taifighter's journal

[arose70]

That sounds lovely tai! I would love another tattoo!!! I go through this stage about every two years where I have to pierce something or get a tattoo. So I'm all outta places that I am *willing* to pierce so I guess its tattoo time! Hmmm, probably not till I think of something pretty creative though--I've always wanted something to signify my husband and I...I think your idead is PERFECT!! Go for it and post a pic!

[taifighter]

hehe, thank you for the tattoo support ladies :) I will continue to need it!! I want one very very much, but I'm also a giant wuss.

Julie...doh! I am dumb. The doves I want are actually by Georges Bracque. He was a very good friend of Picasso, and they both painted pictures of doves that I think are gorgeous. The first pic is of the doves I meant. However, Picasso has a "Dove of Peace" that I absolutely love too. What do you guys think? Which one should I pick!?!?

[terracotta]

I personally like the dove of peace one.

[arose70]

Ohhh!!! The first one would be such an awesome tattoo-simple and beautiful!!! Go for it!

[MsJewels]

I think they would both make cool tattoos! I like the outline of the second one, but I can picture the first one looking great as an outline, too.

Make sure to send pics when you get it done!!! :D

[Megin]

Yea, Im w/ Jewels on that one.
Both would look really great. But if I had to pic on, mmmm, it would prob. be the second one. But again, they are two great choices!!

[taifighter]

Yea, Im w/ Jewels on that one.
Both would look really great. But if I had to pic on, mmmm, it would prob. be the second one. But again, they are two great choices!!

Thanks megin :D
I'm still undecided...i may just rock-paper-scissors it or make my bf decide. I'm terrible when it comes to decisions :P

Had a grreeat workout today!
Shoulders/Tris

Dumbell front raise
8x12lb, 8x12, 10x10lb
superset w/side lateral raise
8x12lb, 8x12, 10x10

Reverse flyes
3 sets of 12x30lbs

Lying overhead tri press w/ barbell
10x20, 12x20, 8x25lb...never done these before...they're hard!
superset w/ close grip chest press
10x20lb, 12x20, 10x25lb

Tricep rope pushdown
10x25lb, 10x25, 15x10lb

and den finished it up with 20 minutes on the elliptical (Machine said 100 cals burned so more like 50).
That makes today's total about 180 burned. Sheesh. I need to buy a heart monitor so I get a better idea of how many calories I'm really burning.

Meals today should put me at 1800 cals, about 130g of carbs. I'm not sure the exact #s for protein and fat yet...Mike is making me chicken avocado pizza with soy cheddar cheese, mmmm. Even though it will be healthy and homemade I made sure to watch my cals so I can "fit" it in :)

[TheDiz]

HELLO HELLO HELLO!!!!!!!!! ahhh tatoos. When I was in high school my best friend and I were going to get matching tatoos that said "friendship" it fell through though, thank god since I now havent talked to him in like 5 years. The cool thing about getting a tat like that though, is that it is one of those ones that you can keep forever even if the relationship ends.

I do have to say that I have been LMAO while catching up on the journal. I hope I didn't wake ne1 up.

Tai, ur back is looking GREAT!!!! The nice thing about my job is that I can get away with looking at sooooo much stuff on the internet, it is scary. I remotely connect to ppls compys to fix them for creepy ppl. I often times find myself looking between womens legs because ppl can't figure out that looking at porn causes viruses and spyware. GRRRRRRRRR. So hey everyone start posting some porn pix, I'll go to work and look at them! :) j/k Jeeze I missed u guys

[JumpinJill]

your doing so great still!
And I like the first dove pic the best :)
that pizza sounds GOOD!

[taifighter]

JILL!!!!!!!!!! :O
You are alive!!!!!!!!!!

I seriously was thinking about you the other day, and I was like, "oh I hope something didn't happen to her and that's why she hasn't been posting!!"

Yes, I am extremely neurotic :(

But anyway, nice to have you back! Thanks for the post! I hope you have been having a wonderful couple of weeks :D


and DIZ! you are back too! so nice to hear from old forum buddies, lol

[mizone]

I like the sedonc pic tai, thats would be awesome. And on the back of the nexk 0 I really like that spot.

[mizone]

umm can I make any more typos - sheesh!

[Briar]

I like the second picture.

I have a tattoo that i really shouldnt have got. I was young and it was one of those rebillious (sp) things that i did to piss my mum of at the time. But i did really like it, i designed it myself. But in a few weeks i am off to get it removed, i have decided that i personally (no offecnce to anyone here) dont want to be a mum or a grandmother who has a tattoo. I would be mortified if my mum had a tattoo.

Just make sure you are 200% sure you want it, for the rest of your life.

[TheDiz]

I like both of them, #1 as a symbol of love between you and ur beau, and #2 as not :) go with whichever floats your boat.

[taifighter]

I like both of them, #1 as a symbol of love between you and ur beau, and #2 as not :) go with whichever floats your boat.
lol, ..."as not" ;) you crack me up. "Mike I love you, but I decided to get this dove as a symbol of my un-love for you" :D

I'm leaning more towards the first pic actually (even w/ the overwhelming support for the second pic :)) because I am so so pale, I'm not sure if how well the outline of the single dove would show up. Still undecided. I'm going to take both pictures to the tattoo place and see what they come up with.


I was soo wiped out after work today I took a short nap. Now its soo beautiful out I am going to go for a walk/run instead of lifting. My triceps are still sore...yes! I have got got got to get to bed earlier. With my new work schedule I have meetings at 6AM, which means I have to get up before the sun rises. Yick!

PS. Man, I am bad at doing low-carb. It is clear my body DEMANDS them for energy. The past two days I've been keeping my carbs at 120-130..but not eating many throughout the day because I know I'll be having carbs for dinner (pizza last night, going out to eat tonight) and I have been draaaaaagging :P I don't know if low-carb is something you have to adjust to, or if some people just can't do it. But after tomorrow I'm going to make sure I get all 120 grams of carbs in before 4 or 5. I think that will help my energy levels!

[kkapp]

Welcome to the world of us early raisers!!!
Are you working out before this???? IF so that would mean you are up REALLY early?

[mizone]

How do you have meetings at 6am? Thats mad!!! That doesn't happen when you have a government job, some people here are pressed for 9am meetings!!

[Paichka]

Tai --

My body doesn't do well with low-carb either. It may be something you're able to adjust to, but right now I have to do high carb/moderate carb days and cut out the low-carb day entirely, or I'm so wiped I can't complete my workouts. Low-carb makes me crazy. :)

I like either of the tattoos, whichever floats your boat. It's on YOUR body, so it should be something you will be happy with.

Sunny

[jeni5.0]

hi- i like the first picture. although both are good and original. however i think the 2 doves is more original than just one. there are probably alot of people with just one dove.

i just started having to wake up early also for work. SUCKS!

[taifighter]

hiya ladies :)

Sunny..phew, I am glad i'm not the only person that requires carbs. i have noticed that for me to see results from "low carb" its not neccesarilly the number of grams I eat as much as the time of day when I stop eating them. If I taper off my carbs in the day and don't have them with my last meal or two, I see a difference in my body the next day, my stomach is flatter and I feel lighter...water retention, I guess?

130g of carbs seems to be enough for me, but like I said I need to get them in between 6AM-4PM!!

You guys are all gonna hate me, but I work from HOME as a project manager. When I originally signed up for an interview, I was under the assumption that I would work in El Segundo, CA b/c that's where the headquarters is. (I was trying to find ANY kind of job out near So Cal because Michael was moving here and I wanted to be with him). So imagine my surprise when they tell me I can live ANYWHERE and work from my home office. The catch is that people in my division often travel A LOT...but I was very fortunate and only had to travel a handful of times. And NOW I've accepted a permanent position with another division, and they require no travel. So I get to work at home indefinetly :)
So anyway back to the point of this story...I have 6AM "meetings" which means I have to dial into a conference call at 6AM...so I am up at 5:45. Its not that bad....lately I've been getting up between 6-7AM to do cardio anyway. Now I have a meeting from 6-6:30, then workout from about 6:30 to 7ish. It works out pretty well! :)

Ah look at all that writing!! I'm gonna wrap this up ;)
Yesterday I did an hour total of cardio -- 20 minutes on the elliptical, 40 minute jog for a total of 320 calories burned, yahoo!! It was soooo nice to get outside, but I missed lifting!
My food breakdown yesterday was:
CALS: 1650
Fat: 56 508 30%
Sat: 12 109 7%
Poly: 22 198 12%
Mono: 17 153 9%
Carbs: 132 445 27%
Protein: 180 722 43%

Cals may be a bit higher, I was guesstimating the salad I had for dinner.
Also, is 12 grams of saturated fat too high? :(

[wannaturnheads]

You guys are all gonna hate me, but I work from HOME as a project manager. When I originally signed up for an interview, I was under the assumption that I would work in El Segundo, CA b/c that's where the headquarters is. (I was trying to find ANY kind of job out near So Cal because Michael was moving here and I wanted to be with him). So imagine my surprise when they tell me I can live ANYWHERE and work from my home office. The catch is that people in my division often travel A LOT...but I was very fortunate and only had to travel a handful of times. And NOW I've accepted a permanent position with another division, and they require no travel. So I get to work at home indefinetly :)


You're right...I hate you, but only because I'm jealous. I'm a PM too for a central lab for pharmaceuticals and would give anything to work from home!! If I could, I would be in the most amazing physical shape ever because I would have all my workout equipment right there with a much more flexible schedule. :( Is your company hiring?

[taifighter]

You're right...I hate you, but only because I'm jealous. I'm a PM too for a central lab for pharmaceuticals and would give anything to work from home!! If I could, I would be in the most amazing physical shape ever because I would have all my workout equipment right there with a much more flexible schedule. :( Is your company hiring?

lol, you know i used to think the same thing....that I'd be able to be SOO in shape because I could workout all the time and etc...but I still skip the gym sometimes...
but anyway, it definitely HAS been nice to easily eat meals every 2-3 hours and go to the gym when its not crowded. So I'll button my lip ;)


I PMed you the company name...just in case ;)

[MsJewels]

Yup - SWEET job, Tai!

I see you went running! I love running outdoors. How far did you go? How much time did it take?

Keep up the good work!

[Megin]

Nice work in here Tai! ooo, Project Manager from home- what fun!

Hey, you posted in my journal that when doing a drop set to add another 2 reps. Did you mean 2 more reps of drop sets or 2 reps of a set weigh about 15 times?

12g of sat. isn't bad for someone who is burning it off w/ a run and the elliptical!!

[taifighter]

hi julie :) hmmm i forgot to put on my pedometer (doh) but the jog took about 40 minutes. I am baaad about running, I always have a tendency to sprint, rather than go for long slow distance. I really want to try and improve my running technique, I think its the best form of cardio!!

megin...
sheri was the one that taught me about drop sets (sunshinelynn) ;)
but as she described them...you want to start with a weight that's heavy enough for 8-10 reps (failure on the last rep) and then immediately drop the wait by 5-10% and do 8-10 reps, then drop the weight again and do 8-10reps. Then, rest a minute and repeat from the top. Soo for example, when I do shoulder front raise drop sets it looks something like...

8x15lb, 10x12lb, 10x10lb rest
8x15lb, 10x12lb, 10x10lb rest
8x15lb, 10x12lb, 10x10lb rest

maaaaaaaaan does that buuuuuuurrn. They're excellent for building muscle size, as they hit every last fiber of the muscle you're working (not that great for strength however). Hope that helps!! :)


OH MAN guys I just have to share...the last 2 hours of my life were just ridiculous. So around 10AM I decided I was going to take a quick 20 minute jog, since I missed my pre-breakfast cardio. I grabbed a key and left the apt. Well about 2 minutes later I realized I grabbed the MAIL KEY and I am locked out...without a cell phone...or a wallet..or anything. The neighbors aren't home, so I walk to a nearby coffee shop and ask to use the phone. The girl gives me her personal cellphone b/c they can't use the workphone. (so I feel so bad using her minutes). I call my the emergency maintenance number...and get no answer. So I call a leasing agent and she asks me how I got locked out. HOW DO YOU THINK I GOT LOCKED OUT LADY?!??? SHEESH!
Fiiinally she told me the maintenance ppl were coming in 15 minutes.
20 minutes later, I'm standing in my apartment when I get a call from the lawyer my insurance company has hired for my lawsuit.
Do you guys remember waaay back in my journal when I bitched about a guy I was in a car accident with...who was clearly at fault...who is now suing me for A MILLION dollars? Yeah well...now I have a lawyer and we're trying to work this out. But anyway, the lawyer gets all my info and THEN tells me, they found drugs and drug paraphenelia in his pants when they took him to the emergency room. He plead guilty to drug possession. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?!? After he is convicted of illegal crossing AND arrested for drug possession, he's still suing me. I told my lawyer that I will do whatever it takes, even if it means going to trial, to keep this kid from getting money. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!

but anyway thats my crazy story. I have to get back to work, since I've been "out of the office" for awhile now. :eek:

[mizone]

Just a quick reply cuz I have to get to work - Oh ****! I can't believe that guy! Thats mad!

And very jealous of you working from home!!!

[Briar]

oh my god, those drugs must have messed with that guy. What makes him think after all that he is going to get a million of you!!!!!! Thats just laughable (sp) Dont worry if there is any kind of structure in the justice system you have no reason to sweat, he will get whatt he deserves and then you can laugh in his face. A million dollars hahahahaahahahahaha

[taifighter]

oh my god, those drugs must have messed with that guy. What makes him think after all that he is going to get a million of you!!!!!! Thats just laughable (sp) Dont worry if there is any kind of structure in the justice system you have no reason to sweat, he will get whatt he deserves and then you can laugh in his face. A million dollars hahahahaahahahahaha

NO KIDDING!!! Its not even like he's suing me for some small reasonable amount. He's freaking going for a MILLION DOLLARS! Its like something out of a bad movie. OY!

Skipped the cardio today, and since I got locked out instead of going for a jog :mad: I decided it would be good to make it a leg day, so I at least get an intense workout in.

