KRISTYN - WEEK 8

The weird thing is i tend to lose more weight when in CLE than NYC. So if anyone wants a new diet remedy maybe move / visit CLE?? haha

Wow, just looking at my report and i worked out every day last week. Counting yesterday that's 9 days in a row (w/ plan to go again shortly)...jesus, need to get a life! Tues was just abs but still...

Sat - 1 hr walk
Sun 45min walk, abs
Mon - 18min elip, 7 bike, 23 treadmill and strength
Tues abs
Wed - jog 10 mins, walk 38, (lots of arms)
Thur - 45min kbox, abs
Fri - strength, abs

Lets think of some fun ideas for TMCII. I was thinking Fri during my abs that we could each design a workout. I was thinking of jennifer trying to kill us and laughing (like she was laughing when we were going on the waterslide of terror).
or along the lines of the strength you were talking about, pick a target area for the week...say in addition to whatever, this week 2 days of arms or squats or whatever. Anyhoo, lets discuss in MIAMI!

Kimberly - Week 8

Here is my FINAL report for the Manolo Challenge!! We have finished!
But of course, we a going to want to continue for the days leading up to Miami.
Do you think three days of workouts from Sat-Wed leading up to Miami is enough? I am going to go for that and will bring my workout gear to Miami.

Here it is:
Sat -- 1/2 hour bike, 1 hour Pilates
Sun -- off
Mon -- 45 mins bike
Tues -- off sick
Wed -- 1/2 hour bike, 1 hour Pilates
Thurs -- 1 hour, 15 mins cardio
Friday -- ABS

When are we going to come up with the terms for TMCII? Let's discuss in Miami!!

Jennifer

I have to say that was so riduclously funny and entertaining! MM- you could pursue a career writing tv shows that would compete with the best of them i.e., 90210, Gossip Girl, Melrose, Ugly Betty, etc. Pls write more...I want to know what happens!!! :-)

KAG- congrats on the 8lbs! that is amazing! I don't knwo where you would haev lsot 8 lbs from given how thin you were to start but I am sure you look great! You looked awesome on Monday night...

DD and KS- how are you two making out?

As far as my pasat week of workouts, I managed only to d0 5 days but did all of the required cardio in the form of running only and then combination of strength workouts 4 add'l days. This week it has been the same...I am stuggling to figure out when I can get my workout in today but I am determined to get it in...have to work it for the next 6 days as KAG reminded me that I am going to be seeing lots of people in a bathing suit next week- YIKES! talk about motivation!

After the wedding KAG and I are going to Woodbury Commons to do some SHOE shopping so if anyone cares to join us, please feel free. My ccar comfortably fits 5. I think we are at 3 now if KAG's friend comes along.

Can't wait for next week! Really looking forward to it...going to be a blast!

KS- any cute boys (single) that are coming to the wedding?

Kimberly -- heading towards the finish line

I am only 100 sit-ups away from completing the challenge!! Yesterday I did an hour and 15 min of cardio because I could taste the finish line...but still have 100 sit-ups! I couldn't really do anymore...that last 15 mins killed me, but at least the girl on the bike next to me told me, "You have great legs! And I see you all the time here, so I know you work hard!" So that was nice for the "last day" at the gym... I am thinking about my prize now....

And I just weighed myself on the same scale I have been using since day 1, and I lost 8 lbs total since the beginning of the challenge!

DD

Girls, I gotta say... I'd watch this show!! Our lives are v intriguing... especially when "slightly" dramatized! Maybe we should look into making a pilot and selling to one of the networks!?! ahahahahahahaha!!!!!

The Plot Thickens: Season 2

Through intense psychotherapy with Gabriel Byrne, Moxie finds that she was confusing food for love, but her tension is relieved when Carlito parlays his excellent record in "customer service" into a passionate love affair where all Moxie's needs are met "and then some."

Cristal is dually-diagnosed: an addiction to lap-dances and gambling threaten her already complicated inter-racial relationship with Fergus, who is black. Parkalucia, her business partner, trys to comfort her, but is plagued by problems of his own and in a season 2 cliffhanger, walks-in on Cristal enjoying an inappropriate lap-dance from a higher-up and is enraged to find company's funds are used to finance Cristal's "blackjack for fruitbaskets" addiction.

Denistiny successfully battled her addiction to Orange Food. But while in rehab, has formed a close relationship with the Australian boyfriend of a socialite, who wants to impregnante her and tells her he "isn't serious" with the socialite. Denistiny cancels all her dates so she can go to the pharmacy and buy the morning-after pill after a night of heavy drinking. The socialite's suspicions that her bf is cheating are confirmed when a friend witnesses Denistiny making her purchase at the local Duane Reade. A catfight ensues in the Season 2 cliffhanger.

JayKay ElleVee begins a passionate affair with the CEO of the SPK empire. It is not entirely innocent. JayKay has ulterior motives: to be closer to SPKs and eventually take over the company. Mr. CEO is suspicious, especially when she gets close to his much younger nephew, Granson, who also has a stake in the company, and they fly off to a Las Vegas SPK convention together. Tension mounts.

Karrutoberly G-Max begins her own exercise empire and introduces the country to a new form of sexercise and the movement explodes nationwide. It involves fire, hot peppers, sex simulation and thirty pound "rabbits" for increased strength. Participants are required to sign a waiver before participating, but an injured client threatens the livelihood of the company. The trial is set to begin in Season 3.

KG: Gossip Girl

Rumour has it that DD is on her way to Cirque Lodge for a "strange, but dangerous" addiction to ORANGE FOOD. This is extremely rare, but serious. Food Coloring #8 addiction is characterized by cramping and an out-of-control metabolic feedback loop that causes the victim to continually consume more orange food. It is extrememly difficult to stop this cycle. Rates of this disease are said to increase annually in October. Get better soon, DD!!

DD

Ugh... I am so crampy and miserable that I ate a bag of Doritos!! oh and more Candy Corn and now I feel so sick and still CRAMPY!! UGH!!

Kimberly

I totally forgot about it!!

uuugh!! I have to be extra good this week. Only 10 more days until Miami!! SUCK IT IN this week, girls!!

Article from Hollywood Insider

"MNM: 'She's just like US!' say Top Hollywood Rehabbers "


Spotted outside of Cirque Lodge just after Christmas, MNM's publicist says she checked herself in for "exhaustion" but inside sources tell Hollywood Insider that friends have seen this coming since mid-October, and that the infamous Manolo Challenger is not suffering from everyday workout exhaustion. "We tried to tell her that her 'vitamins' - which is her name for various diet pills -- mixed with Ambien was not a good idea. They are both addictive." Said DD, a longtime pal and confidant. Zolpidem, the powerful sleep agent and hypnotic, was increasingly being used by MNM over the past 3 months, to counteract the effects of the uppers she was abusing to lose weight. Commonly known as diet pills, these uppers are also known as "speed" on street corners around the U.S. When Canadian authorities refused to sell MNM her stash, she found an underground dealer on the streets of NYC to provide late night door-to-door deliveries to her Manhattan apartment. "Who knows how she was even paying for all that. I was just so worried," said her good friend, KG. Other friends suspected she was on steriods. "As she became increasingly irritable, nasty and rude, I first suspected it was 'roid rage.' " said close friend KS. "I thought it was 'roid rage' as well, but then when her voice didn't deepen as we predicted, I knew it had to be uppers." said fellow Manolo Challenger, JK. Unfortunately, she was enchanted and brainwashed by her roommate who is still in the fetus stage of cognitive development, who fervently encouraged her to begin her illegal purchase of said pills. MNM was also bilked for thousands of dollars from the website from which she purchased her pills, known to be organized by a canadian-nigerian identity theft ring. Friends are bracing themselves for the lawsuit that MNM's family is sure to bring to the fetus, estimated to be in the millions. For now, the family is holding vigil by MNM's bedside as she fights her most courageous battle yet.

DD - Week 7

I think I had a p good week aside from the drinking and bad food on Saturday and Monday nights...

Sat: 55mins Kickboxing, 300+ abs
Sun: nothing official tho there was some walking
Mon: 60mins w/trainer (boxing 40mins, 20mins of weights and abs)
Tues: 300+abs
Weds: 45mins elliptical (am), 1hr20mins walking with heavy bags (pm), abs
Thurs: 36mins elliptical (am), 20 mins weights and 50mins kickboxing (pm)
Fri: nothing

So that was 6 cardio sessions in one week.. that is nothing for JK but a ton for me!! :)

Bad food:
Sat: quiche, 1 chocolate chip cookie and 1/4 of a vanilla cupcake at Ronnie's party
Mon: Mac n' Cheese and lobster roll w/ sweet potato chips at Ditch Plains (also had a bite of that chocolate thing
Tues: Candy Corn (prob like 2 servings)
Weds: More Candy Corn!
Thurs: More Mac n' Cheese (this time at Islero)
Fri: a couple pieces of chocolate (sorry - PMSing!)

