The Magic Bus Trip

~mina~ · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:30 am Post subject:

hi Heather! thanks for stopping by my journal.. I didnt get a notification so it was a nice surprise this morning! Heart

im doing great.. nothing new here except I got a big fat raise at work Heart

Im thinking of joining the gym in my area.. getting bored with my home stuff.. we will see!

anyways, nice hearing from you and have a great day~! Heart

Heather L · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:51 pm Post subject:

Mina- Congrats on the raise. Cool. I too can get bored with the same workouts. Good luck with deciding about the gym.

Shawn- Thanks for the special Kool Aid. I'll make sure I give some to Dean and Jeff first. Devil

I just got back from staying with extended family. It is impossible to eat carnivorously while with them since they are completely brainwashed with the SAD and totally confrontational. Roll Eyes

I hate a fight so I just ate what they ate and kept the peace. I am not sure why people need to be so controlling about how I choose to eat. If they were not family, then I would not visit them. I am VERY glad to be home and free to choose my own eating. I think the other reason it bothers me is because I come away from it feeling manipulated/ controlled. Wall

OK, rant over, and I can go back to being my troublemaking self. hehe I think I 'll head on back to the back of the bus and find someone to misbehave with. Grin

Dean · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject:

I'll volunteer for that! Devil

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather L · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject:

Dean · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject:

Heather, I Heart

the way you work off pent up aggression. Devil

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather L · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:11 pm Post subject:

Here is my update: I have dropped just over three pounds, and happy about that. I think it would have been more without the visit to relatives that I ranted about a few days back. (Duh) I am not going to take this for granted, since anytime I make a big change I drop some at first. My focus will need to be on keeping it up for the rest of the 10 weeks to my challenge. Time to turn it up a notch. Whip

In light of that, I will make sure to include fresh elements in my training, and keep things varied with my eating(higher days and much lower intake days). I think I may use some different supersets and make sure to get in some HIIT. I have been putting that off. Oops

I wish that I loved sprintwork... if it gets me to this goal, then I will just learn to love it. LOL

Heather · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:40 pm Post subject:

I know what you mean about keeping it up for the long term, I'm sure posting about it helps, make it a public event. That works best for me.
_________________

Heather

Heather L · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:59 pm Post subject:

I am hanging in there and making slow progress. (one pound per week Roll Eyes

) I guess I will just need some strong determination. Ugh.

It doesn't help that my schedule is crazy right now. Nothing stays the same from one day to the next. I look forward to getting myself back on a stable schedule. I thrive on a strong routine.

jeff · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject:

One pound per week may be slow progress.....but it's progress. Keep it up! Sunny

_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:28 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:41 pm Post subject:

Heather and Jeff-- Thanks for the encouraging words. I agree. Progress is progress !! I am thankful for it.

I am currently getting back into IF (Intermittent Fasting). It hasn't been too difficult to jump back into it. I use a 6 hour window that allows me to have a noon meal and an evening meal, with nothing after that, except hot tea or something like that. I workout early in the morning, on an empty stomach, and really prefer that. The only hard part is the no food after supper. Roll Eyes

I have been using SF gum to keep on my IF plan. I know that the splenda, etc, in the gum isn't health food, but it helps me not to cave in. (lesser of 2 evils..)

I am feeling good, and so far it has sped up my fatloss a bit. I Heart

that, of course. I still have 12 more lbs to go if I am going to make my OCT 1 goal. I will do all I can to make it, but will celebrate any progress, even if I don't lose them all.

Heather · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:04 am Post subject:

12 lbs, seems so close and within reach. Way to go with the goal setting and achieving!

Awesome news that the fat loss has sped up. I usually eat only twice a day, I should try to tighten my window. I lost a lot of weight IF'ing in the past but that was only one meal a day.

I dream of getting up early to exercise... I heard some where that exercising first thing in the morning is the hardest part the day to get motivated for, but everything after will seem easy in comparison.
_________________

Heather

Shawn · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject:

12 pounds to go...that's great! Yup

Heather L · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

Heather- I love working out first thing in the morning. I feel groggy while I am getting dressed for it, but once I am moving I wake up quickly. I have found that I almost always feel better, and energetic after my workout. I miss it on the days I can't get in the workout.

