Wow it has been a while

From this point on i am going to start sharing tips on fitness and some great facts.

Below is my journey when I started fitness training and this blog.

Been a while since i have blogged. With the power outage and two major storms I feel like I haven't worked out forever. Of course this time of year is so much more crazier than usual with something to do or go to everynight of the week. I can't wait to be off the rest of this week and next.

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Hope Santa is good to ya! Here are some cute cartoons - enjoy!

Day 55 in the Gym

Still feeling like crap but I got up and made it to the gym by 5PM. It was just me and Deena today. Andy kicked outA**! Oh my gosh my arms felt like wet soggy mush! There was no rest for the weary - no rest between arm exercies. I can't believe the amount of push-ups that we were made to do. Lots and Lots of ab workouts today - loved it! (even though i hated it at the time) After all was said and done i was happy i got my sick A** out of bed and went. I am so sore!

Day 54

Today i was sick and didn't make it into work. My voice is still gone and I feel like crap! I can't believe I have felt so bad since Saturday. While being home I edited all the individual and team photos for our hockey team. At least I was productive and got that out. I love being home. I hope soon I can quit my job and stay home and help out with our hockey program - ahhhh to dream......

Day 53 in the Gym

Quote of Day....

"I am convinced that attitude is the key to success or failure in almost any of life's endeavors. Your attitude-your perspective, your outlook, how you feel about yourself, how you feel about other people-determines you priorities, your actions, your values. Your attitude determines how you interact with other people and how you interact with yourself." Carolyn Warner

still feeling like crap and my voice is still not back. I felt weak today but I managed to get through the workout. We worked back, legs and abs. I actually did some of the machines for legs and my knee isn't hurting which makes me happy. I just wish I felt better. I am tired of being sick or having something wrong with my body. It totally makes us appreciate our health when something isn't right with us.

Day 51 & 52

ahhh The Weekend - i was sick - lost my voice (which most people enjoyed) especially my boys! body aches and sore throat. I did manage to make it to Brandon's hockey game and i went to the Training Effects party. Had a nice time. I met allot of clients and everyone was very friendly. It was nice to see the Slim To Win contestants dressed up, hair combed and make-up on. Even Andy was looking pretty "sporty" with his hat and dress pants.

Got home around 1:15AM and didn't sleep well. Sunday I felt like a truck ran over me and i totally lost my voice. I did manage to go another hockey game but i didn't even put my contacts in and i was looking like I felt. Scott came home on Sunday night and I was already in bed at 8PM.

Day 49 & 50

So I am totally still sore from Wednesday. The backs of my arms are still hurting and today we did lots of pushups. Good workout today. I like doing arms and abs. I can't believe how sore I am though.

Hubby is going out of town for three days hunting so it is just me and boys. Tonight is hockey practice, tomorrow we have a game and Sunday we have a game. Scotty has two games this weekend.

I still haven't had time to decorate the house yet maybe this weekend and we will put the tree up when Scott gets home.

Last night we celebrated Scotty's 19th b-day at The Texas Roadhouse - I got a steak, salad and greenbeans - yum!

The photos posted today are for ANDY. (love ya man!)

Deena & Kelly will get it.

Signing off now

Patrick :-)

Day 47 & 48

Nothing to exciting happening. I got my haircut last night and watched The Biggest Loser. I was surprised that Vicky didn't vote Ed off. I think they all FAB and I can't wait to see the finale.

Today, Andy worked us hard shoulders and back. I have to say that hour went by slow today. I felt so good until around 1:30PM today - now I am dragging and just want to take a nap.

I need to get in the mood for the holidays - everyday just keeps on flying by and I need to decorate my house and I just can't get the time or in the mood to do it. Maybe Santa can bring me some energy and more time. Ahhhh wouldn't that be nice....

Day 46 in the Gym....