Drinks:
Sat: 2-3 glasses of wine
Sun: none
Mon: 2 glasses wine
Tues: none
Weds: none
Thurs: 4-5 glasses wine
Fri: 3 glasses wine

So while I had a great cardio and workout week, I have had better drinking/eating weeks.. oh well! Guess I will have to make up for it this week!

DD - Gossip Girl Here

Spotted: MNM at Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah... After getting hooked on rando diet pills purchased on the Internet from a shady site in Canada, MNM collapsed in the bathroom of the Atlantic Grill during a party being thrown by PJS... Careful MNM, we told you those "diet vitamins" were bad news!!

Kimberly

oh yes -- I totally blanked on the Saturday night party.  I figured if we all do it together, it doesn't count!! We had to be good guests and eat the food, it would have been extremely rude not to have eaten anything!  Monday night was another celebration because it was KS's last day in town for a while and we had to dish on the events of Saturday night, come on!!  Although the fish tacos I considered pretty light, I did have that peanut butter smushed between two pieces of chocolate cake and some wine, plus a taste of the lobster roll and some of those chips.  Ooops!

So I guess I had 6 glasses of alcohol too (5 spritzers at Ronnies, then a small glass at Ditch Plains).  And I thought I was sooo good!  BTW, do spritzers count as 1 serving or 1/2 a serving??? I am going to try to be really good this week and the half week before MIA...although after working out 1.5 hours today I was SO HUNGRY and then I took a nap for 2 hours!!!!!!

KRISTYN

Week 7!
ok, so now we can talk about the bad eating and drinking behavior at Ronnies. I had quiche, mini hotdogs, a cookie (and then later some sort of cheese pasta thing!). I also probably had 10 beers and none of them was light!
UGH

On that note here's the exercise portion:
Sat 50 mins kbox, abs
Sun - Hip Hop Abs 35 mins (in my apt)
Mon - we all know what happened Monday at Ditch Plains. do we have to discuss that? i say selective memory is best!
Tues - 13min bike, 33 min treadmill, abs
Wed - 52 min treadmill, strength
Thur - nothing
Fri Elip 25min, 5min bike, 23 min treadmill, abs, strength

I've also been doing my "punishment" of 25 delts. Kimby and i changed it from biceps b/c apparently delts are the way to get madonna arms! I may be crazy but i think its working? I've been doing a lot of arms lately. that's my biggest fear in the ugly white dress!

Ok, i have to do some stuff before our friends come over at 7. going to try to stay strong and avoid the cocktail snacks! evil!

Natural Beauty

Kimberly -- Week 7!!!

I cannot believe that we are in the LAST WEEK OF THE MANOLO CHALLENGE AND KS IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!  

We are almost there, I can almost hear the ringing and snap of my credit card as I slap it down in the S5A shoe department!! Wooo Hooo!

Here's my report for the week --

Sat -- Pilates (1 hour)

Sun -- off

Mon -- 1/2 hour bike, 1/2 hour elliptical, abs

Tues -- 20 mins grueling bike work, then Pilates (1 hour)

Wed --  20 mins bike, 20 mins elliptical, 5 mins rower

Thurs -- off 

Fri -- 1/2 hour bike, 1/2 hour elliptical, 5 mins rower, abs

And congrats to Deni who did six cardio sessions this week!  That's A LOT....You must feel good! 

I don't think I over did my drink quota, even including the party... and as for food, I've been eating Denise's turkey meatballs.  They are really good and filling, I encourage you all to learn how to make them, they are simple to make and yummy to eat.  Thanks Denise! 

I find that if I crush up some black-market fen-phen and put it in the meatballs, I am not hungry again for roughly five days.  It somehow makes them so much more filling.  I made some more and froze them.  I'll just heat them up next Wednesday when I eat again. 

Kimberly

MNM-- are you preemptively putting up nice posts thanking us for "being a friend," because once you start abusing diet pills you will become "extremely irritable, nasty, and rude" just like Kelly Taylor???  We're on to you, girl!!

Jennifer- quick response

While I have to run out to a client event now at the Bouley Test Kitchen, I just had to comment on the photo of the CC and Pumpkins! I will confess that I am an even bigger fan of the pumpkins than I am of the CC and have re-filled the bowl at home and at the office with Pumkins once I found them in the store! All season I searched high and low for pumpkins and all I found was CC until last week- BLISS! PUMPKINS!!!!!!

will write more later!

DD

Addicted to Candy Corn!!

I have fallen off the wagon! I did not have CC for over a week and then today, I broke down!! I was in a bad mood (sad really) and am PMS and work sucks so I wanted a pick-me-up... I bought a bag of the Autumn Mix (Alana loves the pumpkins) and I ate EVERY chocolate candy corn in the bag... I only eat the top part tho and throw away the chocolate part (that part is gross.. candy corn should not be chocolate!)... so I ate the tops of about 40 candy corns and then ate about 10 more regular candy corn and 2 pumpkins!! ugh!! I estimate I had at least 50 candy corns all in (probably less though since I only ate the tops of the chocolate ones!!

Anyway, there are currently just a bunch of pumpkins left in the bowl!! Alana helped me eat the regular candy corn... I know, I know.. NO CC on TMC but I was having a bad day and had not eaten any in a while.. I plan to go to the gym in a few and work it off before going out! :)

Kimberly

I love the ice cream octopus!!!!!

I have changed the name of the challenge back to the more optimistic "Manolo" Challenge. We are Americans after all, known for our blind optimism even in the face of facts to the contrary :-). Positive thinking will get us where we want to go!!! Right to the shoe department at Bergdorf's and S5A!! 

Jennifer, I think it was the shoes, not the legs...all the more reason to "win" the challenge! I think you should buy shoes with us...you've been using the Goyard bag too much to have it be the prize... Every girl needs a pair of bondage heels! 

Jennifer- Week 6

Ladies-

I always love reading the blog because everyone has the opposite struggles of me...I haven't had a sip of alcohol since my glass of champagne in Vegas on the 27th and before that it was the night in the Bahamas HOWEVER i still have my issues with candy!!! Now Eric is onto me as well especially when you were all feeding him information about my poor eating habits on saturday night!!!

Anyway, my workouts were much the same this past week but that I mixed in one Bikram class and Saturday I ran 10 miles and yesterday just 5.5miles. It was the perfect weekend to be outside!

This week I am going to ramp up my workouts and try very hard to eat three meals a day wtih no snacking in between unless it is somethign heatlhy. I actually bought yogurt, granola and blueberries into work today so that I would have a healthy breakfast so I am off to a good start.
Seeing all of you on saturday night gave me extra motivation becase everyone looks so good as a result of TMC!

Eric couldn't get over KAG's great legs!!!! :-)

And I too, refuse to go PAYLESS! Louboutin's only please!!!

DD - Week 6

This week was tough for me due to the juice cleanse and the fact that I didn't eat any real food all week!

Sat: 1 hr kickboxing class, 300+ abs
Sun: nothing
Mon: boxing, strength and abs 60 mins
Tues: abs 100+
Wed: boxing strength and abs 60 mins
Thur: nothing
Fri: nothing

Drinks: not sure.. don't think I drank too much at Bach Party #2 and did not drink Mon-Weds due to the challenge, had 1 glass of wine on Thurs and 2.5-3 on Friday so I was most definitely under 10 drinks for the week..

Food: I did not eat one bad thing all week.. (no CC!) and hardly any food at all.. just the juices mon-weds, then only fruit on thurs and fruit and veggies (and 3 steamed shrimp) on Fri..

So, I was one cardio workout shy.. I just didn't have the energy! But I will try to make up for it this week by doing at least one extra cardio!

KG.. Please change the name of the challenge back!! No matter how bad it gets, I am not going to Payless!! NOT EVER!!!

Kadie

Hey Ladies,

I have been experiencing a bit of mid-TMC fatigue as well.  Week 5 was the same for workouts and week 6 I tried a new class called half and half.  First half was dancing following the instructor's lead and 2nd half was pilates and yoga.  I was sweating so hard after the first half, but it was a huge motivation just to do something new.  Variety has helped me in sticking to it.

That juice detox sounds disgusting.  I can't imagine choking down 1 gulp of it, but kudos to you who do.  Have a great week!

Kimberly - Week 6

Here is my report for the week:

Sat - 20 min bike, 1 hour pilates
Sun - off
Monday -- 1/2 hour bike, 1/2 hour elliptical, abs, arms
Tues -- 20 mins bike, 1 hour pilates
Wed-- off
Thurs -- 1/2 hour bike, 1/2 hour elliptical, arms
Friday -- 45 mins bike

Girls, we're in the home stretch!!! Let's make sure we are bikini and DJ ready when we hit MIAMI like a Hurricane!! MAKE IT WORK!!!

