The 30-Day Challenge Team Reports In!
Filed Under Motivation · Tagged:
I hope you will gain some inspiration by following the progress of the members of this 30-Day Challenge Team.
These brave people have agreed to stay accountable and committed to their goal for the next 30-days by reporting publicly to you!
Notice the passion and desire they have all expressed for wanting to make their goal successful… do you have a powerful “why” for achieving your goal? I think when you do, the “how” will come easily.
If you are reading this please feel free to support them by following their progress and cheering them on. They will greatly welcome your feedback in the comment box!
Tara Chantler
1. Lose 5 lbs by August 25th
2. Clean a 44lb KettleBell
3. Be able to do 5 body weight pull ups
Why I want these goals
1. I need to break this plateau. I want to create less stress on my joints. I will feel happier about myself when I do this. It is important to me to lose that excess weight.
2. I want to be able to say that I can do that. I want to feel stronger. I want to know that I can take care of myself. It is important to me to be able to do this because I will be proud of myself.
3. I will be so proud of myself when I can do those pull-ups. Not many people can do them.
The biggest reason why I want to be able to accomplish these goals are because I want to say that I have accomplished “this” in thirty days … what can I do in another thirty? I have been stuck in a rut and I think that this challenge will help me focus mentally to keep with the program and not get lost. I need this accountability and help. Emotionally I need this too.
Elly Fitzig
My goal for the 30-Day Challenge is to:
(1) Lose a minimum of 5 pounds by August 24, 2009
(2) Prepare my mind and body for gallbladder surgery on August 6th and minimize recovery time
(3) Reduce stress levels
To lose a minimum of 5 pounds, I will:
–Exercise 15 minutes per day, 5 days a week, either in (3) 5-minute intervals or one 15-minute walk. After my recovery period, I will increase this to 20 minutes, 5 days a week, using the following plan:
Mon.-Wed.-Fri.:
Walking, hand weights, or balance ball
Tues. and Thurs.:
Yoga, meditation, or visualization
–Set aside time each day, 7 days a week to:
Plan healthier meals
Keep a food journal on www.fitday.com
Read about wellness
Develop affirmations
Become more mindful of my senses
–In addition, I will:
Eat organic food whenever possible
Increase my water intake to 64 oz./day
Go to bed by 11 PM 5 nights per week, and build up to 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Use an online wellness-related support group like Lauren’s blog
To prepare my body for gallbladder surgery on August 6th and minimize recovery time, I will also:
–Do deep breathing and relaxation exercises for 5 minutes each day
–Visualize myself healing and becoming one with nature
–Watch episodes of “Family Guy” to make me laugh, but not so much that it hurts!
To reduce stress levels, I will also:
–Help my parents resolve plans for assisted living
–Surround myself with positive people
–Listen to Louisa Chan’s tapes on managing stress
I believe it is vital that I achieve this goal, in order to be healthier and make wellness a life-long commitment. I am 61 years old and 5’ 1”. I began this challenge on July 20th at 159.5 pounds, and am now 155.5 pounds. I find myself winded while walking long distances or climbing stairs. I was recently in the hospital CCU with esophageal spasms and am now having gallbladder surgery.
I will stay on track and make positive, life-long changes. I will break the habit of emotional eating and of dining in front of the TV, which relieves loneliness, as I work from home. I will continue journaling my food. By using an online support group, I’ll have the reinforcement of a team and will be able to help others. I will also plan meals for the week before I go food shopping, and avoid last-minute dinner decisions, which often result in take-out. Meal preparation will be a lot of fun, especially when my husband and I cook together during the weekend for the week ahead. When we do eat out, I’ll look for healthier choices on the menu and continue, as I do now, to take home one-half of my entrée.
I plan to release 30 pounds within the next year by following the plan above. It is essential that I build my endurance, balance, and reduce my weight and stress levels, in order to live longer and improve the quality of my life. I see myself exploring more of the world, climbing up the steps of Machu Picchu or hiking in Antarctica in the next few years. Time to bring it on!
Ellen Goodwin
My Goal:
To release 5 pounds during the 30 Day Challenge. To go from 148.8 (this morning’s weight-July 28, 2009) to 143.8 by the end of the challenge on August 24, 2009. I will do this by journaling what I eat and how I work out (a minimum of 20 minutes per day). I will take a walk every day, preferably after work and before dinner and I will limit my alcohol intake.
