1. I am soooooooooo happy about your school!!! Isn't funny getting excited over a piece of paper in the mail! I remember being in the post office when I received my letter to MHCC and let out a happy yell. If only mail would be good news all the time ;)

   
   

   JillBob on 06/30/04 @ 03:59 PM

2. You *are* fabulous, girl. That's great news about A&P and fitness training and ... damn, girl ... that 2/3 of a chin-up. (I'm jealous!) I'm so proud of you.

   
   

   Lee on 07/01/04 @ 04:28 AM

3. Congratulations, on the 66% chin up (I wish I could get that close) and on getting into school. That's just wonderful!!

   
   

   Peg on 07/01/04 @ 11:15 AM

1. a) Let's be nice to slugs.
   b) Drunk isn't *that* bad for motivation...

   Summer, of course, is the double curse: the lack of discipline, and the thermal requirements to show off...or, to sit and make your own gravy, like me.

   w00T

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/30/04 @ 04:34 AM

1. You keep getting right back on the horse, Brenna. So you'll be fine. You're doing a great job! Keep up the good work! You'll be dropping fat like flies in no time!

   Since I've been training for my Grand Canyon hike, I've done more walking than running (although that will even out during my marathon training...). I'm here to tell you that yes, you are correct: walking is GREAT exercise. And it's great for getting inside your head, too.

   And an aside: I'm an atheist, too. Just gotta mention that since there seems to be so few of us!
   

   
   

   Lynne on 06/28/04 @ 12:10 PM

1. Rock on my little rockstar! :)

   I just LOVE those days when everything clicks and I feel AWESOME!

   Can't help with the hair issue. I have enough problems in that department myself.

   
   

   Lee on 06/25/04 @ 05:52 PM

2. I can really relate to your feelings as expressed in your previous writing about not being really heard by people who are not yet ready for the information or level of awareness or sophistication. As you get older you will have more patience and try to discern where hse is coming from and only share with them what you think will give them the incentive to be curious about your direction and less fearful about moving into that direction. It is very important to make a heart to heart connection with someone before moving into the informational sphere. People are not stupid, they are just limited and incomplete.

   
   

   auntie Cheryl on 06/26/04 @ 04:08 PM

3. I want your body.
   But not in a gay way.

   
   (and before I get flamed, I'm paraphrasing a season one Surivivor contender)

   
   

   Mojodiva on 06/26/04 @ 06:58 PM

4. isn't body dysmorphia GREAT? (j/k) :)

   
   

   rachel on 06/27/04 @ 11:22 PM

5. Arm definition -- you rock!!

   ****

   Have you seen Krista's (www.stumptuous.com) July rant? Next time people ask for advice, you can just print that and let them read it.

   
   

   Laura on 06/28/04 @ 04:49 AM

1. One thing you'll have to get accustomed to...even when you're a professional, some of them won't believe you. People are born with an overwhelming need to reject anything which doesn't fit their worldview.

   I had a recent...encounter. Someone on Atkins (which I don't agree with, but I understand), who was having trouble with...blockage. So I suggested a series of vegetables, etc, and they told me that I clearly didn't understand Atkins, etc. So I started with a discussion on ketosis, glycogenesis and lipolysis, went into intestinal flora and fauna, the HPTA and thyroid feedback, and was about to start on hepatic function when they said, and I'll quote: "bah". Just wanted their buttered bacon and the world.

   The worst part is that there's this undercurrent that we're holding out on them...that we *couldn't* have done it with hard work and the Iron Will and portion control and the treadmill...that there's a secret, and we're not telling them.

   Someday, I'm going to take one of these guys who pisses me off, and I'll tell them about the magic pill. It actually exists. I'd never take it, but hey...DNP. Phosphoralytive decoupler. It'll kill you dead, but you can get thin on it. But I still can't quite ethically bring myself to tell anyone about it. (not that they'd ever find it, etc.)...

   So, yeah. I'm there, dude. Longwinded, but still. ;) I'd guess that four out of five people who ask my advice take it. The only advantage to being a pro is that you get to collect their money while they ignore you. I should try that, but I don't/won't have the body for it.

   
   

   Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 06/25/04 @ 11:20 AM

2. You are so freakin' hilarious and you are so right. I can relate.

   Thanks for the laugh. Too bad everyone down the hall could probably hear me bustin' a gut and now have proof that I'm certifiable.

   
   

   Rebecca on 06/25/04 @ 11:51 AM

3. People are boneheads.

   
   

   Laura on 06/25/04 @ 11:56 AM

4. Jim said what I was going to say. Well, not exactly ... but he hit on the jist of it. And that is:

   It won't matter if you're a pro or not. People won't believe what they don't want to believe.

