This blog is for and about the Webster family. Each of us want to make choices every day that will result in optimal health and fitness. We represent different generations and different places in life - from empty-nesters to young families to students. Our health goals are as varied as we are, but we want to have a common place to post our progress and our challenges. We will be accountable to each other - to provide support, design incentives, share information we come across, and in general cheer each other on and celebrate our steps toward fitness! If anyone happens upon this blog and is inspired to be more fit and healthy that is icing on the cake. So here we go!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Kathy - A Cold and Clear Night

This evening FL had a meeting so we detained the tromp until he got home.  Besides, the moon was full tonight and the later we waited the better it promised to be.  We had supper, FL left for his meeting, and I attended to various domestic tasks - dishes, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, etc.  We have rather an enormous old house and there is always cleaning to do - seems like I never catch up.  I was in a good cleaning rhythm this evening and getting a lot accomplished - enjoying the warmth of the house and the lazy companionship of the dogs as I went about my tasks - so much to do, so little time!  Then FL got home and it was time to tromp. 

We bundled up and stepped out into the crisp, cold, moonlit night.  Magic.  As we stepped away from the clamoring tasks of the house it seemed like the right and fitting thing to do.  It was so bright the moon cast shadows and we could easily see our way up the hill without our trusty headlamps.  Climbing the hill generated enough warmth that we were able to comfortably sit for a short while at the top of the snowy, stubbly field.  We were instantly surrounded - a huddled mass of man and beast.  (Or is that massive huddle?).  The Huntress soon spied an enemy in the distance, barked an alarm and they were off to defend us from a fat, black tire.  We crunched home across the fields - delighted to have had this peaceful interlude to our evening. 

Kathy - The Year in Review

This fall we had such stunningly beautiful tromps that I decided to add photos to the blog - and promptly stopped posting.  Don't know what that means exactly - perhaps I was put off by the technical difficulty that posed for my limited skills. 

At any rate it was just a little over a year ago that we started tromping regularly.  With the adoption of the Beast tromping became part of the fabric of our lives and now a year later we are still at it.  The two pups we adopted this summer have grown into beasts in their own rights.  Chubs is now larger than the Beast and has become the King - he rules the roost of the dogs.  Charger has become a swift and skilled hunter and is always coming up with some proof of her skill - she shall be known as the Huntress. 

Without a doubt all this tromping has impacted my level of fitness and health.  I am about 10 lbs lighter than I was a year ago and have about 6 more to lose  to reach my goal.  I have added a 2-mile run/walk during my 30 minute lunch break and have been enjoying that for a couple of weeks now.  Don't know if that will lead to more serious running, depends on how these older bones and joints hold up. I am definitely stronger and have more stamina that I did this time last year.  As far as KBs go...I have every intention of adding those back in to my fitness plan, but just haven't yet.  We are also always striving to easy less refined foods and it is always an adventure to find healthy food that tastes yummy as well. 

So....hopefully you all have made some progress this past year.  I would love to hear about it. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Kathy - The Hilltop again!

Neither we nor the beasts (as evidenced by...well, never mind) can stomach the poo pasture any more.  In contemplating options until the hillside wheat is harvested, FL suggested driving up and trying the hilltop tromp again - "If we stay on the west side of the field and hillside we should be able to avoid most of the cheat grass and the puppies are bigger now so they should be able to see over the other grasses".  He was right about the cheat grass - most of it is located on the opposite side of the hill and we are able to avoid it almost completely - hurray!

But the grass!  Ah, the grass...the BEAST can't see over it and even I get lost sometimes!  Tall, golden, grass.  The grass has lots of grasshoppers - which are oh so enticing to the beast.She bounces and pounces after them in reckless abandon (picture Tigger here).  The smaller (slightly) beasts seem to enjoy the change of scenery - from green tunnels to golden tunnels. 

The temperature was just right, the sunset brilliant red, the moon full - we wished we would have brought our headlamps so we could have stayed out longer.

I have been feeling a bit pudgy lately so I welcomed the longer tromp and the hill climbing - gotta whip this adipose into shape to get ready for the onslaught of goodies to be had at the upcoming VegFest this weekend....

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Kathy - Tromp Variations

And so it is September....still tromping.  We have been keeping our eye on the wheat at the top of our hill - it looks so close to being ready for harvest!  Then, then - the hill tromp!  We have been making do with various pastures around our place for the past few weeks.  First there was the pasture across the road - the field of death.  Lately the farmer has been irrigating it - different sections at a time so the tromp has become the tromp and slosh.  We were getting ready for our tromp and slosh a few nights ago and realized that cows have returned to the pasture -hmmm.  We checked the long field at the intersection - no cows!  New tromp.  No water.  But it is quite evident that cows have been in the field very recently.  The beasts think this is wonderful - they think it is a feast - yuck!  When we first enter the field it is the worst - the cows must have gathered along that side of the field to do their elimination thing.  It is like running the gauntlet trying to get the beasts through there as fast as possible - the goal is to allow no time for loitering, which would lead to snuffling, which would lead to sampling....shudder. I have taken to playing the 'NO' game with them...the Beast thinks this is wonderful fun and gets quite excited about it - leaping around crazily whenever I bellow out 'NO'. Anything to keep them distracted! So there we have it - the field of death and the field of poo.  Please harvest the wheat!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Kathy - Just for Today, Revisited

Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?!  I intended to post right away to let you know how much I am enjoying this 'Daily Goal' thing.  Guess I have gotten busy focusing on reaching the goals I set for myself daily...

It got started with Katie suggesting doing an 'accountability partner' thing.  We each set goals for the day and then report in with how we did - it is rather casual.  We don't report in with great regularity and goals are not stated formally every day but there are several things about it I like:

1)  I like actually completing my goals in a day.
2)  If I fail to reach my goals on a particular day, I have only failed for a day.  Tomorrow I start again.
3)  I can tailor my goals to the day.  Of course it is impossible to foresee how a day may go, but if I know I have a meeting scheduled in the evening I can adjust my goals accordingly. 

I have found it helpful for myself to make a list of my goals for the day and check them off as they are completed.  This gives me a great feeling of satisfaction and keeps me focused on accomplishing them.  


After doing this fairly successfully for the last five days.  I have found that it is easy to let several days slide because the 'it is just one day' mentality can add up alarmingly.  Thus, I have an ultimate goal.  My ultimate goal doesn't have a set end point such as losing 10 lbs by Christmas.  It is simply an ultimate goal.  This gives me something to work towards, but I am taking it in totally do-able segments of time.


If was an organized person I would post my daily results and goals on the blog, but that is a goal I am not prepared to set at this time.  I will keep you updated from time to time on how the daily goal thing is going, meanwhile, if anyone wants to have and be an accountability partner let me know and we can do this together. 

Sleep update:  I think the beasts are starting to adjust to the group-sleep arrangement.  They are sleeping much better - and actually made it to 5:00 a.m. the past few night - sleep, glorious sleep!



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Kathy - Just for Today

Just for today I am going to walk a mile on my lunch break, tromp with the dogs, do Day One of the Kettlebell 21-day challenge, and not eat dessert.  I will drink plenty of water (at least 2 quarts) and add one packet of Emergen-C to a bit of it.   I will not have dessert.  Just for today. 

Just for tonight I would like to get lots of sleep but there are no guarantees on that one.  (We are still night-training the pups and 3:00 a.m. seems to be a magical and exciting hour wherein dogs must walk around, drink lots of water, bark a bit, throw up, be petted, get into the garbage, and generally live on the wild side). 

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Kathy - Fresh Night Air

When talking about fitness the most important components mentioned are generally diet and exercise. There are actually many components to health and fitness as well, such as adequate rest, fresh air, drinking plenty of water, etc.  While FL and I generally open our bedroom windows at night all year long to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, last night we also opened our bedroom door.  Admittedly this was not so we could get more healthy by breathing more fresh air.  The real reason is because all the dogs slept inside last night.  Until now the Beast has had the bedroom floor to herself but last night FL and I decided it was time for Chubs and Charger to join her.  We left the bedroom door wide open so they could get to the backyard should they have the need during the night.  Things started out beautifully - all three animals stretched out blissfully and we all drifted off to sleep.  FL, being the responsible person he is, slept lightly with a flashlight by his side so he could check on things should any situation demand his attention. Chubs left for a brief jaunt to the yard around 11:00 p.m. (according to FL, I did not sleep so lightly).  So far, so good, the night was progressing better than we thought it would - Chubs and Charger were champion sleepers.  The problems began at 3:00 a.m. with the Beast.  She was restless - don't know if she missed her usual amount of floor space or what, but she paced back and forth between FL and my side of the bed shoving her nose into our faces - perhaps trying to tell us that she, for one, did not like this intrusion into her personal sleeping quarters.  When we repeatedly ignored her and whispered sharply for her to "Lay down and go to sleep,"  she decided that since the pups had gotten an upgrade in their sleeping situation she should too - and proceeded to try to crawl in bed with us!  Not once, but twice.  Not terribly amusing at 3:00 a.m.  She obviously did not understand the health concept of adequate rest.

Yes, the pups will sleep inside again tonight and perhaps by the time winter sets in we can shut the bedroom door.  Meanwhile, today we took them all for a 4 mile hike this morning before church, gave them a swim this afternoon, and will take a turn around the Field of Death this evening striving for exhaustion for the Beast so she (and us!) will sleep long and deeply tonight.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Kathy - Process-oriented or Goal-oriented? So Conflicted!

