Check In Time

So sorry I haven't been blogging as often as I used to.  I'm still working out, still training with Sarah, still doing Pilates with Cassie, still do nutrition coaching with Jillian.  I still have the same goals.  Life has just gotten busier and more stressful for me so it's taken up a lot of my time and energy.

Without going into too much detail, there is someone who is out to tarnish my professional reputation.  This is without merit and has more to do with that person's lack of personal responsibility.  I have taken the proper steps I need to and am on the road to being vindicated.  Unfortunately, this person will stop at nothing.  This isn't over.  I don't know to what further lengths he will go to, but if you're the praying kind, please keep me in your prayers.

My food choices haven't been the greatest, but also not the worst.  Let's say I am enjoying life right now because I do like to eat.  I am also occasionally finding myself "comfort eating" during times of stress.  Hey, I'm human.  I am conscious of it.  It happens.  Every day is another day and another chance to be better.

The scale is up, but my clothes continue to feel the same or looser given the particular garment I am wearing.  Nothing is fitting tighter.  Letting go of the scale is a thing I've been working hard at, but we're so ingrained into letting the scale control our successes and failures.

I've got time on my side.  I think part of me had some sot of D day goal.  "I must reach my goal by X date."  I'll always have to work on myself.  It's not like you reach your goal weight and you're done.  Yeah, I'm not where I wanted to me (again, on the scale), but I'm stronger, I'm leaner, I'm healthier.   I'm almost 18 months into this journey and I'm pretty happy with my progress.

I will admit that my mind was more clear and more in the game this time last year than this year.  I guess that's how life goes and also how fitness goes.  I'm still working out 4 to 5 days a week, that's nothing to be disappointed about.  I keep lifting heavier.  I've made some modifications to my diet.

So, that's where I'm at.  I'm just trying to be honest.  My schedule keeps me from blogging as much, but rather than quit and have people think I've  either quit or fallen off the planet, I thought I'd tell you where I'm at mentally and physically.   It's all cyclical.  I'll be back up again, the lesson is to just keep going.  

Back to the Heavy Lifting

Today was my return to lifting heavy after taking it easy for about two to three weeks due to my back pain/piriformis tightness.  It felt great and I was so excited for this workout.   We didn't pick up right where we left off, but it was still a heavy lifting day.

Our first exercise was the Icarian Super Squat machine.  I think the last time we did it, I squatted 360 pounds.  I can't remember what Sarah said, but I squatted somewhere in the mid to high 200s.    We did straight leg deadlift next.  The last time, I did 125 pounds.  I think today I did 110-ish from what I could tell.

The rest of our workout was very arm heavy.   We did the seated row on a machine we had never done before.  Sarah thought we had used it before, but I can assure you we had not.  I kind of liked it.   I have to say I also enjoyed the chest press (50 pounds) with my legs in tabletop.  I'm used to tabletop since we do that in Pilates, but I was a little nervous about doing it while lifting.   It worked out well and wasn't difficult at all.  I was afraid my legs would be tired and it would be hard to keep them up.

I'm pretty excited to be back to the heavy lifting.  I am working out with Sarah Wednesday and next Sunday and then she is going on vacation.  She has arranged for Jeff Douglass to train me.  This should be pretty cool because he shadowed one of my workouts with Sarah last summer when he was just an intern.  I can't wait to see what he has planned.

My Latest Guilty Pleasure

The newest thing I like to do in my rare bit of spare time is watching YouTube videos of people giving advice and reviews.  I have a few channels that I subscribe to, but my current favorite is that of Tyrone Magnus which up until recently included his now ex-girlfriend Sarah Caissey.   Tyrone does near daily video uploads and Sarah hasn't uploaded anything to her channel in a little bit.  I must say that I was truly saddened that they broke up.  I really hope they get back together.

I actually might email Tyrone a question because I need advice on a sticky subject and the current male advice I'm getting sucks.

I learn a lot when I watch their videos and I laugh my ass off.  Tyrone also does an occasional workout video, which is all right, but I sometimes disagree with.  It's cool though, everyone works out differently.

My favorite videos are when he answers subscribers' questions.  He gives hilarious, but honest answers.  And when Sarah was in the video, it was even funnier.

So, if you're looking for something fun and informative to watch, I strongly suggest subscribing to Tyrone's channel.  His goal is to get 1 Million Subscribers (WHOOOOOAAAA)

Coming Up For Air

Wow, I am finally caught up with all of my transcripts!!!!!  Ever since mid-July, I have been pleasantly swamped with transcripts.  The money has been fantastic, I can't complain.  I'm definitely looking forward to a relaxing weekend coming up.

Other than work, what have I been doing?  Well, I'm still training with Sarah twice a week.  We've been taking it easy the last two weeks because my back has been hurting.  Turns out, my pirifomis were mega tight.  Thankfully, Drea loosened them up and I am feel back to my good ole 100%.  Starting this Sunday, Sarah and I are returned to our usual heavy lifting.

I'm still doing Pilates twice a week with Cassie.  There has been some upheaval in the Pilates department, but things are falling into place with the hiring of Lindsay Hill.  I haven't officially been introduced, but I'm sure she'll become my favorite Hill at LTF Novi.

Speaking of LTF Novi management, I am currently beefing with Sean Dick over what I like to call The Great Hot Chocolate War of 2014.  Long story short, Sean  promised Linda and I free hot chocolate because of the extremely cold temperature in the Pilate studio and he FAILED to deliver.  He has promised to go to Starbucks and get us hot chocolate (hold the whipped cream, of course) next Tuesday and he better follow through or else all Hell is going to break loose....and that's just what Linda is going to do him!!!!!

I have Friday off from work and I plan on making my grand return  to Spinning.  I have also signed up for the Kettlebell Workshop on Saturday morning.  I like to think I am pretty astute with the kettlebells, but it'll just be a nice free workout.

I am still doing Nutrition Coaching with Jillian.  I lost 6 pounds in two weeks.  While the scale is going down, my body is adjusting as well.  My current workout shirts are extremely loose in the waist and hip area.  Time to bust out the smaller size I brought earlier in the year!!!!

I'm watching and enjoying the latest season of the Biggest Loser.  I really like the new trainers, Jessie and Jen.    Of course, Dolvett is my favorite.

And that's pretty much what's going on with me.  I have been quiet on the blog, but I'm still plugging away.  I'm closing in on 18 months on this journey and I'm still happy with how things are going.  I'm always learning and improving, and getting stronger.

