Leg Day and Patterns.

Happy 4th!

We decided today would be a day for home improvements and chilling in the pool. I really wanted to do a long lifting workout. I haven't done a good leg day workout in a while, so I decided on lower body lifts with pattern practice in between sets.

It was such a good workout. I love leg day, and I really enjoy patterns. I haven't done any TKD in a long time. Now classes are on summer break, and I do not want to fall behind. I remembered them better than I expected to, but it was easy to spot the ones that need the most work. I did Do San more than the rest. It is my weakest pattern. I don't know why. It just won't stick.

Now it's time for a pool workout with the kiddos. I love summer!

A Good Sweat.

Today was a weights day! It's raining and gloomy outside. It's the perfect time to go back to my happy place. 

I haven't been lifting as often. I am focused on cardio - running, hiking, walking, biking, swimming - this summer. I spent the last two years only able to lift. I needed a break and time to do all the things I haven't been able to do. Still, lifting is my absolute favorite. I did some supersets and got a good sweat, too. Now, I'm enjoying the post-lifting feeling. The. Best.

Speaking of a good sweat, I am starting a personal weekly challenge. I meant to write about it earlier, but I got distracted by my awesome solo hike. In TKD we do a descending ladder workout that they call terminators. Jumping jacks, push ups, and sit ups - 10 reps down to 1 rep. For the summer, I am going to do terminators once a week and time it. I'm hoping to beat my time every week. 

Attempt One:

Honestly, I didn't push the pace on this one. I just wanted to get through it. Still worked up a good sweat. Nice quick workout and a great start to my week. Bring on the Summer of Sweat!

Photo by Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash

Runner.

This weekend was absolutely gorgeous. I spent most of Saturday working inside, so yesterday my goal was to be outside and active as much as possible. I had a C25K run on my list, but I wanted to wait until the evening when I could run with Andy.

I started with an early morning walk with Moon Dog. I've been feeling a lot more energetic, and our walking pace has gotten a lot faster. I am still blown away at how much better I feel since surgery. I've been so distracted by life and my emotions that I haven't really noticed the change. I used to be completely exhausted by every little thing I had to do during the day. Now, I have so much more time to get things done because I don't have to rest after every little thing.

After my walk, I was feeling energized, so I decided to lift. My gym is my happy place. I started a lifting plan that I have done before and love. Yesterday was upper body. I worked out for over an hour and felt amazing when I was done. I love the feeling after a good strength workout.

Evening came, and we decided to run the hill. The last run was 20 minutes without walking, which went so much better than expected. This one was back to intervals.

I had a great run. I had to break up my middle running interval. I was on the super steep section of the hill, and my calves were screaming. I did push myself to start running again, at least for a bit, when I was still on the incline.

I paused at the top of the hill to take a picture. Everything has come to life in the last few days, and the world is so green. I love this time of year.

I kept running. A little past the halfway point, I turned around. I was psyched. I have been struggling to hit 2 miles. I'd only done it once before, but I knew I would get it this time. I usually do not even reach the top of the hill. I reached it and ran past it. I was still feeling great, and my energy was through the roof.

I was in a groove when my last walking interval came up, and I decided to just keep going. I ran through the last running interval and still felt good. I decided to just run the rest of the way home.

I still cannot wrap my head around how much better I feel. I'm so thrilled to be running without an accelerated heart rate, without horrible foot pain, without complete exhaustion. To be able to keep going, feel good at the end, and wake up pain free and strong the next morning.

I'm grateful to be healthy and able to get out and enjoy a gorgeous day. I'm grateful to be a runner again.

Still Broken, But Getting Better

On March 31st, my dad passed away after a 5 year battle with cancer. I haven't been able to think, let alone find words to express the grief I feel. I'm not sure that there are words to describe it, and if there are, it will take a better writer than me to express it. It's having a giant hole inside of you. It's walking around and looking fine and everything is normal, but nothing is actually normal and you are so far from fine. It's feeling like the world has been turned upside down, shaken, and broken, yet your day-to-day is the same.

It's taken me a month to even get back to all of my usual activities. It took a week for me to leave my house. Every little thing was a monumental effort. Even just picking up my kids from school was too much. Every person I saw was incredibly kind, but I could not talk about it without crying. I still haven't had a day without crying, but I've got it a little more under control now.

 I am so grateful for the people in my life. This whole thing has made me value my relationships a lot more, and unfortunately, it has also shown me a few that I need to let go. But, I am staying focused on the love that people are giving me. It's been absolutely overwhelming.

The last thing I added back into my life was TKD class. My TKD family has been incredibly supportive and understanding, but it took me a while to go back. First because class is in the evenings, and I was so exhausted just from trying to exist that I couldn't get myself to go. Second, because even though I am much more confident in my abilities now, it is still a place where I have to step out of my comfort zone often. I just wasn't ready.

It was so good to go back. It is one of my favorite things. I didn't have to talk about my problems or think about them. I could focus solely on class, and I had the support of all the wonderful people there. I was also pleased to find that missing almost two months of class had not affected me too badly, and I still remembered my pattern. I just felt happy after class. I think it was the first time I've really felt good since all of this began.

