That's Full of Win! NROL4W Progress Log

[xpatchouli]

Well, hello there! Come right in. Join me in my journey as I embrace making my body healthier and stronger. I love the NROL4W Challenge. I look forward to learning from all of you.

Uber Me: I'm 34, married, and live near The Big D. My healthiest self was in July 2004 when I weighed 135, achieved through Weight Watchers and a few sprint triathlons. I gained it all back, slowly in 2.5 years, after I stopped doing tris.

My goal is to achieve a weight I can maintain through lifting, walking, and other activities I enjoy like skiing, biking, and swimming. I also have incorporated yoga as a way to deal with stress. Sustainable activities, that is my goal.


My stats:

Age: 34
Ht: 5'4
Wt: 150
BMI: 26

Measurements:
Upper chest: 34 1/2
Waist:32 1/2
Hips:44'
thighs:24

[UConnJulie]

Welcome Melanie ... I linked your log in the participants thread!

[fengshway]

welcome melanie, so glad that you are here!!

[GinnyLou]

Hi Melanie!
Welcome!

[xpatchouli]

I completed the second week of Stage 1.

I reread Lou's section on women not using enough weight during their workouts, so I reviewed my training log from the NROL4M break-in session to see how much I have not been lifting.

I realized that i have been lifting the same amount of weight for the same exercises, for years! I never get passed 10 or 15lbs.

yesterday, I increased my weight. To my surprise, I was able to complete the sets (except the prone jackknive, the devil carnate)

Squat: 35 lbs to 45lb
Step Up: 10 to 15lbs with increase in height
Push Up: 35 degree angle
Seated Row: 40 to 45lbs

I also feel stronger in my yoga class. I started attending 2x a week right after Thanksgiving. My balance has improved and my legs are steady during the more strenuous poses.

I'm still only walking 2 to 3 times a week (even walked to work today in the snow).

[xpatchouli]

I ingested my first protein drink this morning after my workout.

Scratch the BioChem Hemp and Protein whey vanilla drink. The drink's hue reminded me of the swamp behind my childhood home. A frog could jump out at me in any minute. The flavor induces memories of a dentist chair--the filling goop or some other nasty cleaning or filling agent.

I bought 3 additional sample packs of various flavors and brands. I hope the one I drink on Friday is better.

My workout A in Stage 1 was exhilarating this morning. I needed a pep me up before I start my stressful day.

I believe I need to ask someone to teach me how to do a proper deadlift. The videos posted on the NROL4W were helpful but I think I lose form when I'm alone in the gym. The gym owner was training someone this morning (with isolated exercises); she kept looking at me when I was doing my deadlifts.

Her stare made me think I'm doing them wrong.

[SwimBikeRun]

I hate protein drinks too. I still haven't found one I actually like!

Maybe try practicing deads at home in front of the mirror. Don't use any weights just concentrate on form. Look at yourself from a few different angles. Then when you add weights, you'll "remember" what your body needs to do. I've had to do that a few times with squats.

[xpatchouli]

It was difficult to fit in 3 workouts a week during the first two weeks of the challenge, mostly due to early morning work related meetings.
I am a morning exerciser, so if I miss this window of opportunity, its gone for the day.

Even though I didn't get the weight lifting routine in, I did go downhill skiing for the first time in 8 degree weather for 3 hours. I also completed 1 hour of snowshoeing on Sunday this past weekend.

This week's schedule:

1/18: Stage 1, Workout A, workout # 3 (morning)
Yoga (evening)

1/20: Stage 1, Workout B, workout #3

1/22-25: Walk on beach in Florida (no access to weights for 4 days starting on 1/21)

I'll have to get creative while in Florida...I just hope its 80 degrees instead of 8 with -8 windchill factor.

Consumed a new protein drink sample this morning:
Brand: Solgar "Whey to go", natural chocolate bean flavor.
8oz h20 with one packet.

This mix was much better than the hemp/whey vanilla flavor. It was digestable, didn't goop up in the glass because this was more watery than the first packet. Chocolate tastes better than the vanilla flavor.