I'm Back

I know I haven't blogged in forever!  I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth.  I've been super busy with work and so much time has passed that rather than try to play catch-up I will just sort of start over.

I haven't forgotten about this blog.  I just felt overwhelmed when trying to think about catching up.

Where to begin?

Well, I've have set some new PRs.  90 pounds benchpressing.  125 pounds straight leg deadlift.

I'm doing more cardio.

I've switched to working with Jillian for my nutrition needs.  Today was actually our first session together and I think it went very well and I can sense some nutrition goals getting achieved.

I've decided to grow my hair out.  Random, I know.

I went to see Oprah last weekend and it was amazing.  I think and see things differently.  I think that weekend has changed my outlook and every aspect of my life.

I'm still working with Sarah twice a week and doing Pilates twice a week with Cassie.

Biggest Loser Season 16 has started and I really find a lot of inspiration in this show.

As we approach Fall and ugh Winter, the days are shorter and there is that impending doom that snow will arrive in just a few short weeks.  Oddly, this seems to be when I get things into high gear.  I see it as prep time for swimsuit season 2015 and lounging at a pool in a bikini.   I'm actually really excited.
I promise to blog more often.

Inspirational Week

This week has the potential to be a great week.  First of all, Biggest Loser returns on Thursday for its 16th Season.  I like watching Biggest Loser and not just because Dolvett Quince is on it.  I do love him......

Seriously, can he be any hotter?

And then on Friday, Jackie and I are heading to Auburn Hills to hang with Oprah.  Yeah, that Oprah.  Oprah has been doing weekend retreats called The Life You Want.  I am so excited.  I LOVE Oprah (but not in the same way I love Dolvett).  

Between Biggest Loser and Oprah, I am hoping that my motivational fire will be reignited.  It hasn't been distinguished, but running a little low.  I've set some goals for myself like Project: Slutty Pumpkin.  

I will definitely blog more about Oprah once I get home from the weekend.  I'm geeked to get motivated!!

Project: Slutty Pumpkin

This week marked my last scheduled week to work at a certain location which has been a love-hate relationship.  I've grown to like the people I work with, but I feel so socially out of the loop while there.  Also, the commute sucks.  I wouldn't mind going back there to work a day or two here and there, but not for a full week.

Workout wise this week I worked out four times.  That seems to be my average, but I might change it up and I'll talk more about that in a bit.

Monday and Wednesday I worked out with Sarah and you can read all about it here.  I'm still totally geeked about my PR this week.

Tuesday and Thursday were Pilates days.  Tuesday was "regular" Pilates and both Maureen and Linda were there.  I can't even remember when the three of us were all together in a class.  Seems like forever, but I was glad to see them.  Maybe now that summer is officially over, we'll go back to our normal attendance.

Diet wise this week, I've been hit and miss.  The downer about my work location this week is that I'm stuck there until 430 and I get home at 530.  Going back to my regular location will have me home earlier and I'll be happier, thus more eager to meal plan.

I have two big events that I am hoping will motivate me.  My friend Kyanna is having a HUGE 40th birthday party right before Thanksgiving.  So, Kyanna and I are putting a plan into action to look fabulous for that.  I call it Project: Slutty Pumpkin.

Those of you who are fans of How I Met Your Mother will get the reference of the legendary Slutty Pumpkin that Ted is obsessed with.  My goal is to look so hot that I am branded in someone's brain as their Slutty Pumpkin.

So to get Slutty Pumpkin hot, I plan to tighten the diet.  By that I mean cooking and meal planning better.  Keeping up with the working out and bumping it up to definitely five days a week.  I am currently debating adding a third (YES, THIRD) night of Pilates or possibly getting back into cycling.  I don't know yet.  I'm just thinking about that aspect now.

My second plan is called Project: Bikini Summer 2015.  My main focus now is Project: Slutty Pumpkin, but after Thanksgiving, PBS2015 is going to be the focus.

Do any of you have any fitness goals for the new season?

Training 2014 - Week 35

This week Sarah and I worked out Monday (Labor Day) morning and early Wednesday morning.

Monday the gym was unusually busy for a Labor Day.  There were people everywhere!  I guess that's a good thing, but we had to modify some of the machines we used because there were so many people.  Monday was a super-setting day.  It was pretty upper body heavy, too.   We also used the prowler.  Barf.  I'm not sure if I ever loved the prowler, but I definitely hate it now.  Sarah initially added 140 pounds of weights to the prowler, but that was a tad to heavy.  So, she brought it back down to 90 and that was too light.  We finally settled on 110.

Wednesday was an early workout since I was working at my least favorite location and I am trapped there until 430.  I so wanted to cancel because I had a tough time sleeping and 5 am came way too fast.  I made it to the gym and I survived the day.  Wednesday was lower body day.  We started with the step ups and those were awful.  I hate them.  I did accomplish a PR today when I did straight leg deadlifts!  I did 125 pounds, which broke my previous PR of 115.

I have to admit I've been feeling a little blah and lost lately with my workouts and diet.  It's when I do stuff like PRs that I feel good and inspired to continue on.  I have to remember to remain focused, but also remind myself that Rome wasn't built in a day.  I'll blog more about this later.  Right, now I am feeling sleepy from my lack of sleep last night.

Long Time No Blog

Ugh, I know I haven't blogged in a while.  I'm still here!!!  

I've been crazy busy with work.  I've gotten a lot of transcript orders and I had seven due last week alone!  But that just means I have extra money to pay for my Lifetime lifestyle.

I usually do my weekly workout threads and I haven't, but I'll try to catch you all up in this one post.

The week of August 17 to the 23, I worked out five days in a row!  I had two days of training with Sarah (Sunday and Wednesday) and you can read about it here.  I did THREE days of Pilates with Cassie.  Yes, THREE!!!  I totally earned Friday and Saturday off after that.

This past week, August 24 to 30, I worked out three days.  Yeah, I know...three days is pretty low for me.  I did two days with Sarah and jumpboard Pilates with Cassie.  I was just super tired.  I was a little scared that my adrenal fatigue was coming back.

I just couldn't get enough rest.  I was getting plenty of sleep, but I was just tired.

