Esther’s BodyBlog

Today was a good day in the gym. I’m on week 2 of the 12 week transformation guide. It’s been a little difficult to balance everything because on top of trying to do the 12 week workout, I still have to workout with my unit. Sure it may seem like a good thing b/c it is twice the workout, but by the time I’m ready to do my strength training I am pretty tired. Today we ran about 2 miles and I finished it without stopping. I’ve come a long way on the running. I’m still not a fast runner but my endurance is definitely better. I could hardly run a mile without stopping before. I can actually do a 5k and not stop so that’s an accomplishment for me. However today at the gym was Chest, Tri’s and Abs. And by far my weakest area is my Chest and Tri’s. This may explain why I have a hard time doing pushups during my PFT. Today though was a good workout for these areas. I am still lifting just the bar or even light dumbbells but today a buddy of mine was there and spotted me and pushed me to do what I thought I couldn’t do. I really don’t think I could have done it myself so having that encouragement helped. On close grip bench presses I could only push out 6 reps, but I did three sets and trust me for me it was to failure. But overall a successful evening at the gym b/c I pushed myself and had some support. The other problem I’m having with the program is maintaining my journal. I get really busy with work and my mind is all over the place so I forget to write down stuff. Although in my defense I AM still planning out my meals in advance, I just haven’t been writing them down. But I’ll try to remember. Anyways, it’s a good day, and I look forward to Wednesday for Back, Bi’s and calves..YEAAAH!

Well I knew that I had gotten out of shape, and I knew that I didn’t like the way I was looking in photos. I didn’t think I was horrible looking but I know that I have looked better before and knew how I felt when I was working out and sticking to a healthy lifestyle. The past year had been filled with eating terribly, drinking lots of alcohol and just partying it up. I thought this was fun and the friends I had been keeping of course shared in that joy. One day I realized how much I had allowed this unhealthy lifestyle to take over. But I still had a hard time stopping that lifestyle and I continue to struggle with it. I had to change my focus and remove people from my life that were negative and not very supportive in helping me reach my fitness goals.  Less than a week ago I had a Physical Fitness Test assessment. It didn’t count for score, and I did pass, but I was very disappointed in how I did and how much my physical fitness had fallen. I was in shock by my waist measurement and my lack of strength in my pushups and situps. Just a year and a half ago I had scored my best in my PFT, and it was quite the awakening to see how it doesn’t take long to lose your fitness.  Well now I am more determined, and back to tracking my progress on bodyspace. I hope that it will keep me motivated and I love how the community on bodyspace everyone is so supportive and shares in the same mindset. So here’s to a new beginning and maintaining a healthy and beautiful life!

Well this week has been a challenge for training b/c I have been in a class that starts at 0730 and goes till 1700.  Usually I am able to adjust my work hours to go to the gym but not this week.  Yesterday got myself up at the butt crack of not even dawn…:), got my stuffs ready the night before and drove to the base to do the dreaded "back gate run".  The "back gate run" is about a 5k run from start to finish…just over a mile and a half from the gym to the back gate and then running it back.  Now normally, once I got to the first street crossing I would stop and walk for a bit, then run for a bit, and walk so on and so on.  I had a running partner this time, and thank goodness I did.  I got WAY past the initial point that I normally stop running and try to walk, and was already proud of myself.  About a mile into it I was like man I really want to stop.  I stopped and began to walk and my partner said, Oh come on you made it this far you can do it…so I just kept running.  Slowed down the pace a little but still kept going pretty good.  He kept motivating me, telling me just focus on that next sign, now focus on that next tree…ok just around that corner is the turn around.  So I focused on these landmarks and also on my breathing.  And Oh My Goodness! I DID IT!  I ran all the way to the end without stopping.  I wish I had a stopwatch with me, cuz then I could gauge how I could do on my next fitness test.  Well me and my running partner walked about a quarter mile after running all the way, and then I said, "you ready?" And we picked it up and ran all the way back.  I think this is the first time ever that I have ever been able to run as well as I did yesterday.  I didn’t give up and I felt good.  I’m using that philosophy in other aspects of my life as well.  Just one foot in front of the other, keep it going and don’t give up.

I have definitely made some progress in the last month. I know I haven’t posted any pics, and I dont’ know when I will.  I have been going through a really rough emotional time and somedays it’s really hard to get myself to the gym.  But then I try to tell myself just go, do at least 30 minutes and you’ll be alright.  I’m staying on track fairly well and am liking the results, but I wish that things were looking up for me in other ways.  Still no competitions in this area, so I may have to wait til the Spring. I’ve noticed my running has been getting better. My arms are definitely starting to get some definition.  Today is back day and I like back days.  Slowly I’ll get there…just gotta keep my head up.

I took my PT test this morning, and I improved my run time by 26 seconds.  I improved in all areas and scored the highest score I’ve ever gotten.  I have a year before I have to test again and hopefully by that time I’ll improve even more! YAY!

Argh, this weekend I went to North Carolina to visit with my hubby and he was sick, so now I am sick.  Not feeling like working out but I’m not that bad to where I can’t go and I know it’s just an excuse.  Actually did pretty good this morning on our unit run.  Was pretty proud of myself.  Still not where I’d like to be, but it’s a milestone to me.   I hate coughing and having a runny nose…this sucks.  I should probably go get some Vitamin C today. 

Argh, Running…it’s just one of those things I have never been really good at.  My new unit seems to really like running…and often.  Which I understand that it’s best for me especially when trying to bring my bodyfat % down but dear God, I really don’t enjoy it.  And yesterday was a Leg day so this morning’s run did not feel too good.  I also have a PT test at the end of the month so I’m hoping I’m not too sore with all this training.  BUt maybe I’ll do really good though.  I usually do fairly well. Never failed.  Been trying to make myself run in the mornings as soon as I wake up..been doing ok, but I know I’m gonna tire out quick.  I wish I could swim laps for my PT test. I’m an awesome swimmer. Used to swim competitively for many years.  OH well…back to the friggin’ track.