Just Feeling Good

I have no idea why, but I woke up feeling pretty awesome today.  Someone called and woke me up early, I am sore, my scale isn't really moving much, I have reading to do for class, BUT I feel great and motivated.  Isn't it odd how that works sometimes?

I went for a walk/jog this morning.  I almost did not go, because it is so cloudy and supposed to rain.  I went and was very happy that I did.  I am starting to get back into it.  Years ago I loved it, so getting back to that place would be nice.  This time I am doing it without an official program (like C25K).  I am just going out there and doing what I can, while pushing myself to do just a little more every week.  In a sense that is basically what C25K is, I am just doing it without keeping track of official times.  It takes some of the pressure off of me.  I am also learning to enjoy jogging and working out in general without headphones.  My super old (1st or 2nd generation) ipod shuffle died and I have not replaced it.  Now I am not sure if I will.  The shade produced by clouds and the breeze right before it rains was wonderful.  It was just a nice morning.

Yesterday I had another instructional class at my gym.  We did some deadlifts and squats.  The thing that really wore me out was my introduction to the rowing machine.  After getting comfortable with the machine and making sure we were using it properly, our coach made us do a 2000 meter row.  He just said do what you can, but do your best.  We are going to use it later to see how much better we have gotten.  I completed my row in 9 min 11 sec.  Of course, the coach was cheering everyone on and pleased with what we did.  I looked it up online though, and 9 minutes does not appear to be very good lol!  To be honest, it really doesn't matter to me.  I am my only competition right!  It gives me a goal to beat next time.  For someone out of shape, I know that I gave it my all and I am looking forward to smashing that time when we test again in the future.

This morning I was standing in front of the mirror and I don't know if my body is changing or if I only think it is changing because I feel so much better about myself.  I know it sounds crazy, but I am really not sure which it is lol!  I think confidence and pride in yourself does show, so maybe that is it.  I am really excited about the changes I am making for myself.  It is hard...really hard some days, but I am enjoying it.  While working out I wonder what have I gotten myself into, but afterwards I feel like a rockstar!  For me that feeling is worth it!

Don't you just love Soul Train?!?!  The video quality is awful, but in honor of his birthday.....

Marvin Gaye - Got to Give It Up

Doing Great!

So, it took a lot of work, but now I feel like prepping food was the BEST thing I could have ever done.  Here are a list of things I have learned and benefits I have found from pre-packing my food.

• I pretty much just heat and go for the most part.  It really saves a lot of time in the long run.
• I am not having to think about what I'm going to eat and whether or not I have anything at home to eat.  It's all there just waiting on me.  
• Measuring has also made it much easier to track/log my food.  I know exactly how much I have.  It's great! 
• Measuring also means that I see how much a proper serving size is, and to be honest, a normal serving size is a lot...especially with pasta, rice, and veggies.
• I have a nice variety of food, and so far I am not bored with any of it. 
• I am not stopping at fast food places.  So far I have been able to keep some kind of food with me/in my car so that I don't stop.  Stopping whenever I'm in the car became such a habit that my body just says I should be stopping or at least eating something, so if I eat something small that I brought from home while in the car then the craving for fast food goes away.

I feel like I have my mojo back.  I know it won't be like this everyday, but I feel awesome today!  I did some strength training today for the first time in awhile.  It was nothing fancy, but it was something.

3x12 Squats

3x12 Forward and Walking Lunges

3x12 Calf Raises

3x12 Squat Jumps

50 Jumping Jacks

Because I am feeling so great today...

Irene Cara- What A Feeling

Sunshine is Good for Me

Today I went walking for the first time in months.  I realized two things: 1) I am incredibly out of shape 2) Exercise and sunshine will instantly boost my mood.

For the past couple of days I have been feeling extremely sluggish.  I have been sleeping for ridiculous amounts of time, going to bed early, waking up late, AND taking naps.  Today I decided to get off my behind and go walking no matter what.  Well, I went to my bedroom to put on workout clothes and ended up taking a nap.  The phone ringing woke me up, and I knew I had to go walking.  I honestly dreaded it every step of the way, but as soon as I got out of the car and in the sunshine I felt better.  I only walked 1.4 miles in 22 min, but I was tired.  I am looking forward to improving my fitness level again.