KRISTYN

I can't believe we're starting Week 7 this week! All this partying is not good for TMC but it sure is fun! So Week 6 began with Bachelorette Party #2 where we tried to be good (hummus, turkey meatballs, etc) but I drank everything in sight. So I'm sure i was over my quota for the week but on the bright side...i did the juice cleanse mon-wed and didn't drink again until Fri. (and last night we don't even need to talk about until next week ;)

Week 6
Sat 1hr kickbox, 100+situps
Sun (hungover..dying)
Mon 38min elip, 12min treadmill, ab machine, 100+situps
Tues 35min elip, strength, ab mach, 100+situps
Wed 46 min treadmill
Thur kbox 50 min
Fri (drowning my sorrows w/ pjs and dd)

so last week i missed a strength training and since you guys are probably too nice to assign a punishment i will just say that every time i do cardio this week i will do 25 biceps curls as well.

have a good week and keep it up. we're almost there. time to expend that last bit of energy! ha

DD - Week 5

Hoi Girls!

Sorry for the delay in my post of Week 5 but I have been so depressed with these markets and also swamped with conference calls!

Anyway, Week 5 looked like this:

Exercise:
Saturday: 60 min Cardio Kickboxing class, 300+ sit ups
Sunday: None
Monday: 30 min elliptical, 100+ sit ups
Tuesday: 55 mins elliptical
Wednesday: None
Thursday: 45 min Cardio Kickboxing class, 150+ sit ups
Friday: 300+ abs, about an hour of legs (squats and lunges w/weights), arms, back and chest

Alcohol:
about 10 glasses of wine

Bad food:
Abt 5 french fries on Sat night, candy corn on Thurs and Fri.. abt 1.5 servings each day

All in, I was p happy with the week (aside from the drinking.. but it was really only 2 big nights out..)

Melissa, you are doing GREAT!! I just saw you tonight and you look fantastic!! I think it is fine if you only lose 1 lb in a week.. At least you are losing! You could be like me and be at exactly the same weight from which I started!! I mean, what is my whole point in this process now? I work out (a fairly decent amount I think - certainly more cardio than I have ever done) and have not really been eating anything that is that awful for me (ok, I like my candy corn but I have been counting calories and not one day that I had candy corn did I go over 1300 or 1400 calories!) and drinking less! And there is no change?! I might as well go back to the way my life was before at this rate...

I swear if this juice thing does not take off some lbs on that damn scale, I am done! It isn't like I can afford to buy myself my prize anymore!! I mean, I am poor!! Poor and fat!! UGH!!!!

Kimberly

Melissa
I am confused. How many workouts did you complete?
How about food, 2000 calories is not bad as long as it was ok food.... was it Reeses or just more baked chicken???

As for the juices, I still say freeze if you can't stomach it right now... it's not part of the challenge, so don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Jennifer- Week 5

Ladies-

So much fun on Saturday!

As far as my report for the week, I would say much of the same for me (5 mile runs followed by abs, core strength, etc.) although I did take bikram yoga on Sunday for 90 minutes and then went for a 5 mile run. I felt like I detoxed taking that class- I don't recall ever sweating that much in my life. If anyone is looking to try something different, that could be a good thing to mix in...

I started the cleanse today. this is going to be the true test for me! I actually am just finishing the first drink. I don't know how to get through all 6 bottles in one day. That is so much liquid! That being said, YOU ALL LOOK NOTICEABLY THINNER since our trip to the Bahamas just a few weeks ago so, if you are feeling the mid-TMC blues, don't! You would be allowed if you weren't seeing results but I can honestly say that I saw a different in each one of you. That is motivation for me to step it up for these last few weeks. My problem is that I feel like I am getting stronger - my abs are much harder than before- but I am not dropping the much-needed 4 pounds so I am kick-starting TMC with the cleanse this week.

Stay with it....we will all be thrilled when we go to get into a bathingsuit in Miami! Nothing to be embarassed about when we strip down poolside!!!!!

KRISTYN

Here's my report for WEEK 5:
sat: 50 min kickbox, 100+situps
sun:
mon: 30 min elip, 24min treadmill, 100+situps, ab machine (i also did a ton of walking from 90th to 42nd and times sq home)
tues: 1 hr treadmill, 100+situps, strength train
wed: 50 mins kbox
thur: 45min kbox, 100+ situps
fri: strength train and 100+ situps

I was very good on food and alcohol this week saving up all my calories for Sat (last night) out with the girls! So much fun. But since its the start of Week 6 it doesn't need to be reported until next week. but i will report ahead of time that we had pizza late night. anne is a bad influence! i'll be punishing myself this week with the cleanse!

get ready for WEEK 6. Not much longer now!

Kimberly, again

Hi there ladies!
Ok, so I went to the gym before Pilates and got a bike workout in, does that count? Anyway, I finally got to the group class level... First you do a demo, then three individual sessions so you know what you are doing, then you join the group. It kicked my butt! I really like the reformer, and with the package, it ends up only being about $30 a session, not too bad. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that it is helping me through the fatigue... maybe you should try it. It's fun sliding back and forth on that reformer and there is no pressure on the back which is GREAT for me... anyway, I am going to try to do more yoga too... those two are the only exercises that don't hurt me and make me feel better.

Well looking forward to seeing you all tonight :-) for turkey meatballs and whole wheat pasta! Thank you Denise and Jennifer for all your work! I am going back to learning about GI and GU issues!!

Kimberly -- Week 5

Ok, week 5 was not my best, I purposely took off tonight and did not do the full 4 sessions of cardio... I was getting burnt out from last week... but I still think this qualifies as 90%... I did work out 5 of the days...

Sat -- 1 hour Pilates
Sun -- 20 min elliptical, 20 min bike, 10 min rowing machine, + strength
Monday-- 30 mins elliptical
Tues -- 1 hour Pilates
Wed -- off
Thurs -- trampoline class
Friday -- off (had to organize the house!) Does cleaning count as cardio?? How about unsuccessfully hooking up an HD box??? It's work getting thise wires through all those holes in the furniture... hanging up artwork, throwing out books, reorganizing shelves.... must count for something!!

Food: Nothing bad that I recall

Drinks: 5 (4 out of 5 drinks I had with Parker and Denise... do you see a pattern emerging???)

I was a little disheartened because I ordered new workout clothes on the internet, (medium size top) and it came and it was so tiny!! I put it on and I really coundn't breathe.. shallow breathing only... so maybe when the rest of the order makes its way to me, I will be more motivated (if it fits!)

Anyway, I was a little mid-TMC fatigued, but I will be better this week with the break... I really needed one. I have a 11.30 pilates appointment tomorrow :-)

Kimberly

I think we are all feeling the Mid-TMC fatigue, I know I am! There are fewer posts and a waning of enthusiasm, but we have to PUSH THROUGH the difficult times to see the results! I just got some new workout clothes and am trying new workouts to keep things fresh (just did trampoline class for the first time last night) ... Hope it helps!! Getting some new music too.

Don't over do it either.... you need to be healthy. MNM you should eat if you feel hungry, you shouldn't starve!! That is NOT GOOD in the long term, once you start eating again, you will gain weight. Slow and steady progress is best!!!

Push through....small steps. As we learned in kindergarten, the turtle beats the hare!!

Kadie

MM that photo is so freakin' hillarious!  nice nudity!

Kadie

Kimberly, wow you are an inspiration!  No booze too?  That's awesome!!!!!  Your dress will need a 2nd alteration.

Great job ladies on the cutback of SPKs and CCs!  

I'm back on track with normal workouts, lifting, etc.  Normal workouts.  One day after Group Power (1 hr. of lifting) I could hardly move an hour afterwards.  My entire body was exhausted!  It's nice to take a class when someone just barks orders.

Alcohol: 3 or 4

KRISTYN

Kimby! You are a rock star! Great job.
You are inspiring me to push harder today even though I don't feel like going!

MM - that is too funny. Thank God for photoshop! And good thing Miami has the best looking people so if they wander into the pic, at least they won't look like THAT!

Jennifer- Week 4

I wish I could read TMC blog entries all day! It is too fun!

I must admit that I am jealous by KAG's weight loss and blown away by the commitment you all have shown so, I am going to step it up this week. Last week was a bit tough given I went on vacation but I managed to do well...here was my week 4.

Monday- Ran 5.5/ abs
Tuesday- Ran 5.25/abs/legs
Wedneday- Ran 5.5/abs
Thursday- OFF
Friday- Ran 30 minutes/30 minutes strength
Saturday- Ran 30 minutes/30 minutes strength
Sunday- 15 minutes bike/30 minutes strength

while in Vegas, I did not consume any candy and no desserts at dinner. I managed to eat healthy meals the whole time I was there and concentrated on a good balance of protein/carbs and fat. I only had one soda the entire time I was there (real reason: Mandalay Bay is a Pepsi property!).

