day 60: cassandra

So...the plan was to go swimming and then come back home and Shred. Notsomuch.

I am exhausted!!

I "swam" for 45 minutes and burned 225 calories, according to the Polar watch. But I FEEL like I just ran a marathon!

And I am starving and trying very, very hard to not eat everything in sight...but I wanna.

So it looks like I have to Shred FIRST and then swim and/or run afterward. I am beat and callin' it a freakin' day!

calling all runners!

Actually, all athletes.

I'm about to shop for a few items, but before I do, I would like some opinions.

1. What socks (brand and style) do you use?
2. What headband (or any head gear) do you use?  I'm tired of wiping sweat off my forehead every 5 seconds.
3. What rubber bands do you use?  Silly question, but I have thick hair, and I'm constantly having to tighten and redo my ponytails.  I've finally just started using 2 rubber bands at a time, but if you know of a good one, let me know.
4. If you run with spandex shorts (underneath or as your only shorts), what length have you found works best for you?
5. Why do people wear the arm sweat bands?  Do people's arms really sweat that much?  I'm not trying to be funny -- I really don't get it!

If there's any other must-have stuff, please let me know!

I had a mini freak-out today while running.  As I was chugging along, I started asking myself, "How am I possibly going to run 13.1 miles?!  If I'm sweating and tired from 2.5, how the heck am I going to conquer 13.1?!  What was I thinking?!"  It wasn't pleasant.

half marathon training: week 3: tyly.

I decided to get my run in before church. I'm all about getting it out of the way in the morning. I wanted to run outside today, but unfortunately I waited a little too long. I started at 8:45, and it was a little hotter than I would have liked, but I pushed on through. Because I was outside, I was much faster than I have been lately. I was scheduled for a 2.5 mile run, but since my mileage total as of yesterday was 17.95, I decided to run 2.55 miles to make it an even number. I'm weird like that. Stats: 2.55 miles, 28:06. See? Much better. Yesterday was 2.50 miles in 30:30.

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

I ran 2.5 miles today, and it felt great!  As I was running, I was both begging myself to keep going and begging myself to stop.  It's funny how running does that to you.  You want to stop so badly, but you want to push through at the same time.  I knew my legs were just fine.  My body was more than capable, but I was giving up mentally.  I'm so glad I didn't give in to my inner wimp.  The run today was way better than yesterday.  Yesterday I ran 2.0 miles in 27 minutes, and today I did 2.5 miles in 30:30.  So in only 3:30 more, I ran an extra half mile.  I never changed my speed from 5.0 the entire time.  My timed runs are going up from 25 minutes to 30 starting next week, so my distances should increase as well.

day 59/shred #20: cassandra

Level 2 is over! Thank goodness!!!!!

I had to modify all the plank exercises. While I was working out, my back didn't hurt...but right now (night night time), it is KILLING ME! I might need to go see the chiropractor on Monday.

After the Shred, I walked Texas.

Total calories burned = 406.

I want to keep up the workouts, of course - I just hope this back gets better!!! Stupid planks.

Here's to Level 3!!! Almost done, y'all!

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

I can definitely tell that I haven't been feeding my body power foods lately!  My runs have been more sluggish and difficult, but I've been finishing them.  Today I tried for my 10 minute mile again,  and I did worse this time than last Friday.  My overall time was longer, but the distance wasn't.  That's never a good thing!  I did include sprints at 6.0, but I was going too slow on the walking breaks in between.  Total time: 27:00, total distance: 2.0 miles.  That's crappy, even for slow me!  Like I said, I felt very heavy and sluggish.  I'm going to keep powering through them until I'm back to the old me and even better!  I know it's only a matter of time before I work off all the crappy foods and the better version of me is back!  Serves me right.

