Spring Chick Challenge Week 7

Hey Party People, 

     How is life treating you?  Life on this side of the computer is fair to fine.  The weather is really looking up and that makes me happy.  Sad to say that global warming is real, because this has been the "best" winter that I have experienced here in Montreal in a LONG time; mild temperatures and little snow.  I know that this makes me happy, but at the same time I have to question what is going on with our planet if only a few year's ago we were getting tons of snow... Enough of that rant, I weighed in at 218 yesterday, that is down 0.8, I'll take it I guess.

Week 6:

1. Gym 6 times Went 5 times,workout out at home the other time
2. 2L of water a day 3/7 days
3. Hot Yoga: Friday and Tuesday No and No
4. Run 3x this week No

Wow this week was weak. I really did not meet my goals, this is really sad.  Now I have to look at WHY I didn't reach my goals.

1. Gym Goal: well that one was practically met, so I will leave it alone.
2. Water:  I just cannot get the hang of this.  I struggle so hard.  When I am at the gym it is easier.  But during the day I am just not thirsty.  I am going to buy a case of water and set aside 4 water bottles (2 L) and tell myself that I have to drink these four bottles in a day, maybe that will work.
3. Hot yoga:  Just could not go at the times that they were offered.
4. Running:  Just have to get out there.  I went and bought a pair of running gloves and the weather is much better, so I am ready to hit the road.

Week 6 Mini Challenge: all water, all week, I must say that this went well, there were only 2 occasions I drank something other than water.  One was on Saturday, when I went to the brunch and they had the best smelling coffee, so I had a few cups and Sunday I went to the movies and had a slushie.

Week 6 Review

• How many goals did you reach? One, I have purchased something in size 12.
• What are you most proud of? Unfortunately, I do not have much to be proud of.  I guess that I am generally proud that it has been almost 5 years and I have still kept most of my weight off.
• Do you have any words of advice? My words of advice are the same words that I would give myself.  DO NOT GIVE UP.  Even when things look bad, real bad, don't give up.  Everyday there is a new chance to be the best you, that you can be. It is never too late to start.

Week 7 Goals

• Are you keeping them the same...? YES
  1. Gym 6 times 
  2. 2L of water a day
  3. Hot Yoga: Tuesday
  4. Run 3x this week
• Are you switching it up? I am going to try what I stated above about the water to try and get more in.
• What has become like a habit? Nothing specific that I didn't go before.

MINI CHALLENGE.... Eat with smaller platers and/or utensils.... Funny, I already kind of do this, so it should be hard.


Have a great day!

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Spring Chick Challenge Week 6

Wow, where have 6 weeks gone...Time to take a look back and see how bad I sucked this week (let us not beat around the bush, I was not at my best this week on any level). Weight is up 218.8 (up 1.6)
Last week:

• Workout everyday FAIL, No workout on Wed. Thursday, I wasn't feeling well and Sunday I had a migraine (go to hot yoga on Friday NOPE and Tuesday YUP!) 
• Drink 2L of water a day Struggling! but this weeks challenge is making this easy, peasy lemon squeezy
• Get in 3 sessions on the treadmill Got in one outside run and one walk
• Only have 2 servings of starches per day Fail #2

Time to try and get back to 214! Fail #3

Last weeks mini challenge: was no caffeine I goofed once and then had a cup of coffee to help my migraine (it worked at least)

This Week:

1. Gym 6 times
2. 2L of water a day
3. Hot Yoga: Friday and Tuesday
4. Run 3x this week

This weeks Mini Challenge: all water, all week, I have been doing this since Monday and it is going well.

Week 5 Review Probing Questions.

Best moment: Being told that I look slim by a college

Not so great moment: Seeing the scale go up and not being able to work out due to period pain and migraines

Any funny stories: Sorry :(

Are you where you hoped you would be in this journey: No.  Not at all, I started of so strong and now I struggling

Tell why or why not?  I am good during the week, but then I have an event and shit hits the fan, I need to control myself more on the weekends. 

