Wagon Jumpers - March 1 - 7th, 2009 (Closed, Waiting List Available)

Welcome

(We are currently transitioning to 20 members (from 30). If you are interested in being on the waiting list, knowing that it will be a longer than usual list, please read below and e-mail me.)

Welcome to the Wagon Jumpers weekly thread. We are a group of CC members who have identified that one of our main challenges with achieving our weight loss, maintenance or general health goals is consistency.

This thread is designed to encourage long term commitment to our goals by publicly declaring them and asking the other members of this thread to hold us accountable. The primary focus of wagon jumpers is not how much weight you have lost, or need to loose, but what you need to do on a daily basis to meet your long term goals. 

There are two rules for Wagon Jumpers:

1. All members must post once per week between Sunday and Friday.

2. All members must check the thread for members who have not posted by Saturday (a short list is posted on Thursday) or are on the MIA list on Sunday and send them a polite and positive message to stay involved in the group and on track with their goals. 

If you would like to be a member of this thread please see the guidelines below and send me a PM if you are still interested (there may be a waiting list).

Medium Size Group = Some Time Commitment

The original idea of Wagon Jumpers was to create a close community where participants could get to know each other and hopefully form virtual-life and perhaps even physical-life bonds to create a support network as they attempted long term weight loss.

We quickly discovered that this was impossible with an 'always open' group as there were too many people coming and going. For this reason the group is capped at 30 participants. 

A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 40 - 60 posts per week. Members do not need to read / respond to every post every week. I do notice that those who respond regularly do tend to keep their goals top of mind, and have a better chance to achieve them. I estimate the average time spent by an active member on Wagon Jumpers to be between 1-2 hours per week. 

If you are looking for an always open group  on CC there are several that operate by different weight criteria, similar motivational patterns etc... There are also many small groups that cap their numbers between 4-10 people to keep the group more intimate, and easier for members to keep up with. 

Interested in Joining?

General Guidelines for Joining

1. Are you a wagon jumper?

Do you know how to loose weight, you often have success but then you find yourself loosing interest in your plan, or sabotaging your plan. It's not the "how" to loose weight that is the problem, it's the "how" to stay motivated.

2. Do you have a long way to go?

This group is designed so that members can get to know each other and support each other. Ideally you are planning to be a CC member and part of this forum for at least 6 months or more to achieve your goals and hopefully stay in motivation for a further 6 months or more.

Yes. This is, a long term plan.

3. Do you have the time?

This is a medium sized group, the thread does move fairly quickly each week. If you do not have regular internet access this is likely not the group for you. 

Still interested?

Send Supersized a PM. (Please do not reply on the thread)

An overview will be sent to you, you will have a chance to ask questions and an invitation will be sent to you once a spot is open. 

Wagon Jumpers Participants

Week 43 Riders:

Supersized (myself)

Week 39 Riders:

Msmeg1984

Defrog3 - Away to March 7

Week 34 Riders:

Wenchie58

Week 33 Riders:

Raven21

Tiegurl

Week 29 Riders:

The_Vitamin_Dominatrix

Week 28 Riders - Congratulations on 7 Months!:

Kyashiis

Unlimitedana

Week 23 Riders:

Nannygabber

Week 19 Riders:

Lam7

Week 17 Riders:

Maureenz - Holiday to March 23rd, 2009

Week 15 Riders:

Cawilder

Week 14 Riders:

Carryonandon

Figurethefat

Pelkeyjm

Week 13 Riders:

Constanza

Week 11 Riders:

Germaica

Jessicaanne2001

Missing In Action:

Letsgetitstarted

Missing In Action - 1 Week:

Bigbitty

Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:

Amber1l

Current Membership: 22

Current Waiting List: 5

Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0

12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS

(as set w/o January 11th, 2009)

By April 4th, I will be...

Letsgetitstarted - consuming an average of 1,500 cal/day and 3 times a week for a minimum 30 minutes. 

Jessicaanne2001 - exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, and logging my food daily. 