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

I just finished my run despite my very full belly.  It wasn't pleasant, but it helps me feel a little bit better about the junk food.  Running on a very full stomach is uncomfortable and further makes me regret the overeating.  I thought of the uncomfortable feeling as my punishment.  Anyway, here's the stats: 25:30, 2.0 miles.  I sprinted the last part of it to meet the 2 miles.  I was trying to get it in 25 minutes, so I barely missed it.  Tomorrow I try for my 10 minute mile again.  I'm actually looking forward to the challenge of it, and I really hope I get closer this time!  I don't plan on eating a ton before trying it, though!  Lesson learned.  Ugh.

day 58/shred #19: cassandra

Shred = 216 calories
25 minute walk with Texas = 200 calories

Total: 416 calories burned.

One more day of Level 2!! Hallelujah!

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

On the schedule for today was a 7 mile walk. A walk should be a piece of cake, right? Well it's not so easy when it's 7 miles at a brisk speed! At first I wondered why these long walks are even included as part of my training, but I get it now. It's a good way to prepare my legs, feet and mind for the longer distances. My legs and feet are tired after 7 miles! It's not too hard by any means, but it's not the easiest thing in the world. More than anything, it's preparing me mentally for long distance. It's easy to get bored and want to quit after the fist few miles, but having that goal in mind keeps me going. I need to be mentally tough enough to push through those times that I want to stop. I think these long, fast walks are a great preparation for what's to come.

day 57/shred #18: cassandra

This is from yesterday's workout.

Like I said before, I am amping up the workouts. I tried to sweat out as much of the weekend crap as I possibly could yesterday.

15 minutes treadmill and 15 minutes elliptical = 266 calories
Shred = 211 calories

Still ready for Level 2 to be over.

thank goodness: cassandra

I got on the scale today and that 153 was gone - thank goodness. I guess it must have been crappy food bloat. I'm back to 150 and life is good. My body fat % is 26.1! The lowest it's ever been.

So...there is redemption!

severely annoyed: cassandra

I knew this was going to happen, but I didn't think it was going to be THIS bad.

Notice my weekly weigh in?

Yeah, that's what happens when you go to your West Texas college town and have a very...very...very good time.

Once I finish my oatmeal, I am headed straight to the gym.

Was it worth it? Yes.

Hopefully this extra weight will fall off again quickly. It just has to...

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

My alarm went off at 4:50 am, and I drug myself out of bed. It wasn't easy! At all. I upped the treadmill speed by .4, so now I'm running at a 5.0. I think I'll leave it that way for a little while until I find it too easy. I did my 25 minutes and covered 2.05 miles, and I'm ok with that for now. I'm faster outside, but I'm not going to give up on the treadmill. It's too convenient! The very first 25 minute treadmill 'run' I did last week was at 4.0 and covered 1.65 miles, so obviously there has been some improvement. I thought about slowing down a few times while I was running, but I knew I would be really mad and disappointed in myself if I did. Besides, I didn't need to slow down -- my body was fine. I just wanted to slow down because I was feeling lazy. I'm glad I didn't give in!

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

Today was strength. I did several sets of different arm exercises with 10 pound weights, and I did several different crunches. I also did push ups. It was an easy day, but I know my body needs one of those every now and then. Bring on the 5 am run tomorrow! I'll decide whether to do it inside or outside in the morning.

no need for speed: a review.

Remember this book that I mentioned last night [on my personal blog]? I finished it today! I enjoyed it, and the sooner I listen to what he says [and what I already know], I'll be much better off.

He basically teaches that we need to be proud of all that we are accomplishing and learning during each and every run, regardless if it was a good or bad run. Just the fact that we get out there and run is an accomplishment in itself! He says we may not ever be as fast as those around us, but we don't have to be to be a real runner. So many people don't feel like real runners because they aren't fast enough, they don't run long enough distances, etc., but the truth is that we are all real runners, because we get out there and do it! There is no set of qualifications you must meet to be a real runner.

That is where I defeat myself. I don't enjoy running the way I should, because I am always frustrated that I didn't run faster, longer, etc. I need to let myself be proud of what I do accomplish instead of being mad about what I don't. I have to find patience and realize that speed and distance only come with training! I may not be a natural runner like some, but at least I have the courage to try! I won't ever run the fastest or the farthest, but I can [and should!] be proud of what I accomplish.

half marathon training: week 2: tyly.