For now, I am taking things slow. I am being patient with myself and accepting that I am not always going to be up for training (or some days even leaving the house). I'm doing what I can and knowing that it is enough. My health has become a top priority. I'm a master at making excuses, but that's not happening anymore.

 My dad was always the strongest and bravest man I knew. He taught me how to lift when I was young and would accompany him to the fire station. (He was a firefighter and EMT - see, the BRAVEST man I've known.) It is when my love of lifting truly began. Even after his diagnosis, he walked almost daily, and I am not talking about a mile or so. He walked up to 8 miles. No music, no headphones. He watched the nature around him. He hiked almost until the end. We had some really amazing hikes last fall, and I am so grateful for those memories.

So, that is where I am at today. Still broken, but getting better. Figuring out how to live with this and doing my best to make healthy choices and just feeling grateful for all the good in my life.

ReRunning.

I have missed running so much. I am loving the couch to 5k program that I am doing with Andy. It's short, manageable, and there is no thinking involved. I love not having to think. Just get out the door and go.

I really love being able to be active again. Last week was a great week. Not only did I do my 3 C25K runs, but I also crushed my old bench press PB by 15#. I can bench 100#, which may not seem like much to other people, but it is huge for me. I feel like I've been stuck at 85# forever. It's nice to be able to lift heavy again, too.

It's been several weeks now, and I am still blown away by how much was affected by my parathyroid. Something as simple as calcium can throw everything out of whack. I promise I'll stop talking about it eventually, but I am still amazed every day by how great I feel and how much energy I have.

It's a good thing I have all this new energy because Andy and I have completely committed to running again. We've started a podcast about our rerunning adventures. It's still in its infancy, but you can check it out here. It is also available through iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe and follow along. The C25k is only the tip of the rerunning iceberg.

Focus On The Good

Yesterday was a bust. I had the appointment I've been waiting 5 months for, and there was no progress. She couldn't see my parathyroid with the ultrasound, so I had to redo my blood work. If my levels are still high, they'll do a different test. To say I am frustrated is a huge understatement. I've been hoping for a quick fix. I should have known better. There's never a quick fix. I'm just sick of waiting.

My labs came back this morning, and (surprise, surprise) my calcium levels are higher than before. Fingers crossed I don't have to wait for months for the next step.

I was not in a great place yesterday, but there were two highlights. I'm trying to focus on the good. The first good thing was I got another review on my last book, and it was a positive one. Yay!

The second one was TKD. I didn't feel great during the warm-up, but the rest of it went pretty well. I can feel the benefits from practicing on my own. I felt stronger. There were definitely things that I need to work on. There always are, but overall I felt pretty good. Plus, I got to chat with Michelle after and vent some frustration.

So, my setback actually helped snap me out of the funk I've been in. I let negative thinking take over for a while. Knowing that I have to wait and deal with this thing helped me accept it. I'm feeling a lot more determined to push through. I'm going to keep taking calcium/Vitamin D, drinking lots of water, and lift. Got to keep my bones strong.

Tuesday's workout:

Squats - body weight 25 reps x2
Squats 115#  8 reps x2

Plie squats - body weight 15 reps x2
Plie squats 115#  10 reps x2

Calf raises - body weight  20 reps x2
Calf raises 115#  12 reps x2

Push-ups level 1  25 reps
1 arm push-ups level 1  10 reps/side

Push-ups level 2  15 reps
1 arm push-ups level 2  10 reps/side

Push-ups level 3  15 reps
1 arm push-ups level 3  10 reps/side


This workout was tough. I definitely struggled, but I got through it. My first set was almost the end of the workout. After my first set of squats, I got a cramp in my hamstring. I took some time and stretched until it let go. I really wanted to finish the workout.

I had planned to do dead lifts, but with my sore hamstring I decided to do push-ups instead. Again, I struggled more than usual, but I'm glad I did it.

My hamstring is still pretty sore, so I'm going to do some yoga later. I need a good stretch.

I'm not feeling great, but at least I got it done. One day at a time.

Anything Is Better Than Nothing

Yesterday, I took the Moon Dog for a walk and then went for an awesome hike up Jay Peak with my dad. The weather was perfect. Cool and sunny. The leave are just starting to change. Fall is coming. I can't wait.

The top of the mountain was sunny and warm and surprisingly not windy. My dad have never been up there. It's one of my favorites. We had a great hike, and it was a great workout.

Today, I was exhausted. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, and I felt wiped out all morning. I took Moon Dog for a walk, but it didn't help energize me. I ended up taking an hour-long nap. I guess I needed it. I felt groggy when I woke up, but I still wanted to get in a workout.

Staying on the list!

It was not my best workout, but anything is better than nothing. I did an easy workout and focused on my upper body.