   I've had similar things happen to me. People see the dramatic changes and come to me for the "secret". And I've had the same expression come across their face when I tell them everything that they *DO NOT* want to hear. You have to remember that the truth is a very hard pill for most people to swallow.

   It's their problem, sweetie, not yours. Keep doing what you're doing and keep preaching the truth. And I'll do the same. It's bound to sink into their thick skulls eventually.

   
   

   Lee on 06/25/04 @ 05:49 PM

1. well 30 is just a number but that kind of question is FAR from ridiculous, at any age :)

   
   

   rachel on 06/24/04 @ 04:17 PM

2. It's perfectly normal to ask those questions. I didn't really ask them at 30, but damn it ... I did when my 15th (*Yikes!*) high school graduation anniversary snuck up on me on June 1 this year. Don't focus on what you *haven't* done, girl. Instead, focus on what you *WILL* do. What's done is done. But you have final say so on what happens from this point on.

   For what it's worth, I think you've accomplished quite a few great things so far. And knowing you, the future only holds even greater accomplishments for you. The sky is the limit girl. Just reach out and grab it!

   
   

   Lee on 06/25/04 @ 05:40 AM

3. Kudos on the clean kitchen and clean diet initiatives- the clean kitchen thing especially since it's so easy to let that kind of stuff pile up (at least for me). I'm glad that things are going well for you. It sounds like you've had a really hard, draining week, but you still found the inner resources to work all kinds of stuff out and make some new plans... awesome.

   
   

   nuni on 06/25/04 @ 10:13 AM

1. Brenna, I haven't read in a week or so, but wow! Sounds like you've been going thru some shit. Here's your support: you've come a long way, and I know you will go even further. You are dedicated and have a good head on your shoulders. You know what to do, and even more importantly, you DO IT!! That's one of the things I like about you. You go out and change the things you don't like, either through action or a change of perception. You'll be fine.

   Oh and, by the way, cluttered, dirty kitchen = pissy Brenda. Clean, sparkling kitchen = happy Brenda. :)

   
   

   Brenda on 06/22/04 @ 03:48 PM

2. Hi,

   I have been enjoying reading your blog for about a month now. I completely understand what you are talking about. If my house is messy and cluttered I can't seem to get anything done. Since my house is small and I live with a clutter magnet it's seems to always be unorganized. Also if any amount of stress pops up my exercise and food go down the drain. I am really trying to work on this. Anyway, you are a strong woman and you push me to do better. Good luck!!!

   
   

   vanessa on 06/23/04 @ 07:10 AM

3. The kitchen is *always* the first thing I clean when I'm pissy. My mood is so totally dependent on a clean kitchen, it may border on personality disorder. :)

   Keep up the good work, Brenna. We all have our off times. But you got back on track -- that's what makes the difference.

   
   

   Lynne on 06/23/04 @ 08:24 AM

4. Hi,

   I've been reading your blog for a while, too, and I'm really enjoying it. We have a lot of similarities with our diet/exercise stuff. I'm the same height as you, also a size 8, close to the same age (I'm 32), similar body type, and I usually do really well getting all my exercise, but I think I mess up all my hard work by not eating the way I should all the time. Damned chocolate and wine! But I love them SO much! Anyway, you've come a long way and done such a great job...I'm extremely impressed! Oh yeah...like you, one of my goals is also to be able to do a pull-up. No success yet, but getting VERY close!!

   Oh, and I think it's actually 42, not 47....hahaha!

   
   

   Michelle on 06/23/04 @ 01:06 PM

1. Brenna, I've never left a comment here, but can I just say? You rock. I'm a bit older than you, but I'm going through similar stuff re: fitness, life changes and dealing with domestic stuff, and your last couple of take-no-prisoners posts have been inspirational for me.

   ...so excuse me while I take out the fifth load of laundry from the dryer, and fold it while doing squats. :)

   
   

   Barb on 06/21/04 @ 02:57 PM

2. Fucking off, aye.

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/21/04 @ 05:10 PM

1. Amen sista

   
   

   Chippy on 06/20/04 @ 08:20 PM

2. ((((((((BRENNA)))))))))
   You know where to find me if you need someone to screech at. I'd be glad to give you my phone number.
   

   
   

   Mojodiva on 06/20/04 @ 09:04 PM

3. fucking A. Step 1 make fucking plan. Step 2 stick to aforesaid fucking plan. and I know you will.
   love
   RXXX

   
   

   rachel on 06/21/04 @ 12:04 AM

4. Oh yeah, baby. The truth is best served RAW. And anyone who doubts you for one second needs to get a clue and take a flying leap. I'm behind you every step of the way. And like mojo said, I'll even send you my phone # for a screechfest.

