Friday, August 27, 2010

242.2 (-4.9)

Can you imagine my surprise when I stepped on the scale this morning to see a 5 pound loss!? I mean, this is unprecidented! It is also somewhat a surprise because, while my diet has been okay, I've had a few struggles this week on the exercise front. Thank you all for your encouraging comments on my last post. It seems all those debates with my IFC paid off. ;) In fact, I had a FANTASTIC run last night. It felt easy, I was light on my feet, I didn't struggle with the time increase for my intervals and I was actually the "fast" one (usually my running buddy is the lead pace bunny and I'm the tortoise!). I guess it's proof that ups & downs are inevitable....you just have to persevere through them. I'm learning that now.

I have two Challenges to update you on.

First, there is Clyde's iTouch Challenge where I committed to losing 15 pounds by Labour Day. Well, I have lost 10 pounds so far which leaves me with 5 pounds to go before September 6th. Can I do it? YES I CAN!!

Second, I joined the 100 Days Challenge over at Run Courtney Run. I'm really excited to be a part of this challenge because I think it will keep me accountable as the days cool off and I ease into the good ol' Canadian winter. This was a 'build your own goal' challenge and I have committed to:
1. Run at least 3x per week (check!)
2. Strength train at least 2x per week (um....er....nope. More on this later!)
3. Drink my water (check!)
4. Lose 15-25 pounds (5 down!)

So....ahem....about that strength training. Most of you are probably sick of hearing me acknowledge how important it is and how I really should be doing it. I'm all talk and no action, aren't I? The thing is, I have no idea where to start. I'm convinced that I can/should create my own little home program rather than paying for an expensive gym membership BUT I have NO IDEA where to start. I'd really like to focus on my arms one day per week and my core on one day per week. So now what?


Whew...this is a much longer post than I intended. Thanks for reading!
Rae
xo

21 comments:

  1. i just posted a comment and my internet connection ate it when it dropped out! Arrh!Anyway to summarise the best bit of equipment for core and arms for me is a medicine ball. I have just bought one for my other half for Fathers day (which is coming up in Australia). Its a gift for both of us :) They are great for toning arms, abs and obliques. Pushups are also good and a fit ball to sit on to build up core strength and another favourite is lifting and carrying around my daughter. More fun when she is not whinging though! Hope that helps xo

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  2. Congrats on your weight loss this week!

    Jennifer
    http://livingachangedlife.blogspot.com/

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  3. Yay! What a loss! That is awesome! I am right there with you on the strength training. But, I will be starting the 30Day shred next week so that will add some ST into my routine. My gym also made a youtube video on how to do the ST circuit so I plan to add that to my weekend routine when I am home on the weekends.

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  4. 5 pounds to go - you can totally do it!

    rae, i can't believe you know about the data analysing robot youth lifeform! nobody knows about d.a.r.y.l! i think i have just discovered my soulmate! will you marry me? haha, it was one of those movies on tv my family taped (on vhs), and i must have watched it about a thousand times. maybe i can track it down on amazon . . .

    thanks a bunch for your sweet comments on my blog. really appreciate it, as always. p.s. i love the ice storm, too (on your profile) and radiohead is up there on my faves too. xxoo

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  5. Magazines always have at home workouts in them. It go through the store and flip through a few. Also google is great too!

    You can totally do 5 pounds you got this!

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  6. I suggest trying to get the Jillian 30 day shred video. It is so hard and only 20 minutes long. You can grab a basic set up dumbbells and be good to go. I think it's a great addition to running.

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  7. Congrats on the great loss!

    I just found your blog and my husband & I are working toward our first half marathon in Nov '11, even though we can't run a step right now! Looking forward to following you!

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  8. OMG Rae. Good for you. How inspiring. I have been so caught up in my emotional workouts, now I need to get physical. Thanks for being such a great motivator and giving me great comments on my blog. I love that you have such great advice. You truly inspire.

    Juli :)

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  9. Congrats on the loss!! 5 pounds is really great!! Keep up the good work :-D

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  10. Congrats on the 5 pounds loss!!! Way to go. Your goals sounds great. Not sure about weights at home since I go to the gym...sorry.

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  11. You're kicking ass already and we are only 5 days into it. That's so rad!!

    I notice we both have run 3X a week - I've got 2 down with #3 scheduled tomorrow! I'm LOVING this challenge. I feel rejuvenated!

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  12. 5 pounds! That's awesome! Way to go.

    Love the post on IFC and yourself talking about your run...too funny.

    You are completely right...comfortable being uncomfortable. I needed that, girl.

    Thanks!
    J

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  13. you are not to late ;-). If you would like to join us let me know, challenge starts September 1st.
    You can either do the shred for 30 days straight or 20 minutes of activity or move every day for 30 days

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  14. Wow! congratulations on the pounds gone! I love when that happens. :D Deb

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  15. Congratulations on your weight loss - a week ago you thought you wouldn't lose 10lbs in 2 weeks, and here you are just 7 days later and you're half way there. You just just need to believe, because you can do it! And the exercise is awesome - keep it up.

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  16. Congrats on 5 pounds.

    Whatever the Loblaw store in your area is called, in mine it's Zehrs, they should have a healthy foods section. That's where I find my brown rice pasta. Just today, my SIL told me that she has switched over and her kids love it, but they won't eat whole wheat pasta.

    Let me know what you think once you've tried it.

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  17. Raegun,

    You're doing awesome!! You can totally make your September goal. You can do it!!!

    I gave you a blogger award. Check it out on my blog at http://transparentjoy.blogspot.com/

    Hugs!!!

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  18. 5 lbs! That's great! And way to go on running faster - fantastic!

    As for strength training, I work with a trainer now, but I second the recommendations to check out magazines or their websites for workouta. Shape, Fitness, Women's Health, and Oxygen are some good ones. Jillian Michaels is good, but I would also recommend Jari Love's videos, too. She's a Canadian (Calgary) and keeps it simple without being annoying. My favourite is her Ripped - Slim & Lean video.

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  19. That is some serious poundage for the week...I knew you could do Clyde's challenge...didn't I?

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  20. Oh my gosh...this is so incredible. Great loss for the week and you really seemed to work for it!

    Keep it up...we only have about a week left (then on to the 100 Day Challenge!).

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  21. Hi I just found your blog. I too am trying to lose weight. I love reading what others are doing and feeling motivated!
    Keep up the great work. 5lbs!! WTG!!

    ~Robin~
    http://cutebycomparison.blogspot.com/

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