30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 25 (yes, I know it's technically 26)

*gasp* I got sick!!! So very sick that I spent all of day 25 in bed moaning (not in the good way). It started from rest day 24 (500 jumping jacks), started while I was on my way to the group work out but I persevered, hoping that ignoring it and & positive thinking will work (hey, it usually does!). Felt great after the workout....for about 2 hrs then it all came crashing down. So now I'm one day behind, doing day 25 when I should be on day 26...but there's a rest day coming up (28) so I'll just carry on. It's the home stretch.

'Day 25 of 30 Abs Challenge: Well I knew today will be a bit of a challenge considering how I was yesterday but I figured I could manage a little something. So cut back the 500 jumping jacks to 300. Just about managed it...it was actually better than expected. The first 50 were a little worrying but got into the stride. Could have pushed for more but decided it wasn't a good idea especially considering I had a group workout tonight**.

On to the abs challenge (decided to go for crunches 1st cos I figured sit up would make me dizzy so might as well get something out properly 1st)

160 crunches (not too bad considering, incorporated chest press with 3kg dumbbells to the last 20...yes I know I did 30 last time ut I'm sick *cough,cough*)
110 sit ups (started feeling this around 40.....had to take a few minutes break after 60, the dizziness kinda got better of me for a bit, but all in all it was ok)
70 legs raises (meh to this....don't like it)
105secs plank (not bad at all, proud I held it, wasn't sure I would)

yay!! I survived it. Had to take a little rest but it was good. I feel pretty good to. Right now I'm pleased...may not feel the same way later. But with this good feeling I say see you tomorrow....home stretch baby ;)!!xx' 

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**ADDED NOTE: Had another great session at the park today. A little challenging but pretty brilliant. New instructor, fresh ideas....every week is different!! Come join us, it's free, it's fun, it's Mondays & Wednesdays (get updates on www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty & follow @30after30)

(added note to added note: I got challenged to be ale to do 20 full push ups by the end of the week. I don't think I've done much more than 10 before...I managed 16. I wish I made it a bet....I would win thins ;) )

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 23

Today I have what I will refer to as 'final week blues. Absolutely no motivation whatsoever & no real reason for it, not tiredness or anything like it. After speaking to some dear friends, I force myself out of bed & on to the exercises. Sometimes you just have to force yourself.

'Day 23 of 30 Abs Challenge: Exercising indoors, quick stretches and the start off the jumping jacks. Decided to go for 500 & prepare food in between,s for every 100 I'm at the chopping board for no more than a minute. Good way to do it & gives me a nice little time constraint. 500 done & I feel good (& slightly pained with it).

On to the abs challenge

100 sit ups (not bad....starting to feel it from about 40/50)
150 crunches (still don't like them but not too bad, incorporated chest press with 3kgs dumbells into the final 30....yeah, I felt it)
70 leg raises (don't like, don't like, don't like)
100 secs plank (I DID IT!! held it for 100 secs. Was super proud of myself, grinning like a cheshire cat & everything)

So all done...wasn't bad at all, funk over. Not sure what I was moaning about earlier. I've counted it up & I've completed the set challenge of 6,000 jumping jacks*. Now let me see if I can meet the personal goal of 9,000 :). Tomorrow is rest day, I may do another 500 but the limp is telling me I may not be able to. Either way, I'll see you soon!xx'

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* 6,000 jumping jacks in June challenge with Eights And Weights @eightsnweights

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 22

The foot is definitely a problem, a little swollen and I'm walking with a limp. Plus I tried on a pair of heels that are suppose to be for tonight's festivities and it was uncomfortable. My feet hate my life :'(. Anyway after the dramatics it's down to business.

'Day 22 of 30 ABs Challenge: Some stretches then test jumps to see how my foot fairs. Still a problem, with a little pain but I figured if I landed well & lightly I can get away with it. 400 jumping jacks....I'm quite proud of myself with this one. I definitely feel the last 100 on my thighs and calves but not so much that I can't add another 100 to it. I am seriously contemplating 500 a day for the final week. Whether or not that a good idea, I will find out tomorrow. I'm thinking my foot may be a hindrance.