Last Thursday, I met up with Eastside Tony for our nutrition follow up.  I'm doing pretty well with avoiding the foods that I am sensitive to.  My tummy is flatter, my clothes are fitting looser, but the scale is still not budging.  That is really annoying me.  My diet is okay and I am making decent enough choices, but I really can't get into the whole food logging and carb cycling.  I don't like to think about my food all the time.

I plan on making more of a concerted effort in September.  This Labor Day weekend is just a disaster, in my mind at least.  I'm sure my eating is fine for the most part but I am starting to have anxiety about eating and that's causing anxiety on top of anxiety.  

Oh, and I plan on blogging more in September, too.  My goal is to blog every day for the month of September and see if that helps.

Training 2014 - Week 34

This week was a recovery week.  I was kinda bumming because I was doing pretty well, but then as the week went on I was really glad to take it easy this week.  I was extremely tired.

Sarah and I worked out on Sunday and Wednesday.  It definitely was an easier week although after my session on Wednesday, but glutes hurt.....bad.  This is quite an incredible fete because nothing can every tire my legs or make them sore.  Just some simple TRX squats did the trick.

This week Sarah and I will be working out on Labor Day (Monday) and Wednesday morning.

Sorry for the short post, but I'm kind of brain dead lately and I did want to blog about my training this week.

Training 2014 - Week 33

It was back to our regular schedule this week:  Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

I was still sore from Friday afternoon so we had to alter a few things.  For example, my first exercise was Squat Thrusters, but I just held the weights at shoulder height and didn't raise them overhead like originally planned.  We did quite a bit of leg work like kickbacks and hamstring curls.
Wednesday was a definite heavy lift day.  I did my favorite Icarian Squats with 270 pounds and then with the added weight of the machine it was up to 340!!!  Then it was time to deadlift.  Sarah has caught up to me and can deadlift 115!!!  CRAP!!  I did all of my sets today at 115.  My hands hurt, so I came home and ordered some weight lifting gloves.  We continued on with more arm exercises and I think I did pretty good.  Sarah took it easy on me, but we gradually increased the weights on everything because I can't stand light lifting.  ;)

As is typical after I workout with Sarah, I came home and napped....hard.

A Week To Build An Ark

Rain was the big story locally as local freeways were submerged.  It seriously felt like it rained every day or it was super cold for being mid-August.

The Pilates Studio suffered a caved in roof.  Classes resumed but my Tuesday class time is the only time that there are two classes taught simultaneously.  Linda and I had the choice to sit in with Heather's class but we both declined.  I like Heather, but this was a last minute switch and I like the challenge Cassie gives me.  Plus Heather's class is made up of people who have done Pilates for less than a year, so I just didn't want to go.  I will be making the class up on Monday at 7.

Sunday morning I did Week 1, Day 1 of the Couch To 5k program.  I'm not doing the program again, I just used it as some HIIT training since Sarah wasn't working on Sunday and I needed something to do.  I did well, but sweat like crazy.  I may try to incorporate that some place in my weekly program.

Monday and Saturday were my rest days or in the case of Saturday, try to use my arms as little as possible.  Sarah killed my arms on Friday afternoon.   For more on my training sessions go here.  Seriously, my arms were jello.

Thursday was Jumpboard Pilates.  It was just me, Megan, and Rose.  We were in the back room due to the roof mess.  I didn't like it, it was more like sardine pilates because we were on top of each other and I kept banging into Megan's legs during leg circles.  I have been really whiny in jumpboard the last two weeks.  I'm usually not a whiner, but sometimes I just like to annoy Cassie.

So, that was my week.  The upcoming week has me doing Pilates three times.  That combined with personal training will have me working out five days in a row, which I try to avoid.  This should be interesting.

Training 2014 - Week 32

The fact that I can even type this blog entry is a miracle after what Sarah did to my arms yesterday.  But first things first....my training schedule.  This is a little different.  I worked out with Sarah on Wednesday morning before work at 5:45 am and Friday afternoon at 2.

Wednesday morning was pretty uneventful.  We did some bent over one arm rows.  We hadn't done that in forever.  Probably the most interesting thing about that workout was the very last exercise we did.  It was something that Sarah learned from the current intern working at the gym.  The intern trained her last Friday and this exercise totally killed her obliques.  I guess the best way to describe this exercise is Plank with Viper Slides.

When Sarah demonstrated the exercise, I thought I might have to do the modification because it seemed a little awkward.  I actually did well with it and I didn't really feel it anywhere.  And then I drove to work and I could feel my abs starting to hurt.  I really felt it on Thursday when my abs were crazy sore.

Friday, Sarah just killed my arms.  We started off innocently enough with some legs exercises: leg press and kettle bell squats.  Then it was time for my arms to die.  We just did arm exercise after arm exercise.  With about 20 minutes left to go, we did bench press.  I love bench pressing.  Last time I benched 85 pounds six times.  That was towards the beginning of the hour.  This was at the tail end.

I benched 75 pounds with virtually no problem.  Then Sarah added five pounds.  80 pounds was tough, but I did 2 sets of 8 reps.  I struggled a bit, but my arms were already beat.  We did shoulder presses and my left shoulder did well.  I did bicep curls with 35 pounds.

I really felt it leaving the gym.  I even feel it along my rib cage.  Holy crap.  But at the same time, I love being this sore because I really want to work on definition.  I know that I good deal of being successful with that is a proper diet.  So, I am all stocked up to really go at the diet portion this week.  I've done good this past week, but not completely fabulous.

I guess I better go to sleep.   Week 33 starts tomorrow.

The Pilates Studio Got Douched

For those of you not in the Metro Detroit area, Monday afternoon brought historic rainfall.  Freeways were closed for days, many ended up with flooded basements, commutes were affected.  Talk about a crappy Monday.   Luckily Novi was spared from a lot of the damage.  We suffered temporarily flooded street and slow traffic.  

But there was one victim of the rainfall that hit a little too close to home for me.  The roof of my beloved Pilates studio caved in.  There were some air conditioning issues a couple weeks prior and the old and new AC units were stored on the roof above the Pilates studio area.  All that weight did structural damage and then all of that rain added insult to injury.  

And BOOM CRASH...the ceiling came down.

Here are some pics of the damage.

Repair work has already started and classes continued to be taught in the back room of the studio.

Thanks to Cassie and her staff for keeping it together and keeping the program rolling.

My Workouts Last Week

I can't believe I didn't do a week review last week.  What the heck!?!?!?!   Oh, well, I'll start back up this week with my weekly review.

