laurabzz getting ready to slay some White Walkers

[Fonzico]

Nice shoes! But go SLOOOOOOOW with getting used to them, I've overdone it on mine a few times (and I walk around barefoot when I'm not outdoors) and it is not fun, and then you can't wear them for a bit while you recover

But I truly love mine, they are great!

 

Also, I know this has already been said to death, but WOW I'm so impressed with your bravery in the weight room! I can't justify the expense of a gym pass right now anyways, but I would like to do that someday...but I think I would probably pee myself a little bit first :/

[laurabzz]

Day 4

 

Many little things happened today. First, got completely soaked in the morning while cycling. Yay commitment!

 

Second, I accidentally overslept my kettlebells class apparently if you set your alarm for 12pm, you won't manage to get in time for 12.10 class Oh well, nevermind that! Got my arse out of the bed and went to do some barbell training.

 

The gym was packed. Note to self: avoid peak hours. Anyway, there were maybe 20-ish guys in the weights room so I had to gather all the courage to touch the bar. That distracted me a little but I'm not complaining! Everyone was very nice to me, one guy gave me a barbell, another chatted for a while... I now realize that being a female there is quite cool It's only my second week in that room but I already noticed so many weird exercises that people do... Hope they don't get injured!

 

Ohhh the funniest thing was when I spotted my flatmate there! He's a runner and I never knew he's also training with weights. And here he is, deadlifting 200 kg (440 lbs)... Whoa. That's so cool! Now we have a lot to talk about.

 

Oh, and while some people get chocolate cravings, I had a really bad craving for chicken today Soo I think I've eaten a ton of chicken by now. F YEAH PROTEIN.

 

I notice one awesome thing on the days when I lift: I may be in a very bad mood (like, I was feeling sooo fat today) and then I go to gym and that mood magically disappears! Anyone else notice such thing?

 

 

LAST thing, my training plan:

 

Squats

2x5 15kg

1x5 35kg

3x5 40kg

1x5 45kg (I don't know why I did this one, I just really like squats)

 

Press 

2x5 15kg

3x5 25kg (that was hard)

 

Deadlift

1x5 40kg

1x5 50kg

1x5 60kg

 

I noticed that my technique is rubbish in all the exercises so I need to work on it a lot. Bigger weights can wait.

 

 

TL;DR  My day was awesome, chicken is awesome and you're all awesome!

[Ems]

Such a happy post! Go you!

[laurabzz]

Sweet!  I'm super tempted to try something like that, so let me know how they work

 

Only one thing: I'm never using any other shoes for lifting. Previously, I've tried my other trainers, then Converse shoes.. Everything is fine with them but I feel them. With Vibrams, I immediately forgot about them. Overall, I'm very glad that I accidentally bought them on Ebay

 

Nice shoes! But go SLOOOOOOOW with getting used to them, I've overdone it on mine a few times (and I walk around barefoot when I'm not outdoors) and it is not fun, and then you can't wear them for a bit while you recover

But I truly love mine, they are great!

 

Also, I know this has already been said to death, but WOW I'm so impressed with your bravery in the weight room! I can't justify the expense of a gym pass right now anyways, but I would like to do that someday...but I think I would probably pee myself a little bit first :/

 

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll use them only for weight training now, because they are awesome for that. Hopefully my feet will get used to them this way

 

Really? Thanks! I don't feel very brave at all I'm very lucky to have a decent gym at my uni - it's super cheap and has everything I need at the moment. Soo glad I still have two more years in this place, gym being a big advantage.

[idealistinfire]

So glad today went well for you!  And yes, a good weight-lifting session seems to slay my bad mood as well.  Cardio is 50-50 because I have a bad habit of triggering my asthma and that doesn't really improve my mood, but weights, even bodyweight lifts - fantastic.

