Abtacha getting closer to fulfilling her prophecy

[Abtacha]

Greetings everyone!

I posted my Introduction (There was this girl...and this prophecy...) in the Rebel Introduction thread. If I knew how to do that I would link to it.

Long story short I'm trying to follow this prophecy in order to find my treasure.

Main Quest: Master my body

I want to be the best me I can possibly be.

I want to be happy with my life and proud of what I am.

I want to be a good role model for my daughters.

After this challenge I want to be able to do:

2 consecutive chin-ups and 5 "real" push-ups

Supportive Goals:

- BW exercises 3x/week

- walk, bike, cross trainer or ballet 2x/week

- paleo diet

Life Goal:

- spend at least 30 min/day playing with and focusing on the kids without doing anything else at the same time

Measurements:

Weight: 66kg

Height: 1,62m

Waist: 78,5cm

Belly button: 97cm

Thigh: 61cm

Arm: 30cm

Here we go...

[Determined]

I love the part where you focus in the kids. You have your priorities in order!

[Abtacha]

Thanks! I wanted to focus on them more for quite some time. And this challenge gives me the opportunity to really work on that.

[Abtacha]

Day 1

...Is almost over for me.

And I hit all my goals...yay for me!

20 min cardio on the elliptical

Breakfast:

Salmon, cucumber, kohlrabi, kombucha

Lunch:

5 small sausages, spinach

Dinner:

Chicken wings (homemade), carrot sticks

And in the afternoon I spend about 45 min playing in the garden with the kids.

[Abtacha]

Day 2

10min elliptical

Beginners BW workout 3 sets of ten

Breakfast:

Zucchini squash, 5 small sausages

Lunch:

Sardines, Kohlrabi, cucumber

Dinner:

Beef liver, zucchini squash, spinach, kombucha

Went for a walk with the kids this morning.

My legs hurt like hell. Walking down the stairs is like walking on eggs because my legs start shivering so bad. I hope this gets better before my next workout or I will be even worse on the second workout than I was on the first. If it doesn't hurt it doesn't help, I guess.

[rexsomnii]

Hi Abtacha,

congrats on two days of accomplishing what you've set out to do!  I joined team stark a little late, and am now trying to help out and mingle a little.  

I hope you don't mind if I join your path for the next six weeks!  Mastery of self, happiness and being a good role model for your daughters are great and admirable goals!  

 

I'm sure your kids are enjoying the extra time and attention that you're giving them!  

During my internship at a rehab clinic in June, one of the physiotherapists was telling a patient, that a little muscle ache is okay as long as it goes away after a few hours when you're done training.  Be careful of over-training and than injuring yourself, make sure to give yourself enough time to recover!  Take a bath or a nice hot shower!  Listen to your body, because as you say the path towards fulfilling your prophecy is one that is long and twisted!

 

Anyhow good luck on your third day, and I hope you don't mind another companion for this leg of the journey!  I just got back a week ago from Neuschwanstein, and it was really beautiful there!  I too also love Fantasy books, and sci fi and, shhh don't tell anyone but even cheesy romances every now and than!  Reading a lot of Robin Hobb as of late, the soldier's son trilogy right now although gonna try and focus on getting more things done in real life before escaping into fantasy land!  

 

Cheers

[Abtacha]

Day 3 is almost over for me. I hope everyone is going strong with their quests.

Breakfast:

Tuna, kombucha, kohlrabi, carrots, cucumber

Lunch:

Beef liver, zucchini, squash

Dinner:

Paleofide a Jamie Oliver noodle and sausage recipe that my hubby and kids ate, skipped the noodles and cheese and added sweet potatoes and lard, chicken wing, kombucha

Life goal:

Played with the kids outside in the garden. (More like watched them play, because every movement hurts...)

I did 30 min on the elliptical.

My legs still hurt like crazy I think I'll have to skip the lunges tomorrow and focus on the arms.

[Determined]

My legs hurt like hell. Walking down the stairs is like walking on eggs because my legs start shivering so bad. I hope this gets better before my next workout or I will be even worse on the second workout than I was on the first. If it doesn't hurt it doesn't help, I guess.

 

GAK! I just did the A Workout for the first time. Went upstairs to get my laptop, and walking down I thought I was going to fall. I just know my quads will be screaming tomorrow and Friday.

 

Nice to see you're spending more time with the kids.

[Abtacha]

rexsomnii:

Of course you are welcome to join House Stark! The more support we can give each other the more successful we'll be!

I'm going to take it slower tomorrow and skip the legs. My arms are fine so I'll focus on them during my workout.

A bath sounds good though...

I was there a couple years ago and it really is amazing what humans are capable of. They build this huge castle on top of a hill (or does it qualify as a mountain?) without having access to any machines just the simplest tools.

I haven't read any of her books but they do sound good. Right now I'm reading scent of magic by Maria V. Snyder. I love all of her books so far.

Escaping into fantasy land is one of my problems as well. That's why I decided to focus on spending more time with the kids as my life goal.

