But as luck would have it, I got sick this week and never managed to convert my rough draft into a polished recap post.   And lucky you!  Once I read this, I figured, “Why bother?!”

Alison…“Baby, You’re the Best.” Thanks for bailing me out.

Whenever I have to ice an injury, I remember sitting in the trainer’s office before high school track practice each day.  I had my own stash of frozen Dixie cups in his freezer and every day, I’d ice my shins before heading out to run.  Didn’t care about the pain, I just wanted to be flying down that last 100 yard stretch.

These days, I still love the exercise euphoria, but I’ve traded in the Dixie cups for a Little Miss Sunshine gel ice pack.  And unlike my track days, if I feel pain, I do something light or skip my workout.  I heal quicker that way and can get right back into the routine.  So even after icing with Little Miss Sunshine on Thursday night, I knew I might have to do another modified shred on Day 17.   Not the end of the world.

As luck would have it, the lump went down considerably and I was able to do the full Level 2 on both Day 17 and Day 18.    The knee still looks ridiculous, but it’s pain-free.  I actually felt really good today.   Even considering day a few more days of Level 2, with a bump up to 8 lbs on the first strength set in each circuit.  Then I can start Level 3 next week with 3 lbs and it’ll seem much easier.  HA!  I know what’s coming, thanks to the “Ultimate Shredder.”  Weighted jumping jacks and weighted butt kickers.  JOY!

I hopped on the bike for 15 minutes post-workout and did the hill interval program.  A little more than I tacked on yesterday, but since I’m treating myself to a few bite-size pieces of candy tonight, I wanted a little extra caloric “insurance.”  Now the biggest decision of the day.  Milky Way and Snickers?  Twix and 3 Musketeers?  M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces?   Who knows – I’ll surprise myself.

Day 12 on Sunday!  Most of us will get to sleep in another hour tomorrow with the Daylight Saving Time change.  Enjoy that extra 60 minutes of zzzzzzz!

P.S. Best costume of the day right here.

Spent a lot more time on form today.   I hereby swear that when I switch up to Workout 3 – eventually – I will start with the 3 lbs to make sure that I’m doing the strength moves properly for maximum effect.   I don’t think I was maintaining the contraction on my biceps yesterday in my rush to keep up.   Energy was up today, so I tacked on a few minutes of cardio post-workout.  Silly Lori.   It just about wiped me out!  Ready for Day 10.

Alison is asking an interesting question about muscle rest and repair on her blog.  Maybe regular sleep is enough since we’re using light weights?  Maybe rest days are only essential with heavier weights and more sets?   I’ve noticed that I’m sleeping a lot better since Day 1.  Also sleeping an extra 45 minutes.

Day 1 – Instantly remembered why I loved this DVD!  Quick, focused, effective, and boy does Jillian push the boundaries with her 3 minute strength/2 minute cardio/1 minute abs system.  Each 20 minute workout is self-contained.  I started with Workout 1 and used 5 lbs weights.  I could do the first set of pushups but had to modify the entire second set.  Definitely tired by the last circuit.   Really had to concentrate on both sets of shoulder raises.  Probably should have used 3 lbs weights on that exercise to start.   Trouble sitting and standing for the rest of the day…ouch!  And very hungry.

Day 2 – Hamstrings, still sore from all the squats and lunges.  Made it through 6 pushups in the second set before I had to modify.  No doubt, my most difficult challenge.  I’d be stuck on workout 1 forever if Jillian had put them in the third circuit.  I added about 75 extra calories to my pre-workout breakfast.  Not as tired as the first day.

Day 3 – Upgrading to the Natori sports bra = best pre-shred challenge prep ever!  Delighted to do cardio with barely a move from “the girls.”  Completed 9 of the second set pushups before modifying.   Vowed to move on to Workout 2 as soon as I can do both sets two days in a row.

Day 4 – Rained all night and I didn’t sleep that well.  Thought it would be a disaster, but surprise…almost made it through entire second set of pushups!   I’m looking to Ali for inspiration right now.  She’s doing all the pushups, has moved up to 8 lbs weights on most exercises and will likely be on Workout 2 by 10/28.  Woohoo!  Have discovered that the jumping jacks make me giggle like a little girl.  They also make me want to pee.  Oh no.

Day 5 – 2 complete sets of pushups!  Doing the Snoopy dance!  I’ll do it again tomorrow (even the dance) and then move to Workout 2.  Also moved up to 8 lbs weights on everything but the shoulder raises.  I’ve strained that area before, so I’m extra careful.   Rest of team is progressing too – some changing weights and others contemplating starting Workout 2 this week!

Ready for Day 6!  I’m not sure that I ever did Workout 2, so this should be interesting.  :0)