   
   

   Lee on 06/21/04 @ 04:41 AM

5. Ditto to all of the above.

   You're kicking ass and taking names.

   
   

   laura on 06/21/04 @ 05:24 AM

6. Hrm...allow me to be supportive, yet try to point out one or two potential pitfalls...three points:

   1) I think at 1500 calories and that much cardio, there's a significant chance of overtraining...you'll likely hold up for four weeks, but it may get a bit ragged.

   2) Given the cardio intensity and the weather, I'm a little concerned about your electrolyte levels...you *really* need to keep an eye on that one. (remember, simple sugars pre-and-post-cardio aren't that problematic--think Gatorade, etc.)

   3) You are not a fucking number. Nor does one define you.

   3a) Saying 'fucking' is fun...I have to remember that...

   P.S. A&P is *fun*

   
   

   Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 06/21/04 @ 06:25 AM

7. Go Brenna! Everything is within your control and everything is a symbolic representation of your inner self, at least in my perspective. I am so proud of you for changing your career to something that empowers and enriches you. That in itself is a huge, monumental step towards a life that fulfills you. Congrats. Hang in there through the rough stuff!

   
   

   Ali on 06/21/04 @ 07:35 AM

8. You're a wife; a mommy; an athlete; a creative, energetic, intelligent, and talented woman. You see what you want and you get after it. You are an inspiration.

   
   

   Michelle on 06/21/04 @ 09:00 AM

9. Brenna,

   Those who want to give you unsolicited therapy are probably ignorning their own woes. :-)

   Don't underestimate the value of cleaning. When I got in a funk a few years ago, cleaning really helped me focus. (I know it's weird.) We also did a "clutter reduction program" where lots of stuff went to Goodwill or ebay. VERY calming to come home to an orderly place.

   You're an awesome motivated person. Things will come together for you (many of them are already, obviously...) Take care

   
   

   Christina on 06/21/04 @ 09:02 AM

10. You: "When my home is in chaos my life shortly follows"

    Me: "Admittedly I am holding onto a TON of crap. Have been for the past few years. My way of dealing w/it has been to just ignore it. My home, car, desk @ work or a wasteland of clutter. I don't even have the energy to start to clean it all up and everytime I see it I get upset for a second then pretend I don't see it.

    That's something I can try to work on. Just getting my life, the part that has nothing to do w/food and exercise, under control."

    *sigh*

    I'm really feeling ya girlfriend...*hugs*

    
    

    Renee on 06/21/04 @ 10:04 AM

11. Ahem... not ALL men are dirty.

    
    

    John Crosswhite on 06/21/04 @ 09:27 PM

12. Heh... good point, John!

    
    

    brenna on 06/22/04 @ 07:18 AM

1. hmmm....

   take care!

   
   

   laura on 06/17/04 @ 12:45 PM

2. Ibid

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/17/04 @ 02:21 PM

3. Same here.

   
   

   nuni on 06/17/04 @ 03:51 PM

4. * Hugs *
   

   
   

   Lee on 06/17/04 @ 08:45 PM

5. Love you Brenna!

   
   

   Mojodiva on 06/17/04 @ 08:51 PM

6. ack, yuck. hugs go out to you. 'Twill pass ...

   
   

   rachel on 06/17/04 @ 08:59 PM

7. ***HUGS*** to you!!!
   

   
   

   JillBob on 06/20/04 @ 10:55 AM

*sigh*

In any case the dietary planning is in full force and while I am able to ditch the alcohol for four good weeks, I can't impose that restriction on my young (24) single (and hot!) friend who spends many a friday and saturday night carousing with her other young (early 20s) single (and hot!) friends. The dietary changes will be based around a protein/carb ballance with a low fat intake (hey, its the only thing I HAVEN'T tried, so why not, right?) but I will be making sure to get my fats from FABULOUS sources like olive oil, nuts, nut butters and the like. Details on Sunday as I said before.

I know that I just have to keep going.

It is my life now... I LOVE LOVE LOVE working out, running, exercising, etc... I do! Its the constant dietary dilligence (because there is so much readily available CRAP to consume that it comes at you at every moment and from every angle and makes even the strongest of wills crack once in a while) that tires me out more than anything.

But hey... I'm an 8... I'm a happy, healthy, fabulous size 8 and that's good enough for me!

1. Are you going to crank up the calcium intake as well? (several recent studies, at least one not funded by the milk industry show it to be helpful to lipolysis), and (hypertrophy guy talking, now) if you're calorie-deficient, are you likely to be trying slow-digesting protein at bedtime to stave of catabolism? IIRC, you eat the lumpy white stuff, which would solve both simultaneously...

