Author Archives for Jen Bendewish

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About Jen Bendewish

Military vet. College grad (a few times). Prior LEO. Woman of faith. Wife. Mother. Triathlete (IM finisher). Runner. Family cook. Volunteer. Adventure seeker.

A Plank a Day Challenge: Day 25, 3:40 – Time for a happy dance yet?

3:40 plank with cheerleaders

I decided to take on the plank a day challenge for 30 days. I have never held the plank position for more than 90 seconds at one time so I am wondering if I will really be able to hold it longer than that as time wears on.

(2.10) Day 25 – 3:40 sec: I think it is almost time for a happy dance. I made it to 3:40, but I was pretty much in tears once I reached 3:10. I decided to multitask with my iPad, phone and some cheerleaders. Afterall, you need something to distract you once you pass the 2:00 minute mark. I believe the plank a day challenge is the reason I have lost an inch in my waist over the past month!

Recap:

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A Plank a Day Challenge: Day 24, 3:30 and holding

I decided to take on the plank a day challenge for 30 days. I have never held the plank position for more than 90 seconds at one time so I am wondering if I will really be able to hold it longer than that as time wears on.

(2.9) Day 24 – 3:30 sec: After swimming, a short run, and then an hour of mountain biking, I was still able to hold the plank for 3:30, but did not have the umph within me to push 10 more seconds.

Recap:

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A Plank a Day Challenge: Day 22 of 30, 3:30 seconds- CONQUERED!

I decided to take on the plank a day challenge for 30 days. I have never held the plank position for more than 90 seconds at one time so I am wondering if I will really be able to hold it longer than that as time wears on.

(2.7) Day 22 – 3:30 sec: I decided to hit the gym after work for a short workout. I figured if I started with the plank and held it for 3:30 I would be done with my 20 minute workout. As I was planking it out this evening, I thought about those DVD’s that came out years ago – 8 Minute Abs. Who remembers those? Well, all I could think of is who needs an 8 minute video when you can plank a day for 30 days. After that thought passed, I realized I still had 1:45 seconds to go, only halfway there. At this point I could feel my entire body perspiring and the last 30 seconds were true torture. If I survive 3:40 tomorrow, I will be closing in on the 4 minute mark.

Recap:

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Hydroxycut: My Go-To Supplement From 2003 – 2005

Hydroxycut

According to WebMD, “Hydroxycut is a group of dietary supplements sold as both weight loss and fat loss aids. The active ingredients in most Hydroxycut products are:

  • Lady’s mantle extract (alchemilla vulgaris)
  • Wild olive extract (olea europaea)
  • Komijn extract (cuminum cyminum)
  • Wild mint extract (mentha longifolia)

There are no studies on the safety of any Hydroxycut product. But the FDA investigates when it gets reports that a supplement may be harmful. And sometimes the agency orders recalls of unsafe products.” (Full article: Hydroxycut).

One of my Army buddies introduced me to Hydroxycut while I was serving in 2003. There were fewer formulas of Hydroxycut at this time and my best comparison would have to be the Pro Clinical formula that is offered today.  I was instantly hooked! Not only did I lose those unwanted extra pounds, I was able to push harder through afternoon workouts (which were usually the second workout of the day). Hydroxycut gave me energy without feeling jittery and helped suppress my appetite.  I stayed on Hydroxycuton and off for over a year. During a regular workday, I fell 15 feet and broke my wrist (fracturing a small bone in two places), which required months in a cast followed by months of occupational therapy. Due to this injury, I stopped taking Hydroxycut and stopped most of my training.

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