Final Results!!!

I know this adventure lost a lot of steam for many of you, but I really wanted to finish what I started. So, here is the recap for how Sarah and I did.

We had our second bodpod measurement a couple weeks ago, and we were both happy overall.

Sarah's goal was 17.5, and she hit 18.8 (although her skinfold was around 16.5!).

My goal was 9.5, and I got 9.6 :-/ I really wish it would have said 9.5. I would have much preferred to have reached the goal, but I was happy.

We both "crammed" pretty hard at the end, making up for our trip to France where we literally ate gelato and crepes for many meals.

So, my overall feelings on McFatties 2010 were great! I hope everyone got something out of it. I personally can't exercise without a goal in mind, so this helped a ton. That brings me to my next point - drum roll please.........

McFatties 2010.2 !!!!!

I have already determined my goals - here they are:

1. to run in Warrior Dash in october and finish in under 22 minutes. Keep in mind, I will probably be wearing a ridiculous costume.

2. to get down to 7.5% body fat by then

anyone else in!?!?!?!?

Almost time!

Hey everyone!
So I guess I'm the only one who posts on here anymore... oh well - maybe someone out there is reading this. :-)

We only have 5 days until the "deadline", and I personally don't know if I am going to reach the second half of my goal. If you recall, my original goal was to run a half marathon in under 1:45, which I did last weekend!! I'm glad that torture is over, but I still have my other goal to reach. My body fat percentage in January was 13.3%, and I set a goal to be at 9.5% by this weekend.

Sarah and I will be going on Friday to have the test again, and I've been trying to eat very healthy for the past few weeks. I think it's going to be close!!!

Goal reached or not, I have definitely achieved a higher level of fitness than I had in January. I really hope everyone can say the same thing. There is a point where exercise can be consuming, but in moderation and with a small amount of discipline, a very healthy fitness level can be attained.

I will post the results on Friday when we get done with the testing.

Who is coming in this weekend for the boat day??? Please post back!!

Long run today/boat day

Hey guys,
I'm planning on doing 11 miles today, and I'm a little nervous about doing such a long run so close to my race (in 10 days). I know I need to taper some next week. What do you guys think?

you still out there Cook?

Also, who all is planning on going out on the lake the weekend of the 19th? As it turns out, I have an endo party to go to at 530 on Saturday. (Way to go Spencer and Gavin!) Should we do the boat day on Sunday, or earlier on Saturday?

an update

As Kent alluded to, my goal of losing weight has not been going the greatest. This challenge has actually brought up a lot of issues for me that I thought I laid to rest a long time ago. I've found that having a goal that is focused on weight loss has caused some body image issues to resurface for me and honestly, it's been a really tough struggle both mentally and spiritually. It has caused me to question my self worth and value (which I know don't come from physical appearance, but sometimes that's easier said than internalized). I've made huge strides as far as the consistency of my workouts and increasing my strength and endurance and yet I felt like I was accomplishing nothing because the number on the scale wasn't budging. I've found that the times I've been able to lose weight were the times I've "given up" and quit caring about the scale. So for better or worse, I'm giving up the weight loss goal for my mental and spiritual health. My ultimate goal is to run a half marathon in November but my short term goal for June is to be able to run a 10K (not the actual race but that distance), which is farther than I've run in over 6 months. Hope everyone is doing better than I have been! Any updates (good or bad) from anyone else out there??

1 more month!

Hey all,
Only a month and a day until the current McFatties challenge ends! I, personally, am very unsure if I'm going to reach my goal. The trip to France was horrible for the diet and for the training. My half marathon is in 16 days and unprepared is an understatement.
I have been running alot since I got back, but it might be too little too late. We will see!! I'm still going to race and give it my all!
As some of you know, I've been trying hard to monitor my diet as well. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life to turn down the awesome dessert that Tiffany made the other day. That was all my favorite desserts wrapped into one incredible package!

How are all you non-blogging people doing??? I was talking to Tara the other day, and if it seems like your goal is unreachable - start a new one! What kind of changes would you like to see in one month?? maybe just to work out consistently, or to run a race of some sort?

Monday Runday!

Hey everyone!
Just a reminder about Monday Runday today.... (ps - it doesn't have to be "Run" day - it can be walkday, or crawlday, or playwiththedogday)
We are going to meet up at Cooper's rock (the first parking lot) at 5:15 ish.

BTW - how is everyone doing? Jeff, Noah, and I did a duathlon last Saturday and I realized that I have a LONG way to go before being in race shape. I don't think it helped having only biked once in the last 6 months either. Oh well, live and learn :-)

Hope to see you all tonight!