Supersized - logging all of my daily calories and eating in a calorie range of no more than 2,000 cal/day and no less than 1,500 cal/day (calculated by weekly averages). 

Figurethefat - exercising a minimum of 1,500 minutes each month, and I will restrict using the scale to two weigh-ins per week on Monday and Friday. 

Unlimitedana - eating between 1,500 - 1,600 cal/day and exercising three time a week. 

Cawilder - maintaining a 500 - 1,000 calorie deficit on a daily basis measured by my food log and, working out 5 to 6X per week combo of cardio and lifting. 

Carryonandon - maintaining 300 - 500 calorie deficit daily and, exercising 3x per week. 

Raven21 - drinking a minimum of 4 bottles (2L) of water daily and, exercising a minimum of 3X per week. 

Nannygabber - doing the NROLFW program 3 times per week, and I will establish a 40/30/30 (Carb/Fat/Protein) macronutrient pattern on a weekly average for a minimum of 5 weeks of the next 12. 

Germaica - exercising 3 times a week and logging my food for at least 4 days per week. 

Pelkeyjm - logging my food daily and exercising at least 3x per week for at least 30 minutes. 

The_Vitamin_Dominatrix - logging my caloric intake on calorie count at least six days every week and, exercising in the gym at least 3 days each week. 

Tiegurl - eating 1,500 - 2,000 calories and exercising 5x a week. 

Kyashiis - running 20 kilometers a week and making progress on the number of repetitions in my calisthenic exercises (starting at: 20 push ups, 30 sit ups, 0 chin ups, 2x 30 sec plank, 20-30 jump rope)

Lam7 - Logging all daily calories at least 6 times a week and, exercising minimum 40 minutes 3x per week. 

Msmeg1984 - Following the 40-30-30 diet guidelines in NROLFW and working out 3 a week NROLFW plan. 

Constanza - using the CC food log every day and, exercising an average of 4 times per week across the 12 weeks. 

Defrog3 - eating with improved nutritional quality of food, specifically ensuring that I am getting enough daily protein and carbs and, walking six miles a week weather permitting. 

Amber1l - working out 6 days a week for one and a half hours. 

Wenchie58 - keeping my calorie intake between 1,400 - 1,500 a day and, drinking at least 2 liters of water daily. 

Bigbitty - logging my calories daily and continue to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. 

Previous Threads:

Wagon Jumpers - February 22 - 28th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 15 - 21st, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 8 - 14th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 1 - 7th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 25 - 31st, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 18 - 24th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 11 - 17th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 4 - 10th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - December 28 - January 3rd, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - December 21 - 27th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - December 14 - 20th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - December 7 - 13th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - November 30 - December 6th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - November 23 - 29th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - November 15 - 22nd, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - November 9 - 15th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - November 2 - 8th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - October 26 - November 1st, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - October 19 - 25th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - October 12 - 18th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - October 5 - 11th, 2008

Wagon Jumpers - September 28 - October 4th, 2008

As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.

This Week's Topic

Exercise was the most popular request, so we're back with another exercise topic. Spring is coming (hopefully) by the end of March. For most of us that mean's warmer weather and a sudden urge to engage the outdoors again. 

What are some outdoors exercises that you want to try this year? If you are already an outdoor exercise person what tips can you give folks to get involved in outdoor sport (gear, run mapping...)?

Weekly Topic:

I've always wanted to try jogging on the beach; I've heard very good things about it.  I also want to try and go for a nature walk once a week once the weather warms up (we're expecting 6-8 inches of snow tonight). 

I've found that no matter how well you do in the gym or on an elliptical, even moderate effort on natural terrain can really kick your arse, and it's good to throw your body a curve ball every so often.

I'm looking forward to running outside again - this time with Harley in tow! She loves to run, so it will be good motivation to take her out to burn off that extra energy!

For others who run, or are interested - i reccomend getting a Nike+ to work with your ipod and new nike running shoes... its an amazing product.

