hiatus...over

#82

Today it feels like my progress has turned to digression.  SAD has got the better of me...I need some serious warmth.  Where is the sunshine when I need it??
I'm hoping once the flurries blow over that I get right back into motivation mode, but until then I'm going to catch my UV rays by other means. 

The treadmill is calling my name tonight.  An hour with him should get me running down the right path again.  For some reason, when I get on that machine, my stress no longer exists.  How can I bring that same feeling of euphoria to everyday life??

the putty that is my legs.

#89

I made it out of the 90s! (We all did right?  What an MC Hammer/Vanilla Ice decade.)  But seriously, hitting day 89 is feeling wonderful.  What's NOT feeling wonderful?  My legs after my new workout last night.  I decided to leave my good friend the elliptical for a while to rendezvous with my old pal the treadmill.  It was a little rougher than I remembered, but so rewarding to finish two miles and still be able to meet back with the elliptical for a 30 minute cool down.  I'm more tired than usual today, but I'm guessing after another night of upping my game at the gym my energy will be here right in time for the weekend. 

And that brings us to the dreaded topic of the day...the weekend.  Ugh....last weekend I let my mind get the better of me and thought I needed that Chinese Buffet.  Wamp wamp....   But this weekend will be different.  No cheat days, no feeling down or unmotivated, and NO CRAB RANGOON!

Looking forward to #79!

another day closer to victory

#90.

Feeling great today.  It just keeps getting better and better!  Here's an awesome link one of the 100 day clan members made for the program.  It's a nice way to check in with your progress.  Feel free to start keeping track and I'll report your progress to you at the end of the challenge!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHRPRTZyVWtLcmNZU0VBVmJGNXZzaWc6MQ

*Completely unrelated to the challenge - I saw a man fall off his bicycle today in traffic.  I was going too fast with the flow of traffic to stop, but not too fast that I didn't see the woman walking right in front of him look away when he fell...and then walk right on by.  I was so sad for him, but more so, intrigued at the kind of person who just walks by... Maybe I should be sad for her?

getting over the hump day.

#91.  Wow. Already 9 days in.  Last night during my hour of cardio I realized that my legs are no longer hurting during or after my workouts and my heart rate isn't getting as high as it used to (even though I'm doing the exact workout I always have.)  What does this mean?  It means it's time to change it up and forge on over the metaphoric plateau to the other side.  I miss the burn of a good gym session, and even though I'm shedding inches and pounds, I feel like my muscles are in need of some attention.  Today begins phase 2 - Operation get Rachel hurting after her trips to the gym.  Wish me luck!

So with that on my plate, on top of managing the stresses of everyday life and work, AND planning a wedding, AND welcoming my Godson into the world, AND wishing my sister well on her trip to adulthood, I'm on the verge of being completely overwhelmed.  BUT...if I could just get over this hump that is Wednesday, I think I just might be alright. =)

cheater cheater, Rangoon eater...

So my feeble attempt at making it through the first weekend is leaving me a little jaded this morning.  Don't worry, I'm still in it to win it, but I was so pumped about graduating with all my cheat days intact.  Sadly that will not be my reality, but I'm still going to fight my way to the end.

I hope all my buddies made it through the first weekend with their wills still in place.  On #92, for the first time in the challenge so far, I'm feeling like I need some motivation, reassurance, positive reinforcement...wait!!  How's this for all of the above?  -4 lbs on the scale this morning.  In one week, are you kidding me (is that even healthy?)  All of my hard work has paid off, and yes, I am super duper healthy (per all three doctors and countless orderly staff I saw yesterday for my annual examinations.) 

Here goes another week!  And weekend...I'm ready for you punk!

steady as she goes...

Today is #95.  So I made it through Friday and am a good half way through Saturday.  One more day and I will have successfully kicked this first week's bum!  I'm still feeling really great and motivated to stick with it.  I hope all my buddies are right there with me! 
I had the most delicious egg white, apple and banana omelet this morning (thanks Kev!) It feels so good to fuel myself with healthy gas 100% of the time. Being active and eating healthy feels better than eating even the most delicious (insert unhealthy food here.)  I just can't understand why some people (the old me included) choose to satisfy the temptation bug (which leaves you feeling great for a tiny fraction of your life) over the feel good bug (lifetime satisfaction people!) 
I'm going to be organizing some walks/runs/outdoor activities in the coming months.  Feel great...donate!  Two birds with one stone.

(side note: my thoughts and prayers go to everyone affected by the Japan quake/tsunami disaster.)

who says commitment isn't fun??

one of the submitted one hundred days...contracts.  If you're not having fun with it, what's the point?  (this is a prime example of fun!)