[Skywalker]

It's great that you have fallen in love with weight training. It won't be long before you hardly notice all the boys in the weight room, because it will be 'your' weight room. Watching others is a great way to learn and even ask someone who seems a veteran to do a form check for you.

I know when I'm at the gym I sometimes see someone with bad form and you don't know if you should tell them, but if they asked I'd be all over it. You can't see your form unless you really use those mirrors.

I am cycling at the moment and when I ride with the 'real' cyclist they will give you all the advice that you can take if you ask them. They are obsessed with the activity (weight lifting or cycling) and love nothing more than talking about it to a noob.

[laurabzz]

So glad today went well for you!  And yes, a good weight-lifting session seems to slay my bad mood as well.  Cardio is 50-50 because I have a bad habit of triggering my asthma and that doesn't really improve my mood, but weights, even bodyweight lifts - fantastic.

 

Oh yes, cardio is definitely 50-50 for me too.

 

It's great that you have fallen in love with weight training. It won't be long before you hardly notice all the boys in the weight room, because it will be 'your' weight room. Watching others is a great way to learn and even ask someone who seems a veteran to do a form check for you.

I know when I'm at the gym I sometimes see someone with bad form and you don't know if you should tell them, but if they asked I'd be all over it. You can't see your form unless you really use those mirrors.

I am cycling at the moment and when I ride with the 'real' cyclist they will give you all the advice that you can take if you ask them. They are obsessed with the activity (weight lifting or cycling) and love nothing more than talking about it to a noob.

 

That's a good point. People who have good knowledge about what they're doing usually don't judge newbies, they just badly want to talk about it. And those who are serious about the activity are usually friendly to others (at least I experienced this at the gym).

 

Such a happy post! Go you!

 

haha, I was trying to spread the positive energy while I had it

[laurabzz]

Day 5 and 6.

 

I've got a crazy working schedule this week and will have a full day off only tomorrow. Having two jobs and trying to workout is rather difficult (I know that there are people who work twice as hard as myself, though. I respect them so much now).

 

Yesterday was resting day (although I cycle every day anyway but don't count it as my daily workout). I'm on my feet all the time while I'm working so I'm hoping at least I got some workout there.

 

I'm working long hours today and will be on my feet most of the time (I honestly don't sit down for 5-6 straight hours or more usually) so I decided to move my gym session to tomorrow and see how that goes for me. 

 

I've read so much while I was too tired to do anything elses yesterday - first parts of Kick-Ass and Sin City comics and started a book of poems by Charles Bukowski. I'm also reading Starting Strength and I find it a very useful resource and guide for me.

 

My butternut squash chips:

 

 

 

[Skywalker]

There is a Balance between sticking to a fitness routine which can help because it is habit forming, but sometimes you just need to keep the workout times as flexible to fit in with your real life (not the imaginary one that we sometimes have when setting up new challenge threads.

It is good to spend some time a the start of the week slotting in the workout times. I put them into my diary on the theory that once they are in there, I'm committed to doing it.

[Eirlys]

Hi Laura

 

I'm based in London, although originally from sunny Suffolk.  Weather's been amazing in the last few weeks, hasn't it?!

 

Well done for taking that first step and braving the weights room of the gym.  Looking at your rather excellent base weights, you're probably already out-lifting a whole host of guys!!  And maybe your flatmate has some tips to improve form or something - how cool you now have something you're both enthused about to talk about

 

Are those shoes vibrams?  They look exciting!  Let us know how you're finding to run in them!

 

And mmmmm, butternut squash chips

 

Hope week 2 isn't too busy & you get to do all you want!

[Ensi]

Hello, how are you doing with the challenge? Those butternut sqush chips look gooooood...

[laurabzz]

There is a Balance between sticking to a fitness routine which can help because it is habit forming, but sometimes you just need to keep the workout times as flexible to fit in with your real life (not the imaginary one that we sometimes have when setting up new challenge threads.

It is good to spend some time a the start of the week slotting in the workout times. I put them into my diary on the theory that once they are in there, I'm committed to doing it.