I worked out four days this week.  I took Monday, Friday, and Saturday off as rest days, but I still went to Lifetime on Friday and Saturday.  On Friday, I met up with Eastside Tony for our nutrition appointment.  On Saturday, I had a massage with Drea.  My left calf has been so tight lately and Drea worked it out.  It hurt like a bitch, but after it felt good to feel the release of the tension in the muscle.  I'm not sure what is happening with that leg, but it feels much better.

I worked out with Sarah on Sunday and Wednesday and you can read all about it here.

My regular Pilates class was on Tuesday, but my homies Linda and Maureen weren't there.  It was just me and then Rose from my jumpboard class joined me.  I kicked ass in Pilates on Tuesday.  I always give 100 percent, but I was really going beyond that night.

Thursday was jumpboard and I was quite whiny in class.  I did everything Cassie told me to do, but I was just such a crabby whiner about everything.  But on the plus side, my buddy Sitwat was back from her Ramadan break.  I missed my little buddy.  I'm glad she's back.

So that was my exercise week.  I kind of wish I had squeezed another work out, but I am on par to get 5 workouts in next week.

This coming week I am working in my least favorite location, so keeping my diet in check will be a challenge, but I really don't want to disappoint Eastside Tony.  I don't like him when he's angry.

Nutrition Follow-Up No. 1

Today was my first follow-up with Eastside Tony, the dietitian at the gym.  I had sent ET my food log the night before of the first five days incorporating what I learned.  I did pretty good, I must say.  I am down 3.8 pounds since Sunday by cutting the foods that I tested sensitive for.

While I'm not perfect, I am definitely on my way and my plan is do-able.  I swear that Food Sensitivity Test is probably the smartest move I've made in getting over this plateau.

I don't see ET again until the 21st, so we've decided to carb cycle.  I've heard about it and read about it, but I have to admit I'm very curious to see how this will work for me.    That's pretty much all I'll say since I am paying good money for this and the plan ET and I have worked out is what is best for my situation.  I will keep my readers updated on my progress though.

I'm pretty glad that ET was happy with my cooperation and changes this week.  It really wasn't that hard, I just have to meal plan and grocery shop smarter.

Training 2014 - Week 31

This week, Sarah beat the crap out of me.  Seriously.

Sunday was cray-cray.  First of all, I set a straight leg deadlift PR of 115 pounds.  I did one full set of that and boy was it tough.  (The other two sets were at  85 and 95 pounds)  I  always feel fabulous when I break a personal record.  Next, she put me on the rowing machine, which I HATE!!!  And we then did lat pulldowns.  Now, I don't mind lat pulldowns at all.  My only complaint is that I need to remember to buy some gloves to wear.  We started at 85 pounds, which I have done in the past.  Unfortunately, the deadlifts and rowing made gripping really difficult.  We had to lower the weight twice on the pulldowns, which I hate to do, but there was no way I could grip heavy weights after the deadlifts.

Since Sarah took jumpboard and learned what it was all about she's kind of taken it easy on my legs on Wednesdays.  I appreciate her looking out for me, but it is really impossible to kill my legs.  Seriously,  my legs are crazy strong and can take a beating.  Jumpboard Pilates may seem like fun and games, but we're some of the toughest broads around.    I asked Sarah to NOT take it easy on me.  I can handle whatever she throws at me.

So, Wednesday we started with Icarian Super Squats, my favorite!!!!!  We did 230 pounds.  It was challenging, but I think we can bump it up a little more next time.  I gotta get that ass built up more.   We also did kettle bell deadlifts.  We did battle ropes again at the end.  I'm kind of starting to hate the battle ropes, but I prefer them to kettle bell swings and I feel like they get my heart rate up higher than kettle bell swings ever did.

I always feel good after my two workouts, but I felt really good this week and like I had accomplished a lot.

Next week, we will be training early Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon.

Food Sensitivity Test Results

In an effort to get to the bottom of my plateau, I decided to take the Food Sensitivity Test that Lifetime sells.  It is newly revised and now tests for 96 different foods.  It is a blood test that you have to go to a LabCorp location to take.  It is not a fasting test, so you are encouraged to eat a light meal before your blood is drawn.

I went on Friday, July 18th.  It was fairly quick.  I went to the Farmington Road at Plymouth Road location.   I took my test kit and clearly they've been doing a ton of those tests there because they were pros in the procedure for this test.

I received my CBC results the next morning, which I didn't really understand the results.  I got the Food Sensitivity results on Friday, July 25th and immediately emailed Tony, the Dietitian to set up a time for my results.  The results were this afternoon.  I was so excited.

Of the 96 foods tested, I showed a sensitivity to 25!!!!  Yeah, 25!!!

The Class 3 "Severe Sensitivity" foods were Peanuts and Cottage Cheese. .

The Class 2 "Moderate Sensitivity"  foods were Corn, Cow Milk, Coconut, Almond.

The Class 1 "Mild Sensitivity" foods were Barley, Rye, Orange, Mustard, Safflower, Lemon, Cabbage, Watermelon, Celery, Carrot, Black Tea, Cashew, Chili Pepper, Wheat, Oat, Gluten, Malt, Asparagus, and Clam.

So, now for the next three months, I am going to avoid these foods.   Then Tony will help me slowly reintroduce them in.

Apparently, this test has been flying off the shelf at Lifetime and people who implement the results are having tremendous results.  Everyone in my Tuesday Pilates class has now taken the test.

I've decided to add Tony to my little fitness army (along with Sarah and Cassie).   I am going to meet with him twice a month to get the diet under control and just work on everything nutrition wise.

I'm super glad I took this test.  I find the results to be completely fascinating.  I KNEW I would be sensitive to peanuts.  I had already told my friend Brittany that I would give her my PB2 if I did indeed come up sensitive to peanuts.  I packed up my PB2 and gave it to her the day I got my results.  I had one last peanut butter bar from my favorite bakery that day to say a fond farewell to peanuts and I thought I was going to die.  My tummy hurt so bad.

I will be saving money on almond and coconut milk since I'll now be putting water in my shakes.

So, I can't wait to see the results and then get retested in a few months.  I have a feeling peanuts will be out of my diet for a long while.

Training 2014 - Week 30

This week Sarah and I worked out on Sunday and Wednesday morning!  Yeah, Wednesday morning!  How about that!