On to the abs challenge

100 sit ups (not bad at all!!)
140 crunches (still don't like them but I'm finding them...acceptable today)
60 leg raises (I'm still wondering when I stopped liking these...cos I don't)
75secs plank (this is still a problem, I tried to push through but found it quite difficult to be on the foot & one leg was just not a good option)

Other than the small disappointment with the plank, I'm happy about the workout and how far I've come since day one, can't believe it's just one week to go. I haven't seen abs of steel yet though...but I bet it's coming :). See you tomorrow I am determined to deal with this foot & plank situation & tomorrow I'll have time for it!!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 21

After much faffing about, I got down to business in the evening. My foot may be a problem (I see a bruise too) but I tested it out a little so I can do something & see how it goes. And after rest day yesterday I definitely want to do something.

'Day 21 of 30 ABs Challenge: Did some test jumps to see how my foot will fair. All seems fine so I get right into it after some stretching. Today exercise was indoors; pros - I'm focused & get them out of the way quicker then when I'm out at the park with small distractions,cons - I'm indoors, no interesting observation other than wondering why the ceiling fan has a chain & what will happen if I yank on it.
400 jumping jacks, nicely done, last 100 were difficult, was very careful of the landing because of my foot. I think I will try to do 400 from here on out.

On to the abs challenge

100 sit ups (not so bad, really start hurts at about 50)
140 crunches (today I did not hate them as much, I even added some 3kg weights to the last 20! I might       keep that up) 
60 leg raises (yeah...I hate these)
75secs planks (*sigh* planks today was traumatic. I should have done 90secs but by 75 I could do more. Had a 1min rest & tried again but only lasted 65 secs second time. Could be the bad foot, but then foot 1 started to cramp too...all in all not the best time)

I was a little disappointed but as I limped off the mat, I was pleased I didn't try to push it too much. Tomorrow is another day right :). It was not a bad work out at all. I actually can't believe we are not on day 21....only 9 days to go from here & I'm surprised & kinda shocked I stuck to it. Goes to sure, you never really know till you put your mind to it. My bruised foot & I will see you tomorrow!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 19

After the little 2am excitement I seriously considered giving today a miss (ok, not really but it just sounds more dramatic when I say that!). I'm starting to feel the burn from the group workout of day 17 today..I'm thinking 110 jumping squats and 360 leg flutters will do that to a person.

'Day 19 of 30 ABs Challenge: Back at my spot at the park, loads of dogs again today. There was a cute one that just stood watching me for a while...that was unnerving...but it was cute so the urge to harm it or run wasn't quite there. 400 jumping jacks, the final 100 were a little challenging...considering doing 400 for the rest of the 30 days but we'll see. I do get excited about these things & make all these promises. 

On to the abs challenge

90 sit ups (finally it's no longer painful at 20, that's now increased to...40)
130 crunches (yep..still no love)
60 leg raises (*sigh*)
125sec planks (the last 15 seconds were actually painful!!)

All in all I feel an improvement, I don't see a difference yet (though someone else has noticed) but as I said a few days ago I'm not looking for one till day 30. I'm very happy to be feeling good right now. Rest day for day 20 & I intend to utilize it with no exercise. I seem to have done something to my foot** (it's always something, isn't it?) So see you day 21 ;)!xx'

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**ADDED NOTE: This evening was another hyde park session organised by thirtyafterthirty.com. Tonight's session was a bit of a killer especially as I'm still feeling the burn from Monday (day 17). At the end of the session, I really realised how much improved my core is (thank you cursed abs challenge!) so while I wouldn't say it's easier, I'm cursing less. This week's trainer has been great, so was last week's and so will next week's. It's free & it's fun, it's Monday and Wednesday!! Come join us, you know you want to (details for the sessions an be found http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty & follow @30after30)

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 18

Had a ridiculously crazy day & had to play catch up...was absolutely exhausted, last night's work out was a killer too!! Contemplated just forgetting the day & not having a rest day this week but decided against it.

'Day 18 of 30 ABs Challenge: So I've found myself jumping up & down in my living room listening to N.E.R.D's Lapdance at 2am about to do this abs workout :o! Even while I was about to do it, I still couldn't believe it. No jumping jacks today...I think knowing the exact quantity I've done has made me a little lax. I will be getting back into it though. 

80 sit ups
110 crunches
50 leg raises
120secs plank

Not too much variation from the workout but at 2am I'm just proud of myself for doing it. At least now it'll stop being in my thoughts& I'll sleep in peace!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 17

Yesterday (day 16) was rest day for the abs challenges & for the 1st time since I started the challenges, I did absolutely nothing!! Which meant I have to make up for the jumping jacks missed (600 in total for day 15 & 16) this week *sigh*.