Why this is important:
This will represent a jump start to my ultimate goal of releasing 14 pounds. These are pounds that have taken over my mental dialogue and releasing them will prove to me that I can set goals and attain them. That the voices that tell me I am too fat and that I can’t wear cute clothes, can be silenced. That the stories I tell myself about food and exercise aren’t always right.
Sonja Jones
My goals are to increase my cardio by doing a hill run near my home, and take 2 of Marc Leberts boxing classes, and 1 kickboxing class.
I will work up to 20 times up and down the hill and do the hill 2 times each week, and for 30-days I will consistently go take all 3 boxing classes every week.
I will stay accountable by posting this challenge on the blog, and showing up at the boxing classes.
Why? I have put myself on the backburner for years, and it’s my time NOW! That is the driving force behind the working out method. I see myself more fit, with a smaller a*s, smaller stomach, leaner thighs, wearing smaller clothes, feeling great and looking HOT! Vain yes, but at the end of the day it’s to look and feel good.
Peggie Larson
Specific: I will consistently follow the Insanity Program. I will keep a food diary. I will plan my meals and eat 1700 to 1800 calories per day of high quality, non-processed foods. I will lose 8 or more pounds during the 30-day challenge. I will continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Measurable: I will lose at least 8 pounds during the 30-day challenge. I will lose 2 pounds per week.
Accountable: I will be accountable to myself by recording what I eat and my exercise in a journal, which I will add to every day. I will also be blogging on your webpage.
Realistic – I believe my goals are very realistic. 2 pounds per week is very doable.
Time Bound: I will be able to reach my goals in 30 days. I will record my food and exercise, which will encourage me to do well each and every day.
Emotional: by eating healthy and continuing an exercise program, I will feel better about my body and not be so hard on myself.
I will feel more energetic and be physically and emotionally strong.
Reviewed often: I believe by recording my food an exercise I will be reviewing my goals often. I plan on using your idea of writing my goals out on a card and carrying it with me all the time.
I am excited to take the 30-day challenge.
Clyde Matthews
Specific – I was interested with some help in reaching the goal of 100 push-ups and 10-15 pull-ups. I train regularly with kettlebells, bands, total gym, sledgehammers, and martial arts. I will start implementing weighted push-ups and strict pull-ups to failure immediately followed by slightly assisted pull-ups with partner twice a week.
Measurable – 40-45 push-ups and 6-7 pull-ups (baseline of 26 push-ups, 4 strict pull-ups)
Accountable – blog, training partner
Reasonable – I think in 30 days I should be able to complete 40-45 push-ups and 6-7 pull-ups.
Time bound- 30-days
Emotional Reason- I enjoy setting and achieving goals, I will share a couple with you that I have completed. The ultimate goal for a distance runner is to complete a marathon (I’ve completed 2: 26.2 milers & 3 ultras: 31 miles). The ultimate goal for a cyclist is to ride 100 miles (My wife and I have completed Hotter n Hell 2 times on our tandem and Waco Wild West Century once). For years I have heard that doing 100 push-ups and 20-25 pull-ups is quite a feat and when your offer came in my email inbox, I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to begin achieving this goal.
Reviewed often- Keep track of total number of weighted push-ups and strict pull-ups each training session and try to improve each time.
Beth Muhlenkamp
I will jog at least 3 times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday’s in the morning before work for 30 minutes, and work on increasing my jogging time each week.
I have several goals that I am working one at the present time which include physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. but the reason I chose this goal for the 30 day challenge was because I have a goal of someday running a marathon. I have never been a runner but I have been working on running most of this year. I was doing pretty good but I have lost my motivation and focus and have let my running slip over the past couple of months. I am ready to get back on track and work on my running again.
I will be starting out at jogging for 3 minutes and walking 1 minute and increase my jogging time by 1 minute each week so at the end of the 30 days I will be doing a doing a combination of a 6 minute jog and a 1 minute walk for a total 30 minutes. The 30 minutes does not include warm up and cool down times.
My motivation for doing this challenge and goal is:
1. So I can feel good about myself for accomplishing I put my mind to.
2. I know I will feel better all the way around because my body will be toning up and I will like what I see when I look in the mirror.
3. I just recently found out that I have a pretty high HDL BUT I also have a high LDL on my Cholesterol reading and I am pretty upset about this since I do eat pretty good, exercise currently, and the fact that I am only 26 years old and you never think it can happen to you. The doctor thinks it’s genetic, and that this is something that I am going to have to battle for the rest of my life. So this gives me more motivation to exercise and even increase my exercise.
