Today I did a 5K (3.1 miles) and beat my former time! So exciting!

One of the things I find motivating (because trust me the scale is NOT my friend) to keep going – keeping track of time it takes to do a 5K or a loop around the lake at the park. This is a way to see your improvement and strength increase!

I use a polar watch to keep track of time, heart rate, and calories burned – it’s nice to see that last one get higher and higher! If you don’t have one of those – simply keep track of when you start/finish – on your watch!

Remember – you can do it. If I can do it – you can do it.

Make it fun – today on the course – I was singing (who knows what it sounded like) and telling these little girls – don’t let me pass you – have that motivate you

Have fun! 5 days – 30 minutes – you can do it!!!!!

Hi Everybody, August came in like a lamb, let’s hope it stays that way! I had oral surgery on Friday, so I am taking it a little easy for a few days. I took a leisurely bike ride this morning for about an hour and then late this afternoon my husband and I walked for about 1/2 hour. Great to be exercising with you all again, “see” you tomorrow! Also, I would like to introduce my newish daughter-in-law, Elizabeth. She and my son are staying with us for a little while, and I love watching Elizabeth take exquisite care of herself. I have encouraged her to join us, and she is up for the challenge!

An Idea/Tip

Have a walking visit with your nutritionist. Bobbi and I have done this a few times.

It is time that you have already set aside.

Hi! I’m Kathe’s daughter-in-law, and I am excited for this challenge, especially as I have been learning to exercise regularly this year. Today I copied Kathe (though maybe not intentionally with biking this afternoon, and then walking this evening for about half an hour. Quite pleasant!

Happy August 1st!

I did a 10 min walking video with Jason’s Fit Kitchen this morning

I did boot camp this morning for an hour. My dog, Buster, wanted to share that he did 32 minutes of running and playing at the dog park this morning

Welcome everyone. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and fun with the exercise challenge. Yesterday we were on the road for 500 miles and it was great to finally get out of the car and go for a refreshing 35 minute walk in the Smoky mountains. We are in the middle of nature and mostly unplugged but will try to log my exercise whenever I go downtown.

My favorite thing to do is throw clothes on straight out of bed and head out on my bike. We have some good hills in our neighborhood which naturally forms a great riding circuit. I like to do the whole circuit twice which gives me an hours worth of good riding. Besides wanting to commit to exercising as part of this group I added the personal challenge of living lite. Meal planning, edible and non edible consumption, some light fun reading, even carrying the bare minimum in my purse, no ruminating! So far so good, I feel lighter already.

This morning I stretched, ran for 17 minutes, and walked a bit to cool down.

Tonight I did a demo boot camp class that my gym was offering (not the same as my normal boot camp) for an hour.

We did a 1 mile run, squats (lots and lots), jumping jacks, and more.

Yesterday, we walked around Asheville, NC for about 2 hours (my only physical activity) and did lots of “porch sittin” with my extended family members. There are 18 of us “visiting” this isolated retreat in NC so we had to do alot of “porch sittin” to catch up with everyone and get adjusted to the high altitude. The Bitzer cottage is very rustic, over 100 years old, with no TV, internet, phones, etc so it is always culture shock and a great time for getting back to basics .

Due to limited internet access, I am going to commit to my exercise ahead of time to make sure that I do it and that it gets logged. I will challenge myself to hike at least 3 hours over the next 48 hours in the mountains of North Carolina.

A few quick responses – 1) I love walking meetings! I have never had a walking appointment, but every now and then at work I will schedule a walking meeting. 2) I too am taking it a little bit easy, as I sprained my ankle badly a week and a half ago and don’t yet feel like I can run on it. I am anxious, however, to use my new Nike+ sensor, now that I have an iPhone 4 with the other end built in! I am still calibrating, but am looking forward to, as Sarah says, seeing numbers increase.

Sunday, August 1st I spent about an hour and a half vigorously gardening. Normally I wouldn’t count this as exercise, but I rarely garden so I want to give myself a little credit I took no prisoners and cram-filled two huge trash cans with weeds.