I have cut out my 4 packs of sugar that I out into my coffe every morning...whileI have replaced it with an extra Splenda, I still see it as a step in the right direction. I have not had an SPK in over a week. I must admit I miss the little guys! I even have 2 bags in my house but I have not opened them. I have been having tea with honey at night instead!

If anyone is looking for a healthy snack a/k/a dessert. I buy that Fage 0% greek yogurt and then layer in honey and sliced bananas...If I have the time I will roast some slivered almonds as well or I add granola. It is delicious...just like a parfait but nonfat!

I went for a run yesterday and tonight plan on doing a spin or yoga class along with abs. I still havent seen the scale move but feel like my abs and arms are getting tighter. Now I just need to drop the weight...I am hopeful and motivated! Reading all of these entries is totally motivating.

KAG- when I log in from home I will check out the video that you posted...I have not seen it yet- I can only imagine!

by the way, what is everyone wearing next weekend. I need to know what to wear to the PARTY!

DD - Week 4

MM... where do you FIND these pics?! What kind of search do you do to find overweight nekkid peeps on a beach at a wedding?! Is that what you type into Google?!

OK... So my week looks like this -

Sat: Elliptical 50 mins, 300+ abs, weights (legs, back, arms)
Sun: Walk/jog 40 mins, 300+ abs
Mon: None
Tues: Bike 50 mins, pilates mat class (abs) 60 mins
Weds: None
Thurs: Elliptical 35 mins, walk/jog 15 mins, 300+ abs
Fri: Elliptical 45 mins, 300+ abs, weights

Alcohol: ~10 glasses wine (give or take a glass)

Bad food: 1.5 slice pizza for lunch on Fri, candy corn 2 days and like 10 milk duds on fri.. but even with that, did not go over 1400 cals on any one day and 3 days I was below 1000 cals... even with all that wine! So not too bad all in... Now if I would just lose weight!! ugh!!

Kimberly -- Week 4

First of all, I cannnot believe we are going into Week 5!!  Wow!  I feel like I am making progress,  finally. The scale says I lost 6 lbs (could be water weight or PMS weight) and I do see a little difference in tone and I am really hoping my arms look good for the wedding.  I am getting motivated by the small changes I see so I am hoping to put it into overdrive a little as far as the arms are concerned in October!  I am SO EXCITED for the wedding, Skippy's arrival and overall GOOD TIMES in Florida!!! DJ's, Golf Pros, and Aussies need to be prepared for our arrival :-).... Let the clown show begin! 

So Week 4 looked like this for me:

Sat - Pilates Demo class (arms and abs)

Sun -- 6 mile walk/run with Parker (and Dirty Penis Elliot Spitzer sighting)

Mon --75 min Hot Yoga (High chance of spreading germs -- I don't think I will go again...it's flu season)

Tues --Pilates 1-on-1 session (arms and abs)

Wed -- 1/2 hour bike, 1/2 hour elliptical, arms and abs

Thurs -- STAR class (Spin, Toning, Abs and Relax) There was no relax, believe me!!!

Fri - 1/2 hour bike, 1/2 hour elliptical , weights and sit-ups at home while watching the debate

Bad food:  I did share a pound cake with strawberry sauce and cream with some friends when we were out to dinner. Well, it was Damn good!  And apparently better than RAISINS!!!  I think I already added an extra work out in .... so does that count as my punishment?  And I do have little pieces of chocolate here and there, but I checked the bags and each chocolate egg I eat (leftover from last Easter -- shows you how much I eat) is only 33 cals.  I need to have it... my "cardio" partner is gone, so chocolate is actually a necessity.

Alcohol:  NO ALCOHOL!!!

And I worked out Sat and today too, so that means, I have 9 days straight of working out....Tomorrow I definately will go to the gym b/c I have the afternoon off ... and Tues I have a Pilates appt.  So that will be 11 days!!!!!!   This is the first time in MY LIFE anything like this has ever happened!!!   It is truly a miracle....even last year when I thought I was really into working out, I was never even close to this.  I also feel better in general.  Mentally better and with a higher energy level.

I think my eating habits have also improved.  I am more likely to cook at home, which is also new for me.  I am cooking right now :-)  I used to order everything out, so this is a good change too, and let me tell you, I never would have seen this coming if you asked me a few years ago.  

TMC is AWESOME !!!!!!

KRISTYN

Kimby, this is still cracking me up (I was just going thru emails)

KS-- I did not know about raisins!! Raisins are the devil!!!! My body is a temple and there is no way raisins are getting in

KRISTYN

Here's my report for week 4:
Sat: 50 min kickbox
Sun 45 min jog-walk, 100+ situps
Mon
Tues: Pilates (counting as situps), 50 mins treadmill
Wed: 100+ situps, ab machine, strength train
Thur: 48 min eliptical, 100+ situp
Fri: strength train, 100+ situps, 30 min treadmill

Going to try to kick it up this week. (I said that last week and ended up doing the same old thing!) Tried Pilates mat, waste of time. Going to try to do 1hr cardio's.

KRISTYN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAgfKok7w0w&feature=related
this was the video i meant to send a few days ago (i can't get you tube at work so couldn't see)
LAY OFF ME, IM STARVING

Kimberly

This is just so gorgeous, I had to post!

Kimberly -- Shout out to Jennifer

Jennifer, this is for you -- You are Puma of the Week!
If grandson were a song, he would be this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdkzWbSWZq8

KRISTYN

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqR_-N7Dy6g

KRISTYN

ugh, Kadie! That sounds awful. Hope you feel better.

So I just discovered a dangerous little food....raisins! Who knew! I avoided the cashews trying to keep my salad light only to discover that raisins have 493 cal, 98g sugar and 131g carbs per serving (~.75 cup). How crazy is that?

Melissa and I also discovered lentils and broccolli is high calorie too.

Anyone else find anything that's much higher calorie than you'd think?

I also started measuring some servings and a person could actually starve eating one serving. It's amazing how small they are!

Kadie

I only managed 2 days of workout this week bc of a sinus infection.  One day was so bad I had to close the door in my daughter's room just to contain her so I wouldn't have to chase her. . . 16 months and lovin' her freedom.

 

Naps: plentiful

One day was strength training

1 day cardio and I almost puked afterwards, not a smart idea to attempt a run pushing the Jeep jogging stroller

Took the rest of the week off

Alcohol: 2

Workouts will be better next week!  

I've discovered how filling a bowl of soup with whole grain bread is.  

DD

I was good, I was good!!! I avoided Toast and the yummy red velvet cupcakes and have instead had a grilled shrimp sushi roll and half a grilled chicken salad at Houston's in LA... I have been sitting here for hours trying to kill time before my flight!! But now I feel I have overstayed my welcome here and have to leave.. Only I still have about 4 more hours before my flight! I am not sure what to do in the meantime.. I guess I will just go to the airport and sit there... The terminal from which I leave has a cinnabon though so I am scared to go and smell one!! And have to smell it for 3 hours! That could lead to trouble.. maybe I will get in the car and drive to the beach to watch the sunset instead.. hmmm.. that is actually a good idea... I think I will do that... ok, I feel better now!! But I might have a few CC tomorrow!! After the red eye, I might need the sugar high to keep me awake at the office!! But I will only have 1 serving... 140 cals and no fat.. not awful and certainly not a cup cake!! Cause I would love an ass like that blonde on the beach!! KS, is that you!? :)

KRISTYN

South Beach in one month 8 days away with 175 people we know (or will know)! So drop that cupcake, candy corn and other treats and its time to get serious! Grab a carrot stick and hit the treadmill.

PS. Miami has the best looking people (according to the study on yahoo) so there are many reasons too look your best and LA has the least intelligent (so don't follow them down the slippery cupcake slope)

Jennifer

Don't be discouraged by the lack of results on the scale...I truly believe there is a lag of 2-3 weeks when you start working out, etc. It all of sudden will come off so keep plugging along. Trust me- it will happen. I also go by how my pants fit when i button them as well as how tight they are on my butt! that is how  know how I am doing....I try not to be so psychotic about the number on the scale because there are too many factors that can affect that and then ruin my day if the wrong number flashes before my eyes! 

Kimby- I am glad you liked pilates. I went last night and really liked it as well. I definitely need to start doing it to balance out my running as my hamstrings are ridiculously tight and inflexible !!!! 

DD- I am jealous you were in LA all week. I love it there! Granted one of my favorite things there are Sprinkles cupcakes so maybe it is a good thing that it isn;t me out there for the week! I am not sure I could handle it.