4. I also tell people that running is my anti-depressant because I know when I am running regularly my mood is a lot better.
5. I want to be a good role model to my family, friends, and clients. I want them to see that yes it can be done, no it’s not always going to be easy but what’s the fun accomplishing something that was easy?!
My support system includes: God, my mom, my co-worker Teresa, and this group.
Michelle Perrone
My goal is to do 3 days of strength training for 30 minutes each day and 3 days of cardio training for 30 minutes each day.
The reason to get this goal accomplished is because I’ve always gone to the gym and worked out. It bothers me that I am out of shape. I can tell because I get out of breath easier than before and I see that I am not as toned as before. I have that tiny pouch in my belly and am anxious to get rid of it. I feel that by having your core strong it makes you physically stronger.
Hey everyone. I am really excited for this 30 day challenge. I see we have a fellow Kettlebell fan. I absolutely LOVE kettlebells. Tara, I love you goals. I would be ecstatic if I could do 5 pull ups. I have the cheat bands and can only do 4 with those. So glad to be able to read all of our goals and aspirations. I look forward to this journey with all of you.
Hi challengers! Just your coach checking in. I can’t wait to see your progress come in and hopefully have you on our call this weekend… I keep hearing about a lot of “collective” pounds being released in the emails you send me… why not tell everyone?
Anyhow, I really came here to post for Tara since she asked me to… so cut and paste, here’s Tara:
YES! I dropped 3lbs this week. I am on vacation in Vegas this weekend, so I will be as good as I can in Sin City. Workouts have been good. I have been keeping track of my food on fitday.com. It can be a little time consuming, but I think its good. I like the graphs and charts. I have done HIIT cardio and KBs Sun-Thurs. I’ll try to find a gym @ the hotel. I’ll check in later. If you could post this for me I would appreciate it. Thank you for your coaching and encouragement.
Thank you!
Tara
Hello Everyone!
Looks like we are all accomplishing some awesome goals! I have encountered a few barriers with my goal already but I am back on track and even hit the treadmill and jogged for 20 minutes straight yesterday. I seem to be able to jog for a long time on the treadmill but once I get outside I seem to only be able to go for 5 minutes. Anyone else a fellow runner and experience this? It can be frusterating but I think if I increase my time on the treadmill and keep bounceing from the treadmill to outside running I will eventually get the hang of running outside, but I am open to suggestions to help me with this struggle.
All my best to my fellow 30 day challengers as we continue onward and upward to success!
Beth
Almost the end of week one! Definitely been some interesting obstacles, no wait, opportunities this week. Some I did ok with some not. Glad to see there are a couple other KB folks on this same journey.
I’m so impressed by everyone’s goals. Good job to everyone! Finish this week strong and prepare for next week!
Ellen
Beth- You didn’t say if you were using inclines on your treadmill or what it was like where you are running outside (hills, hot weather, etc.) Can you make your treadmill run more challenging then what you encounter outside, either by using the incline or speed?
Ellen- Good reframe
Wow, I am impressed by the specificity and comprehensive nature of these goals. I have been working on a more general goal to start each day with 15-20 minutes of prayers, then work out, then start my day. I have accomplished 6 days in a row starting Sunday through today. I take Saturday off. Let’s see if I can do it for week two.
I am glad you noticed the clarity that this group expressed in each of their goals, Janice. We all spent a good week on goal setting without really starting the challenge.
Goal setting is the most important step, yet people rarely do it, or do it right. Taking action without a specific plan is like going on a road trip with a full tank of gas and a map of Mars.
Everyone wrote their goals out and hopefully if you were to stop them in the street, they would be able to pull them out of their pocket and tell you specifically what they were, and tell you with passion, why they want to accomplish it… right team?
Let us know how you are doing with your challenge, Janice.
I have done great on the working out goal, but not so great with writing down everything i eat. I have slacked a little and am getting back on track. I feel good though. I have a lot of energy with these Insanity workouts. They are definitely insane.
Hi Peggie, I can only imagine the insanity! Good for you that you are keeping up the workout. I have a 24 hour challenge for you… will you write down your food in the next 24 hours and email it to me?
I’ll be watching out for you in my inbox!
Lauren, I just saw your comment. And yes, I will provide you my eating for today and e-mail it to you tomorrow (August 3rd)
I am getting ready to listen to the last phone call. I missed it because of a funeral obligation. I am struggling a little this week. I feel a little unorganized. Today is my day to get everything in order so I can follow my challenge full force and not by flying by the seat of my pants.
