Badge of courage

So much for those pretty hands of mine. Haha. 

Structured workouts, where I don’t have to think and can just focus on getting the work done are something I haven’t had in a while. I’m not dropping weight but I’m increasing the weight of every lift with every workout. That’s what the focus has to be now and the rest will come. 

And my hands...those are a badge of honor from doing work. The main things is to keep my head in the game and continue to drag my tired, fat, butt to the gym. I’ll see the work I do today...six weeks from now.

Making it a habit

So that was an hour plus workout of just shoulders and upper back. Phew. It...was...a...smoker. Like I’m literally shaking trying to type this. LOL. Going into my second week of workouts (4th day of this new workout routine) and revamped diet...and I’m already seeing a change but more importantly, I FEEL better. Mentally and physically.

Although, I am sore in places I’ve never been sore before. The day got away from me and I had NO desire to go the the gym. But, excuses and laziness don’t build bodies. So I dragged my butt to the gym. Big stuff coming and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this turns out...especially with a birthday on the horizon.

A good day

Yoga and core workouts again for breakfast, another solid day of meals...but combined with my ramping back up to training lately (baby steps, what?!) and the intensity of my workouts...I felt a bit worn out. But...I have a new tool to add to my arsenal. The pre-workout from @nano.hydr8. It’s not just good...it’s GRREEAAATTT! Just one conveniently packaged “shot” and not only was I ready to get after it, I knocked out a solid 55 minutes of cardio...with a 45 minute dumbbell, kettlebell, medicine ball, slam ball workout chaser. Oh my! I have missed the pain/pleasure. LOL

Keep trying

My mantra for 2019? Be uncomfortable. Ya, well I accomplished that on that little jaunt. Training doesn’t suck. Not training for an extended period and then going back to training...THAT sucks. But, it wasn’t about how long or far or fast, it was simply to GO for a run. These past few months haven’t been the best. Partly because of self imposed stress and partly because of stresses imposed on me. All have had a deleterious effect on me. I need to get better at managing both. Here’s to new beginnings.

Hello old friend

Ok, so...two things. 

1: this is the LifeCycle 9500HR. As you can see, the sitting posture on this machine is way more aggressive than newer versions. It’s way closer to the stretched out aero position of a tribike and I love it. I can’t find these in gyms anymore (because the newer versions are more upright and comfortable...blah) but I was lucky to hit the one gym that still has one. When I first got back into triathlon years ago, that I started training in the winter, I spent HOURS on this bike. Tonight was like sitting in an old friend. You know what I mean. 

2: if you know me, I have a lot of trouble with “moderation”. And getting back to training is as much about training your heart as training your muscles. The bulk of tonight’s workout was lower HR. I need to do more workouts like this. Ugh. This slow-build, “moderation” thing is gonna kill me. I want nothing more than to kick my ass on a long back ride or run. Soon, I hope.

Oh New England...

I hate a lot of things about living in New England...but there’s something about running in the last hours of the day, as the sun stretches to hold on, seeing your breath in the chill air that’s pretty awesome. 

You know, between hacking up from the cold air in the bottom of your lungs and the fact that it’s sunset at 4:30pm!!!

And for the first time in ever, I actually listened to the advice I give other folks and went for an easy 3 miler as I get back into the groove of training again. There’s this lake near me and the “loop” is a great run and provides some awesome fall views. The new ‘do is cool...but that air was COLD on my head. Guess I’ll need to grab a beanie next time! The last few days have been great since I’m back to training, doing yoga, getting sleep, meal prep’ing, getting tasks done and pulling my head out of my ass. Momentum is indeed funny thing.

So this moderation thing...

So I have an issue with “moderation”. 

The last few weeks I’ve been wearing myself out mentally then going to smash my bags at the gym, all while cutting back on calories. Seems I kinda ran myself in the ground. So, I decided to take a week off. Spend time reading, writing, sketching and not obsessing over everything I ate. It was nice but I feel like I put on 50lbs and generally feel worse than when I decided to take some time off. Is that even possible. Is this some weird hurdle that I need to get over and will then start to feel normal?

Back to the gym I go. I short lift then onto the bike for some cardio...then a core workout when I got home...because, you know, I hate myself of course. Let’s see if I can find some balance this time.