Had to resort to the smithy for my squats, as the other two power racks were taken over. I went really light with higher reps...next week is going to be a heavy leg day...maybe I'll beat my 135lb squat?? :)

Squat, normal stance
3 sets of 12x50lb

Squat, narrow stance
12x40lb, 14x40lb, 14x40lb

One legged lunges
12x20lb, 14x20lb, 8x20lb (this last set was done ONLY on one leg; usually I push off a little with my opposite foot. This was HARD! I'm going to do them all this way from now on :D)

Hamstring curl dropsets (damnit I want bigger hams!!)
3 sets of 12x55lb, 15x40lb, 20x30lb

Single leg ham curl
10x25lb, 10x30lb, 10x35lb

I've come to love the seated hamstring curl machine...a little too much I think, its time to go back to the basics...I need to work in some fun deadlifts.
I said awhile ago I wanted to move towards more total body compound moves, like Clean and Press, Snatches, etc...but I seem to instead moved more towards machines and cables. Hmmm.

PS. this is one of those weeks where I barely get to post in my journal...I promise I will catch up with all of yours soon!

[Paichka]

Did anyone else get a flash of Dr. Evil going "one MILLION dollars!"?

I snorted coffee up my nose. That kind of burns. :p

There are a ton of crazy people in the world, Tai...comfort yourself in knowing our justice system rarely supports the crazies.

As for hamstrings...hmm. How do you feel about Plie squats? I think plies (they're actually sumo squats because I do them with a bar, I just like calling them plies better...more girlie) really hit your hams and butt well. I also like sumo deadlifts, glute-ham raises, and of course, hill running. :) You'll get there, chica!

Sunny

[Megin]

Did anyone else get a flash of Dr. Evil going "one MILLION dollars!"?

Sunny

Oh, I was def. had that image but wasn't gonna fess up to it!

[taifighter]

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! Here in San Diego we're 20 minutes from Mexico, so its a big deal down here. And on top of that its 05/05/05, so its like the MOTHER of cinco de mayos. I am definitely going to indulge in a few cervezas and tacos :D

I got 25 minutes of cardio in this morning on the elliptical (it said I burned 250, so more like 125-150) and then another 20 minutes on the treadmill after lifting (210cals burned; about 125 really) sooo a total of about 250ish burned. Yay!

Lifted Chest and Bis today. I am going to switch up my split starting next week...just for kicks. Tris&Bis, Legs, Chest&Shoulders, Back.

Incline press
12x40lb, 12x40lb, 10x45. Wow, I am embarrasingly weak at incline. It always amazes me. For some reason flat bench is a lot easier.

Pec fly
12x30, 12x45, 11x45

Alternating bicep curl
15x10lb, 15x10lb, 10x15lb
superset w/
Dumbell hammer curl
12x10, 12x10, 10x15lb

Concentration curls
10x12lb, 12x12lb, 10x15lb

I'm thiiinking....I'm getting to the point where I have specific goals for each part of my body...and maybe its time to start implementing different lifting styles to acheive those goals. For example...I want my legs to be sleeker and not get any bulkier (I am fortunate in that I build up muscle very quickly in my quads and calves, but I don't want them to look disproportionate)
I want my shoulders and upper back to be larger, so I can acheive more of a V-shape, and I want my chest, biceps and triceps to be stronger because, hey...who doesn't want to be stronger?? :)

so, when I lift legs I'm going to aim for muscle endurance, i.e. light resistance and 12-20 reps.
when I lift for shoulders and back, I'm going to aim for muscle hypertrophy, so moderate resistance and 8-10 reps
and when I lift chest, bi's and tri's I'm aiming for strength, so heavy resistance and 5-8 reps.

Thats the plan anyway. I just love planning...its the geek in my I suppose.
Have a great night everyone :)

[terracotta]

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! Here in San Diego we're 20 minutes from Mexico, so its a big deal down here. And on top of that its 05/05/05, so its like the MOTHER of cinco de mayos. I am definitely going to indulge in a few cervezas and tacos :D

I got 25 minutes of cardio in this morning on the elliptical (it said I burned 250, so more like 125-150) and then another 20 minutes on the treadmill after lifting (210cals burned; about 125 really) sooo a total of about 250ish burned. Yay!

Lifted Chest and Bis today. I am going to switch up my split starting next week...just for kicks. Tris&Bis, Legs, Chest&Shoulders, Back.

Incline press
12x40lb, 12x40lb, 10x45. Wow, I am embarrasingly weak at incline. It always amazes me. For some reason flat bench is a lot easier.

Pec fly
12x30, 12x45, 11x45

Alternating bicep curl
15x10lb, 15x10lb, 10x15lb
superset w/
Dumbell hammer curl
12x10, 12x10, 10x15lb

Concentration curls
10x12lb, 12x12lb, 10x15lb

I'm thiiinking....I'm getting to the point where I have specific goals for each part of my body...and maybe its time to start implementing different lifting styles to acheive those goals. For example...I want my legs to be sleeker and not get any bulkier (I am fortunate in that I build up muscle very quickly in my quads and calves, but I don't want them to look disproportionate)
I want my shoulders and upper back to be larger, so I can acheive more of a V-shape, and I want my chest, biceps and triceps to be stronger because, hey...who doesn't want to be stronger?? :)

so, when I lift legs I'm going to aim for muscle endurance, i.e. light resistance and 12-20 reps.
when I lift for shoulders and back, I'm going to aim for muscle hypertrophy, so moderate resistance and 8-10 reps
and when I lift chest, bi's and tri's I'm aiming for strength, so heavy resistance and 5-8 reps.

Thats the plan anyway. I just love planning...its the geek in my I suppose.
Have a great night everyone :)

ut-oh.. tai you already did bicep curls! We are having a 30# bicep curl contest tomorrow..

[Megin]

Come on Tai- you gotta do bis again tomrrow:
30# dumbells. The rules to the contest are posted in the General Chat section under "Friday's Contest"

You better be posting tomorrow!

[taifighter]

Come on Tai- you gotta do bis again tomrrow:
30# dumbells. The rules to the contest are posted in the General Chat section under "Friday's Contest"

You better be posting tomorrow!

bahahah...I stop reading the forums for a FEW days and look what happens. I have to curl 30lbs!! Yikes! But I will give it my best effort :)

[Krissypoo]

bahahah...I stop reading the forums for a FEW days and look what happens. I have to curl 30lbs!! Yikes! But I will give it my best effort :)

Another one bites the dust... :cool:

[jeni5.0]

what an idiot? a million dollars?! for what?! him hitting you? geez, boys. good luck with all that tai. and also on the 30lb curls after bicep day.:) im not supposed to do them until sunday, but i guess ill do them today, with some triceps. it will save some time sunday anyway.

[TheDiz]

OMG page two, that's not allowed, who's done the contest so far? I haven't I'll give it a shot tho, I should get atleast two done! I'll let yall know.

[Megin]

Looks like a girl, lifts like a guy, acts like a kid, dances like a fool...it's taifighter


GO LIFT THOSE 30#!!!!!

[taifighter]

Megin!!!!! Your contest is the only reason I went to the gym today!!! I was soooooo tired!! But I am so glad I did it!!! :D

I lifted 9 on the left and 8 on the right. Oh. man.
I am so freaking sore right now!!!!!!!!
But it was awesome...I had no idea that was in me :)

Thanks for kicking my butt and inspiring me!!

[mommykuce]

And remember, these are hammer curls with the 30lbs! I am going to try it later in the week and see. I'm curious if I really go all out what I can do.

[Megin]

Megin!!!!! Your contest is the only reason I went to the gym today!!! I was soooooo tired!! But I am so glad I did it!!! :D

I lifted 9 on the left and 8 on the right. Oh. man.
I am so freaking sore right now!!!!!!!!
But it was awesome...I had no idea that was in me :)

Thanks for kicking my butt and inspiring me!!


HEHE-- Glad I could get your butt in the gym!!! You certainly beat me and you were even tired! Just imagine if you were full force- look out :0
You gotta love pushing yourself- its just a great feeling.

Whats today's w/o plan??

[taifighter]

hello ladies...
well I just looked at the calendar....
holy canoli, ONE YEAR and 11 DAYS till the wedding!! I've been taking it easy with planning, looks like its time to snap out of get cracking again. Yikes!!

Had a great weekend, but once again it was punctuated with too much beer and a burrito. I was doing quite excellent this week until Saturday and Sunday. But I'm right back on the bandwagon today, no sugar and MORE VEGGIES!! :D

Went for a brisk 30 minute walk this morning, then did 20 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the elliptical...total of about 280 calories (realistically). Aiming for 1600-1700 cals today, 40C-30P-30P.

Oh! Also lifted back...
sldl -
10x40, 10x45, 10x50

Seated cable row -
12x40, 12x40, 12x55

Wide grip pull down
12x40, 12x40, 10x55
superset w/
straight arm pulldown
12x10, 12x10, 10x25

sorry no time to post more...or read anything else for that matter. Its funny, I'm too busy working out lately to have to time to post and read about working out ;) funny!

Hope you are all have splendiferous weeks, and can't wait to do the squatting challenge!!!! :D

[Paichka]

Great workout Tai!

[mizone]

Too busy working out..aww we miss your marathon posts!!! :) Great back workout and dont worry about the weekend..mmm...burrito! :)

[taifighter]

yikes no time to post, what a shock!

Did abs and 45 minutes of cardio today. I felt a headache coming on after abs (I think I keep my jaw clenched when I do them...maybe because I HATE DOING ABS :D ) but anyway I told myself "just do 20 minutes reeeal easy on the elliptical and you can go home." but after about 5-6 minutes I started to feel much better and completed 45 minutes of cardio! yippee!! its the least I could do after this weekend :rolleyes:
(can you tell I've discovered how to make ALL the smiley faces now?)

20 minutes on the ellip - 190
10 min stair - 80
10 min tread - 80
of course the machines are neeever accurate, so its more like...210ish cals burned. I wish I knew how off the machines were. I usually take about 60 percent of whatever the read out is. <<shrugs>>

Abs
swissball crunches
3 sets of 12

arm/leg extensions on ball (don't know the name of these...I lay stomach across the ball and extend my left hand and right leg out, hold for 5 then switch)
3 sets of 5 holding for 5

Side bridges
3 sets holding for 15

Seated side twists with weight (again, not sure what this is called, but I sit on my butt, legs bent and feet off the floor, holding a 10lb plate and I twist it to my left and right for 15 reps)
3 sets of 15

Stomach vacs
3 sets holding for 25 seconds

blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah me hate abs so much :)

Oh, and nutrition from yesterday was
Total: 1621
Fat: 49 444 28%
Sat: 13 113 7%
Poly: 8 74 5%
Mono: 16 140 9%
Carbs: 157 539 34%
Protein: 145 580 37%
13 grams of saturated fat?!?!!? FOR SHAME!!! I guess its cause I eat Jif peanut butter? But I only had 1 teaspoon! I had a Zone bar too..that has 4 grams. Oh well, just gotta keep watching that.

Hope everyone is doing terrific!!

[mommykuce]

Maybe the headache could be from you pulling on the back of your neck? That does it for me.

[mizone]

Its funny when you just do an exercise when you have no clue whats its called. Most times I am sure I am thinking off something completely different when people describe the movement. But I can picture the swiss ball one - kinda like superman! I like working abs, the only downside is I always feel the burn 2 days later rather then the next day and that just bugs me for some reason! Good work on working out all the smiles!!!

[Sunshineslynn]

Looking great tai!!!!!!!

Sorry I have been a horrible cheerleader here lately. But your doing great as always and keep it up. Your getting down to your wedding huh?

smiles
s

[MsJewels]

Good morning, Tai!

Good work on the bicep challenge! I'm sorry I missed it, and just did biceps today at the gym (before I read about the 'challenge'). Maybe I'll give it a go tomorrow if I'm not too sore, or will try it out later this week on my bicep day.

Don't freak too much about the wedding planning - over a year is still LOTS of time, and you've got the biggie's done. :)

[taifighter]

Good morning, Tai!

Good work on the bicep challenge! I'm sorry I missed it, and just did biceps today at the gym (before I read about the 'challenge'). Maybe I'll give it a go tomorrow if I'm not too sore, or will try it out later this week on my bicep day.

Don't freak too much about the wedding planning - over a year is still LOTS of time, and you've got the biggie's done. :)
Thanks Julie...you're a seasoned pro, so I should listen to you ;)


oyy stayed up too late last night...had a bunch of friends over to play poker. Now, personally, I don't really get this sudden craze in poker...like playing online and stuff like that. In fact, I've only played twice ... once about a month ago, and last night. But get this...I won the pot BOTH times! :D haahhahhahah. I had to actually write out a cheat sheet with all the names of the hands and didn't know any of the rules or terms and I STILL WON!
Last time I gave the money to charity, I might pocket some of the cash this time...me and Mike bought a bunch of beer for the beach party last weekend and like, no one paid us back.

anywaaay... I have been super-d-duper busy lately and I don't think its going to end ... EVER. In fact, I signed up to mentor a child for a couple hours every week -- I haven't been paired up w/ my mentee yet, but when THAT happens, whoo boy..goodbye free time. So I've been brainstorming ways to get in a full workout but not take too much time.
My cutting diet has been going well, but I haven't seemed to drop much weight. I build muscle very easily, but my body doesn't like gaining or losing fat. I kind of just stick. So I'm trying to up my cardio to roughly an hour 4-5 days a week...in addition to weight training.

Today I did a full-body circuit with 10 minutes of cardio to start, then 2-3 sets of one exercise for each body part, then another 20 minutes of cardio afterwards. In addition I'm doing 20-30 minutes of cardio in the morning.
I liked that my heart rate was up the entire time...so I may stick with this for a week or two and see the results I get. I'm just afraid the added cardio will eat at my muscle..so we'll see. Well I've yammered on enough!

I'll post diet and weights and stuff later. Gotta run! :)

[Megin]

Poker-- Nothing is better than Texas Hold 'Em, nothing!

