Transformation Challenge: Day 23

As of this evening at oh say 9:45pm, I officially entered my Spring Break.  I submitted my final project and am just going to forget about this past quarter completely.  It hasn't been my favorite in the least, so I'm ready to enjoy spring break and get a fresh perspective before coming back to spring quarter.  

It's midnight and I have to be up early in the morning. So why am I still up if I already turned in my assignment? Well my suitcase won't pack itself. Believe me, I have often sat and stared at it just waiting...but it never happens.  So the past couple of hours I have been "packing".  While usually I have huge piles of things I want to wear and can't narrow down to a reasonable about of outfit options, today was different.  I started going through my surplus of warm weather clothing to find that nothing fits.  I tried on every pair of capris or shorts to just pull them straight off, zippered and buttoned up.  So now I have a huge pile of clothes on my bed, but they aren't going into my suitcase they are a donation pile.  But have no fear, I still managed to pack my suitcase to the brim....errr and about 4 other various bags of needs.  My suitcase contains enough workout outfits for the week, because I'm still on a challenge remember.  That means it is Spring Break Boot Camp.  I'm sure there will be many cheats, shopping trips, and beach days in there as well, but I need to stay on track.  So that is why I have another bag already packed. It's full of my vitamins, meal replacement/protein shakes, and some healthy food to keep me on track while on the road.   Oh and those other bags? They are important to I promise.  Just because I'm on spring break doesn't mean I don't have school work to do.  My backpack is filled to the brim just waiting for me to get planning for practicum.

I must admit that the "Hey I'm on vacation!" feeling has already kicked it.  This could be trouble because automatically I reached for the wine and dessert.  I felt a little out of control, but I toned it down by allowing myself a wine spritzer (that who am I kidding did not taste very good nor make me feel better that I wasn't having a full glass of wine).  I also had my usual fudge pop ala pb but I added a banana.  I wish I could take that back.  The banana totally ruined it and now I feel gross.  So this is a good lesson to keep me focused on this trip.  Cheat only when it is worth it and in moderation. (Then hit the workouts extra hard).  So on that note, I'm going to head to bed and get ready to start my day off at work with a little Body Pump.

Today's Workouts:

Yoga - 1 hour

Boxing Class - 45 min

Treat:

Besides the aforementioned cheats, I also treated myself to a spray tan.  Right now I'm looking like I belong in the caribbean, but it should tone down tomorrow when I shower.  Then I'm really ready for vacay!

Lesson:

Don't add banana to the fudge pop / pb / cool whip goodness.  Also, don't book a spray tan on days that it decides to rain.  Hopefully my raindrop spots go away hahaha.

Transformation Challenge: Day 22

Day 22 was a big day for me.  Not only was it the last day of my cleanse (yay!), but I also took the big scary step into teaching an exercise class.  At 10:00am I taught Barre for 1 hour to 10 ladies. While I take this class often (as you can tell by my daily workouts) and feel confident while taking the class, teaching is a whole new world.  I was subbing because Beth had a Health fair booth down the road and couldn't be at two places at the same time.  Rather than cancelling Wednesday's morning barre, she decided it was time for me to step it up and teach.  I agreed to this over the weekend so I didn't have much time to prepare. Ok that's a lie, I had NO time to prepare because remember it's finals week and I'm behind in my school work as always. 

Wednesday morning I headed out the door at 6:30 to go meet my counseling client for the last time.  It was sad to say goodbye to  him because he is 1) such a great and adorable person and 2) he has made so much progress and we did a lot of great work together.  So after our final goodbye, I pated on myself on the back just long enough to get home and then it was "learn to teach a class" time.  I tried to go through the exercises I wanted to do, figure out the order, how many reps of each, and oh yeah I need a playlist on my phone!  I stayed relatively calm but was a little nervous and frustrated because I wanted to nail this and just didn't feel prepared.  There are so many things to think about when you are teaching that you just don't consider as you are panting in the back taking the class. 

I showed up to BFF an hour early to set up my stuff and ask Beth a million questions.  "How many reps should I do? How do I count and make postive banter? Should I use lighter weights than normal? What if they think my class is too easy? What if I do something wrong?"  Basically the answer to all these questions was, "You'll be fine!".  Luckily the group that takes the class in the mornings is pretty consistent so there were a lot of friendly faces staring back at me as I nervously greeted them and fumbled through the order of exercises.  My friend/classmate Michelle even dropped in for the class.  Nothing like pressure of impressing all your friends.  However, I think it went well, but it's hard to tell as the instructor. I got good feedback, but I'm afraid they were just being nice and supportive.  Regardless, it was my first experience and now I have my toes in the water.  I'm sure with time I'll get more comfortable and wont feel the need to obsessivley plan and worry the whole time...well or maybe just not quite as much anyways.

Workout:
Barre instructor - 1 hour :)

Lessons:
Just a few lessons I learned while teaching...