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/

I love to go hiking.  All you need are shoes and a backpack with a few basics.  Sorry but I'm not 100% on the 10 basic things the Sierra Club recommends.  If you're just going for a short hike, water should be fine :)  

Also I love to ride my bike in the warmer weather.  Even when it's really hot, once the sweat starts flowing I feel cool ride along.  It's not like walking in the heat.  I don't like walking in the heat!  

This year I would also like to try out the driving range.  I've got a set of clubs now and a nifty golf bag so I only need inspiration to get over there and hit a few balls.  It would be nice to get involved in some golf lessons.

Hi,

I already run in the woods about 3 times per week in all weather. Today was very muddy and slippery but I consider it a challenge. As I have said before the woods are where I find my peace and stress goes down. 

I wish I would bike more - I have two bikes - a road one and mountain and neither seems to get used at all. 

I love hiking and wish we would do more of that.  The Gorge which runs between WA and OR is really beautiful for hiking. 

I have wanted to try rock climbing but I don't think my upper body strength is quite up to snuff but I would like that nonetheless. 

I wish I could sail more - I used to love that but have not done it in years. 

Take care all. 

Carol

The Vitamin Dominatrix I always find it interesting how much more challenging the natural outdoors is. Do you live near a beach?

MsMeg I've been interested in the shoe + Ipod pairing for a long time I just can't bring myself to buy Nike. I'm hoping they do an expansion to New Balance.

Laura I usually bring a small first aid pack, some snacks and water on our longer hikes on the bruce trail. I've never tried golf, let us know how it is if you do try it out this spring.

Carol I'm a biking over running girl, I'm always a bit scared of the slippy icy paths here in TO. Although I'm thinking of getting yak tracks for next winter so if I add rowing this spring then I'll add running in the winter.

Sara.

Weekly Check In This week wasn't stellar, I tried to get back into the 'making food' rhythm but it didn't happen and I ended up with too much take away and missing my calorie goal. So, I've eaten up, quite literally, all of my buffer weeks, which means I need to be good for the remainder of the challenge to get myself to 2,000 cal/day by the end of the 12 weeks. 

This Week's Topic I really want to try rowing, I'm still above the max female weight for competitive rowing but I'm hoping if I sign up for the learn to row classes and get back to the gym in the next 6 weeks that I can be in the competitive rowing weight class by the end of this summer and ready to be in the competitive group next spring. 

Weekly Check In:   For starters, thank you ladies (Sara, Julie, Carol) for your words of encouragement.  It is such a wonderful feeling to know that there are people out there who have never met me but who certainly feel like friends.   Its the little things that bring such warmth!  My week ended on a more positive note.  I, being Catholic as well, have given up something for Lent.  I also feel the need to reflect on each day during this period.  Sara could not of have said it better (ever think about writing a book?).  

Maureen:    Hawaii time already huh?!!!  I remember when you and I first started exchanging notes, with your Hawaii milestone in sight.  Enjoy and have a safe trip!

Msgmeg1984   Wishing you a speedy recovery. 

Defrog3:  Thanks for sharing the article, I too had heard the same story on the radio while driving home one day and all I could feel is a boost!  I remember when I started CC back in Jan / 07, and how well counting calories worked for me.  44 years old and the thought of burning more than you consume made so much sense.

This week's topic:  Taking the words of encouragement to heart, you all know that we had recently moved to a smaller community and I remember at the time of our move, I had come across the contact name of fora  walking group, who meet every Tuesday and Friday.  Well I reached out to the contact last Thursday to see if the group was still active.  I received a reply a couple of days later, and they are...so I am now on their distribution, and will be kicking into gear by walking outdoors and more importantly, meeting new friends!!!

Have a great week everyone!

Lee-Anne

Sara - if you don't want to go for a nike shoe, no worries. Check out amazon.com they have these awesome pouches that the nike sensor can go into and then you attach to your shoelaces. 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_2_9?url= search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nike+pl us+shoe+pouch&x=0&y=0&sprefix=nik e+plus

Ta-da! Its not 100% accurate, but it still very useful! I used it until it was time for me to get new shoes and i ended up getting an amazing pair of nike's that do wonders for my knees and back!

