The pot calling the kettle black

Yesterday I gave two of my fellow Moosers a hard time because it's been days/weeks since they've posted to their blogs. BUT, looking at my OWN blog, it's been 4 days since I've posted either. So that is where the title of this blog is coming from. Sorry ladies, but I've been a bad blogger too.. =( But I'm here now, so here we go:

Friday: Cardio!! The stations were bike, firehose slams (alternating), frog hops, and burpees. Have I mentioned how much the new 30:30:30 kicks my ass?? Um yeah.... kicks the everlovinshit outta me.. every time!! Holy F!!!

Saturday: I honestly wish I could tell you exactly what we did. I don't really remember now. Sorry folks! But we did several stations for a minute each and did like a round robin around the room. It was fun and very tough.. I do remember some of the exercises: jump squats/prisoner squats, single leg hip extension, rows, step ups, kb swings, kb high pull burpee... I think maybe there were some push ups and planks maybe. It was another challenging workout anyway and I loved it!! Afterward, E, M, Ben & I walked from BBC to the DVS (Derby Village Store for those not from around here) and then RAN back.. I think maybe that was the hardest thing I've done so far!! Actually, the hardest thing is getting the breathing down.. I felt like I was gasping for air more than once!! I've been told that that is the hardest thing to running and once I master that I'll be good to go.. Anyway, it was about a mile and I ran nearly the whole thing!!! I haven't had to run a mile since high school and I just ran one!! I really can't believe it. I don't think it actually sunk in that I just went for a run until afterwards when we were stretching/cooling down. I am so freakin proud of myself! Two months ago, there was no way in hell you would've gotten me to go outside and RUN.. to say anything about running a mile!! My life has truly changed, and changed for the better!!

My weekend was good.. we had a couple poker tournaments, but nothing major. Saturday night was the surprise b-day party for my father in law at the East Side Restaurant. Anyone from this area knows that pretty much everything on their menu is fried so it's a tough place to try to eat supportively. I chose to have this as my cheat meal. O-M-G am I glad I did!!!! I had a few meatballs, a few pieces of garlic toast (MMMMMM), a piece of grilled chicken on a stick, a slice or pork roast and THE yummiest (small) twice baked potato I have ever had!! OMG it was SOOO good!! So the meal that I had wasn't too horrible and I seriously ran it off afterwards chasing after my niece and her new friend... We played tag, we ran around... danced.. it was a great time!

Today we had 4 stations: A) KB Swings (44lb kb), 1 arm db snatch (20lb db), push ups B) rows, step ups (15 db each hand), goblet squat (35lb kb) C) rene rows (with 20lb dbs), reverse crunches, kb high pull burpee (35lb kb) D) squat press (2 20lb db), planks, wood chops (1 20lb db). Do each exercise for 50 seconds, 10 second rest in between. Do each set of 3 exercises 3 times then 1 minute rest between stations. HOOOLY F!!!! By the end of this one, we were ALL dripping sweat!!!! Nice one Ben!!! =)

Well, I don't have to be to work until noon today, so I'm going to go for a run.. I'm going to pace out a mile, then do the same I did Saturday, walk a mile, run a mile.. Next run I'll add on a little more. Should be interesting to do by myself, but I'll be fine.. I'll let ya know how it goes tomorrow.. until then blogfans... I'm outtie...

Peace!!


----I had to add this on since I just came back from my run... Instead of walking a mile, then running a mile, I paced out a 1/2 mile. So I ran a full mile.. no walk!! =) The first 1/2 mile was pretty good. I ran the whole thing without stopping. The second 1/2 of it was very hard. I had to stop a few times and walked for maybe 30 feet or so and then ran again. But I feel like I did really well.. except that I can't stop coughing now.. stupid lungs!! LOL.. so glad I gave up smoking all those years ago!!! Later!

Funny things....

Yesterday we did 30:30:30 again.... holy makerel that kicks the shiat outta me!! Seriously not loving the CD man that says: you're half-way through your break congratulations you've completed __ rounds. He honestly says it like that.. there's MAYBE a 5 second pause. You're like WHAT? That was a fast freakin 30 second rest!! My GOD... Slow it down CD man... fer real! LOL... So here are the stations: Bike, Lateral Shuffle (do NOT cross your feet!! Ok ok! Lesson learned!!!) Plate Punches, Firehose Weave, High Knees. Kicked my ace!

Oh, and I forgot to mention in my last blog that after we were done the 4 rounds then 2 rounds thing, we did planks. THEN we did a relay.. just wanted to clear that up.. we did a LOT on Tuesday.. sweated my ace off...

