Well, I did it. After an extended 'break' (I haven't worked out since Thursday) I made it back to the gym today. Granted I had a hard time dragging myself out of bed and didn't get up until 4:30 instead of 4:00 but I got up - I went - I pushed iron around. I feel good!

Because of the time shortage I had to cut my workout short - of course if you give me a choice of something to cut I'll always pick cardio. I should probably change that. I WILL do some cardio tonight when I get home. AND I'll go for a brisk walk at lunch. I need to start using the time I have wisely.

Today's workout - Back:

Lat Pulldown: 110 x 6/110 x 6/110 x 6
Cable Row: 105 x 6/ 105 x 6
Bent Row (+ Bar): 60 x 6/60 x 6

Still to do: 20 Min HIIT

exercise for the month on November - still doing Max-OT for weights - LOVE LOVE LOVE the program. Still going to do 20 Min HIIT five days a week adding 45-60 min of LISS cardio three days a week.


Food has gotten off to a good start. For the month of November I'm going to try for a few less 'whitish' carbs. More green veggies, and 'some' dairy (like cheeses, and yogurt) but lighten up on the rice, pasta and bread. I'm still going to have one free day per week though

today's meal plan:

4:30 AM - two eggs poached (done)
8:00 AM - protein Shake (done)
10:00 AM - Yogurt & PP
1:00 PM - Spinach Salad w/chicken and nuts
4:00 PM - PB shake
8:00 PM - Lean Tacos w/salad

Mentally, I've been struggling the past few days. I've decided it was time to give myself a little talking to. Here's what I said.

Shawn,

It's time to ask yourself what you really want. Do you want to remain one of those people who sit around on the fitness boards, forever complaining about the lack of results while not doing all it takes to make those results happen, or do you want to be a success story? Yes, there are days that are hard. But you've proven that you are a strong person before. You can do it again.

Some days I really wish I could be 'normal'. Not always be thinking about when and what I'll be eating, not be getting up at 4:00AM to go to the gym and then worry over what sort of workout I'll do and weather or not it will give me results.

But then I look around at all the 'normal' people and think - I don't want to be that! Overweight, tired and unhealthy.

but somedays I have to remind myself WHY you go to extraordinary means. I want extraordinary results.

For me this means being 'right on' with my nutrition. I can't 'play it by ear' I can't assume I'm doing OK. I have to plan it, I have to track it - period. It also means getting up at 4:00 AM on weekdays. It means being ready the night before so I can jump in the car and head out so that I can get to the gym in time to do my 20 minutes of cardio AND have time to do the weight workout that I LOVE. It means that when I HAVE to make a choice that I choose the cardio. It means carving another hour out of my day 2 days a week- even though I don't get home until 7:00PM to do additional cardio. This fat of mine is stubborn - I have to prove that I am MORE stubborn.

The gloves are off!