It is cold and rainy and getting up at 4AM still bites. It just dosn't get any easier. Today was legs and shoulders and abs. I did the bike for about 15 minutes while the others did legs. My knee is still bothering me but it feels so much better than it did a few weeks back. I joined the chicks for shoulders and I just had a hard time today. I had a headache that came out of no where and I didn't feel strong today. I am going to relook at my food log and try to add some more fruits and veggies into it.

I am looking into getting Scotty for his 19th b-day this week some sessions with Andy or someone at TE. I want them to kick his A** the way they kick mine (ha ha)

Day 42, 43, 44 & 45

Thanksgiving was very nice this year. We had dinner at my mother-in-laws and she cooked a great meal. I felt like I did really good with porportions and for desert I bought a sugar free cheesecake which was low in carbs and sugar - yum!

We had a crazy four days. Our hockey team was in a tournament in Foxboro so we left early Friday morning and came home late Saturday for another hockey game and back Sunday for the championship game which we won in overtime! yay! I was so proud of my Brandon for making a beautiful pass to win the game. He played really good all weekend. I sure wish I had his energy.

I didn't do any cardio but i did try to watch what I ate - there were a few beers drunk though- need to get my big butt back on track this week.

Day 41 in the Gym

May your stuffing be tastyMay your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Turkey day!

Okay so Andy was right it was a tough workout. I actually did two knee exercises and my knee feels okay. I am excited to feel good again. Towards the end of the workout i felt like i was going to be sick. That is supposedly a good thing. Okay, let's see people pay trainers lots of $ to work them until they throw up - hmmmmm okay good thing I guess.

I am going to try to be good tomorrow. I am hoping today's workout will hurt so much that it will hurt to pick up the fork to my mouth (hee)

Signing off from one turkey to another......

Day 40

No gym today - yay! I am so busy at work I cannot wait until Wednesday at 5PM. Of course my weekend isn't going to be much of a rest. Brandon is in a hockey tournament Friday-Sunday and we have two hockey games on Friday, 2 on Saturday and I think 2 on Sunday - yikes!

Andy said our workout tomorrow is going to be a killer - oh i can't wait - NOT

Day 39 in the Gym

Can you say Happy!!! Woo Hoo I lost 4.4 pounds this week! FINALLY the scale is showing the hard work i have been putting in. My clothes are fitting better each week. I am so excited! I am down 13.8 pounds now - yay!

Today's workout was legs and arms - can you say 50! Yep that was Andy's magic number today - 50!!!!!! I didn't do the legs and by watching what he had the other girls do i don't think i could have. The arms were brutal. I am sure i will be a little sore tomorrow.

I will leave you with this:

The Key to Happiness

The key to happinessThe secret to happiness is not to get what you want, but to want what you already have. If you think about it, most discontent grows from want. We want more stuff, more excitement, more pleasure. When we don't get those things, we're resentful and unsatisfied. Take away the want, and you take away=2 0the unhappiness. When your quality of life is tied to your desires, fulfillment is a shadow that escapes your view. Like trying to imagine a new color, the harder you look, the harder it is to see. Does this mean you stop setting goals and striving for a healthy lifestyle and better life? No. It means you can appreciate life regardless of the outcome. It means you can relish the pursuit while accepting the possibility of failure. It means you can still enjoy the ride. Happiness is not a destination--it's a way of life.

Have a good day ;-)

Day 37 & 38

ahhhhh the weekend! Gotta love it! I met my friend Peggy for dinner at the Outback and had the Tilipia fish - it was really good. I also indulged in two Australian beers - yum!

Saturday was hockey for both boys. We won both games. Scotty is now playing for the Monarchs and is very happy. I love seeing him happy. I think this is the team for him. Sunday was "get organized" day. I cleaned out the bathroom closet and a few kitchen cabinets. I made the family chicken cutlets over pasta. I didn't have any. I had a chicken sandwich earlier at subway instead and I found some sugar free, carb free jello and lite fat free whipped cream - yum! I ate that while watching 24.