Would you like a buddy for the last 6 weeks of the challenge: Sure

Anybody wanna chat online sometime: I think I'll pass, son't really have time for this.

In other news the Ottawa Half (in May) is supposedly SOLD OUT!  Good think I got my spot last week!   This makes me so excited.

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Spring Chick Challenge Week 4 and Week 5 Goals

Week 4 was better than week 3.  Weigh in showed 217.2 , so down 0.6. I will take it.  These are the things that I wanted to get down last week

• Get 2 sessions of treadmill work in -I got this done, but the sessions were short and sweet (15-20 minutes).  Now that I am signed up for a few races, I want to increase the session number as well the length of time I spend running.  I would also like to get in a run outside.
• Go to the gym every day - I went everyday except last Wed.  This week I am going to make it a full week this time
• Drink at least 2 litres of water a day-Still struggling with this, the funny thing is that when I drink water out of 500 ml bottles, I can get more in, but whenIi drink from my stainless steel 750 ml bottle, I have trouble drinking more water, weird.
• Eat properly, only have one small sweet a day- FAIL!  But better than last week.

Mini-Challenge This Week: No Caffeine

Is tea considered caffeine?  I will commit to no coffee and no soft drinks as of today, until next Wednesday.

This week:

• Workout everyday (go to hot yoga on Friday and Tuesday)
• Drink 2L of water a day
• Get in 3 sessions on the treadmill
• Only have 2 servings of starches per day

Time to try and get back to 214!


Tonight at the gym there are no fun classes, so I will just do my own thing. 


By the way, even though I haven't seen a lose on the scale, my pants feel looser in the waist.  My problem is that my thighs are thick, so the thighs of pants fit close, but the waist is big.


Have a great day!

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Spring Chick Challenge: Week 2

Week 2 is here and things are going.  Yesterday, I weighed in and I was at 214.  Down 1.2 from last week.  I was in a bit of a funk, Monday and Tuesday, but today I am feeling better and plan to hit the gym hard for the next few days.  Time to look at how my challenge goals are going:

My goal will be to fit into a size 12 piece of clothing or smaller. I have NEVER owed anything in a size less than 14. This is going well.  I bought a skirt in size 12, so I am on my weigh.

I will aim to drink 2 l of water a day, keep my calories under 1750 Except for yesterday, I have been drinking at least 2 litres of water. I think I am going to nix the calorie count since I don't have a great way to measure.

I will try and do some sort of activity everyday. I will complete my half marathon in February in under 2 hours and 31 minutes ( my last time) This WAS going well, until Monday and Tuesday when I stayed home.   The race that I was suppose to run in Feb. is sold out, so I have been so bummed about it that I have been taking a bit of a break from running. I am going to sign up for the Ottawa half next week (hopefully I remember) that will make it official, then I will have to start training.  Also, this may sound stupid, but the zipper on my winter running jacket broke so even if I wanted to run outside, I do not have a proper jacket and all you fellow Canadians know that when you are outside and it is -11C plus windchill, you need to be dressed properly.

Commit to blogging at least twice weekly and 1 of those times must be you check in with a complete up date on your progress. All other blogs could include new insights, results of weekly challenges, or just letting others know how you are doing.
Commit to support... both giving and receiving. Check others blogs and comment as you feel motivated to do.  This has been going great.  Thank you for all the support, it means the world to me.

This week:

• Head to the gym everyday for the rest of the week, get on the treadmill as much as possible in the next few days

Have a great week!

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Spring Chick Challenge Update: Week 1

     Last week went well, I weighed in this morning at 215.  That is a 6.2 loss.  I am not going to get overly excited because I have been here before.  I can only start to get excited when I get below 212*.  I went to the gym everyday except, Sunday and Monday, because I was sick.  I have been drinking at least 2 L of water a day and I think that is what is really helping.

