Sara’s Rants & Raves

So, this last week did not turn out to be as great as I was hoping for in terms of my training.  Got fairly sick with something, and I finally got back into the gym this morning.  Im disappointed that I havent been training at my peak, but I know that it is all temporary and wont take long to get back into the routine.

Eating hasnt been at my best either, as I wasnt able to spend much time alone in my condition and ate whatever I was fed.  But, the chicken, sweet potatoes, beans, and asparagus are already prepared for the week, and the rice is on the stovetop.  My body is still exhausted, though feeling better, so we will see how the week goes.

No excuses, right? Right!  Went for a run this morning and will go to lift in a few hours.  I really cannot wait; I know it will help me feel better when I feel that I have accomplished something with a workout.

So, someone asked me this morning if Ive gone crazy; Im back into training mode.  I have been off the caffiene pills for over a week now, and its been pure coffee for Sara.  I havent had more than three cups in one day, instant not brewed.  I began training twice a day four days a week.  I try my best to get a morning cardio session in with 45min of interval training, unless I go out on the rollerblades.  Then later in the day I get in the gym for a short cardio warmup and body-specific training, upper body Mon and Thurs and lower body Tues and Fri.  I am writing down all of my nutrition and day by day pages are being posted on the walls of one of my empty walk-in closets to serve as constant reminders of my progress.  My original goal for the month, as stated at the beginning of the year, was 15.1% body fat and I measured 16.5% this morning.  Today’s results were actually a lot better than I thought they would be, but I have been working hard this week.  But in working hard, I have to be careful not to find myself overtraining as I have in previous months.  That leads to burnout and discouragement; I cant have that.

My original goal for next month, September, was posted as being 14.5%.  I am not sure if I can make it; I think it is an unlikely goal, but I will strive to get as close to it as possible.  I am trying to keep updated on everything better than I have, so if I get behind send me private messages to get back on it!  Also, if you stop by and read this leave a hello; let me know what you think of my posts.  Many of you have, but keep them coming!  Your messages are what keep me here, keep me involved, and keep me motivated.  Thanks to all of you!

Still working on the pullups and pushups, though that needs to become consistent again.  The big goal is to have visible abdominals for Christmas, that shall be my gift to myself and all of you this year.  Keep me focused!  I feel great, but I really would love to indulge on a few cups of popcorn covered in coconut oil and chocolate protein powder!  Lol, my favorite treat!  I’ll have to cut the portion I usually have in half to be able to stick it into my nutrition plan.  Anyway, keep setting goals and leave me a message to keep me focused and determined to reach my own.  Set ‘em big, and I’ll be back soon!

Also, I damaged the digital really well and havent been able to get it to work again.  So, updated pictures are on their way, I just dont know when they may arrive yet.  Thanks for your patience!  Later!

Thanks Dave!  I’ve been sticking very nicely to eating clean, and it shows.  I’ll have to take new pictures.  I have yet to measure my body fat for an update, but I also need to get back in the gym for workouts.  I worked the last 12days at 5am between my two jobs and CANNOT wait to catch up on sleep.  I’ve also been taking summer classes in college, so I feel like Ive been hit by a train.  My body is sore simply from not getting enough sleep; I get that numb feeling in my face sometimes.. not good!  So, I’ve been playing "catch-up" today, since I got out of work, with getting things done around the house so that tomorrow morning I can go out and kick myself in the glutes.  I dont exactly have a plan yet, but I have one before the end of the day.  I’m working on getting training sessions with a friend of mine at the gym, so we’ll see if I can get something started.  Anyway, I am being rather random in my thoughts and need to get out of this house, so I’ll return in the next couple days for a more thorough update!

Okay, well, I did not quite get in all my workouts last week, but this week looks brighter.  I am being held accountable for my clean eating habits by the Workout Guru, and let me tell you that today is going well!  So, this becomes DAY 1 in eating clean to the max.  I feel like a kid today and just want to jump up and down.  I think I may go down to the park to play on the monkey bars for a while.. that would be fun for me LOL.  Maybe after my workout at the gym.. I have to remember I have to be at work at the gym early tomorrow.. Its been nice having a weekend off!