Although I loved the concept of the most recent challenge:  earning points for healthy lifestyle choices, I grew discouraged midway because I didn't want to rack up a bunch of points and still look the same when I went to the spa.  I want to be trim and fit.  That being said, isn't this blog called 'Day by Day' for a reason?  The journey to fitness takes place in a day by day process.  At the same time I want to set a goal and actually reach the goal. I think what I really want is to do a day by day process that results in reaching a goal!  This leaves me wondering how to design a challenge....the first challenge was definitely goal-oriented.  The second challenge was definitely process-oriented.  Actually, do we even want a challenge or do we just want to write about our journey, or interesting information on health and fitness we find, etc.?  The purpose of challenges is to help motivate ourselves, but is something else more motivating?  Guess I need a bit of input on this one...

Meanwhile, this summer, for about 2 cycles (10 days)  I did Joel Marion's Extreme Fat Loss program.  It was quite interesting and resulted in losing about 5 lbs.  I have managed to keep most of it off.  I would not be adverse to doing it again, but I really want to find a healthy diet/exercise lifestyle that naturally results in health and fitness. I came across the Crazy, Sexy Life blog.  Kim, the person who created it has written a book  called The Crazy Sexy Diet.  I read a sample of it and for the most part it looks good.  I am not sure I agree with the gluten-free aspect of it, but am considering buying it.  Meanwhile, check out her blog - lots of good and interesting information. 

Monday, August 15, 2011

Kathy - A Grim and Macabre Game

I am discovering that though the new tromping grounds may seem like a civilized stroll it hides within its heart the dark (and tasty) remains of death.  This is how the current tromp has developed.  FL, myself and the beasts all make a mad dash down the road for the safety of the fenced field down a ways on the other side of the road. At least all of us but Chubs, who sort-of lumbers quickly along.  Once we reach the field, FL and I stay close to the perimeter to get the maximum amount of tromping in - Chubs usually stays with us.  The Beast and Charger head into the middle of the field and snuffle and circle around looking for dead stuff.  They never fail to find it.  Thus the game begins.  The Beast usually finds the choicest selection of nastiness, which is irresistible to Charger.  The Beast brings her delicate find closer to where we are tromping.  This causes Chubs to be aware of the treat and thus desire it as well.  With Charger and Chubs both after the prize, the Beast dashes ahead so she can lie down and have a few undisturbed moments savoring her find.  Charger, who is in hot pursuit doesn't allow her much time so the Beast dashes off again, Charger at her heels.  Chubs, bringing up the rear, sniffs the area where the treat briefly rested on the ground.  This pattern continues until they are all distracted by the delights of the irrigation ditch, where they take long drinks and hopefully wash away all remains of remains. The fitness benefit of all this is I have no desire to eat anything the rest of the evening - how is that for creative appetite control?!

Kathy - A Gentler, More Civilized (slightly) Tromp

My favorite form of fitness, the daily tromp with the beasts, has undergone some changes this summer.  First we could not take off up the hill behind our house because of the wheat planted near the top of it, so we had to drive to a field on the very top of the hill.  When the cheat grass in that field became lethal to the beasts we had to shift yet again.  For a time the main form of exercise for the beasts was swimming, not much exercise for us unfortunately.  Recently a field near us has been emptied of cows and provides a perfect place for the daily tromp.  This field is almost right across the road from us has a small stream (irrigation ditch) running along the side of it and tromping the circumference of it is a mile. The thing I like most about it is that we do not have to load the beasts into a vehicle, the thing I like least about it is that it is completely flat, so it is not quite the exercise the other tromps have provided.  Still, it is much better than nothing!


The beasts adore it - at least the Beast and Charger do.  Chubs likes it just fine once you force him away from the comfort of the yard.  They love dipping in and out of the small stream and there are enticing carcasses to be found, from tiny, crunchy, carcasses (guessing bird or rodent) to deer carcasses.  Charger lugged an entire deer leg for a ways before she had to drop it because it was just too huge.  Chubs scored a scapula, which he also abandoned, mostly due to his overwhelming urge to avoid extra exertion at any price.  To balance things out a bit the sky this evening was absolutely stunning!  Because of  the western hill behind our house  we generally miss out on sunsets, but this sunset was so spectacular it spilled over into our portion of the sky.  The undersides of the clouds covering the sky were brilliant red - quite a nice addition to the tromp.  So glad to have tromping grounds until the wheat is harvested and we can head up the hill once again. 

Monday, August 1, 2011

Brooke-Time marches on

 I haven't deserted the health endeavor... although I have not been running (never have submitted the registration form for the run) or working out at all; I have been studying the raw lifestyle. I have played with a few recipes (raw sushi, cabbage noodles, banana ice cream) but that is about it. I did purchase a Champion juicer (thank you Craigslist) and have made a few juices. I have not "gone raw" but I have been trying to eat more raw foods. There is so much information and so many fun creative ways to not cook! I have checked out a couple of books on the raw lifestyle and am reading and absorbing the information. Eating raw and juicing makes so much sense. Anyhow, I haven't lost any weight and I haven't been counting points.

I guess I am improving my mind more than my body at the moment. I am planning on purchasing a few raw recipe books and basic raw staples to start moving in that direction. I can't force my family to eat raw but I can add more of it into our diet. Chad and Emery both loved the raw sushi I made. Emery and Chandlar really like fresh juiced fruit juice. Garrett and Chandlar love fruit. I haven't figured out how to shop for quantity of fresh foods. I'm never sure how much to buy. I don't want any of it to go to waste.

So that is a small blurb of what I have been up to. Sorry Mom that I haven't been blogging. I do read it though. I just need to sit down and do it. Can't wait to see the family this weekend.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Kathy - The Beast and I

The onward march of summer has brought changes to the hill - the bright, sunny yellow flowers covering the hillsides have given way to a cooler palette of purples and whites.  Some the grass is drying out and various seeds and burrs are developing.  This has brought changes to the tromp itself.  The seeds and burrs are a bad combination with dog fur, not to mention downright dangerous when they burrow into the beast's paws and ears.  The baby beasts have been banned from the hill because of this - their ears are right in target for the worst of it.  FL is off gallivanting with his brother  The Beast will soon also be banned from the hill, but for the time being the hill is a nice safe, remote place to exercise her.  She is currently in heat and tracking her scent down the road just doesn't seem like a happy option.  So that leaves a few more golden days of tromping for the Beast and I.  Bliss.  Warm sunshine, gently waving grass, colorful flowers, looking up to see the Beast watching me over the tops of the grasses to see what is taking me so long... while I am gathering an armful of flowers.  The Beast and I thoroughly enjoyed our tromp.

The baby beasts were marched around the next-door field and were better for it - at least Charger was, Chubs watched us for the most part.  When we started heading back he decided to join us and ambled over.  The Beast played in the ditch - dashing over from time to time to get us all wet.  So fun. We are all properly exercised and 'washed' now.

Will post an update on the results of my 10 days of Extreme Fat Loss and my new KB challenge soon. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Kathy - Crash and Burn

You might perhaps have noticed that I did not post a blog yesterday - you also might not have.  At any rate I did not post yesterday - this is because I did not do my KB workout yesterday.  The main reason is that we had company.  The secondary reason is that Thursday (yesterday) morning - very early - say 2:00  a.m. or so, it felt like 4th of July sparklers were shooting off in my lower back. Didn't really get much sleep after that.  Spent the rest of the day bolstering my lumbar spine as much as possible and today it is feeling whole and hardy again. 

I did not do my KB workout today either, the main reason is that I am babying my back for a bit longer and the secondary reason is we have company. 

Didn't even get much of a tromp in this evening - the pups were worse than reluctant, they were bushed from swimming.  They found a luxurious patch of long, green, grass and settled down.  Period.  End of tromp. 

Hope you all have a great weekend full of fun and fitness.  

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Kathy - The Great Tromp Reluctance

I LOVE to tromp, FL LOVES to tromp, the Beast LOVES to tromp!  So what is the problem?  The Baby Beasts.  The nightly scenario goes something like this:  FL leader says, "Let's go for a tromp!"  The Beast runs and gets in the Rav.  I put my Merrills on and run and get in the Rav.  FL puts on his Merrills and runs and gets in the Rav.  Wait, something is wrong with this picture - we are missing the Baby Beasts.  So FL and I go to rally the rest of the troops.  The minute they see they see the masses heading to the Rav they stop in their tracks. When we call them they move cautiously and suspiciously if we are anywhere near the Rav.  Using treats we are able to coax them to the proximity of the Rav.  Then with a quick pounce we grab them and put them in the Rav.  This is getting more difficult daily as I do believe they are gaining at least 2 lbs a day.  Chubs must be pushing 40 lbs by now and he is only 3 months old!  Anyway they relax for a bit on the short drive to the tromp but once we get there the reluctance set in again. They press their bodies against the back of the front seats as far from the back door of the Rav as they can get.  FL usually ends up dragging them out, at which point they try desperately to get back in the Rav.  We head into the field where we tromp, the beast checking out all the new smells and just in general romping about with great joy.  FL and I and head down the path, noting the beauty around us, but wait, something is wrong with this picture - where are the Baby Beasts?  Sitting by the gate as if to say, "Not again!"  Eventually they take up the trail, but recently they have begun meandering - around the stock tank, over to this interesting smell...anything to prolong the inevitable tromp.  The strange thing about all this is that once they actually get going they seem to enjoy it. Their tails are wagging at least.  We take them up the hill, stop for a rest and general group love-in.  What beast can resist that?  It's all down hill from there - literally and they pick up the pace as they realize they are headed for the Rav and home.  So Sad.  Unfortunately I can relate.  I have always tended to be that way about exercise - I really never want to do it and certainly wouldn't choose to do it if left to make the choice myself, but once I got going I really enjoyed it.  (At least this has been my tendency in the past).  I have changed since tromping became a part of my life- I can hardly go without it.  If FL has a headache Beast and I will go without him.  I LOVE tromping!  Here's hoping that one day the Baby Beasts will come to love it too!