   (P+C morning, P+F afternoon?)

   
   

   Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 06/16/04 @ 02:30 PM

2. Ah yes, calcium... that is also on the list along wtih omega3s... my suplements will need their own organizational carrying case! And yes, white lumpy stuff is nummy!

   (P+C? P+F?)

   
   

   brenna on 06/16/04 @ 03:47 PM

3. Protein plus Carbohydrates (taking advantage of the nutrient transport provided by insulin to aid hypertrophy)

   Protein plus Fats (the necessity of circulating fatty acids means you *have* to have fats in your diet...but combining them with protein allows slower digestion, and without the insulin pump to push them into fat cells, they stay circulating for the liver to convert them to aldesterone and along the chain)

   
   

   Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 06/17/04 @ 09:13 AM

Which brings me to what I really need... I really need another plan! That's right its plannin' time again folks and if you step right up here and pay your quarter you will have the divine privlege of watchin LexySmash put herself thru another dietary experiment!

Am I ready to reveal the plan yet? Nope... that will wait till Sunday... but I'm moving myself in the right direction (increasing water and protein intake... etc...) and I've got another partner in crime (Alissa) to challenge with, and when the last 4 weeks before my family sees me skinny for the first time rolls around I will be ready to put the plan into action... and yes it will involve no alcohol for the month again... (I know, I'm a glutton)

:D

1. Interesting. Can't wait to hear all about it.

   
   

   Lee on 06/15/04 @ 06:31 PM

2. I can't wait either. I forgot that you were doing another Tri! You will totally kick ass, with the way you've been breezing through the runs and your strong swimming. And I hope things at work turn out better than you anticipate.

   
   

   nuni on 06/16/04 @ 01:50 PM

1. That's too bad, but perhaps this is the first signal of a start of something new for you, too?

   
   

   Ali on 06/14/04 @ 10:25 AM

1. That'll be interesting in fitday....

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/11/04 @ 03:46 PM

2. yeh well there's more joy to be found at (a) the bottom of a deep squat and (b) the bottom of a bucket of fries, than in a man. Cynical? moi? sorry lexy no words of gung-ho support from me today. Crapola indeed ... must be something in the skies, the stars are spelling out 'a crap on all goddesses today'

   
   

   rachel on 06/12/04 @ 03:47 AM

I feel like I am fairly lucky in that I have a great relationship with a great guy who usually makes me feel great to be around him...and just that fact makes me feel like a complete schmuck when I'm dissatisfied with stupid little shit... and so I try to keep my mouth shut about it.

But the problem with that is that it sits there and goes no where and the little things build up and eventually I feel like crap about everything in the relationship and I don't know where to put it all... so I'm gonna put it here for now.

I know we all suffer with body image problems. Mine are no worse than anyone elses... its there... all the time, and when people tell me I look great or am getting buff or whatever it helps... but when the person I really want to hear it from is just not a big communicator (which I knew when we got married and so have no cause for complaining) and doesn't give me feedback like that, I get annoyed... and hurt... ok, mostly hurt and sad... the annoyed part is a reaction to the hurt part.

And it's not like I even want verbal communication exclusively... I'd take just about anything non-verbal at this point over what I'm getting. I wish he would do somthing that made me feel like he wanted to rip my clothes off or that he had fabulous erotic dreams about me, or that he was proud to have me by his side in public. Things like that would make me feel like I was still attractive to him. As it stands I feel like I am a means to an end rather than the end itself... (again, it is a pitty party, feel free to mill about uncomfortably and look at your toes.)

We have our mitigating circumstances of course... its hard to hold hands while walking in public when you have 2 kids to keep track of, one of whom is a runner. We work oposite shifts and see each other 2-3 nights per week barring outside engagements (since those 3 nights a week are the only times we can each really go out and do alone things this also cuts into our "us" time)... we don't really go on dates or overnight weekends as we have no family close to leave the kids with. Neither of us gets enough sleep for a normal human being... and when we are together there is a constant cloud of crap that needs to get done over our heads (especially mine) making it virtually impossible to relax. So there you have it... the typical harried 2 jobs 2 kids household with passion dieing of neglect... joy.

Ok... that's enough whining for now... I'll go work off some of the negativity in the gym this afternoon, thank you for attending the pitty party... I can call you a cab if you'd like.