So today we did the following:

KB Swings (kb=kettlebell for those that don't know Missy-ese)
Reverse Lunges
KB High Pull
Goblet Squats
Push ups w/T stabilization (do a push up then put your arm up in the air, like planks w/rotation)
Get Up Sit Ups
KB Swings
Planks

I don't know if I got them all.. seems like I may be missing one.. but I can't remember right now what it is.. Anyway, we did each one for 30 seconds, rest, then through the list again doing each one for 45 seconds, rest, then each one again for 60 seconds, rest, each again for 45 seconds, rest and one last time each one for 30 seconds. That was definately a rough one. The ol' knees were feeling those reverse lunges.. and the goblets.. But, we all got through & did fantastic!! Missy wasn't there this morning because she was sick, but T was able to join us. I think she may be able to join us more often which is very cool!! Then after that we did relays again. This time one person ran down, did 5 burpees & came back. The other person had to do either high knees or jumping jacks. I believe we did this for about 10 minutes. E & I were paired up and C & T were partners. No rest for the wicked!!

Yesterday at bowling I was waiting for my turn to practice and Carol (who does the Saturday class) was walking back from her practice when she literally did a double take!!! She was like "I didn't even recognize you!!" Later she told me that she had seen me go up to bowl and had thought "who is that?!?" She then said "I don't know if it's the different clothes your wearing or what, but you look so different!!! And so GOOD!"...Such a confidence booster!!! =) Especially since I was wearing my new jeans (3 sizes down... I thank you) I also talked to several of the other ladies about my bootcamp experience and how it's going.. all that good stuff. I don't mind talking about it at all. Ask me anything.... One girl said to me "I've read the workouts you do and I don't think I could do it!" I told her she sure could!! Everyone can do this stuff!! Another said she was too old. I'm like, if you set your mind to it, you can do anything! I think everyone should do this program!! Hey Ben... I think I need a sales commission.. LOL.. just kidding!! =) Anyway, so I feel really great (even more than I was) and I can't wait to see what comes next. =)

The Dandelion Run is now officially a month away. I am really nervous about it, but I think I'll be fine. I've been walking (as previously posted) and I've gotten pretty fast so I'm going to try doing a short run on Saturday (1/2 mile). Then I'm going to keep adding on until D-run day.... I should be good to go by then (I hope!). The biggest thing is that no way 2 months ago would I have even THOUGHT about doing something like that and now I'm going to do it!! Just goes to show what this program has done for me!! =) (commision??? LOL)

Well, this chica needs to head off to bed and get rid of this headache.. later...

30:30:30, tire flippin' & the MF comes through again!!

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but it was a crazy night!! Had some problems at work, so I didn't even get a chance to do my fitday until this morning!! But that's ok.. it's done and I'll be getting my stuff together for the day in just a few.... I wanted to post this morning because I am just feeling SO good and I didn't want to wait until tonight..

Yesterday we started our new cardio time. 30 seconds of work, 30 seconds rest.. and we did 30 rounds instead of 20!! Oh my freeeeekin lord!!!!!!!!! There was a couple times where Erica & I just looked at each other and were like #$*! me this is hard!!! LOL.. The stations were: bike, rene rows, high knees, burpees & hill climbers. Whoo.. definately pumped up the volume!! And the sweat! WOW!

After our workout we were sitting around cooling down and ended up talking about the two big tractor tires that Ben has. It was a nice sunny day, so we (M had left to go to work already) went outside and each gave it a couple tries.. I did the first one on the small one (150lbs) and Ben was like, well that was too easy!! Try the big one! (300lbs) FLIP!! It's not easy by any means, but I can see us doing that in a workout in the near future!! Fun fun fun!! Check out Ben's blog for a video of us each trying it..... oh and me almost smooshing T's adorable dogs.. sorry T!! I did look to make sure they weren't in the way!!

Today was a wicked tough one!!! We did 4 rounds of: push ups x 10, split squats x10 each leg (using 20lb DB), 2pt DB row x 10 each arm (using 20lb DB) & deadlift x 10 (I believe we used 85lbs - I think E used 125). Then we did 2 rounds of: arms elevated push ups x 20, split squats x 20 each leg, deadlift x 20 & ring rows x 20. Once you finish the 4 rounds move right into the 2 rounds. I cruised right along through the 4 rounds (I thought.) and went right into the 2 rounds. But, I was finishing my 2nd round of the 20 reps when everyone else finished.. I was like... what the french? I started doing my 2nd set of split squats and noticed that Missy was doing push ups. I switched to the other leg and paused mid-way through and she said "come on, I'm going with you." That made me smile.. I thought.. you are?!? Then I still had to do the deadlift (everyone cheered me through that!!) and then the rows. Missy came right over and was like, I'll do them with you.. Come on.... So we started doing them and everyone else joined in!! E & C did rows on the rings & Ben did pull ups. When I stopped, Ben hung from the bar.. even more motivation was when he was said "Lisa! Don't leave me hanging!! We're waiting on you!".. I can't believe that they all did that for me.. I was a little irritated that I was, again, the last one to finish, but they all made it better.. I have never in my life had such motivating, supportive people helping me... I could NOT be getting through this journey without any of them. Thank you SO much to my MF.. you guys are absolutely AMAZING people!!! I would definately be lost without each & every one of you. =) And eventhough T didn't work out with us today (she does a class tonight) I know she would've been right there with all of us!!! So thanks to her too.. =)

~L dawg

The Will & the Fire

Lost in the dark, couldn't find my way
Just trying to survive, taking it day by day
Never thought I'd find the happiness I deserve
Not understanding the purpose I serve
A light appeared, a helping hand
A chance to change, make a stand
One of five chosen of 50 that tried
Couldn't believe I was in, sat & cried
The journey has started, now half-way through
Sweating every day, eating right too
Feel my body shrinking, clothes too baggy
And damn if my boobs ain't a lot less saggy!!
My spirit is soaring, the dark is gone
Old ghosts of the past forgotten, so long
Nothing holding me back, from all I desire
I've got the will and the fire
Much more to come in the next 8 weeks
Finally changing my life, and finding what I seek.

