End of January Reflection

I ended up taking 6 days off from the gym. I still am not sure how I injured my back, but it's definitely a pulled/strained muscle. Getting up after sitting or turning while laying in bed send a painful twinge across the left side of my lower back. I guess the one positive thing I learned about myself by taking time off is that I really DON'T like to be away from the gym. It's nice to realize I do enjoy fitness.

By yesterday afternoon, I was getting really crabby. I felt like I was losing all my progress by missing the gym and was starting to "feel fat" again, which I haven't felt all month. Sorry to my boy, Nels, who had to put up with my crabbiness...

Today, Robin and I went to the gym with the intention of a light workout followed by the HOT TUB! We've been members of LA Fitness for about a year and a half and have never stepped foot in the pool or hot tub area. I did 30 minutes on the Stairmaster starting at Level 6 for 8 minutes and then stayed at Level 8 the whole time; on the "Fat Burner" workout option.

We changed into our swimsuits and eagerly walked to the pool area...only to find...the hot tub is out of service! Are you kidding me?! Of course the first time we decide to use it, we can't! So we went into the pool and did 3 full laps and realized, "Damn...we have a LOT of training to do for this triathlon!" It was fun though and was nice to have a different workout, I look forward to getting better at my swimming!

Overall, looking at January, I am very pleased with my progress. Usually I go into eating better and exercising too hardcore at the beginning - go 6 days a week, hardly eat anything...and I fail halfway through the week.

This time I built myself up slowly and made small changes day by day. I started eating oatmeal mid-day every morning and it has really stabilized my hunger for the workday. I'm no longer starving and shaking by 2 p.m. at work. I eat grilled chicken-something for lunch M-F (chicken tacos or chicken salad). And I worked out 4 times every week, usually Sunday through Wednesday. There hasn't been a huge change in pounds, but definitely in inches, which is a huge plus, and I feel more toned.

I just have to have patience...something I definitely have trouble with ; )

My goal for February is to work up to 10 swimming laps (1 lap is down and back across a swimming pool), which is what I will have to do for the triathlon. My weight last weigh-in was 143.5, I'd like to get to 138 by end of February.

Here's to February!