Both days were total body days although Sarah took it easy on my legs on Wednesday morning because of jumpboard the following day.

I thought I did pretty awesome both days.  Squat rows, stability ball hamstring curls, battle ropes.  Boom!  I have developed a love/hate relationship with the battle ropes, but I prefer them to doing kettle bell swings by far.  My abs kill after do the ropes and I am out of breath.  I honestly think they are more effective, too.

We did a lot of super-setting this week.  I hate the squat thrusters/walking lunges most of all.   My favorite super-set combo was the T-bar row and diamond pushups.

I did really well this week considering I hated my work environment this week.  I will mention more about that in a subsequent post.  Working out this week really helped me keep my sanity.

Product Review: It Works! Wraps

Have you heard of the It Works wraps?!  Yes? No?   Don't know what they are?  They are wraps that you put on your body and they help tighten and tone your skin.  Sounds sketchy, huh?  Well, I'm here to tell you, THEY REALLY DO WORK!!!!

I have been seeing these wraps flooding my Instagram feed because many of the fitness people I follow use them.  My interest was piqued, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to invest in them without knowing if they really worked or were just a waste of money.  Then one day when I was walking out to my car to go to work I saw a postcard on my windshield.  It was from my neighbor Christine and it was a card about the It Works wraps!!!  I was so excited because loose skin is my number one fear as I am losing weight.

I texted Christine as soon as I got to work and we texted all day about the wraps.  Christine has had a lot of success with the wraps and she was really excited about the product.  I decided to go ahead and invest in the wraps and the Defining Gel.  I bought the Fab Wrap, too, but I didn't care for it.  I just use saran wrap now.

Long story short, I love the wraps.

Things that you must know:  you still have to exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat well to see the most benefits.  One wrap is not going to cure everything, you have to keep wrapping.  You have to do your part to help the wraps work.

I have definitely noticed changes.  My stomach is indeed flatter and my muffin top is gone.  I put the wrap on my stomach, but you can put it anywhere you want to target.  The first wrap is supposed to be left on for 45 minutes.  After that, you can wear your subsequent wraps for hours.  I know leave mine on for about 3 hours or more.

The Defining Gel is to be used on days you don't wrap and you can place it anywhere you feel you need it on your body.  I put mine on the stomach, my upper arms, my butt, and my thighs.  My arms look fabulous.  They look toned and my muscles look incredible.  Most miraculously, the cellulite on my butt and thighs has diminished tremendously.  I thought my butt would never be smooth, but it practically is and probably will completely be smooth soon.

As of the time of writing this blog post, I have done 7 wraps.  I'm addicted to the results I am seeing.  It's not a scam, IT WORKS!!!

If you want the same results or want to find out more about the wraps, feel free to check out Christine's page.

Training 2014 - Week 29

We switched it up a bit this week.  First of all, we worked out on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  Second, we did just upper body on Monday and lower body on Wednesday.  We haven't done that for a while.

Monday it seemed as though we a million exercises.  We did lat pulldowns and shrugs with 85 pounds.  I'm not sure if that's a PR, but it very well may be.  I know I did set a PR on the isolated rows.  I rowed 110 pounds.  That was a little tough, but obviously do-able.  We worked with kettle bells, but thankfully didn't do swings.

Wednesday was leg/butt day.  We did step ups on the machine as opposed to the aerobic class steps.  My right knee was hurting and my left leg was achy, but I got through it.  Sarah took it easy on me because I had Jumpboard the next day.   We did several leg machines and ended with stability ball hamstring curls.  I was really tired when I did those.  I felt like my butt was just hovering over the ground.

After my workout, there was a little bit of excitement.  I ran into my ex-boyfriend as he was coming to pick up his daughter.  I didn't see his daughter, which was good because she is the person I miss the most from the relationship.  She is the sweetest little girl an I miss her a lot.  Noah and I talked for a bit and I even introduced him to Sarah.  It was weird and funny at the same time.

It's always a boost to the ego when you catch your ex checking out your booty out of the corner of your eye.

Forrest and Bubba Do Jumpboard Pilates

I have been so excited this week for Sarah to finally try Jumpboard.  Now she'll know what I talk about when I describe the stuff we do.  Thursday night was finally the night.  It was just me, Sarah, and Megan and of course, Cassie.  Since Sarah was brand new to Jumpboard, Cassie's introduction went a little like this:

"There are snipers all around this area that would love to grease a Pilates instructor."

Like all of our Jumpboard classes, we started with about 20 minutes of regular Pilates.  Sarah was pretty impressed by my short spine series.  Seriously, I'm pretty awesome at it.  I'm not sure if Sarah had ever done a Pilates class with Cassie before, but I think she learned a couple new things or at least variations.

Then came time for the Jumpboard portion.  It was a pretty tough class, I must say.  We worked with weights, without weights, did arm exercises.  We were all sweating, thirsty, and huffing and puffing.  Sarah really enjoyed the class.  It's pretty badass.  Don't let the fun of jumping on a reformer fool you, it's a killer workout.  I think Sarah got a good mix of everything we do.

The only exercise I'm bummed we didn't do was the "headlight" leg jump, which I think is poorly named.  It should be called tail light because it works the glutes pretty hard.   Headlights are boobs, let's be real.  

After class, we were like:

And as I do every Thursday after Jumpboard, I went home, showered, laid on the couch and was asleep HARD in about 10 minutes.  

I Signed Up For Commitment Day 2015!!!

January 1, 2015 will start my third year on this journey and will mark my second Commitment Day 5k.   I'm so excited even though I am not a runner.  I loath running, but I loved the Commitment Day 5k this year.  I really felt like I started the year right.  My goal is to beat my old time of 45 minutes.

Sarah is my emergency contact.

90 Day Challenge/ Fitbit Challenge

Starting July 1st, registration for the next 90 Day Challenge and combined Fitbit Challenge began.  I normally sign up for every sort of challenge Lifetime has.  This time around, however, Sarah and I have decided that 90 Day would not be good for me right now.  It would be too stressful since we start still trying to figure out what is happening with my body.  I have decided to not do the Fitbit Challenge either even though I am always a top competitor in those challenges.  I've lost my Fitbit One, although I know generally where it is.

I just don't feel like doing challenges with others right now.  I think my main challenge is with myself.  It feels really weird to not be signing up, but it is the best choice for me right now.  Besides, I like to think of myself being on a Lifelong Challenge, not just 90 day.  :)

I'm A Yoga Drop-Out

This week I worked out five days.  Back to my normal number of days working out.

