Quest for Success

Day 1237- M5:D19 - Walking in the Rain, I feel Alive!

2010-08-21T13:18:00.001-04:00

Today was to be a long "run" day. Today I walked six miles..in the rain! Haven't done that in a long time! So awesome!! For sure I was thinking about Elaine running her 5K this morning! She rocked it beating her time from last week!
Walking six miles took me about 1 1/2 hours...the best 1 1/2 hours of the day. Had my tunes on! Was thinking of you all. Even had some praise and worship time! God is so good!! Even in the rain!! The rain for me today was like a washing of my inner spirit. I feel Alive and refreshed!
What does walking in the rain do for you? It makes you feel alive!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOESyEljmFE

NO EXCUSES!! Right!! no lightening so I'm all good!
this is what it is to be Unstoppable! You don't let a little bit of summer rain stop you from your goal. You Live it up!

Day 1233- M5:D15 - seeing spots!

2010-08-18T01:31:00.001-04:00

Warrior Woman on a Mission
"You just don't know who your messing with, I'm a Warrior!"
"There's nothing here for you, the battle's already won!"
"The Victory is Mine!"

What would you do to take a bath? What??? Well, I have to share with you what my 6 year old did. He really wanted to take a bath today. He thinks he has to be "dirty" in order to take a bath. Well, he got him self good and "dirty" by making spots on himself with a "permanent" marker!! I had to show you all! He is too funny.
What I did today to get "dirty" for my bath was a wicked aerobic circuit! I was sweating it up! It might sound strange, but I love to get sweaty when I workout! I feel like I've actually done something! I did an ab circuit yesterday and really "pushed" myself. I have not done a complete ab circuit since my surgery and it was hard!! I can really tell how much weaker I am. If I am to get these six pack abs, I'm going to have to crush those ab sessions!!
My pics are on day 15 as I "started" my mission two weeks ago, but in truth, I have not put my all into these past two weeks...but that is changing! A friend of mine on anther site, Michael Brookes and I are working on a pact to see who can get six pack abs first. We are at similar levels of body fat in respect to what we need to get down to in order to see those abs. For me, I've got some work to do! We have set a mark of November 10, that would be 84 days from today(August 18). It's time for this "old" girl to get things rockin'! And those Hips and butt just have to go!!! that pic just kills me! What a motivation to see yourself in pics daily!! this is accountability people..daily pics!! and I need it!! Because it's daily we can lose focus!! Knowing I will post pics daily, I must make some changes!!

Day 1232- M5:D14 - Positivity, Determination, Grace

2010-08-16T23:15:00.001-04:00

Positivity, Determination, Grace

pos·i·tive (pz-tv)
adj.
1. Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation: a positive answer; positive criticism.
2. Measured or moving forward or in a direction of increase or progress.

de·ter·mi·na·tion (d-tûrm-nshn)
n.
2.a. Firmness of purpose; resolve: approached the task with determination and energy.
b. A fixed intention or resolution: returned to school with a determination to finish.

grace [greɪs]
n
1. elegance and beauty of movement, form, expression, or proportion
8. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) Christianity
a. the free and unmerited favour of God shown towards man
b. the divine assistance and power given to man in spiritual rebirth and sanctification
c. the condition of being favoured or sanctified by God
d. an unmerited gift, favour, etc., granted by God

Today I went with my day with these qualities and thoughts of mind. There are many meanings for each word. I have left what I feel is what these words mean to me in this context.

today has been a great day! I got my workout in earlier today... I was sweating good. I've gotten in good meals. I am focusing on eating good whole foods that will feed and energize my body. I am focusing on positive, uplifting thoughts full of my Truths!
I am determined to make a huge transformation...mind, body, soul! The soul has made great gains in recent weeks and that also incorporates the mind. This is a daily process we must work on. We can hope for and plan for the future, but we must live for today and believe that today is going to be a great day! I have some huge goals for my future, but today I am focusing on Today and Believing that today I can do those things that will get me to the place I desire in the future. We change our future by how we live today!
So the body is the next thing I need to get in balance with the rest of me(mind, body, soul) I believe when we get these three in line and in balance that we can and will truly be at peace. I am getting ever so close to this! Right now I have peace in my soul. The mindset is a work stiLl, but ever so close as the soul has much to do with this...and the body I am just getting started with.

I am Unstoppable!!

Warrior Woman on a Mission
"You just don't know who your messing with, I'm a Warrior!"
"There's nothing here for you, the battle's already won!"
"The Victory is Mine!"

Day 1219 - M5:Day 1 - video log

2010-08-03T00:19:00.000-04:00

Warrior Woman on a Mission
"You just don't know who your messing with, I'm a Warrior!"
"There's nothing here for you, the battle's already won!"
"The Victory is Mine!"

Another Day 1 is in the record books for Suzette, the RTP Warrior! This morning I was out bright and early(for me!) doing my cardio for the day. I got to see the sunrise! Nice! I made a little video for you today to show you where I will be doing my "short" runs, which is up and down my 1/4 mile driveway. Today was 35 minutes of jogging/walking. (mostly jogging to get away from the mosquitoes! that's why I had to keep walking in my video otherwise the mosquitoes were loving me..that's also why I had on a hood)

My goals for this week:
100% compliance
lose 1.5 lbs fat
Decrease my 3 mile time
Read Daily my affirmations/focus on my PRW's
Do the Daily Action Steps

Mission 5 Goals:
Above 90% compliance
Lose 20 lbs fat
drop at least 4"inches from my hips/butt
Gain 7 lbs LBM
Run/walk Half Marathon on October 30, 2010

You Tube

Day 1 pic:

Scores:
10
10/10
100%

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Phil. 4:13

Day 1218 - Mission 5 - Day "0" Warrior Woman on a Mission

2010-08-02T03:26:00.000-04:00

Warrior Woman on a Mission
"You just don't know who your messing with, I'm a Warrior!"
"There's nothing here for you, the battle's already won!"
"The Victory is Mine!"

Blog Day 1218
Mission 5: Warrior Woman on a Mission
Start Date: August 2, 2010
End Date: October 30, 2010
PRW: to get back into pre-surgery shape
PRW: Dedicated to "Kung Fu Panda"
Mission Goals: Get back to pre-surgery shape by losing 20 lbs Fat, Gaining 7 lbs LBM.
Sub-Mission: Run a Half Marathon on October 30, 2010 in Dedication of "Kung Fu Panda"

Day "0" Stats:
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 168 lbs
Waist: 35"(at belly button)
Hips: 43"
R.thigh: 25"
Chest: 35.5"
R.bicep: 12.5"

Woman on a Mission!!

You Tube

This is what this mission is all about!!
a Woman on a Mission!

It’s time for me to make a move
And I know what I gotta do
Cause I got everything to prove
I got a plan I’m sticking to

The word is out all over town
But I don’t let it get me down
I ain’t nobody’s push around
If they could only see me now

There’s only one thing on my mind
And I am running out of time
I’m coming through, so get out of the way!

I am a woman, on a mission, whoa
Nothing can stop me, I’m stronger than ever
I’m wanna see this through
I am a woman, on a mission, whoa
Whatever it takes I will do what I gotta do

I’m gonna lay it on the line
I won’t give up without a fight
Cause I can see the finish line
Wont stop until I think your mine

So read the writing on the wall
I’m ready and I’m standing tall
Some people think they know it all,
I guess I’ll have to show ‘em all

There’s only one thing on my mind
And I am running out of time
I’m coming through, so get out of the way!

I am a woman, on a mission, whoa
Nothing can stop me, I’m stronger than ever
I’m wanna see this through
I am a woman, on a mission, whoa
Whatever it takes I will do what I gotta do

Stand aside cause I’m on a mission
I’m on fire, there’s no competition
You can’t blame me I got intuition
And I never miss a trick just like a magician

You don’t need cash, you don’t need permission,
If you think I’m scared, you must be tripping
Foot on gas, key in ignition,
Can’t stop now cause I’m on a mission

I am a woman, on a mission, whoa
Nothing can stop me, I’m stronger than ever
I’m gonna see this through
I am a woman, on a mission, whoa
Whatever it takes I will do what I gotta do

I never give up, I never give up, I never give up
I’m on a mission
I never give up, I never give up,
I’m gonna see this through

I never give up, I never give up, I never give up
I’m on a mission
Whatever it takes, I will do what I gotta do.

I am Empowered!
I am Fired up!
I am Ready!
I am Unstoppable!
I am a Warrior!
I am a Woman on a Mission!

This mission is also a continuation of this video!!
I am Unstoppable!!

You Tube

Day 1217 - M4.2a Victory Day 20 - Are you Bored, Unmotivated? then this is for you!

2010-08-01T07:46:00.001-04:00

Here is a short vlog from my run this morning. I hope to do these every week as a record of my "long runs" and times.

You Tube

Today's workout was a 4 mile walk/jog. It went like this: 4 mile walk/jog this morning in 50:56..3 miles in 39:08 an improvement in my three mile time from last week by 4 minutes, 26 seconds! woo hoo!!(unless last weeks mileage was inaccurate. I will be doing this run on the same track next week so we'll see how I do next week.)

Right now, my goal is to run the half marathon on October 30, 2010. This is a "special" day and I will be "running" it "in honor"/in "dedication of"..whatever words you want to use...for a special friend of mine. October 30 will also mark the end of my mission I will be starting on Monday. October 30 is a big day for my friend and I will be pushing myself as she will also be pushing herself to make this day of October 30 to be an awesome day of great accomplishment. I believe!!

Here is something I read recently.

"Now here goes, I know I’m going to insult somebody out there, if you are bored, you are boring. And you know why?

Because when you say I’m bored what you are really saying is, somebody else entertain me. Somebody out there make me happy. But if you say, I’m a bore, now you have to take responsibility. The only way I know how to get out of boredom is to do something outrageous. Do something you’ve never done before; something totally out of character because, guess what… You’ll be nervous, you’ll be scared, you’ll be excited but you won’t be bored anymore. And I know when people hear some of my ideas, they say, Oh, I can do that or I’ve done that, that’s no big deal, but then there’s the one that they hear and then say, oh, I could never do that in a million years.

Well that’s the one I want them to do because you know why? As soon as you even start to think about the things that you can’t do, your heart starts to beat faster, the adrenaline starts to flow and you’re alive and that’s what I really teach - Feeling alive again!"

And here was my outtake on this article:
"The only way I know how to get out of boredom is to do something outrageous. Do something you’ve never done before; something totally out of character because, guess what… You’ll be nervous, you’ll be scared, you’ll be excited but you won’t be bored anymore"
And this is exactly what I have done in taking on this "challenge" of "running" a half marathon. This is something I've never done before. It is totally out of character for me as I've never liked to run. It is "outrageous" to me to be even thinking about doing such a thing. I am nervous, I am scared, I am excited..and most of all..I am NOT bored!!
I am feeling ALIVE again!

If I've stepped on any toes here with this...well....TOO BAD!! Get over it! This is accountability!! Do you really want what you desire here? Do truly want that healthy, fit body? If you want extraordinary changes, then you will have to do extraordinary things to get it! That means getting your butt to the gym when you don't "feel like it", when you are not "motivated", when you are "bored". Being bored or not being motivated is what got you in the condition you are currently in.

woo..ok I am on fire!!! HELLO People!! Are you listening???! any blog subscription readers out there in email land reading this..get your butt in here and tell us what you are doing. if you're not doing anything..why not? It's time!! If you are, then come show us how you are doing!

Stay tuned tomorrow for Mission 5 Day "0" post. It's time for this RTP Warrior to start the next mission! I am fired up! I am ready!

I AM AN UNSTOPPABLE
WOMAN ON A MISSION!!!

wooo!

Day 1216 - 4 years!! Decision-Day Anniversary

2010-07-30T20:04:00.000-04:00

D-Day!! 4 years!!! July 30, 2006 - July 30, 2010

Who the heck is this headless "blimp"??
It is a gal who did not like herself.
It is a gal who did not like what she saw in the mirror.
It is a gal who didn't feel worthy.
It is a gal who was lazy.
It is a gal who was undisciplined.
It is a gal who settled for ordinary.
It is a gal who made excuses why she can't.
It is a gal who wanted instant gratification.
It is a gal who told herself how "bad" she was, how fat she was, and who told herself, 'Why even try, you'll just mess up anyways."
That gal is ME!!
I was 240 lbs!!! unhappy, unmotivated, lazy, ordinary.

After seeing this pic of myself...I was sick and tired of being sick and tired of being that fat gal I saw in the mirror everyday.

I didn't want to be that gal anymore!!! So what did I have to do?
I had to change some things to change some things!
I had to change my beliefs about myself.
I had to change my habits.
I had to get off my lazy fat butt and move it!
I had to change my diet..I had to get rid of my "best friend"----"Little Debbie".
I had to get disciplined.
I had to aspire for extraordinary.
I had to stop making excuses why I can't and start finding reasons to.
I had to practice delayed gratification until I reached my goal
I had to change what I was saying to myself.

When I started getting results, I got excited!
I worked my butt off!! I went all out! I worked out with intensity! I had to affirm with conviction what I wanted!
Did I reach my goal in one week? NO.
Did I reach my goal in one month? NO.
Did I reach my goal in one year? NO!!
So what kept me going?
I could never quit!!! I could always improve.
I had lots of bumps in the road! Plateaus. Injury. Illness. "Comfortableness".
I kept pushing on!!
I held my self accountable.
I found a group of like-minded people(Adam and the shredders) who also held me acocuntable.
I could never quit!!
and what are the results of my efforts?

So how do I get to this? I press on! Never Quit!
Don't drop out when the going gets tough.
Don't quit when you are "bored".
Don't quit when you are not seeing results fast enough.
Don't quit when you are stressed.
Don't quit when you are "unmotivated".
When you are striving for something worthwhile, you don't quit!
You do what ordinary people are unwilling to do.
You find a Powerful Reason Why!
You keep that end goal in mind.
You tell yourself what you want to be!
You have Faith!!
You Believe!!

You don't get bored when you are getting results!
You get excited! You get fired up! You get motivated to press on!
So how do you get results?
You Never Quit!!! You push hard! You up the intensity! You make sure your diet is in order.
You do all you can do and then you push yourself a little bit more!

THAT'S WHAT YOU DO!

THAT'S WHAT I DID!

AND I WILL DO IT AGAIN!!! Only BETTER!

Today is my "D-day"(decision day) 4 year anniversary! Today, four years ago, I finally decided enough was enough! I had enough of that "fat blimp" gal I saw in the mirror everyday. And decided that day to change.

So Cut your Whining!! and just do it!!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!!

who wants to join me?
hello???!!! anybody out there???
I hear an echo!!!! Come on people!!!
Are you a "Shredder"? or are you a slacker?

I AM A WARRIOR!!!
I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!
WOOOOO!

Day 1213 - M4.2a Victory Day 16 - "I AM Potential" - Dare to Believe!

2010-07-27T12:31:00.000-04:00

"I Am Potential" the story of Patrick Henry Hughes
Prepare to be moved, inspired, believe.
"You Can Believe in your Dreams. Believe what God has given you." ~c.d.
The Truth is...you are only limited by your beliefs.
If you can Believe you can do a certain thing, then you CAN do it. We each have Unlimited Potential...we only need to believe!
God has not given us dis-abilities..but unlimited Abilities!
Dare to Believe!

Day 1208 - M4.2a - Victory Day 11 - Daily Mind Renewal WITH Action!

2010-07-23T19:02:00.002-04:00

Only half a victory today. It was another one of those days. The day was going great until got word from my husband's family that his dad is not doing well. and this is on top of what my husband is already going through with his own health issues. A stress filled day.
So what do we do in this kinds of days? Do we give in to those comfort foods that will derail your progress? or do we chose the foods that will continue to fuel our bodies and give us energy?
Here's what we got to do..we have to be cognizant of the choices we have to make. We have to train our minds to make the right choices and not give in to those "emotions" that tell you to just screw it and eat that ice cream! It is a conscious decision we have to make.
I am here today...to hold myself accountable...and say I gave in and chose ice cream!
How is it that we overcome these things? to make the right choices? WE seek Truth!! We RENEW our minds!! Daily!! this is a daily thing we must do!! If you are not...then you will more than likely slip and not make the right choices. The mind renewal is so, so important in this physique transformation we seek. It's not about the body..it is about the mind and spirit!!

Hello, Suzette!! Are you listening???! Why stress over something you have no control over? What purpose does it serve? Release it, let it go! What I can "control" is what enters my mind and what comes out of my mouth. This is what I will focus on!! Mind Renewal!! Daily Mind Renewal!!

Here is a comment by one of my friends in response to this post:

"Hey, Suzette. I feel for you. To me, your blog talked about escape. Not wanting to deal with difficult situations or to feel the feelings that these things bring up. That's what I heard because that's what I can relate to...in a powerful way.

Eating (and for me, especially sugar) is an escape. I can get lost in the physical sensation of it and in the "high" of "being bad" "indulging" and giving in to my impulses. Eating ice cream makes me feel good. Temporarily - you are familiar with that, I am sure.

But it's not about the food or the sugar. I slowly had to learn and practice replacement coping strategies. I feel better when I can take some action (even small) to help solve a problem or improve a situation. I have had to learn to use my voice when I feel overwhelmed or need help. To reach out for support - to get my loved ones to hold me up when I need it. I can't be the one holding everyone else up all the time. When you ask for that help, whether practical or emotional - and then get it! - it feels wonderful. What a relief.

When I have that urge to binge or eat compulsively - and I still get that urge - I try to think about what I REALLY need in that moment and see if I can't get that instead. Whether it's a shoulder to cry on, someone to make the phone call that I just can't deal with, or 30 minutes for a freakin' nap. It may feel impractical or like "too much to ask" - but what's the alternative? Self-abuse? That's no good.

This comes from my direct experience in my own life even if it sounds like a comment on yours. It isn't. But if you can relate, I hope this helps a bit.

Much love to you."