1. Arenaline is the real deal. Caution: may cause you to do everything faster than your normal rate...ooops.
2. Adrenaline also helps you become stronger than you realized. I wasn't feeling a thing! I couldn't tell if the class was hard enough so I kept tacking on more time to each exercise just in case. I hope my class can walk now...
3. Time goes really fast when you are up there.
4. Apparently adrenaline makes me work faster and harder...and sweat more. I have never sweated that much in a barre class.  I had sweat dripping off my nose and I look out and see everyone else perfectly dry. Embarassing.
5. Just because you like your playlist while you are sitting there listening to it, does not mean it's what you feel like listening to while instructing. I definately needed to leave the rock at home and stick with the cheesey pop hits.
6. Class is quite. No, I mean really really quiet.  So as an instructor you feel the need to count out loud, but also throw out tips or encouragement (and keep track of counting).  Then when you do throw out these words, you feel awkward because it is silent. Which makes you feel the need to say more, but you have to figure out where you got off count! (oh and don't let anyone tell that you are lost)
7. Take time to stretch out yourself afterward.  You may have had a lot of adrenaline that made you feel invincible and super woman strong, but later you will still feel the effects of a good and tough workout.
8. You realize as you are up there making everyone do one more excruciating rep that they are all silently cursing your name. Interesting feeling.
9. You can't decide if you want them to like you because your class was fun or hate you because you kicked their butt.
10. Don't use your iphone as your music source because when your Mom calls in the middle of class the music stops and everyone gets to hear your ringtone.

Treat:
Fudgcicle with natural peanut butter and lite cool whip.  Cassia Jo, if I lose this challenge it is entirely your fault for teaching me how to turn a sweet and innocent 80 calorie treat into a seductive dessert.

Transformation Challenge: Days 20-21

The halfway point has come and gone.  I planned on making a big deal out of it with half-way point reflections or something philosophical, but that just didn't happen.  And neither did a post on the actual half-way point.  You see it's Finals week at UC, which equals Rachel scrambles frantically to get all her projects and exams done that she has put off all quarter in order to workout and look fabulous.  Because of this, I'm tired and can barely remember yesterday.  But I will try and summarize the past two days before I do one more assignment and turn off the lights, because tomorrow is another (frantically busy) day!

Workouts:
Day 20:  Yoga - 1 hour and Barre - 1 hour
Day 21: Cardio Attack - 55 min


Challenges:
Cheating on the eating.  Yesterday I had a fudge pop and lite cool whip.  While it's not all that unhealthy it isn't on the cleanse and I didn't need to eat it.  And today I really was bad. I had a beer. I'm not supposed to have any alcohol on this cleanse, but today is my second to last day and my cohort went out for pizza and beer after our (awful) final exam.  I only had a few bites of my friend's pizza and one delicious Purple Haze.  How could I resist when my favorite beer was on tap?!

Accomplishments:
Cardio Attack still sucked. But I think I didn't die quite as bad as last week?

Transformation Challenge: Day 19

Despite losing an hour of sleep, today has been a pretty good and productive day.  I started my day off with a special class for challenge participants at BFF.  It was a combo of yoga and pilates mat work.  It should have been easy, but I was really struggling today.  Not sure if the class was really that hard or if I was just that tired.  Anyways, it got my day off to the right start and I stayed busy the rest of the day.  I met my classmate/friend Mary at Panera to go over our study guide for my Career Development final that is on Tuesday.  We powered through and got it just about finished before my computer died.  I then took a mini shopping trip, came come and chopped veggies, made a delicious dinner of salmon and zucchini squash and then wasted time online.  I definitely didn't get everything done I was supposed to, but I still think I did alright.  

Workout:

Survivor Sunday Mat class - 1 hour

Challenge:

Staying hydrated.  I don't know what was with me today, but I couldn't quench my thirst.  My mouth was so dry even after drinking water.  I was craving a sprite while studying again at Panera (not the only thing I was craving with all those goodies around!) but stayed strong and avoided the pop.  

Treat:

I did a little shopping for new workout clothes and came home with a bag full of vibrant neon colored tops and bras.  This should put a little pep in my step on the way to work out!  I still need to find a good pair of capris or  yoga pants, but I am so relieved to have a few more sports bras to get me through the week without doing laundry. 

Transformation Challenge: Day 18

I think my body has already embraced this whole Spring Forward thing.  I'm so tired that it already feels an hour later than it is.  I suppose that means that I should head to bed, but I had to get today's post in before I could crawl under my covers.  Hopefully I will have a great night's sleep where I can breath normally and I don't wake up crying from a bad dream like last night. Seriously, why am I always getting dumped in my dreams? I'm not even dating!! This is so unfair.  I'm single and should be able to just enjoy my no-boy drama life and instead my dreams decide I need a little heart-break and drama to make up for my calm reality.  Sheesh, no fair, dreams, no fair.

Workout:

Dance Class - 1hour

Challenge:

Not eating a bagel at Panera while I studies with Emily.  Seriously, it's like they pump warm yummy bagel smell through that place to make people ruin their diets.