THANKS FOR THE LOUBOUTINS ON FACEBOOK LADIES! I chuckled...i do love them!!!! :-)

So I had date #5 and then "grandson" went away for a week so I have not seen him since he left but he has called a few times and we have emailed/texted so...I am excited for him to get back. Must admit I am definitely having fun with this but I don't want to let myself get too excited about it...as soon as I do that it seems things get messed up! We need to get together in person so I can tell you all more about him! 

What is everyone doing tonight? I am meeting a friend my Merrill for a drink...been out and about all day. WEnt for a 10 mile run this morning- it was so gorgeous! I plan on doing the same tomorrow as I have to take advantage of this weather- IT IS INSANE!

Can someone please tell me what you are wearing to the engagement party? 

XO

Kimberly-- Horoscopes

I know this is a little off topic but I love Cainer.com for horoscopes...they are always so on target. Here's what mine said:

LEO

" Life has plenty of tension and uncertainty to offer you but little, it seems, by way of glamour or romance." This is so true!! I am tense and worried about the uncertainty in my life and I definately need more glamour and romance. I am a fat sweaty mess and I work in a jail!! Anyway, it said there will be more excitement soon. It did not say I was going to lose 8 lbs by Oct 30 though....but I am not letting that stop me!

As for the muscle weighing more than fat theory, I knew someone would say it, but I have not been working out that much that I have converted one pound of fat into one pound of muscle. I just don't buy it! However, I just have to move forward!!

I went to a Pilates Demo class today and I signed up for three private one-on-one sessions for $129. ( it is a one time only offer) I think that is pretty good, no? Then the semi-private classes are $420 for 6. I need to mix it up and I had a great time at the demo on that machine...

JK -- love hearing about the grandson you are dating!! More updates please!

DD

Hoi Girls!!

So... I have been on the road all week and I think I have done fairly well considering I have had to eat out for every meal... Here is how my week shaped up:

Sat: 45 mins elliptical, strength training for 30-40 mins various exercises, 300 situps
Sun: 30 mins elliptical, 20 mins treadmill uphill walk, strength training for 30-40 mins, 300 situps
Mon: situps (not sure how many but over 100 for sure)
Tues: Elliptical 45 mins
Weds: none
Thurs: treadmill 1 hour, 300 situps
Fri: none (unless you count lugging my suitcase all over town exercise - it sure felt like it.. not to mention the lifting it into the overhead!)

drinks - 10... I am traveling and entertaining and it was a shite week so this is actually not so bad!!

bad food - 4 onion rings (but just the fried bread part - as you all know, I can't eat the onion!), some chips and guac, and 3 little squares of milk chocolate (they kept leaving it for me on my pillow in my penthouse suite at the W in LA!)... MM, you will be happy to know that as promised, I did not have ANY CC this week!! :)

Now, if when I get home, the scale does not move to the downside, i will not be so happy.. luckily there are no scales here in Cali so i need to wait till I get home to weigh in... I better be happy!!

One thing I have done since starting this whole thing is cut out coffee!! I no longer drink it (though I do crave it every now and again when I smell a yummy cup as I really love the stuff) and have replaced it with green tea... I have actually grown to love it... (tho I do need to put in a splenda to improve the taste but I did that with my coffee as well).. it has far less caffeine than coffee but I think I am drinking twice as much as I did coffee so still getting caffeine therefore no headaches... the Tazo Zen is p tasty (has a minty flavor) as is the Tazo Green Tips (tastes more like a traditional green tea)... and it is supposed to help speed up your metabolism (I need all the help I can get!) and burn fat (again, need plenty of help!)... But I also feel great! Maybe it is my imagination but I feel like I have more energy.. or maybe it is because I am finally doing more cardio.. not sure but I am happy with it nonetheless!!!

I wish I was in NYC to play with your girls but I am still here on the west coast... Went to the gym this morning and have one day down on all our targets! :) And now I am going to go to the pool to relax and take in some sun.. gorgeous here!! And maybe I will swim a few laps as well... get in another round of cardio! Have fun at pilates/yoga/the gym on Monday without me!! I am back in NYC on Tues morning... Kimby, if you like pilates, I am looking for a partner to take privates with.. I used to go and LOVED it!! But it just got too expensive to do alone... Or if anyone else wants to do it, let me know!!

ok... have a good one girls!!

KRISTYN

I think the weight problem comes from muscles weighing more than fat. You have to be building muscle with all that you're doing. Kimby, have you joined SparkPeople to watch the calories? It helps I swear!

KRISTYN

i just went for a massage and she paid me two (unusal) compliments: "you have a nice abdomen" ..haha i told her ive been doing a lot of crunches and she said its working...and "you have a nice back with no extra meat on it"
so while im sure she was fishing for an extra tip it made me confident that the MC is working!

anyhoo for WEEK 3, here's my report:
Sat 13: 100+ situps, 1 hr walk
Sun 14: 4 hr golf carrying clubs
Mon 15: 45min cardio (elip, bike, tread), strength train, 100+situps
Tue 16: 50 min walk-run
Wed 17: 45 min walk-run
Thur: 100+ situps
Fri: strength train, 100+ situps and ab machine

bad food: 1/2 scoop green tea ice cream

My assessment: for week 4 i want to do cardio longer and eat less calories. 8 lbs to go to be ideal weight but then my dress may fall down so perhaps not a good idea ..haha

Let's keep it going..we're almost halfway there!

Kimberly -- Week 3

I have fulfilled the challenge for the week in terms of exercise..even did at least 30-40 mins extra cardio.

Food and beverage: I did eat some cheese on Wed night and I had salmon with hollandaise sauce....and I did go over by one drink last night (so tonight I cannot drink). It was Parker's fault though... we did not have dinner like true alcoholics, so I think that cancels out the extra glass of wine and the cheese from Wednesday.

How does my weight stay the same though????

Kimberly -- uuugh

I just weighed myself and I am exactly the same as last week. Maybe one pound less. Annoying!!

Jennifer

I am loving this whole blog thing! I look forward to reading everyone's entries. I never knew just how funny you all are!!! don't get me wrong- I knew you were all funny but some of these entries are outright hysterical! I laugh out loud alone at my desk...people think I am nuts!

So, my week has been much the same of running almost everyday. I rejoined Equinox now that my hand is almost 100% so I am starting to add on some strength training classes and yoga as well. Like MM, I do become bored with the same routine over and over. I also know that I get a much better workout and see better results when I am mixing up the routine and exercises.

My eating habits still leave a lot to be desired but no one can expect that in 2 weeks time I could kick my life long addiction to sugar...! I am trying to eat more meals though throughout the day and find that I do have less cravings for sugar. Today I had eggs with bacon and, a little later, a banana with peanut butter!!!! I manage to sneak in a few mini-snickers but what can you do!!!! It is important for me to eat meals otherwise I eat candy all of the time.

Anyway, I bore myself with details of my juvenile dietary habits! So terrible...I read Kimberly's yummy recipes and I an green with envy. I can't imagine cooking like that. I am terribly impressed and think that you should use those skills to lure in the men...have you done that yet?

I am in town all weekend with not too many things planned so if anyone is around and up for a drink (non-alcoholic)/bite to eat (no calories, no SPKS, etc), let me know....

KRISTYN

Find five foods that boost your body's metabolism and help you drop the pounds naturally.

What follows are five foods that will help you restore your body's ability to use energy and help you become your healthy weight.

1. Millet: A well-balanced diet should consist of whole grains instead of refined grains like white rice and pasta, and millet is a beneficial and delicious staple of this category of food. This non-glutinous grain is over 10-percent protein, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex vitamins, and because it isn't an acid forming food, is easy to digest.

2. Asparagus: When losing weight, it's important to favor chlorophyll-rich foods, including asparagus. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. Asparagus also contains a carbohydrate known as inulin (not to be confused with insulin) that promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine - which in turn promotes a healthier digestive function.

3. Pomegranates: Eating a balanced diet to lose weight should include eating fresh fruits, and pomegranates are a wonderful example of a healthy, nutritious fruit that has antioxidant properties and will help prevent cancer. While the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice have gained a lot of attention recently, you will be more likely to lose weight by eating the fruit fresh to increase your fiber intake and keep the calories down.

4. Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are considered an essential ingredient in the tasty Italian mixture pesto. Chinese medicine uses pine nuts to improve gastrointestinal tract and digestive functions, and pine nut oil is even used for appetite suppression. Pine nuts and other nuts are a tasty part of a well-balanced diet intended for weight loss.

5. Green Tea: It has been found that consuming large amounts of coffee and caffeine can lead to food cravings, increase one's appetite, and induce stress-related eating. Green tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee in that it does provide a little caffeine but also contains beneficial antioxidants. So drink up! (I drink Lipton Green Tea every day. It actually tastes pretty good…not sure if that means it’s not working! Haha)

Kimberly

Should we change the name to "The Canal Street Challenge"???