(My response)
I can and do relate to all you are saying! Thank you!
Absolutely "escape" is it. When we encounter stressful situations we just don't want to or know how to deal with we attempt to go the route of "escaping" that pain....a "pain covering solution"! As I've been taught by an esteemed mentor is that our beliefs produce actions. So it is in changing my beliefs about those "junk foods" that provide "temporary comfort". What I can control are my thoughts and sticking to my "planned strategy". What I can not control I must leave in the hands of a Higher Power!
The question to myself is then, "What DAILY ACTIONS can I take to ensure my success?" I must have a plan and work my plan! I must speak my Truth in words of affirmation until it becomes a part of me.
Surely that urge is a "cry for help". we are brave and courageous when we can admit we do indeed need help. Isn't that why we are all here? We are "crying" for help!
I can't be the one holding everyone else up all the time. I am known for doing this quite often. I recognize this in myself. and do this quite often when those close to me are experiencing "pain". Recognizing this and taking action for myself...is not selfish, but so necessary!
Love right back you!

And here is my mentor's response to this post:

How do we think when we don't know what to do?

We continue on with our planned strategy of exercise and nutrition.

That's what we can control.

Then we offer to God what we cannot control- He said he cares about you.

Then pray in the Spirit until you have peace (The Christian's default) about what ever it is-

that's about as good as it gets until you see the manifestation of what you have prayed for.

1 Peter 5:7

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Do we give in to those comfort foods that will derail your progress?

I don't have any in my house. I would have to go way out of my way to even get it.

Nor do I have any desire for "good tasting" substances that have no nutrition.

or do we chose the foods that will continue to fuel our bodies and give us energy?

This is the promise and affirmation I have made to myself.

Here's what we got to do..we have to be cognizant of the choices we have to make.

And perhaps not have temptation so close at hand.

We have to train our minds to make the right choices and not give in to those "emotions" that tell you to just screw it and eat that ice cream! It is a conscious decision we have to make.

Unless you believe otherwise.

If we believe that junk food can make stress, fears and doubts go away.

Ask yourself- Did the stress go away after you gave in to the temptation?

How long will you have to play catch-up to burn it off?

There is a distinct possibility that poor food choices not only represent the quality of our thinking it also sets us up for setbacks.

I am here today...to hold myself accountable...and say I gave in and chose ice cream!
How is it that we overcome these things? to make the right choices? WE seek Truth!! We RENEW our minds!! Daily!! this is a daily thing we must do!! If you are not...then you will more than likely slip and not make the right choices. The mind renewal is so, so important in this physique transformation we seek. It's not about the body..it is about the mind and spirit!!

Hello, Suzette!! Are you listening???! Why stress over something you have no control over? What purpose does it serve? Release it, let it go! What I can "control" is what enters my mind and what comes out of my mouth. This is what I will focus on!! Mind Renewal!! Daily Mind Renewal!!

Good thought.

Yet all good thoughts need an equal amount of action to bring about the desired End Result.

Day 1200- M4.2a - Victory Day 8 - Another 100 days!

2010-07-19T16:30:00.004-04:00

Wow!! Blogging milestone. 1200 days!!

Actually it is longer than that(I'll correct my days tomorrow)...I've found this cool site(www.timeanddate.com) that you can calculate time between dates and it calculates...
From and including: Monday, 2 April 2007
To, but not including : Monday, 19 July 2010

It is 1204 days from the start date to the end date, but not including the end date
Alternative time units
1204 days can be converted to one of these units:
* 104,025,600 seconds
* 1,733,760 minutes
* 28,896 hours
* 172 weeks

How cool is that?! I've been blogging since April 2, 2007 after finding Adam's RTP blog in late 2006.By the time I had started blogging, I had already lost 45 lbs on my own. Since starting blogging with Adam I have dropped another 45 lbs.

Here is what I wrote on that first blog day!
"First off, here are pics I just took a few minutes ago. Maybe in a later post I will post an older picture of myself before I lost 45 pounds. Only with much embarrassment, but will serve as to show where I actually started off.
Let's start off with some beginning measurements.
height: 5'8"
weight: 185 lbs
waist: 37"
hips: 45"

This pic shows where I started from in September 2006, then my first "un-shirted" pic on May 1, 2007, and then how I looked in June 2009.

My stats for that original "before" day...
waist: 42 inches
hips: 50 inches
weight 235+ lbs.
height: 5'8"

So to you new people!!! Never Give UP!!! If I can do this, YOU CAN do this!!

So in the next 100 days I will make yet another Transformation!! I will be kicking some major butt! After having surgery and letting emotional eating have it's way for four months and gaining near 25 lbs, it will be time to reverse this. I am learning daily about myself and am continuing the journey of Suzette, one day at at time. I have grown much over the past 9 months and am continuing on in that inner journey.
Here's to the next 100 days!!

Day 1198 - M4.2a - Victory Day 6 - Victory is Mine!

2010-07-17T11:30:00.002-04:00

I just got back from walking/jogging 3 miles. I went with a friend of mine. We did mostly walking with spurts of "running" mixed in. I definitely need new "running" shoes...that will have to wait for next payday! We talked about possibly "training" together as much as we can. The only thing is she is about 3 months pregnant.and is 5'3" so her short little legs will get a good workout...lol....but she will push me. She thought it would be good to look for a 5k to do to add in a prw(powerful reason why). She will walk it and I will work up to a walk/run pace. I am excited to be doing this actually. And it is great to have someone who you can "train with" and who will push you.
After the pizza and ice cream yesterday(yes, I did!! family fun night putt-putt golf, pizza and ice cream!), I have decided to not weigh today. lol...I will wait until next week to do measurements once again. I know I am making progress, as the pants are starting to get a little bit looser. For this "warm-up" Victory Mission 4.2a, I am not aiming for a specific number on the scale nor measurements...my aim is to get my body back into motion and to get the food in line. With getting the food in line, I am having to address some "unfinished business" that is "causing" me to eat as a "pain covering solution". I am having to dig deep with this one. With this, I have to really open my heart and my spirit and not think so much with my brain but to feel with my heart. But let me say, that I do not do this alone. The biggest thing, for those who are new, is to ask yourself "Why? Why do I feel this way? Why do I feel I have to eat something sweet(or whatever) when certain situations present themselves?" This is the start to resolving that unfinished business.

in speaking to those negative thoughts, this is what I chant..
"Get out of my way and go back to where you came from.
You just don't know who you're messing with,
I'm a Warrior!!
There's nothing here for you,
the Battle's already won!
I raise my Sword and make you wish you never even tried!
the Victory is mine!!"
(taken from the song" No More" by Becka Shae). I am so loving this song!! It is so me!

2010-07-13T19:53:00.004-04:00

Day 1194 - M4.2a: Victory Day 2 - Half Marathon it is!

Another day of victory!
Today I walked 2 miles at the school track taking me 34 minutes.

I will be training to walk/run a half marathon. It will be 16 weeks of training. For the next few weeks I will only be doing walking until I am completely recovered from surgery and I get some better shoes. I was inspired by this gal, Ruthie, who I have been following her blog for about two years. She is another Texan! Here is her story in video. Thank you, Ruthie!!

There's something to be said about starting over again. No matter what, Never Give Up. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball you never expected and you get thrown back a few steps...but you just get back up and start over again. And you'll find that you will overcome and be better and stronger than before..and just might inspire people all around the world by your story. Just like we do here. It's never too late to start over again!
This 1/2 marathon run/walk "challenge" is dedicated to those of us who have made progress and have gotten knocked down a few times, but yet we keep coming back, we keep pressing on. We can always start over again. I think most of us has been in this place of starting over again. If you are here reading this, you are in the right place to do just that.
Running is not on my list of favorite things to do! And having been on my butt for most of the past few months, this will certainly be a Challenge. But I am an overcomer! I never quit! I always find a way to fight back. I am a Warrior!
This Challenge is another opportunity for another Victory! I am excited to start this new challenge. I will not look back on what was or what used to be. I will look forward to what is, to what will be. I will be better, stronger.

I am Unstoppable.

The "Warrior Workout Mind" Code
I. I no longer accept the mediocre in my life, but accept the challenge of doing my best each moment before me.
II. I pick up my sword, my challenge, and choose to train and train hard. I lead and live as an example for others to follow.
III. I set challenging goals for myself, and hold myself accountable to their achievement.
I accept nothing less of myself for I am worthy of their achievement.
IV. Others may mock me; I may receive no support for my dreams.
Yet I will continue to strive for them, everyday that I breath.
I remain committed.
V. Consistently without fail. I will never quit.
I will never quit.

Day 1193 - M4.2a: Victory Day 1

2010-07-13T01:47:00.003-04:00

Quote of the day:

And if there are new challenges- it only means that there is opportunity for new victories! ~ Carlos DeJesus

New Challenges = New Victories

Victory Day 1!! I did it! I made it through Day 1!
Victory for me today is eating healthy food choices.
Victory for me today is finishing a 15 minute bodyweight circuit routine. Having not done much exercise besides work, this was tough. But I did it, and I will only get better and better from here! I am feeling good about this mission.
I will push my limits and beliefs in myself.
I will overcome fears and life trials.
I am Unstoppable!

I set challenging goals for myself, and hold myself accountable to their achievement. I accept nothing less of myself for I am worthy of their achievement.

Ok, If you can't figure out my mission "challenge" with this video clue, you're blind. Ruthie, You are my inspiration! Thank you.

Once you figure it out, do make sure you at least listen to the first song all the way through..So powerful! My favorite lines in the first song,
"You just don't know who your messing with, I'm a Warrior!"
"There's nothing here for you, the battle's already won!"
"The Victory is Mine!"

Day 1192 - M4.2a: Day 0

2010-07-12T15:11:00.003-04:00

Another Day 0 has arrived.
The next three weeks will be a "warm-up" to a full-blown mission, so this is day 0 of the warm-up, Mission 4.2a.
The next 3 weeks will be a body weight routine to get my body back into movement without 'killin' myself. Then it will be no-holds barred. So this is a lead up to a massive mission for me. My intentions for the full-blown mission is to make a massive transformation....One like I've never done before.
With this mission I've decided to take on a personal challenge...something that really scares me in that I've never tried such a thing. It is something I never thought I'd have a desire to do. I was reminded by Kim in blog comments to my last post(inside the private Shreddersphere community):

Quote:

You don't think you can do it? (physically, mentally, emotionally or finacially??) If it is one of the first three....then by all means MAKE IT HAPPEN! You are no stranger to getting out of your comfort zone! If you don't go for it, then you will never know!! GO SUZETTE GO!! WOO HOO!!

So it is with this thought, "Make it Happen" that I will do it. I'll let you know what that "challenge" is in upcoming posts. But for now, I'll hold you in suspense. Maybe take a guess(only if I haven't told you what it is.).
Tomorrow I'll post up a video to give you a clue if you haven't guessed it by then.
Tomorrow I will also post up beginning stats and measures. It will be what it will be.

Today's pics. still some bruising from surgery but that will be gone soon, as well as the fat on my hips and on my butt! For this "warm-up" I think I will only post weekly pics, then when in full-mission I will post daily pics.

Day 1187 - Dr. follow up report/pre-mission thoughts

2010-07-06T17:18:00.002-04:00

Just got back from the Dr. I am healing well! The dr. has given me clearance to do body weight training and light weights. All lifting restrictions will be lifted after 5 weeks recovery after surgery. So that leaves me with three more weeks of "active" recovery. I am to not do any abdominal exercises until the five weeks..so no crunches and the likes for right now. I am going to look at my options for body weight routines. Back in 2006 when I started exercising I did body weight training. So I will reformulate a mission plan to incorporate this "active" recovery and then when the time is right and my body is ready, I will get on with a full blown mission. So I will still start "training" on Monday, July 12, just modified for my physical "condition". This will also serve as a good "warm up" to getting back into full on training as we know going all out without pre-training could lead to injury and we don't want that to happen.
It's time for me to start "walking the walk".
I need to put up daily pics! this is so motivating to making sure one follows through with one's plans. This was one of Adam's keys to his successful missions, and the daily blogging with accountability scores. So this is what I will do, as it was the key to success for more than 120 successful RTP Transformation missions. The structure and discipline to do this adds to the accountability. It serves as a daily guide and checkup to make sure I am following through. For you new people popping in and reading...This is RTP!
At the moment, I am reliving the dreaded first day pic anxiety.(the pics will not be pretty!) As we know, the only one that is bothered by those day 1 pics are ourselves. I know you could care less what I look like or how far I've gone off. Hence these missions are not about what other people think but about what I think and feel about myself. I take full responsibility for where I am. I made choices and they will show themselves. I don't want to hear a bunch of BS about my gall bladder and surgery and that kind of crap, because the truth is(for whatever reason) I didn't make the best choices over these past few months and it will show. Yes, I have/had some bloating in the tummy, but that will not "explain" the other body parts that have "expanded". I will be rectifying this. Already I am telling myself that this will be my most massively awesome transformation yet. I have to see it and believe for it to be. I must think it and speak it into being. "For as a man thinks, so is he."
What you think, you believe.
What you believe, you act on.
Your actions produce results.(good or bad)
Once again I must revisit RTP Module 1 and go through the forgiveness statements and my PRW's(powerful reasons why). I will formulate PPA's(powerful personal affirmations) that will propel me towards my former fit body.
You can follow me, You can support me, You can join me. Either way, this RTP Warrior Legend is making herself ready to make some personal waves. I've done it before, and I will do it again! This shredder is here for the long haul. I don't quit! I don't drop out! I don't leave when the going gets tough!

I am Unstoppable!
it's a thought, it's a belief, it's an action, it's a result.
I AM Unstoppable!

Day 1184 - Freedom

2010-07-04T14:28:00.005-04:00

"Freedom"

What does freedom mean to you? As a country we can be free to choose. Freedom of press, freedom of religion, free to choose political views, freedom to bear arms...etc.
But what about you as a person? Are you being held hostage? Are you holding yourself in a self-imposed prison? Have we gotten ourselves into situations that make us feel "trapped"? It is these self-imposed "prisons" that "trap" us and hold us and keep us from being unstoppable and free to be at peace and live in truth. Our bodies typically show the outward expression of these internal "prisons". Without resolving that unfinished business in your life that causes you to be "imprisoned" within your internal battles you will not experience personal freedom.
Do what ever it takes to break free of those things that have "trapped" you and hold you in your self-imposed "prison". It's time to be set free!
Once you have that internal freedom, you will be Unstoppable in all you do and you will reach that healthy body you desire.

Day 1180 - Post-op day 8 - Courage

2010-06-30T00:45:00.000-04:00

Day 1180 - Post-op day 8 - Courage

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day that says...I will try again tomorrow."
-Mary Anne Radmacher

We've all been there!

When we think about courage, it's usually stories of heroism that come to mind. But for millions of people around the world, courage comes in a very different way. It's a quiet voice that gives them the strength to go on for another day, sometimes in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

While I am not dealing with insurmountable odds, I do feel this is the courage I am living today and have been these past months.
What does this quote say to me? Never Give Up!! Do your best for today!
Today was another day of "Mental DOMS"...by this I mean the headache you get when you are thinking too hard. I wasn't kidding when I said I had some mental cobwebs to clear. And that I have. I feel I have come to a major breakthrough for me about some unfinished business that has showed up for me. Think Gall Bladder!

As to post-op recovery, today has been the best day yet as to my feeling good. I am moving around a lot more and doing some things around the house. I am taking it as easy as I can though. The bruising around my naval does not look pretty, unless you like purple and yellow!

I'm going to throw out a prayer request to you all. if I could? Many of you long timers may know that my husband has battled diabetic issues for the past several years. Well one of his "issues" is his left eye. Just to keep the story short...he is mostly blind in his left eye, but has gotten a tear in his cornea a few weeks ago. this is very painful.(on scale of 10 his pain is about 6-7) He went to a cornea specialist today and they are going to attempt a cornea transplant near the end of July...it could go one of two ways, the transplant could go well and he will be pain free. or it could go bad and the eye not survive the surgery and it needing to be removed. Of course this is causing great stress for him and tension in the house as he is now suffering similar affects I had with depression. Indeed it will require some courage on his own behalf...the courage mentioned above....to make it just one more day.

So in the face of what ever adversity you encounter in your life today, just have courage for one more day. Just believe for today!

Day 1178 - Day 6 Post-Surgery -"How to get Growing"

2010-06-30T00:44:00.000-04:00

Day 1178 - Day 6 Post-Surgery -"How to get Growing"

Now that the initial healing phase is over with from the surgery, I can now start moving around a little bit more...let me emphasize Little! The pressure in my abdomen is quite like being 8 months pregnant...and I look like it, too. I have to keep reminding myself it's only temporary!! But the pressure in my abdomen doesn't explain the "bloat" in my butt!! LOL...
Today's sermon at church was a good one that I'd like to share with you. The pastor was preaching on "What to do when you're stalled in your relationship with God" but he used the analogy of losing weight so a lot of what he was saying could very well go along with what we do here...plus I truly believe our spiritual being is synonymous with our physical being. He stated 10 points of "How to get Growing" Main point is this..it takes work!!
1) Desire to grow. Desire is not a matter of condition, it is a matter of choice!
2) Stay away from people who kill your desire for growth. those who:
a)focus on what's wrong
b)have a negative spirit
c)desire killers hate change
d)it will expose their shortcomings
3) Spend time with growing people(like we do here)"You use steel to sharpen steel,
and one friend sharpens another."
4) Realize the rewards. better shape..healthy..feel better about ones self
5) Set incremental goals. it happens in steps..doesn't happen overnight.
6) Set long term goals. short term goals lead you towards your long term goals.
7) Recognize your tendency to be lazy.
8) Be accountable!(hmm..imagine that?!)
a)Be accountable to someone ahead of you
b)Be accountable to someone available to you
c)Be accountable to someone who cares for you and your success
d)Be accountable to someone who you have regular interaction with
e)Be accountable to someone who you won't get mad at if they challenge you!
9)START!! doesn't matter what you "feel" like but what's right. Just do it!
a)change your setting
b)change your style
10)Realize it will be a struggle to stay committed. It takes work!! But if you do those things above it will be "easier".