Wow, a mentor. I have thought about that but never actually persued the idea. Let me know how that goes. That is such a great idea. Good for you for helping out others- that really is important!

Busy busy busy, I hear ya...It will calm down. And as soon as it does you will get bored and find another project to keep yourself busy.

:)

[MsJewels]

You are such a wonderful person, Tai! Giving 'found' money to charity; taking time out of your already busy schedule to mentor a child; supplying beach-party beer for your friends! ...Ok, the last one seems a bit out of place, but it's still a nice thing to do! ;)

Are you doing high intensity cardio for those 20-30 mintues? If you're not seeing the results you want, then you either have to up the duration, or up the intensity of the workout, and you've sure to see that fat melting off (plop-bam plop, to steal sound effects from Sillyvent! lol!)

[Sunshineslynn]

Bump ms jewels. Intensity is a key factor. Your body adjusts very easily so try upping the intensity before upping the amount of cardio. This comes from experience since that is what I did this time around and lost the fat weight and retained my muscle pretty well. Maybe changing something in your diet to. How much veggies are you eating? Protien?

smiles
s

[taifighter]

hmm, excellent suggestions julie and sheri. I feeeel like I'm doing pretty intense cardio ...much of what i do is interval cardio in some way...like I'm always switching the speeds or resistance up and down on the treadmill, stairmaster and elliptical (I swear, it makes 45 minutes of cardio seem like nothing). But honestly, I'm sure I'm getting "used" to the intensity I'm doing now as well. I'm going to make an honest effort to push up the intensity...I need to get a heart rate monitor.

Sheri, as far as diet goes, I gave myself a wake up call a week or two ago. I am eating plenty of protein, but my veggies were pathetic. 1-2 cups at most. I was just being lazy, I'd buy veggies, but never perpare thm Not any more though!! I went out and bought tons of stuff and now I am trying to eat a HUGE salad at least for lunch, if not also for dinner. The past 6-7 days I've averaged about 4-6 cups of veggies...MUCH MUCH better.

And I guess I spoke a bit too soon about not seeing many results -- I just weighed and measured myself...and all my numbers are down from a month ago, yippee!!!

Weight -137lb
(I did this in the morning after a bowl of oatmeal, so maybe a little lighter? i dunno)

Bodyfat% 14.5 (down from 15.16%...keep in mind this is the readout, I'd say in reality my bf is 16.5, down from 17-18%)
(again, I've been measuring myself with digital calipers. I measure in the same spot 3 or 4 times, then take the average. I really should have Mike do it for me. But even if my measurements are accurate, the numbers are going DOWN. so thats good :) )

Chest - 35.2"
Waist - 27"
Hips - 35.75"
Butt - 38"
Calf - 14.25"
Thigh - 22.5"
Bicep - 10.75"

Its weird..what I posted on April 12th for measurements...are actually what I had written down for March 22nd...and what I wrote down in my notebook on April 12th is different. So..I'm just going to go off the numbers that I wrote down for April 12th, exactly a month ago...
so that means
Chest - down .3"
Waist - down .5" YESSSSSSSSSS
Hips - down .25" YESSSSS AGAIN
Butt - 38" same, doh
Calf - 14.25 same, which is a good thing, they're huge
Thigh - down 1" !!!! Holy crap!! I THOUGHT they looked smaller. Thank you squats :)


OK, I've gone on enough. I just got another RAISE at work (i switched departments and they're paying more, cha ching) so I'm celebrating with SUSHI for lunch!!!

[kkapp]

Awesome, awesome, awesome:)
Great job Tai,
Things are working, yeah
I agree with you though, I know I don't get enough veggies in. I need to eat more. I am not a huge fan of veggies though. I like asparagus and broccoli, but I get tired of having that every night. I do need to eat more salads though. Do you have a good low fat or calorie dressing to put on salads? I think this is why I don't eat more salads, because I don't know what to put on them and keep them healthy.
I am watching OPRAH, right now and she is talking about losing weight by summer. I see if I can learn anything.

Don't fret about the wedding, but I would recommend getting a book, because it keeps you on task, and helps you remember what you all need to do:)

[arose70]

Wow Tai! Look at that progress!!! You're doing awesome. I have one question for you, where do you measure your hips at? I think the measurement I have been doing for hips is actually my butt ;) When i measure my butt I measure around the biggest part...where do you measure hips? Gosh i sound like a 4th grader here, but I gotta ask-Thanks!!

[Megin]

See that Tai- Time does pay off. You should feel very good about yourself because you have been working your tail off! I am proud of you for your dedication!!!

More veggies- ahh, those are the best! I love the greens!!!!


HAPPY FRIDAY TAI!

[taifighter]

phew, thought i was going to be on the third page by now!!!!!!

not much to report other than I've been doing about 30-60 minutes of cardio a day (broken up into two sessions of varying intensity) and I am enjoying the results. At the beginning of May I am going to cut back on the cardio and focus on the weight lifting again. My body just seems to ADJUST to things so quickly, I find I need to constantly be changing things up...but its good cause I'd get bored otherwise ;)

Been doing some carb cycling lately...nothing to drastic..my idea of "low carb" is about 120 grams a day..and that can be tough!!! I love me some carbs!! But saturday was my high-carb, high-calorie, cheat day and it was glorious!! I had homemade chocolate souffle and mint choc chip ice cream...mmmmmmm.
So I'm only 5 days in, so too soon to see huge results, but I'm thinking this is really going to help me pull my bodyfat down.

When is the pushup challenge again? I gotta get on that :D

[Sunshineslynn]

Keep it changing and guessing and your bound to get some results. Congrats on the inches you lost......I am doing a happy victory dance for you....


smiles
s

[MsJewels]

I had homemade chocolate souffle and mint choc chip ice cream...mmmmmmm.
So I'm only 5 days in, so too soon to see huge results, but I'm thinking this is really going to help me pull my bodyfat down.
Oh, wait, you didn't mean that eating ice cream was going to pull down your bodyfat? lol! Just teasing. Enjoy the cheats!!!! I still don't indulge in sweets at all - and surprisingly I'm not missing them, either. The occassional protein bar is my treat. :) Have you tried the Body for Life Chocolate Mint ones? Delicious!!! *drooling*

[kkapp]

hi Tai,
So how many days of cardio are you doing? Have you cut back on your weight training?

[taifighter]

hi Tai,
So how many days of cardio are you doing? Have you cut back on your weight training?
Hi Karla :)

For the next few weeks I'm doing 4-5 days of cardio, 45-60 minutes a day...pretty much broken up into two sessions...20-25 minutes HIIT in the morning, then another 20 or so post workout. I still lift about 4 times a week, just lighter weight, higher reps, less sets. Its not a permanent change, but I was kind of stalling with my weight loss, and I felt switching things up would help. So far its been working very well...but its a lot of cardio to be doing, so I'm not keeping it up for more than 3-4 weeks.

[mommykuce]

Great progress! Yeah! You really are busy with everything you have going on and your workout plans- that's dedication, but obviously it is paying off.

What kind of calipers do you use? Did you get them from this site? I am thinking of getting a pair.

[TheDiz]

Tai ur doin awsome, keep it up chica! :)

[taifighter]

Thanks ladies!! Whenever I see everyone's comments I feel so bad that I haven't posted in anyone else's journal. But I'm staying up very late tonight, so I'm going to try and remedy that :D

Yesterday ended up being my second "high carb" day if you will...because my boyfriend made me healthy paella...but he made it with chicken, brown rice, 98% lean turkey sausage and green veggies. IT WAS SO GOOD. I had to stop myself after two servings. And then during the Everybody Loves Raymond season finale I ate a few handfuls of tortilla chips. DAMMIT! THEY ARE MY ONLY WEAKNESS. Well ok, thats not true...but honestly, I can't keep tortilla chips or cereal in the house. I CANNOT. So what does Mike do? Goes to the warehouse store and buys a bag the size of a toddler. DOH.

But anyway, he didn't force me to eat the chips, and I've readjusted so today is another low carb day so it all works out. Even though my carbs were high, my calories are always between 1600-1700.

Today I did 30 minutes of walking/jogging in the AM, pre breakfast then I did a FUN circuit of 10 minutes elliptical, upper body lifting, 10 minutes hard on the bike, lower body lifting and 10 minute intervals on the treadmill (1 minute 5.4mph, 30 seconds 7.7mph sprint). WHOOOO. I felt pumped the whole time. After a few months of practically NO cardio, it actually feels really good to be moving and watching my physical endurance build up.

oh oh oh, guess what I bought yesterday?? are you ready?!?
a powder blue, 1970 Volkswagen minibus!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
lol, I have ALWAYS wanted one, and this thing is SO cool. Its in pristine condition, all original parts, battery and transmission newly tuned up, great gas mileage, run terrific and the guy sold it to me for $2950! It only has 66,000 miles (we checked to see if the odometer was tampered with, but it didnt' look like it). I'm going to take pictures of it and post them, I swear. Its the coolest thing! So now I finally have a CAR. Of course, now I have to learn how to drive it..its an classic car, with a weird clutch and no power steering or brakes. Luckily I've been lifting, so I'm strong enough to handle it :cool:

[TheDiz]

I am SOOOO friggin jealous, I love those things, I want to get one and put a waterbed and a disco ball in the back :p

[angiecat]

i just popped in to read your journal and i have to say, you are amazing. i like your new plan.... it's always fun to switch things up. keep up the great workouts!

and congrats on the vw bus. that is so awesome....i love those things!!!! wooohooo!!! you definitely gotta post up some pics soon so we can share your excitement.

[aprilai]

thats' sweet your boyfriend made you some good food! it sounds delicious...maybe you can fedex it to me next time 'cause i totally don't like cooking rice. ;P

[Paichka]

Yesterday ended up being my second "high carb" day if you will...because my boyfriend made me healthy paella...but he made it with chicken, brown rice, 98% lean turkey sausage and green veggies. IT WAS SO GOOD. I had to stop myself after two servings. And then during the Everybody Loves Raymond season finale I ate a few handfuls of tortilla chips. DAMMIT! THEY ARE MY ONLY WEAKNESS. Well ok, thats not true...but honestly, I can't keep tortilla chips or cereal in the house. I CANNOT. So what does Mike do? Goes to the warehouse store and buys a bag the size of a toddler. DOH.



LOL Tai...the bad was the size of a toddler, huh? Yeah I hear you about that...I can't keep PB in my room. I went through two huge jars of Jif in two days. :(



Today I did 30 minutes of walking/jogging in the AM, pre breakfast then I did a FUN circuit of 10 minutes elliptical, upper body lifting, 10 minutes hard on the bike, lower body lifting and 10 minute intervals on the treadmill (1 minute 5.4mph, 30 seconds 7.7mph sprint). WHOOOO. I felt pumped the whole time. After a few months of practically NO cardio, it actually feels really good to be moving and watching my physical endurance build up.


What an awesome workout!


oh oh oh, guess what I bought yesterday?? are you ready?!?
a powder blue, 1970 Volkswagen minibus!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
lol, I have ALWAYS wanted one, and this thing is SO cool. Its in pristine condition, all original parts, battery and transmission newly tuned up, great gas mileage, run terrific and the guy sold it to me for $2950! It only has 66,000 miles (we checked to see if the odometer was tampered with, but it didnt' look like it). I'm going to take pictures of it and post them, I swear. Its the coolest thing! So now I finally have a CAR. Of course, now I have to learn how to drive it..its an classic car, with a weird clutch and no power steering or brakes. Luckily I've been lifting, so I'm strong enough to handle it :cool:

Whoo hoo! That's AWESOME. A genuine minibus???? You're going to be such a hippy riding around in that thing...a really buff hippy. :)

Sounds like things are going great for you, Tai...keep it up!
Sunny

[Megin]

No worries Tai- I had a Second High Carb Day yesterday as well- whoops!!
The carbs are just so tempting some time, but as long as you keep it fairly clean, no damage. Just think of it as shocking your metabolism. Ha, the size of a todler- great comedy!!

VW's are my Fav. vehicle- that is sooooo exciting!!!!! Have fun with that newbie

[MsJewels]

Congrats on the new ride! And tortilla chips are a healthy choice of chips, at least! :) I love 'em with salsa... Mmm... But if your cals are within the target zone, then don't stress too much about it. You seem to have your head on straight about everything (and sounds like you're still having awesome workouts at the gym!) :D

[mizone]

I can't wait to see the photos of the bus cuz I dont know what this is! hehehehe

Dont worry about not being able to post in other journals, as long as you can post in yours cuz if ya stop that no bus for you! hehe

[taifighter]

Has it really been that long since I posted? Wow!
Well anyway, this week has been a circus...first off, my boyfriend and his friends convinced me to get a Star Wars ticket with them. Well LITTLE DID I KNOW that it was for the MIDNIGHT premiere...on a Wednesday!
(The movie was alright...I'm not a big SW junkie...and the two before this one were AWFUL) so, my sleep schedule was completely thrown out of whack. This is the time of the month when I normaly get hit with migraines, and I started to get one, but I popped one of those migraine pills my doctor gave me and voila!! no migraine!! YAY!!! And next week I start on my new really low dose birth control, so I'm excited.

Anyway, I worked out on Thursday...even though I was tired and I'm so glad I did. I always feel so much better after I work out. Let me see if I remember my routine...

10 minute very brisk walking on the dreadmill
3 sets of bicep curls 12x10lbs
3 sets of shoulder presses 15x10lbs
3 sets of tequila shots 10x10lbs
3 sets of chest presses 12x10lbs
(sissy weight, I know :P but I was worried my migraine might came back so I was gentle)
then 10 minutes on the stair stepper - intervals between 6-9
5 sets of leg press 25x50lb (alternating regular stance and sumo stance)
3 sets of single leg curl 15x25lb
10 minutes running on the treadmill -intervals of jogging/sprinting


Then today I did
17 minutes on the treadmill 2 minutes@5.5mph, 1 minute 7mph
10 minutes on the stepper 1 minute @ level 5, 1 minute @ level 6, 1 minute @ level 9, repeat
15 minutes on the elliptical.
PHEW!!!