--I find that I am much better at expressing myself in writing than I am in person. I've been working on this poem for a few days and now that I finally finished it, I wanted to share it. These last 8 weeks have been amazing and I really can't wait for the next 8. And, for whatever comes after that. I am positive that I will continue to take BBC classes even after The Biggest Mooser is over. And I am extremely excited about that. I've done some changes and I can't wait to make more and become the girl I know has always been inside of me!!

Today was cardio and Ben didn't disappoint. He changed it up yet again. The stations were: Bike, see saw rows, wall sit see saw press and high knees. E & I were paired up for this one and T & M were together. (Missed you all week C!! Can't wait to hear how your week went!!) E & I did the bike & see saw rows and T & M did wall sit see saw press and high knees. So one of the new ones was the see saw rows. We used 2 25lb kettlebells and you put one foot in front, one behind for stability and then lean over and with a bell in each hand pull up towards your chest. HAARD!! Especially for 10 rounds in a row!!! That's right, we did 10 rounds at one, and 10 at another!! HOOLY CRAP!!! The other new one was the wall sit see saw press. So you do a usual wall sit, except you have a db in each hand and alternating arms press (or push) out. This was a very good one.. and very tough!!

Ben gave us a little news today, that was the last time at 30:60. Next week, 30:30 for cardio! I think we're up to the challenge.

Check out Ben's blog for the Mooser standings. Apparently I'm in the lead, but it's darn close!! Well, I am off to poker. Peace!

~L-dawg

Cardio and Day 1 revisited

I think one of the reasons that I'm actually getting addicted to these workouts is that we hardly ever do the same thing.. Love it!!! Even on Cardio day (Wednesday) Ben finds a way to change things just a little to make it more interesting... just more proof that Ben knows what the hell he's doing!!!!

The cardio stations were: bike, firehose slam, high knees and renegade rows (no weight). We still did 30:60, but instead of rotating to the next station during the rest time, we stayed at the same station and did 5 rounds at each one. This definately made things more interesting. I did the rene rows first and by the time the 5th round came around, my shoulders and arms were killing me!!! I was glad to be able to switch to the next station. The firehose slam is also a good one for shoulder/arm killing.. by the end of 5 straight rounds of that you're ready to move on!! Tomorrow is cardio day again and I'm interested to see what we'll be doing.. =)

Today, we did a little revisit to our day 1 workout. The exercises were: Push ups, Squat Press, Rows, Kettlebell Swings. You start where ever you want, and do 30 seconds of work and 30 seconds of rest. Do as many reps as you can in the 30 seconds. Write down your reps. Then do it again. Write down your reps. One last time, and... write down your reps. Total them up. Ben had us use the heavier weights we moved up to this week. So for the squat presses, we used 20lb DB in each hand and kettlebell swings we used the 44lb bell. I think on the first day we were using 10lb DBs for the presses and 25lb bells for the swings.. Just proves how much stronger we've all gotten. For even more proof, Ben told us to bury our 1st day numbers. We all busted it and got it done!!!

For the push ups, on the first day I did 18 total, modified push ups. Today, I did 14 total STANDARD push ups. That's right... on the toes!! Even though I didn't beat my first day score, I'm still very proud that I did that many standard push ups! I couldn't even do 1 before we started and now I can do 14?! Shut UP!! =)

I beat my squat press # by 8 which I am very happy about. Even with sore knees, I cranked it out with heavier weights!! =)

I believe I beat my rows # by like 10.. yeeee haw! Get ready for the gun show!!!

And the swings.... I beat those by like 20!!! After the first 30 seconds, I wrote my # down and flipped back to the day 1 # I had written down and laughed! I had almost beaten my total from the first day in the first round!! OMG!! And with a much heavier weight!

Then, after that you take the total #s that you got for each exercise and do them all again. This time in the quickest time possible. On day 1 I finished in 7:59.... today I finished in 8:08. I'm not upset by that at all. All of the exercises were done with heavier weights and a lot more reps. So I did at least twice as much work in almost the same amount of time...

As promised, here is what went down with the stir fry...... Can I just say O-M-G it was so freakin good!!!!!!!!!!! The couscous was very good and the mix of the onion spice (a premixed VT made blend) with the veggies (that I don't normally eat btw) and the beef was SO good!! num num numnumnum!!! Even Mike liked it!!! I put his beef & veggies over rice, but he gobbled it up like it was going out of style!! That will definately be in my menu once a week!!!