A PR indeed!

Just wanted to update everyone! I completed my first race of the year, a 5k in Pittsburgh. The course was great and the event was very well organized! I love good events!

I finished the race in 29:27, officially, and was 16 out of 54 in my age group. This is a PR for me. My last 5k was 13 weeks after having the babe and I finished in 34 minutes. It's really awesome to see how far I've come since then. This was my friend's first race and we finished at the same time. I'm so proud of her! You can see pictures and read more on my personal blog!

I would like to run another 5k this year and aim for a 26 minute race. I've been doing a lot of speed training and I would love to see the fruits of my labor :) After this race, I decided I much prefer races with a little distance. A 5k is what I run on easy days, so it's just not as much of a challenge. Good to learn!

I'm running a 10k this weekend. One last running party before we hit the road and move to Edmond. Oh, I'm now just two (2!!!) pounds away from my pre-baby weight. So far, so good.

How is everyone else?! Anyone still in this?!

BACK IN IT!!

So I had a little 10 day hiatus from working out and eating right and I'm BACK! It sounds like many of you went through a tough spot as well. That's OK, we just need to get on the right track again! On Sunday I started phase 2. Phase one included more weight training (4 days/week), and more limited running. The diet during phase 1 was better than before, but not super strict. Phase 2 will be much more strict with the diet and my half marathon training schedule has begun. I did my first tempo (almost race pace) workout yesterday and it was incredible. It didn't hurt that the weather was amazing (Sadly I suffer from SAD) ...

On that note, I had an idea the other day. I think we can all agree that it's easier to work out with other people, so I decided to implement something I like to call "Monday Runday" Every Monday at a certain time (I'm thinking 5:30), we will all meet at a designated location (I'm thinking Coopers Rock). We don't all have to be doing the same workout because obviously people have different goals, but it'll be nice just to have the encouragement of others! Even if it's just coming out for a brisk walk...

Would anyone be up for that? Sorry to the non-Morgantowners!

So I was inservice this week and ate pretty badly plus the only workout was a 1.5 mile run which I did in 10:50... plus 30 pushups and 30 sit ups....so I am gonna hit it hard starting monday....how's everyone else doing?

One week to go...

Well, here I am one week away from my goal date. Right smack in the middle of a huge life change and transition. Physically, I'm in Oklahoma looking for houses. Mentally, I'm all over the place. Spiritually, I live for and trust a very faithful, sovereign God. And I feel good because I just ate a bagel from Panera and a banana (although, I'm exhausted!).

I digress. My goal was to be down to 135 by B's first birthday and it doesn't seem that I'm going to get there. However! I am at 138 and just bought a pair of size 6 (holla!) jeans at GAP. Plus, I'm way more toned than before B came along.

I'm happy with where I am right now. I have increased my running time significantly and can run a 9:31 mile easily. Just for measure, I finished my 1/2 marathon at a 10:54 pace. I am lifting a lot better and have grown in my weight. I can do overhead presses and bicep curls with at least 20 pound weights. Plus, I can leg press 155 well. I'm really proud of the progress I've made over the last three months! All my pushing and sweating and knowing I can do more has been paying off!

One thing I'm LOVING about maturing and growing up is that I'm constantly more confident in myself and I'm always learning how to be flexible. I love that I don't worry so much about the numbers, but more about how my jeans fit. I love that my hair may be fussy and out of control, but I can make it work. I think I am decreasing in maintenance - in a good way...in a growing up way :) Patrick is pleased with this, I'm sure! (not that I was ever too high maintenance before!)

So, there is a much needed update from me! My first race is March 27th. I'm running this race with a friend, so I won't be aiming for a PR here. And from there, all my races will be in OK!

Snowed In

I have made it to the gym 1 time during all of these blizzards. I have lost 5 lbs miraculously. But there is still more to go. That five lbs must have been stabilizing the rest of the fat. Now I feel like a Jello Jiggler. Great motivation to continue. I am so ready for spring! What are you guys doing to stay in shape during the blizzard? Please don't tell me shoveling snow. Any new recipes?

Anybody here?

Has everyone "checked out?"

Metabolism has left the building!

