VALERIE: It's Day 5, and today was marked by exhaustion. It was very hard getting out of bed this morning, but I made myself get up and get moving.
Day 5: Back to Strength Training
Exercise:
So, while it was tough to start moving, once I got moving, I felt pretty good. My pushups are improving, thought not meeting the target quite yet. My dips are also getting better. We changed up to use the coffee table rather than chairs - the increased surface area helped.
Not as good on the run/walk front. A rough day at work led to a late homecoming and a missed training. Jeff got his run in, though.
Diet:
Another mixed bag today. Good news, I resisted a strong urge to eat a McFlurry. But, I exceeded my calorie threshold just slightly. My nutrition balance was fantastic!
I still need to get my calorie level lower, but it is much better than recent months, to be sure.
Supplements:
Jury still out.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 4: Almost Not Hurting is Almost as Good as Not Hurting
VALERIE: Today I was pleased to find that I was almost not sore! It was such a good feeling to be less sore. Weird, but I actually think I was more pleased about being less sore than on days when I have experienced no soreness at all. I know as I type that what I am saying makes no sense at all. I'm just not sure if its my Valerie-logic or if I've popped a neuron.
Anyone catch Biggest Loser last night? We love the show. It is one of the few to which we are dedicated. It is always sad that they have to vote someone off, but if the older gal asks to leave next week, she deserves a big, fat, BOO! (Think peasant woman to Princess Buttercup in Princess Bride). Especially since they sent someone else home in favor of keeping her. Can't wait to see it! (PS - I also love that when they play the theme song, I know what I've done today to make me feel proud!)
Anywho, Day 4: Sweat Cardio 1-2
Exercise:
We did a much better job of following the program today. However, there are still a few noticeable areas of struggle . . .
Let's talk first about jumping jacks and similar exercises. While Jeff really seemed to motor through these, I have issues. Let's just say, men and flat girls cannot comprehend the gravitational effect for which even a really good sports bra cannot compensate. Anyone out there have a suggestion for this?
But my biggest struggle of all - Power Yoga. Dude, I even if I could figure out how he is transitioning between these moves, I am really stumped at how to get my large mass from one position to another. Whew.
To give you a visual, this is how I feel trying to do the Power Yoga.
Anyone want to wager how many weeks it will take me to be able to do all of the poses in sequence? Post your vote below as a comment.
No run/walk today, since our schedule is off-kilter. Thank goodness! I love the Fall, but going out in cold rain is no fun at all.
Diet:
Today was a mixed bag. Good for breakfast, bad for lunch, mostly good for dinner.
I had scheduled a lunch date before we started at my favorite German restaurant (shout out to Old German Schnitzel Haus!). The food is fabulous, but unfortunately, not health food. I tried to compromise by having the seasonal salads as the side to compliment my bratwurst broetchen. Do I get credit for not getting dessert? (Really, if you knew their desserts . . .)
All in all, it was not a total loss. My calories were within my Spark People limits, barely! However, I was a bit high on my fat intake. Sigh. If we are going to get back to old sizes, we need to do better.
Supplements:
Still no decision. I have gone as far as to print the nutrition label for the suggested supplement to shop it around. We'll see.
Anyone catch Biggest Loser last night? We love the show. It is one of the few to which we are dedicated. It is always sad that they have to vote someone off, but if the older gal asks to leave next week, she deserves a big, fat, BOO! (Think peasant woman to Princess Buttercup in Princess Bride). Especially since they sent someone else home in favor of keeping her. Can't wait to see it! (PS - I also love that when they play the theme song, I know what I've done today to make me feel proud!)
Anywho, Day 4: Sweat Cardio 1-2
Exercise:
We did a much better job of following the program today. However, there are still a few noticeable areas of struggle . . .
Let's talk first about jumping jacks and similar exercises. While Jeff really seemed to motor through these, I have issues. Let's just say, men and flat girls cannot comprehend the gravitational effect for which even a really good sports bra cannot compensate. Anyone out there have a suggestion for this?
But my biggest struggle of all - Power Yoga. Dude, I even if I could figure out how he is transitioning between these moves, I am really stumped at how to get my large mass from one position to another. Whew.
To give you a visual, this is how I feel trying to do the Power Yoga.
Anyone want to wager how many weeks it will take me to be able to do all of the poses in sequence? Post your vote below as a comment.
No run/walk today, since our schedule is off-kilter. Thank goodness! I love the Fall, but going out in cold rain is no fun at all.
Diet:
Today was a mixed bag. Good for breakfast, bad for lunch, mostly good for dinner.
I had scheduled a lunch date before we started at my favorite German restaurant (shout out to Old German Schnitzel Haus!). The food is fabulous, but unfortunately, not health food. I tried to compromise by having the seasonal salads as the side to compliment my bratwurst broetchen. Do I get credit for not getting dessert? (Really, if you knew their desserts . . .)