This weekend we're going to Vegas!!!!!! And then I'm housing about 5 guys in my apartment (FRIENDS of MIKE'S...I'm not running a brothel or anything:) )
I'm gonna try and squeeze in a quick workout tomorrow AM before we leave..and stay away from the buffet and too much alcohol!! (although these guys just graduated from college...and they think I can drink like a man..eep)

Looking forward to next week...my period will be over, and I'm going to test my bf% and weigh myself...hopefully I'll see some more progress!!!

[TheDiz]

I'm not running a brothel or anything:)

AWWWW y not? man brothels are fun :D

[taifighter]

AWWWW y not? man brothels are fun :D
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diz that's hilarious, you've made my night ;)

[Megin]

10 minute very brisk walking on the dreadmill
3 sets of bicep curls 12x10lbs
3 sets of shoulder presses 15x10lbs
3 sets of tequila shots 10x10lbs
3 sets of chest presses 12x10lbs
(sissy weight, I know :P but I was worried my migraine might came back so I was gentle)
then 10 minutes on the stair stepper - intervals between 6-9
5 sets of leg press 25x50lb (alternating regular stance and sumo stance)
3 sets of single leg curl 15x25lb
10 minutes running on the treadmill -intervals of jogging/sprinting


Then today I did
17 minutes on the treadmill 2 minutes@5.5mph, 1 minute 7mph
10 minutes on the stepper 1 minute @ level 5, 1 minute @ level 6, 1 minute @ level 9, repeat
15 minutes on the elliptical.
PHEW!!!

This weekend we're going to Vegas!!!!!! And then I'm housing about 5 guys in my apartment (FRIENDS of MIKE'S...I'm not running a brothel or anything:) )
I'm gonna try and squeeze in a quick workout tomorrow AM before we leave..and stay away from the buffet and too much alcohol!! (although these guys just graduated from college...and they think I can drink like a man..eep)



Wow, TC...excellent workout- you have got to feel good about that one!! You are making huge strides in your progress, keep it up.

oooo, fun, Vegas!! You are gonna have a blast- live it girl!!!!

[taifighter]

Megin, you're sucha sweetie...send over some of that happiness, I need it today!!!

Well, Vegas was a total blast. I spent a lot of money...sadly not on gambling. Food and liquor add up in that town! I was verrrry conscious of the food I ate (lots of salads and lean protein, balance bars and sushi) and what I drank (rum and diet coke and one corona light). On Sunday we had breakfast at IHOP...man I love that place...its the white trash in me :)
And I had 2 small french toast squares, two eggs (egg substitutes) and 5 silver dollar pancakes. No butter, 1 TB syrup. MMMMMMMMMMMMM. So worth it. And my daily total still came to about 1600.

Today was the worst day of work in my ENTIRE life. I got soooo reemed out by customers and found out that most of my projects are late b/c I misunderstood my due dates. And apparently, when you miss a due date, it costs my company thousands of dollars. My poor boss. I felt like the biggest ass allll day. But anyway, I felt the urge to get outside around 10AM, so I went for a very brisk 25 minute walk...and I'm glad I did! I was so busy with work I didn't get to the gym. I'm still working now, at 8:33PM.. Woohoo 15 hour days :rolleyes:

Tomorrow I'm BACK IN ACTION though...doin my typical circuit and cardio. I'm gonna start really focusing on abs now. My legs have a really nice size, I'm really pleased with them, but I don't want them any bigger. In fact...I would like to decrease the size of my butt. Its curvy and muscular and thats great...but its a little too bubbly and not tight enough on the bottom...if that makes any sense. I'm trying to research ways to decrease & lift. I know lifting makes tighter and smaller...but I tend to add size when I put on muscle as well. Anyway, I'm rambling...I think I'm getting my tattoo this week! Yahoo!!! I went with the double doves design, I'm getting it right at the bottom of my hairline.

Oh yeah, nutrition breakdown:
Total: 1427
Fat: 44 396 27%
Sat: 9 84 6%
Poly: 6 50 3%
Mono: 9 82 6%
Carbs: 137 430 29%
Fiber: 30 0 0%
Protein: 161 643 44%

[MsJewels]

Glad you had a blast in Vegas - I'm jealous! I want to enjoy some super hot weather! And GREAT work on enjoying your meals and keeping within your allowed cals - I'm so proud. :)

[taifighter]

Aw thanks Julie!! :)

Today I was back in the gym! It felt good, too bad I was crunched for time.
I did...
10 minutes - elliptical, alternated between moderate and intense

upper body
3 sets of 10x40lb wide grip lat pulldown super set w/
3 sets of 10x10lb straight arm pulldowns

3 sets of 10x40lb seated row w/ rope superset w/
3 sets of 10x10lb low pulley to neck

15x5lb bicep curl
12x5lb front raise
12x5lb double tricep overhead extensions
10x5lb tequila shots
3 sets of this, as a circuit, about 15-30seconds rest between each rotation

10 minutes - stair stepper hill intervals

Abs
Swiss ball crunches - 10 reps
Vertical leg crunches - 12 reps
Bicycle crunches - 15 reps
Hanging knee lifts - 10 reps
3 sets of these, as a circuit.

10 minutes - treadmill, intervals of walking @ 3.6mph and jogging 5.5mph

Phew! Great workout, I am pleased :)

I had a KRISPY KREME donut today, a few of mikes friend's are visiting and I bought them donuts and OJ for breakfast. I havent had a KK in like, 3 years. So I thoroughly enjoyed my glazed donut :D
And tonight we're going for sushi, woohoo!

[TheDiz]

Tai, you may have been crunched for time, but it looks like a GREAT wo! impressive.

[Sunshineslynn]

Girl you had a great workout keep it up.

smiles
s

[arose70]

Tai...don't mean to take this discussion to your journal but I just had one teensy thing to say---I think you're great!!! Especially in your approach to men yelling at you! I am the same way...got myself into a few sticky situations because of it with these stupid guys but push come to shove I could take em! I appreciate it and it's nice knowing there are such strong women here who stand up for themselves and don't take sh*t from anyone. Wish more women would do that, you're right, if more men saw women lashing back at them I think it would help stop the harrassment. You made me feel empowered today :D Thanks! Okay that's all, now I'll go back to my original thread ;)

[taifighter]

Tai...don't mean to take this discussion to your journal but I just had one teensy thing to say---I think you're great!!! Especially in your approach to men yelling at you! I am the same way...got myself into a few sticky situations because of it with these stupid guys but push come to shove I could take em! I appreciate it and it's nice knowing there are such strong women here who stand up for themselves and don't take sh*t from anyone. Wish more women would do that, you're right, if more men saw women lashing back at them I think it would help stop the harrassment. You made me feel empowered today :D Thanks! Okay that's all, now I'll go back to my original thread ;)

All i have to say is GIRL POWER!!!!!!!! :D
I want to thank YOU for starting the topic period. I've thought before that maybe it was just me...maybe I was doing something that other girls weren't to get bugged by creeps all the time. As much as I don't like to hear that it happens often, it IS nice to know that creepy men seem to bug lots and lots of women -- and that it has nothing to do with the way we dress or look! I think you are an awesome strong woman to stand up for yourself!!

[RSR]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I've seen a lot of your comments and decided to look at your journal. It looks great, and I think we have similar stats. You're the closest I've found to myself so far, anway [I'm 5'6" and a lot of our measurements are similar].

Anyway, what you're doing looks awesome! I think I'll be keeping track of your journal, too, for tips!

[taifighter]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I've seen a lot of your comments and decided to look at your journal. It looks great, and I think we have similar stats. You're the closest I've found to myself so far, anway [I'm 5'6" and a lot of our measurements are similar].

Anyway, what you're doing looks awesome! I think I'll be keeping track of your journal, too, for tips!
High five RSR!! Awesome :)
Are you trying to lose bodyfat too?

Lately I've been doing a kind of "circuit" when I work out...cardio -weights cardio-weights-cardio for 60-90 minutes 3 days a week, then 20-45 minutes of cardio (either HIIT or some form of intervals) 3 days a week. I've been cutting my calories, and calorie cycling too...I eat 3 days of 1500-1600, then one day of high calorie (2000+). Tried carb cycling and it worked well, but I decided to ignore carb counts for now because I'm doing a lot of cardio. Just focusing on the quality of my food.

Well, I've given my life story ;) what is your routine like?

[RSR]

Well, I just started a journal if you'd like to look.... but I currently have a 4 day split- 2 days lower body, 2 days upper, and I plan on doing 2 days with abs and hiit and then one day of rest. The reason I haven't done hiit yet is because I was stupid and put cardio after legs day!

I'm currently eating 1500-1600 cals, also, and because I'm new haven't spent too much time cycling or doing macros. I'd like to at some point, though, as it seems to be very popular and helpful.

Overall, yeah, I'd like to lose bodyfat... I was hoping I could manage to gain muscle but not gain weight and thus lose bodyfat. If that makes sense. lol.

[taifighter]

Well, I just started a journal if you'd like to look.... but I currently have a 4 day split- 2 days lower body, 2 days upper, and I plan on doing 2 days with abs and hiit and then one day of rest. The reason I haven't done hiit yet is because I was stupid and put cardio after legs day!

I'm currently eating 1500-1600 cals, also, and because I'm new haven't spent too much time cycling or doing macros. I'd like to at some point, though, as it seems to be very popular and helpful.

Overall, yeah, I'd like to lose bodyfat... I was hoping I could manage to gain muscle but not gain weight and thus lose bodyfat. If that makes sense. lol.

Welll, if you gain muscle, you're going to gain weight...muscle does weigh something ;) But its possible to gain muscle and NOT gain bodyfat. That is what I was doing for a few months. I lifted very very heavy and intensely, ate more than my maintenance amount of calories and kept cardio to a minimum. I gained a few lbs of muscle and about .5% bf. The key is eating VERY clean and lifting consistently and intensely. But keep in mind, you can either gain muscle or burn fat, you can't do both.
I am in the same school of thought as you. I gained muscle for awhile to help me burn off fat. Now that I am in "fat burning" mode, I feel that the muscle I built helped raise my metabolism alot! Can't wait to see your progress :)

[Sunshineslynn]

Tai-
I am so proud. You have come a long way since the question new comer.......Your doing a great job in advice dept and support too.


smiles
s

[MMA_Fighter]

Tai...don't mean to take this discussion to your journal but I just had one teensy thing to say---I think you're great!!! Especially in your approach to men yelling at you! I am the same way...got myself into a few sticky situations because of it with these stupid guys but push come to shove I could take em! I appreciate it and it's nice knowing there are such strong women here who stand up for themselves and don't take sh*t from anyone. Wish more women would do that, you're right, if more men saw women lashing back at them I think it would help stop the harrassment. You made me feel empowered today :D Thanks! Okay that's all, now I'll go back to my original thread ;)

This is me, i am a strong woman too.I stand up for women that dont stand up to men, im not afraid!!

tai, im so glad to be back reading your journal. I see u have progressed to quite the elite standard! I will be going back over this, but i just had to say Hi!!

Thnx for stopping by my journal too.. ;) i appreciate that, and if u have any suggestions, im all eyes..lol..take care, and i look forward to reading more!! :D

Tam

[jeni5.0]

hey tai! im back from the states, just wanted to say hi! missed ya!

[Paichka]

Hey Miss Tai! Just checking in...you're doing so well. And standing up to idiot menfolk is something all women should aspire to.

Sunny

[Megin]

hey tai, feels like forever since i posted in here. just thought i should let you know that im still keepin´ up w- your progress.
hows the cardio coming?

[MsJewels]

Hi Tai! How was your weekend?

[taifighter]

Hi everyone :)
Ive been on a vacation from my computer but I wanted to pop in and wish everyone a happy memorial day weekend! Hope you had a relaxing and healthy few days!
I'll post my workout and diet etc tomorrow!
:D

[sherdi]

I was reading your journal today, and just wanted to say that you are doing awesome! Well done on your bulk and good luck with cutting! I think there is a dramatic increase in your muscle mass from the start! Well Done! :)

[JumpinJill]

Hi everyone :)
Ive been on a vacation from my computer but I wanted to pop in and wish everyone a happy memorial day weekend! Hope you had a relaxing and healthy few days!
I'll post my workout and diet etc tomorrow!
:D

I hope you had a great memorial weekend tai!! :)

[MsJewels]

Hey Tai! Everyone needs a break from these computers once in awhile... In fact, I do BADLY!!! ughghg! lol! Anyhoo, I'm curious to know what your bodyfat is at now, and how much it has decreased.

[taifighter]

Hey Tai! Everyone needs a break from these computers once in awhile... In fact, I do BADLY!!! ughghg! lol! Anyhoo, I'm curious to know what your bodyfat is at now, and how much it has decreased.
Hey hon :)

Last time I checked (I think about a week ago) I was 14% on my digital bf calipers. Given the error margin, I'd say I'm somewhere between 14-17%..which is down from before, woohoo! I'm also about 136.5lbs, about .5lbs down from last time I weighed. So it sseeeems to be going well. Which is awesome!! I need to take some pictures, sheesh.
How are you doing?

Jill!! So nice to hear from you! Hope you've been having a great couple weeks!

Soooo on Saturday AM I went to the gym for about an hour, the usual weights and cardio circuit. Then on Saturday afternoon I proceeded to burn about 90% of my body :( Damn this albino skin!! So I was too in pain on Sunday to workout. Gym was closed on Memorial Day, but I got in a brisk 30 minute walk while holding weights.

I've been following a 3 day low cal, 1 day high cal rotation, where my low-days are about 20-30% deficit of my maintenance cals, and my high day is maintenance. I haven't been focusing TOO much on ratios, just making sure I'm getting whole, unprocessed food. But I guess I try to shoot for 40C-30P-30F.
So far this morning I did about 25 minutes pre-breakfast cardio.
12 minutes was HIIT...1 minute of 4mph walking, 30 seconds 8.4mph sprints
then 12 minutes moderate cardio on the elliptica.
This afternoon I'll do weights and then 20 more minutes of cardio.

yippee! I bought a brand new, EXPENSIVE bikini this weekend and its nice. So teeny though :) hehee. Part of the reason I got burned, I was exposing parts of my body that haven't seen the light of day in for-ev-er!! Anyway, its a whole new motivation to get in shape, gotta look smashing in my new suit!!