PS:  Day 2 of the KW-KB challenge completed - Hooray!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Kathy - I did it!

I finally broke the ice and actually did a KB workout.  Please pick yourself up off the floor before reading further.  I had gotten side-tracked by trips, company, etc. You name it, I made it into an excuse and  slid into not doing my KB workout at all.  What I am going to do is this.  Since I was successfully challenged by how I started KB in the first place - with Josh Hillis' 21 day KB swing challenge.  So now I am doing the KW 21-day KB 12 minute workout challenge - catchy title, right?!  Today was the first day, 20 to go.  At the end of the 21 days I will start a new personal challenge. To keep myself accountable I will (gulp) post every day for 21 days. 

Friday, July 8, 2011

Kathy - Excellent Website

Just a quick post to let you guys know about a great website:  Everyday Health.  It has tons of interesting articles, video clips, etc.  I found out about the Duke Diet System there - looks very good and balanced for long term weight loss.  Good for good health browsing all around. 

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Kathy - Summer Tromping

It's summer at last!  "Winter-spring" lasted way too long! So this marks the first summer of tromping.  We got the Beast last October and the regular tromps officially began then  Fall tromps were spectacular.  Winter tromps had their moments but for the most part were dark and cold.  Had maybe 2-3 days of nice spring tromps, which, by the way, were fabulous.  The rest of 'spring' was a rather weakened edition of winter tromps only with a bit more light. 

I have been dreaming of warm, sunny summer tromps through fields of flowers, with the bright blue sky overhead and the snow-covered peaks in the distance - and that is what we have.  Plus it is wonderful tromping with three beasts now - one large lovely beast and 2 smaller versions.  No need to bundle up or grab a headlamp.  Summer tromps are great.  There is just one thing I hadn't counted on - grass.  I don't have anything against grass, I am just surprised at how tall it gets!  We tromp through various heights of grass, sometimes knee high grass, sometimes thigh-high grass, sometimes chest-high grass.  Certainly an interesting challenge when the field is full of various rocks and holes.  Good thing the baby beasts are growing - they can actually see over some of the shorter grass now.  They are probably glad to see that tromping does not solely consist of trotting through green tunnels. 

I am looking forward to ever longer tromps as the baby beast get larger - not so much ever taller grass!

How are your summer fitness plan coming along?  I am doing the Extreme Fat Loss thing for 2 or 3 cycles - will see how it goes.  At this point I am just doing the diet part.  Have made it through the first 4 days.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Kathy - Spa Water

Yesterday in the lobby at work there were a couple of huge glass jars of water, a couple of lovely ladles and a sigh which read:  Spa Water - Hydrate Yourself.  The water was full of stuff.  I could figure out most of what was in it:  LOTS of cucumber slices, a few lemon wedges, some leaves of mint, and ice, there were also little diced up white things which settled on the bottom of the jars that I could not identify. Fortunately I knew who to ask and found out it was ginger!  The water was so very refreshing and delicious. What a fun and tasty way to hydrate yourself!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Brooke- C25K training and points

Well week one of c25k training is done and today was the first interval of week two. I will recap for you.

6/20 Day one Week one: (Brisk five-minute warm up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.) Well at first I couldn't find my podcast so I just started walking and fiddled with my phone until I found the program so I was gone 45 minutes total and went 1.64 miles. Not to bad. My legs felt like jello when I got home and my feet had been asleep most of the walk but other than that I think I did good for the first time. Googled why my feet might be falling asleep. Perhaps laces were to tight. Re laced shoes via Internet video.

6/22 Day two Week one: Same intervals as day one. I had my program all geared up and went for my walk/jog on the wii free run after the boys were in bed. 2 miles in 30 minutes! Better than day one. Feet didn't go numb at all!

6/24 Day three and last of week one training: My DH found a program called iMapMyRun where you can track your route via GPS and it calculates speed and pace and draws a map of your route so you can see where you were. I used it and my podcast at the same time! Tech savvy! Anyhow it recorded that I went 2.3miles in 36.28 minutes which was an average pace of 15:39min/mi and an average speed of 3.83mi/h. Not to shabby for the third training session. Feet still fine.

6/27 Day one Week two (fourth run): (Brisk five-minute warm up walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.) Went this morning at 9am.Who knew 90 seconds could feel so much longer than 60 seconds?!  2.29 miles in 36.46 minutes average pace 15:53min/mi  Average speed 3.77 mi/h. I felt tired after this training and my shins have ached all day. I think that is mostly because this training was on more of an incline than the other sessions had been and I had to run more. But feeling great! Going to go back to the flat route on Wednesday!

Still have to get the entry form into the mailbox with the fee.

So the race training is going well. Have logged another 2 hours of exercise and know for sure that I drank water 7 days and that would be 17 points.

Running total for me: 94

Where are we in this quest for 1000 points?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Kathy - Photography Class

So, you ask, what does photography class have to do with fitness?  Well you see, FL is taking a photography class and one of his assignments is to take an action shot.  What this means is that this morning we climbed a hill (exercise), large and small beasts in tow (bliss).  When we found a lovely flower-strewn hillside we proceeded to capture the action shot.  This involved the Beast, myself and FL.  We formed a very large triangle with each of us at a vertex.  I had a yummy dog treat in my pocket, my mission was to call the Beast and then go charging off across the field - the beast was to chase after me and FL was to take a picture of the Beast running, using a very slow shutter speed so the background would be blurred but the Beast would be in focus (at least that is the way I understand it works).  We did this three times (are you keeping track of the amount of exercise I have achieved already?).  I was bit apprehensive that the little beasts would be in the way but my worries proved unfounded.  Chubs seems to prefer spectator sports and sat happily beside FL calmly watching the entertainment.  Charger was caught up in the action and excitement but couldn't decide which direction to go so ended up dashing aimlessly here and there and generally not bothering anything really.  All in all a successful undertaking.  We all tromped merrily home and had breakfast.  Isn't exercise fun?!!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Brooke- sunshine and water

Well it has been a bit since I have posted points.
15 for water (for sure those days I recorded on my phone)
10 for exercise although I'm sure there was more I just didn't write it down :(
So that would bring my total to: 77 I believe

I am starting my c25k program tomorrow. It is a walk/ jog program. I have not put the registration in the mail for the race. I plan to put it in tomorrow. Will post to let you know for sure that I did.

Katie, yes I am planning to do the 8 miles because I am sure that  by then I will be able to do so.

The sunshine part of the title is that I have spent some of everyday this last week in the pool with Emery and Garrett. I get in and put Garrett in his floating device and push/pull him while I swim the length of the pool several times. Each time it has been about an hour in the pool but I'm not sure how much of it to record as exercise because I don't swim laps the whole time. Need to be better at recording I think.

Anyhow, wish me luck! Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life :)

Friday, June 17, 2011

Kathy - Well.....

I'm glad you asked (about KB)  Although tromping is going well and the weather has actually been nice enough to take a 30 minute walk at noon a couple of times this week, my sad confession is that I have not done a KB workout in....quite a while.  I really don't understand it either.  Actually I can understand why for the last week or so - puppy exhaustion (Brooke I can sort-of relate to your situation with 3 children).  Both FL and I just do the bare minimum of what needs to be done and flop into bed at night.  But I was starting to slack even before then - which is craziness because it is only a 12 minute workout - 15 or so with the warm up stretches.  And to top it all off, last evening my back just spontaneously decided to give me problems.  FL pointed out that if I had been doing KB regularly it probably wouldn't have happened. Deep sigh. 

So how do you guys motivate yourselves?  To do something that you really enjoy doing, that doesn't take very long, that makes you feel really good and strong when you do it regularly?  So sad, I know. 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Xtreme RECAP-Also How is the kettlebelling going MOM?

Sorry guys, I know I have been slacking in the blog dept but I have been really focusing on following the diet and today is the last day of my SECOND cycle! Only three more cycles to go! So here is a recap of how the program has been going:

Carb day 6/9

This first carb day was really really hard for me. I'm supposed to eat 5 small meals of 240 cals each with a ratio of 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. I really struggled with the planning of these meals. I have never really done the whole counting calories thing and I must say food has A LOT of calories! I had a fried egg on a whole wheat piece of bread with tomato, mushroom and spinach for breakfast. Mmm it tasted SO good after two days with real food! Then I didn't plan well for the other meals and wound up hungry, weak and irritated for the rest of the day. I got in my weight workout and interval training.