     This week, I plan to do much of the same.  Gym everyday and water, water, water.  Hopefully next week I will down to 212, that is when the party starts!

*Why 212?  4 years ago when I started this journey (wow it has been four years already!)  I was 272, so 212 is my 60 pound mark.  From there I need to just go lower.

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Spring Chick Challenge For 2012

This challenge is hosted by Stormy@Big Butt Theory and will start Jan 2 and end March 19th 2012.




So here are the focus points for this challenge:
Commit to a NSV (non scale victory) to be assessed at the start and the conclusion of the challenge.  
For example it could be:
losing inches
improving your 1mile time
fitting into a pair of your used to be favorite jeans.

My goal will be to fit into a size 12 piece of clothing or smaller. I have NEVER owed anything in a size less than 14

Commit to a set of nutrition parameters and track via MyFitnessPal or Sparkpeople or WW. Whatever tracking works for you. IF you are on maintenance and do not really track. What nutrition goals do your have?
How many calories daily or weekly?
How much water will you drink daily?
What items, if any, will you limit?

I will aim to drink 2 l of water a day, keep my calories under 1750



Commit to a set of exercise parameters. These can be as loose or as flexible as you feel work for your personality, schedule, etc.
Think variety.
Start small and build.
Try to incorporate a variety of exercises as to avoid boredom 

I will try and do some sort of activity everyday. I will complete my half marathon in February in under 2 hours and 31 minutes ( my last time)

Commit to blogging at least twice weekly and 1 of those times must be you check in with a complete up date on your progress. All other blogs could include new insights, results of weekly challenges, or just letting others know how you are doing.
Commit to support... both giving and receiving. Check others blogs and comment as you feel motivated to do. 

No problem here we go!!!!

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15 in 15 Challenge Week 2 Advice

Train as if there is no finish line --Unknown

Everyone is doing a great job!  We have about 21 active participants, and I am really impressed with the work that everyone is doing, keep it up.  The weight is coming off and we will be at 15 pounds before you know it.  This week's quote, reminds us that WE have to push for what WE want.  No one is going to lose weight/live a healthy lifestyle for us.  WE have to do it for ourselves, "I am the master of my ship, the captain of my soul.".  WE are the one's that make the decision what to eat.  WE are the one's that decide when to workout and for how long.  WE are the one's the smile when WE purchase a new pair of jeans in a smaller size.  WE are the one's that are in control.  Remember that WE can do this.  All we have to do is keep pursuing the dream that we want.  It IS possible and WE will achieve!

A huge woot, woot (hands in the air) to Annie who is this week's Star Of The Week, she lost over 4 pounds this week!  Way to go.  Look out for  a small feature on her later this week.

Did you know that women who sense that their workouts are easy regain less weight than those who find their workouts more difficult?  Like me, you want to make sure that the weight you have lost doesn't come back so here are some tips:

1. Keep it fun - If you like to dance take a Zumba Class, love the water try aqua fitness.  Do something that you love then it won't feel like a workout.  Workout in places and with people you like to be around.
2. Take it slow - Gradually increase the intensity of your workout.  You will not be able to bench press 50 pounds overnight.
3. Fuel your body - You ARE what you eat.  Try to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day and drink lots of water

This week`s BONUS CHALLENGE: Comparing yourself to others can be a source of inspiration, if you do it right.  Instead of negative thinking, try to  think positive.  Like someone`s arms? Jot down 2 exercises that you can do to work out the part that you admire.  Also, look at yourself, is there a part of you that you are proud of?  Keep it lookin sexy.  Write down 2 exercieses to keep yourself smokin.

Did you know that men tend to work out their best parts and women tend to work out the parts of their body that need improvement. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Thanks again to everyone and their well wishes for my upcoming surgery.  New followers, WELCOME!

CARPE DIEM! Seize the day!