Because it is raining outside, I chose to do my morning run on the treadmill. I upped the treadmill speed again. Each time I have run on the treadmill, I have upped the speed by .2, and I will continue to do so. I'm still faster outside, but at least I am gaining speed on the treadmill. I used my Nike+ while on the treadmill to see if the distances matched up. When the treadmill said 2.0 miles, the Nike+ said 2.17 miles. I really, really want a Garmin Forerunner 405!

half marathon training: week 1: tyly.

I really didn't want to run today. I mean I really, really didn't want to. I was up at 6 this morning, and I didn't have to be at my summer school training until 8:30. I told myself over and over to do it then, before the training, but I put it off until after [knowing full well I would completely regret that decision]. As usual, I was right. After my training, I headed straight to Wal Mart for the ingredients to my homemade goods. After that, I made them, had dinner, and made my internet rounds. At that point it was a little after 8 pm, and I had no interest in removing myself from the couch. I really, really considered skipping the run. After a long, hard battle I changed and headed outside -- but not without some kicking, screaming, and basically throwing an all out 2 year old tantrum. Once I got started, I was soooo glad I made myself do it. I knew that would happen. I'm actually pretty happy with how I did! Here's the stats from my Nike+ (which may or may not be 100% accurate, but since I like them, I'm keeping them!):

2.0 miles
21:41
10:48/mile average pace

I've always been much happier with my results when I run outside rather than inside. I've heard several people say they're faster outside, and I think that applies to me as well.

half marathon training: week 1: tyly.

Originally I had strength training for my legs planned, but I wanted to do more.

I 'run' at the pace of a turtle with a broken leg, and that frustrates me. I try not to get discouraged and remind myself that speed will come with time and practice, but I have high expectations for myself. Probably too high of expectations. Anyway, I decided to try for a 10 minute mile, and I've decided to make that my Friday workout until I succeed. Once I do (because I WILL), I'll figure it out from there. I did this on the treadmill, and fyi, 6.0 is a 10 minute mile pace. Here's the breakdown of how it went:

Miles = Speed

0 - 0.5 = 3.5
0.5 - 1.0 = 6.0
1.0 - 1.25 = 3.5
1.25 - 1.50 = 6.0
1.50 - 1.75 = 3.5
1.75 - 2.0 = 4.0

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit disappointed and discouraged. I thought that if I really pushed myself, I could do a 10 minute mile. I guess that's not the case yet, but I'm not giving up. Like I said, I plan to do this every Friday until I can successfully run a full 10 minute mile.

half marathon training: week 1.

I woke up at 5 am this morning for my 25 minute run. I upped the speed on the treadmill a bit, so I covered a little more distance. The run was still easy, and that's helping me feel more and more confident. Thank goodness the blister didn't bother me at all! It's not directly on my foot, so that helps.

I'll be walking Max the usual 3 miles tonight, and we'll see what else I come up with!

half marathon training: week 1.

Today's workout was a long walk.

I walked for 1 hour, 40 minutes. I would have gone longer, but I ran out of time! It ended up being a total of 6 miles. If I wouldn't have taken Max for the first half of it, I'm sure it would have been much longer and faster paced. He isn't nearly as interested in speed as he is in sniffing and peeing! Lol. I got irritated with him after the first 3 miles, so I walked him home and finished the rest on my own. At least now I know better for next time! The only bad thing is that I feel a blister on my ankle forming. That's not good!

Tomorrow I'll be up bright and early for my 5 am run!

day 56/shred #17: cassandra

I'm upping my workouts a bit because I feel like I've hit a plateau. Also, I have almost exactly a month before husband comes home and I wanna look smokin' -- so my workouts will be in over-drive from here on out.

20 minute walk with Texas = about 200 calories burned

Shred = about 250 ish

Total = 489 calories in 52 minutes

The best thing about burning more calories is that you get to eat more, too! ;)

day 55/shred #16: cassandra

Same 'ol. Same 'ol.

I am so tempted to bump up to Level 3...I am overly annoyed by Level 2.

27 minutes
222 calories

My back has been hurting lately - I think I'm sleeping wrong - so all the plank positions were KILLING ME! I did as best as I could, but I didn't want to hurt myself.

officially broke the barrier!!!

