Body-for-Life Challenge 1 Recap

So, Day 85 for my first Body for Life Challenge was May 2...  Since it's September 5, I thought it was a great time to provide an update on how my first challenge went.  Here is what I wrote in my challenge entry kit back in May:

I had been working out and eating rather healthy for a few years now, but I had reached a plateau.  When I got the email announcing the 2011 Body-for-Life challenge, I saw this as a way to take my workouts to the next level.  Also, the Misses had been concerned about her weight and appearance.  I saw this as a way to challenge her to eat a well balanced diet and amp up her workout intensity. 

I am most proud that the Misses and I did not miss one workout during the challenge.  While we did some schedule re-arranging when we missed a workout, we always made it up that week.  With only two weeks to go in the challenge, I started getting headaches during weightlifting.  Instead of quitting the challenge, I went to the doctor.  He helped me with a combination of medicine and strategies to help manage the headaches.  I took my ibuprofen, got back in the weight room, lowered the weight I lifted, and focused on my form.  I was able to stay on track and complete the challenge. 

The nutrition aspect of the challenge was the most difficult for me.  While I was good at sticking to a BFL meal plan Monday through Thursday, the weekends were a different story.  The Misses and I had created a lifestyle where our fun activities revolved around food and drink.  As we adapted to our new diet, we were forced to find new pastimes.  We took this opportunity to play game with our kids, do yard work, and overall get more active.  We weren’t perfect, there were visits from grandparents and holidays that derailed some weekends, but this is an area I know I can improve.  The successful weekends gave me the experience of how much better I feel the morning after staying true to Body-for-Life really motivate me to stick to it. 

Overall, even though I did not reach all my goals, I feel the challenge was a great success.  I lost 2.5” off my waist, and I learned that I can push my exercise beyond the limits I placed on myself.  I know the strategies I learned during Body-for-Life will create a solid foundation for future successes.  Furthermore, I’ve got the Misses on board with this new lifestyle, and we both can keep each other on the right path. 

Four months later, I can report moderate success with keeping with the Body-for-Life plan after the challenge. The summer brought a lot of events that ended up being gorge fests.  I went to Holland, Texas, and the Wisconsin Dells.  I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything, but from Challenge 1 (C1) I know I have the potential to do much better in eating and exercising.

That's why tomorrow, the Misses and I will start Body-for-Life Challenge 2 (C2).  This time, I'm sure we'll be able to meet our goals!