I've done good keeping to a steady work out schedule and I feel much better to be back in the gym. However, my big "downer" is that I have no idea how to get rid of this ridiculous "ring-o-fat" I've accumlated around my midsection. I've been eating much better, but I've noticed that when I really reduce my portions and such, I feel very drained in between meals. The converse of that, is that I feel full or bloated just about always (even when I'm actually hungry) -- that makes a ton of sense now doesn't it. Basically, my conclusion is that in the last 2 years of my life, my metabolism has shut off. I have none. I lost some quick weight when getting back in the gym, but I've lost none as of late, but more important than the numbers is that I still look like a swollen toad :(

So, what the heck can I do to spark it up and begin to shred some fat off of me. If it means eating like a bird, then count me out (I'd rather be pudgy). Food and the joy of eating time and that atmosphere with friends and family is very important to me. However, I do want to continue to "improve" my eating habits. I'm looking more for workout-based forms of fat burning.

Bring on some ideas!

Seacrest out.

heathly, fast and delicious?

If you guys are like me, you are often busy and don't have time to cook a nutritious, delicious meal so I thought I would post some reviews of healthy frozen meals I try....feel free to do the same :)

Healthy Choice Chicken Pad Thai: Just tried this one tonight and I have to say I wasn't impressed. It wasn't great but it was edible. I would give it a 5/10. Definitely doesn't compare to real pad thai.

Morningstar Farms Veggie Burgers: Love them! Just stick them in the microwave, stick them on a bun (preferably whole wheat) and you have a delicious healthy burger. When it gets warmer you can also throw them on the grill but since I can't even see our grill right now under the pile of snow that might have to wait a while.

I will post more as I try them!

Update for month 2

I have improved my 5k by 19 seconds and inreased my bench press by 25#!!! WOOTY WOOT WOOT!!!! It will only continue to get harder as you get closer to your goals so stay motivated! Ya'll can do it! PS- I had peanut butter M & M's today and oreo pudding after dinner tonight- oops :)

in survival mode

Basically, my exercising and eating haven't been stellar lately. I am actually doing okay nutritionally with a few exceptions, but just haven't had the time to work out much recently. Between spending 13ish hours at the hospital every day (12 on a good day) and being on call twice in the last 4 days I haven't had a ton of workout time. I've basically been in survival mode, just trying to make it through the days. However, I've been working out when I can and that's the best I can do for now. I did shovel snow for an hour and a half yesterday after my workout so that was a little bonus calorie burn. On the upside, I am down about 4 lbs. so I am happy with that progress....just 8 more to go! Keep it up guys and remember that this is a long-term change not a short-term fix so there's sure to be ups and downs but we've just got to roll with them and as Tony Horton would say "do your best and forget the rest." ;)

Kent, I was at Outback on Thursday night too. I must have sneaked past you.

But seriously, my workout and diet have been subpar the past few weeks. I have been fighting the fevers again, and that wears me out. So I eat crap and don't exercise much. I need to get back on the fitness wagon. Yesterday, I trudged through the snow to visit my dad. Today, I should grab the shovel and start digging out. I would much rather do ballet, but the snow isn't going anywhere on its own.

I reached one of my goals. I lost a clothing size. Yeah me! I am not done yet.

Keep your chins up and fight the good fight. Don't let the fat beat you!

Recon mission

Last night I happened to come across two fellow McFatties members at Outback. I tried to talk them out of it, but they wouldn't listen! (I didn't eat the healthiest either though haha)


How's everyone doing lately? I started a journal this week, and it is really helping me stay motivated. You guys should consider it too!

Back in the saddle!!

So as I started week 5...really only week 4 of working out...my ankle still hurt but i played basketball on Tuesday and the ankle hurt but I could play. I ran today for a couple miles and lifted this afternoon before work. My weight went up to 190 for the beginning of the week but I'm hopeful it will drop in the next couple of weeks as I amp up my cardio. So excited for the next couple of weeks and hoping the weather gets better so i can run outside some!!! keep on keeping on!!!!

Late Addition

Hey Gang!

Sorry its been soo long for me to get in on this. I've been working on stuff I just haven't sat down to write it out ;)

So my number one goal is to look smoking hot in my wedding dress come may 29th :) woo woo!

For me its not really a number goal to achieve...its more the look.

My goals are to firm up my arms, abs, and thighs.

I'm trying to achieve this by changing my diet and workout.

So far things have been going well. Joey and I are working out in the mornings 4 days a week...which is quite the improvement for me since I haven't been in a gym in quite a while. I play soccer 2 times a week so I'm getting my cardio that way. Also... as far as diet goes I'm doing better but still need some work. The main accomplishment is that I've been eating breakfast consistently lately. After joe and I work out, we have a paleo breakfast together.

So far that is my update.... more to come I'm sure.... well hopefully...took me a while to figure out how to post ;) haha