Kimberly

Here's an interesting article on the non-diet from the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/dining/17diet.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Basically, they are saying that instead of dieting, concentrate on eating fresh foods at home. I have been cooking a lot more since the TMC started. Especially fish. Just sautee salmon with olive oil, salt and pepper and put in oven at 350-375 for 30-40 mins. Yummy. Eat with Salad.

Talapia I do like this: Put olive oil in bowl, salt, pepper, lots of paprika, and then put the fish in the dish, make sure the entire piece of fish is covered with the mixture and put in the oven at 350-375 for 30 mins. Eat with salad.

Very healthy and easy to make.

My brother tells me nuts are an appetite suppressant. And this article is also big on adding nuts and peanut butter to one's diet... maybe that is why!

KRISTYN

This is what Linda Richmond would do!! Very important...
- Don't justify extra food: When people start exercising, some compensate for their workouts by eating extra calories a day--negating the calories they burned.

Discuss.

BTW, I tried Jennifer's ab ideas. At first I was thinking the one leg up was too easy but then it became excruciating. I love it!

KIMBY- Turning a corner!

OMG!!!  Something happened...  I was looking forward to going to the gym tonight!!!!  

It's a miracle!!!

Kadie

only 3 beers this week

Kadie

Weekly Update:

I'm glad I finally know what SPKs are... so I cheated a little with swedish fish this week...

only down 4 lbs from the beginning.  Maybe it's too much pb on toast in the mornings, don't worry though it's whole grain bread...

My workouts were basically the same except for lower in intensity.  I got a cold towards the end of the week, so the breathing was tough.  I probably won't get all the workouts in this week because I skipped 2 days Sat and Sun already.

My husband gave me a Dove dark chocolate tonight, so 1 little treat.  I didn't even eat the fat free, sugar free ice cream he bought for me.  

It's back to the grind tomorrow.  My trainer once told me to do intervals, strong for 30 sec to 1 min then lower intensity for a few min.  It's great to keep the heart rate up.  Crunches standing up are even more fun if you are doing them with a group of women and a huge full-wall length mirror at the front of class.  You get to see how idiotic you look, crack up, then loose your balance because your facial expressions look pretty painful.  That whole balance thing.

Good luck this week ladies.  

KRISTYN

me again. I'm obsessed w/ blogging apparently.
Spark People was just advertising VitaTops!
This spark people thing is great b/c it forces you to think about (and face) everything you're eating. It's not just a shrimp sandwich..its one kaiser roll, provolone, shrimp, sauce. Knowing you have to log it all makes you want to eat and then report less!
Has anyone else tried it? Except Deni...I know she's a fan too!

KRISTYN

our office is ordering pizza and I just resisted a PIZZA HUT personal pizza!

ugh, this is painful.

KRISTYN

Words of encouragement from Ben...
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

and this is anti-MC but makes me laugh....and I was "happy" last night making today painful! We went to the Browns game and I had many beers but not over quota!
Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Benjamin Franklin

DD

Kimby, I love the cartoon and I am sure MNM will too!! :D

JK, I am sooo excited to hear that date #4 went well too!!! And it was a marathon! 12 hours!! What did you do? I cannot wait to hear more about it!!

My situation has come to a halt.. But his ups and downs and obvious depression and general confusion in life was driving me crazy so all is for the best I think.. I will have to explain when we get together for the workout/dinner (I think this is a great idea, btw!)... I am in LA/SF this week but back in NYC on Friday night and all next week.. though I do have a date next Weds night (gotta get right back on that horse!)...

Anyway, I sent mine into the email and will just post the summary here:

Exercise:
4 days of weight training
4 days of sit ups (about 250-300 per day)
4 days of cardio (one day was a little light - about 35-40 mins)

Drinks:
10 (oops)

Bad food:
few days of CCs... (oops)

Jennifer

Fellows MCers...

i am so bummed that I just logged into my aol account for the first time in weeks so I just saw all of your emails. I am really sorry for not reading earlier as there was so much going on that I did not respond to and I feel terribly. Just know that had I read the emails, i would have replied. that being said- please use a different email address - the same first couple of letters but ending in 2007 rather than 2006.... thanks! Also, just know that if you really want me to respond quickly, my work email is best! 

as far as the guy- date #4 was today...started at 10am this morning and ended at 10:30pm tonight...was great. super guy and while it may go nowhere, it has restored my faith that there are good guys out there who still available!!! if all goes well this week, i am going to invite him to the party on the 11th. i would like to invite him now but dont want to look too far ahead- that always seems dangerous! we all have to get together in person to chat about it all...when we can we all get together? maybe we could all meet at the gym for a workout and then grab dinner????

Deni- what is the latest on your situation? 

KAG- why did you need a mental health day? funny how the first three letters of mental are men!!!! hmm...any correlation?

KS- how are all of the plans coming together? how's the golf game? when are you next in town?

MM- any word from your miami music maker?

Kimberly- Week 2

I completed everything except one day of sit-ups!  Ooops!  I was a little preoccupied and distressed.  I can't say why on the blog, but that is my excuse..  I needed a mental health day.

Went to the gym for 1 hr and 45 min today though...  I think I drank 4 drinks on Sat night too, but I also needed to get out..I just had to!!

MNM, do you like this cartoon???

DD

Hi Girls...

Yes, I ate CC this week but I have been using that sparkpeople site and I have not gone over 1600 cals one day this week AND I have been exercising so I don't feel that bad about it! I have been discouraged as the scale has gone up rather than down and the CC have made me happy!! This week I will most likely not have any CC as I will be traveling in Cali and will not have time to go to CVS to get any! ha!! But it is harder to eat well on the road.. I will do my best though! I can report that I have already done all my strength training for the week, have done 2 days of cardio and 600 sit ups in the last 2 days so I feel I have made up for any CC intake last week! It is not like I am eating cupcakes, pizza or ice cream!!

I have already sent in my update for last week and will update here later tonight or tomorrow as I have to rush to get ready to leave for the airport now.. I still have to pack and my flight is at 545!! It is 130 so I have to run..

Jennifer - so glad to hear all is going well with the new guy! Can't wait to hear more about him!! When is date #4?? :)

KS - you already know all my ab moves!! I look forward to your return to NYC so we can hit the gym again!! :)

Jennifer

Hey there girls!!!! Hope everyone is doing well...

I have been keeping up on the workouts so I won't bore you with the details of my runs because they are almost always the same, at least 5 days a week I run for 45-55 minutes and then one day a week I do a long distance run. That being said, I am not training for the marathon so my log runs will likely taper off soon. I am going to run in an 18 mile run on October 12- yes, the morning after Kristyn's party! So bummer about the timing but I have to do it as I signed my neighbor up for it as well. 

Some ideas for abs:

- lie flat on back and put legs straight up in the air and lower one leg down, straight, while keeping the other leg straight up in the air- bring the one back up and switch (is that a horrible description? i hope it is clear)

- lie flat on back and put legs straight up in the air and lift butt and hips briefly up from the ground

- get a 12 lb body bar (if at gym) and lie flat on back- extend arms upward on a 45 degree angle and do crunches. this will also give you some work on your shoulders!

So, KAG, I am sorry I missed you tonight! I was out with Sonya and just got home! I am sure you are out having fun!!! I want details

MM- I went to see CArmel today and she and Mary said that you came in the other day and that you looked fabulous! good for you!

As far as the guy, went out last night for a 3rd date....very fun! Went to a fundraiser with him and then a nice dinner...super nice guy. Again he calls, texts, emails to say thank you, pays compliments, etc....when is the freak flag going to come out? Wow! Nice to meet someone so nice... 

Any more stories ladies?!!!!!

 

KRISTYN

oh and Kris, you can do crunches standing if you can't get down as pointed out by my favorite infomercial purchase...HIP HOP ABS!

-lift knee to side and bring elbow down from overhead, squeeze obliques

-raise hands over head, lift leg straight up and bring hands down to meet it

-start w/ arms out, curve back, tilt pelvis up and bring arms together while tightening abs

I'll get some more when i get home Thur and watch the dvd again. Anyone else have standing ab suggestions?

The kids may even want to join b/c they'll think you're playing vs being tortured. We used to do yoga with my mom! Yes, Mumsie..who can believe it?

KRISTYN

Jennifer! That's hilarious. What a pick up line..can you watch my grandma? haha. Good luck!

Smart Substitutions. Did you know that a serving of mayonnaise has 100 calories, while a serving of mustard only has 11? A few of these substitutions every day and you’ve got a great head start.