I have broken 150!!

I haven't seen a number lower than 150 in over a year!

Soooooooooo happy!

half marathon training: week 1: tyly.

I did it!  I woke up at 5 am and ran for 25 minutes!

I have to get rid of my mental hang ups, because everything else went great!  I chose to do it inside on the treadmill because I didn't want to get fully dressed, and it was 52* outside.  The whole thing went quickly and much easier than I expected.  My hang up is that I can't quit obsessing over what the clock says and how much more time I have left.  Even though I'm fine, even though the run is going really well and easy, I still find myself asking and checking "How much longer?!" over and over.  I annoy myself.  I had Sex and the City on, and that helped.  There's nothing like an episode of SATC at 5 am!  Haha.  I'm sure I'll still find things to do this afternoon.  Max will still get his 3 mile walk, and we'll see what else I think of.  I am really glad the run was easy, though.  I hadn't run in for-e-ver, so I was worried about it.

half marathon training: week 1: tyly.

Today was an easy day.  Max and I went on a 3 mile walk, and I did strength training for my arms.  I upped the dumbbells to 10 pounds, and wow that made a huge difference!  All the programs I've looked into have days dedicated to strength training.  It's hard, because without the cardio I feel like I haven't done anything today!  I feel like I'm taking it too easy, but I'm following exactly what the plan says to do.  Even though I feel like a slacker, I want to stick to the plan.  Ugh.  I guess the pros know what they're talking about!  I really do feel like a bum, though!

I'm trying to decide when to do my run tomorrow.  Living here in Texas, it's hot until sundown!  I may wake up extra early and do it then.  Craziness!

day 54/shred #15: cassandra

Half-way through the program! Woohoo!

26 minutes
242 calories

Level 2 is getting "easier" (and I say that very loosely), but I still hate it!!!!!!

30 day shred, a review: tyly.

I am an official graduate of the 30 Day Shred!

The phrases "don't phone it in!", "push it!", and "hit it!" will forever haunt me, but it was worth every minute.

the changes:

My arms, legs and abs are so much more toned. I can see several cuts from muscles, and I feel strong. Not only are my muscles more developed, but I also went from 146 to 140 during the course of the 29 days! I've never seen my arms, legs and abs look so muscular, and I'm embarrassed to admit how often I flex and stare at them.

what it taught me:

I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. I completed this challenge in 29 days, doing it every day, and twice in one day. Even with trips out of town, friends coming to visit, after school meetings and obligations, I still did it. With some dedication and determination, it can be done! There's always excuses, but the reality is it's only 20 minutes.

So many of the exercises were very challenging to me at the start. Each level presented challenges that I wasn't able to do immediately. I always pushed myself to do the most I could, and eventually, all those challenging moves became no big deal. When I first started, I wasn't able to do one single boy push up. At all. I could do about 15 girl ones, and that was it. Now I can do 7 consecutive boy push ups (even more if I break for a few seconds in between). I had the same results with squats and lunges. I only used to be able to slightly dip, but now I can go all the way down for the entire set. Same with the shadow boxing and jumping jacks while holding weights. I wasn't able to do it at first, and now it's my favorite set of cardio. Don't even get me started on the rockstar jumps and jumping squats and lunges! The changes this dvd has made are amazing. It not only toned and strengthened my body, but it made me believe in myself and what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it. I'm going to take that determination with me into my half marathon training.

in conclusion:

I'm soooo glad I did this. It has made so many physical and mental changes in me, and I highly recommend it to everyone! I give it 5 out of 5 dumbbells. :-)

a breath-taking sight: cassandra

148 was spotted on the scale this morning.

I know that's cheating. I know I'm only supposed to weigh myself once a week...but

148!!!!!!!

That's incredible!

Shredding and calorie-cutting is working, y'all!

30 day shred, days 28 and 29: tyly.

Yes, yes, so I'm a bit of a cheater.  I did 2 in one day.

