Week 4 - Complete

I almost didn't meet my goal for this week, but I eeked in on the last day to get in my 3rd strength training workout. I also had one day on the treadmill. 

School started this week, and I had a little diffculty getting organized mentally; however, I felt completely comfortable after I completed a few assignments. I do think I'm going to have to relax some of my workout goals now though. I am still going to stay committed to 3 strength training workouts per week (for at least the next 2 weeks), but I will get in cardio days when possible. 

I was just starting to feel a little burnt out this week, and I actually somewhat wanted to quit already. I decided to give myself a few days off, which sometimes can be bad. It's always more difficult to go back after a break. However, I am glad that I made a commitment to myself to do the strength training. 

I have 2 more weeks to go, and then I'm sure I'll set another goal. Maybe it'll just be for one or two weeks though. 

I did something different tonight. I did intervals on the bike rather than the treadmill. I did 10 seconds as hard as I could and then 20 seconds light for 5 minutes. Then I went 5 minutes moderate. Then I did 5 more minutes of intervals. Sound easy? Try it! especially after a strength training workout. My legs felt like jello after I got done. 

I'm Famished

Seriously. I've been hungry since last night. I don't know what's going on with me today. Even after a healthy substantive meal, I start feeling hungry - with my stomach growling and everything. I'm drinking water too. I don't know if this is good or bad, but I decided to listen to what I think my body is telling me and eat a little more today...nothing crazy. Just more. 

Also, my body told me yesterday and today that I needed a break from the gym, so I'm resting today. I will go tomorrow for my final strength training session of the week. Btw...I noticed my quads today. 

Finally, I really need to get started on my schoolwork. For some reason, I can't seem to get myself to get started on it. The assignments look fairly simple, and I think the material is interesting, so I don't know what the problem is. I just need to do it. 

Ok. I'm going to do it now. Right now. Seriously. 

4 - 2

So this is the 2nd strength training workout of my 4th week back at the gym. It wasn't awesome, but I completed it. I'm just sore...and I'm sick of being sore. I'm actually feeling a little wiped out. On the days that I don't do strength training, I'm running. I take a day off here and there, but I think I need like 2 days off right now. 

I think I'm going to skip the gym tomorrow. Maybe. Then I will do my 3rd strength training workout on Thursday. Then I will take a break until Sunday.

3 Weeks

Just over 3 weeks ago, I decided to get back to the gym. I had not gained a ton of weight, but I know that I had lost a lot of tone. I was starting to feel frumpy...ick. This is so not good, regardless of what size I am. 

I was looking back at past blogs, and I saw that the last time I rededicated myself to fitness, I started seeing some nice results after about 3 weeks. This has happened again. I can see my triceps again. My legs are starting to take on their former shape. My running game is getting better. My first day back, even 5.5 mph for any length of time was just killer. Now I end my intervals at 8.0 mph. 

Not only am I seeing results, but now I'm feeling very motivated to keep this going. I've done a lot of different fitness routines and strategies over the past few years (wow, I can't believe it's been that long), including running, boot camp, etc..., but this is the first time that I'm putting most of the emphasis on strength training (on my own). I really need this right now to put on some muscle. 

I've gotten through 3 weeks. I'm committing to another 3 weeks today. Of course, my long-term goal is to commit to forever, but it's much easier for me to just look to the short-term. School started back up this week, and I'm going to be busy...but for the next 3 weeks, I will stick to my plan. 

Hopefully I'll notice even more results, which will motivate me to continue for another 3 weeks.  

Day 12

I wasn't going to weigh myself until Saturday, but I've been good so I gave it a go this morning. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), it's the same as what I weighed a week ago today. I thought I was eating better, and I'd had 5 workouts since then. The holiday snacking might have gotten to me a little. No big deal. It's better to weigh the same than more. Plus, I'm on a roll. These pounds will go away soon if I stick with it. Maybe I've put on a little bit of muscle too. Regardless, I'm feeling great, and that's more important than what I weigh. 

I went to the gym tonight and ran on the treadmill. I was running late, but that ended up being a good thing. It appears that all the new year's resolution people had all gone home, and there were just a few people left. I have nothing against the newbies. In fact, I'm glad they are trying. I just like my gym better when there aren't as many people there. 

So anyways...I've been back to working out for the past 3 weeks now, and I've been eating right for the past 10 days. I've lost 3 lbs in the past 10 days....maybe more in the past 3 weeks. My most immediate goal is to lose 1 lb by this Saturday. My slightly longer term goal is to lose 5 lbs in the next 3 weeks. My annual sales conference in Chicago begins 3 weeks from tonight, and last year I was 5 lbs less. This will not be a problem as long as I stick to the plan...and I will. It's good to have attainable goals.

Day 10

Whoa. I guess it's been a short while since my last post. Here is a brief review of the last five days:

My diet was not impeccable; however, it was much better than it would have been had I not had a plan. Luckily, the momentum from the 5 days prior to NYE helped me to keep everything mostly under control over the week. 

While visiting family, I used the treadmill once for about 45 minutes. I planned on using it twice, but it just didn't happen. That's ok. When I got back into town, I hit the gym for some strength training and HIIT. 

Today:

My diet was very good, and I went to the gym to use the treadmill for 40 minutes. The workout felt way good today. I'm beginning to feel that wonderful feeling of familiarity at the gym again. It really didn't take much of an effort for me to go today, and I'm excited about tomorrow's workout. Unfortunately, the gym has been a little crowded (as expected the first week of the year). I hope it doesn't affect my strength training routine tomorrow.

Day 5

First, I just want to say thanks to my friend, Katie, who encouraged me back on Saturday to start over right then. I really needed that at that precise moment. Since then, I've pretty much stuck to the plan. I've been eating right. I've continued in my workouts. I feel great. And I have lost the 3 lbs that I wanted to lose by today. 

My next goal is to a) maintain this weight while visiting family this week and b) lose 2 more lbs by next Saturday (01/10). I can so do that. 

I also intend to continue with my workouts. I had a great workout this afternoon...strength training and HIIT. I am going to attempt to use my mom's treadmill tomorrow and Friday. Then I'll get back to my gym on Saturday or Sunday.