The next thing that I'm going to try is garbonzo beans (chick peas). I like hummus, so I'm told that I should like the beans. I'm thinking so. Just have to gather my courage to try it. But I will!!!

Tonight I went for a 3 mile walk. I'm very proud to say that I busted it and walked at a very fast pace (felt that way to me). There was a couple times where my legs were just buuurning, and I had to push myself to keep going, to keep the same pace. It didn't help that the battery on my ipod died about 1/2 way through the walk (note to self: plug in ipod for about 1/2 hour before embarking on walk!). That was a real bummer because I picked songs that had a good fast beat and kept my pace to that beat. But, I finished it in 55 minutes... 15 minutes faster than my best time. Whoooo hoooo! I'm hoping to do this for like a week and then push myself to cut another 10 minutes (at least) off it.. By the 2nd week in May I'm hoping to be running!! That's the plan. Keep pushing myself to walk faster and then finally start running. I forget if I've mentioned it yet, but there's a local charity run on May 23rd that the other Moosers, Ben, some others from BBC and I are going to run in. It's a 1/2 marathon, so 13 miles. We are doing it as a team so it is a relay. There are 3 legs that are 3 miles and the last leg is 4.1 miles. I'm wicked nervous/scared to be trying to run in this thing. I've never run in my life (except for HS) so I don't know... but I'm doing it.. !! I'm very happy to say that my work is going to sponsor me and donate $25 towards the cause (THANK YOU!!!).. So look for me to be wearing an NGJ t-shirt on the run... oh and it'll be a LARGE.. that's right.. I'm going to be wearing a LARGE!! Hell yeah!! Count on it!!

~L-dawg

4 Rounds -taken out of me

I know I say this a lot, and honestly its a credit to Ben, but today's workout kicked my ass! It was SO hard!!!

We did one called 4 rounds. So we had a few stations, with 2 exercises at each and we had to do 12 reps, switch to the other exercise for 12 reps then back and forth 4 times (get the name now?).. I'm going to try to remember the stations.. I wish that I had time right after the workout so that it's fresh in my mind, but... c'est la vie!!

So the stations were (again all reps are 12 unless specified):

1)Step ups (12 each leg)
Push ups (either variation)

2)Kettlebell High Pull Burpee

Reverse Crunches

3)Deadlift (Missy & I used 100lbs, I think E did 125 - you go girl!)
Assisted Pull Ups

4)One arm DB snatch (12 each arm)
Lunges w/weight (E & I did see saws as our knees were bothering us)

I put these in the order that I did them.. that's the only way I could remember!! Ben gave us until 8am to finish. I saw the step ups on the board and knew instantly that I was going to start there. No way was I going to let the one exercise I hate keep me from finishing a workout again!! It was hard as hell, but I did it!! I got through all those reps of stupid step ups and moved on!! E & M both finished at 8 (actually I think E finished a few minutes early- Good job!!!), but M was right behind her. I finished a few minutes after 8. BUT, I finished!! I am damned proud of myself for that too.. By the time I got to the last station, my knees were on fire, but I pushed through. I was actually relieved when Ben said to do the see saws instead of the lunges. I knew my knees wouldn't be able to take those. For the see saws you have a DB in each hand and alternate pushing them over your head. Not easy by any means!! AND, Ben told us to use heavier weights for our workouts today. SO not only did I do the step ups, but I used 15lb DB in EACH hand instead of 10's. Hell yeah! And I think I used 20's for the DB snatch and see saws.

As everyone who's been following along knows, I am a picky eater. And it's been getting a little harder lately since my calories & %ages were dropped. Now it's hard to find variations to do on the same ol veggies. I know that I need to try new ones, and I have a list posted on my fridge of ones to try. So I will keep trying new ones, but I don't seem to like the ones I try. I know people think that I "just don't like" broccoli & cauliflower, but that's not all true. I HATE them! They seriously make me gag. Ask Mike. He was here when I tried them. He will attest to the fact that I was nearly losing the rest of my dinner trying to just eat them anyway. I know that I will have to just "suck it up and do it" and still eat the veggies I don't like, but it's just making myself do it that's very hard. But, there is hope!! Tomorrow I'm trying something new. Stir fry. I bought onion, green & red peppers and mushrooms. I'm going to use EVOO and an onion spice mix that I have and fry 'em up with my beef that I bought. Then, I'm going to try couscous!! I'm going to put the whole mix over couscous. I think I tried couscous once, but I believe it was plain. I got one that's Chicken & garlic flavored. So I think it'll be pretty tasty with the veggies. I will keep you posted on it!!! =)

I got beat up at bootcamp!!!

And I am NOT kidding!!! LOL.. well, ok, not really... but it was a bit of a rough one!!!


To start off with, we do a new warm-up routine. One of the things we do is jump rope. Everyone knows that lately my feet have not been cooperating with my brain when I do this. Today was no different. We were jumping rope and again my big feet (I wear a size 11!!) got caught. I thought I had pulled the jump rope from under my feet, but apparently I hadn't because I pulled up on the jump rope and it broke, right at the handle!! OY! At first I was trying to put it back together, but Missy was like "Lisa!!" and Ben turned around and was like "what the?!".. Busted!!! Sorry Ben!!!! LOL..