My morning started out with breakfast and a wet walk.  I love to get my workouts done in the morning, so I decided to shred after that.  I'm getting a bit (ok, very) impatient with reaching my 30 days, and I don't have any plans for today, so I figured why not?!  I've got nothing but time on my hands, so I may as well use it working out!  Now I only have one more time tomorrow, and I'm finished!  I may have cheated a tiny bit by doing two in one day, but I'm counting it!  :-)

If the rain stops, I'm going to finish walking Max.  I love the fresh, after the rain smell, but this time I'll stay closer to home just in case!

day 53/shred #14: cassandra

Tyly and I are living the same lives, except I mowed the lawn first then worked out.

I am having a fat day. A total FAT DAY! I am thinkin' it's premenstrual bloat. God, I hope so. I feel like a blob!

I mowed the lawn and I am serious when I say that probably burned at least 250 calories - our yard has mega slopes and hills and that lawnmower is heavy!

I was going to call it a day but figured since I was already nasty and sweaty and having a fat day for goodness sakes, I opted to Shred and dance in the garage like a crazy person.

34 minutes
297 calories

Now the day is done and I am going to sit on that couch, eat me some dinner, work on my scrapbook (yes, I said it, I have started a scrapbook), and watch a Netflix and Reba re-runs!! Heaven!!!

30 day shred, day 27: tyly.

So close, so close!

Today after I shredded, I walked Max and mowed the front and back lawns!  I definitely deserve to sloth on my couch tonight!!!

30 day shred, day 26: tyly.

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'm looking forward to running.  I love both the physical and mental results that the 30 Day Shred has provided, but I'm looking forward to a new challenge.  

30 day shred, day 25: tyly.

Tomorrow is going to suck.  I have a summer school training until 7:30, which means I won't be able to shred until about 8!  That's way later than I would like to shred and shower, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!  Summer school means money, shredding means sexiness, and I am not willing to do without either one!  :-)

day 52/shred #13: cassandra

I. hate. level. 2.

26 minutes
223 calories

I am SO GLAD I opted to get this over with in the morning. I am looking forward to the rest of my day now. Uggggggggh.

day 51/shred #12: cassandra

Level 2 is a nightmare.

27 minutes
246 calories

Lost a pound last week! Woohoo! Not sure what's up with the body fat %. There's no way that can be accurate. Regardless, I am totally motivated by The Biggest Loser Finale, so I aim to workout again tomorrow. I love these results!

30 day shred, day 24: tyly.

Less than a week away!  Yeah!

I know I've said it a million times, but I'm so glad I did this. 

uh, yeah.

I'll get back to the Shred when I have the energy and motivation. I am severely drained right now with things going on in my personal life. I want to workout. I really do. It would probably make me feel better.

I'll try to get one in today. But if I don't...it's not the end of the world. I did lose a pound this week despite being in Del Rio and not eating the best foods. I can't wait to break 150!

monday run: emily

I'm back! (again!) I took a break because we've been super busy packing for our big move to our new house. We just moved in Saturday, it's lovely, and I'm back to running again!

My run today was a run/walk because I hadn't run in about a week and I needed to get back in the groove. I was really excited about running on the so-called jogging path in our new subdivision, but the path lasted for about 1/2 a mile and then just stopped! So I continued on around the neighborhood and it was great. I stayed on the sidewalks and it was fun running by people's houses and just taking in the fresh air (and heat).

There is a greenbelt nearby so I want to find out where that is and see if it's within walking/running distance from our house.

30 day shred, day 23: tyly.

Only 1 week away from being done!  Next Monday will be my last Shred workout!

I'm so glad I did this.

I WILL Be Back

Ok, I'll be back on The Shred soon. I promise. I have been derailed by an out of town trip, a sick hubby, sick baby, teething baby, and work. AGH! I hate making excuses. But I've only got a couple of months left in my goal to lose the baby weight (and then a few more after that to finish toning back up), so I've got to figure out some kind of routine!!

30 day shred, day 22: tyly.

Only 8 days to go!

Level 3 isn't too bad.  Don't get me wrong, it's not easy, but I prefer it to level 2.

I'm looking forward to being done with The Shred, but then after that officially starts half marathon training!  I'm both nervous and excited about that.

30 day shred, day 21: tyly.