I hope your quest goes as planned. Starting off to strongly and than running out of power is another thing I'm famous for. On Day 0 I was so exited that I "prestarted" the challenge and hurt my back doing the exercises.

How long do you have to go to school for until you are done? Physical therapy is a very interesting field. I had lots of problems with my spine starting as a young kid so I've seen quite a few of your colleagues, unfortunately.

Anyways, good luck!

[Abtacha]

Day 4:

Breakfast:

2 chicken wings, cucumber, carrots

Lunch:

Sausage, zucchini squash, gyros meat on a stick

Dinner:

Sweet potatoes with herb butter (Kerry gold, mmmh), ground beef, spinach, kombucha

Did my BW workout without the lunges and squats today, plus ten min on the elliptical before and after the workout.

Life goal:

Spent some time with the kids in the evening.

[MsLouise]

One more here from House Stark.  It took me a couple of days to work out that I should join a squad.  

 

Love your goals and meal posts.  Tell me more about the kombucha you're using?  I know there are folks who make it, but I am so far only familiar with it as a beverage I buy at Whole Foods.

 

How did your muscles feel after today's workout?  I agree that it sounded like you might have been overdoing it on that first workout.  Finding that line between challenging your muscles in a good way without burning out can be a challenge.

[Abtacha]

MsLouise:

Welcome to House Stark!

I buy my kombucha at the store as well. The brand is called carpe diem and has some juice mixed with it. My kids love it as well.

Today my legs actually feel pretty normal again. I'll try more leg exercises tomorrow but will definitely tone it down a notch.

[MsLouise]

Thanks for the welcome!  

 

The brand I like is GT's Enlightened Kombucha.  It's the lowest in sugar of the brands I can find locally.  We stocked up last night because they were on sale.

 

That's fantastic that your legs recovered so fast!  That is surely a good sign.  My exercise has been much more leg-intensive than arm, mostly because it's based on physical therapy for my lower half.  It's probably time for me to add in some upper body stuff.  What are you doing for that?

[Abtacha]

MsLouise:

That's funny! They had "my" kombucha on sale as well. I bought what was left!

I do the beginners body weight workout.

Dumbbell rows, push-ups, planks and for the legs lunges and squats

[Abtacha]

Day 5

Breakfast:

Ground beef, zucchini squash, chard, sweet potatoe, butter (the kids had homemade waffles but I resisted...yay for me)

Lunch:

2 sausages (Bratwurst), salad

We were at the swimming pool cafeteria for lunch. The salad dressing was probably not very paleoish but the best I could do.

Dinner:

Pork belly, sweet potatoe, cucumber, carrot, radieschen (no idea what that is in English)

I think I'm pretty much in the "zone" as of today. Until now I could hardly make it to the next week due to hunger feelings. But as of today I didn't feel ravenous before my meals. Even ate a late dinner because I forgot to make something.

I did 30 min on the elliptical.

Legs are back to normal. So I will attempt some more leg work tomorrow. Albeit less reps.

We went to the swimming pool and sp.end some time in the garden. It was hot today everything was sticky especially the kids.

I got my body fat caliper today and currently I'm at 31.5 %. But I carry most of my fat around my waist so I don't know how accurate that is. At least it gives me another measuring tool to tell me if I'm moving in the right direction.

[Abtacha]

Day 6

Breakfast:

Sausage (Bratwurst), kohlrabi with butter and salt, radieschen, cucumber, carrots

Lunch:

Ground beef, zucchini squash, chard

Dinner:

Pork steak, carrot strips (seasoned with cumin and cinnamon, soooo good!), tuna salad, kombucha

Exercise:

10 min elliptical

Push-ups (knee) 10/11/10

Squats 15/13/13

Dumbbell rows w/ 10lbs 12/12/12 each arm

Lunges 5/3/4 each leg

Regular planks 21/20/20

10 min elliptical

Stretching

Life goal:

Went for a walk with the kids

Leg exercises were okay this time, I just have to stop when I start feeling sore. Another thing that needs improving.

Usually I do my exercises in the morning and eat breakfast afterwards. This time I did them after lunch and didn't eat til dinner which made me feel kind of weak and shivery around six. Next time I have to exercise in the afternoon I'll have to think of a post workout snack, I guess.

[Abtacha]

The last couple of days were pretty busy. With the kids going to bed a little later than usual and me collapsing on the couch after that.

So...

Day 7

Late breakfast:

1 sausage (Bratwurst), zucchini squash

Lunch:

We went to the zoo with the kids and ate at a restaurant there

Rump steak, salad

Dinner:

Italian sausage patties (first time I made them...sooo good), carrots, sweet potatoes

Had problems with my back but it was a rest day anyways.

Life goal:

Zoo

Day 8

Breakfast:

Italian meatballs, zucchini squash

Lunch:

3 small sausages (Nürnberger), 1 Bratwurst, kohlrabi, carrots, cucumber, kombucha

Dinner:

Ground beef, zucchini squash, kombucha

Exercise:

10 min elliptical

Push-ups ( knee) 12/11/10

Squats 20/17/13

Dumbbell rows w/ 10lbs 17/15/13

Lunges 6/5/4

Regular planks 15/12/10

10 min elliptical

Stretching

Back started feeling fine again after I started exercising.