Day 1177 - Day 5 Post-Surgery- Beliefs = Actions

2010-06-30T00:41:00.001-04:00

Day 1177 - Day 5 Post-Surgery- Beliefs = Actions

I am getting better every day...getting more mobile..but have to watch myself to make sure I don't do too much. Sneezing and laughing are quite painful. I feel like I am 7 months pregnant..that is how much I am still bloated.

You can darn bet once I am recovered from this recent operation that I will back at it in full swing! I am not going anywhere! I will be going all out with the RTP plans of daily pics and blog posts. I have some work to do...and I will hold myself accountable by posting here.
I am in process of getting rid of some "cobwebs" that have been building up over these past few months with mindset and daily actions. I have let myself slide too much.
I am somewhat in a down mood and I aim to rectify this. This is all part of my self-discovery process. I am still learning much about myself and who I am. What makes me tick? And why I do the things I do. The process and skill of being aware in any given moment is something you don't just do..you have to practice. To be able to slow things down...to be able to ask the question, "What just happened?" and to be able to step back from it and see it for what it is...takes practice. To question yourself and your beliefs. It is our beliefs that hold us back...the beliefs that are, in reality, only lies because it is not the truth to who we are. Beliefs that hold us back are only lies because they keep us from moving forward. It is finding your truths that you will be set free and be free to move forward..."It should be an (emotionally) effortless task." What you believe, you act on. Plain and simple! So if your beliefs are not serving you it is time to find the truth and reframe your beliefs based on truth...This is what Carlos calls a "PPA" (personal powerful affirmation)

As you can see..some personal growth continues...as it always should.

Who am I writing this for? I write it more for me than anyone else. But if you happen to read it and it touches you..then it was for you, too.

Day 1175 - Day 3 Post-Surgery Continuing the Process of Self-Discovery

2010-06-30T00:37:00.000-04:00

Day 1175 - Day 3 Post-Surgery Continuing the Process of Self-Discovery

Still getting more sleep..than I usually get. I am feeling some better today. More mobile. I actually made it up the stairs to "my" computer. I got some good reading done today.
I am revisiting Carlos DeJesus' blog, Exercise Therapy. I highly recommend you all visit these as well. What a great exercise in learning how to think when we don't know how to think. And great lessons in self-discovery of our personal truths.
Why revisit these blog posts? Because we all have unfinished business. We need to know "Why" we are the way we are. We need to know why we do the things we do. In order to change, we have to get to the root of why we are that way and find the truth of who we really are. Life always shows up. Sometimes new things happen and we need to know how to think in response to those life events and situations. Reminders of how to do this is always good. We have to keep practicing these techniques...it is a life long journey we are on....and life will always show up.
Life has shown up for me these past months and I have not made the best choices during this time. I need to keep asking myself "why?" Why am I choosing this way? I need to listen to my "messengers", my feelings in whatever situation I am in. Something I am practicing is to be "aware" in the moment, in any given moment. Being "aware" of the choices I am making and making the "best" choice possible in that given time. While I have not always chosen the right choice, I continue to learn to be more aware. We make the mistake when we are doing things and saying things without "thinking"(ie, mindless eating), because it has become a habit. So I have been taught to speak to that habit. "You have served your purpose(to be a pain-covering solution) but I don't need you anymore." What an ultimate form of self-talk?! Let me reiterate..I am still practicing this!

Day 1171 - Our Deepest Fear

2010-06-30T00:36:00.000-04:00

Day 1171 -Our Deepest Fear

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

tell me what this says to you.....

24hours from now I'll be prepping for gall bladder surgery. I am not nervous. I am ready for this to be over. I am ready for this to be a time of mind and spiritual renewal. I have had and dealt with the negative thoughts of this life event for me. I am in the process of reframing my mind...transforming my mind...renewing my mind. I will do this One Day at a Time...Just Believing for Today...
I will not think of these past few months as a backslide(with nutrition and training) but as a time of learning and growing of which I have done much of. I will continue to grow and learn. I will dive into this thought..that I am "powerful beyond measure" and that I am a light that shines for all to see.
I will come back from this better, stronger, more determined than ever...to not only regain my health and fitness but to be all that I am meant to be from the inside out.
As you can imagine, I will not be posting tomorrow(my Monday). Surgery is set for 10 am (EST). I may come home in the evening or may have to stay overnight. When I am able, I will post up an update. Prayers are always appreciated.

Be Unstoppable!!!

Day 1170 - Unlimited Possibilities

2010-06-30T00:34:00.000-04:00

Day 1170 - Unlimited Possibilities

"Unlimited possibilities – no boundaries – nothing is too big or too small "
This was shared to me by a dear friend recently. What does this mean? What is it to have Unlimited possibilities? No Boundaries. To have nothing to be too big or too small.
To accept this as part of your life..to be at such a place, what does it take? A faith. A trust. Truth.
The Truth is...You have unlimited possibilities within you...You have no boundaries to who you are and who you can become..to what you can do...not just physically but, mind, body, and soul. To know that nothing is too big nor too small for you to accomplish, because there is One within you that gives you the strength. It does not matter the size of the task...it can be done. All it takes is belief. If you can believe something without doubt, you can achieve all that you dream.
"Everything is possible for him who believes."

"If God tells me I can – then I can!
I can believe in God and I can believe in myself"
~Carlos DeJesus - The Mind of a Champion

20 YEARS!

2010-06-01T02:34:00.004-04:00

I am so sorry I don't get here more often. It is so hard to "double post" when I am involved in the private community of the Shreddersphere.
Last week I celebrated 20 years with my husband! It would appear I haven't changed much..but in all reality, I've change much over the past 20 years. What the pics don't show is the 90 lbs of fat I gained and then lost somewhere in between these pics. It also shows how much my husband has changed. Nearly 50 lbs worth!
Over the last three months I have been dealing with a health issue that kind of sprung up on me. While I am sure my body has been "at work" for quite some time..the "results" have shown themselves.. I have been diagnosed with a low functioning gall bladder and will be having surgery on June 21 to have it removed. I have been suffering major bloating and fat digestion issues. With the onset of this, I have gained 15 lbs of scale weight. I am sure some of that is water weight, but also is mostly fat weight.
Today I have started yet another mission. a "comeback mission"..the whole idea is to make a comeback from not having been on plan since this gall bladder stuff has reared its ugly head, early March.
I will be doing a muscle building program co-written by Carlos DeJesus and Adam Waters, up till my sureger on June 21...at which that time I will reassess my fitness levels and determine from there the course of action. I will attempt to post something here as often as I can. If you don't see me for a while..do leave me a message to get my butt back here!
With the lack of training and proper nutrition over the past few months "dealing" with the gall bladder issue, my physique has deteriated slightly and I aim to make a 'comeback' to regain the progress I had made. I've had great success with Muscle already so know I can do it again.
After Muscle, I will then use Turbo, again co-written by Carlos DeJesus and Adam Waters.
But for now, I will focus on getting some LBM back and to get this gall bladder issue resolved.

Thanks again, Bec and Ruthie for you continued support. I am only sorry I don't get here as often as I'd like to. Until next time...
Be Unstoppable!!

Day 1099 - The Truth! - Give it all you got!

2010-04-10T00:33:00.003-04:00

"Here’s the truth, if you give this program your whole heart, you too will have the
opportunity to enter the “Beyond” and make more physical progress than you ever
thought possible. But remember this, the only way you’ll ever enter the “Beyond” is if
you do this with your whole-heart and harness the power of “What if…?” throughout
each and every rep, set and workout.
Your returns are full-blooded when your efforts are whole-hearted. Anything short of
that - you’ll short change yourself. If you are not willing to give everything, then you
shouldn't be expecting anything.
I am an average guy who overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges and
setbacks to become a world champion. I put forth above average effort and got above
average results. And if an average guy like me can do it, then the potential is there for
anyone to succeed.
Trust me. If I can do it, so can you.
Sincerely,
Carlos."
Copyright © 2009, Carlos DeJesus, Adam Waters www.RTP-Muscle.com

This was taken from the ebook, RTP Muscle, by Adam Waters and Carlos DeJesus. Carlos is the 1985 World Champion Natural Bodybuilder. I think he knows of which he talks.
We can take this philosophy and apply it to any area of our lives.
No matter what, Give it all you got!! and your returns will be full-blooded! The truth will be self-evident. Your results will speak louder than mere words!

Day 1096 - Mission 4|Perfect 10's|Day 44 - Clear Colon

2010-04-06T11:56:00.002-04:00

I have just got back from hospital. The colonoscopy was done in 20 minutes...but it only took 1 1/2 days to prep for it!! Monday was not a fun day. To many "runs" to the bathroom, plus drinking that disgusting stuff! So glad it is over. The initial report is that I have a clear, healthy colon. So this rules out any lower g.i. issues.
What's next for me is to figure out and plan my meals for eating a 75% Raw food diet, which is recommended for gall bladder issues. I plan to resume/restart my mission soon. Hopefully by Monday, April 12. I am so ready! This past month has actually been a great time of inner reflection and setting some balance despite the health issues.
I hope to share with you some of the key things that has helped me to lose 90 lbs since 2006 and also for keeping the weight off. And even for gaining Lean Body Mass,as I did in my last mission.
The most important thing to remember is this one thing:
NEVER GIVE UP!!!

If you can remember that, you will reach all your goals!
I am unstoppable!!

Day 1093 - Mission 4|Day 41 - Gall bladder issues

2010-04-04T19:14:00.002-04:00

I have been recently diagnosed with a low functioning gall bladder.(biliary dyskenesia) Monday/Tuesday I will be undergoing a colonoscopy to rule out any other digestive issues. So I will be out of commission for a few days.
Once this has passed and I am on the road to "recovery/treatment", I will be resuming my RTP-Muscle (round 2) mission. The mission will continue..just with a different time frame of completion, as I have not been doing the workouts most of this month due to this current issue I am having. Just know that I am in RTP WARRIOR mode and am eager to get back into battle! I have hit a few rough spots recently but I am on the way to positive results and right thinking!
I am UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 1091 - Mission 4|Day 39 - April 2: 3 Year Blogging Anniversary!!!

2010-04-02T00:22:00.006-04:00

Here I am as I was on April 2, 2007. Three years ago!!! This, after already losing 45 lbs!

So Sorry Blogger readers!!! I have been tucked away. It is so hard to come out sometimes...but Today, April 2, marks the three year blogging mark for me and documenting my weight loss journey! While I have not been on this blog as often as I'd like...It is the beginnings of my online journey. From here on out, I intend to continue to share with you my daily journey to health and fitness! Much has been happening in my life in recent months and will take a few posts to catch you up to speed. But foremost, I have to celebrate my journey here so far!
Three years ago, I found an amazing guy who was on his own journey to his ideal physique,Adam Waters. It was by his inspiration that I started this blog on April 2, 2007.
This journey has taken me places I never dreamed possible!! I remember only having a few readers in those early days...Now I have come to know many, many wonderful friends all across the globe! I do hope to continue on and reconnect with those and new ones alike!
As of this date, my journey has led me to lose 90 lbs of weight off my body! Half of which since I've started this blog three years ago!
As time goes on, I will be updating my blogger links on the side bar to include only active bloggers. If you would like to be added on my links please leave me a comment.

For now....CELEBRATE WITH ME!!! THREE YEARS!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!

I have learned to be Unstoppable!!! thanks to an awesome program by Scott Tousignant. I will be in contact with him to update my links to his programs! He and his programs have been a huge part of my mental journey as well. Thanks Scott!

Also a huge part of my most recent progress physique and mindset wise would be Carlos DeJesus!! His Muscle program was awesome and helped me to put on nearly 7 lbs of LBM while at the same time losing nearly 7 lbs of Fat..I'd say that's a pretty fair trade!!

So join me in a new chapter of my Quest For Success!!

Day 1045 - RTP Muscle Day 84 Mission Complete! - video

2010-02-15T15:12:00.004-05:00

RTP Muscle mission complete!! woo! just a little video to highlight my journey up to this point, with some early photos.

Day 1026 - Engine Room Day 65 RTP Muscle Progress & Flashback pic

2010-01-27T22:04:00.003-05:00

So sorry I have not been on here in so long..I truly get caught up in the excitement within the Shreddersphere 2.0 (see Adam Waters' RTP Transformation System in side bar)
But here are some pics to show you what I've been up to!! RTP Muscle!!! the top pic slide shows my progress using RTP Muscle. I have so far added about 6 lbs of LBM from November 19, 2009 to January 22, 2010...and I am not done!!
I will be joining up with other "Shredders" (shreddersphere members) on February 1 to start an RTP Muscle Mission.
The second pic shows my current physique...I am right now aroudn 18-19% bodyfat. At 40 years old, I can honestly say I am in the best shape of my life!! and I am not done! It is only going to get better!
The third pic shows a flashback pic of me and my husband from 1998. I was in between baby #2 and #3. I was 28 years old. I might be smiling on the outside..but was so not on the inside!

I am really excited about starting this next group shred in the shredderspher! Please come join me!!! Such awesome support and encouragement there. Plus the added accountability to your physique goals all in one place! The experience will surely change your life..as it has mine! Just look at some my earlier posts on this blog!

Thanks for visiting! I will try to update as much as I can! I so appreciate your support!
If I don't post for a while, do drop me a note to get my butt out here and update you! I will try to put up weekly update pics and posts. I want you to see the progress that can be made!!
If I can do it...so can you!!

I am UNSTOPPABLE!!!

Day 1000!!!!! woo!!! Thank You, Adam!!! - Video!

2009-12-31T02:31:00.005-05:00

Day 1000!!! woo! Can you believe it? I've reached 1000 days of blogging my weight loss journey!
please enjoy the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfIqgz5iyjs

Thank you Adam Waters for inspiring this blogging journey!! I would truly not be here doing this if it weren't for you and your blog. www.RTP-Blog.com !

Day 992 - Engine Room Day 33 - Merry Christmas!

2009-12-26T01:44:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!! blogger readers!
Thanks so much for all of your support this year! May you be blessed this holiday season.
Let's get ready to rock 2010!!

Day 988 - RTP Muscle - Building It!!

2009-12-22T21:15:00.004-05:00

Here is a pic I took last week. I thought I'd share with you all. When I first saw this pic I was like, "holy crap! Is that MY back?" Well, yes indeed it is! This is NOT a photoshop job. That is the real deal! So to the question "is it possible for an 'average' person to get ripped?" I say yes! Now to get the abs and legs to look like this! lol. A work in progress!
Believe me, If I can do it...so can YOU!!

I am unstoppable!!!

Gold, Feathers, Muscle & Fat … A Densely Voluminous Subject!

2009-12-22T07:26:00.002-05:00

The following was taken from a blog posted by Sharon Harris on the Shreddersphere forum.

OK, those who want to lose weight,
please stand up

OH DO SIT DOWN, YOU LOT!

OK. Let’s try again.

Those of you who want to permanently change their physiques, become leaner, stronger, healthier,
and dare I say sexier,
please stand up

FAAAAN-TASTIC! That looks like just about everyone. You can sit back down now. Thank you.

So, I’ll ask one more time – those of you who want to LOSE WEIGHT, please stand up.

MUCH BETTER. Now those of you who DID stand up the second time, please see my Receptionist, and make an appointment – we need to talk.

Why is it that we are so hooked up in what the scales say? It's because we have been very cleverly deceived into thinking that being overweight is the biggest issue - it is NOT what HAS been said, but more what HAS NOT been said, and the incomplete sentences that we have been hearing over, and over, and over. This is deception - lies by omission are lies nonetheless.

So what is the biggest physical issue? OBESITY! What is obesity? How many of you said "Being very overweight" ... "Being so overweight that it has become a health issue" ... or something along those lines? If you answered in this fashion, then you have been very cleverly deceived.

Obesity is NOT about your weight, per se, or being overweight (according to a contemporary accepted universal measure, usually BMI) - obesity is about excess body fat. Let's look at what Wikipedia has to say :

"Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems."

Somewhere along the way, because of its enormous wealth-generating capabilities, obesity has been turned into a weight-loss issue, and a multi-billion dollar industry. Although we all know that obesity IS a severe health issue, the truth about what obesity actually is has been diluted and transformed into an issue relating almost solely to body weight, with the real issue, body composition, being clouded to the point where the general population doesn't even think about it in those terms.

Who ever says "I need to lose body fat."? Very few people call it for what it is - most of us say "I need to lose weight." And this is continually reinforced to us by multi-national weight-loss corporations, the media, our favourite stars, and each other. It is also reinforced by our very own thoughts and actions.

What happens when we lose weight? Yes, our bodies DO get smaller, we fit into smaller clothes, and for all intents and purposes we "appear" to be slim. But do our bodies necessarily get stronger, healthier, fitter, sexier? Not normally, if pure weight loss is our primary objective.

Losing weight is EASY. In fact, I could show you how to lose 10 pounds in just a few days, with the correct level of malnourishment and dehydration. Losing weight is NOT the issue, and we need to expose the truth about what we REALLY want, and what we really NEED.

Clothes are marvelous things, are they not? They can hide a multitude of sins. So, we lose a heap of WEIGHT, which, depending on our exercise regime, is usually comprised of water, a lot of lean muscle tissue, and some body fat (this is because of the way the body is designed to utilise its fuel sources - carbs first, protein second, fat last). We end up being a smaller version of our former fat selves. We rejoice in the fact that we can now squeeze into much smaller clothing, BUT, how do we look and feel? Do we feel confident when undressing in front of our partners? Do we look forward to going to the beach, and baring our bodies? Are we comfortable in shorts and singlet tops? Or do we simply hide in smaller versions of our previous "circus tents"?

Shall we explore the truth, then?

What do gold, feathers, muscle, and fat have in common? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, unless they WEIGH the same, and even then, that would be the ONLY thing they had in common if that were the case.

With the number of shredders jumping on board the Muscle train, methinks it is time for some science – we need to have a look at some cold, hard facts about body weight, weight loss, and tissue density. Oh, do stop yawning … it’s not as bad as you think, and if you listen carefully, you may have your own personal epiphany! Simply giving you a distilled version of this information is not going to clarify your confusion – you have been listening to distilled information for far too long already, and in the distillation of the TRUTH, the TRUTH has been diluted and altered, by those with vested interests in keeping you unwell, to the point where it is no longer distinguishable. I’ll try to keep things lively for you.