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15 in 15 Challenge Week 2

Week 2 is here!
I weigh in this week at 211 so that is a 0.4 loss for the week. Not so great, but at least it is a loss.  Post your losses in the comment section.

Have a great day!

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15 in 15 Challenge: Week One Advice

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."-Buddha

First of all let me congratulate all the participants who posted their numbers.  If you have not sent me your lose/gain for week 1 please do so.

A BIG FELICITATION! (congratulations in french) to all the participants who lost this week.  I am so proud of all of you.  You are working hard and I know that this is going to be a great experience for all of us!  High five to Melissa who is the Star of the Week, she lost 4 pounds!  If you did not lose, do not worry!  This is only the first week, you are getting into the groove of things and I am sure that next week you are in for bigger and better things.  DO NOT GIVE UP!  The fact that you are here is already half the battle!

This week's quote (I am going to post a motivational quote each week), reminds us that we must focus on today.  I know that we all saw,"I will get back on track tomorrow".  Try to focus on the now, correct your mistakes immediately.  This is a journey, but it takes focus and planning each day to get where you want to be.

Here are a few exercise tips:

• If you have a muffin top....try oblique crunches
• If you have droopy breasts ...try inclined dumbbell presses
• Backside bra bulge...try seated rows
• If you have a flat butt ...squats
• If you have thick thighs...try walking lunges

If you do not know how to do any of the mentioned exercises, just youtube them and you will see a video on how to perform them.  Remember to do 10-15 repetitions and 2-3 sets.

Nutrition is a HUGE part of weight loss, this is the part that I struggle with the most.  When people ask me how I have lost the weight, I always say that I now actually WATCH what I eat.  We really need to be mindful of what we put in out mouths.  if you are conscious of your portion sizes, do a little research and see what the portion sizes of different foods should be.  You will be shocked when you see that the mountain of pasta on your plate is actually 4 portions!  Try to have a veggie with each meal. At supper, half your plate should be veggies.

This week's Bonus Challenge: Sunday night, prepare what workouts you will do this week.  Try to be active at least 3 times for an hour, if you can combine cardio and strengh training. If you have a blog post what you will do.  If you do not have  a blog write it down your activities and post it on your fridge

Have a wonderful weekend and on to WEEK 2! 

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15 in 15 Challenge Week 1

211.4!  Woooo Hoooo!  I am officially back.  I am ecstatic.  THIS is the way to start a challenge I am down 2.6 from last week!  Send me your loss so I can update the list.

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15 in 15 Challenge

Hey hey hey!
   I have recovered from my exaushtion and I am ready to work!  The 15 pounds in 15 weeks challenge is on!  I have 6 people including myself that are in.  We have 15 weeks until the end of the year (14 weight ins) and the goal is to loss 15 pounds.  In terms of prizes, I don't have much to offer, but I will send a little something to all that make it.  Here are the participants:

• Vee
• Solidice242
• Dee
• Ro
• Melissa

Yeah!  I am so excited!  Anyone else reading this and wants to participate drop me a comment, you are all welcome, the more the merrier. Sorry, I wish I was more computer savy and could make a fancy badge, but no can do. I did some googling and this badge is the best I can come up with, sorry it is so small, but feel free to add in to your posts.  I will keep track on the side bar,so please post a comment each Friday (or whenever you can) and I will update the info with how many pounds you have lost.

Imagine how sexy we will look 15 pounds lighter for New Year's Eve!  Woot woot!

I have signed up for two more races.  One of the is another 5K race and it will be next Sat.  I am aiming for 31 minutes.  I have also signed up for my graduation race for my running clinic it will be Nov. 6 and it is 10K.  In this race I am aiming for 1 hr. 15 minutes.

My gym membership has expired and I am goin to try something new, I am signing up for classes at the community center and I am going to see how that works for a while.