-------------Workouts:
I am using more standard cardio training, more intensity than while I was doing the " cardio free experiment". I did learn some things from my experiment. (like sometimes less is more) It wasn't hard to get back into my cardio from before. It took me about a week to get back to my previous training levels... not a big problem.
I am also trying to be more faithful with taking time for stretching. I have noticed that I am not as flexible, lately. It is easy to let flexibility training/ stretching go, but I am not liking how stiff my body is. I kept saying I would stretch afterward next time... LOL

I am sure I can think of some special motivation to stay flexible. Devil

jeff · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject:

Heather, I've been reading lately......and from more than one source.......that you really can't stretch a cold muscle. In fact, trying to stretch cold muscles will likely lead to more injuries than it will prevent. The best time to stretch is after your workout. If you feel you must stretch before your workout, you should at least warm up your muscles first.

Have a great day! Sunny

_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:

Jeff- Thanks for the info. That is what I am currently doing-- stretching right after my cardio while the muscles are warm. I might have been unclear. My bad habit, lately, was just not taking the extra time to stretch after my workouts at all. (bad girl No No

) I was feeling the effects of it, too.

jeff · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:19 pm Post subject:

Gald to hear that about your stretchig, Heather. I usually do not stretch at all anymore, although I do think I should do some stretching after my workouts. The problem is that I usually don't feel like it. LOL

Heather, what are you doing now for your cardio?
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

Jeff- I have been doing so many kinds of cardio: elliptical, bike, stair climber, and some new machines at the gym that are similar to the elliptical, but with much more variety of movement... or an occasional walk on the trails if the weather cooperates. I tend to do 2 - 3 different kinds during each cardio session.

My stretching is going pretty well, and I am feeling less stiff. I think that flexibility improves a little slowly, or at least it is for me. LOL

My stretching does feel pretty good, almost meditative. (I am sure those post- workout endorphins contribute to that.)

jeff · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:09 pm Post subject:

That sounds great, Heather. I love your variety.
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:52 am Post subject:

I'm too lazy to stretch after cardio or before.
_________________

Heather

Heather · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:54 am Post subject:

Heather · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:55 am Post subject:

How are things going Heather?
_________________

Heather

Dean · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:13 am Post subject:

How's it goin', Heather?!

Are you able to do the IFing? I'm so used to that, I don't know any other way of eating anymore.

Sounds like you are really gettin' into your workouts. You should come demonstrate your flexibility and strength at the back of the Bus sometime (soon). Wink

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather L · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

Jeff -- I love to mix things up with my workouts, and the variety helps keep all those workouts more interesting... well, that and my Ipod. lol

Heather- Things are going great. I am still working out about 6 days a week, and making progress toward my weight goal. I think I may make my goal for October, though as I go lower in weight it takes so much more to lose each pound.

Dean- Big Hug

So nice to see you!!! The IF ing was easy to get back into... no problem. I do use a longer window of 6 hours with 2 meals, so it isn't really that strict compared to the one meal a day IF. I am still very faithfully doing my workouts, and the stretching has allowed me to get back to a greater flexibility. It's very useful. Wink

I'd be happy to demonstrate the benefits of flexibility for you at the back of the bus. Devil

I could even show you my favorite positions... I mean stretches.lol

Sassy · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:40 am Post subject:

Hi Heather L!

It sounds like you have been working hard to reach your goal. Congrats on being so close.

BTW, if you do show Dean your ~~postions~~ stretches be sure the lighting is just right so that he can see just how toned you are after all of your hard work - and don't forget the boots!

LOL

Sassy
_________________
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." Mae West

Heather L · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

Sassy- Thanks. I will be sure to remember my boots. Wink

They are great for showing off the muscle.

Update:
I made my mini-goal in time for my October deadline. Yay!! Sunny

I still am not to what I consider my ideal weight, but I am willing to celebrate making it just that much closer. I am still 20 pounds above where I want to finally be, and I am sure those will take longer to lose than the 20 I just fought off(lol). I'll just keep on workin out, doin my thing, and loving my curves for where they are now.