Great affirmation and refocus Peggie!
One of the best things I’ve learned during this challenge is to eat slower and away from the TV. Whenever I find myself shoveling in my food, I put my fork down and take at least five deep breaths. This really helps set the tone for a more relaxing meal. I enjoy seeing my progress as I journal my food on fitday.com. I am thankful that my parents have picked an assisted living residence and will move into a safer environment in two weeks. I’m also sleeping better and feel more rested and relaxed. I’m looking forward to my gallbladder surgery on Thursday as a “spa day,” an opportunity to have a healthier body, release more weight, meet new folks, and spend much of the day with my husband. Meanwhile, I’m struggling to work out. My exercise time has been sporadic, and I need to get back on track but, realistically, I will replace workouts this coming week after surgery with visualization, meditation, and deep breathing techniques, and jump back into a more consistent exercise schedule after recovery.
I forgot to add that I am 1/2 pound away from my goal of releasing five pounds.
Wow Elly, that’s major progress from when we first talked… keep it going and thanks for letting everyone know.
I also want everyone to know that Peggie totally did her mini 24-hour challenge of logging in her food to me, she eats deliciously healthy!
This are going well this week. I feel more in control and more focused. The workouts are kicking my butt. They are hard, but I feel so good when I am done. I am a sweaty mess. I burn around 350 to 400 with these workouts. Eating is fine this week too. I will begin to focus on the visualization exercises that were talked about in the last phone conference. I have been carrying around my goal card and have it in my food and exercise journal, so I see it every time I write down my meals.
You are unstoppable Peggie! You are on a mission! This girl knows how to get it done! YAY!
Hooray! This morning I reached my goal of releasing five pounds from my body. I hoped I would be able to do this within 30 days, from July 20th to August 18th, but it took 16 days. My hat (big, red, and straw) is off to Lauren. Now I’m going to raise the bar and set a new goal of releasing a minimum of 3 more pounds by August 24th.
Elly I am so happy for you! What a positive way to go into your surgery tomorrow. I’ll be thinking of you… best of luck, and I am glad you are already thinking ahead. YOU did it!!!
Hey Lauren,
Looks like many are experiencing the change they want – the power of 30-day challenges!
Setting the intention does miracles doesn’t it?
Louisa
Thanks for stopping by Louisa! This team set strong goals and they are getting it done.
Thank you Lauren!
I have dropped the 2lbs that I gained last week in Vegas! (that makes 3lbs lost since start) I was pretty good for the most part. I have worked out every day this week Mon-Thursday. I took last night as a rest. I am getting a head cold, so that has put a damper on my workout today as I can’t breathe very well. So eating has been really good since I got back. Been trying to keep up with it on FitDay.com and it helps a lot.
I did 3 REAL pull ups today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now to try that 44# KB!!! I think I’m still a ways off from that, but I WILL GET THERE!!!
Ladies! You are all an inspiration! Thank you for doing this challenge with me! You help me stay on track! THANK YOU!!!
Tara
Traveling and illness can definitely make this challenging Tara, but good for you to get right back on track as soon as you got home. I hope you feel better soon.
Hooray for the pull-ups! They are not easy but you did 3!!!
Congratulations to all of the 30 day challenge participants.
During our post boot camp walk today Lauren recommended the movie Julia and Julie, the story of the famous chef Julia Childs played, no channeled by Meryl Streep and a wanna be foodie/writer named Julie played by Amy Adams. The movie was adorable (although I wanted more Julia, less Julie) so thanks for the tip Lauren. It also had several important themes that tie in so perfectly to this blog. The first is never give up and go for what you want. Julia Childs was well into middle age and worked for years before becoming famous. She pushed her way through the set backs demonstrating that action is a great strategy when things are not going well. She just refused to wallow in self pity. The second theme is surround yourself with supportive people and find a role model. If the movie was mostly true she had a very supportive spouse as well as family members and friends. This was in the time before blogs so some of her support came in the form of snail mail. Modern Julie was a blog writer and she received support from her spouse but she also modeled herself after someone she admired. The last theme is live life with joy. Modern Julie really had trouble with this one. Julia Childs bubbled over with enthusiasm; her good mood was contagious. Contrary to the advice in the reviews, I went to the movie hungry and went to lunch afterwards. I ordered sensibly but was still hungry after I finished my meal. My Dad could not finish his short stack of pancakes so I allowed myself the left overs and savored the butter and syrup. If you go to the movie you will have a new found appreciation for butter. That is my one treat for the week and it was good. So now I am back on course with eating, praying and working out. Bon appetit!
