Need Competitive Buddy! Starting May 11th!

Ladies and Gentlemen....

Hello my name is Sunny and I am looking for a buddy with simular stats and goals.

I want to have a friendly competition from May 11th until June 10th. Ending June 10th because that is the 30 day mark, and I will be going on vacation starting June 12 ...

I need to loose 13 pounds, I am currently at 133 pounds and would like to be at 120 lbs.  I KNOW I will not lose all that in the timeframe I have specified, but what I would like to do is get a few people in here that are also Competitive and see how much of this weight and inches we can knock off by the 10th of June.

Sunny

Hi Sunny, I'm Roxy!

I read your buddy invitation and I am actually exactly 133 pounds. Fancy that! And the fact is, I've been trying to look for a weight loss buddy for ages now and it sounds like we could be a good match! :D

Please let me know!

Roxy

Hi there Roxy!! Wow great to get a response so quick...and the same weight.....AWESOME!

Ill tell you a little about me.

I am 32, 5'5... Married, have lost 30 pounds since the beginning of the year and I am currently in Iraq working, My husband is also over here in Iraq but we are in 2 different places so we do not see each other. I go on vacation in June and I want him to REALLY be impressed when he does see me!

What kind of goals do you want to set? Things we BOTH have to adhere to for the "competition" I really do need someone that will be right there with me, pushing me to do my best and stay on track.

I dont know where you are but I am 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. so when it is Mid Night here its only 5pm there. But I do check my email a few times a day so I will be posting!

Sunny

Congrats on losing that 30 pounds, that's amazing! Whatever you have been doing must be working :D And it's really good to have the kind of motivation you have there.

I am 5'6 and am still in school turning 17 in June, which is why I want to lose weight for it, also with summer coming up, etc.

Ok, goals. Well I want to lose quite a lot, because I did get to 120 pounds, but I did it in an unhealthy way, which my mum was fearing could turn into an eating disorder. So I want to give it another go (healthily of course!).

But your goal of 120 pounds sounds reasonable and I hope we will both rise to the challenge and keep the "competition" hot. =)

I am still at school so I'll only be able to post first thing in the morning and after school, but I will every time I get a chance :)

Shani

Hey Girls!  I just saw this post now and would love to join... 

I am 5'3 and am 136lbs.  I am a married mom of two beautiful girls (age 1 and almost 3) so I am super busy.  I am dying to get back down to the low 120's.  I was there before xmas and was super restrictive on my calories.  I am really not sure how I am going to do this again - now that I am back at work and found that counting made me mental - it's just not working.  I am trying to journal and practice portion control with healthy choices.  I workout everyday - just completed my first 10 K race on Sunday.

Anyways, I am a good competitor and this may help me!

Good Morning Ladies!

Nice to see we have a little group starting! Laura, I wouldnt go super low on calories, you just cant sustain something like that and it isnt healthy. I know how counting can drive you crazy. I actually do not count calories, I do keep an eye on it and do not eat alot of stuff that would be high in calories. But I do not log all my foods.

I am looking forward to this challenge begining on Monday, I am competitive and really need something pushing me to do better. I exercise 6 days a week, I am on a week break right now because I just finished Slim in 6 (a workout program) and it says to take a "Recovery Week" between sessions.

Thats one of the reasons I wanted to start Monday.

Sunny

Hi ladies,

I would like to join in!  I'm 5'2 and had been wavering at around 120 for a long time, but recently it's been 130.  I'm not sure it happened, it seemed sudden to me.  The last straw was when I couldn't fit into three pairs of my pants.  I have started counting calories again and hitting the gym for the last week and a half, but so far no change.  I would love some motivation and a challange or two to keep up with! 

Goals - I'd really like to aim for exercise six days a week of at least 45 min.(I've been doing about five a week)

I'd also really like to be able to do twenty push-ups without dying, that would be great!

Ultimately want to get back to my 120 weight. 

Wow lauralackner, a 10K!  That's awesome!  I'd love to be able to do that someday.

And Sunny, I'm working in Bangkok Thailand right now, so maybe you'll get some support at all hours as I think I'll be 4 hours ahead of you.  Hope everyone is game, I'm excited to start reporting!

Ann

Ann- Hello there!!

WOW we really are a very diverse group!! Truly from every age range, and every corner of the world.

Bangkok....how do you like living there?

We are having a dust storm since yesterday and it is really awful. The dirt is very fine here so it just lingers in the air :(

I will weigh in on Monday, but last time I weighed I was 133.5, right now, well its "that time" so I am not weighing til Monday.

As I said my husband hasnt seen me in a few months and I really want to lose at least 10 more pounds by the time I see him. I will not take my calories too low though.

Exercise has really helped me alot. ....Laura....10K that IS awesome! Right now when I run I am lucky to squeeze out a 5K!

Sunny

Good Morning Ladies!