Yesterday, August 2nd I went to the gym and used the eliptical machine for 40 minutes. Pretty boring, but it’s easy on the ankle and I have TV episodes to watch on my phone, which helps! Today I will likely do the same.

today i did 40 minutes of water activity

Great job everyone! Wonderful to see everyone stepping up to the challenge. I did manage to hike for 90 minutes today before it got too hot. Hope to get in an evening walk after dinner. Keep up the great work!

So great to see all my friends here! Daughter, daughter in law, Rebecca and all of the friends I only know through exercise and cyber-space! I could write an epistle about today, I swear it has been 53 hours long. after the Farmers Market and lugging all that in the house I got on my bike for only 20 minutes. In spite of getting up at 5:30 time was tight today, had to get my toes done and go to D.C. shopping. We all have priorities. Where ever I go now I use the stairs and park farther than nearer to the door. I have been avoiding the gym like the plague while it is not too hot outside. I remind myself frequently Rebecca told me she prefers me to get my exercise outside and that I am NOT exercising to burn calories, but to honor my body. So I will not be buying any of those number counting gadgets anytime soon. Melissa, were you hoping to take the woodchuck prisoner? O.K. it worked, you all inspired me and it looks like a breezy evening, an evening walk it is. “See” you all tomorrow.

Kathe – I love Farmer’s Markets! I am jealous! I like the point of exercising to honor our body – when I was at Fitness Ridge (The Biggest Loser Resort), in one of the classes, the speaker discussed the point of – If you don’t take care of your body – where are you going to live? It’s a good thing to ponder!

Today I did a 30min+ run with the boot camp instructor since it was just us.
Then I did my first run with a group called STARS – She Trains and Runs Strong tonight. These ladies are amazing – so encouraging and their philosophy is that you loop back so no one is ever really alone for long. So inviting! With them I did 4 miles tonight!!!

Very thought provoking..if you don’t take care of your body where are you going to live? Thank you for that gem Sarah!

Where is everyone today? After dinner I asked my husband if he would like to walk with me, he looked a little shifty which I took as a no. In my book, “he who hesitates is lost”. Besides, I was really just being polite, in this heat a bike ride is much more tolerable that a walk. So off I rode at nearly dark with the air as thick as pea soup. Good alone time and also good for ridding the days accumulation of frustrations. I rode for about 30 minutes. And yes, last night we did take an evening walk for about 20 minutes, it was good and breezy. The weather is not looking breathable for tomorrow, might have to break down and go to the gym. I am expecting a houseful of wonderful family members tomorrow through Tuesday, makes this exercise challenge even a little more challenging-but I’ve got the will!

I had an awesome run today– perhaps my best ever, in spite of the humidity! Stretched, walked, ran just over 20 minutes, walked to cool down… So nice for a run to actually feel good!

Happy Tuesday!

Walked this morning at dawn with camera in hand which was quite enjoyable and then went on a serious hike late this afternoon which was cut short due to ENORMOUS thunderstorms. We were soaked and had to seek shelter under someone’s porch–until the rain eased up. Luckily, I did manage to do over 90 minutes of walking/hiking today, so even though it was less than I had hoped for, I did meet my goal!

Glorious bike ride for an hour this morning. Ended up at a local bagel shop and got bagels for our soon to arrive company, put my bike basket to good use. Riding home, Gus, who owns a little sandwich shop near our house called out to me, “Best form of transportation!!” He’s got that right! BTW, Gus is at least 90, opens that shop everyday, it is a bit of a hang out for his cronies. Ask him his secret? He swims every morning before he opens the shop at 7:30. Oh, yeah, and he eats “good”. He makes the best and prettiest veggie sandwich I have ever tasted. Might very well have the opportunity ofr more exercise today, but if not, I have my ride in!

Tuesday, August 3rd I rode the stationery bike at the gym for 15 minutes, then the eliptical machine for 25.

Wednesday, August 4th I had a horseback riding lesson and BOY was it hot. Sweaty human on an even sweatier horse. But it’s fabulous exercise, and at least, like riding a bike, if you get going fast enough there is a bit of a breeze. Anyone who rides will sympathize: several laps around the ring, posting trot, NO STIRRUPS. That means you have to grip the horse with your legs and lift the rest of your body up and down as it trots along. Impossible? Almost. Almost as impossible as it is, today, to walk.

