4/24/10 The End is Always Just the Beginning

I am ending my RTP 84 Day Challenge tomorrow. I have done "ok" on this challenge. I got a little disheartened for a while and that threw me off track. These accountability sites (BFFM and RTP) are really wonderful concepts. As long as they stay true to their intentions, these stites can be a powerful way for a person to stay focused and see some real results. On the other hand, if any cyber-drama should arise, it's very easy to say to yourself, "Ah... who cares anyway?" It's easy to get side tracked sometimes.

I started my fitness journey with the Tom Venuto 50 Day Holiday Burn Challenge, which I started the day before Thanksgiving (Nov. '09) and ran until early January '10. I took a few weeks after that ended to fiddle around and then began my RTP 84 Day Muscle Challenge, which began Feb 1st and ends tomorrow.

The good news is I have lost both body fat and pounds during both challenges. In November I weighed 155 lbs and owned up to a hefty 33% body fat. Tomorrow I will weigh in at 132 lbs and 23% body fat. Total loss since the start of my 2 missions in November has been:

23 lbs and 10% body fat.
YAY!
That only took 5 months!

But, I am not done. Now that I KNOW that I can do it, I need to take it further. I am 40 years old, it only gets tougher as we age. I want to lose at least another 5-8% body fat. Not sure what that will equate to in pounds as I am starting to see muscle definition. Tom Venuto is going to do a Burn The Fat 100 Day Summer Challenge. I will be joining the challenge. I like that fact that Tom V. talks to me directly on the Inner Circle. He makes himself readily available to his members for support, advice, counseling and laughs! It will run from Memorial Day (last week in May) to Labor Day (first week in September... give or take a week on each end). I hope to see some of you there!

Two middle-schoolers awarded for artwork in Duck Stamp contest | SeacoastOnline.com

Two middle-schoolers awarded for artwork in Duck Stamp contest SeacoastOnline.com

This is Jess, my youngest daughter!! I am such a proud momma.

Cyclist sentenced for road rage | SeacoastOnline.com

Cyclist sentenced for road rage SeacoastOnline.com

This is when I get a little nervous about my new interest. People in cars just don't want to share the road with cyclists.

4/22/10 HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Be good to the Earth! Ride a bike. Unfortunately, I just could not get on my bike today. I did a cardio/strength training class yesterday called Pump It Up. And I did! Too Much! I was so sore today, that I could not get on my bike and go for a ride, but I will tomorrow. Today was a day of active recovery for me. Hope you all were kind to Mother Earth today... and every day!

4/21/10 LOVE to BIKE!

I did an 11 mile ride yesterday with my "new" bike. it took about an hour and I cruised down by our beaches. Today, my youngest daughter (12 yrs old) and I went on a shorter ride, maybe 4-5 miles. I love the way the bike cruises! it's like it's got cruise control. Amazing! I think I may become a biking addict!

4/20/10 I bought a road bike!

I bought a K2 Mod 3 road bike recently. It's spring in Maine and I want to continue my intense workout habits that I established since November (the BFFM 50 Day Holiday Burn and my 1st Shred - RTP 84 Day Shred). I love to exercise and I want to take advantage of my incredible surroundings! I live on the coast of Maine... how lucky am I? We have a coastline with the Atlantic ocean, but we also have mountains (MT. A is right here in my town).

Here's a look at my "new" used bike:http://eccyclesupply.com/k2bikes/popup.html?images/Products/Large/07k2_mod3.jpg