Then we did our workout. It was cardio day and Ben threw a new station in. We did bike, firehose weave, renegade rows (no weight) and lateral shuffle. The lateral shuffe is like this: there are two cones set up about 10 feet apart. You have to "shuffle" from one to the other, touching them each time, as fast as you can. The first couple times I did it fine, but the third time was not my charm. Instead of shuffling my big feet, I crossed them. Big mistake.. I crossed them and the side of my shoe caught on the floor and down I went! I was fine.. I didn't hurt anything, but I leaned back after I fell and bumped my head on the weight that was on the bar we use for deadlifts and push presses. Double duh!! Don't worry, I have a hard head!! I didn't even bump it that hard. Just enough to know what a dumb move that was!!

Oh that's not it!! After we were done, M wanted to try doing the assisted pull ups again. So I went over and pulled the band down so that she could put her foot in. She had her hand on the band as well and for whatever reason it slipped and whacked me right in the cheek!! I was like "look, I'm not going to help you anymore if you're just going to beat me up!" LOL.. It was frickin hilarious!! So yes, I got beat up at bootcamp today!!! LMAO... but it was still a good day!!

Christine wasn't with us, but she did do a workout before we had gotten there. (Yay to you for getting up even earlier!!) Erica was also not at BBC this morning because she was sick. Get better soon E! We missed you!!

So that's about it.. I had bowling tonight as a few people on both teams wouldn't be able to make it on Wednesday.. 2 more weeks and bowling is done.. I can't wait. I like it, but I'm ready for this season to be done.

Until tomorrow!!

Over the mountain (Richford that is) and through the woods to Momma & Poppa's we go!

PHEW!!!!!!!!!!! I know, I know.. where the hell have I been for 3 days? Well, it's a funny story.. Friday, I went from BBC to my in-laws to work to home for supper and then to poker. We didn't get home until nearly 11 so I got my bum to bed. Then Saturday was BBC, MMC and over the mountain to my parent's house for the weekend. When we got there we hung out for a bit and then Mom & I got our butts beat in cards by Mike & my dad. (Grrrr.. cheaters!!! Must've cheated!!). I went to plug my stuff into Fitday (I hadn't had a chance until then) and my mom's internet wasn't working. So then I helped Mom get supper ready and that was very yummy (ham & green beans & they all had potato). I messed with the computer some more to see if I could get her internet up and running, but it didn't work. So I used her Blackberry to get my stuff plugged in. Although I ate supportively, the #s didn't work out so well. I'm sure Ben will understand. =) Let me just say that those things are a pain in the ass to try to do Fitday on.. It took for-EVER to plug my foods in!! The stupid buttons are so tiny and close together that there was alot of cursing under my breath as I tried to type stuff in.. Ok, so maybe it wasn't THAT funny a story.. but a story nonetheless.

Anyway.. so Friday was a very fun day. For the locals, you know already that the local dj's Tod & Deveney came and worked out with us. The also broadcast live from BBC too.... It was cardio day and Ben added a few stations to accomodate our guests. The stations were: Alternating Firehose Slams, Burpees, Bike, Frog Jumps, Plate Punches, Band High Knees, Plate Clean and Press. 30:60.. Ben hinted around on Wednesday that eventually we'll be doing 30:30.... that should be interesting!!! =) Oh yeah... I beat my burpees high AGAIN!!! My new # to beat for burpees is 22. 22!!! Can you freaking believe it?? Well believe it!!!

I felt so bad for Christine though. She was doing the band high knees with a new band Ben had just gotten and it broke!! Even worse was that it smacked Erica in the arm. Erica was fine, but C felt bad (don't worry about it C!). We know she didn't do it on purpose!!! C won't be joining us this week for BBC because she has training for a new job and she will be sorely missed!!! =( She said that she will be joining other BBC classes during the week, so I'm glad for that.

Yesterday we started doing max reps of push ups and assisted pull ups (I did jump pull ups). We did this for 10 minutes so you try to do the maximum number of reps of push ups (standard or modified) without stopping. Then you do the same for assisted pull ups. We had 10 minutes to do this and you could try as many times in that 10 minutes as you wanted to get a high #. I did 7 standard push ups. 7!! Holy shniekies!! I couldn't even do 1 when we started!! The first time I did the pull ups I could only do 7, but on my third try I got 8!! I can't believe how much stronger I've gotten already!! It was funny because yesterday my mom & I were talking and I started putting my hair up and she was like "You've got muscles now girl!!".. I was like "oh yeah.. I'm getting GUNS!!".. =)

After that we did:

Goblet Squats
Kettlebell Swings
Burpees
Side plank leg lifts

10 reps for each one, go through the whole list as many times as you can in 10 (15?) minutes. I think there was one more, but I can't for the life of me remember what the hell it was.. Must be I blocked it out!!