Sunday and Wednesday were the days that I worked out with Sarah.  You can read that post here.

I had Pilates on Tuesday and I had another freak out during the short spine series.  I felt like I was going to flip over again.  It was kind of funny though.  The class was tough but enjoyable with my homies, Linda and Maureen.  Thursday was Jumpboard Pilates.  I was kind of dreading it because I was so beat from all of my other workouts.  I was afraid of how much pain I would be in on Friday.  I was very sore for class, but I soldiered on.  I survived and I actually wasn't that sore on Friday.

Next week, Jumpboard will be at 8 pm instead of the normal 6 pm because Cassie is closing on her new house.  Also, Sarah is going to take the class.  I am so excited.  I think she's kind of clueless about what jumpboard is all about, so I can't wait for her to experience it.  I'm sure she'll love it.

Monday and Friday were my rest days.  Friday after work, I went to Labcorp to have blood drawn for my Food Allergy Panel test.  I am so excited to get the results and finally figure out what is going on inside my body.

Saturday I went to Rickita's 945 Hot Vinyasa Flow class.  I enjoy practicing yoga at least once a week and I adore Rickita as a teacher and a person.  However, since Lifetime has decided to adopt the Jonny Kest method of yoga, I am finding myself discouraged and losing my love for yoga.  It has just become too confusing and very anti-beginner.  I swear if someone who had never taken a yoga class before came into a Lifetime Fitness yoga class, they would never come back.  Is that really what Lifetime wants?

I used to enjoy yoga class from beginning to end and couldn't wait to take my next class.  Now, I spend the hour on my mat frustrated, angry, and confused.  That's not what yoga is about.  The quality of the instruction has gone down hill.  I have been doing yoga for almost a year and this new way of teaching has me utterly confused.  I feel like you're expected to know poses at the snap of a finger  and the flows are just so convoluted.  

Seriously, during this class on Saturday, I just sat during the entire third flow because it was so confusing and way too crazy to expecting someone to memorize it and flow on their own.  In one word, it's BULLSHIT.

Two people walked out.  I left early partially because I had a meeting with Tony, the dietitian, but I honestly felt rage.  They should rename the class to Hot Homicidal Flow.  And I'm not the only one that's complaining.  Linda from my Pilates class doesn't like it either and she's going to classes in Commerce that are less Jonny Kest centric.  

So, I think my days of Lifetime Yoga are over and it makes me sad.  I love all of the classes that Lifetime has and am Lifetime's Number One Cheerleader, but they made a HUGE mistake when they changed the yoga program.  I'm highly disappointed.  

Training 2014 - Week 28

Another successful training week is in the books!

Sunday was a full body day although it seemed pretty upper body heavy.  We started with squat thrusters and leg presses.  Then we moved onto the arms.  One of the things I am super excited about was that I set a benchpress PR with 85 pounds!!!!

I did three sets of benchpressing.  The first set was at 65 pounds, the second was at 75 pounds, and the third was at 85!  I only did 6 reps in the third set, but who cares?  I BENCHED 85 POUNDS!!!  My goal for the end of this year was to be able to bench 85 pounds!  I accomplished that, but I would now like 85 pounds to be my starting weight.

Added bonus, I wasn't sore the day or two after the workout!!!

Wednesday was sort of an old school workout.  We did things we haven't done in a while.  Walking lunges and Russian twists were things I hated and I thought were difficult.  Now they are so much easier.  I still hate walking lunges, but what are you going to do?  One thing we've changed up is instead of doing traditional kettle bell swings, we are doing battle rope swings.  I still get the sore feeling in my abs, but I don't have the pain in my left shoulder.  The battle ropes also bring my heart rate way up and I need several minutes to rest and catch my breath before we move onto the next exercise.

Things are continuing in the right direction and I keep getting stronger.

Next week, Sarah and I will be working out on Monday and Wednesday afternoon.

What Day Is It?

I had such a hard time remembering what day it was this week.  It was Tuesday and I thought it was Wednesday.  It was Wednesday and I thought it was Thursday.  And I wasn't the only person, I'm sure.

I worked out four days this week.  This is a pretty low number for me since I tend to get into the gym five days.  I definitely felt a beating after jumpboard pilates on Friday and Saturday, and being hungover on Saturday didn't help.

I worked out with Sarah on Sunday and Wednesday, which are our regular days.  You can read more about it here.

Tuesday was my regular Pilates class.  I had a helluva time getting all the way up in the short spinal massage posture, so Cassie had to help me out a bit.  Finally I was able to get all the up.  I do enjoy doing this and I think I'm pretty darn good at it.

Thursday was jumpboard pilates class.  I don't know what it is about jumpboard pilates but the hour goes by so fast.  Blink and it's over.  I just love jumpboard.  It's so fun and such an amazing workout.

I took Monday and Friday off from working out, as I usually do.  Friday night I went out with my friend Brittany and I had a great time.  Yeah, my eating went out the window, but Friday dinner tends to always be my cheat meal.

My alcohol consumption derailed my exercise plans for Saturday.  There was no way I was going to be able to survive a hot yoga class in my state.  I did however thoroughly clean my master bath and that took quite a while.  We're talking a hardcore scrubbing of the bathtub tiles and floor tiles.  You can seriously eat off my bathroom floor.  So I like to think my cleaning turned into an arm workout.

My upcoming week looks like a typical week.  I am meeting next Saturday with Tony, the new dietitian.  I also plan on being able to squeeze in my food allergy panel test.

Have a good week!

Training 2014 - Week 27

This week Sarah and I trained on our usual days:  Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

Sunday was a heavy lifting day.  

 I was beyond excited to hear that bit of news.  I set a few PRs, but I was most excited about my deadlift PR of 105 pounds!!!  We only did four exercises, but we really didn't need to do much more since I was pooped.  And we did squats on the Icarian machine, which is a favorite of mine.

Wednesday was more of a full body day with a little more emphasis on upper body (in my opinion).  We did more exercises today and did some super-setting.  The weights were pretty heavy but do-able.  I think I did very well.  I don't know the proper names for the exercises, but we started with some squats and ended doing triceps and biceps.  Oh yeah,  the bicep curls I did were with 35 pounds, which was pretty tough.

