This past weekend, my gym had a party for all those who participated in the challenge. It was really close points wise, but I'm happy to report that my team won!!!! Whoo Hoo!!
The party was a lot of fun. They handed out certificates to everyone who did the challenge and everyone got a nickname. A lot of them were funny, but mine meant a lot to me.
I was named most improved! For each challenge I always did a little bit better than the last one. It felt good to get recognized for all the hard work I put into it. Plus I was in the top 10 percent weight loss wise! Which was a great feeling.
Now that the challenge is over, they are having a new one starting this weekend. It's individual this time and the winner gets money!!!!! You get half the pot of money that everyone puts in ($30) at the beginning. There is about 25 people signed up so far, so the winner can get some serious cash.
The challenge goes from November 1st until December 15th. Not only are they counting how much weight you lose, they are also seeing how much muscle you gain, BMI percentage, and you have to complete the following:
6 spin classes
3 Boot Camp Classes
4 treadmill runs (well walk for me) (1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile and 4 miles)
6 Bike challenges (3 miles in 10 minutes or less)
6 Bonus challenges that will be announced each week
It sounds crazy intense, but I'm looking forward to it! I really really really want to win!! I hate losing! lol
My personal goal is to lose at least 15 pounds during the challenge. I lost 11 during the last challenge so I think 15 is reasonable. I really hope I can make it!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Mo Money
As of today, my credit card has been officially paid off!!!!
Whooo Hooo!!!!!!
It all started when I studied abroad. While it was one of the best experiences of my life, it was expensive. I traveled a lot and each time I would use my credit card because it was easier. After that it just kept on building up. Now my debt wasn't a lot, but it was something that I've been trying to slowly pay off for the past 2 years.
And now I'm done!!!!!! It feels great to have one less bill to worry about. Now I'm sure I will need to use my credit card again, but I plan on either paying it off in full each month or within 2 months. We'll see if that works or not.
I still have student loans, but I'm not worried about paying them off right away. I have a pretty low interest rate and the payments are deducted each month from my checking account, so I don't have to worry. Plus student loans are considered good credit to have.
Now I can focus more on building up my savings account and hopefully being able to buy a house one day soon!
Whooo Hooo!!!!!!
It all started when I studied abroad. While it was one of the best experiences of my life, it was expensive. I traveled a lot and each time I would use my credit card because it was easier. After that it just kept on building up. Now my debt wasn't a lot, but it was something that I've been trying to slowly pay off for the past 2 years.
And now I'm done!!!!!! It feels great to have one less bill to worry about. Now I'm sure I will need to use my credit card again, but I plan on either paying it off in full each month or within 2 months. We'll see if that works or not.
I still have student loans, but I'm not worried about paying them off right away. I have a pretty low interest rate and the payments are deducted each month from my checking account, so I don't have to worry. Plus student loans are considered good credit to have.
Now I can focus more on building up my savings account and hopefully being able to buy a house one day soon!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Breaking Through
At my gym, I decided to participate in a 30 day challenge. There were two teams with about 20 people on each team. Each day we had to do a challenge and rack up points. I loved doing the challenge because it really pushed me to do my best. Some days I felt awesome when doing the challenge, others were really hard and I had to dig deep in order finish.
This past Saturday was the final day of the challenge and the final task was HUGE. I mean I literally didn't think I could finish it. It was just so much and I didn't think my body could handle it. First we had to do 10 burpees, then I had to bear crawl around 10 poles, then I had to pull a rope with a 30 pound kettlebell attached to it, once I finished that I had to break off into a run around the block, which was about 1/4 of a mile, and then to finish I had to pick up two kettlebells and walk down the block and back. And it was all timed!
Before I even started, I started to get upset. I didn't know if I could do it, or if I did do it that it would take me like 20 minutes to finish everything. Plus it didn't help that the woman before me completed the whole thing in just 3 minutes!!!! It just made me realize how far I still have to go to get to the body I want. I went into it feeling defeated which was wrong and made the whole thing that much worse.
I started the challenge and by the time I finish the bear crawls I was already gasping for air. Then when I broke into the run, I just didn't think I could do it. I was so exhausted and literally couldn't get my breath back to normal. Thankfully my trainer saw that I was struggling and went out to help support me. She ran with me the whole time and when I started walking she helped motivate me to just run a little more and finish it strong. While I did walk more than I ran, I still did it.
When I finished, there were so many emotions going through me that I just started crying. I mean like sobbing. My trainer just came over and gave me a huge hug. Which was exactly what I needed. I was so happy that I finished and really pushed past my comfort zone that I was in when working out. I truly didn't think I was going to finish. Even though I was happy, I was also really sad because there is still such a long road ahead of me.
But now more than ever, there is a fire light in me to become the best me. The healthy strong athlete that I know I can be.
PS - my final time for the challenge was 7 minutes and 13 seconds.