Life goal:

Went for a walk with the kids and played in the garden

Day 9

Breakfast:

Pork belly, carrots, kohlrabi

Lunch:

5 Nürnberger sausages, zucchini squash, kombucha

Dinner:

Pork belly, sweet potatoes

Exercise:

30 min elliptical

Started taking 1 capsule salt sticks after working out because I started feeling a little light headed. My carb intake is quite low (don't know an exact number but I'm in nutritional ketosis) and it is pretty hot right now (no air conditioning) so a few extra electrolytes are very welcome.

Life goal:

We had extended family over and did a little hike to a playground and small lake in the woods.

Week 1 summary:

I'm surprised how easy it was to fall into this new routine. The only major willpower usage was during the first couple of days. But other than that I enjoy my food, I like doing my exercises and even during this short time I could see some improvements. I didn't take any measurements but my stomach feels smaller and I lost about 3lbs. I gave myself one Lära bar per day as a sweet treat but haven't eaten a single one since this challenge started. Just knowing that I could have it seems to be enough for now.

[Abtacha]

Day 10

Breakfast:

Smoked salmon, olives, carrots, kohlrabi

Lunch:

Italian sausage patties, spinach, kombucha

Dinner:

3.5 small sausages, zucchini squash, 3 pieces of bacon, kombucha

Exercise:

10 min elliptical

Push-ups (knees) 11/10/10

Squats 14/10/10

Dumbbell rows w/ 10lbs 11/11/11

Lunges 5/4/2

Regular planks 12/10/11

10 min elliptical

Stretching

Life goal:

Went to the swimming pool with the kids

Have been really tired and fatigued all day. It felt like I was just dragging along but would fall over as soon as I stopped moving.

I think I'm going to add another goal to my challenge. Going to bed by 10 pm.

[Elastoman]

Hey Abtacha, just wanted to say congrats on a successful challenge so far. Also, I'm jealous of your meals; they sound so simple, healthful, and delicious. Keep up the good work!

[Abtacha]

Day 11

Breakfast:

Sardines, olives, kohlrabi

Lunch:

Sausage stuffed zucchini squash, kombucha

Dinner:

Ground beef, zucchini squash, kombucha

Exercise:

30 min elliptical

Life goal:

We played in the garden

[Abtacha]

Day 12

Breakfast:

Liver, kohlrabi

Lunch:

Italian sausage patties, zucchini squash, kombucha

Dinner:

We went to my aunts birthday party. She had a BBQ so there was plenty of meat and salads to choose from.

Salad with greens, bell peppers and carrots, marinated pork belly rapped around a stick (Grillfackel)

Life goal:

Played with the kids while we were at the garden party.

Exercise:

10 min elliptical

Push-ups (knees) 12/12/10

Squats 18/16/13

Dumbbell rows w/10lbs 18/17/17

Lunges 6/5/5

Regular planks 16/15/14

10min elliptical

Stretching

[Abtacha]

Day 13

Breakfast:

Skipped breakfast

Lunch:

Zucchini squash, Italian sausage patties, kombucha

Dinner:

2 Bratwurst, sweet potatoe, ginger tea

Exercise:

30 min elliptical

Life goal:

Played in the garden and helped my dad decorate for his birthday party

[Abtacha]

Day 14

Breakfast:

Tuna salad

Lunch:

Pork belly, sweet potatoe, kombucha

Snack:

Baby banana, kombucha, lärabar coconut

Dinner:

Italian sausage patties, carrots with cinnamon and cumin, ginger tea

Restday

Life goal

Garden

I was so tired and exhausted today. I think all the exercise and the strict paleo without snacks caught up with me. I also think I might have a thyroid problem will check that out in the near future.

[Abtacha]

Day 15

Breakfast:

Bratwurst, zucchini squash

Lunch:

4 Nuernberger sausages, cucumber, olives

Dinner:

2 chicken thighs, chard, kombucha

Exercise:

10 min elliptical

Push-ups (knee) 10/10/10

Squats 10/10/10

Dumbbell rows w/10lbs 10/10/10

Lunges 5/4/3

Regular planks 10/10/10

10 min elliptical

Life goal:

Garden

[Abtacha]

Day 16

Breakfast:

Tuna salad, bratwurst, 2 Nuernberger, zucchini squash

Lunch:

Italian sausage patties, cuumber, mayonnaise, lärabar coconut, kombucha

Snack:

Paleoish treat, protein bar (nuts, seeds, dried fruit, milk protein) not 100% but acceptable

Dinner:

Pork belly, kombucha, ginger tea

Life goal:

We went to visit my grandma and played there

In the evening I could feel my not quite 100% sitting in my stomach. That made me realize how much better I feel when I don't have a snack.

Exercise:

30 min elliptical