Across the Sphere, we are hearing shredder after shredder contemplating doing RTP-Muscle for their next mission, or they have already started doing it. There are some of us who have completely embraced RTP-Muscle in its entirety. We have embraced the Quantum Theory behind the LARGER ENGINE CONCEPT, and have taken on board a true understanding that in order to build muscle, we need to take in more fuel (eat more) – front-loading of calories – as the base building blocks for that new muscle tissue. We also understand that this may mean an increase in our overall body or scale weight. *Argh* I hear you cry. *Gasp* as you hold your breath in sheer horror at the thought!

Carlos has explained Quantum Thinking and the Larger Engine concept to us, and many of you have said “I get it” in one breath, and then proceeded to ask the question “…but should I lose this last 5 or 10 lb of fat before I start doing Muscle?” I’m sorry, but on a purely superficial level you kinda grasp what Carlos is saying, but because you have been taught to think in a linear fashion, by “one-eyed men”, the very core of your being cringes at the thought that you MIGHT put on scale weight.

Embracing Quantum Theory is paramount to our success

Let’s really have a look at this baby. What is scale weight anyway? The weight on your bathroom scales is made up of many things – bone, connective tissue, blood, organs, water, neural tissue, hair, waste products, muscle, and of course, our favourite, fat.

Some body tissue and contents stays reasonably static, but others, like water, waste materials, muscle (in particular skeletal muscle, which is what we are interested in), and body fat (of which there are different types) are able to be manipulated by various means.

If you have ever tried weighing yourself every day you will have noticed that your weight goes up and down, that you weigh less in the morning then the evening, and women weigh the most right before their menstrual cycle, and the least right after.

One day you get on the scale and the number has gone down - have you lost muscle, water, or fat? The next day you get on the scale and it has gone up - have you gained muscle, water, or fat?

And what happens when the number goes up?

Do you feel miserable because you deprived yourself so well the day before and cannot believe you put on WEIGHT; thinking you might as well binge today because all that deprivation yesterday got you nowhere … or do you decide to not eat any carbs today as that must have been where you went wrong yesterday. (Cutting out carbs leads to water loss – for every gram of carbs stored in the body, there is also 3 grams of water stored) - when you eliminate or reduce carbs, you eliminate water and, therefore, WEIGHT.

GET RID OF THE SCALES! They are playing with your head.

“Muscle Weighs More Than Fat”

How many times have you heard that “muscle weighs more than fat”? And how much real thought (analysis) have you given to that statement? Due to the limits of human rationality, most people rarely take the thought any further than the word “WEIGHS”, especially if pressed for an immediate decision.

So, let’s look at that statement in question form, which is often how we find it – “Which weighs more, 5 pounds of muscle or 5 pounds of fat?” It doesn’t take much to work out the 'trick' in the question. Despite the concepts involved being quite simple, people do still answer it incorrectly, and that by manipulating aspects of the context in which the question is delivered, we can significantly increase the chance people will fall for it.

This implies that analysis is not being conducted – that their answers are being given impulsively, and that context is a contributing factor. Context determines whether people will delay their impulses long enough to analyze the question. If people are able to take as much time as they like thinking about the question, they will rarely fall for the trick, but if they're trying to answer rapidly, they may likely fall for it.

The error occurs because of our weight-related associations with body weight in general, our conditioned assumptions about the sorts of questions people are likely to ask, and a failure to stop and think before responding.

Muscle to fat is like gold to feathers – it is not the WEIGHT of either substance that is the issue, but the DENSITY and VOLUME (space it takes up).

Feathers are far less dense than gold, and any given volume of feathers will weigh far less than the same volume of the metal. The same is true for muscle and fat – muscle is a much denser tissue than fat, and therefore, any given volume of fat will weigh less than the same volume of muscle, or said in another way, the same WEIGHT of muscle will take up less space than the equivalent WEIGHT in fat – it will be smaller!

This shows that impulse-response methods, which produce useful reactions, tend to be favored over extreme accuracy and precise analysis that takes longer. As a consequence, natural modes of thought favor rapid responses more than correctness. The limits of our conceptual processing lead to inherent tendencies towards fallacies of reason, which can be exploited to produce riddles and language gags. Do I hear marketing tactics going on?

As we have not really needed to revisit the fallacy that “muscle weighs more than fat”, whenever we hear the words “build more muscle”, our immediate, non-analyzed response is “I am going to put on weight”, and to anyone who has ever considered themselves “overweight”, this prospect can appear quite daunting at first. “What? Haven’t I just spent most of my adult life trying to lose weight?” Yes, you have, but that is because you have been manipulated into thinking that being overweight is the issue, but it’s not!

Being OVER-FAT is the problem!

I recently visited Neva’s blog – Hi Neva!!!! And here is what I said to her when she raised the concern about putting on weight whilst doing RTP-Muscle :

“Don't worry about "putting on weight". I am in my third week of Muscle, am eating like a horse, training like a demon, and "shrinking" by the second ... but my weight is quite stable; doesn't go up much, doesn't go down much, except for the usual fluctuations you would expect in life. I am leaner and stronger than ever, and my measurements are shrinking daily!

Just remember, pound for pound, muscle is much "smaller" than body fat. Here's a picture :

Fat is bulky (not to mention lumpy), so if you carry an extra 5 lb of body fat, you'll be lumpier and bigger than with 5 lb more lean tissue. A 5 lb pile of fat will take up more space (volume) than a 5 lb pile of muscle; but 5 lb is still five pounds.

Generally, we have been brainwashed into thinking that muscle is heavier than fat, which can lead to all sorts of head games with the scales. In reality, muscle is heavier by volume than fat.

A woman weighing 150 lb with 19% fat will look much smaller (and be much healthier) than a woman at 150 lb with 35% fat. They weigh the same, but the composition is different. Because muscle is more dense than fat the person with less fat and more muscle will look smaller.

This is what our quantum thinking is geared towards - building more muscle (which is also more metabolically active tissue than fat - it BURNS CALORIES AT REST).

Start paying attention to your body composition, measurements, how you look, how your clothes fit. How much body fat do you have compared to muscle? The scales are not a useful tool, unless used to calculate your BF and LBM numbers - other than that, they are misleading and useless.”

Here is what Carlos has told us about the Larger Engine concept :

"Quantum Thinking suggests accelerating forward to the creation of a larger engine!

Why?

Because a larger engine is a stronger engine
Because a larger engine requires more fuel to operate
Because a larger engine burns more fuel while running than a smaller engine
Because a larger engine burns more fuel even while idling than a small engine

What does a larger engine have to do with fat loss?

Translated to the body a Larger Engine means: Larger Muscles

Why?

Because larger muscles on the same frame are stronger muscles
Because larger muscles require more food (fuel-calories)
Because larger Muscles burn more calories while moving and exercising than smaller muscles
Because larger muscles burn more calories even at rest than a smaller muscles

So just an increase in muscle size alone will actually facilitate the burning of more body fat!"

Did you hear that? The larger engine BURNS MORE CALORIES, whether at rest or in activity. That means either a) we are burning more body fat (providing we maintain/increase muscle mass) simply by having more muscle on our current frame, and/or b) we can eat more food - no more starvation! That's gotta be a good thing!

Let's have a look at the incomplete and inadequate Linear Concepts (by Carlos) :

"Classical (or Linear Thinking) Theories teach that a continuous reduction in “body weight” will occur if we:

1. Create a calorie deficit
2. Increase activity (exercise)

The problem with this approach is how much can we reduce our calories and still maintain the strength and function for everyday activities? How long before we are tired of being hungry, and tired of being tired?

We know that this “works” for weight loss but can we maintain this regimen indefinitely?

You already know the answer. You have seen or experienced the failed attempts at dieting all too many times by now."

So what's the take home on that? How low can you reduce your calories before you can no longer function in any qualitative way? How many hours do you have to devote to burning more calories through increasing your daily exercise/activities?

How long can these two methods be sustained, until we bust out and say "Bugger this! I can't do it!" and slide back to our old ways?

Imagine how you would feel if you had to reduce your calories to 500 per day, and had to run on the treadmill for 6 hours a day? Well, that is what the linear model is asking of us! It is simply NOT POSSIBLE or SUSTAINABLE!

So, why would we not gravitate IMMEDIATELY to the method that allows us to EAT, not starving, work out for the least possible time, whilst maintaining a normal life, including family, work and social responsibilities, commitments and joys, and create a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week FAT BURNING MACHINE?

STOP trying to lose WEIGHT, and START living the healthiest, strongest, sexiest that you could ever imagine.

Oh, and for you girls out there who are frightened half to death of "bulking up" - unless you plan on taking steroids, or working out 5-6 hours and consuming 5-6,000 calories a day, trust me, you are NOT hormonally designed to "bulk up".

Day 975 - Engine Room Day 16 - It's Time!

2009-12-09T01:15:00.002-05:00

Ruthie, I am so sorry, I just have such a hard time posting here!
Here are Day 973, Two week mission pic update. This is two week results from using Adam Waters' RTP Muscle program...soon to be released to the public. I will post a proper link to it soon! You must seriously check it out as soon as it comes available. It is also co-authored by 1985 World Bodybuilding Champion, Carlos DeJesus.
My goal by the end of my 12 week mission, to end on February 14, 2010 is to have "published" a time lapse video showing awesome progress with very visible changes!

My mind has been going a mile a minute these past few days. It is full of excitement of what is to come..not just in the sphere, but personal reasons also. The whole idea of "What if?" Can I break the "pain barrier" and go into "the beyond"? What does that feel like? Is this just a physical concept? Somehow, I don't think so! Am I there yet? No. But you can darn bet I am pushing the limits further and further each day. How do we do this? By having a mentor right there with you, an accountability partner(s). Someone who will push you "in love" because they want you to be the best you, you can be. There is untapped potential just waiting to be released/activated! It's time!

Day 964 - Engine Room Day 5

2009-11-27T23:58:00.003-05:00

I trust you Americans had a nice Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for!

Here are day 5 pics. Am really feeling it today. What a great workout! Everything is rubber! Love it! Building up this engine to go full speed!!

Keep pressing on towards your goals!! Don't ever give up!! Your time will come!

Thanks so much Bec, for your continued support! Keep rockin' out your insanity workouts!

Thanks Ruthie for your continued support as well. You keep pushing the bar on that track on in the gym...you will get that body you dream of. Your staying power will shine through!

And of course, Mom!! you are always there supporting me! Thanks so much! Love you!

Ok, People.... be Unstoppable!!!

Day 963 - Giving Thanks!

2009-11-27T00:32:00.003-05:00

Sorry haven't been here in a while. It is so hard with my time so limited.

On Monday, November 23, 2009 I started yet another mission. This will be a muscle building mission. I will be using RTP-Muscle(which will be released to the public soon!).

Here my mission goals along with my current stats.

Today (11/23/09) I am:

Weight = 148 lb @ 19% BF

BF = 28.12 lb

LBM = 119.80 lb

By Feb. 14, 2010 I AM:

Weight = 148 lb @ 13% BF

BF = 19.24 lb (loss of 8.88 lb)

LBM = 128.76 lb (gain of 8.88 lb)

So the "blind" goal is to gain 8 lbs of LBM and lose 8 lbs of bodyfat, putting me at 13% bodyfat at 148 lbs.

So given that I want to both lose and gain 8 lbs...a friend of mine within the "Shreddersphere"(see link to Adam Waters' RTP-TS on side bar) and I have formed a team to reach the same lbs goal...there fore we have called our mission, "8n8". I am also a part of a group that will be shredding together. the group is what we call "The Engine Room"

Here is the basic premise of "The Engine Room"(hence the title on my pic)

The Larger Engine Concept taken from Carlos DeJesus, 1985 World Bodybuilding Champion.

Please follow along and push me to reach my goals.

For those in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!! Thank you all for your support and encouragement over the past few years! Keep on pushing and shredding!!!

Day 950 - Journey to blog Day 1000

2009-11-12T22:57:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe I have been blogging for nearly 1000 days!! While not 100% consistent here the whole time. This before pic is only about half way through my weight loss. Yet, I can't hardly believe even that thinner person is me. I was about 185 lbs. in that before pic...Today's pic I am 148 lbs! That's a 37 lb. difference here! That might not seem like a lot...but the fact is that I have kept it off!! That is the amazing part!
I am going to push hard over the next 50 days to day 1000. ON December 31, 2009, I am in the best shape of my life!!
Join me in finishing this year strong!! We can do it!!
Bec, thanks for stopping by. I will try to keep posting regularly! I want you to share in my journey! Shred it up!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!!

Day 949 - The next Chapter!

2009-11-11T19:02:00.003-05:00

This was my daily pic from two days ago. It was my first day back to weight lifting, after taking about a month off. I have been going through some "growing pains"...part of an internal transformation. This really must take place before you see results in your external transformation!

The next Chapter in my physique transformation will be a muscle building one. I know I have said this before..but in all reality, my mind was not in the right place yet, hence the lack of effort. I feel I have made a great move in the right direction. I feel I am finally releasing some long time issues that have held me back. Now it is my time to shine!

I started reading a new book by Joel Osteen, "It's Your Time!" I am only in the first chapter and am blown away already. Here is what you must know about your dreams and goals, "You are closer than you think!" Since I have never purposely chosen to gain muscle this is all new ground for me. But this is what Joel says in his book, "The Bible says "we walk by faith and not by sight" That means we don't have to see it to believe it. It's just the opposite. If we believe it, then we see it." This is what I must do for this muscle building mission. So stay tuned for future installments of muscle building progress. I won't promise I'll post daily here, so just bug me if I don't post in a while if you want to see my progress!

Now is the time to shred it up!

I am Unstoppable!!

Day 938 - Shred 2 Shred / Halloween Pics- Flashback to 2007!!!

2009-11-01T01:34:00.002-04:00

"Flashback"

Happy Halloween!!

Notice two things about these pics!

1. I'm much thinner!

2. My kids are much bigger!!

In order of height: my oldest is 15(who is 6'2" ), my daughter is 13, my middle son is 10, my baby is 5!

Needless to say, I did not stay away from the candy...I did what any good mother would do...I ate my kids candy so they won't get fat and have cavities!! lol...well I did eat some of their candy..mostly the chocolates. Unfortunately they have plenty left..just not the chocolates..so I am good until next year! lol.

We have recycled the costumes...by wearing them every year until they don't fit anymore! LOL..why spend more money on costumes when we still have some that still fit...mostly.

Day 937 - Shred 2 Shred / Halloween preview

2009-10-30T22:15:00.002-04:00

WE all went trick or treating this evening. OF course Mommy and Daddy had to dress up! We went as sports "heros"...lol! I am wearing my college basketball uniform(which the pants are actually too big on me now!) and my husband is actually wearing our 15 year old's football practice "uniform"! Tomorrow I will do a "Flashback" Halloween pic with the kids and me.

Day 932 - Shred 2 Shred / "Flashback" to Oct. 25, 2007

2009-10-26T01:19:00.002-04:00

"FLASHBACK"!!!!
Today's image is a flashback side by side with today's pic. Two years ago today was "Zero Hour" for the first ever RTP Group Shred (1.0). I was so pumped for this event(can you tell by my pic? lol actually my son wanted to be in pic too) My husband was out of town at the time for a couple of weeks and I was home with the four kids plus working full time and then "fitting in" my workouts and blogging. I knew if I could do it with my husband out of town then that would not be an excuse any other time.. I knew if I could do it..then no one else had an excuse not to!

Here is what I wrote on this day two years ago.

"Ok, folks, here is my "Day 0" pics for the RTP 14 Day Shred. As you can see, I have an "extra" in my pic(hence the big smile). His name is Daniel, my 3 year old). He likes to get in on the "action" and in the pics. So I am sure you will see him often(or some part of him).

Today was a long day! If any of you are like me, this RTP Shred was on my mind all day! I was stressing at the end of the day as it was nearing 9:00pm and hadn't gotten my workout in yet as I had to help my kids with their homework. I got my workout in at 9:30pm after I got the kids to bed. Today was an only cardio day, so that helped, as I did HIIT on my stationary bike for 25 minutes. All I could think about was you all, knowing I couldn't let myself, Adam, or you all down even though the "official" start day isn't until tomorrow. I have to prove to myself and you working mothers(even single mothers' as my husband is out of town till end of next week). If I can make it through this next 14 days, I will be able to do it anytime. And so will you! No Excuses! If you want something bad enough, you'll do whatever it takes to get it done!"

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!!

I do want to remind you that at that time on October 25, 2007 I had already lost about 65 lbs.

Below is a pic of me, Pre QFS-Blog (July 2006) at 239 lbs.(my husband cut off my head!) Needless to say, there are not many pics of me in this fat "state". But just to give you "new" people an idea of where I came from...not what you see today nor 2 years ago! This is NOT an altered pic! That is the real me! the real tummy! The real BUTT! I was wearing (US) Size 24/26 pants(or men's waist pant size of 42"..even though my butt was way bigger than my waist measurements!) All I have to add about this pic is "WOW!" and "Yikes!!" For Helen, I am sure there might have been some back rolls going on here in this pic...but one will never know, because I was too embarrassed to even get my pic taken with clothes on...let alone half naked!

Day 925 - Shred 2 Shred Day 65 - Chicken Run!!!

2009-10-18T22:26:00.003-04:00

Ok, sorry, for the absense! To jump back in I'd like to share this hilarious video of my daughter and I being chased by a chicken in our yard!

I have resumed my shredding mission after a little time off to get our club up and running.
I will get some pics posted tomorrow. I do hope you all are doing well.
shred on!

I am Unstoppable!!

Day 911 - New hair do! with "before/after" pics

2009-10-05T01:23:00.001-04:00

Today's pics are a 'before/after' of a different kind. There is really only one person I truly trust my hair with...and that is my sister! She has been doing hair for 27 years! She is the best!!

