Work Life Balance

Work life balance is often underestimated, especially in such a fast paced environment such as the DC area. Unfortunately I don't have much of this these days. During the first Journey I was able to at least get to the 7:30 classes on those late work nights. During the first portion of this second Journey I was able to make it to the 6:15 classes which was a great feeling. It's nice to get off of work like "normal" people and get a workout in before the sun goes down! But my work situation drastically changed last week and I have barely even walked in the door anytime before 8. My poor dog probably doesn't like me anymore and I wouldn't blame him. This has negatively impacted my WorXouts, my sleep, my mood, and my eating habits. Last week was pretty terrible all around.

With that said, although I am coming out of a pretty rotten week, I've made some decisions to start this week that will hopefully get me back on track and jump start the results I would love to see. I don't have much control right now in my work environment but I am working on making some arrangements with my counterpart who works just as many hours as me. She is also on her own personal journey and we are trying to alternate our schedules a bit so we both can gain some of our lives back and get to our respective workout schedules. I've also decided to try Paleo for the remainder of the Journey. Today was day 1 and already I feel a difference. I am still trying to ensure I get in enough calories and getting my hands around the 'do's and don'ts' but looking forward to the additional challenge. It has also helped greatly that I've seen so many recipe ideas and posts. I had a good handle on starting out and I'm looking forward to growing my food choices even more.

I would hate to say I didn't have an 'Oh Yea' this week but they were rather minimal. But as a person who loves carbs and dairy, deciding to switch to Paleo and stick to it was a big accomplishment. I wasn't able to get to the WorX today but I am determined to make my 4 classes this week. I'm not looking at last week as a set-back but more like a reset.....hitting Rewind! :)

Those 3 Little Numbers....

We all hear many times over that the scale is not the deciding factor on meeting goals and judging weight loss. But let's be honest....no one wants to see lack of movement when it comes to those 3 little numbers....ESPECIALLY females. So yes, I am quite disappointed that my numbers aren't moving as consistently and as fast as they did during the first journey. I have lost inches and I know those are just as valuable. By no means am I discounting the fact that I have made progress but disappointment is a powerful thing. After a full week of WorXouts, double workouts some days, and eating fairly clean, I feel confident that I did nothing wrong. So I will not continue to beat myself up and move forward with a new plan!

After having a great conversation with my coach Nikki, she helped me to remember that I probably need to intake more calories....she was right. I am starting the new week on a new foot and being mindful of those numbers. My Fitness Pal means well but sometimes good ol' calculations are necessary! I'm back on Shakeology as my initial meal and going to continue making the effort to incorporate more veggies into my diet.

My oh yea for this week was consistency, especially for those 5AM wake ups! My workout buddy Latysha is the only reason why I don't hit snooze those days like every other normal morning. I also got a thoughtful compliment from Jackie which reminds me that my progress is noticeable. Just have to keep going, one day at a time!

Gotta keep going!

Overall last week was a pretty good week. I was able to make good food choices and doubled my workouts twice last week..even tripled it one day. It was a bit tough to get all my calories in for those days since it required more but I would rather it that way than to exceed my daily goals. The weeks prior weren't that great so I was dedicated to continue forward and not undo the progress I've made thus far. I have to remind myself that this is a lifestyle change and I just have to keep going. This past weekend I spent with my family for Easter. Before hitting the road, I made it a point to get to the WorX. I knew Easter dinner would consist of heavy food choices but I watched my portions and tried to stay on track for the rest of the weekend. Just the fact that I got to the WorX and didn't throw away all of my discipline is a step forward.

My body isn't nearly as sore as it used to be. The Recovery drink makes a huge difference and I know my body is most definitely getting used to the high intensity. As a matter of fact, I make it a priority to workout at least 6 days a week. Hitting the gym for 30 minutes before meeting with friends or getting to the WorX before going elsewhere have been priorities and have become part of my day to day routine.

My "Oh Yea" moment last week had to be the changes I notice in my form and my strength. Week to week I can push a little more and go a little further or faster as I work towards my goals. I remember the day when the 5 pound weights felt like air to me when doing strength work. I don't have guns of steel quite yet (ahem...Maia, Jackie...LOL), but I do feel the 10 pound weights slowly getting easier to press as well. 

I am continually motivated by Danielle. It's amazing to see how many of us she actually motivates on a weekly basis. I have joined the early morning double work out club and while I had all intentions of putting double workouts in the rotation, knowing that Danielle has made this a part of her routine helps me to follow suit. Sarah and Nina are also motivators and as I have the urge to roll back over and go to bed, I remember my fellow coaches and journeymen that are up as well. 

I honestly love the positivity and support that the WorX provides. Everyone is pushing towards their own goals and each of the coaches has their own stories to share and challenges they have overcome. Hard to believe it's almost the halfway point of this Journey, even more of a reason to push myself harder to see the right results.