I'm Working on Me

Last set of upperbody workouts before I change my routine for the last 4 weeks. It really is amazing how your body gets comfortable in a routine so I have to constantly remind myself to push for power and hold my form.  I’ve noticed that as I get more accustomed to my routines, I tend to push for completion of the number of reps of set for myself and have to focus more on form.  I guess it’s good that I’ll be switching up next week.  It’s time to shock the body again.

The time has really flown and I’ve gotten really accustomed to morning workouts, eating healthier and just feeling better about myself.  I’m glad I decided to take up the challenge again and wonder why I ever strayed.  This whole process is helping me work on “me”.  I’ve always been a little introverted and kinda shy, especially around new people.  I’ve always been super critical of myself and I think in shows in new situations.  Once I warm up to people I’m much more outgoing but since I’ve gained weight I’m much more reserved.  The challenge is helping me feel better about myself so I’m “almost” ready to take on the world. 

Who knows where I’ll be at the end of the challenge.  All I know is that this new change can only be for the good!

Am I fit yet... at least I fake it well!

Stairmaster! Enough said.  I did it and I beat it. I’ve come to the final conclusion that I dislike the stairmaster as much as I dislike the treadmill.  It’s amazing how 20 minutes can seem so much harder than the 37 – 46 minutes of lifting that I do.  I think, wow, I only have to work 20 minutes but each of those minutes seem like hours.  It’s like being a person who watches the clock at work. 

It’s funny though.  I’ve been watching the “in-shape” people on the cardio machines and I see how hard they are working or how fast they are going and I wonder, “Are any of them watching me?”  Since I’ve been going to the gym regularly, I’m seeing the same people everyday.  I don’t really know any of them but I’ve gotten in the habit of saying good morning to people so I’m sure they recognize me as I have noticed them. 

Now that I’ve lost a few pounds I wonder if people are looking at me like I look at the ones that I’ve crowned as being “superfit” Sure, I’m no way near what they’ve achieved but I’m on my way.  With this thought in mind though, I think that I must keep up my pace and intensity because I want them to believe that I’m working just as hard as they are.  It’s like when you suck in you gut when you think everyone’s watching you but exhale as soon as they look away.  This is exhausting!  

Moment of Truth

Wow the beginning of week 8! I’m almost 2/3rds done! Lower body workout today was good.  My legs hate me!  It was a wonderful gym day.  It wasn’t too crowded, people had put the weights back where they belonged and the loud group that usually works out in the mornings while I’m there were low in numbers.

The one thing I was dreading was getting on the scale.  I normally check my weight after I teach my spinning class.  All day, I was thinking maybe I shouldn’t eat anything but that was just a stupid idea.  I don’t want to deprive myself of the energy and nutrients my body needs because I was a little afraid of the number on the scale.

When the moment of truth arrived, I approached the scale with caution.  There was a guy in front of me.  “I don’t think it’s working,” he said as he looked at the monitor, which appeared to be dead.  Of course I had to check for myself and hopped up.  Yep, it was dead.  Reprieve!  I’ll just weigh myself in the morning.  Don’t we weigh less in the am?  Maybe that’s a good thing.

I went to take my shower and get ready to go home.  Once I was done, surprise!  The scale was miraculously working again.  Steeling myself, I got on.  The good news was I hadn’t gained any weight however I was only down 1.2 pounds.  At least I was down. I had hoped to be down 2 pounds so I fell .8 pounds from my goal.  When I say it like that it doesn’t sound so bad.  I know I shouldn’t focus so much on the scale but that’s what I do.  At least the number went down not up!

Philadelphia Cheat Day

Yesterday was a just a regular day.  Ate well and did cardio.  Was a little frustrated but I’m happy I’m sticking with the program.  I’m also feeling good because I’m starting to feel better about myself.

Some friends and I took a quick weekend trip out of town.  It was nice to get away and I was looking forward to my cheat day.  Let me just say if you’re going to really cheat this was the way to do it!

The day started out innocently enough.  I split an egg white omelet (not even with cheese).  It was delicious.  Then a buddy said we had to go to this hot spot and try these Belgium waffles.  Mine were blueberry with dark chocolate sauce.  I had been craving a cupcake.  I don’t know why but we found this trendy cupcake shop and I got one.  My craving had now been satisfied.

What I didn’t mention was that our weekend trip was to Philadelphia and of course you can’t leave the city until you’ve had one of their famous cheesesteaks.  The residents will argue over their favorite places and we went right to the heart where two of the most beloved sit across the street from each other (Geno’s and Pat’s).  By the time we got there it was freezing but it didn’t stop the throngs of people from forming huge lines in front of both establishments.  We opted for Pats.  It was worth the wait.  As we noshed on our goodies, I couldn’t help but wonder how will this day affect me when I step on the scale.  Yikes!  We’ll see tomorrow!

A Little Frustrated

Why do I get up early? It certainly can’t be fight for a stairmaster.  Yet I still do.  Up early and off to the gym but no stairmaster today back on the treadmill.  I have to hand it to myself.  I’ve been steadily improving on the machine and I’ve come not mind it so much.  Don’t get me wrong.  There will never be a lovefest between me and the treadmill but I don’t think it’s all bad.

My running has gotten so much better.  I can see the 5k in my future!  Well I’ve taken more pictures of myself but I still can’t bring myself to look at them. I’m just hopping that the pictures came out.  I’m still not 100% comfortable in my own skin but who knows… a month from know that could all change.

As I sit here today thinking about the Challenge, I’m glad I’ve started it but the old me still sees those perfect bodies and chiseled abs at the gym and get a little frustrated.  Sure I’ve had lots of success but I guess patience isn’t one of my fortes.  I want the final product now. 

Despite my frustrations, I had a good day.  I had a great exercise day and ate well.  Why was I so down on myself?  Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.