Day 36 in the Gym...

Today was legs and shoulders - killer! Since my knee is still bothering me i rode the bike while the other chicks did legs. Today was a good workout, felt good after. It is still freezing cold outside!

Day 35

Isn't he cute! Just a photo to make you smile.

Yet another FREEZING Day. Nothing much to write about today, I have been reading some success stories on weight loss on the Internet - definitely motivating. Well tonight need to get to bed at 8AM because 4AM rolls around too quickly. Oh yeah I have to stop by the market tonight after work to pick up a cake for the office for birthday month so tomorrow will be tempting but i will get through it.

Day 34 in the Gym....

oh it was so cold this morning! I will say that it didn't take long to warm up. We did a circuit of biceps and back. I have a feeling I will be sore tomorrow. I went to the Dr. today and according to her scale I am down 11.5 pounds since I started at TE. I was surprised since I had already eaten my oatmeal, protein shake and a protein bar before I went. That totally made my day until the Dr. said oh your weight is perfect. I said perfect? No I have quite a bit of weight to lose and then we realized the nurse had written down that I weighed 142 pounds! I said that is my goal weight! ha ha ha

Day 33

Today I have a class in Nashua for work. I am here all day. I had an hour for lunch and ate out and had a salad, turkey sandwich and cheese and lettuce, tomoato and onion without the bread. Oh yeah my arms are "wicked" sore today! I feel like i am working out the first week with Andy. I can't believe how sore I am. I like it though :-) Going to bed early tonight as getting up at 4AM isn't getting any easier. Until tomorrow....

Day 32 in the Gym

Gotta love Mondays! After being out of training two days last week - i really felt it today. We worked biceps, triceps, abs and we just didn't stop - non-stop from one exercise/machine to the next. Later on when i was blow drying my hair at home my arms were shaking - i thought this phase was over - i guess not! It feels good to be working out again. Until Wednesday - CHOW!

They Say its your Birthday - nah nah nah nah

So Sunday, November 16th was the BIG day. I had a b-day and can officially buy alchol now! ha ha ha ha - I wish! I turned 44 i guess I am officially old now! I had a nice b-day - slept in, read a book, watched some TV. My family took me out to The Rain Forest Cafe for lunch/dinner. I did really good with food until the staff came and sang Happy Birthday and presented me with "The Volcono" yep that would be brownies, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and carmel. YUM!!!! Although I haven't been eating much sugar lately so that kind of didn't agree with my stomach but it sure tasted good! To end the day Brandon had a hockey game :-)

Wah Wah Wah

I decided i needed to go to the Dr. because of the pain i was having in my left knee. I got an appt. for Weds. and they gave me some vicadon (sp) and set up an appt. with the Ortho Dr. for Friday. I missed two workouts this week and Imissed 2 days of work. I have been icing my knee and taking it easy.

I went to the Ortho and they said I it a bad sprain - that I tore my ligaments and it can take up to 6 weeks to heal.

On Saturday, I decided to go to my gym and do arms. I worked out for about 40 minutes doing the arm machines and free weights. I am glad I went. I have been watching my diet all this week and I hope I did not gain any weight.

My plan is to be back in the gym at 5AM on Monday morning but will only be doing abs and arms.

I know this will hurt me for the contest but I also feel like Michele that I am a winner. My clothes are fitting much better, I feel better, my hair is finally growing and I am happy I have done this for myself. The scale hasn't been my friend by my clothes are making up for that. I AM NOT giving up even with a bad knee. This injury will not stop me from working out with Andy and the girls.

Tomorrow is my birthday and this may be the first birthday in my life that I won't enjoy a piece of birthday cake - hmmm that is pretty wild and this is the first Halloween EVER that I did not eat ANY candy. I am happy with my willpower right now. I hope I can keep it up.

Until tomorrow - have a good night everyone!