 

Yes I usually plan my week ahead but my work schedule is always changing so I have to adapt a little I still went to gym on Sunday so I guess my habits are forming pretty well haha.

 

Hi Laura

 

I'm based in London, although originally from sunny Suffolk.  Weather's been amazing in the last few weeks, hasn't it?!

 

Well done for taking that first step and braving the weights room of the gym.  Looking at your rather excellent base weights, you're probably already out-lifting a whole host of guys!!  And maybe your flatmate has some tips to improve form or something - how cool you now have something you're both enthused about to talk about

 

Are those shoes vibrams?  They look exciting!  Let us know how you're finding to run in them!

 

And mmmmm, butternut squash chips

 

Hope week 2 isn't too busy & you get to do all you want!

 

Yes these are Vibrams! I love lifting with them. Haven't try running yet as I'm not a big fan of that

 

Hello, how are you doing with the challenge? Those butternut sqush chips look gooooood...

 

Hi! Been very busy all weekend but I'll post my updates in a separate message because I like order butternut squash chips are one of my favourite paleo things and very easy to make! 

[laurabzz]

Day 7.

 

Woke up in the morning, went straight to gym. Certainly didn't expect so many people on Sunday. At one point there were 3 girls (including me) using the bars so it felt a little strange and awesome at the same time. Increased my weights by 2,5 kg. It was tough but working out is not supposed to be easy I guess. 

I was also surprised with myself that I didn't actually want any unhealthy things from the food store when I was doing my weekly shopping. I thought to myself 'I'll buy an ice cream so I won't want anything else for the whole week' and then I realized I don't really want anything unhealthy... So I bought an apple. Does it happen to anyone? Today I bought meat as a treat to myself...

 

Day 8.

 

I had my kettlebells class today. Still with the same crazy-awesome trainer who makes us work super-hard. While I was there I realized I went from a mere pink 8kg kettlebell to a black 14kg one since the middle of June. I'm now thinking about taking 16kg next time. Yay! 

 

Unfortunately (and fortunately money-wise), I'll be working at two places this week as well. My working schedule makes it very hard for me to get a good night's sleep. I wake up at 5am, start work at 6, have a free afternoon and then go to other job where I finish at 11. I get back home in midnight. I leaves me 5 hours of sleep. I'll try to get some sleep during the afternoons. Oh well.

 

Also, I terribly failed my swimming goal last week as I struggled to commit myself to that again. I feel like I'm prioritizing strength training over anything else. I need to make myself go to the pool more often this week.

 

Week 1 done!

 

It's been a week already! I finished overslept one of my kettlebell workouts but I made up for it with a barbell training. Overall, I've been strength training 4 times and swimming once only last week. My eating was uber paleo with (I think) 4 un-paleo things - tart, quiche, fishcake and sandwich (there was nothing else to eat at work and I was starving). All those things were eaten at work, I didn't buy any unhealthy things, go me.

 

Sorry for not visiting anyone's threads more often, I've been overwhelmed with work last week and sadly can't promise this week will be any better. However I'll try to read everything one post at a time.

 

Have a nice second week everyone!

[Fonzico]

Good first week! Too bad about the swimming, but since it was in favor of lifting heavy things...not really a bad thing.

Your crazy schedule ...is crazy. Hopefully that doesn't go on for long?! Ugh 5 hours sleep once is bad enough, let alone all week.

Amazing progress with your kettle bells! That's very impressive.

[idealistinfire]

Nice work with the strength training - I also feel I prioritize those workouts over anything else.  Likely because they are quick and effective and I can do them without leaving my house, which when I feel overwhelmed with work/dog/keeping up the houses solo is a good thing.