Accomplishment:

I finally hit my benchmark weight! (well for a day at least).  I had told myself that I could buy a new/smaller pair of my favorite Ann Taylor Loft jeans when I hit this weight.  I've been needing this size for a bit now, but wanted to hit my goal before I forked over the semi-large sum for denim.  I headed in to Loft today because they were having a 30% off everything sale and I figured this was perfect timing.  I tried the size smaller on and they fit! But then when I was moving around I noticed they stretched out a little and weren't all that tight around the waist...gasp, could it be?  Was I really 2 sizes smaller?  I risked it and tried on the next size down and breathed a sigh of relief when I buttoned them.  However, while the "fit" there weren't as flattering as I'd like, but given a little time (say til the end of the challenge maybe?) I think they will be the right size for me.  While this is uber exciting and all, I became a little frustrated.  Do I buy the pair that fits better now but will likely be too small soon? Was it worth the $50.00?!! Or do I buy the size that is a little small at the time but should fit soon? But what if I stop losing inches and stay at this size? After going back and forth and not having a support system in the store, I gave up and left without either pair.  It's like the universe does not want me to have jeans that fit!  But just you wait universe, I'm going to get to that next size down.  You may have won the battle, but I will win the war of jeans!!! Guess that means back to the gym tomorrow, eh?

Treat:

I got my hairs did! Something about a nice trim and fresh bangs to make a girl feel good about herself (even if she doesn't have a good pair of jeans).

Transformation Challenge: Day 17

First off let me just say this "ow". My body hurts.  It's aching and not happy with my workouts today.  But, I don't care, because finally finally finally after weeks of flirting with it, I hit my benchmark goal weight today! Yay for results!  I feel like I should have been there awhile ago, but this whole stupid plateau thing is really a debbie downer.  I'm hoping that by taking these supplements and shakes I can keep tricking my body to lose even more.  Just in case that doesn't do it alone, I'm working out like a mad woman.  That's really what I look like sometimes after a workout too.  A sweaty, frizzy haired, beet red faced, mad woman who takes 3 difficult classes in one day.  I'm proud of myself for pushing through it even though I was so tempted to skip the last one.  No pain no gain right? And with that, thank goodness for ibuprofen! Oh and luckily tomorrow is my easy or "off" day.

Workouts:
Body Pump (first time taking this one! Barbell workout at 7am) - 1 hour
Barre - 1 hour
Chickboxing - 1 hour

Accomplishment:
Seeing my muscles flexing while I was working out. Also, burning over 1,000 calories and making it through 3 classes today. Plus that whole meeting my benchmark goal weight :)

Challenge:
Breathing while not working out.  This stupid cold makes it impossible! That was a benefit of all my workouts today. My nose and head clear up when I'm working up a sweat.

Treat:
While this is not a treat I consumed, a purchase from amazon arrived at my doorstep today.  I bought an Oyster blender that is for smoothies and you make it in a to-go water bottle.  Perfect for mixing up a shake real quick and heading out the door. Genius I tell ya! (P.S. It's bright green so of course I love it even more)

Transformation Challenge: Day 16

Well I don't have any horrible dinner episodes to report for my Thursday.  Luckily I didn't have to do that fire alarm dance because I stuck with my simple staple of a kale salad with chicken, craisins, and celery.  I did however discover a new favorite healthy treat. Like I almost cried I was so happy when I tasted it.  See, I love chocolate and peanut butter. It's on the best things in the world quite frankly and when you are trying to lose weight you generally have to say adios to this beauty.  You can imagine how difficult it is to hear Reese's commercials on the radio and to see the Reese's Eggs out on the store shelves.  I just keep licking my lips and biding my time until April comes and I can allow myself to have one.  So you can imagine how stoked I was when I made an evening snack last night that gave me the same taste.  I was feeling pretty exhausted, my muscle were aching, and I was a little hungry (and of course craving dessert).  So I treated my muscles to a chocolate protein drink only I decided to jazz it up a bit.  I only used half of the shake powder, added ice, 1/2 banana, and 1 Tablespoon natural almond butter. Oh my land was it amazing! It was like drinking a chocolate peanut butter shake with half the calories and way more protein.  You can imagine what I will be looking forward to the rest of the challenge. I see this becoming a staple.

Today's Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 55 min. (Sadly this was the last day of bootcamp. While I will enjoy sleeping in an extra hour I will miss the intensity and pink gloves 2x a week).
Yoga - 1 hour

Today's Challenge: 
Well I suppose my challenge would be the fact that our class was holding a poster session and my poster was blank up until 2:30 yesterday. Yeah that's right, I procrastinated and pulled it off.  While my poster wasn't the most professional or beautiful, it got the job done and didn't look to bad.  Unfortunately I forgot the poster when I left for class. Honestly, where is my head these days?! I even commented to myself while I was making it that "Gee it would be so easy to forget to take this with me. Man that would really suck!".  So I made a mental note to remember it and set it on my couch. Obviously that did not work.  I was really hungry and scrambled to make a packet of oatmeal to take with me on the drive to campus.  I must have been so focused on my food that I completely missed the giant cardboard poster sitting in my living room.  Luckily I didn't make it all that far down the road before I realized. I even made it to class just in the nick of time.  So yeah, posters are just a challenge in general. P.S. I got an A so who ever wants to argue against procrastination doesn't know how to do it right.

Today's Treat:
Chocolate, PB, Banana Protein Shake duhhhhh!