All in all, it was not a total loss. My calories were within my Spark People limits, barely! However, I was a bit high on my fat intake. Sigh. If we are going to get back to old sizes, we need to do better.
Supplements:
Still no decision. I have gone as far as to print the nutrition label for the suggested supplement to shop it around. We'll see.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 3: Getting the Train on the Track
VALERIE: We successfully made it out of bed at 6:30am this morning for our Day 3 workout, and I was feeling pretty sassy about it . . . until I went to my scheduled doctor's appointment. It is official, her scale SUCKS! I saw a number higher than I've ever seen in my documented history. UGH! Nothing like the ugly truth to get me motivated to get back on track.
Exercise:
Day 3 = Back to Scult Circuit 1-2
How is it that the workout felt harder, but I performed better? Crazy, I know (consider the source). I woke up still pretty sore, which I felt during the workouts, but today, I was able to do full reps for everything except the push-ups and the dips. Yes, I am going easy this first week, using just 5 pound weights, but believe me, I can feel it.
For the record, dips are my nemesis, and push-ups are the dips' evil sidekick. Just sayin'.
By the way, have I mentioned that Jeff and I are currently training for a race? Jeff will be doing the Marshall University Half Marathon, and I will do the Marshall Half Marathon relay, on November 7th? You can say it with my now . . . INSANE! But, that is what we are doing.
So, typically we train on Mondays, but yesterday we got sidetracked by the grand opening of the Mellow Mushroom. So, this evening, we waded through the swarms of gnats (what is UP with that this summer???) and did our little run/walk.
Now, my whole body is either sore or really tired and with every step, I really wanted to give up. I even considered just walking without my little run segments. But, this little voice inside my head kept telling myself that I can push through it. I'm a Power 90 girl. And while my pace was ridiculously slow, I stuck with the interval for the full 30 minute run/walk. Yay, me!!!
Diet:
Is this choo-choo on the track??? Well, today, I had a very successful diet day. My SparkPeople* nutritional balance was almost dead on. I was actually a little under calories today. Maybe that will off-set how totally bad I've been the past two days. :)
Supplements:
Had a good conversation with my Nurse Practioner during my appointment today, and I am doing some more research on the suggested supplements. Jury is still out on this. Anyone reading? If so, please share your thoughts on this topic with me.
I wrap up Day 3 feeling tired, and yet oddly energized. Looking forward to seeing how tomorrow's Cardio goes.
Peace out!
*Spark People is a website that I use to track my calories and fitness. This is not a paid advertisement, this is just a VERY good, goals-based FREE tool that I have discovered. It has a free diet plan, or you can create your own. Check it out . I am vahuffman, be sure to become my friend!
Exercise:
Day 3 = Back to Scult Circuit 1-2
How is it that the workout felt harder, but I performed better? Crazy, I know (consider the source). I woke up still pretty sore, which I felt during the workouts, but today, I was able to do full reps for everything except the push-ups and the dips. Yes, I am going easy this first week, using just 5 pound weights, but believe me, I can feel it.
For the record, dips are my nemesis, and push-ups are the dips' evil sidekick. Just sayin'.
By the way, have I mentioned that Jeff and I are currently training for a race? Jeff will be doing the Marshall University Half Marathon, and I will do the Marshall Half Marathon relay, on November 7th? You can say it with my now . . . INSANE! But, that is what we are doing.
So, typically we train on Mondays, but yesterday we got sidetracked by the grand opening of the Mellow Mushroom. So, this evening, we waded through the swarms of gnats (what is UP with that this summer???) and did our little run/walk.
Now, my whole body is either sore or really tired and with every step, I really wanted to give up. I even considered just walking without my little run segments. But, this little voice inside my head kept telling myself that I can push through it. I'm a Power 90 girl. And while my pace was ridiculously slow, I stuck with the interval for the full 30 minute run/walk. Yay, me!!!
Diet:
Is this choo-choo on the track??? Well, today, I had a very successful diet day. My SparkPeople* nutritional balance was almost dead on. I was actually a little under calories today. Maybe that will off-set how totally bad I've been the past two days. :)
Supplements:
Had a good conversation with my Nurse Practioner during my appointment today, and I am doing some more research on the suggested supplements. Jury is still out on this. Anyone reading? If so, please share your thoughts on this topic with me.
I wrap up Day 3 feeling tired, and yet oddly energized. Looking forward to seeing how tomorrow's Cardio goes.
Peace out!
*Spark People is a website that I use to track my calories and fitness. This is not a paid advertisement, this is just a VERY good, goals-based FREE tool that I have discovered. It has a free diet plan, or you can create your own. Check it out . I am vahuffman, be sure to become my friend!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Day 2: Can You Feel It???