I'm going to report my week since I'm on here

Sat (9/6) 53 min cardio (stepper, treadmill), strength train, 100+ sit ups
This was my best work out..very satisfying! :) Then we played golf 4 hrs+ but i used the cart
Sun (9/7) Shot 5 stand. This is not an exercise but my arms hurt so much from 9/6 i could only do one round so I mention it anyway
Mon (9/8) 55 min cardio (run/walk)
Tues (9/9) 1 hr + walk, strength train, 100 + situps
Wed (9/10)
Thur (9/11) 1hr 10 min (run/walk/aerobics), 100 situps
Fri (9/12) 30 min cardio (bike, walk), lifted weights

Bad Food
pretzels, peanuts on plane Sun. Nachos for din at Monday Ngt Ftball (ugh its a tough time of yr). Fri 4 Sweedish fish at movies (but i did bring my own micro corn)

So my assessment is while i've extended the minutes i need to increase the intensity. Also need to increase the number of times i do situps. And less bad food this week! I'm doing great on drinks though (IMO)!

DD and MM don't get discouraged. These things take time. We were all already exercising so we just need to cut out the bad food, need to eat less calories overall (I agree the Sparkspeople is good for this in the same way the MC is good for reporting. It's different when you have to enter it and see it on paper) and push the intensity of the workouts. It will happen!!!!

I need some new moves though. What's everyone's fav situp/crunch? Also sparkpeople had the wall push up on there the other day. This is a good one b/c you can do it whenever you're standing around (in private..ha)

Kimberly - Nutrition Information

Ok, ladies, I just spoke to my friend Robert, the nutritionist.  He told me I have to get off the low carb diet immediately.  It is not good for me if I am exercising so much, which I guess should not be a surprise to me since I feel like poo and am SO TIRED.  Here is the info I got, our caloric intake should be:

50% carbs  =  4 cal / g 

25% protein = 4 cal / g

25% fats = 9 cal / g

That means for every 2 grams of fat, I should be eating 15 g of carbs and 5 g of protein.  I have to keep track that I keep in the right ratio this week with the fantastic spreadsheet Robert gave me.  That means I  will be looking up a lot of nutrition info this week, but hopefully by the end of this week or next, I will be able to eyeball my foods and know what's what. 

Next I found out that 3500 calories is equal to a pound of weight loss / gain.  That means if you want to lose two pounds a week, you'd have to decrease your caloric intake by 7000 calories/ week either by restriction of food or excessive exercise.  That's 1000 calories a day and is not realistic or good for the body.  He said you have to do this gradually, like decrease 200 cal a day + exercise and I should lose about 1.5 lbs per week.  That is good and healthy and is really the maximum.  For my height and weight, he suggested starting off with 1800 calories a day...  if it doesn't work, then I have to modify! 

Anyway, another exciting night on the UWS! 

Jennifer, glad you have met someone "normal so far." I hope he stays that way!! What ever happened with M, your friend from the neighborhood?  Did you just release him back into the wild?  Was he a flake?? And how can you be jonesing for an SPK, look for one like a manic, find one finally, and then throw it out??  YOU ATE THE STALE SPK!! Admit it!! 

I also have to say that Denise has been hitting the CC shamelessly this week and has even vowed to BUY MORE.  How do we handle this? 

Jennifer

ladies-

I must say I am impressed by the conversion of all of you into diehards at the gym! I LOVE IT! There will be no lunch lady arms at Kristyl's wedding so raise those arms and dance proudly!

I have been doing well with all of the workouts and cutting back on the DCs and SPKs although I still eat too many sweets. I thikn I have managed to convince myself that eating reese's from someone else's candy jar at work doesn't really count!!! I love the psychological games we play! I did feel like a true recovering addict on wednesday night when i was 'jonesing' for an SPK so much so that i was looking through these tupperware-like containers that i have to store stuff in and i came across some SPKs mixed with Swedish Fish...thanksfully I had only green SPKs and stale fish in there so it was easy to toss them!!!!

For me- I have run 45-55 minutes Tues-Friday as well as done abs and time at the gym on two of the 4 days. I will be sure to go both days this weekend!!!!

On a personal note, I am going out tonight on a 3rd date with someone that I met while at the Open...funny story about how we met- don't think I have shared this with you all yet. I was sitting on a bench with Barb about to leave- we were avoiding the crowds and just sitting to allow it to thin out. This guy walks up to us and asks if we can watch his 92 year old grandmother while he goes to get a drink. We ended up talking to his grandmother for a while and then he came back...classic! Anyway, going out tonight for the third time this week...not going to say too much because i am sure it will jinx me but it all seems to normal. Phone calls, emails, texts, follow up, etc. Could it be---a normal, single, 30-something man in NYC?

HMMMM......

DD

Since I work out with my trainer, I don't have a song list for the workout.. all you hear when I work out is Glendon saying, "Jab, jab, cross, under, hook, duck, lean back, 4 punches, block, block, hip kick, front kick, round house kick" This is just one of our routines.. we do it over and over again till I feel like I am going to pass out!! good times!!

Tho I am going to run (or maybe bike or do the elliptical at the gym if it rains) after work today for my last day of cardio.. I will do abs too even though I have already done 4 or 5 days of abs this week! I have been trying to do abs every day since it is so easy and I got the bender ball.. which is basically a beach ball that comes with an abs instruction DVD.. not worth the 35 bucks!! I am such a sucker for workout equipment infomercials!! ahahahaha!!

Kimberly - Totally motivating

I am SO TIRED!!!  I never would have gone to the gym tonight had it not been for the challenge.  I  have to say this is so motivating, and I am really pushing myself.  Although now I feel like my legs are going to come off! I think I have completed everything for the week now...I just wanted one day free before the weekend, when I will workout both days again...so much easier than during the week.  Hope everyone else is not experiencing the same Week 2 fatigue as I am!!   Please post your song lists, I need new music :-)  Off to bed now.  Nighty night.

DD

Melissa, how do you find these funny pics?! I love it!! I am sucking down my green tea but am sad about the scale sitch... And I just walked by someone with McDonald's fries and I soooooo want them now!!! i want to give up and indulge in fries!! I have been so good and it is getting me nowhere!! :(

DD

I actually love the sparkpeople site.. I use my nutrition and my fitness... It tracks cals in and out and gives charts and stuff.. it is a little clumsy at first but all in (since it is free) I think it is super helpful!
So girls, I got on the scale today and was less than happy with the resulting number... I have not had any french fries, ice cream, pizza, cake, etc.. the worst I have had is some candy corn and even still, not that much.. and the number went up!!! WTF!? I am doing the cardio and weight training and abs.. shouldn't I weigh less!!!! argh!!!

KRISTYN

Great list Kimby! Except the Katy Perry shiite! :)
www.sparkpeople.com it does have a lot of ads and too much going on but if you go to "myNutrition" it has meal plans and if you click on "add a food" you add your own. It is pretty simple but you do have to estimate quantity. It wont be exact but it is good to see how (fast) those calories add up!!

Kimby G.

Songs to which I work out:

Closer- Ne-Yo

Underneath (Josh Harris Edit) - Alanis Morisette

The Way I are - Timbaland

Disturbia -- Rhianna

Please don't stop the Music - Rhianna

Umbrella - Rhianna

Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield

Apologize - Timbaland

By the Way - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order

I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry

Ur So Gay - Katy Perry (this was madonna's favorite song a few months ago)

Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand

Say Hello -Deep Dish (A Skippy favorite)

Gimme More -- Britney

Rock the Casbah -- The clash

Better off Alone -- Alice Deejay

Early Winter -- Gwen Stefani

Sorry - Madonna

Big Girls don't cry - Fergie

It's Love - Goldtrix

Burning Love -- Leona Lewis

See You again - Miley Cyrus (please don't comment!)

Say it Right -- Nelly Furtado

Breathe Me -- Sia

Bongo Bong -- 4 to the Bar

Hope you guys find something you can enjoy from this list!!  Send me your lists... always looking for something new... Good, new, finds certainly improve my workouts :-)

Kristin

THANK YOU -- SPK = Sour Patch Kids I could not figure that out and it was driving me nuts.

Ok - going to go do some Abs/Weights and Jumping Jacks while the house is quiet.

KRISTYN

Thanks for the suggestions! The songs i use when i really need a boost are "Survivor" Destiny's Child and "Fighter" Christina Aguerilla. For running I also like Enrique's "Escape", Red Hot Chilly's "Don't Forget Me", Jackson Brown "Running on Empty" (forest gump song!), Eminem "Lose Yourself" and others I'll try to think of. All pretty old school..haha

You should mix it up with classes and biking. Even 10-20mins on the bike makes hitting the treadmill not so bad. They say you can lose belly fat by biking if you do 20 sec as fast as you can and then 40 sec normal. It makes sense b/c you have to engage your abs to petal faster.

BTW, here's some motivation...Tricia was telling me she puts it on 15 incline and runs. And she goes to boot camp classes. No wonder she looks fab!!!