I am excited to see such a great group!  So, this morning I weighed in at 135 exactly..yesterday I was 136.7.  I am aiming for steady healthy progress.  I weigh myself everyday - not to try to make myself nuts, but to try to keep me on track.  For me, it seems to work.

Let me tell all of you that 10 K is very possible.  I have been training and for me it was something that I really wanted to be able to do.  Once you are in the race and see all the other people, it will just keep you going. 

I was never able to run as a kid - in fact I was made fun of because I was chubby and looked funny when I ran.  This is one demon that I want to conquer.  I was even more inspired by The Biggest Loser last night.  The final four ran a marathon!  I think that's wonderful!  I have a goal of running one the year that I turn 40...but I might move that date closer...we'll see.  They did it - so can I.

I have a question...I changed up my workout about 3 weeks ago to include longer cardio ( I am looking for the fat burning benefits).  I am wondering how to tell if my body composition is changing but not my weight.  I could bust out the measuring tape (and probably should) - I just don't want to be fooling myself!

Good Luck Ladies!

Laura,

I think you hit the nail right on the head so to speak, the measureing tape! With my last workout program that was part of it, to measure at the beginning and the end, let me tell you it is a reall eye opener!

I can run a 5K right now.....would defintely need some work though before I could complete a 10k, do you think it is true that it is mostly in your mind?

Sunny

If you can do a 5K, you can do 10!  It is mostly in your mind, in part because it does seem long - at least for me it did.

Of course you need to train.  Here's what I did - I would run for 60 minutes on the treadmill twice a week at the gym.  If I felt that I couldn't continue - I didn't.  The last thing I wanted was an injury.  That feels long too and I really was loving my iPod while doing those runs.  Then I would run outside on the weekends.  I mapped my route and it was something like 9.6 K.  Close enough!

I think that you do need to run outside as well.  It's a different feeling running on the pavement.  Because my race was in May, I had to train indoors.  I have done some runs in the snow and that was okay, but when it got to be -10 C, I HATED it.  I hate being cold and I hated being out there running in it.  So, my trusty treadmill got me through the super cold months and I was able to sustain my endurance.

During the race, I just kept telling myself that this is one hour of my life and like everything else I can get through it..and I did, regardless of my shin splints. I kept an eye on a few people that seemed to have the same pace as me and that just kept me mentally in check....I think that with some training and focus and determination, you can do it.  Don 't be afraid of the distance, love it, it's only 10K and it won't take that long!

Okay, I'm really want in on this I think.  I need to get hyped up and can't afford a personal trainer three days a week.  I'm in the US in the Midwest.  I have a son that will be two at the end of this month and am getting married in September and then to Jamaica in November.  One would think that would be motivation enough, right?

In October of 2008, I took on a job that has been very high stress.  Yesterday, for example, I work 13.5 hours straight at my desk.  I'm an emotional eater and I've destroyed my body over the past 6 months.  I'm ready to reclaim it.  I currently weigh about 128, that's with kidding myself a little...no clothes, always first thing in the morning, never at night...  My eventual goal is really 115, but in a months time I guess I would hope I could manage around 1.5/wk, so I'll say by June 10th my goal is 122...It's not exactly what I want, but I suppose it's the most realistic. 

As far as the challenge, what are our guidelines, just pounds lost, percentage lost, inches lost, minutes exercised?  I need this to be my fire.

Well, as far as the challenge goes, I am a pound tracker.  That's just me though and it might not be the most realistic way of measuring successes and changes.  I am pretty muscular and short (5'3).  I do exercise alot....maybe inches would suit everyone?  Suggestions?

Hi Ladies!!!

Welcome to you all!!

I too sit at a desk 13-16 hours a day, My job here demands alot of my time. So I know all about eating/snacking at the desk!!!

I havent weighed since Sunday because this was supposed to be my week off of exercise....BUT I have been snacking way more than I need to. I was pretty restrictive on my eating (healthy but very strict) and it seems to have gotten out of hand these last 2 days. Sunday is Mother's day and I will tell you right now I am going to have pizza....some of the soldiers are taking me out to dinner (as much as an "out to dinner as we can have here in Iraq anyway)....bless their hearts.

So I will have the Pizza then I plan on getting pretty strict again on Monday until I leave in June on vacation.

Why have just one goal Laides....I say lets make a few.....

3 each or 5 each?

3 seems very do-able to me. That way we can watch pounds, nutrition, exercise......whatever you guys want I am up for it....but I know I have to get back on track and stop all this mindless snacking!

Sunny

Bangkok is getting better for me.  I wasn't a big fan when I first arrived, but I'm learning a little more of the language now which helps a lot.  I'd complain about the heat, but I can't imagine how hot it must be in Iraq! 

I also am at a desk job now.  I used to live in Seattle and worked on my feet most of the time and danced on the weekends.  I'm sure thats part of my gain here.  I also track pounds daily.  I find it motivating to try harder when it shows results, and motivated not to cheat when it says more.