No Gym today

Today was our off day. I am suppose to do cardio today but my knee is killing me. I am wearing a knee brace and in allot of pain. I get grumpy when i have pain because I am not really use to being in pain. I hope this knee of mine heals soon. The above cartoon is how I feel lately with a broken foot and now torn ligaments in my knee on the same leg - what will be next? Okay Martha stop feeling sorry for youself and stop whinning it could be worse.

I can't wait to go home and watch The Biggest Loser tonight.

Day 31 in the Gym

Quote for the Day:

I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing. ~Marsha Doble

I have had ANOTHER set back. As I have mentioned in previous posts my knees have been really bothering me. My right knee in particular. In fact I was in so much pain over the weekend, the perscription ibuprofen wasn't working so I decided to go to the ER on Sunday morning. They took X-rays and determined I had torn ligaments. I was sent home with pain meds, told to ice it and given a knee brace. I was pretty much in pain all day. The first thing my husband and oldest son say is: "how are you going to exercise?" "what about your training?" I called Andy and gave him the heads up. This morning I went to the gym and while the other chicks worked legs i rode the bike and then i joined them for lower back, abs and triceps.

I weighed myself when i got to Training Effects and it looks like I am down another pound from Friday. I think the low carb diet is working for me.

Over the weekend, I got my hair colored - went more blonde and today I fit into a dress shirt I haven't fit into for a very very long time. I am getting pumped up. I just wish my knee was okay.

Day 30 in the Gym....

What a dreary day very gray and rainy. The kind of day that you don't want to get out of bed especially at 4AM. It is also pretty humid out. Today we worked out backs, abs, triceps and calfs. Knee is still really really sore.

I lost 2 pounds this week - yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Down 9 pounds now. I had two people at work ask if I was losing weight today - double yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend filled with hockey games.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Day 29 in the Gym

It is a rainy dreary day today. No Andy today so i got to sleep until 6:30AM!!! I was so excited! My knees are really bothering me today. I am still eating low carbs and feeling pretty good again. I guess we will see how three days of low carbs is when i step on the scale tomorrow. Did I mention I do not like the scales and for the most part they don't like me. On an upbeat my clothes are fitting different and that makes me happy. I wore a blouse today that was really really tight before and now it fits nicely. I had even intended on returning the blouse originally but never got around to it - glad I didn't because now it fits.

Getting my hair done tomorrow and I am feeling like going more blonde. I am in the mood to change it up some. Well tomorrow is Friday and day 3 of training with Andy. I am going to try no to whine tomorrow when he tells me to do lunges or something else I don't like but I can't promise I won't.

Day 28 in the Gym....

I think the cartoon says it all, especially for women. I just don't understand the "SCALES" I mean one day you weigh one thing and that night you have gained 3 pounds and the next morning you are down 2 and so on and so on. It just drives me crazy. I feel like my weight is all over the place. This morning I was down 2 pounds from yesterday morning. I guess water plays a big part of the number that shows up.

So yesterday I really watched my carbs and ate lots of veggies and lean meat - feeling pretty good today. My knees are really bothering me and I assume it is from running. I will need to change up the cardio for now. Andy has been doing a type of circuit with us so now we just aren't sore say on arms we are sore on arms, legs etc. Today was pretty tough.

Thank you Andy for all you do! I know you don't hear it enough (due to the whinning or sighing) I do appreciate everything you have done for me.

Day 27 in the Gym.....

Quote for Day:

"Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality". Ralph Marston

Success is not a race, be patient.

Success leads to success.

Success is always a work in progress.

Success doesn't come to you--you go to it.

Success is a journey, not a destination.

Focus on the process.

Some people dream about success... while others wake up and work hard at it.

Success is achieved and maintained by those who try-and keep trying.

Everyday is a good day to SUCCEED!

If at first you don't succeed-try, try again

I have been reading a really good book and I am going to try to deplete my carbs for 7 days and then work them back into my diet. I started today. I am eating allot of protein and veggies and "good" fats. It is funny as I look at my log from yesterday and what it will be today my fat and carbs are pretty much the same number switched - my calories are going to be around 1500 today.