This past Saturday was the final day of the challenge and the final task was HUGE. I mean I literally didn't think I could finish it. It was just so much and I didn't think my body could handle it. First we had to do 10 burpees, then I had to bear crawl around 10 poles, then I had to pull a rope with a 30 pound kettlebell attached to it, once I finished that I had to break off into a run around the block, which was about 1/4 of a mile, and then to finish I had to pick up two kettlebells and walk down the block and back. And it was all timed!
Before I even started, I started to get upset. I didn't know if I could do it, or if I did do it that it would take me like 20 minutes to finish everything. Plus it didn't help that the woman before me completed the whole thing in just 3 minutes!!!! It just made me realize how far I still have to go to get to the body I want. I went into it feeling defeated which was wrong and made the whole thing that much worse.
I started the challenge and by the time I finish the bear crawls I was already gasping for air. Then when I broke into the run, I just didn't think I could do it. I was so exhausted and literally couldn't get my breath back to normal. Thankfully my trainer saw that I was struggling and went out to help support me. She ran with me the whole time and when I started walking she helped motivate me to just run a little more and finish it strong. While I did walk more than I ran, I still did it.
When I finished, there were so many emotions going through me that I just started crying. I mean like sobbing. My trainer just came over and gave me a huge hug. Which was exactly what I needed. I was so happy that I finished and really pushed past my comfort zone that I was in when working out. I truly didn't think I was going to finish. Even though I was happy, I was also really sad because there is still such a long road ahead of me.
But now more than ever, there is a fire light in me to become the best me. The healthy strong athlete that I know I can be.
PS - my final time for the challenge was 7 minutes and 13 seconds.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Candy Corn
I love Candy Corn.
Like I can eat an entire bag in one sitting, love.
Since I'm trying to get healthy, I refrain from buying anything that's really bad for you because I know that if it's in my house, I'll eat it. I have no willpower sometimes.
The other day I went into the store to pick something up real quick and there they were. My loves, Candy Corn. And a bag was only a buck!!!
The temptation was just too much, so I picked up the bag and had it with me while I got the other things I actually needed. When I got to the register, the little voice in my head finally kicked in. I realized that that bag would be gone by the time I went to bed. I've been doing so good lately and did I really want to throw it away for them!! (yes) However the voice won, and I put the bag down and checked out.
I thought about those damn things for the rest of the day. lol. I have a problem.
Anyway later that night I told my mom my struggle and how proud I was that I didn't give in. But damn did I want them!!!!!
The next day, I come home from the gym and on my dresser is a HUGE bag of Candy Corn!!!
WTF.
I thought I went crazy for a minute, until I realized my mother (aka the devil) felt bad that I didn't buy them and picked me up a bag when she was out! While I do know that she had the best intentions (she told me to only eat a little at a time), it was also like a slap in the face.
Sometimes I don't think my mom understands how much I struggle to get on the right track. Sometimes I think she tried to sabotage me. Not on purpose, but like deep down inside she doesn't want me to succeed. It could be because she's struggled with weight all her life too, and if she can't do it, then neither should I. Who knows...
What I do know, is that there is a big ass bag of candy corn taunting me in my room. I've only had a little bit (10 total I counted) but it took a huge effort to stop. If I hit my goal this week to lose 4 pounds, I will reward myself with another 10 corns.
I've decided to use the delicious bag of candy to my advantage and reward myself with a job well done each week. Here's hoping I don't cave in!!!
Do you have a food that you just can't resist? Do you ever feel like someone is trying to sabotage you?
Like I can eat an entire bag in one sitting, love.
Since I'm trying to get healthy, I refrain from buying anything that's really bad for you because I know that if it's in my house, I'll eat it. I have no willpower sometimes.
The other day I went into the store to pick something up real quick and there they were. My loves, Candy Corn. And a bag was only a buck!!!
The temptation was just too much, so I picked up the bag and had it with me while I got the other things I actually needed. When I got to the register, the little voice in my head finally kicked in. I realized that that bag would be gone by the time I went to bed. I've been doing so good lately and did I really want to throw it away for them!! (yes) However the voice won, and I put the bag down and checked out.
I thought about those damn things for the rest of the day. lol. I have a problem.
Anyway later that night I told my mom my struggle and how proud I was that I didn't give in. But damn did I want them!!!!!
The next day, I come home from the gym and on my dresser is a HUGE bag of Candy Corn!!!
WTF.
I thought I went crazy for a minute, until I realized my mother (aka the devil) felt bad that I didn't buy them and picked me up a bag when she was out! While I do know that she had the best intentions (she told me to only eat a little at a time), it was also like a slap in the face.
Sometimes I don't think my mom understands how much I struggle to get on the right track. Sometimes I think she tried to sabotage me. Not on purpose, but like deep down inside she doesn't want me to succeed. It could be because she's struggled with weight all her life too, and if she can't do it, then neither should I. Who knows...