I'll be back to post the rest of my WO!

[JumpinJill]

oh no! sorry to hear you got burned!

The new bikini sounds cute, and that's a neat way of rotating calories :)

Oh and yes thanks! I've had a pretty good last two weeks, the time just flys! I went to napa valley for a while which was nice...weather is getting nice enough to go play out in the water park which I did last week...oh and I did a sunless tan severeal days ago and it made me feel GREAT! I'm going to see if I can get my husband to help me with that again, what a difference a tan makes! Really cheered me up!

[MsJewels]

Hello again Tai! It feels like old times are back! Reunited is the class of Feb 2005! ;)

Good to see you on the forums again, Jill! We missed ya around here. :)

I'm doing good, Tai! Today I realized that I've got abs showing even when I'm relaxing! Yay! I am getting measurements taken tomorrow, so I'll post on Thursday what those results were (man I hope I've gained lots of muscle!!! I'm going to so disappointed if there isn't much difference, because I've been working my @$$ off!!) I'm also trying to get an apt to get my bf% done again this weekend. I'll keep ya posted! I am noticing that I'm a bit bloated from the creatine, but it's all good since I know that will go away once I cycle off it.

[taifighter]

Hello again Tai! It feels like old times are back! Reunited is the class of Feb 2005! ;)

Good to see you on the forums again, Jill! We missed ya around here. :)

I'm doing good, Tai! Today I realized that I've got abs showing even when I'm relaxing! Yay! I am getting measurements taken tomorrow, so I'll post on Thursday what those results were (man I hope I've gained lots of muscle!!! I'm going to so disappointed if there isn't much difference, because I've been working my @$$ off!!) I'm also trying to get an apt to get my bf% done again this weekend. I'll keep ya posted! I am noticing that I'm a bit bloated from the creatine, but it's all good since I know that will go away once I cycle off it.

oh julie, you have been working so hard, you will definetly see results!! And if you can SEE YOUR ABS while you're on a bulking cycle, I'd say you are doing pretty well. You're building enough muscle to increase your metabolism, and you're getting nice and lean :)
The creatine bloated me a bit too, I think you'll notice a definite difference. I'm excited to hear about your progress. You are KICKING butt! :D

PS. I gained a little bit of bf when I was building muscle, so don't let it get you down if you see in an increase when you're measured. The biggest factor is lean muscle gained, cause the second you start back up with cardio, the fat will melt off.

Jill! Next time I let myself take a break, I'm gonna visit your journal. I have heard great things about sunless tanner! That was what I was attempting to do this weekend, get some color...but instead of brown I'm red :(
How long does the tanner last? Was it spray-on? I should def. look into that..you look 5lbs lighter with a tan ;)

[taifighter]

Hello dears...
Had the second half of my workout this afternoon. I have to admit, I LOVE having the ability to break up my cardio. I am up early enough, and so close to the gym getting in 25 minutes before breakfast is easy. And then I can do a quick 20 after lifting and I've done 45-50 minutes! Yippee!

For the next month or two I'm going to focus on lifting again and save the cardio for afterwards.
Shoulders
Dumbell shoulder press
3 sets of 15x8lbs superset with
Arnold press
3 sets of 12x8lbs

Front dumbell raise
3 sets of 12x8lbs superset with
Side dumbell raise
3 sets of 10x8lbs

One-Arm Bent-Over Lateral Raises
3 sets of 10x5lbs superset with
Upright rows
3 sets of 12x8lbs

Woo! gotta love supersets! They keep your heart rate up and speed your workout right along :)
I finished my WO out with 23 minutes on the elliptical, hill/resistance intervals. Burned about 225 cals, more like 115-135 + plus the 130 or so from this morning = about 250 burned. Yay!

[TheDiz]

WOOHOO feel that burn :)

[TheDiz]

WOOHOO feel that burn :)

[TheDiz]

Okay that was friggin trippy ;| I tried to post and it said the post didnt go through so I clicked again, and it said it didnt go through so I gave up, and it is there twice?!?!?!?! Ugh oops :)

[Megin]

Tai....

Awesome workout girly!!!

Yes, I love doing the supersets as well, it also reduces the time spent in the gym and I still get some good DOMS from it!!!

[JumpinJill]

sounds like an awesome workout! I looove shoulder workouts the best lately I think!

I used coppertone endless summer, and you have to just mix the colors of cream in your hand then apply real evenly...and wait for it to dry for 40 minutes in the buff :D I would love to be able to afford the mystic tans though! I wonder if those wouldnt' smell as bad as my coppertone stuff. the first night I put it on, it's a really strong kind of soapy smell :( but after i take a shower i don't think i notice the odor...
My color seemed to last about 3 days, the fourth day it was verrrry light if anything...and when I shaved I could see the color come off right along with the hairs! ew ;)

thanks ms jewels i missed you guys too! :)
that's exciting about your abs showing just relaxed!!!! I'm kicking myself more for slacking off becuase for a while there if I just leaned back a bit I could see abs, and not nothing :( I'm gonna kick it up a notch though and try and get back to where I was.

[MsJewels]

Hi Tai! Thanks for the vote of confidence. Your workouts look awesome! :)

Megs - You are obsessed with DOMS! lol! ;)

[taifighter]

Aw Jill, don't feel bad...I have been working out consistently since January, and I don't see anything when I lean back ;) You both leave me in the dust!! lol!

Megin, you DO love the pain, don't you c:D hahaah, but I'm the same way, its gotten to the point where if I don't feel sore, I'm unhappy with my workout.

[taifighter]

WO todaaaaaay :)

had a nice workout, the gym TVs had MTV on, and I don't have cable, so I haven't seen any cheesy MTV shows in a long time. It made the 30 minutes of elliptical/treadmill fly by! I had to force myself off to do weights, that NEVER happens :D

So yeah, 30 minutes moderate intensity cardio then lifting arms
Barbell curl
3 sets of 12x20lbs

Overhead barbell extension
3 sets of 8x20lbs

Rope hammer curl
3 sets of 12x25lbs

Rope tricep pressdown
3 sets of 15x25lbs

Assisted dips
8x120lbs assistance
8x110lbs
8x100lbs

I will probably go for a walk/jog/run thing this afternoon, 20-30 minutes.
I don't know my exact cals or ratios yesterday, I got lazy recording them. I did have 2 miniature cupcakes (like mini muffin size) cause I baked two batches for Mike's work (butterscotch choc chip and tangerine lemon/lime, yum!) and I had baked salmon steaks (ewww FISH BONES) and homemade mango salsa. I have to say, it was pretty damn tasty. I'm a pretty decent cook when I'm not a complete ball of laze. :)

[JumpinJill]

i LOVE mango salsa! What's your recipe?
what cheesy mtv show did you get to watch? ;)

reading your exercise plan for today makes me realize I need to add on some cardio later...not that that should be a problem for me, i am just in a lazy funk today I think ...

[MsJewels]

Please read my post in arose's journal in response to your eating and chewing experiment!!!

[taifighter]

note to self: re-read post SEVERAL times before clicking "Submit Reply"
Sometimes things sound way more intelligent in my head then they do typed out. :P

[MsJewels]

http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=5924837#post5924837

[Boots]

note to self: re-read post SEVERAL times before clicking "Submit Reply"
Sometimes things sound way more intelligent in my head then they do typed out. :P

LMAO I do that all the time then have to edit only to find that I still have typos! Plus I type and everything is backwords and I have to fix that! Looking good girl!

[arose70]

Tai-I did not take that post as a serious "tool" at all!!!!! I got your point, and it was a damn good one! I, in fact, had tried the same thing, and like you, tried it only once!!!!! I was seriously laughing at your last post in my journal, not because it was funny ha-ha but just because I think you made a valid point about it not being a healthy thing to do, and then you were apologizing for it! Don't worry about it ;) We all know that is not healthy and, especially you, the gal that just stopped BULKING with awesome results! Keep postin, I love to read your opinions and thoughts!!! :D

[jeni5.0]

hi there! glad you had fun in vegas. my husband wants to get stationed there, but i dont think id like it. the af pays for our house, but they are so expensive that we could only get someplace really really small. (there is a cap).

i had a kk glaze donut one day when i was home and it made my whole day! they are so so good.

where is this mango salsa recipe? id like to try it. i need some new options for my diet.

[Megin]

Tai,
I don´t know how I missed this conversation that you arose and msj were having....I guess my journal reading is slacking. sorry about that!

I just wanted to convey my appreciation for you bringing up this topic. The three of you provided excellent posts filled with great information on the subject. Wish I could rep you guys for that. There is so much pressure that we needlessly place upon ourselves to have the perfect body. Its not really worth it when you go to such extreams of the route of an ED. I am still taking myself away from this scene, and you guys have helped me prob. more than you will ever realize. So, once again, thanks for posting!!!

[MsJewels]

Tai-I did not take that post as a serious "tool" at all!!!!! I got your point, and it was a damn good one! I, in fact, had tried the same thing, and like you, tried it only once!!!!! I was seriously laughing at your last post in my journal, not because it was funny ha-ha but just because I think you made a valid point about it not being a healthy thing to do, and then you were apologizing for it! Don't worry about it ;) We all know that is not healthy and, especially you, the gal that just stopped BULKING with awesome results! Keep postin, I love to read your opinions and thoughts!!! :D
Agreed - no harm was done - Good information for all was received. :) Again, I never thought you had a problem, either, I just think that women who have dealt with ed's know how easily a habit can form. The part that really made me want to react was:

...But hey, its always a last resort if you get an irresistable "OMG I NEED that food!" moment
because as you know for sure now, it's not an option. You're right that I'm just looking out for ya. ;) Keep up your healthy habits and forget what idiotic movie stars say!

[taifighter]

lalala,
RUUUSHED to the gym today to try and fit in a quickie workout. I only got in about 30 minutes of weights and 10 minutes cardio, so I'm gonna go back out for a 20-30 minute jog later :)

Back
sldls
12x30lbs
12x35lbs
12x35lbs
(I went super light on these because my hamstrings have been acting up)

Seated widegrip row
3 sets of 12-15x40lbs

Widegrip lat pulldown
12x40lbs
12x50lbs
15x40lbs
superset with
Straight arm pulldown
12x20lbs
12x20lbs
15x10lbs

Then I did a quckie 10 minute run at 6mph...roughly 100 calories burned.

Oh, I thought it would be a good idea for me to post my diet again...I want to start eating the same things so its easier for me to stick with it. Today, the plan is

1/2C oats with 1 scoop soy protein

1/2 grapefruit, 4 egg whites 1 yolk, 1/2C pumpkin tofu puree on a rice cake

3oz chicken, 1 cup raw spinach, baby carrots and cherry tomato, 1 slice ezekiel bread

protein shake, 1/2 grapefruit

Baked tilapia with veggies

Rice cake w/ 1TB peanut butter
Chicken or eggwhites and veggies (if I haven't gotten enough cals)

[taifighter]

Getting my tattoo today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Michael is getting his first, its this BIG elaborate design he drew himself and has been obsessed about for years. He's finally going to do it. It goes across his entire pelvis region. I have to admit...although it looks REALLY cool on paper, I don't know how its going to look on him...permanently. I mean, I have confidence it will look cool...but what if it comes out looking different than I thought?? Oh well.

And then right after his, (which will take THREE hours) I'm going to get mine. I'm opting for the two doves touching beaks. I have altered the pick so only a thin line of black creates the doves outline, and then it fades out into dots. The whole thing won't be bigger than two quarters and its going as CLOSE to my hairline as I can possibly get.

Julie, I don't plan on "letting" it show at my wedding :) I LOVE this tattoo and I"m excited...but a tattoo at a wedding where i"m wearing a huge poofy dress and have pink everywhere? Naah, wouldn't work. I've actually always wanted to wear my hair DOWN for the wedding, but I don't know if that would look good. So if I DO wear my hair up, I'll get some panstick and sponges, etc and cover it up. Its so small, I bet I could just use a lot of concealer ;)

Soo, I'm SO excited and definetly a little nervous. But probably more nervous for Mike than for me :D

Today is my off day, yesterday I did about 45-55 minutes of VERY brisk walking (I was flyyyyyyying) but I miss my old routine, I'm very eager to get back to the gym!!
Talk to you later!

[Briar]

youl be fine, its hurts but not a sore pain, more an annoying feeling!! once he stops you will actually want him to keep going as its quite an addictive feeling! I had mine done about 3 years ago and im now contemplating getting it removed, its a bit big and i dont want to be a mum or grandmother with a tattoo but that is just me!! also the main reason is that my mum really doesnt like it!!! so my plan to rebel and piss her off when i went to get it done obviously did work but it was just a adolescent stupid thing i did without really thinking about it!!

You have put alot of thought into yours and that is what you need to do, i didint and now kinda regret it!!!!

Good luck and you will be fine :D xx

[TheDiz]

I almost got a tatoo once of a hot naked guy, then I realized that when I got older, he would too ;) so I changed my mind





(j/k) :D

[Megin]

GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW TAT!!!!!
YOU WILL LOVE IT!!! :)

Yea, I agree, no tat in the weding pics...(well, maybe a few pics ,))

Hehe, VERY brisk walk...gotta love it!
I hate walking with a passion...nothing but aww for those who walk- its soooo good for you, I just don´t have the patience for it!!

[Paichka]

That is so awesome about your tattoo, Tai! I'm sure you're going to love it.

Sunny

[taifighter]

Here is my tattoo!! It did not really hurt at all, and it only lasted about 30-40 minutes. Poor Mike though...his lasted three hours, and it was all over his stomach. I don't know how he was able to handle it, but he did!!

[aprilai]

your tattoo is so cute tai!! i like mike's tattoo too; it's a really interesting and creative design.