I think I may like level 3 more than level 2.

I don't want to speak too soon, though.  I'll let you know in a few days!

day 50/shred #11: cassandra

Dude.

Level 2 is NO JOKE!!!

I pseudo-Shredded today at the gym. I watched the workout at home and then went to the base and did it in a workout room. I had written everything down and just did it at my own pace. There's no way I would have been able to work out at my parent's house -- this place makes me lazy.

It was killer! I had to stop and breathe...a lot.

My final time was 33 minutes and 300 calories burned.

Level 2 is intense!!! I just hope it works!

30 day shred, day 20: tyly.

YES!  YES!  YES!

Level 2, I am through!

Good luck to me with level 3!

Ok, I'll stop rhyming now.  No more Dr. Seuss.  :-)

hard to workout at home.

So I'm in Del Rio and finding it extremely difficult to get motivated. I brought my Shred DVD with me, but not the weights - since I was flying and all. 

I think Mom and I are going to make a Walmart run and I'll pick up some dumbbells. Ugh. I just wanna sit on my butt, watch TV, read my books, and eat pasta. Why!??!?!

Just for kicks, I got on my Mom's scale and it IS SO MUCH NICER to me than mine at home! Her says I weigh 3 pounds less than what mine reads. HAHA. Too bad you can't go by those numbers. 

Another reason I have no motivation is because it is SO HOT here! My goodness! Who wants to go and workout and then walk right into the blazing sun and humidity? Can we say heart attack? 

Ok, I'm done making excuses now. I'm gonna go to Walmart and get those dumbbells....ugh. 

30 day shred, day 19: tyly.

One more day.  One more day.  I can make it through one more day of level 2, right?!  Ugh.  Listening to my own music does help.

********************

an ode to the shred.

level 1 was not so bad.

i very rarely ever got mad!

i thought i was getting stronger and making it through,

but then i began level 2...

oh how i'm tired of level 2.

thinking about doing it again makes me blue.

but jillian, if I wanna get lean and strong like you,

finish level 2 is what i must do.

i hope level 3 is nice and tough,

but not so hard that i say, "that's enough!"

i want to get nice and lean, 

so i can fit into a smaller size of jean.

********************

Haha!  So lame, but it makes me laugh.  :-)

This dvd is causing me to put my pain into poetry!  Haha!

30 day shred, day 18: tyly.

I could have done my Shred dvd 10 times from beginning to end this afternoon, and that wouldn't have undone the damage I've done today!  First there was the sopapilla cheesecake debacle, and right after school was a baby shower at which I devoured 2 yummy cupcakes (one carrot cake and one vanilla) that both had cream cheese frosting on them.  Does the fact that it's carrot cake help?  Ha! 

Whew!  Those two desserts alone are more dessert than I normally have in a month!  I eat small desserts every day, but those are both very rich, very high calorie desserts (go read the cheesecake recipe!).  Oh well.  I'm learning to not freak out when life (and dessert) happens.  What's one day in an otherwise healthy lifestyle?  I've read over and over that as long as you follow the 80/20 rule (80% healthy, 20% bad), that you'll be fine.  I don't even hit 20% bad, so I should have nothing to worry about.  I love my lean body, but I love my desserts, too!  :-)

Oh yeah -- about The Shred -- another day down, only 2 more days of level 2!

thoughts.

Not much difference in weight this week or body fat %. But you know what? That's ok.

I've decided today that I am going to put forth the best effort I can and be happy with the results. I am trying really hard to "look good" for our Jamaica trip and just in general for my husband's homecoming. But if my best effort doesn't make me look like Jessica Biel, it's ok. Because let's face it...I'll never look like this without a personal trainer and nutritionist and hours upon hours of time to devote to the cause...

I will be happy with how I am. Period. Because I will know that I put in the effort, sweat, and pain! I am still hopeful for those next 20 days of the Shred, though. Shred me, Jill, shred me!!!

On that note, I'm not sure if I should keep measuring my body fat % on the scale. The results are so skewed. I think I might do the caliper thing from now on -(the pincher thingie) - which says that my body fat is at 26%. Much nicer :) I guess I'll do both from now on and see how they vary.

day 49/shred #10: cassandra

Level 1 is done! Thank the Lord!