At the end of our session, I got to meet Tony, the new dietician at LTF-Novi.  I am meeting with him on the 19th and also when I get the results of my Food Allergy panel test, which I'll blog more about in a future post.

Next week is another Sunday/Wednesday workout week for Sarah and I.  Looking forward to more heavy lifting.

Fourth of July Week

It's another holiday week here in the US, which means there's the potential for some wayward eating on the 4th, but also time to hang out with friends and have a good time.

This week I worked out five days.  I took my typical days off:  Monday and Friday.

Sunday and Wednesday were training days with Sarah and the post about those days is here.

Tuesday was my regular Pilates class.  I had a funny moment in class this week.  We were doing the short spine series (I think that's what it's called) and I got all the way up on my shoulders and totally freaked out that I was going to fall into the well of the reformer.  Cassie said that's the feeling you should get when you get completely up on your shoulders and you're doing it right.  It was quite a scary feeling.  I came back down fairly fast because I thought I was going to flip over.  I'm pretty proud of myself for being able to do it.  Yay me!!!

Thursday was Jumpboard Pilates class.  It was a fairly small turnout since it was the evening of the 3rd.  It was a tough class, as usual, but fun.  I was sweating like a pig.

Saturday morning I went to Rickita's 945 Hot Vinyasa Flow.  It was really packed for being the morning of the 5th.  I was excited to use my yoga mat towel that I got last week.  This is the towel  that I ordered.  It made a world of difference in my practice.  I wasn't slipping and sliding around like I had been.  I think I might actually buy at least another mat towel because I really made a sweaty mess of this one.  It would be nice to have a backup.  Let's just say I will never take a hot yoga class without a mat towel.

The class was really challenging, but I'm glad I went.

After class, I went home and showered.  Then I drove over to Jackie and Thad's, and Jackie and I walked 4.1 miles at Kensington Metropark.  It was a nice walk, not too hot.  Clearly I am not drinking enough water because my bad ankle ended up swelling really bad and my fingers felt like overstuffed sausages.

So, despite the fact that it was a short work week and also a big party weekend, I did well.  I was diligent in getting my five workouts this week and mixing it up.

Have a good week!  See you next week!!

Training 2014 - Week 26

This week I worked out with Sarah on Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon.  This was my Recovery Week.  We hadn't taken a recovery week since I did D.tox in mid-May.

I was quite relieved to find out it was Recovery Week because I was beat on Sunday for no reason.  Mostly our workout was our usual lifting workout, but the weight is a little lighter.  It is still a challenge though.

Sundays workout included TRX rows, a new favorite, and shoulder presses.  My left shoulder is acting a little funny.  We lowered the weight and it was still achy in the arm socket area.  It doesn't hurt any other time than when I am doing shoulder presses.

Wednesday was a little more leg work.  We worked on some machines I hadn't worked on in a bit.  We did step ups on the aerobic step.  I was pretty sweaty and while I was working pretty hard, I think it might be a side effect of being on Fast Fuel.  I tend to be really sweaty when I'm on that stuff.

The exercise is going well and I'm taking steps to get my diet under control.  I really think this is going to get me going in the right direction.

Next week, we are working out on Sunday and Wednesday again.

Changing It Up

While I was at work today I started thinking about my diet.  It hasn't been the greatest since my meltdown.  Surprisingly, the scale has remained virtually the same.  But I still need to get back on track and get some control.  I start every day with the best of intentions, but somehow and some way I get off track.  I'm not completely off track like back when I started over a year ago, I've just lost a little bit of focus.  I want to the exercise and diet to go hand and hand again and somehow get out of this six month plateau.

It was my idea to decide to replace two meal (breakfast and lunch) with a Fast Fuel shake.  I ran it past Sarah and she liked the idea.  I'm not sure how long I'm going to do this.  I've thought 30 days, I've thought until I lose 20 pounds.  We shall see.  And I may take it down to just one shake a day along the way.  I'm using this as a way to get on track.

I stopped at the LifeCafe before Pilates and bought my Fast Fuel (chocolate).  I'm starting tomorrow!

Pilates, Pilates, Pilates

I did Pilates three times this week and this was the wittiest title I could come up with.

This week I worked out 5 out of 7 days.  Pretty good.  I took my usual days off, Monday and Friday.

Sunday I took Martina's Slowburn Vinyasa class.  I wasn't expecting to get my heart rate up so high or to sweat, but I did.  I guess I shouldn't let the Slowburn word fool me.

Tuesday I had my standard reformer class.  Rachel, the newest Pilates instructor at LTF-Novi, subbed for Cassie.  I had never met Rachel, so I was kind of curious to meet her and take a class with her.  She is so nice and very pleasant.  She is trained the same way that Cassie is, so it was an easy transition.  She's a little quieter than Cassie, but she's new and she had never met any of us before.  Plus, Linda can come across as a thug when you first meet her.

Wednesday was my only training session with Sarah and you can read about it here.

Thursday was Jumpboard Pilates.  I hadn't done Jumpboard in two weeks, so I was anxious to get back to it.  Cassie was there for this class and she filled us in on the new West Bloomfield club that is opening.  We were asking questions because we were interested in what a Diamond LTF club was all about.  Sounds very luxurious, but not what I would want.  (No offense!)

Jumpboard was definitely tough.  We did those agonizing arm exercises.  I just kept repeating "My arms are going to look awesome, my arms are going to look awesome," just to keep me going.

Saturday was a private Pilates session with Cassie!!!  I love private sessions!  It's nice to get the one-on-one attention and just chit-chat with Cassie.  It's like sweating with a girlfriend...except you're the only one sweating.

Before I went to LTF, I stopped at my local Starbucks and picked up a Skinny Caramel Macchiato for each of us.  Cassie and I have the same favorite drink at Starbucks.  Great minds, people, great minds.

Yeah, I know it must seem weird to walk into a gym with two venti Starbucks, but hey, I don't care.  I just strolled on through with a coffee in each hand like:

And I seriously would have gone Naomi Campbell crazy if anyone would have said anything.  

So, that was my week in a nutshell.  I would call it a successful week.  I did a little bit of everything: lifting, yoga, and Pilates.  My three loves.  I think my head is getting back in the game.  I'm not weighing myself every day.  I was going to remove the batteries from my scale, but I didn't and I've been able to avoid the scale.