More volume this week after an "off" week last week of cardio sessions and two full body workouts.  Chest and back were the hit points today, and I sure got them.  Using more of the cables now and as always the free weights.  Im feeling stronger and looking better, but I really need to get better with the eating habits.  The house is just about cleaned out, in regards to unhealthy foods.  There are a few pizzas in the freezer, and I dont plan on pulling those out unless I have company.  So, my plan is to bake a sweet potato, steam some broccoli, and get out some chicken breast.  It’s time to eat for my body’s health.

Well, seems I’m not doing the best, but I know that I have increased weights in every muscle area this week.  Sure, I may be eating more and not watching it like I should, but I know I am making mass or at least strength gains.  My legs are looking stronger in the quads.  That really excites me because I hate leg day, and Ive been working at it like pain is my desired pleasure.

I know I’m doing well.  I am getting every workout in, and though my diet may not be what I want it to be… at least I know where I need to improve.  The house is still full of food from the holiday so it doesnt help, but I am not allowing myself to get too out of control… though I did have pizza three times in the last week… after going without cheese for a few months it was a taste-satisfying treat!… Or at least I like the way cheese feels between my teeth.. Im not sure what it is.  Anyway.. I know I need to stop that, and I know I have leftovers in the refrigerator.  Lol… What’s a gal to do?

I know.  I want to look better in my bathing suit and its my own fault that I dont.  That’s the hardest part.  Just knowing that I could be so much better than where I am at.  It gets to me.  Oh well.. it could be a lot worse too!!!

Yesterday I hosted our family gathering, so I did both workouts today.  I should have challenged myself on the workout for today that was lower abs and hamstrings, but I am still sore from squat day, and I wasnt going to hurt myself after working out chest and back.  I am back on schedule and can do a short/intense cardio workout tomorrow.

Hosting the family Memorial day gathering allowed me to stay on track with my diet.  I also live near the town, so we took walks down to the river and around town, which was nice after the meal.  I feel like I am keeping on track and continuing to progress despite how hectic life seems right now.  At least I am not allowing myself to skip a workout!  That’s always step one!

Well, It is Sunday, and I finished my leg workout today that should have been done Friday.  The workouts begin again tomorrow, so at least I didnt skip one!  I increased my weights in my leg workout, and then I lowered them but apparently missed one of the weights, so I was actually lifting the same heavy amount.  Once I discovered it I was quite pleased that I had completed two more sets on that weight.  I didnt know I had it in me.

I am hosting Memorial Day at my house, so I have a whole lot of cooking and preparing to do.  I dont know how far I will get into it, but I’m excited to see everyone.  If I hadnt volunteered to host it I doubt any of us would be getting together, and I am not about to let my family fall apart!  But still, I am going to make it to the gym before anyone shows up!  Cant miss out on the gym time either! Lol.

So, Wednesday I ran three miles and felt good, but started feeling sick.  Thursday I did my usual upper body workout, felt the good burn, and didnt feel too bad.  Today I am fighting off this cold!  I started showing signs Sunday, and I hoped it was just allergies with all the plants at work.  But, the last two days have been rough, and on a week where I really cannot afford to miss work with the holiday coming up!  There are few symptoms, though, that a Benedryl wont take care of for me.  I should find a way to make sure I am getting my vitamins, because since the move I have taken them only once or twice.  Oh well, I will come back strong.  But, I have to make sure I get my leg workout in tomorrow, because I sure didnt feel well tonight and I dont want to miss a workout when Ive been doing so well!

Hamstrings were sore during today’s workout, but I pushed hard to keep up my weight and be consistent with my sets/reps as previous weeks.  My lower abdominal portion of the workout was easier than previous weeks, which means I can add weight next week!  That’s thrilling!  My calves are tight and sore as well, but I did more than I did last week, so I wont complain.  I’m excited for my cardio day tomorrow.  Rest and no heavy lifting!

My eating has been fantastic today!  Even spoiled myself with some cooked beets in my dinner… Oh, so good!

My upper back/shoulders are sore from yesterday, and that excites me as well.  I know I am doing well with my training.  Just a few more weeks and then I will update pictures!  I just have to stay consistent with clean eating!