We worked our arms and some legs today. I feel like I am getting stronger - I can't believe I can do the pushups I am doing. When I started I could barely do 10. Still not "loving" the lunges but getting better at it and I am not whining as much (right Andy?)

Day 26 in the Gym

Today we have cardio on our own. After work I am heading to the gym to run. I haven't been real hungry today and I am feeling pretty good. Not as tired. My legs have been really achy lately I think from the running. I am pretty sure Andy will be working our legs tomorrow- ouchy!

Weekend - November 1st & 2nd

With the biggest "health" scare in my life happening on Friday the weekend ended up being nice. We had hockey and Scott and I went to a fund raiser for another hockey team with Earl and Deb and watched 4 comedians and had a nice dinner. It was a nice night out. We slept in on Sunday and I LOVED turning the clock back. I went to the gym and ran for 30 minutes and did some situps. Later that day I went to Barnes and Noble and bought a book called: Crack The Fat Loss Code - i started reading it and an hour and half later I was still in Barnes and Noble. I ended up buying the book and read some more when i got home. That's about it for the weekend - nothing too exciting - just the way I like it.

Day 25 in the Gym

Yesterday around 4:30pm my husband called and told me that Salem Radiology called and wanted to talk to me. I had had my mammagram this week so I knew something was wrong. When i called they said they wanted me to come in for more scans and an Ultra Sound. I started crying immediately. The radiologist saw something in both of my breasts. I cried so much and when I left work I knew I needed to go and do cardio so I cried all the way to Londonderry. I showed up with a red and puffy face and I got on the treadmill. My intention was to do 30 minutes of running. When 30 minutes came I said I can do 10 more minutes and I kept saying this until I reached 1 hour of running on the treadmill (20 seconds high speed, 20 seconds rest etc.) I was completely SWEATY. In that hour I forgot about what might be something about to change my life forever.

I didn't sleep well and got up at 4 and got the gym. I had tears in my eyes on the way there but I didn't cry during the workout. We worked arms today and it took my mind off of it.

At work I started crying again and some of my co-workers were really supportive in talking to me. I was so upset I couldn't even go in and tell my boss. I left and went and had the tests done. The mammagram hurt this time and in the ultrasound she found several cysts. Scott showed up and we waited in the waiting room together which seemed forever and all that kept going through my mind was I might not be able to see my boys grow up. The radiologist reviewed the mammagram and the ultrasound and everything for now is fine - whew!!! I started balling when she told me I was okay because I was so scared. I will need to get more frequent mammagrams and ultrasounds to keep an eye on them but I am so thankful that everything turned out. I am completely drained right now and in one hour the little "goblins" will be knocking on my door.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Day 24 at the gym...

Today is cardio on our own. My plan is to go straight to TE right after work. I have my workout gear right beside me.

Sometimes when I need motivation I read weight loss stories on-line and I look at before and after photos and read people's personal stories. It really pumps me up. I wanted to share something I found today on believing in yourself:

Believe In Yourself & Attain Your Fitness Goals

Weight loss is 90% mental and all it needs is commitment, planning, & goal setting. Once you start believing in your self and loving your body you will be over with all hurdles and you goal will appear as near and as easy to achieve as it was never ever before.

Remember these things and boost your confidence:

* One thing that you cannot recycle is wasted time.

* Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end.

* Do not try to lose weight/achieve your goals too fast.

* Make a lifelong commitment to yourself to change your lifestyle habits for the better.

* Always think positive and stay focused.

* Respect your body and treat it well.

It is not failure itself that holds you back but the fear of failure that paralyzes you, so knock off your fears and buck up with your strong will and go get your desired goals.

All of us are the proud owners of the wonder machines i.e. our bodies. In addition, we are lucky to live in an era when great progress is being made and we are now able to understand and know our bodies in a better way.