Well, tomorrow is cardio day again.. so I can't wait to see what we're doing! Whatever it is, I'm ready! Let's go!! =)

Silver lining

We started out doing push presses and Christine and I finished with 85! 5 more than we did last time.. not a big difference, but hey, we did more! We also did 3 rounds of pull ups (with a band assisting us- we actually did jump pull ups where you put your foot in the band still for support but you jump up to do the chin up) which were very hard!! I definately can't do a pull up (yet!) but I was able to do the jump chin up and actually get my chin up over the bar!

Then, we did this:
50 jump squats
40 goblet squats
30 kettlebell swings
20 step ups w/ 10 lb db, 20 each leg
10 skater jumps per leg
25 burpees w/ pushups
10 skater jumps per leg
20 step ups w/ 10 lb db, 20 each leg
30 kettlebell swing
40 goblet squats
50 jump squats

Ben didn't time us for this one, but gave us a goal of finishing in 35 minutes (I think it was). I didn't finish. When the time came that he wanted us to finish by I was on the 2nd set of step ups. This pissed me off big time. I was VERY upset with myself that I didn't finish the whole workout. The other girls finished, but I did not. This was the first time in 7 weeks that I wasn't able to finish and it was very very frustrating. The one thing that slowed me down was the step ups. Those are definately on my $%*# list. I hate 'em. I don't know if it's because of my knees that it's so hard or it's just getting myself up there. Whatever it was, it pissed me the #$*! off.

If it hadn't been for my MF (Mooser Family- thought I better explain that one!) it probably would've ruined my whole day. They all are really wonderful and I'm so glad & blessed to have them to help me & support me when I need it. They helped me to look at everything I've accomplished so far, how far I've come since we first started. 23lbs, 6.5% body fat... so I'm going to just say "tomorrow's another day" and the girls better watch out because I WILL be on tear tomorrow!! =) Believe it.... Werd.


P.S. One thing I've forgotten to mention this week is that I tried asparagus. It was ok. I spread a little (about 1/2 T) horseradish hummus on it then sprinkled on garlic powder and baked it at 350 for about 10 minutes (I think) then I turned the broiler on and cooked them for awhile longer turning them every once in awhile until there were browned.. they were a little too done actually.. but I cut them up so they looked like green beans.. I will definately try them again but I'll cut the cooking time down some.. =)

So Ben took a 6 week picture so here there are for comparison:

Catchin' up

Yeah.. ok.. so it's been a couple days.. what can I say?? I sat down to blog last night and literally stared at the screen for a few minutes. I was like "I got nuthin'" and turned the computer off. I watched BL (can't believe Sione went home, but how cool is it that he's going to be a personal trainer now??!!) and went to bed.

So, let me catch you up. Tuesday we did Tabata Extra. The extra was the extra butt whoopin that Ben gave us. O-M-G it was HARD!! Almost felt like day one!! So these were the exercises:

1. Double Ring Rows & Deadlift
2. Plate Clean and Press & Push ups
3. Goblet Squat & Flutter Kicks
4. Kettlebell Swing & Renegade Rows

40 seconds of work followed by 20 second rest. Switch exercises during rest break. Complete 4 sets of each exercise before moving to next station. There is a 40 second rest between stations.

Before we were doing the rows with a bar, but the rings are waaay harder! The hardest one is the renegade rows. It's like doing planks and rows at the same time. Actually, that's really what it is. Let me tell you, that one is rough.. Good for the 'ol arms though!!! Bye bye wallies!!! Dude, seriously? You don't know what wallies are? You know, you wave and your wallies wave too? Yeah.. that's them!! LOL..

So we finished this and it was about quarter of 8. Missy turned to Erica and said "oh we aren't done!" and we weren't. After this, we did farmer's carries with a twist. So it was Christine and I and Erica & Missy. The prize? Prograde Cravers. I've heard that they're VERY good!! So the twist is that when your partner gets to the other end of the room, they do 5 burpees and the partner does push ups until the burpees are done. Then the person comes back to the start and the partners switch. This was actually really fun (don't tell Ben!!). We started out and it was E and I head to head. Her longer legs put her ahead of me, but when we got down to the end, we ended up doing synchronized burpees!!!! At one point I had to speed walk (nearly run) to catch up to her!! It was definately a challenge, but it was great. I love the competition!!! E & M started with the heavier weights and at some point Ben switched them to C & I. Congrats to E & M who were able to get ahead of us and win. Enjoy those cravers girls!! You earned them!!!!

So today was cardio and again Ben cranked up the intensity. The stations were: firehose alternating slam, plate punches, burpees, sprints (bike for C & I) and the new one was band high knees. The band high knees was quite interesting! Ben linked two bands together, we stepped into one side and he stepped into the other. Then, when it was time to go, Ben would pull back on his side for resistance and then we had to do high knees!!! No easy task let me tell you!!! AND.. on the last time I did this one, Ben started moving around!! I was like "what are you doing?!!" He's like I'm moving around!! Um yeah I kinda noticed!!!! LOL.. SHEEEZ!!! But, I did like that one.. very challenging!!!

And guess what???!!!! I BEAT my burpee score!!! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!!! 21 baby!!! Can you see me doing a little dance?

