Week 4 for Mrs.Newton

"Grab every opportunity that comes your way and watch what happens."

I want to be a "yes (wo)man!" And part of this challenge is saying yes to things I would normally say no to, such as jogging in the morning (I like my sleep), walking for two hours on the strand (people, I have things to do!), eating greek yogurt for breakfast instead of toast (I NEED CARBS!). But, because of this competition I have said YES to all these things (and more!) and I am so glad I did!! Saying yes to this challenge in the first place has changed my life. And though it has been so hard at times, and sometimes I take a couple of steps back before I go forward again, it has helped me prove to myself that I CAN DO IT!

This week Nik asked us to write dow what we would attempt to do if we knew we could not fail. I LOVE THIS QUOTE because I've been a big quitter my whole life...up until now! So, I'm reaching for the starts and am going to say yes to doing these 5 things!

Two more weeks to go...

We could win this thing!

I have seen other posts on what everyone would do with the prize money and have been giving more thought to what I might do with it. Originally, I had planned to spend it on new clothes for my honeymoon. However, having gone through 5 weeks, I realize that I am not ready for this challenge to end.

I am starting to see real results. More strength, an ability to hold proper form, an increase in reps and weight and after just over a month! I have decided that if we win, I am going to put most of the prize money back into the workout, seeing this as an investment in myself. And frankly, it is one that is well worth it (not to steal Hilary's tag). And I might splurge on a pair of gray Lululemon pants (thanks for the tip Nik! ;)

4 days and counting, let's finish strong ladies. STRONG!!!

A New Milestone

Today I did something I never thought I could do - a 12mph 30 second interval. That's right, 12 MPH!!! And I did it at the END of my interval circuit just to really heat things up. I started with 5 11MPH 30 secs and then pushed it to 12 on the last one just to see if I could - and I did!

I am excited to see what other surprises await me with more hard work and dedication - and what else I'm capable of.

Bring it!

Inspiration Redux

Week 6: With clearance from my Dr. on Thursday (with a cautionary "take it slow" reminder), I'm ready to rock and roll. I've been doing intervals for the last 3 days in a row, for an hour each time, pressing it and pushing myself harder than I ever think I can - and even surprising myself.

But today, I heard a quote that really hit home for me as I finish up this last week - "it's not how you start, it's how you finish." And while all my efforts in the last week of this thing may not show up on the scale, I'm not discouraged. So long as I finish stronger than I began, it's good enough for me. This isn't about 6 weeks, it's about a lifetime and I'm in it for the longhaul, but this last week, I will most definitely finish stronger than I started.

WINNING! (Said in Charlie Sheen Voice)

 

Not that Charlie Sheen is the best inspiration; but when I'm feeling a little low, I visualize him saying "WINNING" and it pumps me up (and makes me chuckle)! I think the true prize of this competition is a slimmer physique and greater self confidence. But, if someone is going to throw an extra grand my way as well, I'm not going to complain! So, here's what I would do with my winnings...

 

With my $1,000 I will:

1) Take $500 to pay for my vow renewal on my 10-year anniversary trip;

2) Take $200 to put towards the new wardrobe I will need including a couple new bikinis to wear on my anniversary trip;

3) Take $300 to put towards a personal trainer to continue this journey.

If I Were A Rich Girl (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)

Okay, no $1,000 will not make me rich but it will make my savings towards next year's vacation that much more substantial.

So let's see:

Airfare from LAX to Bangkok: Over $1k (yikes)

Snorkeling Excursion $50

Me prancing around in a swimsuit on the beaches of Thailand with my new, skinnier body: BEYOND PRICELESS

Just Dance

My dog thinks I've become a crazy person. Why? Well, she's the only witness I have to my morning routine of getting dressed. Lately I've been grabbing things out of the closet that I haven't worn in a long time (like 2 years long time) and when I zip them up with ease, she watches me dance around like I'm on Soul Train becasue I'm so happy.

Basically, I get to go shopping in my own closet- losing enough inches to do that again equates to me not caring if my dog thinks I've gone mental or even the neighbors seeing- it's a casue for a celebration!

I'm so, so happy for the way things have progressed throughout the last five weeks. My goal was to lose 12 pounds and now I'm only three pounds away. I may not make it to my goal by the 27th, but it's not going to be for a lack of trying.

I'm going into this week fully motivated, inspired and ready to win this competition.

(I'm also making a new iPod playlist for more morning dance sessions to come- this is just the start!)