So love and enjoy your priced possession and take care of it always. In the end, hoping that this will boost you up and start a new beginning in your lives and for the betterment of course.

Day 23 in the Gym...

Yesterday was a fantastic day! I was in "The Zone" running earlier and was happy all day and the DVD presentation went GREAT! Everyone loved it and the kids went crazy. It was really cool to see my work on the big screen and everyone really appreciated the hard work I put into it. I was still in a good mood when i got to the gym this morning. Today was LEGS - (my least favorite) i made it through, i did my lunges with weights and squats and olympic squats. Tomorrow I will be doing cardio on my own.

Well, gotta go - off to the football banquet :-)

Day 22 in the Gym....

Today Andy told us to do cardio on our own for 30 minutes. Normally I would choose to go at night but tonight we have plans to show the musical DVD I did for Brandon's football team at Chunky's! I am so excited to see my work on "The Big Screen" That being said I slept in until 5:15AM and went to my gym. I was surprised to see as many people that early in the morning. I did my running routine for 30 minutes on the treadmill and I felt GREAT! I actually got a "high" from it today. I kept my heartrate where it should be to burn fat and I could have ran longer but I needed to get home so Scott could go to work. Tomorrow will be legs with Andy - yuk! - no lunges - no lunges (please no lunges!)

Day 21 in the Gym

Today was triceps and arms. I can already feel myself getting stronger. The push ups are getting easier along with other weight exercises.

I went to the Dr. today and my foot is still broken. I am 85% healed and she said i have healed since last month. She also said that working out is good for my foot as long as I am not in any pain and that I should be completely healed by January. I guess I am just going to have to deal with the pain a little longer but at least I can exercise and do cardio - whew!

Tomorrow we have to do cardio on our own and then on Wednesday we will work legs. oh Yay! yes that is sarcastic!

Weekend

October 25 & 26

What a nice weekend. Two hockey games, a movie at The Loop and Spooky World! We saw the movie Express about Ernie Davis the football player - what an inspirational movie.

Sunday, I got my butt to the gym and did 30 minutes (20 seconds running, 20 seconds resting) keeping my heartrate up for 30 minutes. I was completely drenched in sweat. I did some situps after and headed home for a much needed shower. I wanted to go to bed early but a bunch of the hockey parents and kids met us at Spooky World. What a perfect night to walk about and get scared. Everyone got treats and it killed to watch them all eating carmel apples - yum! I did go and ate before I went because i knew I would be tempted and at the movies I had no snacks during the movie. Again I made sure I will full.

Day 19 in the Gym....

Last night after running a few errands I was so TIRED that when i got home I said to my husband I am too tired to eat, I am going to bed (that was at 7:30PM!~) I slept until 4 and felt good when I got up. We weighed in today and i was happy to be down around 7 pounds for the month. I think my body is figuring out what I am trying to do and is starting to cooperate.

Today was the DREADED legs - i made it through them even those horrible lunges! Ya know I never thought of myself as a "whinner" but I think when I am pushed and in pain working out (pain in a good way) the inner "whinner" totally comes out and I make my whinny comments. Billy picked up on that this AM. Who'd ever known that Martha was a "whinner" hmmmm - need to work on that.

Looking forward to a restful weekend. Going to try to get some cardio in at least one of the days.

Day 18 in the Gym

Okay a little Halloween humor - I love this time of year and Halloween is one of my favorite nights of the year. Hope this dosn't offend anyone.

ahhhh today felt really good - i was very happy today and in a good mood. I ate my oatmeal :-) We worked arms today - those dang pushups are starting to get a little easier on the balls. Andy had us do "Throw-Ups" with the weighted balls. Tomorrow is LEGS - not my favorite at all!

Also, today i wore a tee-shirt that I haven't been able to wear in a few years because it was too tight and didn't feel comfortable - it fits perfect now :-)

Day 17 in the Gym....

