Feb 22, 2010 Posted by rebecca on Feb 22, 2010

Heading into week four of the Challenge

Cross-posted on the fitness blog

Four weeks in, so how are things going?

In a word – great! Last week was a bit of a let down, as I stayed at zero – no gain, no loss. I guess that’s what you call a little plateau! I have a good feeling about this week. I think I wasn’t eating quite enough for the amount of exercise I was doing and put my metabolism into a bit of a tailspin. So this week I switched it up a bit and did some more research into net calories, etc. and I feel a lot more relaxed.

My workouts have been awesome! I am getting such a thrill from the feeling of pushing myself hard. Tonight I actually had to switch from 5lb hand weights to 8lbs for bicep curls – 5lbs is too easy!

I’ve been having lots of fun making treadmill/elliptical mixes for my iPod Nano. The library is a great source for CDs to borrow and download into iTunes, and then I use Tangerine to make workout mixes based on BPM. I never thought I’d get a kick out of listening to Shakira but it’s really good for a 6.0 incline at 3.5 speed!

I’m not seeing as many other contestants at the gym when I’m there, but everyone has different schedules so I’m sure they’re all just working out at different times. Results have been pretty positive so far! Last Thursday, we had a really fun “modelling” class where we learned to strut it on the runway. Let those hips sway and arms sashay, girls!

Downside right now? Time management. I’m finding my mind is getting a little muddled with everything I have to do outside of the gym. Work is getting busier, and I still have some fairly significant volunteer commitments, mostly to do with managing a couple of non-profit websites and their content, plus I’m the past-president of our women’s group at church so there are some activities there. Time to get some Getting Things Done mojo happening and get my head clear and happy again.

Other downside? Sore knees. Not sure if it’s joints or muscles or what, but some Tiger Balm 2x a day is doing the trick.

Upside? Sleeping well. Appetite is good and cravings are pretty much non-existent. Mood is even and calm. Husband and mom are supportive and great cheerleaders. I’m meeting lots of new people and having a great time.

A note for any interested businesses who follow this blog or are friends with me on twitter or Facebook: the voting for the challenge will be starting in about 3 weeks, and there is an opportunity for  banner advertisements (your logo with a link back) on my contestant page. I believe the cost is $300 and the pages tend to get between 1000 and 5000 pageviews during the contest. Not bad exposure for local businesses! Let me know if you’re interested and I can get you the contact information.

This week is weigh-in and measure again. I’ll check in on Friday or Saturday and update with the new numbers!

PS: A very happy 75th birthday to my mom! We had a great “German-style” dinner at our place yesterday, and yes, I enjoyed some fruit flan and wine! Yum! But it was prefaced by a nice long walk with the dogs.

One Response to “Heading into week four of the Challenge”

1. VAL says:

   February 23, 2010 at 12:26 pm

   HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY MOM…YOU LOOK SO HAPPY IN THIS PHOTO AND I’M SO GLAD YOU HAD A SPECIAL GERMAN DINNER, A BEAUTIFUL FRUIT FLAN AND WINE AND SOME EXCELLENT COMPANIONSHIP. I LOVE YOU! YOUR DAUGHTER VAL

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