What I do know, is that there is a big ass bag of candy corn taunting me in my room. I've only had a little bit (10 total I counted) but it took a huge effort to stop. If I hit my goal this week to lose 4 pounds, I will reward myself with another 10 corns.
I've decided to use the delicious bag of candy to my advantage and reward myself with a job well done each week. Here's hoping I don't cave in!!!
Do you have a food that you just can't resist? Do you ever feel like someone is trying to sabotage you?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Solid B
My effort to curb my online shopping and spending was pretty good. I did slip a few times, mostly because I am in desperate need for workout clothes. However they were really cheap and I felt like I couldn't miss a deal like that. Seriously Old Navy kind of rocks in the workout gear department. I got a sports bra for like $15 bucks and active pants for only $8 dollars on sale!! Also the quality is really good, which makes it a steal.
I also bought a pair of boots, but that was mostly because I forgot about my goals for the month. lol. The boots are amazing and I know they will be worn many many times. It is almost impossible for me to find boots that actually fit my calf. So when I saw these and tried them on I knew I couldn't pass them up.
So minus the boots and workout gear I did pretty great this month!! I'm now back on track (mostly) with my budgeting and saving. Definitely a solid B for my efforts. lol
I also bought a pair of boots, but that was mostly because I forgot about my goals for the month. lol. The boots are amazing and I know they will be worn many many times. It is almost impossible for me to find boots that actually fit my calf. So when I saw these and tried them on I knew I couldn't pass them up.
So minus the boots and workout gear I did pretty great this month!! I'm now back on track (mostly) with my budgeting and saving. Definitely a solid B for my efforts. lol
Monday, October 4, 2010
SUCCESS
Another one of my goals for September was to lose 10 pounds. I was already halfway there when I made my list of goals. I mean I want to lose 10 pounds per month until I eventually reach my goal weight, I just didn't think to make it a goal on my blog. Then I realized it would hold me accountable to actually follow through.
Anyway even though I had 5 more pounds to lose, they did not want to come off!! It was a bit of a battle and struggle but in the end....
I WON!!!!
That brings my total weight loss to a little over 20 pounds!!
Which I am insanely proud of. I've never really tried to lose weight before, mostly because I was afraid of failing. Now I really feel like I have a rhythm and I hope to keep this up!!! By next summer I want to be able to finally go shopping in a regular store, no more plus sizes for me!
It is so difficult to lose weight. I force myself to the gym 5 to 6 days a week and it never really gets easier. Sure I can do more and don't get out of breath as easily now, but I still get sore the next day and sometimes I just want to quit.
The only difference is I'm not letting myself quit. Even though sometimes I'm just not motivated, I still go to the gym. You know why? Because it's written into my schedule. Simple as that. Every day after work, I head to the gym. Whether I want to or not. Even if I have my period, or had a bad day, or it's raining, I'm there.
It's a habit and one that I really do love. I've noticed that I'm sleeping better, I'm happier, and I feel amazing after finishing a particularly hard workout.
Even though I am slowly starting to see a difference in the mirror, I see it more in my clothes. Pants that used to be tight and I would have to squat in them to make some more room, are now baggy and actually falling off of me! Shirts fit better and lay better on my body. That's the most amazing part. Feeling clothes that used to be tight that are now loose. It's an incredible feeling.
Even though I'm waiting for other people to start noticing a difference, I notice and that's all that matters. 10 more pounds (maybe even less) I should be able to go down a pant size!! Which will be my new goal for October!
Anyway even though I had 5 more pounds to lose, they did not want to come off!! It was a bit of a battle and struggle but in the end....
I WON!!!!
That brings my total weight loss to a little over 20 pounds!!
Which I am insanely proud of. I've never really tried to lose weight before, mostly because I was afraid of failing. Now I really feel like I have a rhythm and I hope to keep this up!!! By next summer I want to be able to finally go shopping in a regular store, no more plus sizes for me!
It is so difficult to lose weight. I force myself to the gym 5 to 6 days a week and it never really gets easier. Sure I can do more and don't get out of breath as easily now, but I still get sore the next day and sometimes I just want to quit.
The only difference is I'm not letting myself quit. Even though sometimes I'm just not motivated, I still go to the gym. You know why? Because it's written into my schedule. Simple as that. Every day after work, I head to the gym. Whether I want to or not. Even if I have my period, or had a bad day, or it's raining, I'm there.
It's a habit and one that I really do love. I've noticed that I'm sleeping better, I'm happier, and I feel amazing after finishing a particularly hard workout.
Even though I am slowly starting to see a difference in the mirror, I see it more in my clothes. Pants that used to be tight and I would have to squat in them to make some more room, are now baggy and actually falling off of me! Shirts fit better and lay better on my body. That's the most amazing part. Feeling clothes that used to be tight that are now loose. It's an incredible feeling.
Even though I'm waiting for other people to start noticing a difference, I notice and that's all that matters. 10 more pounds (maybe even less) I should be able to go down a pant size!! Which will be my new goal for October!
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