List 13 Update and Retro April

We are over 4 weeks into the 13 week challenge, so it's time for an update. So far things are making good progress but have quite a bit to get done in order to reach my goals.

I've made some progress on the novel. List 13 has about 10,000 words so far and I'm finishing up chapter 5. I've been studying for the PTCE and can cross it off the list but need to study more. Made it through the class sponsored by work. I read the book from class but haven't finished a fiction book yet. However, for sure I can cross off the new intro for my youtube channel.

Weight wise, I started the month at 135-136. Ended the month at 131-132, though today's weight was 133.4 as body weight tends to fluctuate. Plus hormones are involved right now. Still, making progress and that's what we're hoping to see.


Measurements

I didn't take my measurements until the 18th of March, so this is more of a two week update on those than anything else but since I'm doing the month log for SizeSlim, I'll measure every two weeks just to get more than one point for that forum posting. I'm not pulling the measuring tape very tight and I do measure two areas on the stomach since I have a dip in my stomach.

2-18-17

hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 38
chest (over bust) - 35
chest (under bust) - 33
thigh - 22
bicep - 12
wrist - 6
neck - 13
weight - 135.4

3-3-17

hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 37.5
chest (over bust) - 34.5
chest (under bust) - 32.5
thigh - 21.5
bicep - 11
neck - 13
wrist - 6
weight - 133.4

I was provided a bottle of a weight loss supplement from SizeSlim to log over on bodybuilding.com. The disclaimer is I don't normally take a diet supplement nor do I think anyone needs that in order to lose weight. Supplements are extra and one can reach their goals without taking a pill. Still, I'm going to give this a try to see about the claims of appetite suppressing, mood enhancement and focus.

New Product: SizeSlim

Company site: https://sizeslim.com
My supplement log: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=173803371

I also got to taste test some protein cookies. Triple chocolate by Muscletech. They are pretty good. Not quite a replacement for Lenny and Larry cookies for me as the Muscletech ones are whey based and the other brand are vegan. Still, a nice treat that includes a little protein too and very chocolately tasting.
Muscletech link: http://www.muscletech.com


Retro April

One thing I forgot to mention in my youtube video was that for the month of April I'm doing a sort of throwback, retro, childhood type of month. Let's call it Retro April, just to give it some type of "creative" name.

TV shows to watch: Rugrats, Doug, Care Bears and many more. I also am going to watch some Anime shows that aren't from my childhood but still, enjoyable. Going to check out some new ones too. Also going to watch Disney movies like Mulan. I want to go see the new Power Ranger movie too as I used to play that when I was in elementary school. I rarely get to go out so will be nice if I can find a reasonable priced theater to see the movie in, even if I go alone.

Full day of eating is a possibility in the works too for the nostalgia month.. Maybe include a lunchable. Definitely need to find some gushers or fruit roll ups, something along those lines, or all of them. mmm fruit snacks!


Summary: Work in progress on List 13 and plenty to come. Diet log started and more taste tests to come. Check out the videos over on my youtube channel for more.
Fiction and Fitness Youtube Channel


What are your favorite shows from your childhood?
What was your favorite food/snack?

List 13 Challenge

I am getting ready for a 13 week self challenge and have decided within that amount of time I want to accomplish at least 13 things. I am also a fan of lists so having the 13 things and setting goals sounded like a good idea. Plus, I have a novel that is called list 13 that I would like to get a first draft one this year, thus picking the number 13 along with a few other reasons.

My goals vary with a couple relating to work, some being super easy tasks and others are more challenging and might need some revision over the time period. And I don't have all 13 figured out just yet.

The thirteen week challenge is also a good number of weeks for the particular time of year. I say this because starting from March 1st means the end date is May 31. Start of a month as the beginning and an end of a month as the finish line. And can consider it as a pre-summer challenge due to the timing as well.


First on the list is the 13 week cut. I took a break from the lower calorie eating since I'd been trying to lose weight for a couple of years and had stalled. It was good to take a break and maintain for a while. Now, I'm ready to eat in a deficit again to try and get to that "healthy" weight range for my height. I'm 132-136 depending on the day, so the goal of 124 is reasonable. I will admit that I still will be happy even if it's 127 but for now, the ideal is to get under 125 as that's the top for my very short height. During that, for weight lifting, I am going to do another peak cycle. The loss of everything on my computer when it decided to play the phoenix means I don't have the excel with the previous program. I have to try something new and I'm looking forward to that. If things go well even with eating in a deficit, I should hit some new personal bests on bench, squat and deadlift.

For work, I am studying to get certified and that requires passing an exam. There is a program through work that involves going to classes but that is once a week and there are only 5. The bulk of the studying is at home. Not sure how long I have after the classes end to take the test but I'm guessing it will be some time in the next 13 weeks. Very important goal.

Here is the list of goals I have so far, aka my "list 13" with some that may be amended or changed depending on how the weeks go.

1. 13 week cut (end goal weight 124)
2. 10 week weight training peak cycle
3. Study for PTCE
4. Read 1-2 books
5. Write first draft for List 13
6. Get hair cut much shorter
7. Create new intro for youtube channel
8. Find location to run outside safely
9. Make 3 items pinned on pinterest
10. Sew one item


What goals are you working on? Do you have a list?