Anyone hear of Dave Ramsey?  Well, in my attempts to keep up with my workouts, full-time college student status, and my 40-50 hour work weeks between both jobs, I am doing my best to follow his suggested approach to financial peace.  I have just over one year of college left also, so it will take me a while to get through it since I am still taking out college loans.  However, my total debt after 6yrs of college is under 12 grand.  So, I will not complain.  But, the other night the lady friends got together for a night out, and I really felt guilty for spending the $15 on my meal.  How sad is that?

I doubt my cold is causing me to lose weight.  I would normally be in the gym to run at least a mile a day and havent been able to, so I dont believe it will do me much harm.  I have still been lifting, but I lifted pretty light yesterday.  My energy is just about drained.  So, my apologies to those whom I have not been able to respond back to.  I appreciate your comments and will do my best to get back to you as soon as I feel better.

Many thanks! [126]

Sara

So, I didn’t do too well, or perhaps I did TOO MUCH!  I worked out, then helped a new guy teach the core class, then ran a mile, and THEN took quick participation in what did not turn out for me a full hour of BOOT CAMP.  Let me tell you!  Ha.  I need to get conditioned!  I told the gals in the morning that I could do a BOOT CAMP class, but I could not even get through this one!  Of course, I was completely ready to go home and eat and shower after my mile run[, and a straight mile run at that]!  I was quite proud from not doing the walk, run, walk, run method.  So, the goal is to make it through BOOT CAMP next week!

So, I am about to work on some homework, make some dinner, and then go to bed so I can be up early in the morning for another run!  I am going to try and push three miles tomorrow.  I dont want to kill myself through it; I plan to take it slow.  I will also need to do some myofascial release with a foam roller before and after to get out the pain in my legs!  So, keep with me!  I did weigh myself and did a body comp, but I was in mid-workout and might be better off trying again this morning.

Keep after me!  I have A LOT of work to do!

So, the journey continues.  I am planning on going for a run at the club a bit later, but I think I will go down by the river for a while to read.  I am currently into NeanderTHIN, which appears to be quite fitting.  I am sensitive to a lot of foods; I have a very unforgiving digestive system.  The book describes eliminating a lot of the foods that make me "sick," so I am going to venture my way into it a little deeper.

Work was good this morning.  I got an extra hour in, since someone did not show up on time, and was able to introduce myself to one of my favorite client’s daughters.  I also was able to have a wonderful talk with my former boss, who motivates me to the core!  I have a lot of work to do today, but I am trying my best to relax and enjoy the sunshine!

I will try to update my body fat and weight later today, if not tomorrow.  Much love!

After my run I went to conquer some pull ups.  Why not?  So, I put the weight at 40 pounds to assist me, and I ended up moving it up to 30 after a full set of 10.  I think I’m on the right track for these goals I have set.  I am going to continue to try my best to get down to 15% body fat by the end of the year.  It is the difference of four pounds of fat.  That’s it, but on my frame it is not easy to lose four pounds.  Or, is it?  Add muscle gains to that, and then I will have to give you a new story.  [I smile.]  I have 64 days to the end of the year.  If I continue to stay on track, then I am bound to meet my goals.  The key is to stay on track and continue to work hard and eat clean, and still drink lots of water and get rest.

At the same time, Jeremy comes home in 16 days.  The challenge and motivation is to get in the best shape by then and also to get as involved as I can with the gym, so we can rock out the workouts when he gets here.  With my brother moving in, my bro will help to challenge me to get into better shape too.  I cannot wait!  I need everything to come together nice and smooth the next six months, and I know having my brother around will help me keep on track.  (He is like 8% body fat.  I cannot look at him without making myself feel fat.  haha)

Recap the year and it is amazing that I am at this point.

I have been living on my own, no roommates, for six months, and, as much as I have enjoyed it, I know that I have been somewhat of a hermit.   Thankfully, my brother’s lease is ending this month, and, in fear of attempting to live once again with new roommates, he has asked to live with me and will be moving in next week.  He and I are very similar, we were always called twins growing up, and he is also a personal trainer, and, with my gym less than a mile away, we are planning on working out together like we did years ago.  So, I believe that will help motivate me.

