And Another Thing

I must have been really tired on Friday, because I realized later that I could have talked about my early morning workout and a couple of other things. Oh well. Today I got up very early and went to babysit for a couple who did a triathlon together. I really didn't feel like going to the gym for a 50:00 cardio session afterward, but I did. It wasn't the greatest - my heart rate didn't get up too high, in spite of my level and the burn in my legs. Dunno why - any of you bikers out there have any ideas?

This week adds another layer to this new phase of my life - my internship. Starts tomorrow. Looking forward to it with a mix of nervousness & excitement. I have no idea what I will have access to in terms of refrigeration, microwave, even water. This newbie feeling is a bit disconcerting sometimes - I have told a couple of friends that I feel like an 18-year old freshman. In & of itself, being 18 - not so bad. But the fresh meat part, I could do without. But it's part of the process, and I know that in a month or so I will be comfortable, or at least familiar.

I'm going to try a couple different things this week - pork loin, for one. Also, I'll be eating a fairly carb-y breakfast, so we'll see how, if at all, it affects my weight loss for the week. I was rather pleased with my 1.2 lbs last week, because I know that I was hanging off the back of the wagon last weekend. I ate a couple of donuts, drank a couple of coffees, and did a couple other bad-girl things. Of course, there's always that 'but what if I hadn't done...' thought. Interestingly enough, even though I was a little loose with myself this weekend, and I have ice cream in the freezer and dark chocolate covered caramels in the fridge, I didn't eat them. The other day I went looking for my lemon cookie, and the store didn't have it. I opted to not get a substitute and just forego the treat, thinking I would get it later, but I didn't. Could my sweet tooth be losing its grip?!

Friday...

Is it me, or did the summer pass by really fast? Already, my first week of school is over. Thank God. I mean, truthfully, it wasn't that bad. Me and my giant cooler got it done. I can see myself getting bored with salads, so I will have to put in some work to make sure I have enough variety that I don't get bored. Boredom for me leads to cheating. If anybody has any suggestions on veggies & protein sources that travel well & are easy to cook, I'm open. The one thing I probably will have to be careful about is making sure I don't depend on sugary, caffeinated food to stay awake at the end of a very long day.

I'm not exactly sure how or why, but it seems like the scale is cooperating with me, in spite of my dietary infidelity last weekend. I'm not complaining though. I lost another inch off my waist this week, which is grrrrreat!

Maybe I should have tried this earlier in the day when my brain was actually functioning. Then I might have something interesting to say. But since I don't... happy weekend!

Me - Organized?

So, today was my first day of class. Long day. Unfortunately, I didn't sleep well last night, and I woke up this morning @ 5:30 with a killer stomach ache, due to insufficient food yesterday. I know this because at 5:30 am, when it was still a bit dark, I ate an apple and the stomach ache went away. So I went for my run and went about my day. Someone sitting next to me in one of my classes said I am so organized, cuz she was looking at my planner and wants me to plan her life too. Ha! If only she knew that, in spite of the fact that I had planned out every moment of my day, I had no idea where my classes were when I walked into the building. Oh well - can't have it all together I guess.

But my eating went well, except for the fact that I had to eat another meal when I came home because I was hungry and don't want to get up tomorrow morning with a bellyache again. Yuck.

I just want to say that when you really want something, you find a way to get it done. I have a big ole cooler that I carried around with me, with 3 meals in it, to make sure that I stay on my dietary track. It would be easy for me to use grad school as an excuse to fall off the wagon, but... not so much. But that's just cuz I want it. And I'll do what it takes to get it - no excuses.

Running Late

Thanks to everybody for your comments, I'm so glad you care about my comments! I have lots of blog entries in my reader to catch up on, I dunno when that's gonna happen at this rate.
My plan for today was to pack 3 days worth of salads, veggies, cook some chicken (to put in my salad), BCAAs, protein powder, workout clothes, and whatever else I need for the week. It's done, although I need to get my behind in the bed, so I can get up tomorrow morning for a run, and make it through the rest of my day (6 hours worth of classes after a morning with a 22-month old) still awake. Big fun!
Today's workout was good:
Overhead Squat/Wide Grip Cable Row
Barbell Push Press/Hamstring Roll
Dynamic Lunge/Russian Twist
I did 3 sets of 15, with 60 seconds of rest between each superset. I felt that 'this is it' feeling - I've been trying to find the right number of sets & reps, and rest, and today I feel like I got it. It was a good feeling.

Not Much to Say

I ran about 4.2 miles today. It was great, but tough. I had the brilliant idea to include hills. Great Rebecca. My eating has not been great, and I have not weighed myself since Thursday for personal reasons (not avoiding the scale, just haven't had access to one). But since I should be returning to a semblance of normalcy (albeit, a new normal) soon, I will be able to properly assess the damage.

FYI: I have not been able to comment on any blogs, or at least most blogs, for the past few days. The computer I have been using has forbidden it for whatever reason. I'm sure that nobody reall cares, but just in case someone missed my infinite wisdom's appearance on their blog, I'll be back!

On My Own

You know, when it gets down to it, all you have is yourself. Before anyone gets all up in arms, let me say: I am a firm believer in community - family, friends, counselors, whoever. I have made it through very difficult times in my life because I have had a community of people on my side, and I'm grateful for all of them, even the ones that are no longer really a part of my life. However, when it comes down to it, even with a trainer or someone to push you, it's your own internal voice that keeps you going. It has to be you that silences the excuses and gets out there to get it done. Today I broke out my jumprope and did 40:00 of intervals on my jump rope. Was it the best workout? No. Do I wish I had access to a gym? Yup. But did I let that stop me? NO! I remember a couple of years ago coming to my Nana's house with a jumprope and using her stairs for exercise, cuz I was determined. Nobody can do that for me. When it comes down to it, I can have all the encouragement and support in the world, but they can't do it for me. They can, however, help me do it, and I thank God every day for that. Thanks to all of you who read my blog for your comments and encouragement - it is much appreciated. Here's to a good Labor Day and a great weight loss week!

Running is Like Life

I had a nice run today, lots of hills and stuff. The funny thing is, while I'm running up the hill, my legs are burning, and I just want it to be over cuz I feel like I can't take it anymore. Then, I reach the top of the hill and coast down, and it feels so good! But the thing is, you can't coast if you don't push your way up the hill. And you better enjoy the coast while it lasts, because another hill is sure to come, quickly. And truthfully, you better enjoy the burn too, cuz the push through the burn, that's where the real growth happens. That's the lesson taught to me by today's run.