Giving it a Go

I'm so glad I didn't have to teach today because after yesterday's late night, I really needed some sleep. That being said, I was up by 6:30 am anyway, but at least I had a bit of a relaxing morning instead of having to rush out of the house. In fact, I knew that I didn't have to rush out of the house for anything at all ... except for the gym.

I have a ton of work that needs to be completed before my trip to England next week. The anxiety about my upcoming viva is definitely starting to hit me. So I had to make a decision - stay home and work all day, go to the gym and then work, work and then go to the gym ... what?

Although I still wasn't feeling great, I knew that skipping the gym for a 3rd day would make me feel even worse. My plan was to do Workout 2 of NROL4W Stage 7. I felt a bit overwhelmed with it because the last workout was so intense. Would I be able to manage? I started to panic and then I just mentally shook myself and said - Go to the gym. Try. If you feel too terrible and can't lift weights or don't feel like walking/jogging, then don't. But at least try.

I'm so glad I did. I don't know where this positive inner voice is coming from, but I'm so glad it's there and it is courageous (and bossy) enough to speak up!

I walked my 1 km warm-up. Jogging was out of the question with all my bloating, cramps, and water retention! Then I headed to the weight room.

I bench pressed 40 kg (88 lbs) today!! That's the most I've ever bench pressed, and I was so proud!
I did low rows (55 kg/121 lbs); then 4 sets alternating 20 squats (with 12.5 kg (27.5 lb) weights in each hand and 20 shoulder presses with 8 kg (17.5 lb) weights in each hand. I struggled with the last two sets of shoulder presses and only managed 15 reps. My form just started to suck big time! Then 4 sets alternating step ups and underhand lat pulls. Simple exercises, but I tell you, they really wiped me out. The step ups got my heart rate so high, and I was only holding 5 kg (11 lb) weights in each hand. It was just the quick motion and the height of the steps I guess. The lat pulls weren't easy either. Since I was doing 20 reps, I only pulled 30 kg (66 lbs). The last few reps of each set were tough. My forearms were burning ... but I got through the whole workout, and although I felt a bit sick afterwards, I still felt good - does that make sense?

I wanted to get a bit more cardio in so I walked 5 km at an easy pace. I didn't want to push myself, but I did want to get my heart rate up and my legs moving.

So overall, I'm so happy I went in to the gym. I spent the rest of the afternoon at a cafe reading through my thesis, and I've made quite a bit of progress. I still have a ton of papers to grade (ugh, worst part of teaching for sure!!), but they'll just have to wait until tomorrow.

Had dinner out with the in-laws this evening. I tried my best to watch what I ate, but I know in the end I ate more than usual. I hope all this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass on Sunday - again! We'll see!