Weekend Recap

This weekend sure did pass by in a blur. Even thinking about recapping is hard because it passed too quickly, as did today (this can be confusing because "today" means Monday (2/27) for me even though the timestamp says it's Tuesday (2/28). Technically, it IS Tuesday, but since I haven't gone to bed yet I still count it as Monday. I really hope that's not too confusing!) .

Friday evening, I did the Shred while FaceTiming with my workout partner Steph. Here's a quick fact: Steph lives in Iowa and I live in Texas. FaceTime has been a really important tool for us both during this 30 day challenge. Also, Stephanie has just started a blog and I know she would love it if you stopped over there to support her through her weight loss and fitness endeavors. Her blog can be found here.

I absolutely did not want to do the Shred on day 19. Luckily, Steph texted me and asked me to workout with her. So I did. I knew that I needed to do the workout and I knew that I didn't want to let myself down. I got through level two pretty easily. I had no idea it would be my last night doing this level. You see, when we started the challenge, I kind of messed up day one pretty badly. By not doing it! I just totally forgot. We were busy selling stuff and donating other stuff, trying to get rid of the clutter since we are moving to a smaller apartment with no extra storage soon. I didn't even remember about the Shred until I was halfway asleep late that night. I considered lying to Stephanie and telling her that I did day one, but I didn't want to be untruthful to her or myself. I'm really glad I made that decision. I would have hated myself every day if I had lied. Steph was totally understanding, and on her day two, I did my day one.

On day 20, which was Saturday, Stephanie texted me:

As you can see, I did not want to leave my awesome friend to fight through the scariest level on her own (since she is a day ahead of me, she would have had to start this level alone). We got to work, and I laughed through the entire workout. If I wasn't laughing, I certainly would have been crying. I couldn't believe how hard it was! We grunted and groaned and yelled and wanted to kill Jillian by the time it was over. But we got through it! Together! The motivation that comes from knowing that my friend is there going through the same thing with me is the best gift I could have right now. It makes a world of difference.

On Sunday, I told my husband that I wanted to go for a timed run just to see what my starting point is with running. It was overcast, breezy, and a little chilly out - perfect conditions for a run.

Rob and I walked up the Riverwalk a mile, and then we both ran back to our starting point. He, of course, is much, much faster than me. My legs, calves specifically, were incredibly tight because of my workout the previous night. One thing I really dislike about the Shred is the lack of stretching. The little bit Jillian does is just not enough. Anyway, the one mile course was a tough one. The hills killed me, but I worked hard to practice my form. I noticed that when I run with good form, I can run more efficiently and comfortably. This is something I'll be working on in the coming months. Speed isn't as important as preventing injury is. The last tenth of a mile was uphill and it was then that I decided to book it, to run through the discomfort. When I got to the top of the hill and our finish line, this is what I saw:

Not too bad at all, I'd say. Especially since back in November, my pace was 18:35. I was happy with my results, but I definitely felt pretty tired afterward. I knew I still had to do the shred, so I connected with Steph yet again, and we worked out together again.

A friend on Facebook called it to my attention that this says I did level two. My post workout brain is a little foggy, I guess, because I most definitely have been doing level three. Just ask the new aching muscles I didn't even know existed!

That brings us to tonight's workout. I was absolutely dreading it. My whole body is more sore than it has ever been, my legs are sore EVERY where. My thighs, inner thighs, calves. My knees are making crackling sounds and my right one keeps popping. My left heel feels tight and painful. Basically, I'm a mess. I engrossed myself in housework to keep my mind off of the impending workout of pain coming my way. Then, the text came and it was time to start.

handwritten typo: I did level three, not level two.

At the beginning, I told myself to just take it easy and to do what I could. But you know what happened? I actually got really INTO it. Sweat was flying off of my face and my muscles were screaming. I didn't care. I gave that workout 100% when I only had about 10% to give. I powered through it and my goodness did it feel good when we were done!

I cannot even explain adequately what this challenge has done for me. There is just so much to say about it, but I think I can sum it up a bit. I've proven to myself for 22 days that I can overcome the challenges of a workout. I've learned that I love the feeling of burning, strong muscles and a sweaty body. Most importanty, I've learned that I am more than able to surpass any and every goal I set for myself. I can finally be proud of myself, and that is my biggest accomplishment.