Just to check in:

Either way, I'm so happy/proud of myself.

6. The more I stay strict the more having nuts or fruit becomes a treat. Along with taste, I think a big part of cheating is the "O my gosh yay!" feeling I get when thinking about or eating things I haven't in a while. It's special. So now that nuts and fruit have been no-no's, they're much healthier options to replace the other foods I used to eat. It's cool.

-Perspectives-

Today's WOD went well.

& ended up with me crying in my car.

All Hallow's Heave

10 Rounds

run 500m each round (a 5k all together) then,

odd- 10 pull ups, 10 push ups

even - 10 sit ups, 10 KB swings

My Time: 48:47.

Pretty much Even though I felt I gave it good effort and I upped my KB to 30lbs and went through my pull ups (on green band) super fast - I felt like I wasn't doing enough. I wasn't pushing as much as I could have or challenging myself. Granted, my hands were shaking while trying to write down my WOD but I blamed that on the cold. All I could see was that I was one of the last people to finish and that I should have done more.

This has been bothering me because I feel like I up

my lbs and try to keep momentum when I'm at the box. Should I up my weight more? Should I not rest at all and go as fast as possible? Am I already trying, but not hard enough?

Seriously, these thought's plague me while working out. It's getting really ridiculous and actually sucking all the fun out of this sport I've been loving up until the past few weeks.

Nate made me feel a lot better - consoling me in the car, helping me put things into perspective:

1. I am way too critical of myself.

2. The mind games should stop - I'm making huge progress in the gym - so let that speak for itself.

3. I came. I'm not sitting on the couch and sleeping in like I could have been; like I used to.

So basically, it's going well!! Could it be better? Maybe. But if I'm continuing to up my weights and push myself (aka, there's a di

fference between slacking and resting - haha I need to breathe!) then it's ok if my gradual progress isn't as steep as it could be or someone else's because it's still increasing. It's still going up - I'm not wasting my time. I'm getting better. I'm getting there. Just got to keep it up.

Some Progress to speak of:

1. Nate went to kiss me last night

and in an embrace he was like "Whoa! Your arm is hard" :D Felt great :D

2. My body comp is totally changing. Even if the scale isn't my friend right now, I look in the mirror and can't deny that I'm really enjoying what I see. Plus, comments from friends and family help so much. It's awesome to hear.

3. My thigh muscles! It's weird to look down and see them coming out, or to squeeze them and feel the hardness.

4. I saw this picture of my face taken last year around Dec/November where I look like Theodore from Alvin and the Chipmunks and also one that was taken recently.

So there I have it. And that second pic was taken a month ago. ; ) God, thank You for this gift. Teach me to appreciate this time and rejoice in You and my progress and fuhgetabout the rest. Show me how to love myself as I love You.

Today is the day, let the challenge begin. Reminder, this is FREE. All we are asking is that you try your hardest to follow the rules / guidelines.

The entire challenge is on the honor system, remember you are doing it as another aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

There is NO Charge for this event, it is 100% about you, your team and living a better, healthier life. The challenge will last 6 weeks, ending just in time for Turkey day and indulging. Following are expectations and goals of this challenge. These are only recommendations, there is no way to be a dictator. Please understand, we are just trying to get people to try new things and see what the outcome is. This is NOT just about losing weight, some want to gain, that is great, you may just have to adjust numbers a little.

• Record everything that you eat, drink, consume …. Record how you feel afterwards, working out, etc.
• Record your workouts, sleep, fatigue, stress
• Provide a picture (start and end)
• Optional: Get pre and post bloodwork (ask Toby for bloodwork signup … 99.00 / each time)
• Cut out DAIRY, LEGUMES, GRAINS for first 4 weeks … this is to clear your system to see if you have reaction to these
• Week 5 … add DAIRY back in …. record results
• Week 6 … add in Legumes or Grains … record results
• Try to limit CHO (carbs = sugar) to > 150 g / day (ladies 130) …. less if you are losing weight
• Try to get plenty of protein … 1g / lb bw (1.2+ to gain)
• Drink lots of WATER …. shoot for 64oz day minimum
• Eat Protein and FAT with every meal
• Try to limit meals to no more than 500 cal / per
• Try to get 4-6g of Omega 3 (Fish Oil or alternative)
• Try to sleep at least 8 hours / day (shoot for 9)
• Limit Stress
• Exercise at least 3 / week

Additional Guidelines:

• Each person must be associated with a team / group of 4 (signup sheet is below). This is a great chance to meet someone different. Try to signup with a team of different people, morning with evening, etc. Fill out form completely, exchange cell, email, etc.
• Each TEAM must complete the following:

1. Have a meal together, social interaction (dinner out, cookout, potluck, etc). Maybe a couple of groups could get together.
2. Participate in 1 (one) social event together. Charity event, bowling, movie, game night, etc.
3. Assist each other with emotional support, shopping, cooking, etc.
4. Provide TEAM PHOTO (before / after) and RESULTS
5. *** if members workout at different times, try to workout at a different time, get out of your comfort zone, try new things. Meet new people.