Fired Up for Fall - Week 4

As I've said in my previous posts, things are getting better - and that's important. Gaining back that confidence and mental calm of having a routine has been making a big difference. I feel like it's made me more effective versus frantically trying to fit everything in. I hate being frantic, which sucks because I get frantic and anxious often.

Still, there's lots to be done and trying to stay on top of everything has been challenging - as always, one step at a time.

I completed workout B of NROL4W's phase 2 ... it went ok. Most of the exercises were new to me so I felt a bit uncertain as I approached them. It's always a bit tricky figuring out how much weight to use when you're doing it for the first time - but I guess it's just part of the learning process. Workout B of this phase also has HIIT training at the end of it. Just 14 minutes of cardio intervals. I took it easy since I'm finally feeling better so I didn't go into all-out sprints, but I completed the cardio - with a bit extra at the end {plus my warm-up cardio before weights} ... I'm gonna take another look at the explanations in the book to see if I'm doing them correctly.

Anyway - On to Fired up for Fall ...

In yesterday's post I mentioned how having to reflect on my goals and what I've been doing to reach them on a weekly basis has really made me aware of how quickly time is flying. I think keeping the bigger picture in mind is definitely important, but it's also important to realize that time is passing ... each day is an opportunity to make me life better in some way. That's really important for me to remember ... and that brings me to my motivation picture for this week ...

Part I: My motivation picture for this week

Part II: WEEK 4 QUESTIONS

What have you done this week to achieve your goals?

I've made good progress on my thesis -- it's frustrating not being done yet. However, I'm glad I've got the extra time to edit. It's amazing how much time it takes. I've spent over 2 hours editing just a single page. It's tough - but I'm pleased with what I've done so far.

I'm finally back at the gym! I didn't restart until Wednesday so I didn't manage 5 workouts, but I did manage 3. I also started Phase 2 of NROL4W - loving it! I'm so pleased to be lifting weights again!

I'm down 4 pounds since the start of this challenge -- only 6 left. I hope this continues!!

I haven't experimented much with recipes this week -- hopefully I'll get a chance to try something out this upcoming week.

I have started organizing some of the stuff in my home office -- there are just SO MANY papers everywhere ... since I'm still writing and referring back to my data notes and research I need them to be easily accessible, but still, I'm making progress in others areas.

What have you done to make yourself feel fabulous?

Aside from an awesome night out with friends on Thursday, tickets for a 3-week trip to Argentina with my BFF are booked!!! It's not until January, but I am very, very excited!!

What is your go to food/habit when you've had a bad day?

I am so happy to say that I don't go to food when I'm having a bad day as I know that eating something unhealthy will make me feel worse. However, I still have some compulsive habits that I turn to -- like organizing (mega organizing and tidying up) -- at least it's productive ... otherwise I usually go to the gym to work off the stress ... or I'll cook ... or shop

What's the last thing you did that you were really proud of?

I was really proud of my performance on my post-vacation baseline tests - both for Workout A and Workout B. Seeing the improvement really made me feel like I had accomplished something.

Fun time: What was your favorite subject in school, and your least favorite? Why?

My two favorite subjects were psychology and English literature -- and I ended up double-majoring in them in college. I remember my first day in psychology class -- the instructor asked - Why do we do the things we do? - Almost 20 years later I still think, what a great question ... and am still amazed by the different reasons people have for doing what they do ... not an easy question to answer at all ... as for literature - it really stems from my love of reading, of getting lost in somebody else's world. I really admire the skill it takes to write well.

Least favorite -- physics and math!!! I just didn't get them - at all. I really, really struggled in those classes. They traumatized me.