1. Hey, I read your blog alot (for inspiration especially, I'm a little behind you but trying to catch up!LOL. I can sympathize with this post totally. I live a very similar life to yours and can tell you one thing: If my husband and I didn't absolutely MAKE time to be alone, we'd never make it. Do you have a married friend that you would trust with the kids? Or a young college aged friend that you trust? If you have a married friend with one or two kids, maybe you could offer to 'trade weekends' with them keeping each other's kids. You guys need a retreat, a trip, a chance to be alone. No 'cloud of things' over your pitiful 'mommy trying to take care of kids and job and find time to exercise' head. I KNOW how it is! Just an idea. Maybe it would help. There has to be a way somehow to get you guys some alone time as in a 3 day weekend or something. I enjoy your blog,
   Leigh

   
   

   Leigh on 06/11/04 @ 12:04 PM

2. I am in no place to offer relationship advice, as my marriage is pretty much the textbook case of crapola. Just sending hugs your way and hope you find some time to just be together and rekindle the romance.

   
   

   Ali on 06/11/04 @ 01:17 PM

3. Sorry to hear that you are having a crappy day.

   I hope that you guys can find some time to talk and be together...

   
   

   
   

   laura on 06/11/04 @ 04:04 PM

4. Oh you just knew I'd respond to this one, eh? :)

   Is there anything he could do non-verbally that would help you? Have you told him what that is? I recall a certain buff lady reminding me to do something like that as well! :)

   You two need to make couple time a priority- not a "we will if we find the time"- no, a real honest to goodness priority. take the suggestion above- trade a night with another couple, even if its just once every two weeks.

   My marriage used to be crapola...now its like night and day. Its not perfect, of course, but its so much better than we had. We finally made each other a priority and it helped immensely.

   Its got to be hard being parents and newlyweds...I have a feeling you feel a little let down? That's natural when reality creeps in.

   (((BRENNA)))
   

   
   

   Mojodiva on 06/13/04 @ 07:23 PM

If you can do fulls, tops, bottoms and then a final set of fulls you've got more endurance in your legs than I do. I crapped out in the middle of the last set of fulls and just couldn't do anymore... the burning and shaking was intense.

Alissa has invited me on a 7miler on saturday tho, which I'm trying to work into my weekend schedule. 7 miles is almost a mile further than I've ever run before (10k or 6.2 is my top distance so far) but with Alissa it would be fun I think! I am going to try really hard to work it out because I know it would be a challenge... and I've been looking for some of those lately!

Oh... and some casual (ie. unflexed and just sorta normal) Bikini pictures are in the works... I've got some photoshoping to do (croping, not airbrushing, I promise!!) but hopefully I can get it taken care of this weekend. We'll see.

1. O mai oui...partial bottom squats are ludicrously 'fun'...sadly, my PT says I can't squat deep. ahem.

   
   

   Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 06/10/04 @ 09:56 AM

2. Oh yeah! Those top and bottom squats are KILLERS! We do them in BODY PUMP class and it's a struggle to make it through each time. But you're right ... they are GREAT, in that God-I-Can't-Believe-I-Am-Torturing-Myself-Like-This-And-Won't-Be-Able-To-Sit-On-The-Toilet-Tomorrow kind of way.

   
   

   Lee on 06/10/04 @ 12:13 PM

3. Have fun at the dentist...yuck.

   Gotta try those squats...sounds like fun. wait, i actually typed fun. weird.

   
   

   laura on 06/11/04 @ 05:09 AM

1. And stunningly, ludicrously good for you.

   Next up--adding in yogurt.

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/09/04 @ 08:06 PM

2. Nah. You aren't the only person who does that. I do it all the time. I can make a protein smoothie/shake that tastes *BETTER* than any milkshake that can be bought in this town.

   
   

   Lee on 06/09/04 @ 08:18 PM

3. Lee... I'm commin to your house!!! YUMMMERS!!!

   
   

   Brenna on 06/09/04 @ 09:30 PM

I don't really think that I am... I don't have an acute obsession with a perceived flaw... I have an acute obsession with lots of perceived flaws... areas that require improvement... etc.

I did 1/2 a pull up on monday and about 1/3 of a chin up. Just the fact that I could get my arms to about 90 degrees made me happy... but MAN I want to get up on that bar... DAMNIT!!!

I have been hanging between 148 and 152 lbs since December... even thru my glycogen depletion cycle I never got below 147. Obsessively counting calories and expenditures didn't change it. Eliminating sugar didn't change it, Keto-cycleing didn't change it. I don't know where my bodyfat is right now, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to get that tested too... and with all of my statistics and numbers seemingly failing me right now, I think I need to look at some NSVs or I'm going to explode (Lee inspired me!).

OK... here goes:

1. I am a size 8 - yes, at the Gap too, tho Gap pants are too tight in my thighs to be comfortable... the waist and hips fit fine tho... and I love my massive legs so the Gap can f'off.