Wow – Melissa – sounds like an awesome riding lesson! I am working towards being in the right weight range to ride my Mom’s horse. His name is Enzo! Good for you!

Yesterday I did boot camp and went to the 6:30 class. I like when I go to the earlier class. I feel more productive in my day.

I am about to head out to Feet First for a 3-5 milers – we’ll see what it is when I get there.

Kathe – one of the trainers at The Biggest Loser Resort says that quote over and over again. It’s like his trademark

Melissa, I am so jealous!! Posting without stirrups? You GO girl!! All of family arriving today is here. We are about to go to cape St. Clair Rita’s for water ice. The big deal for us there is to walk the length of the shopping strip while we eat out dessert. Not exactly exercise…but some all American family fun. Sarah, I got back on a horse after 35 years of not riding thanks to my daughter’s and Rebecca’s encouragement. I love to ride! I got new breeches, boots, hard hat, the whole thing, do you like to ride?

12 minute run today, cut short by the thunderstorm!

Last night I did approximately 3 miles walk/jog and then I did an hour of swim practice with TEAM FIGHT.

Kathie – riding used to be all I did as a teenager. I loved it. Then, my horse got sick, had to be put down and I was going to college… I rode off and on a bit but haven’t ridden in years. I am trying to start it back up. My mom just gave me her old helmet, my old riding boots and riding sneakers, and an old pair of her riding tights – which fit me!!!!!! amazed!

This morning I did boot camp – football Friday. It’s weird – I kind of like the football drills. I am starting to actually catch the ball!

walked for about 30 minutes, and rode bikes for about 20 min (with a 4-year old, so it was leisurely)

Sarah, sounds like you’ve got it covered, mount up!!
Today was my birthday. I had such a fun day with all of my family. There were 10 of us outside eating crabs and corn, green beans and tomatoes slices. I started off the day like most others…on my bike. However, I gave myself the present of pushing myself harder and a little longer, rode for a good hour and ten minutes. After that, I was totally stoked to turn another year older and have a slice of coconut cake!

yesterday I did 40 minutes of water activity and today I went walking with friend for about 1 mile

Oh yeah I had NSV on Thursday Non Scale Victory. I went to a workshop at a high school with those god awe full desk attached to chairs. Normally I have sit sideways and lift the desk if possible . But Thursday I fit in that desk chair thing normally.

HI Everyone,
I am absolutely enjoying your posts! Keep up the great work! I am back in Annapolis so I beat the heat this morning by simply going on a 60 minute walk at 7AM before it got too hot.
I love the idea of NSV, seems like you are all having some NSVs!

ok, I had to look back, thinking what did I miss?? What are NSV’s?? I see! I should say, I FEEL!! Rebecca! I see that as a super good self track list possibility. Had a similar one to Paul’s a few weeks ago, had to take the last seat on a train car, the man I sat next to took up all the window, luggage spot and most of the seat, (my share!) and listened to his computer to boot! No problem, I did not need all of my seat and my legs crossed perfectly in the direction of the isle. He was a dentist, at least I think he was as he was listening to dental programs with pics. Think I could now execute a root canal if need be. I will be back, have not exercised yet today, just wanted to see what I am up against!

Paul – that’s great! I think I put more emphasis on the Scale Victories -than the Non scale victories…. today I had such NSV!!!!!!!!!!

Columbia Horse Center does a free intro/evaluation lesson for riders of all ages…. I wasn’t sure if they would have a horse that could handle me (at my weight) they explained that they should have a few and it would depend on how I ride – how I balance my weight….

Today I rode Debonair (spelling?) who is an awesome older Morgan Cross horse…. so exciting. Afterwards I talked to them and they told me that I looked confident on the horse and that I balanced myself fine – so I wouldn’t be hurting/agitating the horse!

I can ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m SOOOOOOOO excited. So it wasn’t much exercise – probably 20 minutes or so. but I am so excited. a great NSV…. now I need the Scale victories to happen so I can ride my mom’s horse!

I also went for a nice walk with the dog this morning before it got real warm out there

Sarah!! Congratulations, man you do not waste ANY time! Happy trails! Do love the name Debonair sounds like a real sweetie!

