Being Fit at Fifty--My Journey

Feeling good today!

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:54:00 +0000

I've been eating right and exercising at least 5 times per week. I can feel some changes. I've dropped a couple more lbs. That makes me happy. As long as I see a steady downward trend I'm happy. I don't just mean in lbs, but inches as well. I am down several inches in the last 3 weeks. I've been logging my food like I used to do, and keeping track of measurements. It really makes a difference.

Hi ALL!

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:39:00 +0000

Well...all the water weight from my trip has seemed to have dissipated. I feel more like myself. I am even 1 lb down from Friday. Not bad! I just need to keep going.
I've got some goals to meet, and I can't mess around!

This Train has left the track....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:37:00 +0000

My son Jacob was commissioned to do this mural for University of GA--Go Bulldogs!

Dang! had a bad weekend. I had pizza on Friday--which was PLANNED. We went to San Diego to see Mike's mom on Sat. morning. It is an 8 hour drive. We had a burrito for lunch. Not too horrible, BUT...I didn't drink enough water, it was hot, couldn't move around. Had a steak and salad for dinner. Sunday was more of the same...8 hrs driving. By the time I got home, I was so swollen up that my wedding ring was WAY too tight, and I had a hard time getting it off. I feel like crap today. My weight was up at least 5 lbs. Now,I know that is not ALL or even MOST fat weight, but it puts me in a bad mental place. Traveling is horrible on your body. Okay, now let's get this train back on track! :)

A very nice day, today...

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:56:00 +0000

My 4 month old Lab--Jake, and his "cousin" Deuce. Deuce is the most beautiful little Wiemaraner.

I got out my Eat Clean Diet book and re-read the whole thing. There are some things that I need to work on. I've been eating clean, and it's getting easier to do everyday. I still have some glitches, but they are fewer and far between. I had a cheat meal this weekend--burger and fries. I only ate 1/2 the bun, and didn't finish my fries. This was a lunch meal, so I got right back on my "clean" stuff for my afternoon snack and dinner. That's a huge improvement for me, usually eating ONE thing "bad" sends me off on a weekend binge. I guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks!

Goals and Stuff....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:15:00 +0000

I lost 6 lbs towards the Transfigure Fitness Challenge. I had to drop out of the challenge due to a $$ issue. BUT....I have continued on. I have a new meal plan, I am working out like I should be and I feel good. I'm still in control. I haven't had any chocolate in two weeks. I know if I can get past this little hump, I will be fine. I just need to get it out of my system: physically and mentally.

I have 7 months left to Phat Camp. I have plenty of time to make some MAJOR changes. I have always worked better under pressure...I think a year out was too much time for me. I just kept putting it off... but NOW, I've got my shoulder to the stone, and I'm plowing ahead.

I'll have some new measurements on Sunday. I hope you day goes well and you spend some time with your loved ones.

Happy July 4th!

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:57:00 +0000

I'm waving my flag and wishing you all a happy 4th.
Don't eat too much! LOL!!

Monday...again.

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:13:00 +0000

I hate Mondays. Everything just feels like such a crisis on Mondays. Everyone is stressed out. Me, too. I had a bad weekend. We camped. I ate.

So I start all over again to lose the same 5 lbs. I gained and lost for the last 6 weeks. This is ridiculous. I know better. I have my eating plan and workouts mapped out, I am ready for the new week.

It's Thursday...

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Picture of my son's unit in Afghanistan. Thank goodness, he is home now.

and I am doing pretty well! I have eaten more or less according to plan...and by that I mean...I may have skipped a couple of food items, but I ate all my meals, stuck to my calorie alottment, and didn't eat any junk or chocolate! I call that a minor victory! I'm happy with that.

I've done all my workouts so far this week. That makes me even more happy!
I'm a pretty happy camper right now! :)

Another Day, Another Pound!

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:03:00 +0000

I weighed in on Friday and I was down another pound. That makes 6. Woohoo!
I am plodding along, and trying to do things the right way. Sometimes, I make a mistake, but I just keep moving along. I know that with hard work the mistakes will be fewer and fewer...that just comes from practice. I don't beat myself up like I used to. I just recognize it for what it is. Then I move on. That's HUGE progress for me.

I have lost 2 inches off my bust and butt. I'm very happy about that! My pants are starting to be loose. Yay! Tops are still a bit snug. I'm like most women--Rather than buying a larger size (18) I just wore my 16's until they were ready to split! THAT's what got me off my duff and working out again. So....it's going to take some time before I get to the next size.

Sabotage....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:36:00 +0000

I keep sabotaging myself. Every Friday like clockwork, I buy a chocolate bar. I'm not talking one of the little flat ones, I'm talkin' the BIG HONKIN' one...the one that cost 2 bucks, and had about a thousand calories.

I have promised Kim that I would not do that anymore. My first weekend is coming up and today, I feel like I can do it. I need to hang on to this feeling thru the weekend.

