Bits and Pieces

After many, many, many years of self-loathing, rock-bottom self-esteem, and just general dislike of myself and a lot of things around me, I'm finally starting to come around. The change in perspective has been uplifting and rewarding. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm getting better.

I've realized that I used to be stuck in a cycle of negativity. Now, I'm working on a cycle of positivity -- I don't let the amount of work that's left to be done overwhelm me. Instead I look inside myself and realize that I have the strength to work towards those goals. I have the discipline; I have the ability. I don't find the hard work frustrating or irritating (though I do get impatient sometimes, of course). It's a challenge. With each success, I feel stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally ... thus the cycle of positivity continues. (At least this is what I'm attempting!)

I've had a good day.

I wasn't sure what type of workout to do this morning, so I went to crossfit.com and took a look at what had been posted there. My left knee has been a bit sore for the past 3 days so I didn't want to do any running. I ended up doing the workout Jackie. It was my first attempt:

1 km row
50 thrusters (20 kg/45 lb bar)
30 pull ups (I used the assisted pull-up machine so that I can do proper ones)

The entire workout took just under 9 minutes (I think it would have been less if I had all the equipment in one place, but my gym isn't set up that way). I read that some people completed the workout in about 6 minutes! Wow! Anyway.

I was amazed at how high my heart rate got to. Just 9 minutes of exercise, albeit intense exercise, and I was dripping with sweat and out of breath.

I started my physiotherapy exercises - basically leg extensions - to help alleviate some of the pressure from my knee. I think the step-ups that I did on Tuesday aggravated my knee. Perhaps it was too high ... anyway, it already feels a bit better. Not wearing heels to work today also helped!

Afterwards I did 100 burpees coz' I'm really, really behind.

I had a chill day today; enjoyed the beautiful weather, got a lot of unexpected extra attention and affection from friends (even my trainer greeted me with flowers this morning!). It was lovely.

On a not so romantic note, I started to tackle "the room" that has all the stuff in it ... wow, what a task, but boy did it feel great to get that stuff sorted. Also, because I'm a little crazy (and nervous about being so behind on my burpees) I did another 50 burpees at home, making today's grand total 150! :)

And finally -- I just uploaded my first video log!! I feel like such a dork, hahaha, but I wanted to do something different as I record my progress through the Whole Life Challenge. You can check it out here if you want.

My regular posting of daily exercise & daily food will start from Saturday again. I've been on track with my meals and workouts but yesterday this arrived from D:

It was a lovely surprise. I really didn't expect it, especially since he's still in NYC (but will be back tomorrow!) Although it's all fruit, there were some chocolate covered banana slices, and I tried them. Yum! I've never tried that combination before. There were also a few dates covered with dark chocolate and nuts. Dangerously good. I had 2 and had to stop myself from devouring the rest! I'm really looking forward to being back on the Whole Life Challenge. I need it!

Hope everyone had a lovely, love-filled day :)