LINKY NOW OPEN FOR 9th CDCC UPDATE: Please update before end of Sunday, November 13!

~~~AS ALWAYS, if you miss the deadline (don't!), you can update your blog and add the URL to the comments section of THIS BLOG ENTRY for the other challengers to catch up with you. OK? All set. Off we go!

Angela Pea's Tip of the Week

Hey Chickies! Many of us - or our kids - have been sick during the past few weeks with the stomach virus going around or with our annual autumn colds. I thought I would offer this up as my tip of the week, you know, just to be helpful. I'm also avoiding my own workout as I sit here with a fever and feeling all achy and run over by a truck. Thank you, DirtBike, My Favorite Youngest Son, for sharing your germs with me.

Many of us are working our tails off trying to shed the body clutter and reclaim our health. So what should we do when illness and exercise collide? I wondered myself, so I did two things. Checked out info over at MayoClinic.com and called my Nurse Practitioner. They both said the same thing.

As a rule of thumb for exercise and illness:

• It's okay to work out if your symptoms are "above the neck" — such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or sore throat. Be prepared to reduce the intensity of your workout if needed, however.
• Postpone your exercise if your symptoms are "below the neck" — such as chest congestion, hacking cough or upset stomach.
• Don't exercise at all if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches. (Gentle stretching is okay to help relieve the muscle aches.)Mild to moderate physical activity is usually okay if you have a cold but no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better by temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

If you choose to exercise when you're sick, listen to your body. If your symptoms get worse with physical activity, stop and rest. Yes, rest. Your body is an amazing machine with self-healing super powers, but it needs rest to do its work. So if you feel like crud, don't go running! Resume your workout routine gradually as you begin to feel better.

Stay Healthy. Keep the Faith.

Ask A Question, Offer a Tip...this is your spot in the beyond-halfway point of the CDCC!

We're more than halfway through the challenge now. We're at 23 challengers still in OFFICIALLY --and maybe April still in peripherally, given the tumultous changes in her life. Evil folks suck! Remember to keep her in your prayers.

Started with 30. Started with promises not to quit. Down to 23/24. And that's great. Really, I've seen many a challenge online and the drop-out rate tends to be enormous. I'm seriously crazy proud of you all. And I seriously hope the best for those who had to/wanted to quit. I hope you are moving toward your health goals--and new holiday outfit.

I wanted to add this post for those who maybe at this beyond-halfway point wanted to ask a question. We have many folks doing great with their weight loss and fitness goals and some having a hard time. Ask if you have a question or need support. ASK HERE, cause 23 blogs is a lot of blogs to keep up with. If you feel like you need a bit more support or some tips, ASK HERE.

If you have a hard time with one thing in particular, link up here to a post about it so we can go visit.

If you have a particularly great tip or affirmation, post a comment here.

Vent even, if you feel like it. Go ahead. Do it here.

We're not that far from finishing. All I wish for us is progress. Even if that outfit doesn't fit, progress and establishing of good habits.

Let's do it. DO NOT QUIT!

Comment away....