[sherdi]

Both of your tattoos look great! :D

[TheDiz]

both of the tats look awsome :) congrats

[Paichka]

TAI!!! That tattoo is fantastic!

And your boy's tattoo is great as well. Honestly, getting tats on your stomach doesn't hurt nearly as bad as some places. I have one on my tummy that didn't hurt at all, but the one on my back (over my spine) KILLED. I'll have to post pictures sometime.

But that is BEAUTIFUL. So original, I'm a huge fan.

Sunny

[MsJewels]

LOVE your tattoo, Tai! You have great taste. :) And good call for the wedding!

[kkapp]

great looking tatoos Tai.... his looked like it really hurt. I am waaaaaay to chicken to get one. i went with an old bf one time when he got his. I decided right then and there that there was no way in he$$ I was going to get one. So I commend you on yours:)

[taifighter]

Thank you everyone for the sweet compliments on my tattoo. Its funny, everyone that sees it gushes over it, but I honestly haven't gotten a really good look at it myself :blush:
Even the pics Mike took are kind of blurry lol. Karla, Mike's tattoo DID hurt. That poor thing. He has extremely low blood pressure too, so he's prone to blacking out if his heart starts beating too fast (vascular response, I think its called?) but anyway, he endured all three hours of it. By the time he was done, I felt like I had just gotten a tattoo WITH him, I was so stressed from watching him :)
Luckily for me, mine did not hurt too bad..and even the most intense pain didn't last very long, thank goodness. I'm glad I got it...and I'm just hoping in 20 years I wont regret it :D

Back to the gym today, and with a new plan to start running more! I have been avoiding running for some time now, sticking to the elliptical or stairstepper...but I've been inspired now by both my dad (placed 300 out 6,000 in the marathon he just ran) and my friend (ran her first marathon this weekend) that I'm determined to run myself.
Not that I'm aiming for a marathon mind you :) My goal is to do 5 miles. Yes, five measly little miles, which back in the day would have been nothing for me...but sadly I've let my running go. Hopefully I can pick it back up again fairly quickly.

Today I ran 20 minutes at 5.5 mph, so rough 1.8 miles. Nothing to cheer about, BUT the best part was that it was sooo easy..I fell into a really nice groove and I easily could have kept running. But I decided not to kill myself, since my starting goal was to see how many minutes I could run out of 20 comfortably. Tomorrow or Wednesday, I will add 1-2 more minutes.
Now, the difficult thing is, it always seems easy for me to pick up running, but then around week 3 or 4, I lose all motivation and hit a wall...I can't go any further than like three or four miles. So I'll have to work on that.

WELL! I've yammered on for awhile...quick recap of my WO
Shoulders
Dumbell press super set w/
arnold press (hahahha ahhh-naald)
3 sets of 12x10lbs

Front dumbell raise superset w/
Side dumbell raise
3 sets of 12x5lbs

Seated flyes (machine)
2 sets of 10x20lbs
2 sets of 15x10lbs

VERY abbreviated lifting session, my main focus was running today.
20 minutes running, 5.5 mph
5 minutes walking 4mph
15 minutes elliptical

[arose70]

Tai!!! How could I miss those???!!!! WOW, I LOVE your tattoo!!!! That is so great, so unique, so AWESOME! Okay, and don't beat me up but your man's tattoo is sooooooo sexy!!! Hmmm, might have my hubs take a look at that one, hint hint, wink wink :D Congrats to both of you!

[RSR]

Just wanted to stop in and say that the tattoos do look great! I am thinking of getting one at some point, but I am not sure what it would be or where. Also, I love checking in and seeing what you are doing because our height and measurements are similar. Have you seen much improvement or gain since you started?

[Megin]

Back to the gym today, and with a new plan to start running more! I have been avoiding running for some time now, sticking to the elliptical or stairstepper...but I've been inspired now by both my dad (placed 300 out 6,000 in the marathon he just ran) and my friend (ran her first marathon this weekend) that I'm determined to run myself.
Not that I'm aiming for a marathon mind you :) My goal is to do 5 miles. Yes, five measly little miles, which back in the day would have been nothing for me...but sadly I've let my running go. Hopefully I can pick it back up again fairly quickly.

Today I ran 20 minutes at 5.5 mph, so rough 1.8 miles. Nothing to cheer about, BUT the best part was that it was sooo easy..I fell into a really nice groove and I easily could have kept running. But I decided not to kill myself, since my starting goal was to see how many minutes I could run out of 20 comfortably. Tomorrow or Wednesday, I will add 1-2 more minutes.
Now, the difficult thing is, it always seems easy for me to pick up running, but then around week 3 or 4, I lose all motivation and hit a wall...I can't go any further than like three or four miles. So I'll have to work on that.

WELL! I've yammered on for awhile...quick recap of my WO
Shoulders
Dumbell press super set w/
arnold press (hahahha ahhh-naald)
3 sets of 12x10lbs

Front dumbell raise superset w/
Side dumbell raise
3 sets of 12x5lbs

Seated flyes (machine)
2 sets of 10x20lbs
2 sets of 15x10lbs

VERY abbreviated lifting session, my main focus was running today.
20 minutes running, 5.5 mph
5 minutes walking 4mph
15 minutes elliptical

5 measly miles????? No, T...5 miles is not in the least bit measly!!! The first 5 or so are the most difficult, after that you can find your "runners high" Good for you T. I am so proud of this post, you have no idea. Every word was written with good intent on your part.
My congrats to your dad and your friend!
Nice workout here T!!!! I mean that, thats quality material.
Um, nope, after week 3 or 4 you will not be hitting a wall with this running, I will not allow such a thing!!!

Keep it up T
PS, great TATTY!!! I love it. You will not be regretting this one in 20 years, it is way to creative not to absolutly love!

[taifighter]

5 measly miles????? No, T...5 miles is not in the least bit measly!!! The first 5 or so are the most difficult, after that you can find your "runners high" Good for you T. I am so proud of this post, you have no idea. Every word was written with good intent on your part.
My congrats to your dad and your friend!
Nice workout here T!!!! I mean that, thats quality material.
Um, nope, after week 3 or 4 you will not be hitting a wall with this running, I will not allow such a thing!!!

Keep it up T
PS, great TATTY!!! I love it. You will not be regretting this one in 20 years, it is way to creative not to absolutly love!

YOU ARE TOO SWEET!! And you've made my day!
And don't worry, I'll be using your journal as a cheat sheet for my running workouts, miss athlete ;)

PS. DARN IT! I can't give you any more reputation :(
Please accept this smiley as a token of my appreciation :D

[MsJewels]

I hate the limits they set for reps. Can I help that the good comments come from my gals?? I mean, I'm not trying to stack anyone's reps, but in some cases I'm not allowed to rep someone anymore and I can't even remember commenting about them in the past!!!

Anyhoo, that's for letting me vent that. :)

I agree w/ Megs - When I run, the first two miles are by FAR the hardest, and then I feel like I could go forever. You're doing great, Tai! I'm so proud of you for sticking to your routine and continuing to improve and learn with everyday. Don't you feel like you're a different person from when you first logged onto this site? I honestly feel that way - And I can hardly remember what life was like before my morning cardio and gym visit! (I realized today at Shapes when the front desk staffer knew from memory my six digit membership number that I'm definitely known as a regular! Yay!)

[taifighter]

I hate the limits they set for reps. Can I help that the good comments come from my gals?? I mean, I'm not trying to stack anyone's reps, but in some cases I'm not allowed to rep someone anymore and I can't even remember commenting about them in the past!!!

Anyhoo, that's for letting me vent that. :)

I agree w/ Megs - When I run, the first two miles are by FAR the hardest, and then I feel like I could go forever. You're doing great, Tai! I'm so proud of you for sticking to your routine and continuing to improve and learn with everyday. Don't you feel like you're a different person from when you first logged onto this site? I honestly feel that way - And I can hardly remember what life was like before my morning cardio and gym visit! (I realized today at Shapes when the front desk staffer knew from memory my six digit membership number that I'm definitely known as a regular! Yay!)

Yes! a gym regular!!! :) The people at 24 hour fitness don't even scan my pass anymore. Thanks for the support Julie!

Today I ran TWENTY MINUTES non stop at 5.5 and I felt GREAT. I had the new NIN CD blasting and I could have run forever. I swear. But I stopped after 20 minutes :D If I'm going to run 6 times a week, I need to keep it nice and gentle at first. But I'm proud for adding 3 minutes to my time. Tomorrow I'll add 1 or 2 more. I ran about 1.9 miles altogether, so thats cool!

suuper quickie back workout -
Seated wide grip row
10x40lb; 10x55; 10x55; 10x40lb

Wide grip lat pulldown
10x40; 10x50; 10x50; 10x40lb
superset w/
straight arm pulldown
10x15lbs; 10x15;10x15; 10x10

20 minute run@ 5.5mph
13 minutes of walking @ 4mph
10 minutes on the elliptical
all together caloriesperhour says I burned about 370K (weights included)
Yippee!!

[RSR]

I just had to say- I used to work out to NIN all the time years ago! It was awesome! Now I don't listen to music so much, though, because it makes me angry or something when I'm working out. lol.

[taifighter]

Woooooooooooooohoooo!
You'd think I won a 5K today, I'm so pleased with myself. I ran for 33 minutes today!! :D It was nooo sweat. Granted, I was going 5.5mph on a treadmill, at 1%...but its a start! I'm going to get some brand new tennies in the next day or two, I think that will allow me to run even longer. I mentally could have kept running, but my shins started to hurt, I think from my crappy old shoes. Any cushioning in them is long gone. But anyway, I am very pleased :)
I had a crappy day yesterday, Mike is gone on travel all this week, AND I'm about to get my period, so I was having one of those, "I'm fat and useless" days. But ha HA! I may feel like a bloated whale...but now I'm a bloated whale that ran nearly 3 miles. BOO YAH!

Soo all in all I did 33 minutes of running @ 5.5mph, then 12 minutes walking @4mph then a 5 minute cooldown on the bike, plus a good stretch (thats another thing I'm learning to do again..STRETCH.)

[Megin]

YOU ARE TOO SWEET!! And you've made my day!
And don't worry, I'll be using your journal as a cheat sheet for my running workouts, miss athlete ;)

PS. DARN IT! I can't give you any more reputation :(
Please accept this smiley as a token of my appreciation :D


haha, just saw the @ss reduction part in your signature, how funny is that!!

Oh, and I don´t need rep points, I just need Tai to smile and that is better than all the rep points available!!!!!


Oh, and look at that run you just did!! How great are you feeling about yourself for acomplishing that one!!!!

[MsJewels]

That's awesome, Tai!


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big High 5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheDiz]

Tai, ur a friggin P I M P :D That run sounds like it was very satisfying (except for the whole shin sp? thing)

[terracotta]

Tai - I'm a little late but I just thought I'd tell you I love your tattoo.

[taifighter]

Thanks, you guys are really sweet!

Well I haven't had a day this bad in a long, long time. Just one crappy situation and circumstance after the other. My stomach was in knots all day from stress, so I decided to take a break from cardio today and do some lifting.

Chest/Arms
Bench press:
10x45lbs, 10x60lbs, 8x75lbs, 10x60lbs
Incline bench:
10x25lbs, 10x25lbs, 10x30lbs
Pec flyes
10x30, 10x40, 10x30

Barbell bicep curl
3 sets of 10x30lbs superset w/
strongman dumbell curl
3 sets of 10x10lbs

Tricep kickbacks (?? think thats what they're called)
10x5lbs, 10x5lbs, 10x8lbs superset w/
Overhead dumbell press
3 sets of 10x15lbs

I thought I'd really pound a good long workout because I was stressed, but apparently that only works if I'm mad. Today I just felt sad and listless. Oh well. Enough of me moping. Time to curl up with tea and a book!

[imperfectly_lou]

I'm sorry to hear you had such a crappy day... good on you for hitting the gym!

Hope tomorrow is a better day for you :)

[taifighter]

Thanks lou :)
I was on the THIRD page today. Wow, shame on me! But maaan, there are SO many journals now! Thats cool!

Didn't mean to take Friday and Saturday off from the gym, but on Saturday Mike and I planned to lift together, but by the time we go to the Marine gym, it was closed! So we went on Sunday and it was so much fun! I LOVE lifting with Mike, he always pushes me to lift harder. He was complimenting me left and right..the best thing he said was that I have the BEST form he's ever seen on anyone. He said every exercise I do is like straight out of a textbook. I was pleased, I try SO hard to have good form :)
He also said I should think about becoming a personal trainer, which was very sweet of him, hehe. I don't know if I'd make much of a personal trainer. I would LOVE to be one of those, "lifestyle coaches", where I'd like, workout with and buy groceries and cook with someone to show them how to be healthier. That would be a blast. Don't know what the market for that is though!!

Anyway, had a nice workout. It was a bit mixed up b/c I wanted to do back but Mike wanted to work chest. So I did a little of both :P

Assisted pull-ups
10x110lbs assistance
7x80lbs assistance
6x70lbs assistance...I would have NEVER motivated myself to do this w/o Michael. I've never done pullups with this little weight, woohoo!!

Seated Row
10x40
10x50
10x60 woohoo, I did 10 EASILY at 60lbs..I'm getting stronger!

Lat pull-down
10x40
10x50
10x50

Cable cross overs
10x30lbs
10x20
10x20 ...I love these, I can never do them at my gym, people are always using them.

I don't know what the difference is between the Marine Recruit gym and 24 hour fitness...maybe better equipment? But I was able to lift more weight, much more easily at the Marine gym. Maybe it was all mental? It almost felt like the weight machines were better greased or something? Anyway, after that I did about 12 minutes of sprint work on the treadmill, 1 minute of sprinting at 8mph and 2 minutes walking at 3.8mph. After that Mike and I jogged about 20 minutes around the Marine base, we almost ran into like HUNDREDS of soldiers doing drills...I thought we were going to get in trouble! But it was so much fun!!!