Over three years ago it was my sister who really inspired me to get my weight back under control. She had given me the "Body for Life" book over five years ago in hopes that it would help me get back in shape... Well shortly after that I got pregnant with my last child. It wasn't until a couple years after my baby was born that things really changed. I was at my sisters for yet another hair cut when she said something that really got me to thinking and it was that little comment that got my butt into gear! All she said was this, "I was in a spinning class the other day...and I was thinking about you."

That's all it took! It was from that point on that I got my butt in gear and went all out and achieved my first weight loss goal of dropping 30 lbs by Christmas of that year (2006). You just never know what words you say will have such impact on other people's lives. I don't think she ever really realized that for a long time!

So not only can I thank my sister for being such an awesome beautician but for being the inspiration that I needed to get my life back!

Day 902 - Reverse Aging Process in only Six Months!

2009-09-26T11:42:00.003-04:00

(check out this link)Reverse aging process in only six months
Did any of you see the blog post in Tom's Burn the Fat Blog about the 74 year old bodybuilder winning a competetion? Here is an article that also talks about reveresing the aging process in only six months with weight resistance training.What a great testimony many are having here in this very subject. For those of us 40 and over, this is great "hope" for us. No wonder many say we look years younger! OF course the "magic" number for the beginnings of losing lean as we age is "40"!(article states, "in the fourth decade")A brief summary of this article was also done by Jon Benson, author of "Fit over 40". This might be an easier read(eventhough it is a slight promo for his book)
Has Science Proven that you Can "Age Backwards"?
by Jon Benson, http://BestFitnessOver40.com/
Of all the studies I have read this one seals the deal. The study headline read... >>> Resistance Training Reverses The Aging>>> In Human Muscle Tissue Not "slows" or "repairs"... Reverses. I know...it shocked me too. I have been a champion of the anti.aging lifestyle I teach in Fit Over 40. It certainly "looks" like the 52 people in my book are aging backwards. See for yourself -- http://BestFitnessOver40.com/ I never thought their muscles were literally turning back the genetic clock. But this new research proves this is exactly what is going on when you exercise with resistance. Resistance exercise can be weight training or just using your bodyweight. This is exercise that is heavy enough to cause some strain but not so heavy that it is painful or dangerous. Some of the biology aspects of the study arefrankly over my head. But I will try to give youthe highlights. If you want to read the study yourself you can find it on PlosOne.org.
----------------------------------------The Unreal Findings----------------------------------------
The mitochondria is the energy factory of the human cell. As we age our muscles begin to show what researchers call "mitochondrial dysfunction". This is what causes all the bad stuff associated with "sarcopenia." Sarcopenia is just the wasting away of muscle due to age and under-use. As we age most of us will experience a gradual loss of muscle. The problem? Muscle is active tissue. It is responsible for most of the calories we use during the day. The less muscle you have, the more body fat you will gain if you eat the same amount of food. Muscle loss is also related to the onset of many bone diseases. The muscle that holds our spine in alignment can deteriorate as we age and cause major back problems. The same is true for the muscle and tendons around the knee and hip joints. Can you see why muscle loss is a major deal? Is it any wonder researchers wanted to see if there was something we could do about it? Resistance training obviously builds muscle. And it does so at any age. Just look at anyone in my book and you will be convinced of that. But that is not the real find in this study. We havenumerous studies that show you can gain lean muscle at any age.>>> This study revealed something extraordinary: after just six months of resistance training test subjects showed a "reversal of most of the genes affected by age" in muscle tissue. With age and no resistance training, researchers found 596 genes expressing themselves with"aging", or decreased mitochondrial function. But when subjects engaged in resistance training,in this case simple weight training, look what happened -- -- Their strength increased by over 20%;-- And their genes literally "reverted back" to the same markers as "younger" genes after only six months of exercise. This is staggering. It is one thing to maintain muscle as we age. To gain muscle is even better. But to know that we are literally reverting our genes to a "younger version" within the muscle?And after only six months? That is downright amazing. That's not all... When the older folks in the study began, they were almost 60% weaker than the younger members of the study. In just six months, they were only 38% weaker. I can tell you from personal experience that in a few more months they would be even stronger. In some cases their strength would surpass the younger test subjects. I am much stronger now than when I was 23, or 33. I am now 43. I plan to be stronger at 53. Strength is not a luxury as we age. It is absolutely necessary for longevity and health. And this alltakes place at the genetic level. Just imagine.
----------------------------------------What You Need To Do----------------------------------

Everyone reading this letter needs to start today with resistance training. It is now a PROVEN way to make the aging process turn around at the genetic level within the cell. And now you know why the role models in mybook "Fit Over 40" look as if they are 15-20 years younger than they really are -- http://BestFitnessOver40.com/ Genetically, they 'are' younger than their calendar age.
Isn't that incredible?

Day 900!!!! Banishing Mediocrity

2009-09-24T23:57:00.003-04:00

Banishing Mediocrity!
There has been lots of thinking and discussion over the topic of "being average" or another word for it would be "mediocrity". I have been also thinking alot about this. I think the main reason this came up was that we were talking of how we have gone through this transformation and have seen ourselves change right before our very eyes, yet have yet to see ourselves in this way. kind of like getting a brand new, completely different hair do. It is still you but you don't look like the "same ole" you, because something has changed and you just haven't gotten used to it yet. For me, I was the "same ole' me for so long... as long as I can remember. The shy girl who was afraid to step out and try anything. the "B" average student in school. etc. Then I was the "average" girl who blended in with the rest of the 60+% of the USA who are overweight. Even over this past three years I've not felt I was anything special...I was "just me"! I just became sick and tired of being overweight and someone I didn't like. I couldn't even look in the mirror! I hated what i saw...so how could anyone else possibly like me? A frequent self-talk comment was that "I am not good enough, why even try?"
Just Now in reflection the past few days, I can see that it was on that day in September that I stopped being "ordinary", "average", "mediocre"!(whatever word you choose to use). Just like each one of you who have taken this journey this past few months...the day you stepped in this sphere and made that first post...that day you Committed to doing this!..that is the day you stopped being average, ordinary, or mediocre! We have done or are doing what the majority of America(or whatever country you represent) has chosen not to do! WE have come here because we are not ordinary! I feel I have been striving to not be ordinary for a very long time. This shy girl wants to step up and be noticed! It feels good to be noticed! Even though I am "just me", I can see that what is done here is far from ordinary(average, or mediocre). To be able to say these words is very empowering to me!
A quote I read today really put this all into perspective for me.
Andrew Carnegie,
"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents."
This really did it for me. Because I can look back and see that it was my own motivation that brought me here to today! The day I made the decision to change was the day I said "good bye" to mediocrity! and so it is with you!!It's time to stand up and be noticed!

our attitudes should be this...I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!!

Day 897 - Three Years!!!!

2009-09-20T15:58:00.004-04:00

Sorry readers for the lengthy time away from my blog. Life got a little bit crazy for a short time. And here is why...my husband and I have opened our own nutrition club. We had to do some remodeling of the space so i was gone a lot! NO shredding took place. Eating sucked. But I am no worse for the wear(I think!) Please check out the pics and check out my link in the sidebar for my website. We are thrilled and blessed to be able to do this. It is our goal to reach others in our community to achieve their fitness goals. and any of you reading here along the way!

Yesterday was a monumental day for me. September 19, 2009 marked the 3rd year anniversary of my weight loss journey where I got serious about losing my weight. I can hardly recognize that "before" gal in the pic. Both inside and outside. Funny enough my weight loss has stuck the longest at the weight I affirmed back in those early days of my weight loss journey in 2006...155 lbs. That is the weight I told myself I was. "I am 155! I am 155!" Those are the exact words I would tell myself! And here I am three years later at 155! Now if that isn't a testimony to the power of your own self-talk and affirmations you speak out loud to yourself! Before that it was "I am so fat!" I recently turned 40 and I really don't feel a day over 20!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!!

Day 877 - Shred 2 Shred Day 16- Keeping the Faith!

2009-08-31T19:57:00.004-04:00

You know things aren't "good" when I am not posting! Thanks Bec! for keeping on me. Things have been crazy here for me. Most of my time is spent working on getting our nutrition club open. We have had to do most of the work ourselves due to budget reasons. Things went along well for a few days and then have slowed down some since. Now to get the final touches in place.(wall/floor trim, gluing carpet tiles in place...most importantly; getting the restroom walled in!) I spend little time on the computer the past week or so. I have really been "working" hard to stretch my faith these past few weeks leading up to opening. I really have to concentrate on not stressing! I have been doing lots of positive reading, most recently Joel Osteen's "Live your Best Life Now!"
School started back up for my kids today so that has also taken time to get all supplies and clothing purchased and in order.
Once we get the remodel done and the nutrition club open, I am hoping things will "normalize" and I'll be able to get back into a routine.

Day 873 - Mission: Shred 2 Shred -Day 12 pics

2009-08-28T00:49:00.002-04:00

Here are today's pics(Thursday) Time is really short these days.
I really need to stick with the scheduled days workouts. I missed Monday and Wednesday workouts..so that in effect put me behind nearly a week. I think I can tell a difference! I don't want to stagnate because I didn't plan my days better to make sure i get the workout in or make sure I get my eats in order!
Thanks again to my frequent readers and commenter's! It means so much! I hope you all are/will have an awesome Friday!
Dare to Soar!
I am Unstoppable!

Day 870 - Mission: Shred 2 Shred Day 13 - Another long day w/ updated Club pics!

2009-08-25T06:41:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't been here for a few days. My last three days have been spent practically sunup to sundown working on a new nutrition club my husband and I will be opening soon. We have been doing some remodel work and have most of our day time working...plus working my regular job. Things are coming along ok. If you care to, check out pics in progress here, Nutrition Club . My body aches from all the painting and other work that has been done. Today we will be laying carpet and putting up trim and cleaning the wood floors.
I will be back soon with daily pics. This weekend was a "remodel workout" and am feeling the affects of it all over my body(back, shoulders, hamstrings). I am pretty sure I have undereaten the past few days. I wake up hungry everyday.
Have a great day!
Dare to Soar!
I am Unstoppable!

Day 865 - Mission: Shred 2 Shred Day 4

2009-08-20T02:06:00.002-04:00

Hey all, just a quick post to say I am still going strong with Shred 2 Shred! If you would like to join along, please make mention in my comments and I'll add your blog to my blog roll. It is too late to make a full post now but will do so hopefully (my)tomorrow(Thurs).

Shred on!

Dare to Soar!

I am Unstoppable!

Day 863 - Mission: Shred 2 Shred - a Tribute to the "original" 14-day group Shred

2009-08-17T23:57:00.002-04:00

Same mission, new name! My mission has not changed but the name has! There are a few "select" people in the sphere who have been shredding with Adam since the "early days" of his RTP blog. Some of you may know that this whole shreddersphere idea came about because of a 14-day group shred that started back on October 25, 2007 ending on November 8, 2007, Adam's blog anniversary. Well to add to the accountability and PRW factor a few of us 'original shredders' who are still active in the sphere have decided to pay tribute to that "original" 14-day group shred. We are running together a 12 week shred to end on Adam's 3 year blog anniversary, and also the 2nd anniversary of that original 14-day group shred. If it wasn't for Adam taking an idea and running with it, we would not be here!"Shred 2 Shred" comes from the idea of "shredding" with Adam in that original group shred and then '2' years later still shredding with him....hence, "Shred 2 Shred"Now you have to stay with me here all the way to the end! The last two weeks I will reveal some archive blog pics/posts from that original group shred. You won't want to miss that!

Day 861 - Muscle Mission Day 6 of 84 - Sat. post

2009-08-16T11:39:00.005-04:00

No post yesterday, obviously! My day was shortened by my having to go into work to cover for a sick employee who was actually to be covering for someone else. So, the boss(me) had to go in, plus cover my own shift...so I ended up with a 12 hour day on my feet. I guess you could say I got in a lot of steady state cardio walking for most of about 10 hours of my shift.

so no pic from yesterday. However I did want to share a pic of me with my 87 yr old Grandma that was taken on Aug. 9th.

hope all you my blogger readers have an awesome day!

shred on!

I am Unstoppable!

Day 860 - Muscle Mission Day 5 of 84 - You Can't Quit!

2009-08-14T23:18:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. My days got a little bunched up the past few days. I did not get my schedule workout done on Wed. so ended up doing yesterday. Today I did 30 minutes cardio on my bike riding up and down my driveway. It was a beautiful day today. Finally feels like summer here after having a relatively cool July.

This week was the first practices for my 15 year old son for his first year in (american) football. Now, my son is 6'2" and is almost 260 lbs. He has been mainly a couch potato for the past year due to a knee surgery last summer and then did not finish rehab because of lack of insurance. This week was "double days" and just so happens to be our warmest days of the summer so far. After the first day my son was so ready to just quit!!! He is having a very hard time physically and this has been very hard for me to watch him even for a little bit. He just can not run because he is so out of shape and weak. If it wasn't for Daddy "making" him go, he would surely quit because it is so hard. But he has no choice in the matter! There is a 'no quitting' rule!This really makes me think of what we are doing here. Do we have someone telling us we just can't quit?!? Do we have someone in our corner telling us to keep going...do your best...? Push through the pain!?! When you feel like just not doing your workout or eating "whatever" that is the time our inner parent needs to tell us, "You can't quit! Quitting is not an option! You are going whether you want to or not! Now get out there and do it!"

This mission, I am going to attempt to take daily pics in this suit as it is my goal to make a "true" 84-day Transformation video when I am done! It is my goal and vision to replicate Adam's 84-day video showing my progress to being ripped in this mission. I have talked about getting ripped now for over a year and feel I had only gotten a slight bit closer to that goal. Eventhough my plate is relatively full I feel confident I will make it through this mission. My mindset is different than it has been for a long time. I feel more focused especially with the other things going on in my life. It all feels so right and can just "feel" the success that is so close!! My mind is so full of thoughts right now I could probably fill a book. I love my pic today. I don't know why. I think it is the "cheese" smile I put on for the pic but yet it seems so genuine. I am already seeing some subtle changes in my physique from the few days of training this week. Shred on!

Day 858 - long day today

2009-08-12T22:48:00.003-04:00

Today was a long day. Up and out and to work by 8am...off work then working our business until 8 pm. Then had to help with my 15 year old to try on his football gear. That was a task in itself. Our oldest son, who just turned 15 this month is a big boy! He is 6'2" and 256 lbs. and he is not done growing. He has to wear the biggest size pants they had(3XL ). He is a freshman this year and this is the schools first year of varsity football. Since they don't have a younger team(JV), our son has to play varsity as a freshman. He has never played foot ball. He really wanted to play...until starting practice on Monday! He has not really exercised at all the past year or so because of knee surgery last August due to his patella dislocating several times and tearing some ligaments. Needless to say, he is not in shape. He is really having a hard time with all the running. and they stand alot. They are doing "double days" this week to get in more time to learn plays and get in shape for season to start in only a few weeks. I felt so bad for him tonight as he was crying because it is so hard for him. He never complains out there on the field and always keeps going(even though he would rather quit!) He had no idea what he was in for! I've come to see some of his practice and it was so very hard for me as his mother to watch him struggle out there on the field. Today was the first day of lots of sun and he came home burned on his arms.
I did so good yesterday with not having any cake...then I come in to work today and what do i find??? birthday cake!! ugh! I did really good until about 3 pm and ended up giving in! It tasted so good but I was not happy with myself! besides the cake the only other bad food choice today was the two hot dogs my son didn't want to eat. the rest of the meals were basically a ditto from yesterday.
I took today's pic but am too tired to put it up. And I did not get in my workout as the day just went away from me and am not doing it at 11 pm at night.

Day 857 - Mission:40 - Day 365 of 365

2009-08-11T23:57:00.005-04:00

Today is a milestone day! Today I turned 40!!

It really was a day no different than the ones before it. Nothing special happened today. I ate well today. I did NOT have birthday cake! I told my husband I did not want one because I knew if one was here I would eat it! And it would usually end up being more than one piece! I really did not have any desire to have any. I did, however, have two chocolate chip cookies from Subway!

Kathy asked what I ate today and wanted me to share, so I'll oblige her.

meal 1: herbalife smoothie, chocolate flavor

meal 2: chicken with black beans and salsa wrap with handful of spinach

meal 3: 6" (1/2 of a footlong)turkey/ham with all veggies subway sandwich

meal 4: 6"(the other half of a footlong) turkey/ham with all veggies subway sandwich

meal 5: chicken w/black beans and salsa

exercise today: ripping up linoleum flooring(worked up a sweat! lol)

15 minutes jogging at 5.6 mph on treadmill and 5 minutes of "hard" work on stationary bike

Pics today are three fold purpose.
First one, before/after pics of my 39th year to 40th birthday.

Second one, 3+ Year weight loss journey pics

Third one, current mission pics.

Thanks all for sticking with me and waiting patiently for me to come back! I appreciate you all so very much!

Diane, Ruthie, Kathy, Lia, Bec, etc.

Day 856 - Mission: RTP Muscle - Day 0 & 1 pics

2009-08-10T23:51:00.004-04:00

Ok, I am here now! I will be making daily posts the best I can with all that is going on in my life right now. Lot's of exciting things! Well, maybe only a few things, but you know what I mean!

I was making great progress on Adam's RTP Muscle program(which is not yet released for public release yet...a few out there beta-testing). I got through about 21 days with great results. Then I wasn't feeling well for about a week and then was out of town for a few days. Then I just hit a slump. I haven't worked out for about 2 1/2 weeks. But now am back at it with a new vigor! I know what my results were with only about 21 days, so I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will meet my goals for this current mission.

My current goals right now:

-bodyfat down to 15% or better

-gain 6-10 lbs LBM or better

-photo shoot ready ripped body

In this mission I will be utilizing Herbalife supplements (cellular nutrition, with multivitamin, meal replacements, protein powder, etc.) I'll share more about that as the days go on.