Original Post by supersized:

The Vitamin Dominatrix I always find it interesting how much more challenging the natural outdoors is. Do you live near a beach?

I don't live very close to a beach, but my grandmother owns a beach house that we're welcome to visit whenever.  My only worry this year is that I'm wearing a strapless wedding gown in September and I don't want tan lines in my wedding photos.

Doing a bit better this week. Am ready to get back to logging food - which I had always thought was fun before anyway. It's kinda neat to see it.

In the spirit of positive thinking, I'll say that I'm looking forward to adding in regular outdoor walking/low-impact hiking to my activities as soon as the weather comes out of deep freeze. I'm feeling for those on the East Coast right now, though! Lots of snow and all the electricity out...

Anyway, my goal will be to find some interesting places to walk in hopes that variety will keep it fun. Maybe I can make a game out of it somehow... Will have to think about that part later. Right now - onto paper writing/reading.

Checking in:

I didn't reach most of my goals last week, but I didn't let it get me down.  Somehow or other, I have gotten back into a positive frame of mind.  I finally worked out an effect plan for running so I can meet my goal by the end of this time period.  Yesterday, I ran for the first time in two weeks. 

It's cold here.  I would have never thought that I prefer running in 100 degree heat over temps in the 30s... But, it is true. 

Spring in around the corner.  The plum trees have all bloomed out and the cherries are already blooming in warm pockets on the hills  here and there.  I haven't been making much progress on the calisthenic goals, but I'm not sliding backwards either. 

Thoughts:

I have been a Wagon Jumper for seven whole months now.  In that time, I have slipped and fell a few times, but I haven't fallen completely off the wagon as a result of everybody's encouragement.  It helps me to see everybody else going through the same slipping and sliding down our individual paths to health.  I know I have company, I sympathize, I cheer others on, I pick myself up and continue.  This is what we all have to do, I guess. 

I have also realize the importance of setting goals that are achievable yet cause me to stretch. 

I have often set goals in the past and not held myself accountable.  I have been more accountable for keeping my goals than at any time in the past.  I thank Sara for making this group and helping all of us "level up" as they say in Japan.

This week's assignment:

I want to reach my goals for exercise that I have currently.  I also would like to climb some mountains that test my courage.  DH doesn't like rocks, and high mountains usually have rocks.  I want to push myself to overcome my fears.  I also would like to hike and camp in the wilderness for three days with a pack. 

I swear by the Nike+ and iPod gear.  It has gotten me to the point to be able to run at all.  I like the little screensaver that pops up on my computer from Nike with an avatar I created.  If I haven't registered a run, it cajoles me into running.  If I have run, it praises me.

Lee-Anne Congratulations on finding your local walking group. I find there is nothing to equal people present in your life to support your goals.

MsMeg I'll need to check out Craig's list and freecycle to see if I can buy the sensor independently of the shoe. I've got no issue with the quality of Nike shoes, but I'm definitely one of those people who only buys fair trade or ethically produced food / clothes so Nike is out for me. 

The Vitamin Dominatrix Well that may put a snag in things, in the cooler weather you can run in a jacket, not sure what to do when it's warmer.

Carrie I can't remember where you live, but I know even here in TO where we're mainly a city we have some great hiking trails both in the city and within a half hour of the city.

Kathy With the last couple of phrases you've said I can really see the Japanese influence here in Toronto, a few of our suburbs twinned with Japanese cities in the past 10 years and we have a large Japanese population, "level up" is certainly a regular phrase here as well. 

In the last almost a year now I've realized that we all do go through cycles of slipping, falling and getting back up. I think the getting back up part becomes easier with practice and dedication, which grows with consistency. 

I hope the trees are wonderful now, we'll see our first cherry blossoms in April / May here. 

Sara.

Sara - The kit is sold independently of the shoe, they don't include it. The only thing the new shoes have is a spot in the sole under your insole where you can put the sensor.  You might be able to find a kit on craigslist - i got mine from amazon of course... I think it runs 20-25 USD for the sensor and the reciever. 

Weekly check in...

I start out each day pretty well, but then in the afternoon it goes downhill pretty fast.