27 minutes
227 calories

I know Level 2 is going to be hard, but if I had to do those weighted lunges and shoulder things one more time, I was going to kick my TV.

30 day shred, day 17: tyly.

Today was much better because I used the iPod speakers to listen to music I like, versus hearing Jillian say the same things that I've heard for the last 17 days!  Why, oh why did I not do that sooner?!?!  Only 3 more days until I move on to level 3!

500 a day google funnies.

Just thought I'd share what brought some people here...

"1% milk cassandra"

"on or before thirty days as of this day" -- huh?!?!

"blog kelly shred"

"i gained a pound in a day" -- that sucks.

and tons and tons of traffic from people looking for info about The 30 Day Shred. We're so popular!

day 48/shred #9: cassandra

Done! Thank goodness! I wasn't feeling a workout tonight, but I sucked it up. I actually had a lot more energy during this one for some odd reason.

27 minutes
224 calories

I am sooooo ready for Level 2. Level 1 is boring me to tears.

I have to wonder, though: Is doing the same level consecutively a good idea? I didn't think you were supposed to work out the same muscles day to day? I think, ideally, we should have done this: Level 1 Day 1, Level 2 Day 2, Level 3 Day 3 then Level 1 Day 4, Level 2 Day 5, Level 3 Day 6 and so on...or at least something like that to mix it up and confuse the muscles. Thoughts? I wish Jillian had provided better recommendations on that DVD!!

30 day shred, day 16: tyly.

I'm over the hill!  Over halfway done!  

And I can almost move to level 3.  Thank goodness, because level 2 is not a friend of mine.

day 47/shred #8: cassandra

Alright, I gotta admit that I'm getting kind of bored of Level 1. But alas...only two more times and then I can move on to Level 2.

Level 1 is almost easy now. The natural progression in stamina and strength with this program is amazing. That's probably not a coincidence, huh?

29 minutes
220 calories

Now I have the rest of the day to do nothing! Finally!!

30 day shred, day 15: tyly.

I'm halfway there!!!

Level 2 is definitely becoming more bearable, and I'm feeling stronger and stronger every day!

Only 5 more times of level 2, then I'm off to level 3!!

30 day shred, day 14: tyly.

Another day down!  Dare I say that I can handle level 2 a little better now?  It's still tough, but I am making it through a bit better.

Tomorrow will be the midway point!

I am so happy that I decided to do this.  It really does make a difference in my body and mind.

• I can do 5 consecutive boy pushups.  Before, I had never done a single one in my entire life.  Truly.
• I am starting to see ab definition.
• I have proven my dedication to myself and this plan.
• My arm muscles are awesome!  I love that I can flex and see different muscles throughout my arms!  I'm embarrassed to admit how often I do that.
• My leg muscles are much stronger.  I go all the way down in all the lunges, squats, etc., when before it was just a slight bend in the knee.
• I can hold the plank position for a full minute!  I've never been able to do that!
• It has given me confidence in myself and has made me want to challenge myself to bigger things.
• I care much more about my body and its fitness now that I have started this.  Since I've seen these changes, it makes me want to see even more!

Thank you Jillian!

30 day shred, day 13: tyly.

I must take a moment to brag on myself. Not because I was able to do level 2 any better, though.  Nope.  That still sucks, big time.

We decided to come to Brownwood to visit James's family this weekend.  I hadn't been out here to visit since Christmas, and it was a good weekend for us to do so.  My immediate thought: What about The Shred?!?!  I refuse to miss any days.  So along with my lounge wear (that's all we do out here), I also packed healthy foods, workout clothes, my 5 pound weights, and The Shred!  That's right.  Jillian is here in Brownwood with me!  I went into a back bedroom and shredded while they were out in the living room talking, and I will be doing the same thing tomorrow!

day 46/shred #7: cassandra

Still feeling great! I have a feeling, based on Tyly's analysis, that Level 2 is gonna suck immensely!

42 minutes
352 calories

*I also danced around in my garage to my happy music after the workout was over. :)