TT challenge: Delaying start date

My week started with a hiss and a roar... put my back out really badly (not sure how), have the flu/cold and extreme abdominal pains (not sure why) and have no idea where my brain has gone (not sure where). I suspected I was getting a cold on Sunday and almost delayed my start then but was trying to be positive - didn't work!

Anyway, I am going to need a couple of weeks of taking it easy to get my back right so will be delaying my start date.

On a positive note, my nutrition has been really good which is unusual for me when I am unwell, food is usually my comforter when in pain. I am going to try and do what I can which will include walking, gentle yoga and maybe light weights later next week. I hope to restart my challenge May 19th.

Illness and injury are a part of life and this is just another challenge that has been placed in my path (wish it wasn't quite now!) to deal with... and deal with it I will!

Week 1, Day 2: TT Workout Day

Today went really well. It is another one of those days where I would like to say I leapt out of bed to do my workout but it wasn't. Have not felt too well the last couple of days and had to push myself to do the workout. Was great once I got started. It definitely seems easier getting started this time round from a mindset perspective. No mind games or second guessing myself. I seem to have just switch straight back into it. I was particularly happy with how I felt after dinner. I had made the decision not to allow myself a coffee and chocolate after dinner during the week and I didn't. The decision was made. I wasted no time second guessing myself or self-talking myself 'through it' like I sometimes do. It was easy!

Exercise:

TT 2K3, TT Interval

Nutrition:

100% compliant with food.
Should have had more water.
Only one green tea.

Muesli, yoghurt, kiwi fruit (x3)
Muffin, coffee
Subway 6", chicken
Carrots & celery
Nuts & raisins
3x feijoas
fish, grilled capsicum & corgettes, kumera, broccoli

I wont be posting what I eat every day due to time constraints.

Pre-challenge

Only five days to go until I start the next challenge! Who would have thought that I would be so looking forward to spending another 12 weeks working my butt off, eating clean healthy food and hanging out with a great bunch of cyber friends!

I started the Turbulence Training 2K3 workout today and loved it! I had to get up earlier than usual because of work stuff but I still leapt out of bed and was really excited about doing my workout. It certainly wasn't like this a few months ago so the workout habit definitely coming back and I am feeling heaps stronger and fitter. Yay. I did the upper body part of the workout this morning and even though I took it reasonably easy I can feel it this evening.

Some background on my workout habits

1. I generally always workout in the morning as I have found from past experience I am more likely to skip workouts scheduled for the afternoon because I am tired or working late etc.

2. Because I have sustained a number of injuries in the past from over doing it with heavy weights I now keep things on the lighter side... the really lighter side! An example is that I am currently bench pressing a whole 5kgs (on each dumbell)! I tried going up to 7.5kg a few of weeks ago and sure enough. Hurt my shoulder and had to have some time off.

3. I try to maintain conscious awareness of my technique and form (the way I do each exercise) to ensure I am doing them properly. I do this for two reasons a) to avoid injury and b) to gain maximum benefit. There are times when it is tempting to rush through the exercises when I am running late or just tired and want the workout to finish. Mostly I resist this temptation.

4. I don't generally have anything to eat before I do my workouts and often don't get a chance to eat after them for an hour or so. Ideally I should have something to eat post workout. I need to work on this.

5. I alternate between an elliptical and a spin bike for my cardio and listen to loud music on my computer!

6. My workout partner is my husband. We support and encourage each other... most of the time. It is a great time to 'address' concerns which can lead to some rather vigorous discussions! A couple of our workouts have taken much longer than they should have!

7. I wake by radio alarm and usually listen to a couple of songs before I get up. To help me in the motivation department I try to think about and visualise my workout the night before and think about it a bit when I first wake up. This really does help.

8. I record every excercise, number of reps, weight and any additional comments that may be helpful in the future. I might mention that I only did a 1/2 full press-up or that my shoulder was a bit sore or that I need to put my weight up on an exercise for the next workout.

8. And... probably the most important and valuable thing of all, I discuss my workouts and how I am feeling with other TT members and keep up to date with what they are up to to help me keep on track.

Right. I am off to get some sleep.

Details on how to enter the next TT Transformation Challenge!

Below is a link that will take you to the details and conditions of the next challenge. If you have any questions please let me know by posting a comment at the bottom of this post.

CLICK HERE for the details and conditions of the next Turbulence Training Transformation Challenge

Good luck!

The next TT Transformation Challenge

Hi everyone. I can now confirm that the next challenge officially starts May 1st, 2008 and finished August 23rd, 2008. All transformations must start and finish during this time period and the final day to enter is Saturday, May 31st, 2008.

As mentioned above your 12 weeks can start anytime between May 1st, 2008 and May 31st, as long as you finish before August 23rd, 2008.

I am waiting for some final details from the organiser. As soon as I have that information I will post instructions on how to enter the challenge and conditions of entry.

Breakthrough Challengers!

A group of us from the previous Turbulence Training Transformation Challenge have formed a support group called 'Breakthrough Challenge' to help us in the next challenge. Check out our new logo!

The excitement is building within our group with emails flashing back and forth discussing what Turbulence Training programs we are going to do (such a hard choice as so many to pick from!), when we are going to start and what challenges we anticipate having to overcome. The support and encouragement has also begun as we discuss how we intend to work through the various challenges during the up-and-coming 12 weeks.

Our start dates vary depending on what date works best with our particular circumstances, as do the chosen workouts. Several people are looking at doing the bodyweight workout which is perfect for those of you who don't belong to a gym and have no workout equipment at home. My chosen weapon for the first four weeks is the Turbulence Training 2K3, a program that alternates upper/lower body each workout. I gave it a test run this morning and LOVED it!

NOTE TO OTHERS FROM THE PREVIOUS CHALLENGE: If any of you would like to become part of the Breakthrough Challenge group then let Sara know (I am sure you all know how to contact her!).