Another (weird) thing I've been doing..when I go for a walk-run outside I find reasons to run if I'm walking...for example, whenever i see someone else running i have to run until the song is done. Or at a certain time (6:15) I'll say i have to run for 5 blocks. You guys know im not a runner so this gives little needed boosts.

I did have nachos for dinner at Monday Night Football. Football season makes this even tougher. And i think they throw you out of bars if you order salad (never tested theory).

Keep up the good work girls!!

Kristin

Hi Girls.

I know I don't know most of you but you are seriously cracking me up.

I have to say that I haven't been too great on the weights/abs this past week but I'm going to blame it on the fact that my kids (4, 2 and 4 months) don't go back to school for another week (at least the 4 and 2 year olds) and everytime I tried to do sit-ups someone sits on top of me and starts yelling NEIGH! I didn't even want to bust out the weights while they were around. that could get very scary.

Once I get the kids back into the school routine I have high-hopes of losing some of this baby weight (read ice-cream weight).

Bottom Line (week of 8/30):
Drinks - 7
Bad Food - some chips at a mexican restaurant and jello (is jello considered a bad food?)
I have, however, stopped nibbling on my kids leftover chicken-nuggets, mac 'n cheese, grilled cheeses and hot dogs which is something I did every night without thinking about it.
Cardio - pretty much everyday. Walking the dog, soccer outside with the kids, running up and downstairs with a 16lb kid in a front-pack. All somewhat lame but the best I could do.
Abs/Weights - only did one day of each. I'll do better this week. Promise.

What the heck are SPKs by the way?

Keep up the blogging - I'm motivated and going to do some abs and weights now.

DD

So girls... I was researching MM's post on calories and found a pretty cool site that tracks calories and exercise for free! At least they have not asked me for anything yet.. no CC or anything and I have been able to add my food for the day and it tells me how many cals I can have in a day (as well as protein, fat and carbs) and tracks it for me... I am still looking into how to do the exercise part but the meal tracking looks great.. it will not let you request to lose anything more than 2lbs a week so max until our challenge end will be 12-14lbs... but that should be a dress size at least and if we keep up the exercise and follow the meal plans or even use our own meal plans, it should have great results!! I sent you all a link to the site from my yahoo email address (can't post here as it is a public blog!) so be on the look out for it!!

DD

Kimby, I totally understand!! My back is still not 100% but feels so much better since I took that celebrex... maybe you should try that???

I am seeing Glendon tonight and we will box for 45mins and then I will do abs and stretch.. Boxing is a great cardio for me.. the time goes by so fast and I get so out of breath!! I am going to tell him to really push me too...

I also bought the bender ball... I was watching TNT on Saturday when it was raining and saw an infomercial and I decided it was a great thing for abs!! I can't wait to try it... It was like $30 with express shipping so I should have it by the end of the week! I will let you all know how it works!!

Kimberly

Kadie-- You are putting us to shame!! Just like Jennifer with all her marathon training!! 

Well I woke up this morning feeling like an 80 year old!! I can't even sleep in because I cannot get comfortable in bed with all the pain I am having.  Got a referral for the ortho doc, so hopefully this problem will be taken care of soon.... I cannot take it.  I did weight training on Sunday and that usually helps, but not this time!! It's worse.  Denise understands... 

Well ladies, good work for week one!  Did anyone get any make-up assignments?  Just remember that I collect all bets so keep up the good work...  My dieting is going well and so is my cooking.... I made a danger-free israeli salad, talapia and salmon this week!  THis challenge could have the added benefit of teaching me cooking skills... Does anyone have more fish/chicken recipes for me since I am turning into a top chef???

Have a great day everyone! Toodles

Kadie

Weekly Report:

Sat 8/30 Group Power 60 min class of total body workout with weights and abs

Sun 8/31  45 min on elliptical

Mon 9/1   45 min on elliptical

Tues 9/2   45 min on elliptical

Wed 9/3  60 min muscle conditioning class with weights and abs

Thurs 9/4  hot yoga 90 degree for 1 hr (strength training or cardio?)

Fri  9/5  45 min on elliptical

Sat  9/6  45 min on elliptical

Alcohol: 5

Down 5 lbs

Those cookies sounded good... I really miss choc chip cookies.  Has anyone had Paul Newman cookies?  

KEEP IT UP LADIES!

KRISTYN

Sorry, I forgot my name. That pic was of me.

This is what I looked like on Sat (shooting 5 stand) . I think the challenge is working! :)

I agree about the sit ups. I always try to do more than 100 when doing them. Remember the guidelines are just the minimum so go crazy!

If you're at the gym the ab machine is the best. The one w/ the weights where you sit up and then crunch forward. The next day my abs always kill.

Kimberly -- Week 1

I survived!

I did all the cardio, three days of abs, and two days of strength training. 

No bad food and only 4-5 drinks :-)

Now if only I could look as good as Jane and her girls!! I am going shopping for purple leopard leotard and matching headband this weekend.

Jennifer

My prize: the Goyrad tote that I bought last Saturday (I don't get it until the end of the month!)

KS- I had no idea you golf so much! We must go out and play...I am just learning but i love it!!! Perhaps you can teach me?!?!?!?

I am impressed with everyone's workout details. I have been giving it some thought and I am going to say that I think everyone should ramp up the 100 sit ups 3x/week. I don't think 100 is enough and I am not sure you will see enough of a change...maybe try to add 10-20 add'l each workout???

as far as me...I think I added my workout routine earlier last week but I ended with:

Friday- 5.5 miles
Saturday- 45 minute strength training (which for me is really just legs, abs, arms)
Sunday- ran 15 miles
Monday- day off although I might head to the gym for a quick workout in gym before date #2 with Friday night guy!

While I have not eaten too many SPKs (i admit to having some- my friend borrowed my car and she left two bagsof SPKs with my keys with the doorman yesterday! oops! off the SPK wagon), I have had some peanut M&Ms...I have averaged less than one Diet Coke a day though. I am really going to buckle down on the candy intake becuase I am not seeing a difference on the scale.

I need to take control back!!!!!

Keep up the great work ladies!

DD - Week 1 (8/30-9/5)

Sat (8/30)
Exercise:
200 sit ups
50 lunges (each leg)
50 squats
50 curls
50 triceps
no cardio (still too sick)
Alcohol:
None
Bad food:
None

Sun (8/31)
Exercise:
None
Alcohol:
None
Bad food:
None

Mon (9/1)
Exercise:
200 sit ups
30 mins rowing (like in an actual boat on the water)
15 mins walking
(sorry kids - this is the best I could do as I was STILL sick!!)
Alcohol:
None
Bad food:
None

Tues (9/2)
Exercise:
back was totally out so none today
Alcohol:
None
Bad food:
None

Weds (9/3)
Exercise:
back was still out... only managed:
15 mins walking on treadmill
100 sit ups
Alcohol:
None
Bad food:
None

Thurs (9/4)
Exercise:
1+ hour "calisthenics"
Alcohol:
2.5 vodka mixed drinks
Bad food:
2-3 servings candy corn

Fri (9/5)
Exercise:
~2hrs "calisthenics"
150 sit ups
arms
squats
Alcohol:
4 glasses red wine
Bad food:
2-3 servings candy corn

All in I would say that my exercise suffered a bit due to bronchitis and my back being out but I will make up for that in week 2... My alcohol was under 7 drinks and food was not so bad.. only the candy corn which is not awful and was necessary since last week was the longest short week ever!!

KRISTYN

Quite a morning shock to pull up the blog and see ONJ's bum. Anyhoo, this is my report from last week:

Prize: Sunglasses

Workouts:
8/30 Sat 100+ situps. 4+ hrs golf walking and carrying bag (~25lbs)
8/31 Sun (went to wedding and ate barely anything)
9/1 Mon 45 mins cardio (bike, run, walk), strength train
9/2 Tues 45 mins cardio (run, walk), 100+ situps
9/3 Wed 2+ hrs golf, walking and carrying bag
9/4 Thur 52 mins cardio (run, walk), strength train, 100+ situps
9/5 Fri 100+situps, 4hrs golf walking, not carrying bag

Bad food:
8/30 Sat 3 small bites of coconut cake at din. Well worth it. Best cake ever!
9/5 Fri pretzels on the plane (their stingy little bag)

KG: A word about mini-snickers

Ummm, let's see. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt, and assume that you erroneously thought that there were anti-oxidants in your mini-snickers. To be clear, there are no anti-oxidants in either mini or regular snickers.
Please cease and desist eating frozen candy bars and ignore mnm's suggestion that eating chocolate should be part of the plan. It is not !
I wonder what other goodies Jennifer will "find" stashed away in her many hiding places. Like any good addict, I wonder if she has some DC stashed away in a listerine bottle under the sink and some SPK's in her bathrobe pockets. Does she need a home inspection???