Today I did 25 minutes of jogging so far...kind of slow, about 5.2mph. My pace is always wacky when I run outside. I go between running REALLY fast and puttering along. I think I'll do another 20 minutes this afternoon. I'm really starting to like running again!!

[MsJewels]

Sounds like a great weekend! Glad to hear that your form is right on - That's so important. I find that when I up the weight my form suffers for awhile, and it frustrates me!

I think you'd be a great coach or trainer or anything you want. You're so positive, and seem to really be a great 'people person' - and I know first-hand that you're definitely able to motivate others! :) Keep up the great work, Tai!

[JumpinJill]

yes i think you'd make an awesome life coach/personal trainer! You have this great enthusiasm that just shines and would inspire anyone!

I think I run like you too! Slow, fast, slow, medium, sppprrrint, walk.....lol

[Megin]

Sounds like a great weekend! Glad to hear that your form is right on - That's so important. I find that when I up the weight my form suffers for awhile, and it frustrates me!

I think you'd be a great coach or trainer or anything you want. You're so positive, and seem to really be a great 'people person' - and I know first-hand that you're definitely able to motivate others! :) Keep up the great work, Tai!


BUMP TO THAT!!!!

[taifighter]

You guys are SO SWEET!! What a nice pick-me-up after my this past crappy week!! :) Wish I could give you big reps and big hugs :D

Julie.. I HAVE PICKED MY COLORS AND FLOWERS!!! yahoo!

[taifighter]

I went jogging yesterday for a total of about 50 minutes, roughly 4.5 miles!! Now my goal, of course, is to actually run all 50 minutes consecutively, but I'm taking baby steps ;)

I also did about 150 various crunches (crunches on the ball, decline crunches, bicycles, bridges and planks, stomach vac's) AND about 250 lunge and step variations (with no weight or 5lbs) on the good old Firm stepper!! :)
I did step ups, step downs, side lunges, plie squats, walking lunges, you name it! I am SORE today!!! I think its time to bite the bullet and get some new running shoes. But I'm going to the store that custom fits your foot to get the perfect shoe!! Hopefully they won't poke at my feet too much, I have a SERIOUS issue with having my feet touch. If I had a nickel for every weird quirk of mine....

...I'd have enough money to not have to get back to work!! :P

[JumpinJill]

sounds like a really fun workout!!
I understand though about the shoes, it's just horrible if somethings rubbing against your feet in an odd way! I didn't know they make shoes like that so when I can I'm going to have to check something out like that too!

[MsJewels]

Julie.. I HAVE PICKED MY COLORS AND FLOWERS!!! yahoo!
Awesome! Details!!!!

You're making great progress w/ your running. :) I've also never heard of a store that custom fits shoes - What's it called? I just got new shoes for my b-day. They're white and purpley-pink with silver details - I feel like I'm stylin' in the gym now! lol! It's funny that I'd prefer to get dressed to go to the gym than to go out to a club now...

[taifighter]

Julie..yes yes, its very exciting :) I'll send more details in an email, but I have picked a few different coordinating shades of pink, bright daffodil yellow, white, spring green and a deep purple/blue. I know that must sound weird, but the plan is that I'll carry a bouquet of daisies, my b-maids will carry 3-4 Gerber daisies in the different shades of pink (and their dresses will be the darkest pink color) and then the centerpieces and other arrangements will be lots of daisies + other pink/white/yellow flowers all tied together with green and purple blue accents. PHEW!!!! :D

Got a 25 minute run in, it was gross wet kind of day, and I swear it made me feel so heavy and sluggish during my run. But I stuck it out. I went to the gym this afternoon and lifted shoulders. I skipped doing another run cause my legs are sore, thought they could use a break.

Upright row
3 sets of 12x25lbs superset with
Dumbell shoulder press
3 sets of 10x10lbs

Side dumbell raises
3 sets of 10x5lbs superset with
Tequila shots
3 sets of 10x5lbs

Front dumbell raises
3 sets of 10x5lbs

Low cable pulley to neck
3 sets of 25lbs

Reverse flyes
3 sets of 25lbs

It was a nice hard workout...a little mundane though, I need to spice up my shoulder routine.
Tonight I'm going out w/ friends for some Thai food...yay my favorite! I've already got it planned...raw spring rolls and spicy veggie stirfry with tofu (hold the rice).


PS. Jill and Julie and Megin and Sunny and EVERYONE...I'm sorry I haven't been posting in your journals. Lately I've been doing "fly bys"...I'll just read your last post and then move on :( Next week Mike is out of town so I'll have more time in the evening to read and post!!

[taifighter]

Did everyone see that Julie squatted 200lbs?!?!? That is SO AWESOME!! I have to admit, it makes me itch to go and squat some heavy weight of my own...but my body has different ideas.

I always thought I was more of an hour glass shape, but now I'm starting to think I'm just a pear. If I gain weight it goes straight to my butt and thighs. (Of course, I don't even get to have a small waist. No, I'm a waist-less freak with a big ole butt :D) I seem to very easily gain weight in my lower half...whether its fat or muscle. And its very HARD for me to maintain muscle in my upper half. Arrgh frustrating.
Anyway, the point of my story is, when I was bulking I lifted my legs very heavy, lots and lots of squats, etc and I built lots of muscle. don't get me wrong, I am so glad I have the ability to put on muscle and that I can just LOOK at my calves and they grow....but after a few months, my already large hips and butt GOT BIGGER.
Now, I can't fit into pants I used to fit into before I started lifting. Sigh.
So I decided the better route for me was to do more weight-bearing, non-incline cardio (like, long distance running) and more leg work that involved very high reps and little or no weight. I try to lift TWICE as hard for my upper body, just to keep what I have.

I just don't know if what I'm doing is the best way to reduce the size of my legs. I know I've personally preached that having muscle means you'll be smaller, and more compact...and its true that my legs are smaller than they'd be if I was 135lbs of fat...but they're still pretty big!!! Its getting to the point where I can't buy pants because my butt is this enormous bubble and my lower half is just so...thick.

Ok, maybe I'm just freaking out, and its somewhat in my head. I don't know. I just needed to rant a bit. :)

I ran for THIRTY TWO minutes straight today, at 5.6 mph!! Yahoo! But man! I still haven't gotten those new shoes, and my legs were killing me today. I stuck it out though. I gave my legs a break and did 10 minutes on the bike after that. Did you know 10 minutes of moderate cycling burns 73 calories? Well, at least for my height and weight it does!
So all in all I burned about 432 calories, which is cool...helps me burn off the Thai food and half glass of wine from last night!

[MsJewels]

It's hard to atrophy leg muscles once they're built, since you use them all the time (unless you're bed ridden). You're on the right track with lifting lighter weights (not LIGHT weights, of course - I use 'lighter' in comparasion to the weights you'd be lifting when going heavy to bulk up). My trainer first started me with high reps, too, since she knew that she wanted me to build my upper half and be porportional. Your cardio will definitely help to lean them out.

[JumpinJill]

Hey tai, I think we are somewhat similar builds, it's hard for me to get a real defined waist, VERY hard for me to keep upper body muscle but sooooooooo easy to get bulky thighs....

I think as much as I looove sprinting I'll have to start long distance running to tone down my thighs...

Congrats on running that long!!! Yay now I have something to aspire to now :)

But tai from pics I have seen of you have a tiny waist!! :)

[taifighter]

Hey tai, I think we are somewhat similar builds, it's hard for me to get a real defined waist, VERY hard for me to keep upper body muscle but sooooooooo easy to get bulky thighs....

I think as much as I looove sprinting I'll have to start long distance running to tone down my thighs...

Congrats on running that long!!! Yay now I have something to aspire to now :)

But tai from pics I have seen of you have a tiny waist!! :)

You are TOO cute Jill! Hey, I just read somewhere in this forum that doing sprint intervals will NOT bulk up your legs...at least not anymore than plain old running. I guess though, the ultimate way to get leaner legs is to run lots of long distance. But I wouldn't give up your sprints, especially if you love them!!!!

I think we have similar builds too, looking at your pics. And HEY, you have a small waist too!! AND a flat stomach!!! :D I guess its just all in the eye of the beholder. I think its funny that we both have also started gravitating to cardio again. When I first started in the forum and weight lifting, I kind of felt like cardio was this terrible thing. But I'm starting to realize (unless you're a marathon runner or a pro body builder) that you need a healthy balance!!

[taifighter]

Quickie workout post before I bike to the shoe store for NEW RUNNING SHOES!! :D

25 minutes of running this morning

Then in the PM I lifted chest and arms...

Bicep curl
2 sets of 10x12lbs
1 set of 10x 15lbs super set w/
Hammer curl
2 sets of 10x12lbs
1 set of 10x 15lbs

Chest press
3 sets of 10x15lbs super set w/
Pec fly
3 sets of 10x15lbs

Tricep skull crushers
3 sets of 8x12lbs (SO HARD...my arms were shaking!) super set with
Overhead tricep press
3 sets of 8x12lbs

Rope hammer curl
1 set of 10x25lbs
2 sets of 10x35

Rope tricep pulldown
1 set of 10x25
2 sets of 10x35

After lifting, I did another 20 minutes on the treadmill @5.6mph. woo!
I did nearly 5 miles of running today. I wonder how comparable the results are of running 2 sessions of 2.5 miles ..or running 5 miles consecutively?


oh oh!! I felt my FIRST earth quake today. I meant to ask Jill about in her journal...but there was a 7.1 on Tuesday out in the ocean by Northern California..we had a tsunami warning in effect for awhile. And today I felt an aftershock!! I've slept through the last two we had, so I was so excited!!!

[Paichka]

AHHHH Tai! An earthquake???

What kind of shoes are you buying? I make it a point to always buy pink shoes, whichever brand. Being in the army, it feels like I'm thumbing my nose at the regulations by running around in my girlie footwear.

So what did you buy???

Sunny

[taifighter]

AHHHH Tai! An earthquake???

What kind of shoes are you buying? I make it a point to always buy pink shoes, whichever brand. Being in the army, it feels like I'm thumbing my nose at the regulations by running around in my girlie footwear.

So what did you buy???

Sunny

YEAH! Five earthquakes now in the past few weeks. Its preetyy crazy!
I bought a really awesome pair of Adidas women's SC2's in yellow/black/white.
They have all that adiPrene and pro-moderator impact protection stuff. I'm excited. They have a ton of support in the arch, which I'm not used to. They actually kind of hurt my feet the first few times I ran with them. But they're awesome, I feel like I'm running with springs :D

http://www.superrunnersshop.com/images/Adidas_SC2_W.jpg

[MsJewels]

I love new shoes! I got an awesome, cute AND comfy pair of Nike running shoes (Nike Impax Run II) in white/silver/purple for my b-day - I love 'em! I wish I could wear them now... These sandals are killing my feet today...

Great w/o the other day!

[MsJewels]

I think that we need to create a thread on this or something because info is floating all over the place but there is no real connection. Anyway...

October 7-9th in New Orleans
Hampton Inn, Warehouse District
Bring your party clothes and alcohol tolerance! :D
Have you heard about the trip?? It would be fun! (The main chat is in Sillyvent's journal)

[taifighter]

Have you heard about the trip?? It would be fun! (The main chat is in Sillyvent's journal)
I will have to check this out!!! That sounds so much fun! I have never been to New Orleans :D

Had a great workout today...
Shoulders
Front cable raise
3 sets of 8x10lbs (these were HARD, i guess the cables add more resistance)
super set with/
Standing low pulley side raise
3 sets of 6-8x10lbs

Reverse dumbell flyes
3 sets of 10x5lbs superset w/
Seated incline front raise
3 sets of 10x5lbs superset w/
Side dumbell raise
3 sets of 10x5lbs
(if you do three exercises in a row, is that giant set?)

Dumbell press
3 sets of 10x10lbs superset w/
Tequila shots
3 sets of 8x10lbs superset w/
One arm bent-over lateral raises
3 sets of 8x5lbs.

Phew. I LOVE super sets. They keep the workout intense and it seems to speed things right along. Lately I've been sticking to lighter weights and 8-10 reps to build size in my shoulders. I'm really pleased with the way my upper body is progressing, but I don't know if I'll ever think my shoulders and arms are defined enough!!

After lifting I did 35 minutes of running at 5.6mph!! Yahoo, beat last week's record. And I was NOT in comfort most of the run...the past two days I've really upped my fiber intake and its taken its toll on my stomach. Also, my new shoes are really great, but they've give me to BIG blisters on the insides of my feet. But even though I was in pain for most of the run, I stuck it out!
I did about 5 minutes of fast walking and then 5 minutes on the bike.

[Megin]

wow T...Nice workout!!

I see you are increasing your speed! Thats the way to do it...and if it were comfortable, everyone would do it. You are among the few who is willing to tolerate the pain it brings. This of it that way- you are so far ahead of everyone else!!!

yuck, earth quakes. no good T, no good!

[taifighter]

wow T...Nice workout!!

I see you are increasing your speed! Thats the way to do it...and if it were comfortable, everyone would do it. You are among the few who is willing to tolerate the pain it brings. This of it that way- you are so far ahead of everyone else!!!

yuck, earth quakes. no good T, no good!

Megin, thanks so much for the encouragement. It is really flattering and means a lot to me, coming from you :)

PS. I actually typed my speed in my journal wrong...I was running 5.7mph!! yaahoo. After you go up from 5.5, I swear, 5.7, 5.7, 5.8 etc all feel the same. Its cool!

[taifighter]

owww my feet are KILLING me. I'm pretty angry. I bought a nice new pair of *expensive* running shoes, and they are murdering my feet. I know that shoes need broken in, and that a few blisters can be expected...but I'm suffereing with multiple deep blisters as well as bruising and pain on the outside of my foot. I have wide feet that kind of roll out, so I guess maybe thats why. But because of the blisters and stuff, my stride has changed, and its killing my knees!! Sorry to whine, but its just so frustrating! I bought new shoes to IMPROVE my running, not make it a struggle. The worst part is that I find myself mentally ready to run further and further, but my stupid feet are holding me back. Grrrrr.