Since my surgery in February, I have not gotten back into the gym on a regular basis but for a short while during May and June, when my boss began calling me "two-a-day-Sara."  It was immediately in that timespan that they hired in a few new trainers from out of state, who I seemed to have immediate conflicts with, and it was then that I stopped going myself.  I know that my cardiorespiratory system is operating pretty poorly these days.  I know that I could not go out and run the five to eight miles that I used to at least three times a week, not even one day of the week.  The last few weeks I have slowly returning to my previous gym occasions, but it is not even half of what I used to do.  I need to get back in there!

My nutrition is pretty consistant.  For a while they were having ridiculously great sales on frozen lean cuisine meals, and I could tell that I was consuming a lot more salt than normal.  I also notice when I slow down or take too much caffiene during the week.  My sleeping habits have not been as great, but I know that I have been more productive lately with my time.  This semester is all business classes, unlike the Kinesiology I was taking that was a nice challenge on my time, so I am looking forward to putting my extra time in at work and in the gym.  I will continue to eat well, and perhaps more because my brother is moving in and knows how to make the best french toast in the world!

Recently I have travelled to Kentucky, and it looks as though I will be travelling back and forth every other month (again in January and March) until I move there in May.  I am currently studying for my Nasm test, and I plan on transfering my other work down to a location in KY and then applying to become a PT.  Why Kentucky (you may ask)?  Because that is where the lucky guy is.  Yesterday was my 24th birthday, and while I have been saying 22 for the last two years and now have to remember 24, he was sweet enough to send me a gorgeous arrangement of flowers (and still will not admit he sent them… though I know better).  Because my brother is moving in, I know that financially I will be better off when the moving day comes.  Also, with my brother moving in, it has forced me to get this house clean and helps me throw out so much that I do not need!  Closets are so bare right now, and I love it!  I honestly believe I will be able to transport myself down in one trip and in just my little car!

With yesterday being my birthday, my brother and his girlfriend and my mom came over for a visit.  When my brother saw me (and how empty my fridge is) he asked if I have been eating.  Unfortunately probably more than I should, but fortunately my padded bra hides the fact pretty darn well!  [I laugh.]  Despite yesterday’s rain, it was a great birthday.  I did not have a drop of alcohol, which I have been trying my best to avoid since my post-surgery depression that had me drinking far too regularly.  What else can I say?  I really cannot believe I am 24!  I still feel 19, but I am so glad I am not!  Age, I suppose, is one more of those things that motivates me to get up and get moving like I use to!

Yesterday, I took a picture of my mother while she was here with me and she told me to erase it off my camera.  I really wish I kept it so I could post it on here and create a page for her, but it was pretty horrifying (since halloween is just about here ).  She told me she knows what she has to do, and I really hope she does.  She told me that she knows she needs to lose weight and wants to be around for many more years.  (We went to visit my dad yesterday at the care center, who is not doing his best but looks a lot better than the last time I saw him!)  I know it scares her to know that I am moving away next year, as for so many years I have hinted at the fact that I wanted to leave the state but still have yet to do it and am more than serious about it this time.  [Did that make sense?]  She knows she is at-risk for a lot of diseases and is already fighting obesity.  I would like to see her at a size 12 this time next year, but I can only suggest it with some motivational factor and hope she tries her hardest.

Still, I am pretty beat.  My two jobs and full time college, along with travels, family and friends, and trying to have Sara time and nap time, has me extremely strapped down.  I have a project and a quiz still to take today for classes and all I want to do at this point is go for a few mile run and sleep until my early morning shift at the gym.  I have a house to continue to clean, and though I know I can do it tomorrow when I come home from work, I would much rather do that now than homework and test-taking.  Oh, procrasitination!  I should be going to church today, as well, but instead I will save myself the travel and prep time and instead do my own study in the book of Philippians or listen to podcasts while I get a ride on my stationary bike, that would be good!

It is ONLY four pm right now, and though I wake for work in 12 hours, I doubt I will get to bed before 11pm, like usual.  Oh well.  Wish me luck with everything, though, and I will make better attempts, with all the upcoming changes taking place, to better keep things updated here.  I know I still owe you all updated pictures and stats, but that will come with time.  I do have a new camera and have been learning to use it, but I am just not ready for that exposure!

Many thanks and best wishes!

Sara

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.

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!