 

And yes, I often go to the store thinking I'll buy something unhealthy and leave with something healthier instead.  Rare-ish fruit is a good one for me (i.e., mangos when they are in season).  Sometimes I make myself buy the unhealthy thing because later in the week, I just know I'll spend more money on something even worse if I don't.  It's a weird feeling to make yourself buy a dark chocolate bar....

 

Good luck this week! 

[Skywalker]

Your schedule seems crazy, so you are smart to drop swimming for weight training.

That kettle bell class sounds intense, but you can obviously see the result from your increased kettle bell weight.

[laurabzz]

Good first week! Too bad about the swimming, but since it was in favor of lifting heavy things...not really a bad thing.

Your crazy schedule ...is crazy. Hopefully that doesn't go on for long?! Ugh 5 hours sleep once is bad enough, let alone all week.

Amazing progress with your kettle bells! That's very impressive.

 

I've got a couple of days with a normal schedule now so I'll try to catch up with my sleep (which I know is not how this works but whatever )

I hope you're doing well! I'll check up on you soon, once I update my progress  

 

Nice work with the strength training - I also feel I prioritize those workouts over anything else.  Likely because they are quick and effective and I can do them without leaving my house, which when I feel overwhelmed with work/dog/keeping up the houses solo is a good thing.

 

And yes, I often go to the store thinking I'll buy something unhealthy and leave with something healthier instead.  Rare-ish fruit is a good one for me (i.e., mangos when they are in season).  Sometimes I make myself buy the unhealthy thing because later in the week, I just know I'll spend more money on something even worse if I don't.  It's a weird feeling to make yourself buy a dark chocolate bar....

 

Good luck this week! 

 

Exactly - they're quick, whereas cardio can drag for hours... 

Haha that's exactly what I do I make myself buy something unhealthy so I could be fine for the whole week.

I really wanted cookies today so bought a fish...My logic is flawless.

 

Your schedule seems crazy, so you are smart to drop swimming for weight training.

That kettle bell class sounds intense, but you can obviously see the result from your increased kettle bell weight.

 

Thanks for support about dropping the swimming. I feel guilty about it but there's nothing I can do at the moment.

Hope you're doing fine! I'm gonna check all the group soon.

[laurabzz]

Day 9, Tuesday.

 

That was my rest day since I was working our throughout the weekend. Also, needed some sleep. My bike's chain fell down so I was fixing that in a middle of the night. Could wash that black oil off of my hands for hours. Started watching Battlestar Galactica. Loving it so far

 

Day 10, Wednesday.

 

Did a decent barbell workout with squats, press and deadlift. If the gym will be empty-ish the next time I'm there, I'll try bench press I think. Got to 'Bench press' section on Starting Strength book so I'll sort of know what I'll be doing. I'm sure my results would be better with better sleeping patterns and so on but that'll have to do for a while. Everything will go back to normal once I start my semester at uni.

 

Oh, I had a slice of chocolate cheesecake as well :/ not sure if it was worth it but at least it was for free. Otherwise, I'm full paleo I think

 

Day 11, Thursday (I'm sure I'll make a mistake with this count sooner or later)

 

So this is the first time I turned on my computer since Monday I believe. I went full paleo for a few days it seems. Trying to catch up on everyone's lives now! Sorry for such little attention to NF this week.

 

About today, in short: had an awesome kettlebells class. I went with a bigger weight this time (16kg) and it felt just right. I guess it was time to level up. However, it doesn't mean it wasn't a horribly hard workout. My arms and legs are killing me. I went for a swim afterwards but I think I pulled something in my right leg so I only could swim butterfly which is not the style that you can swim a lot. Couldn't do freestyle and breastroke kicks with my legs for some reason. So I decided to leave after 500m instead of straining my legs even more. Again, the gods of sports are not in favour of swimming this week. 

 

I've been terribly craving for something sweet today. I haven't bought anything YET but instead I ate LOTS today (fish, veggies and chicken only so not that bad). I don't know what's happening to me today but it'll pass.