Ok, glad to get that out :) I think on Saturday I'll go back to the shoe store and tell them my problem. Anyway, constant nagging pain aside, I did 35 minutes outside. I think I was doing about 5.5mph, maybe less. I felt great mentally, which is cool. Usually for me, running isn't difficult physically...I just end up psyching myself out or getting bored.

I think tomorrow I'm going to skip the run and do elliptical and bike..give my feet a break and cross train :)

[MsJewels]

Bring the shoes back, Tai. I ran for 1/2 hour in my brand new, week-old runners today and I feel awesome. They are 100% better than my "broken-in" shoes - no soreness, no numbness, in fact, I didn't even realize that today was the first time I ran in them until you mentioned your shoe troubles. If I was you, I'd take them back asap and demand an exchange, or refund if you don't like anything else in the store. Get the shoes I got! They white/purple/silver/black and are so cute w/ my gym outfits! Love 'em!

Let me know if you are thinking about that trip - I'll meet up w/ you there if you're going. That weekend works perfectly for me, which is a bonus!

[arose70]

Hey tai! Just checkin in....those shoes sound killer--I agree with MsJ, take em back asap! glad to see your running is improving QUICKLY! Maybe you can just run to New Orleans!! LOL! You are coming right????????!!!!!!!!! I have been trying to get the gals with fiance's/hub's to go! I am not about to be the only attached woman there with a bunch of "manizing" girl bbers around!!! LOL! Cmon Tai, you know you wanna!!!

[Megin]

After you go up from 5.5, I swear, 5.7, 5.7, 5.8 etc all feel the same. Its cool!

haha, its all the same until you hit 11mph ;)

[taifighter]

HI GUYS!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Wow, I've really missed posting here! I had one heck of a hectic 10 days, I was travelling all week, and then we had a friend in town over the weekend, and then I travelled again with Mike to China Lake, and I'm working out of a hotel room. But its really pretty, and last night I had rainbow trout for the first time and hung out in the hot tub.

I have been keeping up with my training for the most part, but was only able to eek out a few days the past week. They have a gym here and I got in an AWESOME workout yesterday -- circuit-type exercises plus plyometrics. I'm actually sore today, that never seems to happen anymore :)

AND on Saturday I got to go sea-kayaking. It was awesome!! And man, don't think you have upper body strength till you try paddling out past breakers for 20 minutes! I can't wait to go again.

Aaaand, I think Megin will be ESPECIALLY proud of this...but I have decided to start training for my first TRIATHLON!!! Wooohooo!!

Its something I've wanted to do for ages, but was never able to really coordinate (or commit to) until now. For the next 4-6 months I'm really only focusing on building a good endurance base (getting used to swimming and biking non-stop, etc), and I'm just going to shoot for a shorter, sprint triathlon, but I'm excited!

Mike is going to come with me to the pool (he used to be on the swim team) and be my "instructor" and I'm going to see if I can get an old bike from my parents (I have a cruiser right now, but it has no speeds...and you brake by backpedaling). Anyway, I'm excited to have a goal and get started!!

Weight lifting will continue of course, but I'll probably drop it back to 3 days a week, mostly upperbody (if I can stand to do so little!!).

Anyway, gotta go to a meeting, but by Thursday I'll hopefully be posting my first training workout :) hope you're all having a wonderful day!!

[arose70]

WOW! Another triathelete!!!! CONGRATS! That is such an awesome goal!

And now my pitch for new orleans:

You HAVE to come with us Tai! It's gonna be sooooo much fun!!!!! We are just gonna let loose for a weekend!!! PLEEAAASSEEE???!!!! At least look into it...for me ;)

[taifighter]

WOW! Another triathelete!!!! CONGRATS! That is such an awesome goal!

And now my pitch for new orleans:

You HAVE to come with us Tai! It's gonna be sooooo much fun!!!!! We are just gonna let loose for a weekend!!! PLEEAAASSEEE???!!!! At least look into it...for me ;)

Aww sweetie!!! I knew I was forgetting SOMEthing in my post ;)
I have already began buttering up Mikey about New Orleans. I definitely want to go!!!!!!!! And even if Mike can't go...I'll still try to get out there, I promise!! :D

[mizone]

Great to have you back Tai and your goal sounds totally awesome! Once you know you are able to stick with the lifestyle its really good to start or challange your body with something completely different. And a Tri, I would love to do that but too much stress on shins for the running. So I will be watching!! What are the distances ?

[taifighter]

hey mizone!! I just spent yesterday hanging out with a bunch of Aussie's that Mike works with! AND guess what??? Mike has a chance to get picked for a one-year assignment IN Australia!!! It would be in a city about 1 hour north of Sydney. I don't remember what its called...but I would DIE if I got to go there!!!!!! If it happens, you will have to give me lots of tips!!!
Anywho ;)

I'm going to train for a sprint triathlon...I don't know much about the sport, so there could be lots of variations, but I'm going to aim for 0.5 mile swim, 13 mile bike ride, 3.2 mile run (800meter Swim | 21km Bike | 5k Run :))

Right now, the 3.2 miles is no sweat...and I think I could muscle my way through the bike ride (riding outside is WAY better than indoor cycling. After 2 minutes of stationary biking, I want to bash my head off the handle bars because I'm so bored)...its the SWIMMING that will be a challenge. I'm an ok swimmer, but I get freaked out with breathing...and I have zero endurance. Oh well, thats what training is for, right? :D

[arose70]

Alright!!! Ya know....MsJ and I are leaving our hubby's behind...sound good to you?? I am so HAPPY you are considering it though!!! YAY!

[taifighter]

ohhh I don't want to post these but I have to, its been awhile and i gotta show my progress. I guess I wish I was a little more lean...and that my butt wasn't still SUCH a "problem area". BUT I do have to say I like the way my shoulders, back and waist are developing. I think i really am getting closer to a more "V" like shape. So thats cool!!! And besides, I think this triathlon training will be a good shock to my body and help me lose a little more bf.
The best thing about the training for me, is it will be away to focus on being an ATHLETE, not some girl on a diet. Not that I think of myself that way (good lord, I CAN'T diet, I just don't have it in me) but I feel like lately, I've been too concerned with numbers and measurements rather than just pushing my body to its fullest potential. Ok, I'm just stalling now...;) Here are the pics!!

PS. I was being lazy and not flexing at all. sorry!

[MsJewels]

Looking great, Tai!! You're right that your back and waist are developing really nicely - That v-shape has arrived!!! :D As for your tosh, I think that a cutting diet will help you lose any extra pounds that you're hoping to drop, because I can tell your muscles are there waiting to be fully exposed. I know you just finished (or almost finished??) cutting for your b-day (omg, did that pass??? Did I miss your b-day??? I'm losing it these days...)

oops... totally lost my train of thought. Oh, yes, we were talking buns. ;) lol! I think you look great! Remember that the waist, hips and rear are the last and hardest body parts for women to lean out. So don't get discouraged - look at the progress you've made this far! It's awesome, and from your journal I can see you've been motivated throughout the process, and are inspiring many others. :)

[MsJewels]

LMAO! How many words can I use to describe one's @$$?? This feels like a challenge... Just joking!

[freakeefranky]

nice pics .keep it up :) you're doing great!

i'm going off to sydney university in march 2006 to study psych(bsc) whoo hoo!

jeepers....triathlon!!!OMG...that's madness...i could never do that...def will keep an eye on ur journal...lol i posted in megin's journal that i can't swim to save my life,let alone run after that...good luck with the training

[taifighter]

awww THANK YOU julie. that post is just what I needed to hear. My tosh, lol ;)

ohhh my butt. I have such a love/hate relationship with it. But you are right, first place I put on weight....and the last place to take it off!!!! I just get so frustrated, cause from the waist up I have a somewhat muscular, decent looking body...and then waist down...helooo ghetto booty.

OH WELL. no more whining for heaven's sakes!! I took your advice and went BACK to the shoe man and he gave me a switcheroo, no questions asked. I really like these new shoes, they're SO light!! Lets just hope they do me better than the last pair. Can't wait to try them out!!!


Yesterday I gave my body a rest...I probably should have lifted upper body, but my lower half at least needed a break.

Todaaay I am going for my first training bike ride and then this afternoon, a run!! So excited!! Too bad its so gross out!

[caligrl26]

Hey girl didya find some jeans for that ghetto booty!!! :)

[Megin]

Todaaay I am going for my first training bike ride and then this afternoon, a run!! So excited!! Too bad its so gross out!

T- you always put a smile on my face! You are such an upbeat person. Look how excited you are to bike and then a run!!!!! I am soooo proud of you girl! Look how much you are accomplishing.

Oh, and the "too bad its so gross out"....well, it just makes the nice days that much nicer! Just gotta put up with a few gross days everyonce and a while :)
Enjoy your workout!!!!

[taifighter]

I'M upbeat?? Megin, next to you, I look depressed ;) You rock!!

SO! I did my first official training bike ride. Ohhh man, 30 minutes of tooughness. If you want to read about it in detail, you can check out my blog
http://taifighter.blogspot.com/
(if you think I'm an upbeat person, man, don't read my blog! Its my outlet for bitter sarcasm ;))

Anyway, to sum up my blog, the ride was tough. I'm not the strongest rider, and I was using a beach cruiser, not a 10 speed! :eek: ohhh leggies!
Thats one of the first things I'm gonna look into, buying an old racing bike. But the cruiser works well enough now, and you know what...I did it! I did 30 minutes of biking directly into the wind (both ways! how does that happen?) and I'm proud :)

I can't decide if I should jog tonight or lift. Might be better to give my legs a break and run tomorrow? We shall see!!!

[mizone]

Tai that would be sooo awesome if Mike got picked for the assignment! You guys would have a total ball living here for a year!

Training for the tri sounds like a lot of fun! To me swimming one lap of a 50m pool is daunting but 800m EEEEK!!!! But I think your going to do really well :)

[taifighter]

Tai that would be sooo awesome if Mike got picked for the assignment! You guys would have a total ball living here for a year!

Training for the tri sounds like a lot of fun! To me swimming one lap of a 50m pool is daunting but 800m EEEEK!!!! But I think your going to do really well :)

Thanks Mizone!! It would be a BLAST. Lets keep our fingers crossed!! :D

I did an upper body workout and some light running this afternoon. I did a lifting circuit three times through, with different exercises for biceps, triceps, chest, back and shoulders each time. I like to do this routine when I'm in a time crunch. Then I did an ab circuit with crunches, bicycles, decline crunches and planks. THEN I did 15 minutes of running at 5.7mph.
My legs are killing me!!! Love the burn!!!! :)


PS. Hey Megin...or any other tri people out there...anyone know if its possible to do some of your training on a stationary bike?? My dilemma is right now my only access to a pool is on an army base (that Mike takes me to with his ID) so I can't just go tooling around the base on my bike afterwards...but the pool also has a gym with stationary bikes. I was thinking... I could swim 20 minutes then hop on the bike, hit the hill setting and do another 20-30 minutes. But would this just be wasting my time??

This would be until I got a lot stronger at swimming, then I could start swimming in the ocean (eep!!) and after hop on my bike and train outside. Any thoughts?

[Sunshineslynn]

Hey Tai-

I'm back to bother you. After my journey cross country and sickness etc. I see why you are so upbeat I love it out here. It is truely amazing, I went into San Fran today and had a blast. Congrats to you on the decision for a tri. That sounds so exciting. Your workouts look great and progress pics.......WHOA WOMAN YOU LOOK GREAT.....KEEP IT UP.


I will be peeking in every so often, hubby ships out in 2 weeks and I will be busy.


smiles
sheri

[TheDiz]

Tai- A triathalon woohooo, I want to do one of those someday. I love to swim and bike, running would be tough for me tho. Sheri, San Fran? I am so jealous, I grew up near oakland, and haven't been back home in over a year. But I'm going back in August for my little cousins 14th bday. I am so excited.

[MsJewels]

I'm so amazed that you're going to do a triathalon, Tai!!! I would say that yes, training on a stationery bike is still beneficial. You would only be lacking the uphill/download, wind and heat that you'll have to endure outdoors, but in terms of cardio and muscle growth - do it! You plan sounds bang on.

How go those wedding plans?? :D

[MsJewels]

Hey girl - What's up? Long time, no post!

[kkapp]

Hey tai,
I am trying to get back into this and catching up on posts. A triathalon huh? AWESOME!!!!

How are the wedding plans? Mine is over, but it was a BLAST!!!!! The daisy theme was awesome.

What's up girl?

Karla

[Boots]

AHHHH Tai! An earthquake???

What kind of shoes are you buying? I make it a point to always buy pink shoes, whichever brand. Being in the army, it feels like I'm thumbing my nose at the regulations by running around in my girlie footwear.

So what did you buy???

Sunny
LOL Sunny
I have a wicked cute pair of pink canvas nikes (not very good for working out though)

[Boots]

YEAH! Five earthquakes now in the past few weeks. Its preetyy crazy!
I bought a really awesome pair of Adidas women's SC2's in yellow/black/white.
They have all that adiPrene and pro-moderator impact protection stuff. I'm excited. They have a ton of support in the arch, which I'm not used to. They actually kind of hurt my feet the first few times I ran with them. But they're awesome, I feel like I'm running with springs :D

http://www.superrunnersshop.com/images/Adidas_SC2_W.jpg
Hey taifighter

Jesus 5 earthquakes! Cute sneakers. Your wrkouts look great...so you are going to do a triathalon(sp). Best of luck to you :)

[TheDiz]

Where is Tai? I'm going through Tai withdrawal :(

[MsJewels]

Me too!

[arose70]

Um, can i do this?!?!?!?!? Bump this old a$$ journal??!?!?!

I SEE YOU ON HERE! I KNOW YOU WANT TO POST!

How have you been?!?!?

[Sunshineslynn]

Um, can i do this?!?!?!?!? Bump this old a$$ journal??!?!?!

I SEE YOU ON HERE! I KNOW YOU WANT TO POST!

How have you been?!?!?


I saw her too....hehe Get your behind in here....