Protein Day 6/10

I think protein day is one of my favorite days of the cycle. I had three eggs scrambled with mushroom, spinach and a griller. So full and satisfied! The premise for this day is to try and get all your calories from protein. I'm supposed to eat 40 GRAMS of protein five times a day! I actually wasn't able to eat all of the protein I was supposed to because I got too full!

CHEAT Day 6/11 & 12 =(

Yay its the weekend AND my cheat day. I didn't do very well today. I ate whatever I wanted like I'm supposed to but I neglected to do my density workout. Bummer.

Sunday I woke up mentally prepared to fast. I even did the fast day workout and I even made until 2:30 before I caved and ate something. Onward and forward, won't let this set back stop me for good!

Fast Day 6/13

LONG day! Started at 4:15 driving to work from Steve's house. Ugh! I downed the water today and I felt that really helped. I got some of the work out done and by evening I was dead tired! Only THREE more fast days to go!

Shake Day 6/14

I am really enjoying my morning oatmeal honey protein shake. It tastes so good and seems to fill me up pretty good after the fast. Shake day seemed to go by fairly quickly. My muscles are seeming a little sore from back to back weight sessions.

Mod carb 6/15
I weighed myself this morning and since I started this program on the 6th, I have lost 4.4 lbs!! Hooray! My muscles feel tighter too and my stomach feels flatter.. not totally flat but moving in the right direction. =) I haven't measured myself yet but will do that soon. Loving the results so far! Family, who is with me?
I was smarter this time around and I bought those sandwich thins. If any of you decide to do this diet, I highly recommend getting some for this day! They are only 100 cals and you can make delicious sandwiches that are within the cal limit. I had dinner with a friend tonight and was delighted to find she had hummus and pita bread. So I made myself an open face hummus and veggie sandwich. Very tasty!

Protein Day (today)

I am STUFFED! I have only had my 3 egg/griller breakfast, lunch (cottage cheese, griller, veggies) and snack (same as lunch but with boca burger) and I am so full!! I have only had 3 "meals" and I'm supposed to have 5. I think I may have to make myself a protein shake a little later after I do my weight set.

Thats the other thing, it is officially crazy hot summer in the desert! Yesterday it was 103 and today its 99!!! So it makes working out at home a lot harder. I almost died yesterday trying to work out right after work. So I'm going to wait until later tonight to do it. I am also going to try waking up a bit earlier so I can do it in the cool of the morning.

So you guys are up to date. I get cheat day tomorrow! This might sound crazy but I'm actually not as excited about this cheat day as I was last week. I'm not sure if its just because its on a work day. I am planning on having thai food with a good friend tomorrow evening though so that should be AWESOME!!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Brooke- Running the Race

Hello family. Been a bit since I have posted. With traveling to Mom and Dad's and summer beginning (having all three boys all day long) I haven't really been on the ball with working out. I did mention to Mom and Dad that I would like to participate in a  5k. Hence the questioning if I have found a race yet. Yes, in fact I have! I have gotten so far as to print out the entry form and fill out all of it with exception of signing my name and putting it in the mail. The annual Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving morning) is a fund raiser for the food bank here in Medford. It is a choice of a 2 mile walk/run or an 8 mile run. So a bit more than a 5k but... with 20 plus weeks to train I think I can manage. So I need to get it in the mail with the entry fee. I haven't started my couch to 5k program yet. I was looking for a good app on my droid or a Christian music based one (the one I found was not great music). So suggestions are welcome for the music/interval voice over instructions if you have any. I was thinking I would do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as my training days. Those days work well because Chad doesn't work Mondays or Fridays and Wed would just have to do it later in the day or first thing in the morning when Chad gets home so he could watch the boys for 30 mins.

So I think I will take time to weigh and measure tomorrow and then start the program on Friday... even if I have to keep searching for a training/music that I like better. I will get the entry fee and the application in the mail tomorrow so there is no turning back on training. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Katie, how is it going? Tyler, how are you doing? Curious to hear from you both. Keep tromping on Mom! Here's to a healthier us!!

Kathy - Katie! How is Xtreme Fat Loss going?

We are all eager to hear about your Xtreme Fat Loss journey Katie. Please tell us all about it!  I have read the diet manual of the program but I am so intimidated by the exercise portion that I have not even sneaked a peak.
 In a moment of weakness I did order BCAA and protein shakes. The inevitable draws closer.

An update on last evening:  I did indeed take all three beasts for a tromp.  The beast, it seems, gets into the Rav without a whimper when she is on a leash.  The tiny beasts are easily scooped up and plopped in too. We made it up the washed out road even though the sun was in our eyes.  And finally - the tromp!   

It was a lovely, beautiful, splendid, gorgeous evening.  The beasts and I walked up the hill, rested, (at least the tiny beasts and I did), and walked down the hill, while soaking in the beauty. (At least I did, the tiny beasts can't really see much of anything because of the tall grass, and the big beast seems more interested in the smell of things than the look of things).   

So add about 30 rather leisurely minutes to yesterday's exercise minutes. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Kathy - Brooke! Have you found a race?

Hi Brooke!  Just checking up to see how you are doing with finding a race to train for.  Any luck yet? 

I am having a rather lazy evening - the little beasties woke us up at 1:30 am this morning. That, not too long after the 24 hour marathon of getting them home, has me a bit exhausted.  FL is at a meeting tonight so my mission is to single-handedly load the big and little beasts into the back of the Rav for a tromp.  I am determined to do it - so off I go.  Enough napping on the couch! 

Exercise so far today:
1:30 am:  Hauling little black beast out to the yard and back to kennel.
11:30 am:  Walking 2 miles during lunch break.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Tyler - Week Four and Five Results

Hi ya'll, sorry about the slight lag in the updates. It's usually pretty crazy towards the end of a quarter and this quarter has been no exception. There are final projects to complete, tests to study for and clinic hours to bank for the China trip. The last is where a lot of my time has been going lately. I've been working triples on Tuesdays, which means I'm at the clinic for twelve and a half hours. It's a long day, but if I keep it up I can have all of my hours banked for China before classes start summer quarter.

I apparently jumped the gun a bit in my last post declaring myself past my usual plateau. I didn't lose any weight during week four and only one pound in week five. For those of you keeping score, that puts me at eleven pounds total. Since I'm not seeing quite as rapid weight loss as I would like, I'm adjusting the program a bit to make it more sustainable. I'm eating a slow-carb breakfast and lunch since those are the meals that Sophie and I usually eat apart anyway. Dinners will be normal, which will make planning meals MUCH easier. This week is finals week, though I'm really done with pretty much everything by Wednesday. After that I have a week off to focus on myself (and pack up more of the apartment), then two weeks of clinic but no classes, then we're into summer quarter. It's getting close guys. It's been a long, strange trip but the finish line is definitely in sight. Keep posting about the XTREEEME FAT LOSS system you're doing. It sounds interesting.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Kathy - Hey Tyler! How is the slow-carb plan going?!

Tyler, I am curious about how the slow-carb plan is going?  How long are you going to do it?  Does it get boring?  Am eager to hear!

The Brooke and Chad portion of the family left this morning.  We got in a tromp before the beasties arrived and one after.  Surprisingly the fatty beastie kept up quite well.  The beastette is intrepid - she goes pretty much wherever she wants to, has even jumped out of the Rav! 

Am finally getting around to planting the garden - so far have planted lots of greens and carrots.  Still need to plant parsnips, beans, peas and tomatoes - don't know if I room for corn - may have to expand the greenhouse next year. Am looking forward to fresh veggies! 

Hope you all have a fun and fit week!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Katie-First Shake Day

I started the morning out with an oatmeal honey protein shake and did it ever taste good!! I was surprised to find that it kept me satisfied until around 10:30 am which is when I usually get hungry even when I have a real breakfast. I had a mid-morning fruit/protein shake and then another one for lunch. In the afternoon, I switched it up and had a peanut butter/protein shake-tastes better than it sounds. The workout was a little brutal. It ended with 200 JUMPING JACKS.. at around 130 I felt like I may lose my shakes.. Ugh.
Tomorrow is "moderate carb" day. I am excited to be able to chew food again after two days! Wahoo!!

Kathy - I can relate!

Hi guys,  I certainly can relate to Katie's comments about not blogging because she was not seeing any results. I have slacked off on keeping track of my points - mainly because I don't want to amass enough points to go to a spa and still be wearing my same old body.  I want to look fit and trim when I go to the spa!

I have lost about 3 lbs since beginning this new challenge, which is slightly encouraging, but nothing to write home about (or perhaps, nothing to blog about!).

Maybe we should call each other out if we don't see us on the blog...something like:  "Hey Brooke!  What is going on with you?"  and Brooke could reply,  "Nothing.  I haven't been blogging because I have been so discouraged, busy, mad, lazy"  (you get the idea) or maybe, "I am doing great!  Haven't been blogging much because I am just too busy working out and cooking yummy low-calorie food, and training for a marathon, I haven't had a moment to sit down at the computer".  And the Katie could respond, "Don't get discouraged - remember this journey is a step at a time - don't give up!  I love you and you are worth it!"  or she could respond, "Wow!  That sounds awesome!  You have just inspired me to get my fitness plan ramped up - I don't want to get behind!"  Or Mom could blog,  "Hey all, just tried the most delicious, healthy recipe - here it is for you"  and you all could respond,  "Thanks so much Mom, we'll try it tomorrow!".  Anyway - I am going to try this in some form - so get ready!