3-5 sounds just about right.  I'd love to aim for 4 pounds personally.  Inches, I'm not sure.  Anyone know what would be reasonable for a month?  Now I just have to find a measuring tape somewhere.....

Ann

I am not giving myself a set amount to lose for the month, I do not want to feel like I failed if I dont make it. SO I am just going to go for maximum pounds lost. I am going to be very strict with my nutrition for this time frame and drink only water .....With Crystal Light 5 cal packets allowed for flavor.

I will exercise 6 days a week and have 1 day off for a "rest day"

I want to get as close to 120 as possible by June 10th....Then I will be on vacation for a month....which is sorely needed at this point. By June I will have been here in Iraq for 8 months.

Good Morning Ladies!

  I think a few personal goals are great.  For me, I would like to focus on healthy eating, dropping about 5 pounds (whick is a little under half of my goal) and just generally feeling positive about trying to lose the weight in a healthy way.  Exercise is just simply part of my life and has been for the past seven years.  I do a minimum of five days per week and sometimes I get in seven. 

 I have a couple diet de-railers coming up too!  Mother's Day.....my husband is going to take us all out for dinner somewhere.  I'll do my best to make healthy choices, but I always get distracted with the high calorie foods I used to eat.  A co-worker of mine is leaving mid-May.  DANGER - a pot luck at work!!!!  Again, I will try to make healthy choices and walk away from the ever so available food!  Oh, I also forgot my wedding anniversary.  Ya, great.  More food.

I have to say that this is so cool!  People from all over working towards health.  I love it!  Bangkok, Iraq and I am Canadian!  Good Stuff!

Good Morning Ladies..... Come on get in here in post!!! I know we havent started yet officially but I think checking in at least once a day is key!!

Today has been good for me so far, its 2pm here already. I am looking forward to Monday and our challenge. I have been thinking of wayus to revamp my meals. I eat Ranch Dressing and LOTS of cheese everyday so I am going to cut those out and see how I do. Today I had oil and Vinegar on my salad instead of Ranch, and honestly I loved it. It was nice and I could taste the Salad .,....Also it wasnt heavy like creamy dressings can feel sometimes.

I am still having my Pizza day on Sunday though.... :)

Sunny

Whew!  I'm surviving the three day weekend we're having here alright.  My major downfall for the calories may be drinking.  I enjoy going out on the town and getting my drink on.  I knew I was going out for margaritas with some co-workers yesturday and so was extra good all day in preparation, but then ended up getting pretty tipsy not thinking about the food diference!  Ah well, way to be a cheap date right?   Anyway, I think I made up for it in the gym. 

I have been preparing my breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for the week on Sundays, and that has been working out pretty well.  I've been adoring this psuedo tex-mex salad that I've made several times now.  Luckily I'm a creature of habit and I don't mind eating the same thing over and over usually.

Sunny - Way to go with the water!  I also have only been having water as I quit my diet soda habit cold turkey about two weeks ago now.  Laura, do you hail from the east or west of Canada.  I grew up in Alaska and lived in Seattle after that, so was in Vancouver a fair amount.  I love the whole Northwest area - just beautiful! I'm a Canada fan as well.  Great country.  Hope all is going well with you ladies,

Ann

Hey Ladies -

  I also like the idea of checking in once a day, although I tend not to be online on the weekends - my kids and house stuff keep me occupied.  I am fortunate enough to be able to do my posting while I am at work (and the boss isn't looking..lol). 

 I made a really healthy dinner last night, broiled tilapia with a roasted red pepper "sauce", asparagus and couscous.  I probably ate a bit too much couscous.  I am really a carb junkie!  And then I ate my daughters leftovers - again - somthing I promised myself that I wouldn't do.  Anyways, I got over that.  It wasn't that much.  I do have an issue with chocolate in the house...my neighbour gave us a Caramel bar to share with the kids.  I resisted and resisted, but all the reading that I haev done says to allow yourself some treats in moderation.  So, I had three piece and moved on....it was goooood!

Anyways, I was at the gym again today.  I did 1/2 hour of weights and 1 hour of cardio so I am feeling pretty good today.  The scale is broken, so I can't be sure of my current weight.

To reply to Ann, I am from Toronto.  I haven't lived in the city my whole life, but as soon as I was able to leave the nest this is where I have made my home.  I have been here for amost thirteen years and have loved it from the beginning!  I have been to Vancouver and it was fantastic.  I plan on taking my girls when they get abit older and we can do all the fun touristy stuff.  If I didn't live in T.O. then I would likely live in Vancouver.

Good Luck Today Ladies! 

So nice to see you all posting!!!

Laura, You are right everything I have read says if you REALLY want something, then have it, in moderation of course. Which you were able to do! YAY

I am REALLY looking forward to this weekend and be a little more relaxed with my eating, dont worry I Will be 100% on track come Monday, but I have been looking forward to this for awhile.