Thursday, February 14, 2013

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 :)

6 comments:

  1. Ah, that's nice! I think after you did that many burpees, you could *probably* afford to eat a chocolate covered fruit. :D

    I've been reading your blog since before almost anyone. I've noticed a *huge!!!* change in your attitude. Now, you really have such *light* about you.

    But part of your past attitude was that you were not very healthy with your serious medical problems and you had a lot of pain. Also, so much more stress when getting your doctorate degree. Sometimes, I'd rather be cranky and deal with things than be cheerfully mellowed out and ignoring what should be done. You handled your stuff and moved forward.

    :-) Marion

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment Marion. I'm glad that you've noticed the change in attitude. Sometimes I wonder if I've imagined it. You definitely inspire me to keep trying :)

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  2. A positive attitude is so helpful - I know that when I'm feeling positive everything in my life just seems to work more smoothly. That gift is so pretty!

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    1. Thanks Diane! The work will be tough one way or another; at least having a positive attitude makes it a bit easier to get through :)

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  3. being positive is so important...all the negative makes even the smallest work tough. I want to just to add to your list of positives 'Your hardwork and attitude keeps me motivated'.
    You know I'm trying to wake up earlier these days so in summer I can go to the gym in the mornings.. every morning when I don't feel like waking up early..I remember in some of your blog posts you mentioned waking up as early as 4.30 just that much is enough...I'm up :)

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    1. I totally agree Tanvee!
      Glad I'm helping in some way to help you get to the gym :)

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can use all the support I can get :)