Product Review: The Run Home Store

So between my meltdown and Sarah not being able to compete in July, we're both a little down (but not out).  And since we're in this together, I thought we should have some sort of tangible inspiration.  I've seen several Instagram accounts advertising exercise/lifting jewelry and I almost bought some a few weeks ago, but didn't.  I thought now would be a perfect time to get something for both Sarah and I.

I went on Etsy and searched for exercise jewelry.  There are tons of pages.  I found the jewelry that I would ultimately buy on the first page, but I wanted to continue looking a little bit more rather than pull the trigger right away.  Nothing else really spoke to me like the necklace picture above.  It was perfect.  The etsy store that I purchased this necklace from was called The Run Home or you can order directly from their website.

This store has some awesome stuff!  I didn't browse the entire store, but I liked what I saw, I love what I received, and I will shop there again.  The prices are great!  I much prefer to support independent artists/craftspeople than ordering from a larger business.  Etsy is a wonderful website for that.

I placed my order on Tuesday evening while I was watching Extreme Weight Loss, it shipped (from Georgia) on Wednesday, and I received it on Friday.  I loved the necklaces!  Obviously I only opened mine because they come beautifully wrapped and packaged.  I wanted Sarah to open hers as a present.   

Seriously, how awesome is this box with the silver ribbon cord around it?  Presentation is really everything.  It goes a long way in my book.  Not to mention, I received a hand written note from the owner, Debbie.  Classy.  Also, there were care instructions and a cloth to clean the necklace.  I love it!

Just a quick note, I did add the open heart charm extra.  The necklace as advertised just came with the quote and the barbell.  I was debating whether to add an S on Sarah's necklace and a V for mine, but I decided on the open heart charm.  It was a little smaller than I expected, but now seeing the whole necklace, it is actually the perfect size and doesn't distract from anything else.  A bigger heart charm would have crowded it too much.  

Not only did I love my necklace, but Sarah did, too.  I had to run to a private Pilates session with Cassie and she was manning the protein shake table, so we didn't get too much time to chat.

I would HIGHLY recommend Debbie and The Run Home store for your athletic jewelry needs.  This is definitely the first of many purchases I will make.  

Be sure to like their Facebook page.  I'd like to hear if any of you purchase anything.  Love my necklace and it inspires me to fight on.

Training 2014 - Week 25

This week Sarah and I only trained on Wednesday afternoon.  She took Sunday off from work or something selfish like that.  ;)

                                                     

Wednesday was a completely different workout than anything we've ever done.  We did an obstacle course.  I had some fair warning before I came to the gym so I was a little leery.  I hate change.  

The obstacle consisted of 8 exercises and I had to do the full sequence three times.  Some of the exercises included thrusters, rowing, running/walking, push ups.  It was a combination of things I love and hate.   I loath running.  I've tried to love it or even like it, it's not gonna happen.  It's like forcing a relationship with a nice guy that you're not attracted to.  

My heart rate definitely got up and I was sweaty.  I think my deodorant even failed me!

I really liked the obstacle course workout.  It made the hour go really fast.  I kind of missed lifting heavy, but it's good to change things up.  

Next week, we will be working out Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

A Week of Emotional Mania

I won't continue to blab on about what a crappy week I had.  I think I did that enough already.

I worked out four days this week.  Not bad for a crappy week.  I worked out with Sarah on Sunday and Wednesday.  I had a great Pilates class on Tuesday.  I canceled out on the Jumpboard class on Thursday because I was so unsure of what I was going to do.  In retrospect, I am glad I did because I was insanely sore on Thursday and Friday.  We're talking incredible pain.  I can't imagine how I would have felt if I had gone to Jumpboard.  I might have been wheelchair bound.

So I took Thursday and Friday off from the gym and my healthy diet.  I ate like a fricking pig just to re-enforce that I hate the old way of eating.  Seriously, I was so lethargic, bloated, and salty.  It so wasn't worth the momentary euphoria of eating crap.  And it didn't help that everywhere I went I saw morbidly obese people, some who even walked like weeble wobbles.   It made me want to never go back to those days again.

Weeble Wobble toys from the 1970s

Saturday was my return to the gym.  I took Rickita's 945 Hot Vinyasa Flow class.  It was a great class for the most part.  My main issue is that I sweat so much that my feet and hands slip on my mat.  I ordered a mat towel on Amazon and it should be here on Tuesday.   I did the first two flows pretty well, but the third one was a little convoluted.  I did the best I could.  I tried to do crow pose, but that's a lot of ass and leg weight for my arms to hold up. 

I was really glad I took a yoga class.  It was what I needed.  

Have a good week!

  

My Nervous Breakdown of the Fitness Kind

It was bound to happen.  I completely melted down this week.  Five months of a plateau has finally gotten to me.  As I stated in my weekly training thread, the scale was a bitch this week.  Not only was my weight up, but my body fat percentage was up, too.  My diet was virtually the same.  My thyroid checked out okay at the doctor's office.  The Reds left town the week before, so that's no reason for the increase.  I've been eating at home, basically the same menu as the last few weeks.  I.WAS.PISSED.

But on the positive side, I look fabulous.  My skin continues to firm up, my muscle definition is great, people are continuing to comment on positive changes they see.  The scale is the most cruel bitch of all.  I know it doesn't really matter, it's just a number.  It's all about being healthy, getting off meds, feeling good.  But on Wednesday when I was standing on that scale all of that didn't matter.   D.tox was an epic waste, I wanted to quit training and Pilates, I wanted to quit period.

Then I thought about how fabulous my butt and legs look.  My arms are making good progress.  My abs are going to be phenomenal.  My skin looks spectacular.

And then I thought about all the haters and some of you haters are reading this right now.  You know who you are.  I'm doing what you couldn't and can't do.  I'm doing what you don't think I can do.  I'm tenacious, I'm strategic, I'm patient, I'm determined.    And it kills you.  But thanks for pushing me to do better and pushing forward.  I'm actually glad you're around.

So, I'm still climbing out of the pit and regaining my momentum.  My mood about this is still a little manic.  Sad, disappointed, hopefully, lonely, persistent, inspired.  I'm going to be meeting with Sarah and Cassie this week and we're going to tweak things a bit and see what will work.

I'm inspired by the story of Justin Willoughby who lost 550 pounds and it took him a decade to do it.  A DECADE.  That's dedication.  Holy crap!  I guess I shouldn't be bitching about 13 months, right?

Well, that's all for now, but I leave you with the Motivational Penguin.