In other news - the beasties arrive tomorrow!  While I am so excited at the thought of puppies, I am worried that their arrival will alter the tromp.  I actually think panicked is a more correct description.  They won't be able to go as far or as fast - or worse, maybe they will all wear each other out and none of them will want to go for a tromp.  And I will grow fat and lazy.  I am breaking out in a cold sweat.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Katie-Not for the faint of heart!!

Hello Fam~
It has been awhile for all us but especially me. I hadn't been posting mainly because I wasn't seeing any results or progress and wasn't feeling very motivated. So mom challenged me to do the 25 day Xtreme Fat Loss program. It started out yesterday with a "cheat" day. Sweet! Eat whatever I want all day and complete what is known as a "density" workout.. mainly lifting weights in various directions and ways. Not too shabby at all. Great diet so far!
Today was another story.... Fast day! Bascially lots of water supplemented with BCAA (branch chain amino acid pills) LONG day! Woke up hungry like I usually do and stayed that way for most of the morning. My poor patients had to listen to my stomach growling in their ears today! Today did a different sort of weight lifting workout and then a high intensity interval training for 20 min and 30 min of moderate cardio. After work I was DRAGGING and did NOT feel like going to the gym to do my cardio and interval training but I did and surprisingly gained some energy. I added a little crystal light to my water after I got home and let me tell you, those 5 little calories helped a ton!!
So I survived my first Fast Day and I have to say I am pretty proud of myself! Tomorrow is shake day. Will let you know how it goes!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Kathy - Still Here

I was a bit surprised to see that is has been over a week since I last posted.  I am still here, still pursuing fitness, still taking the beast for daily tromps, still struggling to be regular with KB workouts. We had family visit over the holiday weekend and Uncle David and I had a fascinating discussion about motivation and such things (so interesting that I put 2 heaping tablespoons of baking soda in the French Vanilla Silk creamer instead of clear jel - nastiness!).  He has read a lot about fitness and motivation and I sincerely hope he shares some of his knowledge with us.  I am going to do a KB workout after I finish posting.  I want to do a workout...I need to do a workout.  Now I really need to call it something other than a workout - any suggestions?

In other news - we are going to the dogs. Two puppies are arriving next week!  More beasts to tromp with!  Should be interesting.  I am trying not to recall the many sleepless nights we had with #1 beast....

Will keep you posted!  Pursue your dreams!  Reach your goals!  (Zen Habits is a good blog for setting goals, motivation and the like).

Tyler - Week Three Results

Hi guys, just checking in with week three's results. I'm a bit late this week due to a lot of general lazing around over Memorial Day weekend. First I'd like, to answer a couple questions I was asked about last week's post. So far, this diet has been producing pretty steady results for me so I don't see any reason to stop until I reach my goal weight. After that I will probably go back to eating regularly but I'm strongly considering doing a Slow-Carb month each year. Based on my experience so far, that should be more than enough to remove any extra pounds I put on during the rest of the year. Sophie is not doing this diet with me, though she has expressed interest in doing the exercise portion. Her main reason for not wanting to do the diet is that she doesn't like beans, which are . . . a bit of a staple on this eating plan. For the meals we eat together we have been having dishes that meet a couple of my categories for example--protein and veggies--and then I can have something on the side or ones where I can leave something out and have a complete meal. For example, we had haystacks the other day from which I simply subtracted the chips. To answer Mom's question, I do have specific exercises that I do. I do Glute Bridges for 20 reps, Flying Dog for 15 reps a side and Two-Hand Kettlebell Swings for 50 reps. This workout happens 3 times a week and takes around 5 minutes for 15 minutes of exercise a week or 1 hour total per month. As you have probably noticed, the exercises target the posterior train, which contains many of the largest muscles in the body and which is involved with a lot of daily activity movements.

This week I lost an additional pound for a grand total of 10 pounds so far. I'm not terribly concerned about the low number this week since I was moving past one of my usual sticking points. During my previous episodes of both gaining weight and losing weight I've noticed that my body has some weights that it just really enjoys being. I'll hit one of these weights and stick there for a while before progressing either lower or higher depending on which way I'm trending. So I'm actually very happy to have passed one of those sticking points with a one pound weight loss rather than plateuing there for a month. The next sticking point I know of is 7 pounds away so my numbers should rebound this week. 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Kathy - Great Info

Okay, so the title of this may be a bit selfish...it IS great info.  For me.  And probably for the rest of you also.  I found it on Josh Hillis's web site.  It is his response to a woman who asked him if his advice worked for old people. (As in over 40 - I am assuming that it also works for ancient people, as in over 50.  I do need to mention however, that J.Hillis called 50 the new 25.  Does this bias me in favor of his information?  Yes, yes it does).

Anyway, here is the information I have deemed great:  ( Keep reading, the best part is The Rules of the Fat Loss Game.)

RE: Age - it's not about what's possible.  You can get any results you want.  It's just a matter of how much time and energy you are willing to commit to it.  Across the board though, people find with these workouts it takes less time than they thought it would.

In fact, I find that it's not necessarily getting older that makes it harder, but more like increased responsibility and increased demands on time.  And those tend to show up the older we get.  So it becomes more important to plan and be efficient.

Ultimately, what you've got is what you've got.  Some people have injuries.  Some people have diabetes.  Some people have slower metabolisms.  Some people have bad habits.  There are a million factors that could make it easier or harder.  Regardless, the rules of the game are the same: We need a good workout, and we need to make changes in the food.

The worst case scenario I've ever seen was that a person's circumstances made getting results slower.  But the rules of the game never changed - smart changes in food over time, and a good workout.  That's it.

So what I'm getting at is that you can totally lose that 40+lbs.  At the fastest you could do it in is 20 weeks.  At the slowest, probably 16 months (if you went really slow).  But there's no question that you can do it.

Mostly it's not that it's HARD.  It's just a matter of getting real about what it takes.  And really accurate about food.  In 8 years of doing this, not one client I've ever had really ate as well as they thought they did.  EVERYONE is shocked the first time they actually keep a food journal.

None of this is easy.  But I would urge you to keep it simple.  The simpler you can keep the game of fat loss, the better it'll go for you.

THE RULES OF THE FAT LOSS GAME

1.) You have to get real about your food.  Write it all down.  If you aren't writing it down, you aren't in the game.
2.) Review your food log.  See what is working.  See what isn't working.  Look for where you might need to plan more, cook more, or add a new habit.  Make one positive change each week.  Never make more than one change.
3.) You want to get stronger in pushing, pulling, squatting, and hip hinging.  Sometimes lift heavier weight.  Sometimes lift more reps.
4.) You have to work on quality of movement so you don't get hurt.  Especially if you are over 30.  That may be stretching.  It may be dynamic joint mobility.  It may be studying form and doing one "workout" per week where you just focus on doing each movement better.
5.) Have phases of training where you really kick ass (for 6-12 weeks), and have phases of training where your workouts are chill.  Sr. RKC Dan John calls these "Bus Bench Workouts" and "Park Bench Workouts" - one kind of workout you're going somewhere, and the other you're feeding the squirrels and watching the clouds go by.  To get results long term, you need both.

WHAT YOUR RESULTS ARE TELLING YOU

1.) Scale weight = QUANTITY of Food.  Nothing else.  If the scale isn't moving, you are eating too much.  Too much.  There is nothing else to it.  Your workouts don't even effect the scale much.  Let me repeat: For the scale to go down, you must eat less. 
2.) Body fat percentage = Quality of Food + How Strong You Are.  If you are losing weight, but your body fat percentage is still up, A.K.A. - "I still look like crap out by the pool", you need to look at quality of food, and if you are getting stronger in your workouts.
Keep it simple, play by the rules, and hit all of your goals!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Tyler - Week Two Results

Hi guys, my second week on the Slow-Carb Diet has produced an additional weight loss of 2 pounds. I've lost a total of 9 pounds so far, which puts me at an average of 4.5 pounds a week. I did have a couple of lapses this week. On Monday a friend invited Sophie and I over to his place for Indian food, a meal that naturally included rice (which I'm not supposed to have) and naan (another no-no). Then on Thursday Alex was in town and we went to lunch at Araya's together (yes it's very healthy food but, you know, more rice). This week I intend to hew a bit closer to what I'm supposed to be eating. I have tasty, tasty kidney beans in the slow cooker as I type. This week I will also be beginning the recommended exercise program. For the past two weeks I've been engaging in little to no deliberate exercise, mainly because I wanted to see what the diet would do on its own. Now I'm kickin' it up a notch. We'll see how the next two weeks go.

Oh, and to answer the question Mom asked - no, I don't get hungry on this diet. I think I'm actually feeling less hungry throughout the week because I'm eating breakfast. There are a few time during the week when, due to the vagaries of my schedule, I can't eat for 5.5-6 hours. I get hungry then, but I would regardless of what I ate.  

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Brooke- Inspired

Thank you for the post about Amanda! What an inspiration. I'm not sure how I would do 1200 calories a day with a family. She just had herself and her husband to "do food" for. I guess if I was truly ready I could do it. 

