vanillabn’s BodyBlog

Well, I’m off to BC as of tomorrow, to go camping for 9 days or so!  It should be a lot of fun…I literally haven’t taken any time off work in the past couple years–it’s sad

I’ve planned all my meals out so that I’m eating clean the whole time I’m gone, but I probably won’t be weight training much while I’m there.  I’m going to try not to stress about the time off, and just resume my workout schedule when I come back.

Off to bed now, and tomorrow I’m gone!

Well, my time for the marathon was ridiculously slow, compared to what I’d planned (5:15) but I was proud of myself anyway - I trained, I completed it, and I accomplished a goal I had set for myself.  Looking back, running the marathon was an emotional accomplishment as much as a physical one–now, I feel as though I can accomplish anything I decide to, and dedicate myself to.

Although I was too sore the next day to work out (strange how that works…) I’m back on track now, and more excited than ever to continue with accomplishing my goals.  Sticking to my diet, as well as my workout plans, and I leave this Friday for my "vacation" for 9 days in beautiful B.C.  I’m excited for that–it’s been a while since I had some "downtime".  I’ve already planned healthy foods to bring with me (camping) so that will be no problem, but I’m afraid the only exercise I will be getting is some cardio from a few runs while I’m there, and lots of hiking and walking… hopefully I don’t fall behind too much.

I’ll take my measurements again and weigh myself right before I leave on Friday–is it weird that I’m excited for that?

Well, I’ve been doing pretty good - I’ve stayed on track, and also managed to stay positive.  I checked the scale today, and it looks like I dropped another couple pounds this week. sweet!  Still not noticing much of a change to my abs though - I guess that will be one of the things to change last.  I decided to take my cheat day today rather than tomorrow, as I had a family bbq and TOMORROW IS MY MARATHON!!!  Ahhhh…. I’m nervous.  I’m trying not to think too much about it, or doubting myself.  I haven’t even set a specific time-goal for myself to finish in … I’m just going to do my best and whatever happens, well, that’s that!

I’m going to start weighing myself once a week, and taking measurements + progress pics every 2 weeks.  I think that will work the best for now.

Did my workouts as planned all week, but I didn’t work out today, and after running 42 km tomorrow morning, I DON’T think I’ll be hitting the weights until at least Monday…. lol.

Wish me luck!

I’m so mad at myself!  The grueling workout that I’d planned for myself yesterday evening ended up being a half-assed one where I went home feeling worse than before I went.  Because my boyfriend wasn’t able to get off work until after 8, and we’d planned to go together, we didn’t end up getting to the gym until 9.  The half an hour I’d planned to run on the treadmill turned into 15 difficult minutes, and my abs feel nothing this morning as a result of my so-called ab workout. 

My marathon is on Sunday, and I’m so nervous for it that I feel sick.  I’ve been keeping up with my runs, but I don’t feel very confident right now and doubt has been creeping into my mind, as much as I try to resist it.  The fear of not finishing, or even of finishing with a really bad time, has added to the already huge pressure I feel.  While the fact that my family and friends know I am running this marathon and are interested in my results has been encouraging, it has also been a source of pressure, which hasn’t been good for my emotions OR performance.  I need to re-evaluate my attitude and realize that I am running this for myself, not everyone else.  It’s hard sometimes.

Yay! Tomorrow’s my "free day" on Body for Life, but it’s weird how much my mindset has changed in the past couple weeks.  Although I’m suppose to be able to eat anything I want tomorrow (well, within reason) - I don’t even feel the desire to splurge!  I’m just beginning to really enjoy some of the healthy foods I’m eating, and having fun experimenting with cooking and creating new meals that are good.  This morning I was thinking "hmm… what should I eat tomorrow on my free day?" but nothing’s really coming to mind!  I just hope the motivation I have right now won’t slow down over the next while….

Well, I broke down today and weighed myself, even though I promised I wouldn’t do that for a couple weeks because it usually lowers my motivation if I don’t see any change on the scale.  Surprisingly, I have actually lost 5 lbs in the past two weeks…I was pretty excited about that since this is the first time EVER that I’ve gotten "results" fairly immediately.  I am also starting to notice some slight changes to my hips and abs, although my cynical nature tells me that I’m crazy and that’s all in my head.
On Monday I’ll be starting my third week following the Body for Life plan, and so far I can definitely say it’s working for me.  I’m more energetic than ever before, and I’m feeling so much better since I started going to the gym regularly.  I’m enjoying weight training more than I ever thought I would, too - the good feeling I get after a really hard workout is incredible, and definately worth following my diet plan for.

If this is any indication of how my next 10 weeks will be, I’m looking forward to more!