A New Challenge, plus a Hot 100 Update

Today is the last day that you can sign up for the Christmas challenge over at the 266 blog. I won't be redundant by laying out the challenge here, as you can be-bop over to her site and read for yourself if you're interested. Suffice it to say, it is simple enough that it won't add additional stress to an already busy time of year-- it is just something to keep you focused during a season where many of us temporarily get off track.

To read about the challenge, check out this page over at 266 and let her know if you're interested in participating.

A lot of you found out too late about Steve's Hot 100 Challenge over at Log My Loss and therefore aren't participating in that. So I thought I'd let you know about the Christmas Challenge!




Tomorrow is the next Hot 100 Challenge Update, but I am posting mine today, a day early and adding on a new challenge for myself!

Anyway, here's how I'm doing with my challenges:

Exercise a minimum of five hours a week: My fitness week runs from Sunday through Saturday and I KNOW that when I total things up tomorrow that I will have far surpassed this goal. I have been a complete and total lunatic with the exercise. Now that the end of the year is in sight and we are coming down the home stretch, I have more wholly committed myself to the spirit and intent of this challenge.

I've been exercising like a woman on fire. I increased my cardio, turned up the heat of my intensity while exercising, upped the weights at the gym, and have been walking more. Logging 2 1/2 to 3 or more hours of exercise a day has been the norm lately and I could almost cry. A short time ago, I simply wouldn't have the stamina for what I am doing now.

Eat Foods rich in Omega 3's at least 3 times a week: As usual, I nailed this one. Thank goodness I love salmon so much!

Complete all three months of the ChaLEAN Extreme Program: Still at it! I am in the second phase, what they call the PUSH PHASE and I am really enjoying it. In this phase, I lift heavier weights for fewer reps. You'd expect a woman who is 6'3" to be strong, but I think that I actually surpass what you'd expect at this point.

There's still enough fat covering my body that you won't be able to see my muscles for awhile yet when I post my pics. But I can feel them and I am in awe of how they are developing. I think the size of my upper arms is going to be surprising in the end.

Consume at least 5 fruits and veggies a day: I did this, but just barely. I'm in this push to lose as many inches as I can by the end of the year, so I cut my carbs again somewhat. So I am not eating as much fruit.

Eat 5-6 small meals a day: I haven't been doing this. I got off track with it when I had the flu and seem to be having trouble going back to it. I am not as hungry as I was before and that is not helping.

I AM ADDING A NEW GOAL

If you read my blog regularly, you know that my abs are the bane of my existence and the worst problem area that I have. That being the case, you'd think that I'd focus a lot of exercise in that area, but I haven't to date.

Here and there, I've been grudgingly doing the 10-minute ab burner workout that comes with the ChaLEAN program---but not with any consistency or enthusiasm.

My new goal is that for the remainder of the Hot 100 Challenge, I'll do ab work a minimum of 10 minutes, three times a week. Then, after the first of the year, I'll reevaluate to see what I want to do from there.

On other fronts, in preparation for my monthly progress report, I took my measurements last night. DH had to attend a retirement party at work last night and was too tired to take my photos when he got home. He told me he would do them for me tonight or Saturday morning -- so look for my update over the weekend!

Have a good day!