I have been wanting to post about a recent encounter with an inspiring woman. I was in church Sabbath of Mother's Day weekend and Pastor Dan was giving out flowers to the different women in church (who has the youngest baby, who has the most children, etc.) One of the things he mentioned was women who had run a marathon and a handful of women stood. Then he started whittling them down by age. The last woman standing was Gladys, age 92. I was awed!! She looked no older than in her early 70's to me. I was so impressed I came home and googled her. (My mother taught me that) The search came up with an article from KITV.com about the Honolulu Marathon in December 2010.
Gladys "Glady" Burrill, 92, the oldest woman to enter the Honolulu Marathon finished the race Sunday in 9 hours, 53 minutes and 16 seconds.

Read more: http://www.kitv.com/news/26112808/detail.html#ixzz1Mfz5i8mH
I think it's incredible! I want to look like that when I'm in my 90's! Just think how healthy her body is for her to be able to run a marathon at 92! Pure, delightful, inspiration!
I love to run and I have looked at the upcoming 5ks here in Medford and think I might just have to sign up for one and start training! Last summer I did the couch to 5k training program. I got up to 2.5miles. Garrett loves going with me in his stroller. He might just be a great running partner. I just have to figure out where to fit it in the schedule. Or invest in a double jogging stroller that I could take Chandlar in too and then we could run while Chad is asleep during the cooler part of the day. Might be a bit harder with summer coming and no school to occupy Emery's time. Any ideas?? The school has a track that I could run on and the boys could play in the middle in the grass. Running shoes would be a good investment as well. I purchased an inexpensive pair last summer but they were not great, gave me nasty blisters.
Katie, I know you have asked me to run at an event with you sometime in the future I would like to do that too.
So family what do you think?
Oh and points-  2 hours of exercise = 10 points  and 6 days of H2O= 6 so 16 for me this week
Running total =51 (I went back and totalled up the hours of exercise and water so Mom didn't have to)

Monday, May 16, 2011

Katie- Up to no good...

Mondays are rough for me. The day begins around 4 am after not much sleep the night before because I try to put off the work week as much as possible ie fight sleep Sunday night. So yes, up at 4 am, 2 hour drive and then 8 muck-mouth marines. By the time the work day is over, so am I. I drank water today but I also had some Starbucks (bad carmel macchiato BAD)
I did make it to the grocery store and picked out healthy choices for the week.. ingredients for green smoothies, a quinoa salad and a chickpea salad. YUM! Looking forward to trying it all.
I did enjoy Amanda's weight lose story. Its amazing for her to able to go from a 10/12 (where I am right now) to 4/6 (where I have NEVER been). That calorie counter website she listed sounded helpful.. so for the next 4 days I want to try to count my calories as well as 1 hour of cardio plus my dvds.

Also I don't understand how I can feel exhausted ALL day and then am not able to sleep early OR at my bedtime.. ideas?
Happy Health Fam!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Kathy - Inspiring Story

I stumbled across an inspiring weigh-loss story - just love it when I come across them unexpectedly!  To read this story for yourself go to KevinandAmanda.com.  On the side bar click on weigh loss story.  I am impressed that she was successful without any special equipment or program.  She had some good ideas and resources.

In other news:  50/50 weekend.  FL , the beast and I hiked up to the falls on the Slick Rock trail on Friday evening - we parked quite a ways down the road from the trail head so it was a decent bit of exercise.  Sabbath afternoon we went up the north highway and hiked through a rather marshy valley (scene of many cross-country skiing adventures in winter) and on a logging road - nice hike for about an hour - very lovely and springlike.  Sunday - oops.  Here it is 8:30 in the evening and the most exercise I have gotten is going up and down stairs a few times.  It has been a very rainy day - not even a tromp for the beast...

A new week of fitness possibility awaits us.  I like Katie's idea of finding something good to do for our bodies every day - such a fun, positive way to think about fitness.  Let's be very good to our bodies this week! 

Friday, May 13, 2011

Tyler - First Week's Results

So I started the Slow-Carb diet on Friday. I'm supposed to have one free day a week and I wanted my free day to be Saturday. Since it didn't make sense to do one day of the diet and then have a free day, I elected to have my first week be a long week. I've been going for eight days straight now and am very much looking forward to my free day tomorrow.

I didn't get much in the way of exercise this week, maybe an hour total. This was mainly because I spent a lot of time getting my meals figured out. Though I didn't exercise as much as I normally do, I was extremely successful at sticking strictly to the diet. I've lost seven pounds over the last eight days, so I guess things are going okay. Now that I have a better handle on the food situation I'll try to get in more workouts this coming week. Wish me luck as I continue this experiment!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Kathy - Just Right!

I have returned from visiting the Katie sector of the family - we had plenty of relaxing time, but we also got in a 1-mile park walk and a 3 mile hike to an oasis.  The highlight of the hike was seeing a desert tortoise! 

On the trip back I purchased a 20 lb kettlebell and took it for a test run this evening.  Loved it!  The 15 lb was getting just too easy and the 25 lb was a challenge to swing.  The 20 lb felt like a work out, but I was able to do the entire routine with it.  Lauren Brooks, the KB instructor on my DVD has a blog on her website, "On the Edge Fitness".  There is a great story posted by one her long-distance clients complete with before and after photos.  It was very inspiring!  I would love to visit Lauren Brooks' fitness center and work out with her!

On the tromp front, I think I have warm weather phobia.  We have had such a bitterly cold spring that I cannot wrap my mind around the concept of warm weather.  When the Beast and I started out this evening the wind was blowing so I put a fleece jacket on over my shirt and wore another jacket (not my ski jacket fortunately) over that.  I soon discovered that there is a big difference between a cold wind and a not-so-cold wind.  Had to shuck the jacket then rolled up the sleeves of the fleece jacket, and sweated my way through the tromp.  Loved the sunshine!  The mountains were spectacular!  The Beast was happy to have me back - at least she smiled at me a lot.  Must admit that I slowed down and enjoyed the experience a bit this evening. 

I have been lazy about posting our combined total points - anyone want to take a guess before I do?

Don't give up - it is so worth it to feel strong and healthy!  (Jean shopping turned out to be a positive experience too...!)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

My Weird Breakfast

So, on Friday I started the slow-carb diet from the book 4 Hour Body by Tim Ferriss. It's actually a bit odd how this came about. I was on my way to pick up an order of contacts when I thought something along the lines of "hey, while I'm over here near Third Place Books I should see if they have the 4 Hour Body book." What's odd is that I really have no idea where that thought came from. I'd heard about the book in passing several months ago, but I honestly can't think of anything that happened that day that would have made me think of it. So Wednesday I got the book, Thursday I read through the weight loss section, Friday I started the diet. Now, on this diet you eat three things: protein, beans and vegetables and you have those with every meal. Because I had clinic all day on Thursday I started with very little preparation. Here's what I had for breakfast on Friday:

Protein: leftover easter eggs. Beans: plain kidney beans I threw in the slow cooker overnight. Vegetables: cucumber and carrots. Not bad overall, but the beans were a little bland.

Lunch was better.
Protein: hard-boiled eggs. Beans: Spicey Indian daal (lentils). Veggies: Cucumber.

Dinner was best.
Protein: scrambled eggs with salsa. Beans: Kidney beans with Daiya vegan cheese and salsa. Veggies: Celery.

I've got a good stash off hard-boiled eggs now, as well as some curtido made for my veggies. I made lentil soup and I'm doing some chili this afternoon. I have three more days to go until my first free day and two days until I weigh in for the week. I'll let you guys know how it goes.



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Katie-Facing Frustration

Hello one and all,
So if you guys remember, my goal was to lose 10 lbs before Mother Dearest's visit. She is arriving tomorrow night and I have lost a whopping... 2 lbs.. thats right, 2! I can't say that I'm not fiercely disappointed, but it won't help anything to get upset about it and eat my way to happiness.
So since I didn't reach my goal, no summer wardrobe shopping spree.. sad. BUT I am going to revamp my WORKOUT wardrobe. Maybe I'll be more motivated to go for a run in some cute running shorts.
I will have to count up my pts from last week but I know I at least got 6 H2O points.
Just remember a little bit everyday helps so much in the long run. I need to shift my focus from simply losing lbs and instead concentrate on what GOOD things I can do for my body today.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Brooke-Points?

I know I got in 5 days of water. I was not feeling well Sabbath and spent all day in bed. I did do weeding and went for a bike ride with the boys Friday but I'm not sure that was quite an hour. So no points for exercise.

That really is about all that is going on with me. Better luck this week?

Monday, May 2, 2011

Kathy - Going Heavier - Groan!

That groan is what you hear every time I move my shoulders.  My 15 lb KB was seeming a bit light - so I had FL pick up a heavier one for me last Friday.  Unfortunately he couldn't find a 20 lb one, he brought home a bright orange, 25 lb one.  Did it make a difference in my KB workout?  As in, could I finish it?!  I had to switch back and forth between the 2 weights depending on the given exercise move.

Tonight was a night off - had an evening commitment, so didn't get any exercise in.  Did get an hour in yesterday with a KB workout and a tromp.

Points earned last week:  31.  Had five hour of exercise and 6 good days of water. Am afraid to count points for weight lost because I find it too easily, but am enjoying the enhance amount of exercise - the jury is still out on the enhanced amount of KB weight.

How many points did the rest of you earn last week?

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Kathy - Implementing a negative calorie incentive

Deep sigh.  I know how wonderful and effective my KB workout is.  I really enjoy doing it.  For some strange, inexplicable reason, however, I find it very easy to let the evening slip by without doing it.   Before I know it the week is over and I will have only done one or two workouts.  Last week, I managed to get three in, but that was the exception rather than the norm.

