!! Hey gurlie, glad to see ya back and ready to kick some tail! Great goals..good to see you getting out there and trying some new things this 6-weeks I'm always here to back ya!

 

WOLF

 

Thanks Wolf!! You are awesome and fierce 

 

So much stuff!!

 

What happens in real life is way more important than posting here. As I told you, just do what you have to do, take your time, and when you have a minute, post here (first) then on other people's threads.

 

I'm glad you are dealing with the changes so well and have people actually compliment you on that! That's really great! But I'm sorry you miss your business partner already... You'll still have time to see each other over the summer though, right?

 

And I'm with Nymeria regarding the chin-ups! Every single bit of effort you put on your muscles makes them stronger!

 

I kinda took your advice. I only posted on your thread before mine. Lol I've missed you guys so much this week. Hopefully once I get into the routine better I will have a little more time *fingers crossed*

 

I hope we will still have time to see each other. The dynamic of the company has changed so much since he left. But we are adjusting (I think, lol). He's become one of my closest friends over the last few months and its hard going from seeing him a few times a week to maybe once a week.

 

Nice work on the chin-ups.  I love that you've added them in and are facing those negative thoughts from last challenge.

 

Thanks It means so much. They still aren't my favorite exercise by far but I'm learning to hate them less and less everyday Lol

[Nymeria]

Sure.  I think goat wrangling should count, and certainly the hike through the woods counts!  If the whole point is to think outside the box a bit and get exercise from new and unusual places, it seems like you did exactly that. 

[sammiejune29]

Other Thoughts:

 

I'm no longer counting calories as part of my challenge and I've been doing WAY better on meeting my calorie goals. I'm not sure if its the fact that I've removed pressure from the goal or if the week of eating around maintenance helped a lot (or a little of both). But this makes me a lot happier Eating at a deficit is back to the point where it is easy.

 

Last week was stressful in so many ways. My business went through a huge change, I'm trying to start packing up my apartment, I have 2 part time jobs plus working out and putting time into my own business. I also had some doctors appointments for aforementioned shoulder problem. In the midst of all of this my microwave died. Now most of you probably don't realize how much you use it unless you sit back and think about it. (Think about it, I dare you ) But the biggest problem was that I could no longer heat up my heating pad. Saturday morning we broke down and bought a new one. Its so tiny compared to the old one but it was the cheapest we could find. Its such a pain having to buy one 2 weeks before moving, but it is what it is.

[obax]

I would agree with Nymeria that goat wrangling and hiking and creek jumping count as getting out of your rut. Just because it wasn't super intense doesn't mean it wasn't exercise (though I've wrangled goats before, and it's not exactly a walk in the park, though it is fun when they climb you), and it sounds like it was definitely fun. Sometimes days like that are what you need to jumpstart the climb out of the rut. Do it every day, and it might not be enough, but do it now and then, it's relaxing and enjoyable and helps you reset the system. It can also help mitigate the stress of all the other crazy life stuff you've got going on. In a situation like that, sometimes it's better to do a little and have it be relaxing than try to push yourself past what you can (mentally) handle, even though maybe physically you could do it.

 

It does sound like it's all going pretty good, anyway, despite all the crazy, so woo to that!!!

[chris_de_maas]

I'm so sorry but *laughs her head off* this goat story is hilarious And I does totally count as a workout!

 

I hope the gardening went ok and that you are feeling under less pressure right now. *all the hugs in the world*

 

I kinda took your advice. I only posted on your thread before mine. Lol I've missed you guys so much this week. Hopefully once I get into the routine better I will have a little more time *fingers crossed*

 

I hope we will still have time to see each other. The dynamic of the company has changed so much since he left. But we are adjusting (I think, lol). He's become one of my closest friends over the last few months and its hard going from seeing him a few times a week to maybe once a week

Haha! Proud of you for posting on your thread (almost) first! Only me to butt down the list

I miss you and your presence here and reading all about your days and workouts.

 

He only left for summer, right?! He didn't quit the business all together? In any case it is a big adjustment (which you are handling perfectly, I can tell from here!) and it must be hard no to see each other as often. But you know what?! Once everything settles down, once you don't have to worry about moving and both of you get into a new rhythm, you'll find some way to spend more time together. I'm sure of it.

 

*hugest tightest hugs*