Last week marked the end of my first 3 months of weight training - not very long, but a milestone nonetheless, as it represents a goal I have accomplished and a 12 week period (however short it was) where I can honestly say I tried my very best and ‘finished’ what I started…. in a way.  However, it’s not as if this is something that will end for me.  I have learned that I love this lifestyle. I can’t believe how much has changed over the past three months.

As I also wrote in my journal (in the forums), my original intentions have changed so much, along with my attitudes toward my body, my goals, and what I’m capable of doing.  Although I am happy with the progress I have achieved so far, I am excited for the road ahead, and looking forward to seeing he extent of what I can accomplish.

From November 5th to February 2nd, I will be doing a new split (5-6 days/week) and carb cycling, which will allow my progress to continue.  I will also start updating my bodyblog a little more often - right now I’ve just been recording in my journal, but it may be a good idea to post it on here and hopefully get some feedback on things I could improve, etc.

Looking forward to what lies ahead!

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!

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?

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!

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.

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

My training is a little bit complicated since I run a marathon on August 12th, so I have to do all my weight training in addition to the high amount of kilometers I’m currently running in preparation for the race–although I’m nervous and excited for the marathon, it will be relief for it to be over with so I can focus on other things.

I am determined to succeed!!  The trip I am planning for April 2008 has been a surprisingly great source of motivation - even though it’s so far away, I realize how much potential there is in not only the next 3 months, but over the next 9 months–for changing my body!

The past 2 weeks have been great - although it’s been hard work, the sense of accomplishment I’ve felt after NOT cheating, and the burning of my muscles after an intense workout where I gave it 110% is unmatched by anything else right now. 

 I am staying away from the scale for a while, since I’ve found it only lowers my motivation when I’m stalled a certain weight - for the time being, I’m going to focus on the fat I’m losing and muscle I’m gaining rather than the number on the scale.  I have already noticed slight changes in my body and feel much more energized and positive than before.  I’m looking forward to the next few months.