VALERIE: Yes, we can DEFINITELY feel it! Every time we move, we feel another muscle letting us know how displeased it is to find its resting state disturbed.
To try to keep a consistent schedule, we have made the decision to get up at 6:30am to do our Power 90 in the morning before work. Not as big of a struggle for Jeff, but Valerie is NOT a morning person at all. Egad! Here we go!
Or, maybe not . . . forgetting to reset my alarm to 6:30am led to an oversleep on our very first am workout! DOH! The previous evening's Oktoberfest 5-course Meal and Beer Tasting did NOT help, either. Oh, it was a tough morning. But, we did get our carcasses moving to do the workout. Better late than never.
Day 2 was Sweat Cardio 1-2 and the Ab Ripper 100
And they aren't kidding about the sweat OR the rip! Still taking it slow, learning the moves, and trying not to die.
Exercise:
We were both a hot sweaty mess within the first several minutes of the Sweat Cardio routine. I think the Power Yoga is supposed to be a warm up. I had difficulty just getting my body into even a close approximation to the prescribed poses! I guess that means its working? Let's just say I have looooonnnng way to go. Jeff fared much better than I, but I was glad to see him struggle a time or two. (Don't hate, I just feel less of a TOTAL loser knowing I am not the onnly one to find it a challenge!)
As for the Ab Ripper, well, Ripper is a great name for it. I felt as if Jack, himself, were having a go at my mid-section. I still feel the burn.
Diet:
Ummm, yeah, not any better in the dietary department today. Had a really bad lunch (craving greasy food as a result of having enjoyed last night's beer tasting a little too much) and then for dinner, I have a date with some friends to celebrate the grand opening of the Mellow Mushroom. Sigh. I am going to have to make some changes if I am going to get this train on its track.
Supplements:
Still no decision here.
On the whole, we feel pretty good about our progress so far, even though it is only Day 2. Today was a really tough day, and we had so many good reasons to go punkarella. But, we stuck to our plan (mostly) and feel all the better for it.
2 down, 88 to go!
To try to keep a consistent schedule, we have made the decision to get up at 6:30am to do our Power 90 in the morning before work. Not as big of a struggle for Jeff, but Valerie is NOT a morning person at all. Egad! Here we go!
Or, maybe not . . . forgetting to reset my alarm to 6:30am led to an oversleep on our very first am workout! DOH! The previous evening's Oktoberfest 5-course Meal and Beer Tasting did NOT help, either. Oh, it was a tough morning. But, we did get our carcasses moving to do the workout. Better late than never.
Day 2 was Sweat Cardio 1-2 and the Ab Ripper 100
And they aren't kidding about the sweat OR the rip! Still taking it slow, learning the moves, and trying not to die.
Exercise:
We were both a hot sweaty mess within the first several minutes of the Sweat Cardio routine. I think the Power Yoga is supposed to be a warm up. I had difficulty just getting my body into even a close approximation to the prescribed poses! I guess that means its working? Let's just say I have looooonnnng way to go. Jeff fared much better than I, but I was glad to see him struggle a time or two. (Don't hate, I just feel less of a TOTAL loser knowing I am not the onnly one to find it a challenge!)
As for the Ab Ripper, well, Ripper is a great name for it. I felt as if Jack, himself, were having a go at my mid-section. I still feel the burn.
Diet:
Ummm, yeah, not any better in the dietary department today. Had a really bad lunch (craving greasy food as a result of having enjoyed last night's beer tasting a little too much) and then for dinner, I have a date with some friends to celebrate the grand opening of the Mellow Mushroom. Sigh. I am going to have to make some changes if I am going to get this train on its track.
Supplements:
Still no decision here.
On the whole, we feel pretty good about our progress so far, even though it is only Day 2. Today was a really tough day, and we had so many good reasons to go punkarella. But, we stuck to our plan (mostly) and feel all the better for it.
2 down, 88 to go!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Day 1: Off to a good start
VALERIE: First things first, we started with a weigh-in and measurements. You have to establish your starting point, right?