2. I can run/jog 5 miles without stopping... that is nearly an hour of continuous cardio without discernable pain or suffering afterward.

3. I am helping motivate other people I know to get serious... including my Mother and two 55+ year old aunts.

4. My next door neighbor asked me if I was losing weight and said I was really looking buff.

5. I have successfully learned to knit.

6. I did my standing shoulder presses with the 25s on Monday... all of 'em. (I was up to the 35s seated, but standing is MUCH harder)

7. I haven't skipped a weekday workout in 3 weeks now (I think... I'll have to check that, but I'm pretty sure).

Ok... that's all I can come up with for now, but it'll do... Boot Camp this afternoon... but for now, I must go a virus-huntin!

1. Come on, Brenna, you don't have that stupid disorder. EVERYONE has that problem of not being satisfied with their bodies! I realize it's discouraging staying the same weight for so long after trying so many things, but change will come! At one point I started to think you had been a little too serious and were trying so many things that you're body was in shock...but what do I know, I still look the same as I did before I started! I don't know, maybe if you stopped focusing on it so hard and kind of relax a little (diet wise) you might start seeing some change.
   This may not work, and I doubt you'll do that, but that's my 2 cents.

   S

   
   

   shonna on 06/09/04 @ 11:10 AM

2. Hey Shonna... thanks for the comment. You're right, I know I don't have BDD... and I certainly should be more thankful for the body I have... the truth is, for the rest of my life I will be eating healthy and exercising... I will because I want to live a long and healthy life... and all of the short quick things I do now probably won't make a lick of difference in the long run. Take care hun!

   
   

   brenna on 06/09/04 @ 02:27 PM

3. In the bodybuilding community, they like to use the term 'bigerexia'...you can never get big enough, or lean enough (simultaneously)

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/09/04 @ 03:35 PM

4. heh... bigerexia... I love it.

   
   

   brenna on 06/09/04 @ 03:38 PM

5. Thanks for sharing your NSV list, Brenna. I really do think it's great therapy for those days when all the "numbers" give you a headache and make you run for the door screaming and pulling your hair out. (Hmm. Did I just say that? LOL)

   
   

   Lee on 06/09/04 @ 08:16 PM

6. Ok, purely selfish question here... but is it true that the ass dimples go away when you lose weight and tone up? Say it's true! I'd love to banish mine, no matter how much I love my curvy ass....and, three weeks without missing a workout!? I'm boggled and amazed. You rock!

   
   

   Megan on 06/16/04 @ 07:54 AM

I am content right now... waiting for my bikini bottoms to arrive... relaxing into my routines... feeling flexy and bendy like a reed in the rivers current.

Now... if I could just quit my job I'd be one super happy camper.

oh well!

:D

1. BRILLIANT!

   
   

   Chippy on 06/08/04 @ 02:29 PM

2. How's the Champion Nutrition stuff working out for you? Going the skim milk for extra power route, or just water? (or my Atomic Death Shake, which also includes eggwhites and yogurt....mmmmmmilkshakey)

   
   

   Jim aka V-Dub on 06/08/04 @ 02:29 PM

3. I like the flavor in just water... haven't tried skim milk yet, but that could be nummy. I don't think I'm quite ready for eggwhites in a shake yet... but yogurt I can TOTALLY see. I already buy the dannon lite-n-fit in the big containers, so it would be easy to add...

   :D

   (and yes, chippy... BRILLIANT!)

   
   

   brenna on 06/08/04 @ 02:50 PM

4. Yay! I'm glad the weather cleared up... sounds grand.

   About the shakes, are they specifically for folks who do a ton of weight lifting or can they be helpful if you're doing mostly cardio while trying to lose weight? I'm easing back into weights now and am wondering if protein shakes would be advisable at this early stage.

   
   

   nuni on 06/08/04 @ 03:48 PM

5. hey nuni, good quality protein shakes are a valuable tool for anyone trying to get fit. Eating higher ratios of protein to carbs helps you build muscle and burn fat. So I'd say go for it! Champion Nutrition pure whey is the powder that Jim and I are talking about (chocolate!) and mixed with water its pretty tasty, tho as he said, with milk it would be even better I bet. Protein shakes make good structured meal replacements (to keep you from snacking) and provide sustained energy thru the day! (I'd recommend them to my sedentary grandpa if he'd have any of it!)

   
   

   Brenna on 06/08/04 @ 04:57 PM

6. Thanks, Brenna! I'm ordering the sampler so I can try the different flavors out.

   
   

   nuni on 06/08/04 @ 05:20 PM

7. Nice weather sure does make a difference...

   Glad you had a good run!