Hi Janice, Thanks for finding the analogy of the movie to the 30-day challengers and this blog. Taking on a challenge that you feel passionate about and staying the course no matter what obstacles come up, as well as the importance of having a strong social support network to help you reach your goals does indeed echo in both! Personally, I related to the “Julie” character as a fellow blogger
, she set the goal to complete something she started. Both Julie and Julia saw their obstacles as challenges and ended up with something far greater than the goal. Who knows… maybe that could happen with our 30-day challengers on this blog!
Well…on the road for the 30 day challenge, and let me tel you that 2 boxing classes-one kick boxing class have left my legs like jelly…I am persisting and plowing thorough the pain…No pain No gain? the muscles better repair fast!!! Anyhow plugging along, wanting to crawl rather than walk…LOL but nonetheless…keeping at it…in spite of my pain!!! Keep up the physical activities ladies!!!
Sonja- Glad you are hanging in there! That’s just the way muscles feel when they get stronger and leaner – no worries!
Just talked to Clyde today and I am reporting to you on how he is doing with his goal. You will just have to take my word for it… because he asked me to post this for him:
1) 4 sets of 20 push-ups
2) 4 sets of 10 assisted pull-ups (using only the back of a chair placed in front of his feet/shins to keep from swinging)
Have not been around much. I am finding myself faced with the self sabotage nemesis. I am struggling and really don’t know why. Lauren I plan on listening to the last phone conference and know that will help me get back on track. I have been working out, but the food part is not where I want it to be and for some reason I don’t seem to care. Does this happen to a lot of people, or am I just special. I know the answer to that. Everyone struggles with this at some point. I am writing everything down again and will be back on track. I know I will not meet my 8 pound goal for the 24th, but that is okay. I am really learning a lot about myself during this challenge. Thanks for all your help Lauren.
Peggie, yes, you are special, and yes as you know, it happens to a lot of people. The phone conference you missed, is specifically focused on eating, “Mind-Body-Nutrition” and you will find it useful. I do have specific questions to ask you so make sure you take advantage and schedule your one-on-one coaching call! Hang in there, and good that you are keeping up the workouts… they looked pretty hard-core and I’m impressed!
I was looking forward to further jump-starting my weight loss through a lack of appetite following gallbladder surgery, but discovered that I actually gained weight due to IV fluids and other fluid retention. My weight is now just 1/2 pound above the pre-surgery level and I’m glad I was able to lose the pounds t did early on. Moving my parents into assisted living this week kept me highly active, but I need to resume food journaling and exercising regularly to get past the plateau I’ve reached this week.
Hi Elly, Your post surgery fluid retention was normal and fortunately only a temporary situation so I wouldn’t even give that another thought… but you really released those first 5 pounds for good! Yay!
Now, I wouldn’t look at your current situation as a “plateau” at all, lots of stuff going on in your life… you just created a result, and the feedback tells you to get back on track if you want to continue where you left off… which you are! Keep it up!
Hey all!
Well I am so glad you all are moving along ok in this challenge! I am very happy to report in that…
I CLEANED MY 44# KB ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT ARMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still no progress on the pull ups but I will get there!!! Saturday is WI day … we shall see!
Eating has been really good this week, so I am confident in a loss this week!!!
Peggy – I feel your pain … on the weekends is where I almost always fall short. I think it started out when I was on WW. Saturday was my WI day and because of that I thought that since I WI already that what I eat today isn’t going to count …. WRONG!!!!! I still struggle SO much. That is the hardest part for me. That is why I have been stuck in a plateau 15# away from my goal weight and trying to push through. BUT this challenge definitely helps!!! Good luck!!!
All Right Tara!!!!!!! Thought you had disappeared on me, but NO… you’ve been on a mission! Intense focus! Way to go! Not gonna mess with you, strong girl!!
No, I didn’t disappear. I have been reading the posts, but not posting … It’s just crazy at work right now, no time! BUt when I get home the last thing I want to do is get back on the computer, but I did want to let yall know what was going on.
I also have to report in that … I am 1lb away from my 5# loss goal. I still have three days to lose that # and I think I can do it. I am “greasing the groove” with the pullups this weekend, so hopefully by Tuesday I can do those 5 pullups!!!
Thank you Lauren!!!
Have a GREAT weekend ladies!!!