Eating is still a fail.  At my school, we have  a large population of Native students.We took them to a Pow Wow today.  like any cathering there was lots of food.  I had an Indian taco it was sooooo good.  Fried bread that had a little cinnamon in it. Topped with shredded lwttuce, homemade salsa and ground beef, oh ya and lots of grated cheese.  Yummy!

A pow-wow (also powwow or pow wow or pau wau) is a gathering of North America's Native people.

A modern pow-wow is a specific type of event where both Native American and non-Native American people meet to dance, sing, socialize, and honor American Indian culture. There is generally a dancing competition, often with significant prize money awarded. Pow-wows vary in length from one day session of 5 to 6 hours to three days.


Have a great weekend!

P.S Weigh in was 214 better but still trying to get back to that 211.

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Do You Get Love At The Gym?

I do!  I went back to the gym yesterday after being gone for a week and my spinning instructor asked where I had been!  I felt so loved.  I also got a text from a guy at the gym that I see often and he asked where have I been and if I was slacking on the gym.  I told him that I was on vacation, he was mad that I had a legit excuse for not being there ;)  Today was crazy, I did the second part of my circuit and this time I focused on the lower body.  This is what I did:

20 reps where done of each exercise

1. Leg Press--140 lbs
2. Plie Squat with a 30 lbs weight
3. Seated Leg Curl--45-50 lbs
4. Lying Leg Curl --40-45 lbs
5. Standing Calf Raise--180 lbs
6. Seated Calf Raise -- 45 lbs
7. 5 minutes on the treadmill

I am really starting to love this circuit stuff, it really gets your heart going and the fact that you do not rest (except when you are heading from one machine to the other)  really keeps up your heart rate.  The above was done with minimum rest 4 times, after all seven exercises I rested for about 2 minutes.  By the end I was drenched in sweat and exhausted.  This was all done in the morning.  In the evening I hit the treadmill for 30 minutes and then the elliptical for 20 min.  I know that it seems like I am working in overdrive but honestly, I am giving it my all this week that I am home because I know that when I go back to work I am sure that I will nit have as much tome to exercise, so I might as well take advantage. Also I am really looking to win this challenge!  As you can see from the right, all my hard work is paying off, 3 pounds down, YES!  I am excited for the weight in on Saturday.

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Let The Games Begin!

I am entering the weight loss challenge at

Let us see how long it will take me to lose 10 pounds. Since I am home for the week I have decided that I will go to the gym twice a day, this should help with the challenge.  This morning I went and did a new weight training circuit that I got in the new issue of Muscle and Fitness Hers. 

Today's circuit consisted of the following, all exercises were done for 15-20 reps:

1. 
   
   Barbell Bench Press--I used the bar alone
2. 
   
   Barbell Overhead Press--15 lbs bar
3. 
   
   Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown--45-55 lbs
4. 
   
   Standing Dumbbell Curl--12lbs
5. 
   
   Lying Tricep Extension--12 lbs (No benches were free, so I did this seated)
6. 
   
   Exercise-Ball Crunch--To failure
7. 
   
   Reverse Crunch--To failure
8. 
   
   Exercise-Ball Bridge--To failure

I did this 4 times taking about a minute break in between circuits.  I then followed up with 30 minutes in the Stepmill.  If I don't win the challenge that's cool but I am going to give 150%!  Tonight I am going to head to Step Class and if I am not dead I will do Spinning.

Have a great day!  To all my new followers, thank you so much for following my page, I really appreciate it!

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Back From Vacay

My little vacation was fun, it is always great to see a friend that you haven't seen in awhile.  Did a whole bunch of shopping in NYC, man stuff is so CHEAP there! 20$ dresses!  I will take it.  I am sure that I gained some weight but only the scale will tell tomorrow.  I hope that it isn't to much...

I am signed on for a weight lose challange, I need to be the first to lose 10 pounds, there are 5 participants.  I am a day late since I just came back today.  Tomorrow I will begin wish me luck!  I will let you know what my start weight is.

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