'Day 17 of 30 ABs challenge: So...400 jumping jacks. Thinking about it in that way makes it seem a hell of a lot so I break it up to 50 jumping jacks 8 times. Still seems like a lot though but I get through it fine. The last 100 were a little difficult, my thighs were not too happy, but my ankle was bad. Have been conscious about it so tried to land as softly as possible.

On to abs challenge

85 sit ups (somehow not getting any easier)
110 crunches (*the feeling is getting stronger than dislike now)
50 leg raises (I should have increased by now but did I mention I hate these)
75secs planks (not as bad when I'm not looking at the damn timer)

*the abs of steel better get here real quick*

All in all pretty happy with how things are going, the last week isn't looking as dauting as it did when I 1st started.

With the jumping jacks challenge, should be at 3,400 by now (average). I am on 4,300 (yay me!) slightly behind if I am going for 9,000 but definitely on point for 6,000!!'

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ADDED NOTE: This evening was another hyde park session organised by thirtyafterthirty.com. They have been amazing, torturous beautiful things with great trainers that are passionate about fitness. It's free & it's fun!! Come join us, you know you want to (details for the sessions an be found http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty & follow @30after30)

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 14&15

I've been a little lax with the write ups...but I have been doing them, I promise. Just that life seems to always gets in the way whenever I sit to type. 'Twas a busy but enjoyable weekend ;). Something happened to my second ankle Friday night, I'm very certain I didn't drink much (well not what I consider much) & yet there's an unexplained reason ankle 2 was in pain.

'Day 14 of 30 ABs Challenge: Waking up today was a challenge, how I went from being very excited yesterday to being completely demotivated & just want to eat cake in bed, I'm not quite sure but that's what has happened. The call of the challenge is loud though so I pick myself up and go for it. Decided to exercise indoors. 300 jumping jacks feel easier than usual but I'm guessing I don't have the wind to fight against plus today I'm just getting on with things with no complaints. 

75 sit ups (this gets hard after 20 everytime!)
90 crunches (I don't like crunches....that is all)
50 leg raises (ugh....these use to be my favourite, now not so much)
65sec plank (I stop looking at the timer now. I send texts & other things while in position...I need distractions now to hold it)

Very pleased to have done it because I really wasn't in the mood for it, but I suppose that's the point of a challenge.

Day 15 of 30 ABs Challenge: Erm, yes the mystery ankle injury...it was confirmed (by others) that I didn't drink much so I put it down to a small problem that should go away soon. I decided to give jumping jacks a miss today. I did one and the landing was a little painful & too awkward because I'm not comfortable on it. I intend on being in heels tonight too so wouldn't want to jeopardize that (you see where my priorities lie). I'll have to make up the missed jumping jacks in next week's sessions...this is one of the reasons I loath to miss any, cos I know I'll make it up somehow.
Did some stretches and straight into the abs challenge. It does not feel as good without any type of exercise beforehand, a little more stiff. I'll try to so a little something from here on out.

80 sit ups (I had a brief thought to push it to 100...quickly neglected that)
90 crunches (have I mentioned I don't like this)
50 leg raises (...or this)
65sec plank (how today's felt harder than yesterday I do not know...but it did God help me!)


I have to say I'm not always motivated for this (as can probably be read some days) but I think the fact that I truly am looking at this like a challenge and writing about  it helps push me forward. I hope anyone reading is getting a little something from it (or feeling sorry for me). Half way through....15 more days to go *sigh*. I looked at the exercises on day 30 & I've been giving the calendar the 'side eye' since. Slowly but surely I suppose. Tomorrow is rest day, so I'll see you day 17!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 13

I woke up feeling pretty good, but wanting to sit today out...so tiiiirrrreeeddd!!

'Day 13 of 30 ABs Challenge: A nice long stretch was needed today, it felt so damn good, almost sexual ;) 300 jumping jacks done, felt relatively easy...will seriously consider adding another 50, maybe start with 20. There were no kids or dogs (I truly like kids you know....it may not come across here though!lol)...there was a bit of rain & wind that seemed to be working against me..all in all felt good

Abs challenge: Sooo...have I mentioned the jump in numbers with this (check the calendar)this? Well in the spirit of pushing myself I'd started adding 10 to them...but erm, with the jump in numbers haven't been too enthusiastic. Today was different though, I was determined!!