The real fun was the plate punches. In the last couple rounds, C was able to pull ahead of me in her # of these. Nice! But then it was my turn and I upped it. So her last turn she upped it again.. verbally DARING me to beat her!!! Ok... it's ON!!! But, I was not able to catch her!! So good job C and thanks for the competition!! LOVED it!!!! =) It's on again on Friday!! You and me.. plate punches.. 90!!!!!!

Well, it's late and time for this chicky to head to bead. Night all...

Werd. LOL

Cardio twist

Today's cardio was a little different. We had a few of the old favorites and a couple new ones. The stations were: sprints (bike -for Christine & I), firehose alternating slam, jump rope, plate punches and kettlebell high pull burpee.

Plate punches were killer!! You take a 25lb weight (plate obviously) and with it at chest level push it out and bring it back towards you as fast as you can in 30 seconds. HOOOOLY moly chamoly!!! I was the first one to do this and set the bar high at 60.. The girls did great getting VERY close to that #. =)

The other new one was the kettlebell high pull burpee. So you do a normal burpee, except that you start with your feet on either side of the kettlebell. You do the burpee, except that you keep your feet wide and when you bring your feet back towards your hands, you end up with your feet back on either side of the kettlebell. Then you do a high pull. Bring the kettlebell up towards your chin, arms out like wings. Let me tell you, this is NOT easy!! We all got around 10.. a couple were able to get more.

You wouldn't think so, but the jump rope was the thorn in my freakin side today!! For some reason my brain was NOT communicating with my feet.. My brain was like "JUMP" and my feet were like: "Huh? What? You want me to what? Oh look the jump rope is coming around. What do I do? Ohhhh.. jump!" TOO LATE!! Damned feet!!! COOPERATE PLEASE!! *sigh* oh well, there's always Wednesday.

Ben has now lowered my #s again. So my calories are 1551 (was 1620), Carbs 40% (was 45%), Protein 40% (was 35%) and Fat 20% (this one stayed the same). I think it'll take a little adjustment, but it seems to be ok so far. My #s were right on today.. exactly 40, 40, 20. My calories were very close. My only problem is fiber. I have a hard time with getting enough fiber. This is mostly because, as everyone knows by now, I don't like a lot of veggies. But I am trying.. honest!! I googled the fiberous vegetables and am going down the list trying them.. So stay tuned as I'll be posting about the newest one soon.

I had a VERY busy birthday weekend!! Going here and there.. it was good, just very busy. Not much time for relaxing!! The only day I get to sleep in is Sunday. I regularly tell Mike, "If you wake me before 9 on Sunday I will hurt you!!" But I was my own worst enemy on Sunday. For whatever reason (that I have no idea what it is) I woke up at 7:30.. Seven FREAKIN thirty!!! And, I couldn't get back to sleep!!! uuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! So, I am totally wiped and I am going to bed.. like very very soon... I am going to do my fitday thing and hit the hay.

Good night!!!

It's my party...

I honestly haven't been slacking in my blog duties!!! Honest!!! I just haven't had the time to sit down and blog in the past 3 days!!!

Thursday the girls & I (plus Christine's friend) went to IROC and used the weight room to do some weighted interval training. Day 2 of Ben being gone went a little better than the first one and we even did a little extra on our own!! After we were done our workout we did planks, wall sits (1 minute each), then superwoman & wall sits (2 rounds, 1 minute each). So yay to us for pushing ourselves to work hard!!

Friday Ben was back and it was "brungin!"!!!!! It was cardio day and this is what we did: 30:60 for 20 rounds, firehose weave (swing the ends of the hose out to the side and bring them in together at your chest making a wave like pattern), plate clean and press, sprint (Christine & I did the bike since we both are still having trouble with our knees/shins), renegade rows without weight, jump rope. Let me tell you, my core was feeling this one!! If it wasn't the firehose weave it was the renegade rows without weight. Welcome back Ben!!! =)

Ok, yes, today is my birthday!! I am 32 years old today (but I don't feel any older!). I had a really great day too. Of course, like last Saturday it started out at bootcamp. But this time, I went up early to get my measurements done. I was nervous and excited all in one. I knew I'd obviously lost because my clothes are getting way baggy and everyone is telling me how great I look. Best of all, I FEEL good!! But I was nervous that the #s wouldn't be as big as I thought. So, here are my numbers:

Total weight lost: 23lbs
Total body fat % lost: 6.5% (0.5% behind Missy!!)
Inches lost:
4" off hips
3" off waist
1.25" off thigh
1" off upper arm

So that's 9.25" total lost so far. Holy crap!!! The big # contributing to my total body fat lost was in my back. That was a huge drop.. bye bye back rolls!!! Ben asked us what we had expected and if our #s met that expectation. I honestly have to say that I wasn't sure what to expect. Like I said, I knew that I would have good numbers because I look and feel smaller. I actually thought because the pants I had started out in were hanging off me now that my waist measurement would be higher, but really, I lost 7" from my waist & my hips.. So duh my pants are going to hang off me! So I am VERY happy with my #s so far.