I got a short walk in last night after I posted, and then had a nice run this afternoon– 20 minutes, with 15 minutes of warm-up/cool-down. I also walked to the neighborhood beach and back (15ish min each way) with the four-year old this afternoon; lovely time in the sun! Perhaps a walk later…

ok, in the 11th hour I got my bike ride. My brother gave me a new red flashing light for the back of my bike seat and I have a small light on the handlebars, so this evening I rode into the dark for 40 minutes, it was awesome!!!

Thanks Kathe – he’s up there for a horse – almost my age! I can’t believe he is still used in lessons. I was so happy I cried and gave the manager I just met a hug

Below is a copy of the blog I kept while at Fitness Ridge. Matt Hoover spoke on both Friday nights after dinner. Here are some quotes that challenge and motivate me. I hope you find them helpful:

BL 2 Winner – Matt Hoover
I don’t think I mentioned before that this week there have been 3 people associated with the show. Matt Hoover – was the season 2 winner. He is here this week and on the blue team and the red team next week with me.
Bernie, the at home winner from season 5 (I think) is here with his fiance.
Then Max, Mike’s brother from the brown team last year is here. I didn’t even realize it was him until someone said something – he has lost so much weight!

Tonight at the end of dinner Matt Hoover spoke to us all. He makes his living now as a public speaker. I wrote down many of the things he said and I will share them:

* You never know what you are capable of – until you start.
* 1 small change can change your life.
* There’s a huge difference between bad luck and bad choices.
* If your current is not good – it’s probably because of the past – you have to take care of your current.
* Find out what you can and cannot fix – what you can’t – you need to let it go
* It’s about working yourself as hard as you can
* When you set a goal – there’s lots of things that go with that goal
* It about the finish – your race – you have to run the race
* Sometimes changes come and you have to take them
* We will believe any lie/truth we tell ourselves
* What you get out of these workouts is up to you
* When you accept the process – you can change
* What are you holding onto that is getting in your way?
* You have to bring the other leg with you
* Sometimes we don’t see what an inspiration we are
* You have to change your thoughts
* When we change ourself – we can change our family legacy
* It’s about going home and doing it!
* We have to stick with it

I thought I would share this. It was really neat to hear about his experiences before, during, after the show and how all of it has changed his life.

I am joining late in the challenge, but I’m in!!

I got on my bike with my 3 yr old y’day and biked around the lake for 30 minutes. He is heavier now! Was a good , albiet brief, workout!

Paul, awesome about the NSV!!!! I love it!!

All right everyone, grab your tissue box and read on: I wore a bathing suit and swam in the Atlantic Ocean yesterday. This is more remarkable than it sounds because, 1. With my weight issues over the years I have not had a suit on it 25 years!!! However, now that I am at a “healthy and beautiful weight” (~ Rebecca Bitzer, 2009) I decided yesterday was the day. I had no suit, and we were about to leave for the ocean when my sister-in-law told me she had brought an extra. Viola! I swam in ferocious waves, got more than my share of sun, salt water and sand EVERYWHERE and had one of the best days of my life. 2. I am victorious over breast cancer, it has been 16 years. Having had a double mastectomy and the related wonkiness that comes with that I used that as an excuse to never wear a bathing suit again. When I had my reconstruction 14 years ago, the surgeon told me our goal is to get you in a bathing suit with no issues. I thought to myself, yeah, like that’s going to happen. So yesterday was the day, I swam, laughed and soaked up sun and nature’s energy all day and let the ocean wash my cares away. I know my surgeon would be especially pleased to see how beautiful his work has blended with mine and Rebecca’s.

I got so excited about my day at the beach I forgot to post that I got plenty of exercise keeping up with the waves and walking the boardwalk!

Awesome Kathe. Thank you for your inspiring post. …………….

I got about 30 minutes of walking around in Safeway today pushing my son in one of those giant heavy cars with the little TV inside. We kept going around the store even tho we had already paid for groceries.

too cute! just being a Mom to one of those critters that fits in a cart is a daily workout! is anyone else not having week two come up first thing? like I have to go looking for it…