   I'm still a bit finicky with protein powder...it always tastes a bit funny to me. I guess I just have to suck it up! hahahaha...

   
   

   laura on 06/09/04 @ 04:44 AM

8. Hey there,

   Congrats on all your success, its fantastic. I have just started getting into a regular exercise routine and am tweaking my diet at the same time. I am interested in drinking protein shakes. Are they just to have in place of snacks or meals as well? How many should you have in a day? Is there a limit? I am always on the go and have a hard time eating recommended nutrients, especially at dinner time. Any advice you have would be great :)

   
   

   Jennifer on 06/09/04 @ 07:28 AM

9. laura - yeah, some do taste funny but you really do get used to it after a while.

   Jennifer - Congratulations on getting started. I usually stick to 2 shakes per day but I use 2 scoops of powder per shake for about 46g of protein per shake. You could probably do 4 per day without a problem depending uppon how much protein you're shooting for and where you're getting the rest of your calories. For me meal=snack. I try to eat 5-6 300-350 calorie "meals" per day... so yeah protein shakes are great meal replacements too. I happen to like "real" food as well tho, so 2 per day works for me. It takes time to figure out what works for you and your life (especially on the dietary front)... but the more good quality protein you take in the better able your body will be to build muscle, and muscle burns fat... (I know it's a cliche but its true!)

   
   

   brenna on 06/09/04 @ 07:37 AM

1. I hope the run goes well for you two. I'm sort of scared to run in the rain because everything's so slippery, but it's a good way to keep cool once you start sweating.

   And have fun with the hat- I haven't been able to master hats (with double-pointed needles or circs) because my gauge is always so wonky, but I love to work on projects like that.

   
   

   nuni on 06/08/04 @ 01:14 PM

I started the hat last night and realized after about an hour that I was knitting a mobius strip and had to rip the whole thing out and start over. It was a little annoying, but I'm glad it happened when it did because I definitely learned from it.

The rest of the weekend was spent on other domesticities including laundry, dishes, the kitchen floor... etc... etc... ad nauseum. But for some reason I am STILL sore from Friday. My triceps and shoulders especially are hurting.

I feel like I am refocused on my diet this week (which is a good thing since I had pizza and mcdonalds last week and I HATE mcdonalds with a passion so I can't believe I even put that crap in my mouth to begin with). My new supply of chocolate protein powder should arrive today and I've become a MAD woman with the blender and frozen berries... seriously my peach vanilla smoothies are to DIE for! (and high protein with NO added sugar!!!).

So that's where I am, still just coasting until I figure out my next short term challenge, and continue to work toward my long term challenges as well... I think I might try to do a pullup this week... maybe Linn will have some tips for me. We'll see.

:D

1. Cool. Knitting -- my Mom tried to teach me to knit and sew -- I have the patience of a 3 year old...it didn't go so well.

   Hey -- I put up a little journal... have a look if you get a chance.

   http://littlekeebler.blogspot.com/

   (wow, i used way too many hypens and ...s in this post)

   
   

   Laura on 06/07/04 @ 04:55 PM

its not that the run was too long for me, but I just did it wrong. Not being well hydrated before I went out... eating too soon before I exercised (which caused the stitch in my side that necessitated the .5 mile walk in the middle) and doing a full upper body lifting session before an hours worth of cardio under the blazing mid-day sun just didn't add up to a good running experience.

I'm glad its over.

And I was slow too. 58:19 for 5.14 miles is SLOW... seriously slow. Not that there is anything wrong with slow. Slow is fine really, its just depressing when you wonder if you're wasting your time because you run so damned slow. I hesitate to even call it running when I'm that slow. More like leisurely jogging... only it didn't FEEL leisurely, it felt hard, and hot and crappy.

Oh, and I think my shoulders might be a tad pink. DAMNED SUN!

It was a good reminder, tho, that I really shouldn't run in the middle of the damed day when its 85 degrees out!!! Summer is a fine time for BEING outside, its a hellofa time for exercising outside. So morning runs when its gonna be a scorcher will become the will of the weather... and of my delicate and as yet non-cancerous skin.

1. Dessication is not anabolic.

   
   

   Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 06/07/04 @ 11:03 AM

unfortunately tho it is now 7:37pm and there is no way in heck I'm getting in 5 miles today.

(ok... it's now 11 hours later... I bathed and put the kids to bed, watched some TV and went to sleep before I realized I hadn't finished this post.)

Yeah... the 5 miles didn't happen, but I have high ambitions for today. Boot Camp AND a run (OoooOOoooOOoooh... you're a monster, brenna!)

HA! Time to get my butt to work!

