Here's my game plan for winning the Challenge

For me, this isn't a challenge to lose weight, but to redesign my body.  I have already lost 12 lbs but I really need to lose fat by increasing my metabolism through cardio and nutrition along with increasing my muscle mass through weight training. 

My initial weekly game plan: 1 hour w/ my personal trainer each week, jogging 4 days per week (increasing distance & time based on a 35 week plan), BodyPump & CXWORX classes, and follow a strict diet designed by my trainer.  I have a wonderful workout partner and she and I will keep each other motivated during this challenge.  I am surrounding myself with supportive family members and friends.  Most important: I am ready to commit to the hard work!  Having sessions with my trainer will help to keep my body from hitting as many plateaus by constantly changing the exercises.   I call this my initial game plan because I will work closely with my trainer to tweek it as necessary to accomplish my goals.

Current weight: 159.4 lbs  Current fat weight (31% of total): 49.41 lbs 
Goal weight: 148 lbs   Goal fat weight (20%): 29.6 lbs
Final goal: Redistribute my weight by losing 19.81 lbs of fat but gaining 8.01 lbs of muscle resulting in a total weight loss of 11.4 lbs.  I am looking forward to well defined arms, leaner thighs and finding my waist again.  :-)

After Christmas - Time to get serious

I wish I could say that my food habits have changed overnight, but I ate a lot of rich food this past weekend during the holiday festivities.  Thankfully I can be happy that I kept the calories a little lower than they could have been.  Taking lots of veggies and satsumas with me, gave me the ability to munch to my heart's content without going overboard with calories.  I am eager to get together with Maxine at Gold's Gym so we can plan my nutritional strategy.  As soon as that happens, I'll start tracking my food on this blog also.

Exercise: 3 miles of jogging/walking this morning.  I alternated between the two.  Discovered that I like the treadmill much better than jogging in the cold on the hard pavement.  My knees and shins are definitely grumpy but I'm happy to be sticking to my schedule.

Step two accomplished - new running shoes.  Another Gold's Gym member had suggested that I get fitted for a good pair of running shoes at Super Jock & Jill.  I have many minor health issues (back, neck, knees, and hip) and good shoes should make this challenge easier on my body.  I am looking forward to seeing these issues improve as my overall health improves through this process.

Preparing for Christmas

I'm proud of myself.  I packed food (kind bars, satsumas, veggies, and turkey slices) to make sure that I would have healthy options while visiting family this weekend.  You never know what kinds of temptations are going to present themselves during the holidays.  This way I can have some willpower.  Walked this morning and I have my running shoes with me so I can take a run tomorrow morning. 

Day One - I have my completed application in hand!

I know that writing down your goals and tracking your progress make goals more likely to be achieved.  Combine that with planning a strategy to accomplish your goals and you have a very successful combination. 

• I have an energetic and reliable workout buddy and we have decided to do the challenge together.   We have also set a goal of doing our first marathon in September.

• I found a trainer that I like and she has already started making nutritional suggestions.  I plan to work with her on a nutritional plan that will help me accomplish my goals quicker.

• I am competitive by nature and so I'm joining the Gold's Gym 2012 12 week Challenge to push myself.

All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do.
Norman Vincent Peale

Exercise journal:  50 minutes of alternating running and walking (only 15 minutes total of running) on the treadmill followed by 15 minutes of stretching.  :-)  I have a long way to go, but it's good to get started!