Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Finding Focus - RFSC Week 1

My goal for this week is just to catch up and be where I should be in terms of ... everything! I've definitely realized that I flounder easily without a proper plan of attack when it comes to my day/week -- and that goes for my workouts, for getting in my home office sorted (again), getting my errands done, etc.

My main setback has definitely been the rest that I've been given my leg. However, I notice the improvement and I'm quite confident that I can resume my normal routine starting Sunday.

One of my goals for the ready for summer challenge (RFSC) is to set weekly goals so that I can hit my targets and stay focused. My week is going to be Sunday through Saturday -- since our work week starts on Sunday over here.

So, my week 1 (March 26-31) goals are:
  • Plan my next NROL4W workout (to start on Sunday) -- If I don't get the go ahead from the doctor, then I'll repeat this week's workout schedule
  • Hit my main gym goals (3 weight sessions; 6 hours of cardio; 3 abs sessions)
  • Specific 'things to do' - complete my car registration paperwork; plan my lessons for the upcoming week; read 2 new articles; edit chapter one and start chapter 2 of my thesis; sort through the final batch of clothes; contact A to give the charity donations to Syria, spend at least 2 hours helping mom pack, set up my Polar heart rate monitor (that I got over a month ago!!), catch up on commenting on blogs (I've been terrible at this lately - apologies!!)
  • Complete all my nutrition goals -- plan the upcoming week's menu and buy the groceries; make sure I eat my daily serving of fruit ... This week's challenge to experiment with a new fruit/veggie/healthy meal is a great one for me ... I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet, but I'll definitely be checking out my cookbooks today and figure something out!

It's been great reading through other people's blogs and seeing their goals for the challenge. It definitely provides an extra level of support and encouragement. I just hope that I'll be able to keep up with it all!


Today's workout:
Cardio focus: 10 km on the cross-trainer
Abs: 100 bicycle crunches (I hate them!), plank pose (3x1 min), reverse curls (100), kneeling side kicks (100/leg), push ups (20), rotary torso w/25 kg weight (30/side), 3 sets of 10 w/65 kg. weight back extension (to balance the workout out)

I'm desperate to do something about my 'abs' - they are non-existent and my core muscles are so bloody weak. I've neglected focusing on my abs because ... well, doing sit-ups etc. sucks! It's tough. It's painful. Still - if I want to see the results, I gotta do the work ... how do I expect to lose any inches around my waist without putting in the effort? That's gotta change. It is changing.



20 comments:

  1. I had started the March 6 Pack challenge over at Shrinking Jeans, but fell off the wagon last Thursday!! I need to start back doing some kind of ab work!

    Shannon
    http://www.everystepcounts365.wordpress.com

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    1. Although I am least satisfied with my abs, I really struggle to focus on ab exercises. I'm hoping to change that and really work them into my routine!

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  2. Anonymous2:36 PM

    Hey Plum sounds like you have a good plan ahead. Reward yourself (pat on the back) when you get those pesky errands done or other household things. I personally had to just delete all games from my computer because I would just waste too much time on there. Now trying to stimulate my mind on things that are important right now. Like this challenge. :)

    My trainer once said and I've seen it elsewhere: Abs are built in the kitchen. He really pushes the nutrition aspect to get that layer off the core area. So I'm finally trying to do that with this "clean eating" stuff. Planks are awesome core strength builders and easy to do during commercials while watching tv and night. :)

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    1. I totally agree. I'm slowly learning how my body reacts to certain foods and am trying to stay away from those that really 'sit' in my abs! Plank poses bring me to tears, but I still try to do them ;)

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  3. I like your blog! Lots of interesting stuff going on in your life. I'm writing to nag you to set up your HRM (b/c I'm eager to compare notes on what we think of it, since I just got mine up and running this week), and also to recommend you check out Firm Abs on youtube. I've been using the workout video for over a decade, and LOVE it!! It takes the ab workout section of 5 different Firm Workout tapes and puts them onto one video - which people ahev evidently uploaded to youtube. Each day's segment is only 7-8 min long, and between them all, you get a phenomenal all-over ab workout through the week. It's easy to stick with b/c it's only a few min a day. I do mine before bed. Give it a shot! I can't rave enough about it.

    Good luck with you goals!
    -Jennifer

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    1. Thanks Jennifer!
      I'll check out the Firm Abs that you recommended :)

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  4. I think you have a really good plan, just go for it! :D

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  5. A good plan and clear goals really helps get things moving. Good luck for this week!

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    1. I'm hoping that having the specific targets will really help me stay focused.

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  6. So glad you've joined the challenge. Your week 1 goals sound like a solid plan!

    I can't believe your thesis defence is so soon - good luck!

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    1. I know Kris! I'm excited and terrified at the same time!

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  7. Just wanna say hi, and thanks for stopping by at my blog. Good luck with your RFSC goals, especially with thesis! I'm amazed that you find time for exercise between work and thesis... when I did mine I was glued to the computer :P.

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    1. Thanks :)
      Hitting the gym was tough, and there were many days when I didn't make it, but I definitely used it as a stress reliever!

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  8. You have some awesome goals!!

    Looking forward to following your progress during this RFSC. Keep planning for success and you will rock it!

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  9. Awesome workout!

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    1. Thanks :)
      The abs part was the most challenging ... but gotta keep trying!

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  10. Love the goals! Good luck with the challenge... we can do this!

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can use all the support I can get :)