70 or 80 sit ups (I added 10 or 20 there was an error somewhere in my count)

80 crunches

50 leg raises (felt a little more difficult today)

1min 5secs planks (this was kinda painful)

YEAH BABY!!! badassness is what you see ;)

So far so good...today I didn't feel so bad that there's 17 more days to go. Feeling positive actually. 

I do think the 2 days a week at hyde park training helps A LOT, so come join us!! In the meantime, see you tomorrow for day 14!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 12

I was so tired last night, I completely forgot to update on day 12. I was moody & tense in the morning because of a meeting so gearing up to workout was hard.....no jogging, I think I'll wait till the weekend for that, ankle is a little tender & I want to be ok for the group park training.

'Day 12 of 30 Abs Challenge: REST DAY for abs challenge, but still on the jumping jacks. I think because I was so tense today it felt a little more challenging, like my mind & body were fighting each other. Still did 300. Was annoyed by the the school children just existing at the park while I was there. I really need to get down there early so I don't spend time side eyeing dogs, children & old people (yeah, I said it...they like to hang out at my bench, otherwise no problems).

Today at the park was amazing & challenging. I was bleeding & powered through baby (ok fair enough it was a tiny cut with a lot of blood, still...that's badass!!). So.....erm, why aren't you there, actually? There's hard work, fun, pain, blood & even twerking...you don't know what you're missing!! See below the picture where you can check for more details.'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 11

Sooo tired this morning, I think I lingered in bed for an extra 30mins gearing myself up for today's challenge. Have I mentioned before that id this wasn't a challenge and I was logging about it I'll do a little less, cos today is one of those days for extra bit of sleep!

'Day 11 of 30 ABs Challenge: Ankle was a little sore so no jogging (trying not to make it a habit though, I was a little too happy about it today). Good stretch then 300 jumping jacks, nice & straight forward bar all the school kids that came out to the park for some reason (why did they let them out?).

Abs challenge still going well. I'm still cussing about the steep increase with the crunches & there was another 15 added today. I have now checked out the whole calendar to make sure I am not surprised again. So it has definitely become more challenging but not too bad. I added 5 to everything. I minute plank today was harder than yesterday.

All getting better, tomorrow is rest day (I checked) for abs challenge but there's still jumping jacks challenge to do. Come join us at Hyde park by 7pm for more fun challenges to be had!!See you tomorrows!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 10

I am currently writing this with sore muscles & a smile on my face. Today has been a good day!

'Day 10 of 30 ABs Challenge: Didn't do any jogging today, time constraint and slightly tender ankle meant I just did some stretches & right into 300 jumping jacks. I keep saying I'll add more to this but today wasn't the day to try. Some ice on this ankle should help a little.

This abs challenge calendar is sly...I didn't actually notice till I was about to do it that the crunches increased by 20. 20 whole crunches when before they've just been adding 3, 5 & 10....tricksters!! Anyway to combat my shock, I decided not add 10. I'll get back to that tomorrow (I think). Form is better, planks are up to a minute...not so bad. Core may be getting stronger, so yay!!

Sooo.....this evening was another session at Hyde park. It was pretty painful & amazing!! Even though I know the instructor was taking it a little easy on us on some level...there were still some drill sergeant moment. I keep thinking the jogging is improving some things but bloody hell, do I need to step up. Next session is Wednesday, keep an eye out on www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty for details & come join us, you know you want to ;)

All in all a pretty good day 10 (I had coffee so mood miles better than yesterday). See you tomorrow!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 9

I woke up in a mood this morning, I have no coffee at home, the universe is against me. After much procrastination, I finally roll out of bed only to find I'd put all my exercise wear in the wash & all I have left is the too big jogging pants. *sigh* Mother universe definitely does not love me today.

'Day 9 of 30: This morning jog was without incident and without life, I may push myself for an extra lap around the park. I'm all demotivated today (read: moody) & my pants keep falling down. My ankle feels a little tender though so I'll have to watch out for it. Jumping jacks are without incident, seems a little easier, maybe...just maybe I'll add 50 to it, going up to 350 but let's not get too excited.

Abs challenge is going quite well. I'm pleased I'm adding 10 to it even though I curse every time. I need to be a little more careful with my form on the crunches, I don't have as much control as I'd like. Surprisingly 55secs on the plank isn't bad which means the one minute would be too bad (*side eyes* day 6 Yve for her dramatics). 