1. Yikes! Boot Camp and running sounds hard, but fun... Enjoy!

   
   

   nuni on 06/04/04 @ 08:13 AM

2. *a hem hem*

   I, Chippy VonWestervelt, owe Lexy DerSmashsalot, 6 Venti Starbucks drinks of her choosing due to her efforts beyond the call of duty to make sure that I, Chippy, have shorts/shirts that fit me.

   
   

   Chippy on 06/04/04 @ 11:08 AM

I'm in a kind of funk... not a depressive funk... just a sort of stagnant funk. I certainly haven't "hit the wall" so to speak. I'm not over training, I'm enjoying my workouts and geting plenty of sleep. I think my subconscious brain is wanting to flip to "lazy days of summer" mode and I'm having to fight it off. The problem is that I'm not being very successful at fighting it off right now... but I'm not really trying very hard either.

I'm not really focused on my goals right now either which is certainly part of the problem. I don't really feel the need to be focused on them either. I'm coasting it seems...

peaks and valleys, peaks and valleys... such is life. Kindergarten field trip chaperoning tomorrow and then a 5 miler (hopefully!) Boot Camp on Friday and maybe this weekend I'll get myself refocused on clean eating once again and begin anew on Monday... we shal see.

1. Maybe it's the short week that's doing it. Long weekends always mess me up when I get back to work- somehow the days seem to drag more and I lose a lot of steam. Not that I'd turn down a holiday...

   The chaperoning gig sounds like a lot of fun. Have a good time, and I can't wait to hear about the 5-mile loop. And btw, I hate getting cheated out of miles like that! I had a bike run that I thought was 3 miles and it turned out to be 2.47- made me sad, it did.

   
   

   nuni on 06/02/04 @ 04:38 PM

2. Thanks for the wake up comment. You're right. I won't get where I want to be unless I do something about it. I guess you have a sweet tooth and junk food cravings too. ahha. I hope you get back on track soon!

   
   

   Amy on 06/02/04 @ 04:55 PM

3. Just as you said, peaks & valleys... and some flatlands in between. You'll be fine! I tend to agree with Nuni about the holiday weekend causing the lack of focus. They always push me off track, too. Not that I've been anywhere near the track lately, but oh well. :) I know if anyone can stick to her goals and accomplish her dreams, it's you, Brenna!

   
   

   Brenda on 06/03/04 @ 06:37 AM

I'm finding it interesting that even when I'm not thinking about what I am eating, I think about what I am eating. I mean... over the weekend I made a pledge to myself to eat whatever I wanted and not worry about it... and I did. I ate whatever I wanted, and I didn't worry about it... but that doesn't mean I didn't think about it. Because I did. I thought about every bite that went in my mouth and I could NOT, for the life of me, turn it off.

But I'm not sure I want to.

I mean... for 28 odd years I thought "hmm... this is probably not very good for me, oh well!" when I was eating somthing... I didn't think about the fat/carb/protein ratios, or calorie and vitamin content, or whether it was laden with transfats or HFCS or whatever, but look where that got me... fat and miserable.

Now, even when I'm not worrying about what I eat, I still think about all of those things and more. I can still enjoy "naughty" foods, but I'm fully educated on what I'm deciding to put in my body and I do have to make a conscious decision to do so... like this home-made 3-cheese macaroni and cheese I'm eating right this very moment.

It's freaking FABULOUS... YUM... but I know it's seriously NOT on the eating plan I'm starting tomorrow, so while I'm enjoying it today I'm planning for tomorrow and realizing that indulgences like this every now and then are no big deal.

I used to repeat a phrase when ever someone I knew (or read online) would slip, binge, fall off the wagon, or otherwise feel guilty about somthing they ate.. that phrase is this:

"It's what you do MOST of the time that matters." Today's slip up is not a failure... its a choice. I choose everything I eat, I choose every activity I do... today I choose to eat yummy rich mac-n-cheese... and every other day this week I will choose to eat a ballance of carbs and protein and all of my vitamins and suplements and fruits and veggies and lots and lots of water. No biggie.

So yeah, I guess I don't want to stop thinking about what I eat. Thinking is empowering. Thinking gives ME the control over the food and not the other way around. Thinking will serve me well, I think... :)

1. I agree with ya.

   And, not that one needs to justify what one eats, but i figure 'home made' anything is better than take-out or stuff like that. You need those carbs from the mac and well, the cheese just tastes good.

   Great. now i'm hungry for pasta...hahahaha....

   Oh -- and another thing...I think most people think about food alot. I went to a nutrition seminar with a trainer that I know -- he's an endurance athlete and he thinks about food and supplements 24/7.

   Have a good day!

   
   

   laura on 06/02/04 @ 04:34 AM