Summer Fitness Challenge

Ok, I know I've been horrible ABSENT for the last few months. I apologize again for that! I've been making new writing friends on my Other Blog. Things are moving along very nicely with my novel though. As a matter of fact, I should finish my revisions (5 pages a day--50 left) by the end of next week. Then I will take a mandatory break and wait for the rejections to roll in before starting a new project in the fall. Well, I'm sure I'll keep dabling in little stories, but I won't start serious outlining of another novel until September.

Sorry, I'm wondering off and typing my stream of thought. Let's get back on track with THIS blog and the next fitness project for me and you--if you wish to join me.

I have been running twice since the CM 1/2. Both were good runs and I'm ready to keep things moving. With only 2 weeks of Seminary left, I plan to sleep in until 6am and then run before it gets too hot outside during the summer. But, I think I need some more motivation. Something to keep me excited and moving forward. Something not requiring $$.

The men at church are starting a fitness challenge this weekend and it sounds REALLY fun! When I asked Nathan why the wives were not invited to participate he looked at me and replied.

"There was no way we were going to suggest any of you needed to join us."

I laughed because it is so true. I'm always asking him to encourage me, but everytime he does I get mad at him. Poor men, can't win even when they do what we ask.

So...I want to start our own Summer Fitness Challenge. We will have a private Google Doc to share (you can ask to be invited in the comments section) to record weight, and some other things. Here is what the men are doing.

Bragging Rights for:

• Fastest 5K
• Most improved 5K time
• Most push ups in a minute
• Most pounds lost
• Greatest percentage of weight lost

I think we should add:

• Biggest drop in pant size
• Most inches lost

What do you think? Here are the rules--everything will be recorded on our Google Doc (you can sign in with a fake name if that makes you  more comfortable).

1. We start on May 31st (Memorial Day) because it will be hard to start, but hanging out at the pool parties on this day will motivate us to set our goals.
2. On this day, find a tread mill, set the incline to 1 and run 3.2 miles as fast as you can. This will be our baseline for the most improved at the end.
3. Also, have someone time you doing push ups for 1 minute so we can see the improvement at the end.
4. Measure your waist, thighs, and upper arm--record.
5. Weigh yourself--record.
6. If you blog--advertise it and let's make this a great big party!

Everyone can choose their own form of exercise, but blog about it. Share it with us in case we want to join you in your challenge of choice. You choose your food choices as well. I recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor and ask them what your specific calorie needs are and then work to meet them--not exceed them. If you recorded your calories for a day, I think you would be shocked!

Do you have suggestions on how we can run this? Should we have real prizes at the end? What should they be? Are you willing to chip in to get prizes?

I'm setting up the Google Doc now. If you wish to join the challenge From May 31st to August 31st, simply post below that you want to join and I will send you an invite to the google doc. You may need to email me your email if I don't know you personally. My email is forloveoffood@hotmail.com