After measurements we had a workout. We started out by doing a new warm-up routine that felt more like a workout!!! Wooo!!!! But, I like the change. Something different to do and you definately get warmed up/geared up for the workout! After the warm up we did 4 minute madness. 5 stations with 2 exercises at each station. You do 12 reps of each exercise and switch back and forth between the two for 4 minutes, doing as many rounds as you can. By the time we were done, I wasn't just dripping sweat, it was pouring off me!!! It was a doozy!!! Oh and we weren't done there... after that we did 4 rounds of planks and superwomans.. whooo!!!

Following our workout we had our usual MMC class, but Cheryl stopped in and shared her bootcamp/MMC journey with us. She is an INSPIRATION!!! I LOVE her ideas for her cupboards (posting your "fat" picture on unsupportive foods to discourage yourself from eating them, taping the portion sizes handout on the inside of the cupboards, making a list of motivational sayings and posting them on the inside of the cupboard for extra motivation). Thank you SO much Cheryl for coming to talk to us today. You are AWESOME!!!! I'm going to be implementing some of the above ideas in my own kitchen!!

After MMC, I came home & got ready & Mike & I headed to Morrisville to meet up with my family (and Mike's sister, her husband and our neices) for my birthday. It was a little difficult to find something on the menu I could have, but I ended up having grilled chicken (no sauce of any kind on it), and peas & pearl onions and a side salad with light italian dressing (I didn't use all they gave me). It came with a potato side but I had them leave that out. I was going to have them double the veggie, but since it was peas and we're only supposed to have them in moderation I stuck to a single serving of it. I think they put butter on the peas so I ended up only eating about 1/2 cup of the peas that they gave me (I didn't eat the onions). Of course the salad had croutons & cheese on it, so like at Applebee's, I scraped all the bad stuff off. It worked out pretty well. We all had a good time.

So the dress pants (and jeans too actually) that I've been wearing are ridiculous to wear. This past week, I used a small black binder clip to keep my pants from falling off me. I knew it was time to get some "transitional" clothes. Mike's b-day gift to me was just that. While we were in Morrisville, we stopped in to Peebles (never been there before, nice store) and I picked up 3 pairs of dress pants. And they are all 3 sizes down from where I started!!! For the first time in my life, I was not in the dressing room crying because I was too big to fit into something!! I was in the dressing room doing the dance of joy because I just put on pants in a size I never thought I would see again!!! It was SO sweet!!! I was looking at the clothes in my new size and I was honestly like, no that won't fit, it's too small. But I grabbed it anyway and tried and I'll be damned... they fit!!!!! I think maybe I was in a little bit of denial just how much I'd actually lost. But I'm over that now.. LOL... Bring on the skinny bitch clothes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)=)

The new thing I tried this week is hummus. I had never heard of this stuff before I started doing BBC, and of course I was VERY skeptical about trying it. But one of my co-workers had a 7 spice blend that she was dipping her carrot sticks in. So I just took a little taste. Oh my GOD it was SOOOOO good!! SPICY!!! whoooooo.. So I picked up some horseradish hummus and put it on a ham sandwich Friday night. Whooooaaa nelly was that GOOD!!! I also picked up some asparagus to try. A few people have told me that they're really good roasted, especially with garlic (mmmm love me some gahlik!!). So I'm thinking that I'm going to brush on some of my horseradish hummus and roast them.. I'll let you know how it goes.. I'm hoping it's something I like since I haven't had to much success with new veggies. But I'm trying!!!

Well, tomorrow is another busy day.. so I will see you back here on Monday.. =)

When Ben's away.. the Moosers will.. bust it!

This was the first workout we've done on our own. I have to admit that I was a little nervous. It turned out fine though.. We worked it!!

We were going to use Tonia's gym boss (timer) but it was dead. So we found a stop watch in the lost & found and used that (hey, use what you got!). Erica was the time boss today. =)

It was cardio day so we did: burpees, stairs, plate clean & press (we were in the community room at IROC which was set up for the Body Blast class that they have in there, so we were able to have a few weights & stuff to work with), jump rope and weighted step ups. We kept to the 30:60 intervals we've been doing with Ben. Christine brought a friend along so we doubled up on one of the stations. I hate to admit it, but I did miss Ben yelling "get there!" "push!". We all encouraged each other, but it wasn't the same. One time Christine and I did the stairs together and we RACED up and down those stairs!! Let me tell ya, she was frickin crazy legs on those stairs!! =)

Christine's friend was nice enough to take pictures for us (to prove we really DID work out!!! LOL) so here they are:

Ha ha.. love Missy's face in this one.. can you tell we were working hard?? We had just finished a round and she looks a little pooped!! =)

Christine rockin the jump rope and me saying "hello" to the fire alarm.. ha ha ha

Plate clean & press & jump rope.. I'm doing step ups so that's why you can't see me. We were kind of spread out here so she couldn't get me in the picture. Sorry they're so blurry. Stupid camera.. Sometimes it works great, but for the most part it sucks. Time to upgrade!!!

So that's it.. we busted it and got it done.. on to tomorrow!! =)