I am really excited about this mission. (at least I am today. lol) If I miss a day, leave me a message and get on me to post. This mission will go to November 2, 2009 (right before my brother's birthday). Tomorrow I will show you my one year pics. My goal was to be in the best shape of my life by my 40th birthday...and I think I am...but I can do better! But will show the yearly comparison. Should be interesting to see. Since this is posting up after my midnight...it is technically now my birthday!! But will post up those pics later.

Anyways...enough blabbering.

Today I am 40!!

Today I am Unstoppable!!

Day 821 - Shred to 40! Day 11 of 42 - RTP Muscle progress pics

2009-07-07T15:41:00.002-04:00

Sorry Blogger readers for my absense. I get caught up inside the private community of the Shreddersphere 2.0, started by Adam Waters, author of the Real Time Physique Transformation System. This community is a place to go to share in your physique transformation journey in a "private" community shared by people with the same goals...to achieve the body of their dreams and to be fit and healthy! This is a place full of encouragement and support from like-minded people! Many friendships have been formed all across the globe.

I have completed my mission"1" on the RTP TS...but with less than optimal results (at least for me)...but not because his program doesn't work...because it does!!! There are litterally hundreds going through this program and getting phenominal results. If you follow my blog at all you will see that I have encountered numerous setbacks over this period...but ultimately keep pressing on!! Since finishing the RTP TS program I have decided to take up a muscle building program that happpens to be endorsed and used by Adam Waters himself and with awesome results (check out his RTP-Blog). Carlos DeJesus is the man behind the RTP Muscle program. So since June 24 I have set out on my own RTP Muscle mission. My Mission to 40! To be in the best shape of my life by my 40th birthday on August 11, 2009...only five weeks away! So today decided to give you all an update on my progress on RTP Muscle in only 11 days on the program. If muscle building is your goal, you need this product. It will be going on sale soon...so check back! After having struggled with life issues the past 6 months I have finally got into a good groove the past few weeks.

Check back soon for updates and for links to RTP Muscle. I will also post links to very successful RTP TS transformations from real life people...real people, real results!

Day 800 - over due post for day 800 blog!

2009-06-23T13:57:00.004-04:00

Today is an even more monumental day for me than yesterday's Mission 1 day 84. As many of you know this is a lifelong journey we are taking on here. The past 84 days was one chapter in my book of blogging and in my lifelong journey. It was 800 days ago today that I decided to take on and share my weight loss experience and journey with the world. This only happened by way of Adam Waters's blog! He was my inspiration and encouragement for taking on this public journey. This coming from someone who used to be a very private person...a quiet, shy and introverted type of person. I actually found Adam's blog shortly after he went public with it....but being the shy person I was, I did not even leave a comment for quite some time after. I finally decided I would start leaving comments and then by Adam's encouragement I started my own "public" blog on April 2, 2007. While I have never gone the route as Adam had...ie, a quick, 12 week, full-blooded physique transformation, my journey has basically been one of continued, ongoing progress. Life has thrown many darts and caused some slower down times of "shredding". There were so many times I would get very discouraged and would want to just quit. Even in the past 84 days and back into January of this year, I have encountered many "setbacks". Just having finished this 84 days at 90% was very tough! (And I admire so much those who finished at 100%.) And to be completely honest, I was quite disappointed by my before/after pics yesterday. Let's just say that I have had many 90% "missions" along the way...but you know what, even when I didn't think I was progressing, all I had to do was look at those "old" "fat" pics...just to remind myself that i have done this and am a success. I have done something that so many can not say they did...I have lost over 85 lbs and have kept it off! Beside the physical changes I have obviously made(going from 35+% body fat down to 19%, 239 lbs to 149 lbs., size 24/26 women's pants(USA) to size 10, have lost over 10" on waist and 10" on hips) there have been many mental challenges overcome and mindset shifts I have taken on. There are several things that come to mind that have shifted for me over the past 800 days. One, is the self-talk has drastically changed...from " i can't do anything right" to " I can do this!" The conscious choosing of the "I am ...." statements. My confidence level has gone from a 1 to probably at least an 8(always room for improvement! and have my moments of doubt!). I have gone from being a "sit by myself" person to teaching weight loss challenges in front of class sizes of up to 25 people. This is something I would not even have considered doing even 6 months ago!While the numbers were not there for this past 84 days...I have the numbers from the past 800++ days! A major obstacle I have overcome and still "fight" with is BELIEF!! While I love to look back I truly only live for today. I always have felt "today" was my day 1...not July 30, 2006 (when i decided to start my weight loss journey) nor April 2, 2007(when I started blogging 800 days ago)...but today, June 15, 2009 TODAY IS DAY 1!!!! Can you succeed with obstacles??? YES!!! You might not see it in 84 days...but you just might see it in 365 days or 800 DAYS!!I really want this blog post to be an encouragement to those that feel that they are not seeing the changes they want to only 42 days into the program. i guess you could say this is my theme for this period of time...never give up...keep pressing on towards your goal...Just as I mentioned in yesterday's post...There is no failure...only results!!but if you are to have extraordinary results you have to have extraordinary actions!Thanks all for sharing in this chapter in my life's journey.Thanks, Adam for the push to start this blogging thing...as scary as it was to start...I would not trade this for anything...My life has forever been changed because of this journey we have shared the past 800 days!!!So what's next? There should always be a "what's next?" or you will only fall back. What's next for me is to put on some muscle! I can now say I Have been there, done that on both extremes of being too fat to being called too skinny. Now to put it all into balance!! I will shred massive over the next 40 days to the end of this contest...and then on to my birthday in August. I AM in the best shape ever in my life by my birthday on August 11! and what better way to celebrate than to go to NY? So for me, I will continue on with my "Mission:40 Dream Big!"

Day 798: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 83 of 84

2009-06-14T03:01:00.003-04:00

Sorry blogger readers that i haven't been here as often as i'd like to. Ruthie, thanks for letting me know you missed my posts. Christi, so good to hear from you! I have missed you! the shreddersphere just isn't the same without you! Mom, thanks for always being so supportive and faithful here at my blog from the very beginning nearly 800 days ago!

Here is my latest pic on my journey. Only 1 more day until the end of my current "mission". Each day is truly a victory in that everyday I feel I am in the best shape of my life.

A few reasons I have not been here as much...one, the shreddersphere! it is an awesome online "private" community for those who have purchased Adam Waters' Real Time Physique Transformation System. (please see link on my sidebar as am too lazy to put a link here in the post! lol) There is currently a 12 week contest going on. The prize is an awesome trip to NY. It is in day 42 of the contest. while I am just now completing my own 84 day mission, using Adam's program, I will finish out the next 42 days also using Adam's program.

There has been some bumps along the way during these past few months. What would life be without those bumps. The most recent one being that my husband is facing amputation of his pinky toe on his left foot. This is to happen probably early next week. this is a result of a serious MRSA infection that got into his bone. The only way to eliminate the infection is to cut out the bone. So for you praying people, please keep him in your prayers.

so that is a brief update as to what has been happening. I will do my best to keep you updated on things here! I truly appreciate all the visits and comments! Check back soon to see how I am doing in this contest and with the shredding and with my husband's health issues.

Let me leave you with a few of my favorite sayings...

Dare to Soar!

I am unstoppable!!

Day 789: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 74 of 84 / Mission 40 update!

2009-06-05T01:13:00.003-04:00

I am uploading a picture from ultimate mission for this year...my Mission 40 Dream Big! mission that is a year long goal to get in the best shape of my life by my 40th birthday on August 11, 2009. I have not put these pics side by side in quite some time since starting my current mission within a mission(mission to blogging day 800) . I am acutually quite amazed at the progress I've made since last August. At a later point I will do some measurement differences. it is obvious I've lost some bodyfat. How exciting! This just proves when you don't see the progress from day to day or even month to month...it is good to look back a few months and see the difference! now i am pumped!

Wow, only 10 days to go to the end of my current mission. I am so sorry for having not kept up with the posts here. Most of my time is spent inside the Shreddersphere 2.0. which is a community of people who are shredding together and sharing their journey using Adam Waters' RTP TS(Real Time Physique Transformation System)(please check out link in my side bar!)

It has been a rough two weeks. I am emotionally and mentally exhausted! shredding had been put to the side. David(my husband) says i should shred as usual...and win this RTP TS contest so I can go to NY in August!! He tells me he believes in me and thinks I can win...and that I need to just believe in myself!! I need to get back to some butt kickin' workouts!

will try to keep you updated. thanks for all of your support.

A message for my shredder sister, Joni!!! Let's kick some butt together!!

Day 776: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 61 of 84 Must see,Chin up Challenge Video!!

2009-05-23T08:40:00.006-04:00

This is what I am doing inside the Shreddersphere 2.0 community. But you ask, "how does one get into this Shreddersphere?" Here is how...Check out Adam Waters' RTP TS(Real Time Physique Transformation System) There is a contest going on right now but you can still purchase his e-book and be able to participate inside the Shreddersphere 2.0 and all the challenges you can and want. It is an awesome system of support and encouragement from all who participate. Nothing like it anywhere!! You will amazed! It will be one decision you won't regret. And Life is all about not having any regrets. Don't let another day pass without doing something about the physique you have right now. If you want to have your dream body...this is the system for you!

I am participating in a women's chin up challenge. There are many other challenges happening inside. Lots of great ways to keep yourself motivated and inspired to continue on and push towards your dream body and goals. This video is my "baseline" attempt to see how many I can do. Believe me, it's not that many!

so without further adieu here is my chin up video! the audio is not the greatest, but I am sure you will "see" what I'm doing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2fHAaUJ6-c

Day 772: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 57 of 84

2009-05-19T08:11:00.004-04:00

Hello readers. I seem to not get on here as often as I'd like. Here is an update for you today. The pics above are pics from yesterday. It was such a beautiful day here in southeast Michigan. I had to share a few pics from around the house. Also for those of you who don't get to see green like this in your part of the country. The first is my 12 yr old daughter with our 4 yr old son by the creek that runs through our property. next is of yours truly near the end of our driveway. and then one of the field next to us. and then a nice flowering bush on the property. Last but not least...yesterday's daily pic side by side with day 1 pic(march 23).

IN order to qualify or even be a contender in Adam's RTP TS contest I really need to step things up a notch! I don't see much change in these two pics. This has to change if I'm to be even thinking of "wining" the contest.

Here is the contest I speak of. Even though entry into contest is over, you can still purchase this awesome program and be a part of an awesome community of people who are supporting and encouraging each other. There is even in the works a Shredder Summit 2.0 in NY with those finishing the 84 day contest.

Day 768: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 53 of 84 Tell it like it is!

2009-05-15T01:38:00.003-04:00

Am on a roll!! lol..two days at 10/10
466/530
88%
I am completely off schedule as to what my Awesome 8 shredder group is doing and even the Shredinators group are doingI(inside the Shreddersphere)...as I decided to just jump back in where I left off in my workouts which was day 36. So today I did Day 37 workout, which was a HIIT session and abs. I did my HIIT on the treadmill and was topping my speed out at 7.8 mph. When I did my last HIIT session with Debbie 2 1/2 weeks ago I topped out at 8.0...but having not been doing anything for that long made this workout really hard! I really pushed myself though. A cute tidbit about my workout I have to share. My workout was actually done late this evening and my 4 year old had yet to go to bed. Well, he just had to be with mommy while I exercised. He came out in the garage with me and ended up curling up on the carpeted floor where I do my floor work(abs) and fell asleep! He is so adorable...he just had to be with mommy(especially since I had been gone all day and didn't get home until after 9 pm). I was really loving it as most of the time he wants Daddy! lol.

Everyday I am going to declare my intentions here so as to cement my commitment to finishing what I started!It is my intention to complete the RTP TS in its entirety and to do it 100%. I am committed to do whatever it takes to get the job done...I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!! p.s. If you ever, ever see anything less then I want you to kick me in the butt and remind me of my comittment and intentions! I don't want any mamby pamby comments...I want it like it is! I want you to say, "look, lady, you said you were going to do this..now get up off your butt and do it!"
Tags:

Day 767: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 52 of 84 Back at it!

2009-05-15T01:32:00.003-04:00

I really hated being sick!(have been sick since my workout with Debbie) It really put me in a funk. I got in my first workout today in 2 1/2 weeks! I decided to just jump back in where I left off. So come the end of my current mission's 84 days I will actually have a couple of weeks to completly finish the program all the way through.

Was chatting with Debbie from Can We Talk blog about stating our intentions and it freeing the mind. Well, that is what I have done.

We have to declare with intention what it is that we want to do. and then stick with it! Make each day count! We can not let anything get in our way. Sometimes we get knocked off our feet...but you get back up and keep on going. I guess this has been my mantra for a few years now. Life will continue to happen! We have to be of steadfast mind and keep on going and to never quit. This is what it means to be truly Unstoppable!Everyday I have to remind myself that "I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!"

Day 760: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 45 of 84 What's your Mission Statement?

2009-05-07T00:40:00.004-04:00

Life gets so overwhelming sometimes that you feel that you just can't breathe or that there just isn't enough hours in the day to do all that you want to do! I've had a very introspective day today. I had the pleasure to chat with my "shredder" friend, Debbie(from,Can we Talk blog), this morning. We talked about our weight loss journey's a little bit. About how things are going and what the future might hold. We also chatted about our "mission statements". What is yours? What do you believe is your mission? Your mission in fitness. Your mission in business? Your mission within your own family? What is your mission statement all about? We both decided that our mission statements should reflect our core values. What is it that you value most in your life? This could change at any given time in your life. Do our actions reflect our core values? Just something to think about!

Share your thoughts with me!

Day 45 of 84 on my RTP TS progress. I had hit a bump again this week with being sick with an upper respiratory issue. Have been coughing all week and lost my voice for a few days. Am nearly at 90% now. Have not worked out since my cardio day with Debbie last Monday. Nutrition tends to go out the window when I have these "down" times. So I am not really seeing alot of progress over the past 45 days...but all in all I still keep plugging along. This is a lifelong journey we are on ...so it's not over by a long shot!!

Day 753: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 38 of 84 Only less than 24 hours to get on board the RTP TS Contest

2009-04-29T23:28:00.008-04:00

Blogger readers, this is your last chance to enter the hottest transformation contest around!! You have less than 24 hours to get on board the shreddersphere train and achieve that body of your dreams and to have the trip of a lifetime to New York to meet two of the most awesome guys, Adam Waters of RTP.Blog and Tom Venuto of Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle. Right now things are going off the charts in the Shreddersphere 2.0. Adam's RTP TS (Real Time Physique Transformation System) Contest is officially open for entrants! You have until 11:59pm (EST) April 30th to officially enter this contest. Please click on the graphic above if you would like to meet up with Adam Waters and Tom Venuto(of Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle)in New York on August 8, 2009 for an awesome day of Shredding it up with Adam and Tom, pro pics in NY, lunch with Tom and Adam, a Broadway show, etc. If you desire a rapid-fire physique transformation, then Adam's RTP TS is the plan for you! His program is unique in that you get the mind right first before you even take on the nutrition and exercise components. It has been shown by people the world over that if you don't get your mind right first, you will just end up quitting or what you "learn" won't stick. Get the mind right and the body will follow! In all reality, this is not just a 12 week contest, it is about a lifelong journey we must take on to get fit and to STAY fit!
So come join me in the Shreddersphere 2.0 to share in this lifelong journey with myself and many others! the time is NOW!!! you can't wait any longer...just do it!! let's do it together!!

Day 751: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 36 of 84- Mini ECSS 2.0!

2009-04-27T18:41:00.003-04:00

Adam, do you notice the shirt I am wearing? All in the spirit of the Shredder!

Come on, Debbie, try to keep up with my long legs! I'll even take a pic of us running!

Sorry, Debbie, my dumbell was hiding your ripped bicep!!

Since I don't normally see this part of my body..I thought, Wow! My back is looking good! now to get the rest of the body to look like that!

What a great day! It was a beautiful day in southeast Michigan today! Plus I got to meet up with a fellow long-time shredder friend, Debbie (from Can We Talk blog)! We met up at a Applebee's for lunch. I had a shrimp and spinach salad! yummy! We then went across the road to a Snap Fitness center. It is a 24/7 fitness center. We were going to do some weights, but I guess I was feeling "insecure" and decided we could just do HIIT cardio! And did we "HIIT" it! I think Debbie pushed a little bit harder than me but was whooped just the same...It took us a few minutes to recover! I did break a personal best by hitting 8.0 miles per hour in the final minute of the run! It was kind of funny in that I had to bump up my speed just to stay at the same pace Debbie was going....her feet were just a pattering away, while I was just plodding along! lol...I guess the fact that I am a little bit taller might have something to do with it! I also think we ended up going 3 minutes on the last burst of HIIT time. our treadmills had a timer to cut off at 20 minutes so i lost track of the time for that last 2 minute fast pace stretch. Let's just say we were beat! lots of heavy breathing!! lol! After that we took some fun pics of each other with dumbells and fun poses!

This afternoon went by too fast! I hope Debbie and I can do this again soon!! Maybe if you are close to the area you could join us! (southeast Michigan or northwest Ohio) We could have our own little Great Lakes Area Shredder Summit! What fun that would be!

Dare to soar!!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 751: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 36 of 84

2009-04-27T08:46:00.004-04:00

Blogger readers, sorry for my absence. I have been focusing on other things and have been too tired to get this blog updated. I will do my best to make sure I get something up here everyday! If not, weekly! Right now things are going off the charts in the Shreddersphere 2.0. Adam's RTP TS (Real Time Physique Transformation System) Contest is officially open for entrants! You have until 11:59pm (EST) April 30th to officially enter this contest. Please click on the graphic above if you would like to meet up with Adam and Tom Venuto(of Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle)in New York on August 8, 2009 for an awesome day of Shredding it up with Adam and Tom, pro pics in NY, lunch with Tom and Adam, a Broadway show, etc. If you desire a rapid-fire physique transformation, then Adam's RTP TS is the plan for you! His program is unique in that you get the mind right first before you even take on the nutrition and exercise components. It has been shown by people the world over that if you don't get your mind right first, you will just end up quitting or what you "learn" won't stick. Get the mind right and the body will follow! In all reality, this is not just a 12 week contest, it is about a lifelong journey we must take on to get fit and to STAY fit!