Sassy · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 12:41 am Post subject:

Hi Heather L,

I like your attitude. Love your curves no matter what - because they are part of you. Getting you into the best shape possible is a great goal - but you not at that goal is still a great you.

Sunny

Sassy
_________________
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." Mae West

jeff · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:47 am Post subject:

Congrats on reaching your mini-goal, Heather. Grat job!
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject:

I am now back home from my week of vacation in Florida, and trying to catch up with everything. It is amazing how long it takes to catch up. Shock

I did have food while I was gone that was off plan, but I didn't gain anything on the scale. I think it was from all the exercise and activities during vacation.

Now that I am back, I am experimenting with my eating, and throwing in some longer fasting times. I have usually gone with more of a Fast5 IF, but thought I would mix it up, and try new things. I tried a 36 hour fast. It wasn't bad... much easier than I thought it would be. I liked how I felt oddly energized, and peaceful. Sunny

I'll see how this goes over the next several weeks. On the other days I am not fasting, I will probably have 2 or 3 meals a day depending on how I feel.

BTW, I am still working out 6 times a week , and lifting weights. I haven't been keeping track of my milage, at all, though. I put in about 90 minutes each day at the gym, or sometimes outdoors. My lifting is about where it was a few months ago... strength staying where it was at the end of my experiment.

Heather L · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

Rich · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:18 pm Post subject:

Keep it up Heather Happy

Dean · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 2:25 am Post subject:

Welcome back, Heather! Cool

You are such a gym rat. Why don't you come to the back of the Bus and get a work out in. jeff and I have been really bad while you were away! Devil

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

jeff · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 4:20 am Post subject:

jeff · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 4:27 am Post subject:

Kristelle · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 1:40 am Post subject:

I feel great when fasting. I usually eat once a day now. Hunger is rare. Glad the "off-plan" didn't make you gain weight. You are one lucky girl.
_________________
"When you give up your dream, you die"

Heather L · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:55 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

jeff · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject:

Jeff- I make an excellent spotter for lifting. My specialty is in "motivation". Devil

I'm sure it would just be a starter with a firecracker like you.

jeff · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

I hit my legs with the weight training pretty hard on Wednesday, and I am so sore still today. If it didn't hurt so much it would be hilarious. It even hurts to walk. Shock

I had eased up on the leg training for awhile, and lost the adaptation that keeps the DOMS at bay. By now I should know better, huh? LOL

I know it will go much better after the next leg session.

----------
I am sticking with the IF, and having just one meal per day. It is going smoothly, so I will probably stick with this daily for the time being. I find that it really isn't a struggle, except for the social pressure to eat while in a group. If I must be with a group during an eating event, I just move my meal for the day to that time. Midwesterners (or at least the ones around me) just freak out if someone in the group is not eating along with them. It is much easier to just go with the flow.

This does make one think. In a culture that has such issues about eating, and seems to pressure people to take part in whatever they are feasting on, it is not surprising that we have such high levels of obesity. It's amazing how IF makes the SAD seem even more crazy. Bonkers

It's an eye-opener.

Dean · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Yah, we should be eating all day long. Roll Eyes

Our ancestors ate all day long. They would munch on rocks and twigs and leaves. LOL

Once you break from the craziness around you, it is pretty obvious to see what causes all the health problems. If you participate in it, you are just confused. That's how the craziness is perpetuated. Yup

Keep up the good work, Heather. Cool

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather L · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject:

Dean- Thanks. I am keeping at it, and glad to report that my legs are feeling normal again. By Saturday morning the DOMS was finally gone-- but it was a rough 48 hours while the soreness lasted. My workout today felt amazing!

Sassy · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:12 am Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

Sassy- I

your sense of humor.

Sassy · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:29 am Post subject:

Thanks Heather L! I like to see the lighter side of life whenever I can. Now if Mog can only figure out what to do with the rest of the Woolly Mammoth!!!

LOL

Sassy

_________________
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." Mae West