What makes us do this? All I know is that I'm sick of it. Any progress I made during the week is gone by Saturday morning, and then I have to work all week just to get back to what I was! It's crazy. Who would do that to themselves?

How's THIS for funny!?

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:31:00 +0000

A new week...

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:37:00 +0000

My lumpy dumpy fat ass cat, Spike. Lord knows, I love him to death!

I am proud of myself this morning. I did my lower body circuit three times through this morning! I kicked butt!

My eating has been a bit off due to home shows and such--had a show on Saturday. No matter how prepared I am, I always bring too LITTLE water or not enough food. I felt very dehydrated on Saturday night and some on Sunday.

Kim gave me a new menu, which I REALLY like. I tend to overdo it on the "good" carbs: rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. The new menu limits them to a degree. I think I will show better progress.

I'm very excited. For the first time in a long time, I have all my ducks in a row...mind, fitness, nutrition. Woohoo! Watch out for Shari!

Update

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:27:00 +0000

In the last 3.5 weeks I have lost 5 lbs. and just over 9 inches. I am really pleased with this progress. I am struggling continually with food, but I can tell that I am learning to make the right choices. My workouts are fabulous! Kim changed my routine. I am now doing an upper/lower body split. Today was upper body. Yesterday--lower body. My butt and quads are sore and my pecs too (from today's workout) I'm not lifting HUGE amounts of weight, but most exercises I am using 10-15 lb dumbbells. I have seen progress from Day 1 as to how much I can lift.

Here's a funny little story...I was sitting on the potty this morning, thinking about my measurements that I had just taken. I thought, " 1/4 inch a week makes 1 inch a month--that means that in 6 months my boobs will be 6 inches smaller!" Isn't it funny how 1/4 inch can become a really BIG deal? 1/4 inch over time can mean all the difference! This is a number than I CAN ACHIEVE...a goal I can reach. It excites me! Getting my boobs back in the 30's is like a dream come true! Most women want bigger boobs, but hey...it ain't all it's cracked up to be! I'd gladly trade what I have for a nice perky set of 34's! LOL!!!

Some Humor for the Day!

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:45:00 +0000

THIS IS FOR MY BLOG BUDDY HAZEL FROM THE UK... :) HI ROY!

Women who inspire me.....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:16:00 +0000

This is Heather Bear....I met her at PHAT Camp in January. She is, among other things....wife, mother, figure competitor, admin asst to Jenny Hendershott. One of the most caring and sweetest people I know.

This is Jenny Hendershott....the current Miss Fitness International. She is head of Phat Camp. The best experience of my life and She is the reason I restarted my fitness journey. I plan to go to Phat Camp in January 2010, and knock her socks off!

This is my "coach". Her name is Kim Mitchell. She also is wife, mother, figure competitor, personal trainer. I am honored to know her. I found her when I was just about to give up.

Last, but not least...Shari Kraft. Yes, ME! I inspire myself. It all starts with me--with you....If it's not IN us, it just won't happen.

Eat right, train hard, you're an athlete!

Just a thought...

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:52:00 +0000

My son's platoon in Afghanistan.

"Don't let anytime go by in your day when you don't think about your goal. Make every workout, every meal, and every thought count"...Kim Mitchell

The Weekend...

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 25 May 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Started off badly on Friday. Had two pieces of pizza and some Cheetos. What a combination. I NEVER eat Cheetos. What was I thinking? I really, honestly think the pizza and the Cheetos tried to send me on a binge. All I craved for two days were carbs. I felt like a shark trolling for food! I did not eat anything "BAD", I just probably had too much of the good stuff--I had baked fries on Sunday. I know that I should have eaten about half what I did. I love hamburger patties. So I had one. It was grilled and very lean. I feel bloated and yucky today.

Did my circuit workout this morning. Made it thru twice. Pat on the back "pat, pat". I love this circuit. I am making progress. More reps, and heavier weights.

Pushups: Reps: 17 and 15
Lat Pulldowns: 80# on the Bowflex
Reps: 15 and 14
Mil. Shldr Press: 10 lb DBS.
Reps: 12 and 12(barely!)
8 minutes on Tread Mill--intervals
squats: Reps: 20 and 20
10 lb. DB's
Skier Squats: Reps: 15 and 15
10 lb DB's
Plies w/upright row: 8 lb DB
Reps: 12 and 12
8 min Intervals

REPEAT...

Memorial Day

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:57:00 +0000

Let's take a moment to remember our forefathers who fought and died to make us free. Let's honor the men and women who are fighting NOW for our freedom. My son, David is in Afghanistan. Pray for him and the men there with him.

The Zone...

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Today was the first time that I really felt "in the zone". I was visualizing me and what my workouts are doing for my body. I was really focused on how I would look when I went to Phat Camp in January. It felt like I was looking out the window at a new me. Daydreaming. Before I knew it, my walk was done.