And, of course, we took our starting photos. We did it Biggest Loser Style (skins), so if you have a weak stomach, consider yourself warned before scrolling down. :)
Here is not-so-skinny:
Jeff
Weight: 232.6
Body fat: 28.6
Chest: 44.25"
Waist: 39"
Hips: 44.25"
R Mid Thigh: 25.25"
L Mid Thigh: 25.25"
R Upper Arm: 13.5"
L Uppler Arm: 13.5"
And, of course, we took our starting photos. We did it Biggest Loser Style (skins), so if you have a weak stomach, consider yourself warned before scrolling down. :)
Here is not-so-skinny:
Jeff
Weight: 232.6
Body fat: 28.6
Chest: 44.25"
Waist: 39"
Hips: 44.25"
R Mid Thigh: 25.25"
L Mid Thigh: 25.25"
R Upper Arm: 13.5"
L Uppler Arm: 13.5"
Val
Weight: 206.4
Body fat: 44.4
Chest: 47"
Waist: 42"
Hips: 51"
R Mid Thigh: 24.25"
L Mid Thigh: 24.25"
R Upper Arm: 13.5"
L Uppler Arm: 13.5"
Here we are in all our fluffy glory:
Now, for our progress on Day 1 of the Power 90 Program . . .
Excercise:
Day 1 was the Sculpt Circuit 1-2. After some debate about starting time, it was not a bad workout. We took it easy, learning the moves, as the program documentation suggested. I did end up with that shaky, jelly feeling for a while after. We both felt pretty good about the workout, but I suspect our bodies will feel it tomorrow.
Diet:
We have not yet shifted our diet. Knowing we had a special 5-course German dinner and beer tasting scheduled for the evening, we went ahead and finished off some less than healthy options for lunch to get rid of them.
Supplements:
We are still discussing whether or not we will try using vitamin supplements as suggested. Neither of us are big on that sort of thing. We are thinking about maybe finding an option for them locally, rather than ordering them from Beach Body.
I am feeling good about the program. 1 down, 89 to go!
Our Journey Begins
Once upon a time . . .
A boy, met a girl.
And they fell in love (awww)!
and then, they SWELLED!
VALERIE: In November, we will celebrate 10 years as a couple. It has been a decade full of ups and downs, especially when it comes to our weight.
Over the years, we have deployed many weapons in our battle against the bulge:
And yet, here we are; 10 years later and a whole lot fluffier!
We can't help but think back to the good ole days, when we first met. Back then we weighed in much lighter:
Jeff: 199
Val: 135
Can we get back to where we started? Well, we certainly are not the types to stop trying!
We have decided to start this blog tracking our efforts and our progress (of course we are going to be madly successful!). We will use it as an accountability tool to ourselves, and to any of you out there following along at home
We were looking for a way to add some interest to our blog, when we found some inspiration. Our blogger profile picture was taken on a recent cruise vacation, and many of our friends have been hinting around that it looks like an engagement picture . . .
SO . . . as a challenge to ourselves; if we are able to get back to our starting weight (as published above) and maintain it (withing 5 pounds natural variance) for 3 months, we are going to take plunge into official marital bliss.
Yep, you read that right. I mean, why not? We'll never look better in wedding photos, right?
Today we begin our strength training program. We were originally going to start with the P90X, but the introduction makes it clear, it is not a program for chubby beginners. It is meant to make the fit fierce. So, we chose its kid sister, the Power 90.
For the first week, we will blog daily, as we adjust to the new routine. After that, we'll update the blog at least once per week, with updates on our progress.
Check our Day 1 post for our starting stats and first day results.
Our journey begins now . . .
A boy, met a girl.
And they fell in love (awww)!
and then, they SWELLED!
VALERIE: In November, we will celebrate 10 years as a couple. It has been a decade full of ups and downs, especially when it comes to our weight.
Over the years, we have deployed many weapons in our battle against the bulge:
- Atkins Diet
- Calorie counting
- Bowling
- Hiking
- Gym Memberships
- Dance Dance Revolution
- Wii Fit
- Walking/Running 5k's, 10k's, and half marathons
And yet, here we are; 10 years later and a whole lot fluffier!
We can't help but think back to the good ole days, when we first met. Back then we weighed in much lighter:
Jeff: 199
Val: 135
Can we get back to where we started? Well, we certainly are not the types to stop trying!
We have decided to start this blog tracking our efforts and our progress (of course we are going to be madly successful!). We will use it as an accountability tool to ourselves, and to any of you out there following along at home
We were looking for a way to add some interest to our blog, when we found some inspiration. Our blogger profile picture was taken on a recent cruise vacation, and many of our friends have been hinting around that it looks like an engagement picture . . .
SO . . . as a challenge to ourselves; if we are able to get back to our starting weight (as published above) and maintain it (withing 5 pounds natural variance) for 3 months, we are going to take plunge into official marital bliss.
Yep, you read that right. I mean, why not? We'll never look better in wedding photos, right?
Today we begin our strength training program. We were originally going to start with the P90X, but the introduction makes it clear, it is not a program for chubby beginners. It is meant to make the fit fierce. So, we chose its kid sister, the Power 90.
For the first week, we will blog daily, as we adjust to the new routine. After that, we'll update the blog at least once per week, with updates on our progress.
Check our Day 1 post for our starting stats and first day results.
Our journey begins now . . .
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