I'm back to the gym today which is good - i havent been in about a week since i was so sick last week with some sort of respiratory bug.

As much as i advocate NROLFW - i think I will put that on hold temporarily until i can get myself into the groove again.  Its not doing me any favors to just lift periodically.  I have to re-establish my routine.  I've lost most of my tone that i built up, so I'm thinking of doing a few weeks of HIIT to get a little of the extra weight off that i've gained so quickly...  then when i get sick of cardio (and the big crowd at the gym dies down) i'll restart NROLFW and finish the whole thing this time!

I'm looking forward to some nice weather on thurs and friday - in the 70's and sunny here!

Original Post by supersized:

The Vitamin Dominatrix Well that may put a snag in things, in the cooler weather you can run in a jacket, not sure what to do when it's warmer.

Sara.

Maybe I could run on the beach after dusk?  The beach is less crowded then anyway.

Hey Everyone,

CHECKIN: I had a great weekend, as far as having fun... I got to go skiing for the FIRST time in my life!! I had a total blast, and plan to do it again soon, before the season ends. That in addition to golfing are my answers to this week's homework.

On the down side, I came home very sick. Its that nasty bug going around, thanks to all here who have breathed on me... HAHA! At least I still have a sense of humor! However, I have no voice. None. Nada. ... I am sure that is not a bad thing for those who know me personally. I also have terrible head and body aches, as well as having been in bed sleeping since I got back.

I pushed through the weekend and skiing because it was BF's birthday... probably not the smartest thing I've ever done, but necessary nonetheless. AND, I'll eventually get well... LOL! Haven't gone to the doc yet, but most likely should. Will advise....

Anyway, just wanted to say hi, and I'll be back in the groove in a few days. On another good note. My appetite is nil. YAY!

Soon,
~Julie

Julie - I'm sorry to hear you're sick. However, your comment on no appetite b/c of it made me smile. Been there.

Sara - I'm in East Lansing, Michigan and the campus has plenty of places to walk. So does the neighborhood we live in. There's even a park nearby. I'm going to research and see what other trails are around here, and also think about heading to downtown Lansing. I'm sure there's plenty - it's Michigan for crying out loud. I used to live in Kalamazoo and there were tons of places there that were a lot nicer to walk in than where I'm at now, but there has to be something I just haven't found out about yet in this area.

figurethefat:
You know, I never even though of using a driving range, but it really sounds like a fun idea.

carryonandon:
Congratulations on getting back to logging food.  I know I struggle with that, but it's the best way for me to keep from overindulging.

kyashiis:
Congratulations on seven months (and the upbeat attitude)!

nannygabber:
I'm glad you had a great weekend; I'm definitely envious of the ski trip (I've still never been, but I want to).  I won't envy you the bug, though.  Get well soon!

MsMeg Suddenly making a bit more sense, does it work with any ipod? I have the ipod classic, the Mac site is advertising it with the ipod nano or ipod touch (I'm not sure if the ipod touch is any different than the classic) I probably just need to go into the store and see. Looks like it's under $30 here in Canada as well.

The Vitamin Dominatrix That's true, beach is not going to change the benefits when it's cooler, and it's likely easier to run when it's cooler as well.

Julie Sorry for giving you my cold via the internet, it kind sucks. Feel better. 

Carrie I have a friend who's an avid outdoors guy lived in Michigan most of his life, I'll see if he has any suggestions. 

I'm not sure. I have the nano... There should be a note on there somewhere showing which versions its compatible with... I don't know if the compatability lies in the connection point or if it has to do with the programming of the unit itself... Sorry i'm not much help on that! :)

Oh, an on another note... I finally had a perfect day yesterday and my body was thankful for it! I'm down 1.8lbs this morning! Shoo water weight, shoo!

I also had another triumph yesterday:

http://caloriecount.about.com/denied-temptati on-eat-free-girl-scout-ft131162

I am getting so tired of giving in to all the snacks at the office... they are everywhere and its even more annoying when people who know you are dieting try to force it down you, but I have triumphed!!! YeeeeHAW!