How was your workout today?

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:05:00 +0000

My boys playing in the water...

I had a wonderful workout today. I was able to do my circuit two times thru this morning. It was hard, but I felt so good doing it! Sweating and walking up "hills" on the TM, doing the weight circuits...it was so cool. I just can't tell you how much better I feel, physically AND mentally!

Eat Right, Train hard, You're an Athlete!

Declare your Independence.....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:31:00 +0000

from bad food, bad habits, bad mindsets. You don't need them. They are holding you back...

I am a strong woman and part of the "Fit 4 the 4th" Team, I am declaring my independence. No more wasting my time and effort. No more lack of accountability and personal responsibility--because I am a part of a TEAM, and I am being "counted upon". I am committed to training smart and eating clean to make the changes I desire. I will train hard,and not whine about it. I will just do it.

I'd like to introduce you to....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Kim Mitchell. She's my on-line coach. Doesn't she look great? She's just about 1 week away from her first show of the year. I don't know how long ago this picture was taken....a few weeks ago anyway. Let's all cheer her on.

Today was a cardio day...not much to report. I walked on the treadmill--no brainer.
I'm eating right, too. Great day.

Hope your day has been as great as mine!

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Isn't this a great picture? Does anyone know who it is??? Hmmmmm???? It's Rachael Cosgrove. Google her, you'll see what a great person she is.

I finally figured out how to do my circuit! Thank you, Kim for helping with that! My workout this morning was hard, but not too hard! I worked up a good sweat, and worked my whole body! I was a teensy bit nauseous after I finished for a couple of minutes, but it passed just as fast as it came on. The girls at Transfigure Fitness are having a Fit 4 the 4th Challenge. W get points for submitting our workout and nutrition logs. Guess who's leading?!! ME!!! By .5 of a point!!! I am going to work hard to win. I really NEED a free month of training! Money is tight and I dont' want to waste it, so I am giving this challenge my ALL.

Circuit:
pushups
lat pull downs
military press DB
TM for 8 min--intervals
Ball squats
lunges
bicycles for abs
TM again for 8 min. intervals
plank
cobra

I'm supposed to do this circuit 3 times, but that's a tad much for me. I did it once thru. We'll work up to twice next. 3 times thru will be WAAAAYYYY down the road! LOL!!!!

Have a great day. Eat Clean. Do your training! You're an athlete!

Treadmills....

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:08:00 +0000

I hate walking on the treadmill. It's so boring. BUT!! I did something different. I walked for 4 min. then I did a "hill" at 6.0 incline for a minute. Then I walked again at 3.0 for 3 min. and repeated the cycle until my 35 min. were up. It was fun, and the time went by. Good sweaty workout. I am so happy that I signed for training. There are so many good tools on Kim's site to help keep me on track. I have food log, workout logs, a forum, direct email to Kim. There's tons of articles, exercise library, and a blog. I feel encouraged.

A fabulous thing happened today! My sister, who is WAY more overweight than me, (like 350lbs.) finally asked me for help. I bought her a copy of the Eat Clean diet by Tosca Reno along with the cookbook. I figured this was a good starting point for her. We made up some menus. I explained about cooking once or twice a week, and portioning out her food. She's also going to sign up at Curves. She's started walking around her neighborhood. I am so happy. We're gonna keep each other accountable. My sis is the most beautiful girl. She's tall, lt brown hair and blue eyes. She has spent the last 15-20 years morbidly obese--had a drug problem (which she conquered several years ago). I'm so happy that she wants to change her life and body. I knew she would eventually come to this point--it had to be HER idea.
I am a happy girl :)

A new beginning....again.

cranappleplace@yahoo.com (Shari Kraft) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:12:00 +0000

My new puppy. We've had him for 2 weeks. He's 10 weeks old, and his name is Jake.
he loves the water, and we have already been on a few walks.

One thing you can say about me is that I always get back on the wagon! I've fallen off for a few months, but I'm up, and I'm driving!

My trainer Kim of TransFigureFitness has me on a great program. I'll be documenting my progress here. We are currently having a July 4th Challenge. The finish line is 8 weeks away.

I met Kim on Spark People about a year ago. She started her website sometime in March. You should check it out. I trust her, I know I will do well with her--she's a no-nonsense kind of person. I need that. BUT I also need someone who understands a women's life and challenges. She obviously does...she's a mom, wife, trainer, figure competitor, websites....etc. She's busy.

This morning I did a circuit of weights and cardio...something like this:

pushups
shoulder presses
lat pulldowns
10 min of intervals on TM
squats
lunges
10 min more of TM
bicycles for abs
plank
stretches

I'm supposed to do this up to 3 times around....I got ONE in today. Let's just EASE into this fitness thing! LOL!!! The workout was challenging, even only doing one round.