So I took Andy's advice and ate oatmeal at 4:15AM before my workout and i did have more energy today- yipeeeee! He worked us hard today - no rest for the weary! we kept going and going and going (I better stop before I get dizzy). I really felt like I accomplished something today.

When I went home my husband told me that when he was playing hockey last night (mens league) one of his coaches for our NE Predators team asked him if I was losing weight - he noticed! yay! that totally made my day! He is the first person who has said something (except for my hubby of course) he dosn't count though. Starting in November we will be going to 3 days training and 3 days cardio on our own. That will be challenging but I think it will be good.

well back to work -sigh....

Day 16 in the Gym

okay today SUCKED! When I got to TE Andy says we are doing legs - I think to myself - oh no problem - I always thought my legs were pretty strong - WRONG! I had a really hard time with balance today and the lunges killed my legs - i was NOT happy. I made it through about 40 minutes and Andy said go to the Treadmill so I went and ran for 20 seconds, rested for 20 seconds for 20 minutes. I haven't sweated so much since I started. My foot is really bothering me now and i go next week to the Dr. to see if it is still broke.

I was pretty down on myself when I left and Andy recommended eating oatmeal before I come so I will try that tomorrow. I hope tomorrow will be easier/better.

Day 15 in the Gym

This morning wasn't so bad getting up. I wasn't as tired as I normally am. When I got to Training Effects I jumped on the treadmill and warmed up. My foot felt good today and I ran a little on the treadmill. Felt good. Today we worked on our arms and boy did it BURN!!!! I also felt like I was going to be sick. After he kicked our A!^%# I felt better when I left. My arms are fine unless i try to lift them up.

The Weekend

October 18 & 19th

Friday at work I was exhausted! The boys went to the UNH game and I got the house to myself. After work, I walked around Lowell and ate a 6 inch turkey sub on wheat bread - yum! I was so tired i went home, watched a little TV, read and passed out by 9AM - i didn't wake up until 10AM. We had a hockey game in the afternoon and I find my food is thrown off on the weekends with all the traveling, I am finding it hard to eat every 2 to 3 hours. I had 3 big meals on both days.

Sunday was filled with early football and hockey games. I went to the grocery store and bought some healthy food for the week. Of course I had to go to bed early and didn't watch the Red Sox - i need my beauty rest so I can get up at 4AM

Day 14 in the gym....

I encourage all women to to self examinations and to have your yearly mammagram.

So Wednesday I was whinning and crying about not losing more weight and then last night I went into Boston and photographed an event for Ann Taylor for Breast Cancer Survivors. There were 11 beautiful women of all ages (even a hockey mom) and boy did their stories touch my heart. These women have been through so much and I am whinning about losing weight. It really put things into perspective.

The event went really well and Ann Taylor gave each of the girls the outfit they wore for the show. I photographed the fashion and show and afterwards. It was allot of fun and these woman rock! I got home late last night and woke up at the time I normally leave the house so I ran around the house like a mad woman getting ready this AM. Andy worked us hard today - legs and shoulders and of course abs. I was dying and I have never been so happy to see 6AM come!

Day 13 in the Gym...

October 16, 2008

I have really been craving sweets lately - I WILL NOT GIVE IN I WILL NOT GIVE IN........

Today was arms - yikes! total jello! My hands wouldn't stop shaking. It is 1:00PM and I can still feel it from this morning.

I am really excited I got asked to photograph an Ann Taylor "Survivor" event in Boston at The Loft. It should be allot of fun and inspirational. This means a long night so tomorrow at 4AM is going to be really hard to get up and get to Training Effects. Andy take it easy on me!

