Hello all! I've finally decided to stop being such a lurker, and actually start a diary. 
I've learned a ton by reading these forums on a regular basis, but I'm usually wary about posting a lot of personal info on the web... thinking I need an extra kick to reach my goals, here I go with my long intro!
Goal #1: Lose 20 lbs.
I've already lost 30 lbs. this year, by watching my diet and exercising. I've always been quite active, so I definitely have noticed how counting calories and watching what I eat can make a huge difference. But I have hit a bit of a plateau - I had a great job over the summer that involved a lot of wining and dining, which I knew ahead of time, so I switched from weight loss to maintenance for a few months. Well, I managed to succeed in maintaining, even in the face of free treats on a daily basis (AND got a great job offer for post-graduation too!!!). I've gone back to healthy eating, but can't seem to shed more weight. I'll post my diet in detail later, but I generally aim for 50/25/25 C/P/F because that is what I think will be most sustainable for me in the long run. I know I should probably get more protein and less carbs, but my carbs are mostly fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
My exercise is usually weight lifting 2-3x/wk, recreational soccer 1-2x/wk, running or spinning classes on other days. After losing weight this year, I've been playing soccer better than I have since high school! That makes my favorite activity a lot more fun. But after fall ends I may not play winter/indoor, and instead focus on other things. In addition to continuing my strength and cardio training, I would like to improve specifically on my endurance and flexibility, which brings me to my next main goal...
Goal #2: Reach the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Yep, I'm planning a huge trip to Africa next summer, with one highlight being hiking Kili. Everything I've read says anyone of normal fitness who takes a trip that allows an extra day or two on the mountain for acclimatization can make it to the top - but I'm not taking a trip of a lifetime halfway around the world to be satisfied with normal odds. The peak of Kili is 5895 m, but I live at about 250 m (LOL!), and have never been above 3000 m in previous travels. I'd love to get ideas about training for altitude, and definitely hear from anyone who has done this trip. Another reason it is extremely important to me to get VERY fit for this trip far enough in advance is because my entire Africa trip will be about 3-4 months, with Kili coming in the middle to end, as I will be traveling from S. Africa, going north. This means my fitness level will probably suffer a bit before I reach the mountain.
I will post daily details later. Today is a rest day, though I was hoping to do a yoga video later - I decided to use my Netflix subscription to try before I buy, but for some reason the DVD got returned to them before it ever made it to me. Grrr... If it arrives today, I'll give it a go and a review.
I'll also try to be a less stalk-ish forum member and be more active in posting in other places too.
Cheers!
I've learned a ton by reading these forums on a regular basis, but I'm usually wary about posting a lot of personal info on the web... thinking I need an extra kick to reach my goals, here I go with my long intro!Goal #1: Lose 20 lbs.
I've already lost 30 lbs. this year, by watching my diet and exercising. I've always been quite active, so I definitely have noticed how counting calories and watching what I eat can make a huge difference. But I have hit a bit of a plateau - I had a great job over the summer that involved a lot of wining and dining, which I knew ahead of time, so I switched from weight loss to maintenance for a few months. Well, I managed to succeed in maintaining, even in the face of free treats on a daily basis (AND got a great job offer for post-graduation too!!!). I've gone back to healthy eating, but can't seem to shed more weight. I'll post my diet in detail later, but I generally aim for 50/25/25 C/P/F because that is what I think will be most sustainable for me in the long run. I know I should probably get more protein and less carbs, but my carbs are mostly fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
My exercise is usually weight lifting 2-3x/wk, recreational soccer 1-2x/wk, running or spinning classes on other days. After losing weight this year, I've been playing soccer better than I have since high school! That makes my favorite activity a lot more fun.
But after fall ends I may not play winter/indoor, and instead focus on other things. In addition to continuing my strength and cardio training, I would like to improve specifically on my endurance and flexibility, which brings me to my next main goal...Goal #2: Reach the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Yep, I'm planning a huge trip to Africa next summer, with one highlight being hiking Kili. Everything I've read says anyone of normal fitness who takes a trip that allows an extra day or two on the mountain for acclimatization can make it to the top - but I'm not taking a trip of a lifetime halfway around the world to be satisfied with normal odds. The peak of Kili is 5895 m, but I live at about 250 m (LOL!), and have never been above 3000 m in previous travels. I'd love to get ideas about training for altitude, and definitely hear from anyone who has done this trip. Another reason it is extremely important to me to get VERY fit for this trip far enough in advance is because my entire Africa trip will be about 3-4 months, with Kili coming in the middle to end, as I will be traveling from S. Africa, going north. This means my fitness level will probably suffer a bit before I reach the mountain.
I will post daily details later. Today is a rest day, though I was hoping to do a yoga video later - I decided to use my Netflix subscription to try before I buy, but for some reason the DVD got returned to them before it ever made it to me. Grrr... If it arrives today, I'll give it a go and a review.
I'll also try to be a less stalk-ish forum member and be more active in posting in other places too.
Cheers!