All in all very good, there's definitely improvement from day 1, just trying to keep motivated. Tomorrow will be a much better day (I promise to be in a better mood, I'll have coffee), see you then!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 8

Woke up this morning to a slightly tender ankle and small ache in my groin (unfortunately not the good kind of ache). So I decide to take a break from jogging today.

'Day 8 of 30 ABs Challenge: No jog today, mixed emotion of sadness & relief (I have become a strange one with this). I took time with the stretches & warm up today but the jumping jacks started off a little stiff. I'm not sure if I'll take a break from jogging again...seems like a good warm up for the jumping jacks challenge, calf even moaned for a little bit but I ignored. No incident, a rather dishy (yes, I said dishy) personal trainer guy spied me & came chatting. I'be been invited to some boxing thing he does. I'm definitely interested cos I enjoy boxing when I've done it, have my own gloves and everything.

No abs challenge today, didn't realise it was a rest day. I was all geared up and ready to go(you believe me right)

So light day today but definitely something tomorrow. See you then!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 7

Woke up too early & in a bad mood due to lack of sleep (well, enough sleep). My reason for waking up so early had sent me a text to cancel which just annoyed me further. On the one had it meant I could o back to sleep and take my time in my morning routine...on the other hand I was bloody awake at 5am!!

'Day 7 of 30 ABs Challenge: Today, the body actually feels good (save for the odd good ache) after the crippling pain yesterday (yes, yes, I exaggerate, allow me!). I guess the whole 'pushing through the pain' thing actually worked.
Jogging went fairly well, I know my mood makes the body a little tense at first but I got into the groove of it. Shins were ok, calf muscles burning...stretch and massage needed. A little brisk limp in parts but generally without incident.
Jumping jacks were pretty great...50 jumps with no breaks, 6 times with less that a minute stops in between...That was my goal for this week. I'm thinking by the end of next week I should be doing 75 with no breaks but that might be a little ambitious. An old lady came to talk to me about war time antics when I took the break before the last 50 (did 300 by the way), on the one had I was thinking "please leave me alone & let me finish in peace" and on the other I thought "Sweet old lady, she's just being friendly" so I smiled and listened...and got an invite to tea!!

Abs challenge is making me smile. I always start off thinking "yeah this is getting easy" until I get to the half-way and things get tough. Sit-ups go well, better form today with the crunches, my legs feel a littl heavier though in the leg raise but finished up at 50secs on plank...yeah, that's not so easy.

It's only been a week but I'm quite proud about sticking to it, the abs workout feels better than day 1 that's for sure. I will not be looking for any changes till the full 30 days are done, I'm not even sure what I should be looking for. I'm trying not to think too much about the remaining 23 days...that's a lot of commitment for a girl like me! I do know for a fact though, you'll see me tomorrow!xx'

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ADDED NOTE: This evening had the training organised by thirtyafterthirty.com, week 1, day 2. Based on how I felt Thursday, I was pretty skeptical I'd be able to survive another one...but it was pretty great (wardrobe malfunction notwithstanding), less moany than I was on Tuesday & still very good fun, come join us there...you know you want to (details for the next session can be found http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty)

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 6

Woke up in actual pain, literally rolled out of bed this morning. I think if it wasn't for the challenge aspect and the fact I am blogging about it, today may have been the day I decide to linger in bed and have a couple of days off, which might turn into a week, which might turn into 2, then a month....basically I have a pattern. Anyway, I'm in pain feel sorry for me!!

'Day 6 of 30 ABs Challenge: Did some extra stretching and warm up to get loose, very much needed. Jog started off a little slow which I expected, threw in a couple of 30secs - 1min brisks walks especially when my shins started doing their thing. The last few yards was some odd limping, jogging thing tat had me laughing to myself.

Jumping jacks were a little harder, by 150 I was contemplating doing only 200 but I'm kind of use to saying 300 jumping jacks per day so I pushed through...the jumps from 200 - 250 felt like torture, but last 50 were surprisingly ok...probably the extra burst of energy to the finish.