So come join me in the Shreddersphere 2.0 to share in this lifelong journey with myself and many others!

Today's pics to come....

Dare to Soar!!!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 745: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 30 of 84 - Going through the motions

2009-04-22T00:52:00.002-04:00

Do you find yourself just going through the motions? One of my most recent favorite songs is sung by Mathew West, "the Motions." It has kind of been my theme song the past few weeks. It is mainly geared towards a Christian walk...but I find it applies to all areas of life. I don't want to just go through the motions of life and just get by. I want to live with passion and purpose. I want this current "mission" I am on to be lived with passion...I don't want to just go through the motions and just do my workout and just eat my food...I want to do it with passion...I want to continue to inspire you, my readers, to believe that if I can do it, so can you! If you are going to do it...do it with all you have. Push yourself beyond where you think you can go! Stretch yourself! Get out of your comfort zone! I did just that with my HIIT treadmill session tonight. I hit a high speed(for me) of 7.5 mph. I was so tempted to quit, saying I couldn't do this..it is too hard....I am out of breath!! But I pushed through..way past a level of comfort for me. I never used to like running but now I think it is rubbing off on me. I like "running" on the treadmill because it is a constant push...I can't slow down until I change the setting!!
So don't just go through the motions...push yourself!!

Be Unstoppable!!!
I am Unstoppable!!

Day 739: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 24 of 84 blogging as a way of self-talk

2009-04-16T01:11:00.003-04:00

There are quite a few transformations happening in the Shreddersphere 2.0! But the transformations I am most impressed with are the inner transformations. We each have to come to a point of changing on the inside before we see changes on the outside. Sometimes this takes time. And at each phase of our journey's. I know for me I have changed so much over the past two years that I am a completely different person...not just on the outside, but mainly on the inside. The thing is...this is a lifelong journey and not a one time change. I find I have gone through different stages or levels of comfort through this whole journey. Some times I feel so on top of things and like nothing will stop me...other days it's like, I don't really want to do this anymore. There are so many things that affect these thoughts and feelings. I guess the main thing is how do we react to those fleeting feelings? This is where our Powerful Reasons Why come into play. We really have to become so passionate about those why's...that's where I feel the 'mission' comes in..we have to make it our 'mission' to accomplish that goal for that 'why'! This mission has to become a part of us. This is what Adam talks about in his Real Time Physique Transformation System! As Debbie (from Can We Talk? blog) has shared, writing down her prw's(powerful reasons why) and goals daily made a big difference in her transformation. What makes the difference in writing them out vs. just "thinking about" them? There's just something about the mind to hand thing...a mental process that is working. But there is more...first you have to "think it", then you "write it"...but then you also have to "say it". Once you begin doing these three things....what comes naturally??? you "Believe it"!

For me, this blogging is a way of self-talk! I write the things I need to hear...the things I know I need to work on. I need to listen to my own words...and believe them!

Day 736: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 21 of 84 Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T20:38:00.005-04:00

Crayfish in trap

Kids in the woods

Me!

Easter family pic:

Myself, David Sr., Daniel, Jessica, Dad(in behind),Joseph, David Jr.

Happy Easter!!! Today is the day we Christians celebrate the Risen Christ! Today my family and I spent the day outside! What a beautiful day it was today! Not a cloud in the sky! We live on 24 acres with most of that woods. My husband, oldest son and my dad went out in the woods and cleared a path for the tractor. Me and the younger kids went on our own trek through the woods. We found a crayfish trap that had been swept down stream and had six crayfish in it. We set them free and they crawled right into the creek.

Today's nutrition went right down the creek!!! lol..Let's just say the Easter candy got the "worst" of me! Today will count as a zero!!! lol. as far as that is concerned! I did get two good meals in, but that is it!!! I will be doing cardio after this post goes up! so I guess I will get three points after all!!! lol. I am not worrying about it...it was a great day with the family!! We have to get our outside days in now before summer sets in with the heat and mosquitoes!!!

Many blessings to you all on this beautiful Easter Sunday! Let us celebrate what this day truly means!

Tomorrow the shredding resumes!!!
Even though it wasn't the best day "shredding" wise,
I contend that I am still....

Unstoppable!!!

Day 732: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 17 of 84

2009-04-09T02:11:00.001-04:00

ok. today was a great day! I felt good all day.

DAS: 10/10

CAS: 146/160

CUM: 91%

Today was steady state cardio. I worked out on my treadmill. Eventhough I am not part of the Nike+ challenge, I want to keep track of my mileage. I never enjoyed "running" before. I am still on the fence with that idea. I did "run" at 5.0-5.1 mph for my cardio tonight. I really felt I pushed myself! I "ran" the whole first mile with a time of 12:00 minutes. Then 24:24 at the 2 mile mark. At 30 minutes I was up to 2.35 miles! This is major for me! I believe my first "run" last week was 1 mile at @ 13+ minutes. I also pushed past my 30 minute distance mark by .21 mile ending the 35 minutes at 2.63 miles!! At one point I did have to go down to a walking pace as my lungs were "burning"! Overall, I am very pleased at my efforts.I also had a BIA scan done on myself today. I was surprised to see that my bodyfat % was lower than what I had thought it was.(depending on what testing method you use). The test ran me at 19.2% bodyfat!! There's good news and bad news...good news I lost 1.79 lbs of fat...but bad news is I also lost 1.21 lbs of LBM.(since 2/3/09) Here is what I think has happened...I am not getting in my calories like I thought I was. I will need to reconfigure my numbers and make up some meal plans to make sure I am on the right track for losing fat and gaining muscle! I do not want to lose anymore LBM! I am hoping the muscle building stage will help with this.

Day 730: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 15 of 84

2009-04-07T00:21:00.003-04:00

It's the start of week 3 on Adam's RTP TS! It doesn't take long to feel and see the affects of this program. I know my arms and shoulders are really showing evidence of progress. The legs might take longer to show. I am excited about the fact that I will be in the best shape of my life by my 40th birthday this summer in August. It is a given, now! Each day I believe is better than the one before. I can only get better! as long as I continue to make daily progress and keep pushing myself.
What is my "secret" to success. Staying as consistent as I can with the right choices. I never go too long without working the muscles in the form of a workout...I try to make the best food choices I can. I don't "forbid" myself from eating "bad" foods. I still eat my ice cream and my pizza...just not all the time. These are treated as more of "reward" type meals. And really getting fewer in between. And, of course, the biggest "secret" is to have a powerful reason why! I have learned it has to be something both exciting and scary at the same time. Enough to cause you to move to action!

Believe....
I can
I will
I am Unstoppable!!

Day 729: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 14 of 84

2009-04-06T02:39:00.004-04:00

Two weeks into Adam's RTP Transformation System! It has not been perfect...but we don't aim for perfection, now do we?! We aim for progress...and that is what I am seeing a little bit of. It has been a tough week, but have made it through. Life is good! God is Good!

Went to my sisters today to get a haircut! She is awesome and always does a great job! I wouldn't trust anyone else to do it! Thanks, Sis!

cumulative compliance so far on RTP TS: 90% and still seeing progress!

I can!

I will!

I am Unstoppable!!!

Day 727: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 12 of 84

2009-04-04T00:44:00.002-04:00

Sorry blogger readers, I have not been able to post as much as I'd like to(daily) as have been very busy with life! I did get my workout in tonight! Much later than I'd like but I am glad I did! It came down to the decision of which "pain" is worse, the "pain" of disappointment or the short term physical "pain." I decided that the "pain" of disappointment was much worse than the pain of having to get that workout in so late in the day.

I must continue to believe that....
I can.
I will.
I am Unstoppable!!

Day 725: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 10 of 84

2009-04-02T00:23:00.002-04:00

Ok, am just getting the past three days posts all caught up and posted. I appreciate all you readers who come here to read the words I type. Sometimes they mean something sometimes not so much. Either way, you coming here is helping me to stay accountable knowing you are here reading...even if you don't comment!
Well I didn't get that "makeup" workout in as planned. But did get yesterday's workout in! Instead of the leg press(which I don't have in my home gym) I did barbell squats...and for me, these are killer for aerobic quality. I am usually huffing and puffing with these...The military presses are very hard for me, too. With only the bar(no weights)at 45lbs. it is quite enough. the first set, I am barely getting 20 and then from there on it is only like 6-8. Nutrition today was good. I made me a bunch of pineapple chicken to last me for most of the rest of the week. I like to put it in low carb shells with green peppers, onion, spinach. yum!
DAS: 10/10
CAS: 91/100
COM: 91%

I am
I will
I am Unstoppable!!

Day 724: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 9 of 84

2009-04-02T00:20:00.002-04:00

Today I started the day making sure I got my workout in before anything else got in the way...like needing sleep! lol.It has been a great day over all! I am now one day behind in my workouts and intend to get caught up tomorrow by doing both day 9 workout and day 10 cardio. I have decided that I am not going to freak out anymore over the accountability scores. If I miss a post or a pic that alone will not affect my transformation for one day. Sleep is a little bit more important than that one pic or blog post. Besides, now I am making it up with a triple post today! (aren't you glad?! LOL)
DAS: 10/10
CAS: 81/90
COM: 90%
I Can!
I Will!
I Am Unstoppable!!!
Tags:

Day 723: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 8 of 84

2009-04-02T00:17:00.001-04:00

This is actually yesterday's(Monday's) pic.Life is crazy right now. In a good way! Saturday through Tuesday are crazy days. I did not get my post up yesterday because I simply ran out of hours in my day. I was in the process of uploading my pics and I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and decided to just take a hit on accountability points for that as I know it is the diet and exercise that really matter for the physical transformation...plus getting enough sleep!!! which I have not been doing lately. Having full work days plus blogging and pic taking and working out plus a part time business...I just wanted to do it all, but knew if I didn't get my sleep, it just wasn't going to happen...I realized how bad it was yesterday when I was coming home in the middle of the day practically falling asleep at the wheel of my car and crossing the middle line nearly getting hit head on.....ok....i get it....I need sleep!!!!!!!!!!!Tonight was a big night as we had the last class of a 12 week weight loss challenge. As a group of about 25 people the group as a whole lost a total of 255 lbs.!With starting this class(one of four with 2 more going to be starting soon!) it has been a true life changing experience for me! I think my inner transformation over the past six months has far out weighed the physical transformation I have had over the past two years! I am in a place I never would have even thought I'd be in and feel comfortable doing. In all honesty, I believe the past 18+ months have really been preparing me for this time right now! I truly feel God had put a "vision" in my heart months ago but I just chocked it up to just "crazy thoughts". But I see now looking back that He placed a small "vision" in my heart and mind and has been grooming me to fulfill that "vision". I now feel it has lead me into my "mission" for my life right now. To reach out to my community and help those that are ready to be helped! Tonight in our weight loss challenge class, my husband and I received a standing ovation from our class participants! How awesome is that??!! For so long I felt, "how could God use little ole me?" And here I am inspiring not only strangers from across the globe but now people right here in my own community. I just want people to know that if I can do...so can they(you). I have done nothing truly special except have a desire to get myself into decent shape and not be obese anymore!A question for you all! What "vision" do you have in your heart that right now you are not quite sure what it means or even if you believe you can do? In what ways do you feel you are impacting other people in your life? What opportunities have been opened up to you as a result of you beginning and getting results in your physique transformation? I think we know Adam's answers!! In church service this past Sunday our pastor talked about imagination. He said something that stuck to me. "You can only go as far as your imagination will go"compliance through Monday workout. and no blog post .

das: 8/10

cas: 71/80

com: 89%
Tags:

Day 722: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 7 of 84 - Week 1 review

2009-03-30T00:13:00.003-04:00

One Week down on Adam's RTP TS. It started out great and then missed a few meals and missed a workout and ended up the week at 90% overall compliance score. In the grand scheme of things, that is not bad. I did get a little bit discouraged the third day of messed up meals. I was quickly encouraged by my fellow shredders in the Shreddersphere 2.0. Being part of a group of people who not only hold you accountable for your actions, they also give great encouragement in times of discouragement. This is the reason to be a part of a community of people who are striving for the same goal. We beat ourselves up enough that it is good to know that others will be uplifting when we need it!
Well, as I already knew it, Adam's RTP TS is a massive program in that you will surely get results if you just stick to the plan. The workout routines are sure to get your muscles all fired up. I must say that my legs have been sore most of the week. Another victory for the week is that I tried my hand at a little bit of jogging on my treadmill. This is something I have not had a desire to do as my right knee typically gives me some problems. I thought I'd give it a shot and I think I did ok with it. My "top" speeds today doing HIIT session was 6 MPH but enough for me!! Of course it will be my goal to increase this speed and also the distance (I went 1 mile in 13:53) which I would like to increase the speed in which I reach the 1 mile marker.
accountability scores:
daily score: 10/10
cumulative score: 63/70
overall compliance: 90%

Day 720: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 5 of 84 - Celebrate the "small" Victories!!

2009-03-28T00:32:00.002-04:00

I am so excited for all the victories today. Even though we sometimes have less than perfect days, we can and should still find a victory to celebrate! This is what I am choosing to do in my post today. My day was less than perfect but celebrate the fact that I still got in my workout and it was great! I loved the pump I got in my biceps today! I celebrate the fact that during my workout I really focused on my PRW instead of focusing on the "mess ups" from today. I celebrate the fact that I can still feel the DOMS in my legs from Tuesdays workout! I celebrate today that I am able to and have fun playing with my kids on the playground at school and that I CAN go down the slides and feel like a kid again playing with my kids! How many 39 year olds do you see running around the playground going down the slides with their kids? Not many! So I challenge you to go out there and play and go down the slide with your kids (or someones kid!), especially the curly slide!! Have fun!!!

Daily score: 7/10

cumulative score: 45/50

compliance score: 90%

I CAN

I WILL

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 719: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 4 of 84

2009-03-27T00:23:00.002-04:00

Today's workout was upper body. chest/back/triceps/+calves. My calves still were sore from Monday's workout and today I could really feel Tuesday's leg workout, especially the hamstrings! Walking very 'gently' today! lol.
I screwed up meal 4 & 5 today. so my daily score will now be 8/10
Daily score: 8/10
cumulative score: 38/40
overall compliance: 95%

Day 718 "Shredder" History, One Year Ago

2009-03-26T00:37:00.006-04:00

Adam signing the Mens' Fitness Magazine

My sushi dinner! Tom V., the New York Four and Adam.

At the dinner table at the Greek Restaraunt
New York Four group "Reveal" pic.

I want to draw your attention to events that took place one year ago on March 22-24, 2008. It was a momentous occasion of six people coming together to meet for the very first time. I'd like to share Adam's link to his RTP-Blog where does an outstanding job at highlighting the events that took place.

I remember the events as if they had just happened. I remember flying into Baltimore, Maryland and staying with my fellow shredder, Joni in her home. She welcomed me with open arms as if we had always known each other for years, where actually we had only known each other for only a few months. I remember the drive from her home to New Jersey to meet with Adam and the other New York Four gals, Debbie and Lilla. I remember my heart beating out of my chest with excitement and anticipation of meeting them for the first time...plus my very first time coming to NY/NJ...me, just a small town country girl! I remember eating sushi for the very first time in my life!! (not bad!) I remember sitting across the table from Adam, thinking, "Wow! I am actually here meeting Adam and the others and in a few days, meeting with the Tom Venuto himself! I remember getting Adam's very first autograph on the Men's Fitness Mag in which highlights his success story. I remember driving back to Joni's house talking non-stop the whole way back(2 hour drive). I remember Monday morning waiting in the foyer of Tom's gym eagerly awaiting his arrival. I remember Tom shaking our hands and naming us by name! I remember Tom putting us four gals "gently" through the paces in the gym. I remember going to an awesome Greek restaurant and eating an amazing Greek salad! and Tom letting us put him through the paces with tons of questions. And, of course, the "reveal" pics.

How could one forget such memories?! It will forever be written down in "shredder" history. What an awesome experience it was! It was my pleasure to meet such awesome women(Debbie,Joni,Lilla)who each have inspired me in massive measure, and of course, Tom and Adam. Maybe some day we can do an ECSS 2.0. I, for one, would love a "do-over" and be in the best shape of my life when that time comes!

As Adam Waters says,

"Eat Clean, Shred Hard, Think Big!"

Day 718: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 3 of 84 "I Can Do This!"

2009-03-26T00:21:00.004-04:00

Repeat 20 Times Today... "I Can Do This!" Believe It...
Does Your Mirror Reflect Your Desired Image? Expand your identity! Don't hamstring your potential with old programming. You have the power right now to redefine yourself any way you want.
You're the author of your own autobiography. If you want a better life, write a better script.
"Every successful man I have heard of has done the best he could with conditions as he found them..."~ Edgar Watson Howe

The above was in an email I received today. What powerful words. Are you saying this to yourself? How many times? Do you believe it? Keep on saying it until you do!

I'd like to say a special hello to a friend of mine...Peggy. I think you know who you are(if you are reading this!). Please leave a comment so I know you were here. I welcome all new readers and visitors. You will find this is a place I like to share some of my deeper thoughts. What a better way to share it than with "strangers" all across the world!! It is my hope to touch lives through this blog..basically my message is this now...If I Can Do This....So Can YOU!

today's accountability scores:

Daily score: 10/10

Cumulative Score: 30/30 100%

Day 717: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 2 of 84

2009-03-25T00:16:00.005-04:00

Mission 1: Day 2 is written down in history! I don't even know where to start with today's post. I have so many thoughts and feelings running through my mind. This has been a very long day. I have just finished my workout at midnight!!! Any other time I would have just said screw it, the day is over...but I know how I am, I would have just ended up here on the computer and "wasted" time until 1AM...So I might as well just do my workout...after all, I have 7 other "Shredders" who are doing this and I can't "drop the ball" on only the second day! As I am working out I was flooded with so much emotion. This may sound weird or something, but I could really "feel" Adam and my fellow shredders "pushing" me. I heard Adam's words..."channel those emotions into every rep!" I feel I did just that!!! I don't think I've had such an emotional workout as tonight in a long time! I kept looking at my visualization pic and thinking if I don't do it now, when will I? If I want massive results, I'd better put in massive effort!