 

I've got J. K. Rowling's book 'The Casual Vacancy' yesterday, can't wait to start!

 

Anyway, I'm off to check all the updates on everyone's threads now

[Fonzico]

I really wanted cookies today so bought a fish...My logic is flawless.

I want you to know that I'm envisioning you sitting there, next to your new goldfish, telling it about how you want some cookies... this eventually devolves into you considering the best way to cook your new goldfish, since you can't have cookies. You choose spit-roasting.

 

Woot on the few days of full paleo though! That's great! And your kettlebell workouts are getting exponentially more B.A. Keep it up!

[idealistinfire]

I really wanted cookies today so bought a fish...My logic is flawless.

Oh, that made me laugh for a good long while...thanks, I needed that

[laurabzz]

Haha oh you guys

 

Day 12 Friday.

 

I made it a rest day since I had to go around town a lot. It was the worst possible day in terms of eating though - I ate biscuits and ice cream. I know that all of rebels here are doing awesomely and it seems everyone's reporting only good news but I thought I'll report my yesterday's failure. The worst thing is that I know how bad those things are for me but I still ate them. Oh well, time to move on. This inspired me to propose a mini-challenge that I'll talk about later in this post.

 

Day 13, Saturday.

 

Went to lift some heavy things and put them down. Gym was relatively busy and now I can't imagine what happens when the semester starts and all the students are in. I wonder if I'll be able to lift as often as now. Anyway, here's my 4 strength workouts done for the week. I might go to pool tomorrow for some endurance - I fail at my goal nr 2 miserably.

 

I already started this but I though I'd make it public so I'd have to carry it on:

7-day No Shit Challenge! 

7 days of straight paleo, nothing else. I need to get back on track. No excuses, no ice cream, no non-paleo treats. If I don't have a choice (at work for example), I don't eat. I noticed those 'no choice' excuses are letting me slip into bad habits. So from today until next Saturday - 100% Paleo.

 

Other mini-challenge or habit-building-challenge is:

What Would Squatter Do?

This one is to improve my posture. Every time I remember WWSD I need to straighten my back and shoulders into normal position.

 

That's all for today, I'm off to work now!

 

Hope everyone's doing fine (and better than me diet-wise)

[idealistinfire]

Heh, my diet has been terrible this weekend (and I knew it would be, so I planned for it), but I'm copying your idea of a "clean sweep" for next week - I'm doing a "recovery week" of no hfcs and only 4 allowable highly-processed/packaged foods starting tomorrow (Sunday) through next Monday.  We'll be clean sweep buddies

[Skywalker]

I had a terrible end of the week and then decided that I'd go clean on Sunday so have myself a free pass for food on Saturday. On the positive side my bad food was kind of better than it would have been in the passed.

I'm joining you on a clean week. I'm hoping to do 30 days, but that will start with the first 7 days.

Sometimes having a strict rule in your mind makes it easier to say no to ad food choices.

Keep us informed about how your doing during the week.

[laurabzz]

That's so cool guys! Let's do it together. 

 

S Skywalker, I'm hoping for a longer period too, but I thought I'd start with 7 days so my brain would get used to it. One step at a time I'm looking forward to your 30 day challenge updates!

 

I'm going to the cinema today, I need to figure out some healthy snacks... Now that's a challenge.

 

 

 

Thought I'd share some 'wisdom' I've heard over the past few months:

 

1. "So you're going to the gym every day, why aren't you, like, super-skinny?" (my co-worker)

2. (after I told my male friend about lifting) "Just don't become a bodybuilder, ok?" (I mean... what.)

3. "I want to drink coffee but they only have whole milk." (another co-worker)

4. "As long as I'm relatively healthy, I don't care about my weight (my overweight co-worker who has a pepsi and mcdonalds every morning)

 

I can't remember any more quotes at the moment, but there were many similar ones. Oh, you world.

[idealistinfire]

Those "pearls of wisdom" are just....special.