"Oh, abs challenge is going very well" is my thought when I start on the and....that thought only lasted up to 20 because they felt easier...after that was a little bit of a struggle. I'm still adding 10 to everything (I'm starting to rethink this). Was not entirely pleased with my form on the crunches, I think the soreness got to me there, leg raises were not bad. 45 seconds with plank was a little hard...not sure how I will do over 1min that's coming up next week but I'll let future Yve figure that one out!

Day 6 down, the thought occurred to me I have 24 more days of this, how exactly will I manage :'( !! See you tomorrow though!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 5

Waking up was easy, I had some soap opera/Sunset Beach type dream that ended on a cliff-hanger before my alarm went off so I was already up. Getting out of bed was a little hard though. First thing was laughter after dream, next thing was groaning in pain. Was a little worried about my right hip so said a silent prayer that it be ok (back story: a few years ago I was seriously into the exercise thing and then had a mystery injury on my right hip, woke up one morning to no movement without excruciating pain. It took a little while to recover, apparently years of not walking properly, my shoe scruff confirms this, and all the exercise aggravated it. All good now but there is a certain fear that lingers).

'Day 5 of 30 ABs Challenge: Did some extra stretching today beforehand, some old folks were in my usual area, I gave them the side eye, I don't like these kind of changes to my routine. Jogging started off a little stiff.  I knew it'll be a tough one after Day 4 but rather proud of myself as at no point did it occur to me to stop, a couple of more brisk walks were added on though. I've noticed that the shin thing gets bad at certain in the jog...I'm not sure if it's to do with length of time but I'm leaning towards the fact that there's a certain part of the park that becomes very uneven. I think the unevenness causes problems. I actually push through this time not letting it stop me (yay!!) but by the end it was actually screaming at me...I did finish though. Realised hip was fine by the end of jog so smiles all round

On to 300 jumping jacks; according to the challenge, well my calculation (I'm a maths buff didn't you know), I need to do 200 per day but I've decided to stick to 300 as much as possible. First 50 were beautiful, all done no pause, next 50 a little harder but still ok. Then the 50 to take me to 150,urrrmmm...that became a little bit tough...I managed it though while keeping an eye out on a dog that was trying to play near me. It's a little one, I think I can take it if it tries to attack (have I mentioned I'm af...skeptical of these things?). That actually keeps me going, I figure it'll only be encouraged to come even closer if it comes near me. I think the dog owner knows I have ill feelings towards it's pet cos she picks it up while giving me the evil eye. Back to jumping jacks, by 200 I was rethinking my life's philosophy and why I'm foolish to want to do 300, this leads me on to wondering exactly what my life's philosophy is other than 'cake was created for happiness' (did I mention I can be easily distracted). At 250, I needed at least a minute break but I managed the last 50, hate to admit it but it wasn't easy.

On to the abs challenge. The first couple of sit-ups felt very good. I got very happy and started thinking "oh, it's not so bad, I can add 10 easily", feeling rather pleased with myself. By 20, I decided I really should stop thinking foolish things and adding numbers to this challenge. By the time it came to 30, I really wanted to stop...but I'm a woman of my word (as much as possible)...even if it's just a word with myself. 
The rest were not so bad...leg raises were a little harder...I actually paused after 20 when I had only 2 left. Planks are now up to 40secs, hooray for me!!! All in all progress is being made (I think, I hope)

I wasn't in a bad a state as I thought I would be after yesterday. Day 5 down, see you tomorrow!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 4

Ignored all my alarms at woke up my 7am. My body is actually aching, didn't expect that but as was told, probably my body being woken up again.

Day 4 of 30 ABs Challenge: Today is actually REST day, yay!!! But that's only rest from the abs challenge, I'm still doing bits of exercises so decided to update anyway. Jogging today was hard, mostly because of the shin thing. I have been advised to massage it so I'll be doing that daily, hopefully it should make it better.
Jumping Jacks challenge went quite well. I should have been down to just 200 a day now but figured I should carry on with 300, seeing as I can do it. I think it's doing something for my arms....we'll see about that.
In addition to all that, thirtyafterthirty.com has organised exercise sessions twice a week and today was the first day. I was a little apprehensive, I always prefer my own pace but that also means I may not push myself so much.
It was a great session, definitely did not feel easy but I have the feeling the instructor was being nice to us as it was the 1st time. I don't think the next one will be quite as tame and I am looking forward to it with both excitement and dread. I am definitely dreading the aches & pains tomorrow...not sure I'll be able to move from my bed. 

