Catherine's Log - A Brand New Goal!

[cfk]

My first training log! I'm new to this so bear with me!

For the past several years my main goals have been running related. I have done two marathons (The New York City Marathon & The Raleigh Marathon) and many, many half marathons. I love it. But now I'd like to set my sights on a new goal. Strength training. I'm not alltogether new to strength training but it's been several years since it was my focus. But two kids later I feel the need to focus on weights instead of the treadmill. I've read NROL and am following the Fat Loss I plan and am very much looking forward to NROL for Women.

Goals:
I don't care much what I weigh but I'd love to see 130 on the scale.
Loose 14lbs of fat
Increase strength

Weaknesses:
Poor nutrition. I know what I should eat. I know what I shouldn't eat. Now if I could just do it! My main goal through all of this is to learn better nutrition.

Current Stats:
145.5 lbs
28% fat (or so)
5' 6" -female
*I'll be taking measurements and photos soon*

How I plan to accomplish these goals:
Following NROL Fat Loss I

My Motivation:
My husband and I are going to the Carribean around March and I would love to wear a bikini and not feel at all self-conscious. I don't want to go there and be the same old size and regret that I had not tried harder to reach my goals.

[L'ilJ]

Welcome and good luck to you! NROL is a great program and many people around here have seen great results.

[mel]

Good to see you posting here!
Getting started is the hardest part, and you've done that! Way to go!
We'll be here to encourage you along the way!

mel

[cfk]

I had a little trouble today. I'm following NROL Fat LossI program and most of the equipment I needed in the gym someone else was using. Grrrr. So I improvised and not sure I got as good a workout as I planned.

Deadlift 3x15 50lbs
SS:
Lat pulldown (wide grip) 3x12 @50
Tricep extension (rope) 3x12 @30
SS:
Bulgarian split squat 3x12 10lb dumbbells
Dumbbell incline press 3x12 @20
Crunches on stability ball 3x15
Foam roller on right IT band

I was going to do the Metobolic Overdrive cardio portion but my legs felt just dead. Those split squats kill me every time! I think I'm going to have to separate my cardio and weight days.

I had a protein/carb shake immediately following my workout. I also bought something called "Greens" and had that. YUCK!!!! But I'll keep using it. I'm all for getting my greens in the easiest way possible. I will post todays diet tonight after I total it all up.

Anyone is welcome to comment (just be nice) on how I can improve!

[gregl515]

You might try getting steaming bags and frozen vegetables. I prepare a nice piece of chicken or fish and a whole bunch of steamed veggies and am a very happy boy!

[cfk]

So I fell off the wagon already. I got so caught up in Christmas stuff that I put m workout on the back burner. I much regret it too. I've decided that my workout is going to have to come first. If a few things don't get done by Christmas so be it. It's usually stuff that no one else notices anyway. But they WILL notice my new muscles

[UConnJulie]

Welcome Catherine!

[Cynic]

I fell off the wagon back in April or May. maybe sooner.

Starting to get back on, but it's slow. The back is out of shape and I'm straining it.

Keep at it Catherine. It does eventually become somewhat natural, but it is about finding a balance between the workouts and the rest of your life.

I'm also starting up NROL. I love the workouts, so why not.

[cfk]

Thank you for the kind words! I think one of my problems is that I'm kind of "all or nothing" which I know is a bad thing. For example, if I eat a bad breakfast I pretty much give up on the rest of the day and say "oh well, I'll just start again tomorrow". I need to correct this. Accept I had a bad meal (or whatever) and just keep going and make the next one healthier. So that is what I'm working on. I think I'd be better off logging every day as well even (and especially!) if it's a bad day.

Today is a good "fresh start" kind of day. Holidays are over, we are planning our vacation in April and I have a goal. Doesn't get much fresher than that!

My mini-goals for today:
1. drink 64 ounces of water (I usually drink about none!)
2. go to the gym to lift
3. get on the treadmill while kids are napping for a 20 min HIIT
4. take "before" pics and measurements

[stingo]

Originally Posted by cfk

So I fell off the wagon already. I got so caught up in Christmas stuff that I put m workout on the back burner. I much regret it too. I've decided that my workout is going to have to come first. If a few things don't get done by Christmas so be it. It's usually stuff that no one else notices anyway. But they WILL notice my new muscles

Welcome to the forum - I think everyone falls off the wagon, or at least does a precarious balancing act around the holidays. I did myself and it was great - just what I needed to go back to the routine with a new and better attitude. So, it's after Christmas now, so you can climb back on and continue you progress.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by stingo

Welcome to the forum - I think everyone falls off the wagon, or at least does a precarious balancing act around the holidays. I did myself and it was great - just what I needed to go back to the routine with a new and better attitude. So, it's after Christmas now, so you can climb back on and continue you progress.

Ha! That's a great way to look at it. No point in feeling bad about it. So, instead of feeling bad about the stops, feel good about the starts. Good luck with your goals, Catherine!

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by cfk

Thank you for the kind words! I think one of my problems is that I'm kind of "all or nothing" which I know is a bad thing.

The fact that you acknowledge it is step in the right direction.

For example, if I eat a bad breakfast I pretty much give up on the rest of the day and say "oh well, I'll just start again tomorrow". I need to correct this.

Do you have a selection of healthy quick breakfasts and not-so-quick? Say, a good granola or other quality cold cereal and a stock of eggs, ham, cheese, etc.

Do that. I'm fortunate enough to have a manufacturer nearby that produces whole grain goods. One of them is a cereal called "Great Granola."

Look around. See what is available.

My mini-goals for today:
1. drink 64 ounces of water (I usually drink about none!)

Easy. Get a 12oz cup, fill it every two hours. I mean fill it, from empty.

A little about me...I quit smoking last year. It took about 50 attempts, but the last worked, not because I had support. I actually stoppped reporting my progress. I was relying on the kind words and if they didn't come, I stopped trying. The last attempt I made personal and largely a private struggle. Doing the right thing doesn't require recognition. It's the right thing because you know it is. You'll have a good support base here, but you are you own best friend or your own worst enemy. Combine the two and make yourself your own arch-rival.

[Biskit]

Originally Posted by cfk

So I fell off the wagon already. I got so caught up in Christmas stuff that I put m workout on the back burner. I much regret it too. I've decided that my workout is going to have to come first. If a few things don't get done by Christmas so be it. It's usually stuff that no one else notices anyway. But they WILL notice my new muscles

Catherine,

I, too, get caught up in minutia surrounding the holidays. I want everything to be perfect, and I end up over-stressing and turning into a grouch. You're right, nobody will notice anyway. Not that your efforts aren't laudible, it's just that it may not be worth it.

Get back on the wagon any time, it's always parked right where you need it. You're human, and like most others, we fail. But try not to beat yourself up too much, it only hurts more when you do that. So grab a weight or something, and hop back on that wagon. Remember that bikini in March!

Hang in,
Deb