Day 12 in the Gym

Here are some photos of that show all of our muscles - thought I would post this so I could study it and learn what and where everything is. I feel like I am in Health class (ha ha ha)

October 15, 2008

Todays workout was back. Great workout. Everyone was good until we had to get weighed at the end of the session. I was really nervous and I was very disappointed when I stepped on the scale and had only lost 3 pounds in 3 weeks. I actually cried in the car. My husband told me don't worry about the numbers just focus on how your body is changing and he said he has noticed i look different. I just want so hard for all this hard work and eating right to pay off. I finally cried and got it out of my system. Now I am feeling better. I am going to have to step it up outside of the gym with cardio I think. I am giving Andy my food log tomorrow, maybe he will find something I am doing wrong with my diet. I just hate getting on the scales.

Okay enough whining focus focus focus!

Day 11 in the Gym

October 14th

Yesterday was a holiday so this week will be a short week. Andy lost electricity last night and was a little late so today was a short workout. He worked us out on our legs (lots of squats and lots of ab work) I think tonight I will hit the gym and do some cardio.

I weighed myself yesterday and it showed I am down almost 5 pounds since I started the challenge. It is kind of disappointing, I guess I expect more out of my body than i should. I am hoping that with all the hardwork and clean eating i will start to notice a difference in my body soon. I do feel better that I am eating better and I actually don't feel as flabby. I will continue to hang in there and not give up.

Long Weekend

October 11 - 12

Let the weekend begin! I was so excited to get to sleep in on Saturday. I can't believe how tired I am from this past week.

We had 2 hockey games today and was on the go. I tried the Duncan Donuts veggie egg white flatbread and it wasn't bad - the website says it is under 300 calories. I am so glad Duncan has some healthy options now. Also, Saturday night we went out to dinner with another couple and they all got the Prime Rib was looked yummy. I ordered baked swordfish with beets and a plain sweet potato on the side. It was pretty good. I am happy I am trying fish now.

Day 10...

October 10, 2008

Here is a lovely photo that shows what I worked today and boy do i feel it right now! I can only imagine what my "noodle" arms are going to feel like tomorrow. Whew - I have made it through week 2. Last night after work I went to the gym and did 25 minutes on the Elliptical and then headed home for a hot shower. I ate turkey burger and a sweet potato with cinnamon - yum! then i fixed my family pasta with meat sauce. I was so tired last night - I watched the first part of The Biggest Loser from Tuesday night. That show is so motivating.

This morning was biceps and triceps. First off my the backs of my legs were hurting when i got up this morning. As I left Andy this morning my arms felt like wet noodles - yikes! This work out stuff is so hard and some of the most simple looking exercises are the hardest.

I am so excited it is the weekend! I get to sleep until 7AM tomorrow morning -3 more hours than all this week - woo hoo!

Day 9....

This has NOTHING to do with working out but I received it as a joke this morning and it just made me smile - Happy Thursday everyone!

Today was legs - oh how painful - i am still shaky from the workout. I am going to try to go and do some cardio at my gym tonight. My foot still really hurts so i will have to do the bike or elipitcal (sp).

Late yesterday afternoon we went apple picking and pumpking picking and had a really good time. Afterwards our family went to Chili's for dinner. I got the Tilipia backed fish with steamed veggies. It was very good. I will say when we got there a beer sounded really good and chips and queso dip but i kept strong and ate healthy.

Until tomorrow....

Day 8 Workout

Okay girls here is a little eye candy for you! All I can say is (mouth open) WOW! Working out is a GOOD THING! Here are some of thos words Andy was using today :-)

I figure I will post this so I can keep looking at this to try to remember all of these muscles
Today was shoulders. We worked 3 different muscles today. Andy explained them all. He is very smart and knows his stuff. My foot is still bothering me which is bumming me out. I hope it is healed when I got back to the Dr. I really want to start doing some heavy cardio.

I am also bummed a little that I have lost only 2.5 - 3 pounds (depending on what time of the day I step on the scale) - Andy reassured me not to look at that and he said my body is in shock right now and is still trying to store fat because it is not use to me eating good and working out. The good news is I feel stronger and healthier.