Rest day?? What rest day? Back on abs challenge tomorrow. I definitely will be dragging myself out of bed...I just don't know what state I will be in. See you tomorrow!xx

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 3

Got woken up at 4:45am, so wasn't in the best of moods when it came to workout time. Slow start

'Day 3 of 30 AB Challenge: Woke up a little stiff & to small aches and pains. realised I have not been stretching after exercise so lesson for today is 'STRETCH PROPERLY PLEASE!'
Jog and jumping jacks went without incident...there was a dog that looked a little too hungry for my liking, that gave me a pause for a few secs but other than that it was all good. Shins still a problem but it'll just have to get use to this.
Abs challenge went better today, sit-ups felt better than yesterday (stretching beforehand definitely made a difference) and I'm addin 10 to everything to have some kind of order to what I'm doing...as time goes o I'll try to add more.

I've been Yve, it's been day 3, tomorrow is rest day so I'll see you the day after!xx
(did I mention my bum looks fab in my jogging bottoms? That's motivation in itself to get me wearing them daily ;) )'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 2

This is day 2, getting out of bed a little tough...late night drinking wine does that to a person.

Day 2 of 30 AB Challenge: As usual I decided to do cardio before the abs challenge (well not really  as usual, it's only day 2). I saw a jumping jacks challenge* (I think the word 'challenge' excites me...only explanation for this madness), 6,000 jumping jacks in 30 days. I figured because of this, I'll only go round the park once, jumping jacks, then abs challenges. My old man  (see how I've claimed him) is not there today and the place is full of dog walkers, I've made a mental note to do this earlier in the day, I'm skeptical about these creatures. Today is better than yesterday,  less rest, no weird stitch, but my shins hate it even more than they did yesterday...I think it's a stretching thing. A woman running in front of me gives me the giggles, then the thought that I may look like than while jogging makes me stop laughing. I see a man with his little daughter jogging together, an 'aww' moment. Yes, my kids will suf...enjoy exercise with me when the time comes.

On to the jumping jacks challenge....should be 200 a day but as I've missed yesterday, it'll be 300 per day for the first 2 days. I have a moment of thinking it should be 300 per day for 30days in line with the 'thirtyafterthirty' theme, then I decide that was the devil (thought) briefly trying to kill me. First 50 are fine, by 100 I'm wondering if I can do 200 easily, at 180 I'm thinking if I should just stop at 200, trying to calculate if indeed I need to do all this to complete the challenge at the end of the month (& forget the last 100). By 250 I get second wind, at 280 I wondered where the second wind went. I did 300, feeling rather proud of myself.

Now the actual abs challenge: the sit ups seem harder today than yesterday, needed a bit of padding for tail bone, I did not go over the 20 in the challenge, the crunches also seem a little harder but I do more than stated, same with the leg raises and plank (I'm going over 30secs with it). I do them as much as still feels good to me, to be honest as long as I don't do less than is stated & my form remains good, I'm not really counting.

Day 2 of 30 done...please forgive the long posts/rants!! See you tomorrow!xx

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*Jumping Jacks challenge with Eights And Weights @eightsnweights

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 1

So taking a break from the angst, the emotions, the teasing and the sex (apologies but I'll do something real soon). I'm bring something a little different I'm involved in. My gorgeous friend over at http://thirtyafterthirty.com is doing a whole series of challenges, some crazy, some hard work, all fun. I will be involved with some of them and will be posting what I do here. Below is my entry on the facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty) for Day 1 of the ab challenge (see pic):

'So I decided to do the abs challenge with the gorgeous one over at thirtyafterthirty.com and I also saw it as a way to get back into the fitness thing after time off (injury then laziness). As I've flirted with exercise I figured just abs isn't enough so I decided to do some cardio 1st.

Commence jog around the park. I've decided it's bigger than a football field. I don't know the actual dimensions of a football field but it looks bigger than what I see 22 (or more) men running around in. Started off well...then went downhill...my shins hated it, I got a very weird stitch/cramp below my stomach, to the side of my pelvis (can you guess where yet?) but there was a lovely old man who cheered me on (I hope he's there tomorrow, I think I'll need him). Cardio done, on to the challenge...I did more than stated...not on purpose, but I was counting without paying much attention to the numbers...it felt good to get back to it.

Bloody hell, this tuned into a long post when all I really want to say was I'm on this...day 1 down, bring on the 29!!!! See you tomorrow!xx 

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