SO, I am hereby setting a goal for myself of doing my KB workout three times a week AND, I will subtract 5 points for every workout of those three I do not do.  This will begin this coming week.

Am open to encouragement!

Kathy - Truth Number 1

Here is the promised sequel to the previously posted article.

Truth #!:

Burning calories in the gym is (almost) a waste of time.

Sure, burning calories is great.  But the energy you expend in the gym isn't as big a deal as those LED readouts on the treadmill might make it seem.  In fact, we all have three distinct types of "burns" that make up our metabolism.  Burn #1 - Basal (resting) metabolism.  Your basal metabolism accounts for 60-75% of your overall metabolism.  Surprisingly, it represents the calories you burn doing nothing at all. It's fueled by your heart beating, your lungs working to breath, and even your cells dividing.

Burn #2 - Digestive metabolism.  This burn results from the thermic effect of food or TEF.  Simply digesting food - converting carbohydrates to sugar and protein to amino acids - typically burns 10% of your daily calories.  You burn more calories digesting protein that you do digesting carbohydrates and fat - about 25 calories for every 100 consumed, versus zero to 10 for carbs and fat.

Burn #3 - Exercise and movement metabolism.  This part of your metabolism includes your gym workouts and other physical activities such as jogging or playing softball (called "exercise-activity thermogenesis" or EAT).  It also includes your countless incidental movements throughout the day, like turning the pages of a book ("non-exercise-activity thermogenesis" or NEAT).

So why is it so hard to lose weight just by exercising? Why do you see so many overweight people in the gym?  The answer is simple.  Exercise and movement account for only 15-30% of your fat burn.  Up to 85% of your calorie burn in a given day has nothing to do with moving your body.  But that doesn't mean you should skip the gym - you just need to know how to make exercise work for you.  The fact is, exercise can play an important role in preparing Muscle to conquer its greatest threat - Fat, of course.  

Stay tuned for 2 more Truths!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Brooke- Tidbit

One of the things I read recently I jotted down because I liked it.

Weight loss is a slow and gradual process and you can't expect instant results, no matter now much you want it to happen.

Process- a continuous action, operation, or series of changes taking place in a definite manner

I guess we just have to keep taking those actions in a continuous and definite manner... :)

Someday we will get there if we don't give up!

Be encouraged!!

Brooke- Points

Hello Wonderful Websters!

I didn't get more than about 40 mins of exercise last week. Boo...My fault!

But I did drink 3 quarts of water each day. So 7 points for me.

I have also been reading about sugar addiction. Very interesting stuff. I even tried it for four days...yep just four. I was hungry, as in my tummy growling, and I felt very cranky! I suppose trying to break any addiction is that way. It was awesome the first day I lost 3 lbs and then by the fourth day I couldn't keep it up. To different than my regular diet so I dropped it like a hot potato and started eating "normal" for me. Gained 5 lbs back! Grr!! I'm really stuck in this ten pound range and it's bugging me. I know I have to do things for more than four days but really when your tummy is complaining all day even after you eat it's not fun.

So that is where I am. I did workout tonight...on the Wii. Dance Dance Revolution. It was fun. Broke a sweat and everything!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Kathy - Point Post

Hi guys, 

Last week I earned 30 points - 5 hours of exercise and 5 days where I was positive I drank 8 or more glasses of water.  Will total all our points up soon.  Keep up the great work!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Katie- Week Stats

Happy Friday family!

This week I had trouble staying motivated but I still managed to get some form of exercise in everyday.

Weight: Maintained with no lost lbs
Inches lost: 1 in hips
1 1/2 in off each thigh
Water pts: 4

Workout pts: 10

Total pts: 14

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Kathy - The Battle for Your Body

A friend shared this article with me - very interesting stuff.  I will break it down a bit and post it in segments.

"The battle goes on whether you're awake or asleep, on the couch or on the treadmill.  On one side, the good guy: Muscle. Muscle is like the doorman at your own personal nightclub.  It's his job to make you look good, and keep out the riffraff.  The riffraff, in this case, is a man called Fat.  Fat hates Muscle, and the feeling is mutual.  Fat wants to fill your nightclub with all his fat, lazy friends.  Fat also wants to run Muscle out of town.  you know which side you're rooting for:  Muscle burns fat for energy, which is why building and maintaining muscle  is the key to losing flab and sculpting a lean, toned body.  Muscle boosts metabolism, helping you burn calories day and night.  Muscle helps protect you from heart disease, back pain, arthritis, and depression.  Help Muscle win the war against Fat, and you'll triumph over much more than your waistline.  the key:  firing up your metabolism.  just what is metabolism?  Simply put, it's all the various chemical reactions that happen inside your body 24-7 to keep you alive.  Think of your metabolism as your caloric bouncer, ready to throw Fat out of Club You.  Your metabolism isn't an instant makeover machine, but you can order it to keep an eye out for big fat party crashers and throw them back onto the street.  Learn these surprising truths, and you'll help Muscle conquer its flabby nemesis- once and for all."


There are three surprising truths - coming soon to a blog near you.

Kathy - Into the teeth of the storm

Yes, teeth, as in biting, and cold.  Yesterday might have turned into a companionable tromp, today was a death march.  The beast and I turned our noses into the wind (at least the beast did - I bent my head to keep the snow out of my eyes and to watch for badger holes) and braved the elements.  The snow crusted on our heads but we marched on.  The wind tried to tear us from the hill, but we marched on (okay, so the beast also did a bit of gallomping and snuffling). We marched and we conquered.  As we were taking our victory lap across the stubble field the sun came out for a brief shining moment to crown our efforts, then retreated behind the dark menacing clouds as if trying to tell us to get inside out of the cold. We took the hint.

March of death:  45 minutes.  KB workout:  15 minutes.  One hour total.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Kathy - Metamorphosis

I found myself resisting even the thought of a tromp this evening.  It is a raw, cold, drizzly day.  Without giving myself the chance to argue I changed clothes immediately after work and the beast and I headed up the hill.  I wore: 
1) a turtleneck
2)  a fleece shirt
3) jeans
4)  warm, fuzzy socks
5) a ski jacket
6) a ski hat
7) ski mittens
8) Merrill boots

My theory is that is it better to wear too much!  Feeling miserably cold, I zipped up my jacket all the way to neck and trudged into the junk weather..  As I warmed up, however, things took on a different light.  The clouds hung cozily over the mountains, the rain softly pattered to the greening earth.  Snug in my cocoon of clothing I tromped into the dawning of spring. 

The beast is such a companionable sort on a tromp.  Whether she is gallomping across the field or snuffling some intriguing scent on the ground, she frequently checks to see where I am, sometimes shambling by my side for a short ways before going off to explore.  She graciously waits for me if she gets too far ahead and smiles up at me with friendly brown eyes.  Guess I can forgive the muddy paws that tromping this time of year creates. 

45 minutes of tromping time.  30 minutes at lunch, will probably round things off with a 15-minute KB workout.

Katie-Checking in

Hello family,
My point total so far is 20. I have been trying really hard to stay motivated. Some days are better than others. Onward and forward.

Can't wait to get our spa treatment ladies. Anyone else doing the challenge?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Brooke- Dancing Dreams and points

You can add my points to the tally- one hour hike on Sabbath and water everyday for 11 points. Wonder how everyone else is doing??

It has been nice not having an extra family around!

I've been thinking about keeping a food journal. It would be more writing what I'm feeling before I eat than what I actually eat type of thing. I'm sure that I turn to food for comfort way more than actual hunger. I just need to figure out what is triggering it. Or just always eat fruit or veggies when I "feel" the need to eat. The thought of writing down what I am feeling on the spot is a bit intimidating. I'm not sure I really want to go there. Any ideas??

I really think next pay day I am going to purchase another Zumba video or the Zumba Wii "game". The Just Dance Wii game looks fun too. I enjoy the 20 minute Zumba DVD so much! I'd also like to purchase some aerobic dance shoes but they are a bit pricey!!

I recently watched a movie called Love N Dancing, it made me realize that I love to dance and I would love to have a dancer's figure! It's fun to dream!!

Kathy - Point Post and Fitness Co-op

Hi Guys,  I was going to post last week's points last evening but the internet was slower than molasses, so, as you can see, I am doing it this morning.  Last week was 31 points for me!  Five hours exercise and 6 days of water!  I stopped the insanity toward the end of the week and quit eating as much so ended up the week with zero weight change.  This week's forecast is looking better, as my weight (which bounces around like a person on a bungee cord) plunged downward 2 lbs.  Am waiting for the upswing. I did learn the hard way that not eating supper does not mean you can pretty much anything you want the rest of the day, for instance, pie for breakfast....

FL did well with points too, but he needs to figure them up and let me know - better yet he can post them himself!

What are your thoughts on a Fitness Co-op?  I got to thinking about the fun fitness stuff I want - like a Bodybugg, a nice collection of good exercise DVDs,  some of the Get Healthy Now DVD sets, a heavier kettlebelll, etc, etc. etc.  Then I got to wondering if we could all chip in on some of this stuff and share it around,.or at least swap some of the stuff we have that we are not currently using.  Dream a little about what you would like and post about it.  It may be that each of us has such a different approach to fitness that it might not work, but perhaps there might be an item or two that we own jointly.  