I was spot on with my meals today! I came up with a "trick" to make sure I was eating when I needed to be...basically what I did was set an alarm on my cell phone to go off at set times throughout the day to "remind" myself it was time to eat...so I didn't have to keep trying to figure out or remember when I ate last. This helped me tremendously!

so scores for today are: 10/10

cumulative score: 20/20 100%

I CAN!

I WILL!

I AM

UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 716 - RTP TS Mission 1:Day 1

2009-03-23T20:46:00.002-04:00

OK, here is today's "official" RTP TS Mission 1:Day 1 post. I have taken front, side, back pics. In my front pic I am holding yesterday's newspaper! (only because i have not left house today! and don't get the paper at home) It is the Detroit Free Press(Sunday edition) dated, March 22, 2009. I just finished up Day 1 base training, which includes upper body working chest, back, triceps, and calves(although not upper body!) I also did Day 1 Ab training.

Daily Compliance: 10/10

Cumulative score: 100%

I also wanted to give a big shout out to my good friend, Debbie (from Coffetalk: Can We Talk blog) who just Friday finished 12 weeks using Adam's RTP TS. She posted phenomenal results! So much so that it got me fired up to really get started! Debbie pushed through 12 weeks of shredding all the while working a full time job that takes her on the road often and taking care of a family at home. Also through some other trying situations. She has proven to be a true inspiration and bold leader in the Shreddersphere. I am honored to have been able to have met and worked out with Debbie (one year ago tomorrow on March 24 in New Jersey). Way to go Debbie! So proud of you!

I CAN

I WILL

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 716: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 1 A before/after pic

2009-03-23T17:08:00.004-04:00

This is not my "official" RTP TS day 1 post! But I just had to show this to you all!!! Sometimes you go on not realizing where you have come from...then you come across an old pair of pants in your closet!! Then I had to compare to an old pic of me from July 2006(probably at my heaviest!) This "fat" pic of me (in which my husband inadvertently cut my head off!) is NOT an altered image!! I actually looked like that!!! As I am sitting here looking at theses pics, I have overwhelming tears in my eyes!!! and the song in the background on my radio is this...."there is a light at the end of this tunnel for you. so keep holding on." How appropriate at this very moment...So for those out there looking at this blog right now and you are thinking that you just don't know what to do or how you have come to the point you are right now...know that there is a light at the end of this "tunnel" for you!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! If I can, I KNOW you can, too!

Here's the thing for me! I am not done!!! With this mission I am embarking on today for the next 12 weeks, it is my goal to increase the Lean Body Mass(namely, Lean Muscle)! I don't want to go from fat to skinny! I want to go from fat to FIT!

It is my goal by the end of the next 12 weeks to make just as an impressive transformation from today. So stay tuned and check back often for "daily" updates!

Day 715: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 0 Are you Unstoppable?

2009-03-22T17:09:00.004-04:00

I am just getting home from work and need to get to bed to be rested for the day's tasks on Monday. I actually couldn't sleep last night with excitement of starting this mission. I am really getting myself pumped up for finishing and accomplishing my goal. It almost makes my heart "skip" with excitement at the prospect of achieving my dream body! I am really beginning to start believing I might just be able to do it!!! This has been my biggest limitation...believing in myself that I can actually accomplish such a "big" goal.

I just wanted to throw some questions out there for you all(and myself!).

What are you doing today to become Unstoppable? How are you living an Unstoppable lifestyle? What is it that makes you Unstoppable? Do you let life and circumstances "stop" you? Or do you press on no matter what?
Being unstoppable is a way of thinking and believing and being!! I am learning this! In Tom Venuto's interview with Scott Tousignant on the Unstoppable Fat Loss audio series, he quotes someone as saying that
what you think, you believe.
what you believe, you act on
I think that the more you think, believe, act...the more you "become"!
With every day that I think I am unstoppable, the more I believe it...the more I believe it...the more I act like it...the more I act like it...the more I BECOME UNSTOPPABLE!

so, think it, believe it, act like it, BECOME UNSTOPPABLE!

no matter what your "mission" is in life...BECOME UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 715: RTP TS Mission 1: Day 0 Video Log

2009-03-22T02:08:00.005-04:00

Here is my first video log of my next 12 week "mission" in which I will be using Adam Waters' Real Time Physique Transformation System. Let me know what you think!

Day 714 - 2 days until start of RTP TS

2009-03-21T14:07:00.003-04:00

I wanted to let you know that I will officially be starting(or should I say re-starting)Adam Waters' Real Time Physique Transformation System on Monday, March 23, 2009. I was going to wait until April 1 but decided after doing some figuring that starting on March 23, 2009 would mean I will finish on my blogging Day 800! What a perfect way to mark a major blogging milestone! This mission of course is all leading up to my 40th birthday this year in August. I have some other powerful reasons why but will hold off sharing for now. The main Powerful Reason Why is of course to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 40 this year! Just when so many are either slowing down or are still adding the weight on, I am on a different train! The train of being fit and fabulous at forty! I feel I have cleaned out some cobwebs in the past few days or so of some things that have been affecting my mindset(thanks to redoing Module 1:Realize in the RTP TS). The mindset is the Main factor in any life change or physique transformation. The Bible says to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" or "to be made new in the attitude of your minds"(Ephesians 4:23). Without having the right mindset, you are basically going through the motions. Which reminds me of this song by Mathew West. Let's live our life with passion and not go through the motions. People will see how you live based on your actions!

Day 712 - Mission 40: Dream Big! Day 220 of 365

2009-03-18T23:51:00.003-04:00

Ok, I've had a few bumps along the way...but the important thing is to not give up!!! Dougal is the epitome of not giving up! He is a guy who has had many trials this past year after having a very serious spinal injury in a surfing accident. If any one has a "reason" to give up, it would be him...but you know what? He has done quite the opposite. He has drawn on a Saviour who gives him strength to keep moving on. If you haven't before, please go check out his story on his blog. You'll see a man who will not give up! He will not quit!

So here I am getting ready to forge on the next part of my mission for this year moving towards my 40th birthday. I have included an updated side by side pic of my Mission 40: Dream Big. Today is Day 220 of 365. I see quite a change in the past 220 days. Not nearly the change I anticipated at the beginning...but still moving slowly forward...It's all about progress!!! In the next 1 1/2 weeks leading up to April 1, 2009 I will be doing a little one and a half week pre-shred before I jump back into Adam's RTP TS program (for the third time...maybe three times a charm!) April 2, 2009 is a monumental day for me and at the end of 84 days going through Adam's RTP TS will be another monumental day! It is my aim to make it a great 84 days! It's time to narrow down the focus beam and get down to business. The past few months are history and I can not change them. I look to the future now and will count today as another new dawn arising!! It is my goal from this point on to write out my dreams and goals daily..not just physique goals but also other life goals. I did this early on in January and feel it really helped me with my focus. Another thing I did was write out how my "Mission 40" will end as if it were today and I am living it(this is something I learned from Scott Tousignant's Unstoppable Fat Loss audio program). Believe it or not...some of the things I wrote early on in January are already starting to happen. It's time to live it and BELIEVE it to BE!! As Tom Venuto says in one of the Unstoppable Fat Loss audio interviews, "what's holding us back from achieving our goals? NOTHING is holding us back... except the belief that something is holding us back...it's our limiting beliefs" It's time to let go of my limiting beliefs and set myself free and truly believe I can have the body of my dreams!!!(or the life of my dreams!) When I look at my pics from today I see how close I am!!! When I turn 40 on August 11, 2009, I will be in the best shape of my life!!!

I CAN

I WILL

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!

Dare to Soar!

Day 709 I'm still here!

2009-03-16T13:28:00.002-04:00

HI all, just wanted to update you and let you know I am still here! I have not abandoned you! I am just trying to iron out some things and get back into the swing of things shredding. I have been going back through the "mindset" modules in Adam's Real Time Physique Transformation System and "redoing" the action steps. The mindset is so key in any transformation! If you don't have your mindset in check you will not follow through. I know this from personal experience. So why is it that we don't follow through or for some think we can't get the mindset right....I think it could stem from several different things. Carlos DeJesus says we need to resolve unfinished business in our lives. Check out Carlos DeJesus Exercise Therapy blog to define what that is. Once we get that straightened out then you need to come up with a Powerful Reason Why you want to accomplish your goal(s). Then we need to go after our goals with Passion!
So basically I am reworking through some of these steps for myself! So check back soon for a return of the "RTP Warrior"!

Day 705 - Adam Waters' Real Time Physique Transformation System is now live!!

2009-03-13T01:08:00.000-04:00

It's finally "live"! Adam Waters' RTP TS (Real Time Physique Transformation System). I feel like a proud big sister!! I have followed Adam's journey from early on in his blogging journey as I watched from the sidelines for quite a few months until I decided to start commenting on his blog. He inspired me to start my own blog on April 2, 2007. Since that time I have lost 30 lbs! In October 2007 about 19 of us ventured on a 14 day group "shred" where we have since been known to each other as "shredders". I started Adam's RTP TS as a shredder test pilot, but had to stop due to illness a few weeks ago. I will have another go at it starting up here really soon! My goal is to finish up in time for my 40th birthday on August 11, 2009 being in the best shape of my life, ever! Please follow along with me in our journey to our dream bodies! Adam is living proof that it can be done and his system will take us there! This will be one of the best fitness products on the market! Adam's system starts where most other programs don't...the mind...get the mind right and the rest will follow!! This will be the best decision you make today to move towards your dream body!

I CAN!

I WILL!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!

Day 703 -growth & belief

2009-03-11T00:52:00.002-04:00

Today I want to talk about growth. I am not referring to physical growth, but rather internal growth. How do we reach that next level (in anything in life)? We have to grow, stretch, push ourselves beyond where we think we can go...beyond our comfort zones. I think a part of this "growth" is what we "believe". I am reminded of a very short conversation I had with Carlos DeJesus a few weeks ago. He basically asked me one question before I had to shorten our conversation. The one question he asks me was this, "What do you believe?" My first thought was, "wow, what an open ended question!" My response was this, "about what?" Well I guess that is what I need to figure out! Here's the questions I ask myself. What do I believe about life? What do I believe about circumstances around me? What do I believe about those around me? What do I believe about myself? Each answer affects the other. Your beliefs you have about yourself affect those around you, which in turn can affect your circumstances and resulting in how you live your life. Sometimes our beliefs are limiting us. I found myself today doubting myself because I didn't believe I could do a certain thing and made up excuses why I "couldn't" do that 'thing'. I think I started out making it worse than it really was and ultimately did a good job. Basically I had to stretch and grow a little bit to break out of a "new" comfort zone. I still have a ways to go but I feel I am on my way and every time I go through a growth phase I believe in myself a little bit more! This works in all areas of life...spiritual, emotional/mental, physical, financial. You don't grow when it's easy...you grow when it's hard!!
Just like making a physical transformation!!
i can
i will
i am Unstoppable!

Day 700! of my blogging journey

2009-03-07T13:39:00.007-05:00

Today marks a major milestone for me, 700 days of blogging! That means in 30 days I will have been blogging for two years!!(another milestone!) In this amount of time I have done away with 35 lbs. of fat!! That might not sound like a lot, but before I even started this blogging journey I had already obliterated 50 lbs from my body! So that is a total of 85 lbs that I have eliminated. I truly believe that if I hadn't started this blogging journey that I might not be where I am today. The accountability and support I have received from an awesome network of people (we call ourselves "shredders") has kept me in check to keep pushing towards my dream body goals. So many times I felt like just quitting thinking these people don't know me and could care less if I stuck to my plan and achieved my goals. How wrong I was. The friendships and bonds felt over the internet are real! We care about each other and each others success. Life has continued to happen and we each have supported and encouraged (and even prayed for) each other.

The support is great...but it comes down to one thing...are you ready to make the decision to do it for yourself! You have to decide to do it for you and then the support will push you along the way. Decide today to make a change. Are you tired of where you are today...in health, financial, spiritual, emotional, mental areas. Take steps today, right now, to be better today than you were yesterday! Only You can decide to change!

If you are really serious about making some changes then you need to stay tuned to my blog because really soon Adam Waters will be releasing his Real Time Physique Transformation System. I have gone through the first four weeks of his system and was making some great progress, but unfortunately I got sick for about a week and had to suspend the program. Here's the thing, very soon you will be seeing me back in action working Adam's program in full swing. August 2009 I will be celebrating my 40th birthday and I intend to do it in style in the best shape of my life, ever! I want you to join along with me and lots of other people in transforming our bodies and achieving the bodies of our dreams. When the time comes I want you to click on the link to purchase his program and literally change your life forever!! You can do it! And we'll do it together!!

p.s. Link to Adam Waters' RTP TS coming soon!!!

I CAN!

I WILL!

DARE TO SOAR!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 696 - Feeling better & a personal story!

2009-03-03T22:46:00.001-05:00

HI All! Wanted to post with an update. I am feeling much better today and the voice is starting to come back to normal. Still coughing some "phlegm" but not as much! I also wanted to share a story with you all. My husband and I had a "booth" at a women's retreat at our church last weekend. At our table we had a drawing for product. We drew the name and discovered it was actually a gal who lives at a home for troubled women dealing with drug addictions. Well the gal who we drew was actually not there for the time being but the director of the home there answered and after finding out who I was and why I was calling then asked if we would be willing to come in to the home and do a talk for the women about nutrition and wellness. I thought that was so cool. I truly believe God has His hand in it! I feel truly blessed to be able to reach out to my community in such a fashion and hopefully be able to touch other lives as a result of my own journey. Surely this is something I would never even considered doing even two years ago...let alone a few months ago!!! So don't tell me losing weight isn't life changing...because it is...it is for me!

Day 692: Sick again...

2009-02-27T21:12:00.004-05:00

I had to share this pic with you all as I just love it! I had two of my best friends over the other night(before I started feeling sick) and we were having a good time! Every time I see this pic I just have to smile! and thought you all would also enjoy it! Laughter is good medicine for the soul. If this pic doesn't make you smile, then something is wrong with you!

I also wanted to let you know why I haven't been posting the past few days. I have come down with whatever chest cold my four year old had last week. He is finally doing much better now. But now I have it!! Coughing and low energy and hoarse throat. I have decided to chill out on the workouts until I am better. I don't want to prolong being sick. I am eating pretty good most of the time. Being sick was not on my schedule!!! This bothers me because I haven't even got out of the first four weeks of Adam's RTP TS program! I don't want to have to start all over again! I am ready for some "heavy" lifting! (I think! lol)

As of today, there is 164 days until my 40th birthday! That is less than 6 months away! I have envisioned a big day that day! Will it come true? Only if I make it come true! I have to believe it! Here is a quote from Brian Tracy "The most important principle of personal or business success is simply this: You become what you think about most of the time."

Dare to Soar!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 688: RTP TS - Day 22 of 84 Couples Before/After

2009-02-23T20:19:00.005-05:00

I had to share these pics with you all! This is before/after pics from November 1, 2008 to February 19, 2009. A small difference for me but a big difference for my husband! My husband has lost his weight as a result of changing his diet (for the most part) and drinking Herbalife meal replacement smoothies replacing two of his meals a day. He is also taking multivitamins(which he hadn't done before), and drinking an energizing green tea(or taking it in tablet form). He is also more aware of his protein intake. His energy has changed like night and day, for the better. He is now no longer on high blood pressure meds when nearly two years ago his blood pressure was near stroke levels! I am very proud of him!! He is now at a weight he has not been since 8th grade, 29 years ago!! Check out my Herbalife link on my side nav. bar to check out what we have been doing.

These pics are only the beginning of a lifelong journey. My husband's goal is to get to 200 lbs....so 26 more to go!

Dare to Soar!

I AM UNSTOPPABLE!!

Day 687: RTP TS - Day 22 of 84

2009-02-23T00:43:00.004-05:00

I am so messed up I don't even know what day I am on. I think I am close...without actually looking! lol. Here is today's pics. I went to church and then I went to my sisters and got my hair cut! then had to go to work. This was taken after I got home from my sisters! (Thanks Sis, you do a great job! See you next month! lol)
My little Daniel is still sick! Do keep him in your prayers. Hoping the antibiotics work! I have been worried about him all day! I must say that everyday is a lesson in learning to have faith and just trust in the Lord!

Day 684: RTP TS - Day 20 of 84 (again)

2009-02-19T21:25:00.002-05:00

I actually got in the full workout today....it was 17 minutes of HIIT...If I didn't get that in then that would have been a problem. I really pushed hard. It felt good to do a full out HIIT session.

My four year old son is sick still today. Fever and coughing...sounds like the flu...but will probably take to Dr. tomorrow to make sure. After his ordeal this past summer, we don't want to let him go too long being sick. He is such a trooper, though. I asked him how he's feeling and he says, "I'm fine."

Each day that passes I am finding ways in which I have improved my physique. In today's pic I see difference in the tummy area. I received a nice compliment today from someone I wouldn't ordinarily get a compliment from as far as the comment made. It made my day!!

Here is a little short video Daniel and I made a week ago. Just saying "hi" to everyone! He is so cute I had to share with you!

Day 683: RTP TS - Day 19 of 84

2009-02-18T21:42:00.003-05:00

OK, I messed up the days on my pics. I am on day 19 in my workouts as I decided to pick up where I left off with the workouts from last week where I did not get them done. So I have revisited day 19 on my pics. So time just seems an issue. I have not been getting the whole workout done! I have made it through half way and something always pulls me away. Today was having to take care of my four year old who now is sick. He is coughing and fighting a fever. Plus I have other work that needs to be done this evening. Time just seems to be getting shorter and shorter!! I realize I am really sucking on the accountability numbers as I just don't have time. I am probably spending too much time just doing this post. I really like to "talk" to you all...but I might just need to just bring it down to just posting pics for awhile(let the pics "speak" for me). We'll see. I just need to really prioritize my time to get things done!!! (and I know I spend way too much time on the computer.) So bear with me as I figure my time out!