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Brooke- Cheating Scale

Well I have discovered something magical about my scale! I can lose two pounds just by altering the way I set it on the floor in my bathroom. Wondering if it might be time to get a new one?

I have a feeling I might be able to get back on my workout wagon and not have as many tempting goodies in the house because our house guests have finally moved into their own place!! I know not to buy the treats that tempt me so not having someone bring them into the house will be nice. It will also be much easier to workout knowing that no one else is hearing or watching me!

27 days until my birthday....would love to see the scale drop by then. Guess I have to just do it!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Kathy - Aborting Mission!

This week's experiment has been a huge failure!  I have been working out copious amounts, but the pounds keep creeping on.  The reason - in addition to shifting calories, as in eating breakfast and lunch but no dinner, I have added more food to breakfast and lunch to keep from being hungry in the evenings.  In a way this has worked - I haven't been hungry at all in the evenings.  But have I lost weight doing this?  NO!  Have I gained weight doing this?  sputter, sputter, sputter.....

I am determined to lose 9-10 pounds if I have to starve to do it (easier said than done).  I guess I will cut down on the early-day intake and try, try again.  Will keep you posted. 

Thought for the day:  When clothes shopping, how much fun would it be to try clothes on a fit, trim body?!  (Hold that thought when dessert beckons....)

So excited about a new idea!  Stay tuned!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Kathy - Nuts

Want to hear the good news about nuts?  They are SO good for you!  A study at the Harvard Medical School found that women eating nuts five or more times a week were at a 27% lower risk of type 2 diabetes that were those eating them never or almost never.  Also, it was found that women eating the most nuts gained the least weight over 16 years compared with those eating nuts less frequently.

Over a period of 17 years, Dr. Albert at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that men eating nuts two or more times a week were at half the risk of sudden death compared with men who rarely or never ate nuts.

Nuts are rich in vitamin E, magnesium and monosaturated fat, all of which are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes or it complications.

So, eat about one ounce of nuts (about a cupped handful) of unsalted nuts daily.  Excellent choices are almonds, English walnuts, hazelnuts and pecans.  Also, daily eat 2-3 tablespoons of one of the following:
~ sesame seeds (calcium, copper, and iron)
~ pumpkin seeds (iron, magnesium, L-arginine and zinc)
~ sunflower seeds (copper, magnesium, Vitamin E, and selenium
~ watermelon seeds (zinc and magnesium)

Nuts and seeds are a good choice on your fitness journey.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Brooke- Flavored water and points

My point total is 17! One for each of the 7 days that I drank the required water. Ten for the two hours of workouts! 25 minute Shred times 4 and one hour hauling rocks and stacking them to make our new fountain! Trust me it may not have been a DVD or video but it sure was a workout! So 10 points for working out.

Mom wanted to know about flavored water. The cucumber was great. Lemon is good. The mint extract was NOT GOOD! It was oil based, so greasy, pungent, and left a scummy feeling on my tongue. I have read about adding a handful of berries and a few slices of lime to a pitcher of water and just keeping it in the fridge and just refilling the pitcher with water. It said that you could do this for a week and then just wash the pitcher and repeat. I haven't tried it as there isn't much room in my tiny fridge for another pitcher but I might. Other suggestions were grapefruit slices, orange slices, fresh mint, and lavender blossoms. You really could use anything fresh that you might like the taste of. I think fresh basil might make a lovely flavor.

I think if you are going to try it just use fresh herbs or fruit (fresh or frozen) Do Not Use extracts!

Kathy - First week point totals

Hi Family,

For the first week I have a total of 21 points - 3 hours of exercise plus 6 days of drinking 8 glasses of water.  FL has 16 points - 2 hours of exercise (still nursing wounded foot) and 6 days of drinking 8 glasses of water.  I lost a pound, but did lousy over the weekend and am so afraid I gained it back that I didn't weigh this morning.  Will wait and see how this week's grand experiment works. 

Onward and forward! 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Kathy - New Old Strategy

Hi Family,

Katie was asking me about my weight through my life - how I was overweight and teased as being fat when I was a child, how I lost weight in 8th grade in preparation for high school, how I kept my weight off through having children and how it was really only in my late 40s that the weight sort of crept on.  Our conversation reminded me of how had I lost my weight initially and how I had kept it off for so many years.  I didn't eat an evening meal.  When I was in 8th grade, I simply had whatever my family had had for dinner, (that I really wanted) for breakfast the next day.  When FL and I were married we always lived close to where he worked and he was able to come home for lunch so we had our main meal at noon - thus, not eating in the evening was not too much of a struggle.  So I am thinking, why re-invent the wheel?  Maybe I should just return to what has worked and worked well for me in the past.  My strategy for this week is to shift my caloric intake and see if it makes a difference.  I will eat a bit more for breakfast- hot cereal in addition to my smoothie for breakfast, pack a larger lunch and see if I can make it through the evening with a couple cups of tea....will report my results at the end of the week. 

Point reporting tomorrow - how did FL and I do?!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Kathy - Wonderful Water

So we are drinking 8 glasses of it a day - right?  Why?  As Kim Brooks says on one of her kettlebell DVDs, if you don't drink enough water your body will hold on to fat and drinking water helps increase your metabolism.  Now if that isn't reason enough, here are some more:

In studies, water has been shown to protect your heart.  In one study women who drank more water had less risk of a fatal heart attack, 40% less risk in fact.  The men in the study who drank the most water had a 50% less risk of a fatal heart attack.  Interestingly enough, it has to be water, can't be non-water beverages.

Water is great for your skin, it cushions and lubes your joints and muscles, it helps you get energized and be alert.

Here are some tips for optimum water consumption:

Drink large amounts of water (two to four 8-ounce glasses) of warm water in the morning to flush your digestive system and reduce the risk of constipation.

Drink about eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water every day.  As you begin exercising, especially if you do so in hot weather, it may be important to drink even more - at least 3 quarts a day.

If possible, drink purified or distilled water, and drink water between meals.  for optimal digestion of each meal, wait about an hour after a meal before drinking water and discontinue water intake about 30 minutes prior to meals. 

So good for you, so refreshing! 

Brooke, have you tried any homemade flavored water yet?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Kathy - Close Encounter

Over the past few months the nightly 'tromp' has taken on new heights.  The original tromp went up the hill to the far edge of the field, then it extended further up the hill and along the fence for a while, and recently we have crossed the fence and gone on up to the top of the hill.  From the top we get a full view of the valley and mountain range and it truly is spectacular.  There has been a recent development, however, which has made me reluctant to cross the fence - cows.  Cows have been moved in to that pasture, and while I don't fear them, I am not too keen on having the beast chase them.  Last evening, when it was sunny, they were peacefully spread out across the pasture enjoying the new grass.  This evening was snowy and windy and they were bunched into unhappy groups of miserable looking animals.  Cows are not silent sufferers.  Anyway, to compensate for the shortened tromp, I have been taking a longer way home. This involves following the fence line further rather than crossing it - this takes me down and up a couple of hills, then I strike off across the field and head home.  Last evening I was following the fence line and watching for hidden holes when I looked up to see a deer quite close.  It didn't move and I soon discovered the reason - it was caught helplessly in the fence.  The beast noticed it about the same time I did and eagerly went to investigate.  The sight of a black, hairy monster approaching caused the deer to suddenly develop a brain and it discovered that it actually could figure out how to get out of the fence.  The beast gave it a merry chase but soon realized that the deer was much fleeter of foot and gave up.  A few exciting moments were shared by all.  All this fun plus 5 points - does life get any better?!

Hope the exercising, water drinking and weight losing is going well!  Wonder how awesome our next family group photo will look...

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Brooke-Fun Idea- Fitness Party

I received a really neat article in my email that I wanted to share with you all. Here is the link: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=864

I found it an interesting idea. If I had a group of friends that were trying to get fit I think I would try it. A fitness party where you swap old videos/DVDs and small equipment and freshen up your routine would be fun!

So with the new challenge I have earned 2 points. Water is an easy point :) I'm planning to start the 30 day shred again tonight and see if I can break past my stagnancy. I would like to lose 5 lbs by my birthday. More would be great but I'm shooting for just 5. I think that is reasonable. And it would add up some more points :)

I'll keep you posted at least once a week to let you know how I'm doing.

Fresh start

Hello Family!
I know its been awhile but I guess that is what happens when you are out of the country for 2 weeks. I actually managed to lose 3 lbs during the trip. So my goal is to maintain that weight lost and lose 10 more lb. Mother Dear is coming for a visit the first weekend in May so my reward would be a shopping spree with her. Swimming suit, shorts and sundress season is upon us! Time to get really motivated! I also racked up a whopping 1 pt yesterday. mmm water.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Kathy - Challenge clarification

I think Katie has a valid observation about the point ratio- it is easier to exercise for an hour than it is to lose a pound.  We will make it 10 points for every pound lost, HOWEVER, you can't count the same pound twice!!  For instance if I lose 2 lbs and bounce back up for a while, when I lose those two pounds again they do not count....This is really too bad because I would be really good at racking up the points if I could count the same pound over and over!

This is a all-together challenge - both guy's and girl's points count toward the total.  Unless you want to split it up, and if so, how?

Katie is in, Brooke is in, FL is in.  Is Chad in?  Steve?  Seattle Websters?