Friday's Workout

chest presses 15#db  12 reps x 2
db rows #15  10 reps x 2
barbell shoulder press #45  10 reps x 2

chest fly #15db  12 reps x 2
front rows #15db  10 reps x 2
biceps curls #15db  8 reps x 2

modified 1 arm push-ups  level 2  10 reps/side  x 2
overhead triceps extensions #15db  15 reps  x 2
lateral raises #10db  10 reps  x 2

Staying On The List

Some days are so busy that I feel like I should skip my workout to free up some time, but I'm focused on getting back on track. Putting myself on the list. I know I am a better parent and wife (and human being) when I am taking care of myself, and I've been neglecting my wellbeing for too long.

Today, I am sticking to things that make me happy. Morning walk with the Moon Dog and lifting.

Friday's workout

bench press 75#  8 reps  x 2

dumbbell rows 15#  12 reps  x 2

biceps curls  15#db  8 reps  x 2

chest fly 15#db  12 reps  x 2

barbell row 75#  8 reps  x 2

overhead triceps 15#  12 reps  x 2

modified 1 arm push-ups level 1  8 reps/side  x 2

barbell shoulder press 45#  10 reps  x 2

dumbbell side crunches 15#db  15 reps  x 2

I love lifting. Feeling ready for the rest of the day!

I Am So Lucky

I am so lucky. My ankle is healing quickly. Certain movements still make it twinge, but it's holding up well. I've been testing it. Coming back from an injury always makes me nervous. With the run, it was the first few steps that worried me. Once I'd run a little, I relaxed and really enjoyed it.

On Monday I decided to try hiking. We did a short, easy hike that was new to us. Family hikes are one of my absolute favorite things. We had so much fun. The kids have been finding new places to practice TKD, and the wide trail and a gigantic boulder were perfect. The Artist practiced Do San on the big rock, and the Bean practiced her bo staff pattern with a long stick.

It was a nice, easy hike. The weather was perfect. It was two miles out and back. My ankle held up until we were on our way down. It didn't give out, but it ached. I had to go slow and focus on stepping lightly. It hurt for a little while after we were done, but it didn't swell any more and felt better after about an hour. I was worried it would hurt the next morning, but it was fine.

Did I mention how lucky I am?

Yesterday, I didn't feel great, so I rested. My legs were a little sore from the hike, but it was not too bad. I didn't miss many workouts, but on the days when I couldn't walk at all, I was convinced that I was losing strength. The mind is always the biggest obstacle.

This morning, Moon Dog and I went for our usual walk. I also got in a strength workout. It was unnerving. I haven't lifted anything heavy since I hurt myself. I dropped the weight down a little bit, and I did a shorter workout. The first rep was terrifying. After my ankle held, I had an awesome workout.

Thursday's Workout

Squats  135#  6 reps x 2
Push-ups level 3  15 reps x 2
Won Hyo x 4

Plie squats  135#  6 reps  x 2
Push-ups level 2  15 reps x 2
Won Hyo x 4  (*felt a twinge in my ankle and decided to shorten my workout)

Dead lifts  115#  5 reps x 2
Modified one-arm push-ups level 1  8 reps/side x 2
Chon Gi, Dan Gun, Do San, & Won Hyo  x 2


I've set a new goal. It's simple but will also take consistent effort to achieve it. Perfect for my super busy life. The big, final goal is to be able to do a full one-armed push-up on the floor (both sides). I am breaking this into smaller goals. The first is to be able to do a full rep on level one*. I plan to achieve this by doing daily reps (as far down as I can go). After I achieve that, I will move on to level 2, level 3, and finally the floor.

*When I worked with a trainer, she had me do push-ups on various levels using the bar that holds up the back of the bench. My bench at home has three levels. Level one is the highest setting - the easiest one to do push-ups on. Level three is almost floor level. It's still one of my absolute favorite exercises. My favorite thing to do is max. reps at each level 1, 2, 3, 2, 1. Nothing feels the way my arms do after that.

This workout was one of the last tests for my ankle. I'm feeling a lot more confident. TKD will be the last test, but I think it will be okay. I'm going to be really careful about any twisting motions, but it should be fine. I'm so excited to get back to regular training. I need that daily dose of endorphins. I'm ready to get my strength back.

Week 3 of Awesome Workouts

Week 3 Begins!

I rested yesterday. I spent time with my parents and went to the cast party for the show. It was a mellow, fun day. I'm still feeling a little off, but I wanted to get in a good workout today. I decided on Squats/Push-ups/Won Hyo.

Squats              Push-ups            Won Hyo
125# 12 reps    level 3 12 reps    x3
135# 10 reps    level 3 15 reps    x3
145# 8 reps      level 2 15 reps    x3
155# 6 reps      level 1 15 reps    x3

It was a great workout. It was difficult, but I felt strong. I love that feeling.

I've been keeping track of my workouts here to keep myself accountable. So far, so good. I've also changed the way I've been tracking my food. I track my food 95% of the time, but I was finding that the tracker apps weren't working for me. It was too mindless. I could select the food, enter it, and forget about it.

Back when I lost a lot of weight and got healthier, I used a notebook and pen, and it worked really well. I have to sit down and focus on what I am eating, when, and how I'm feeling. I decided to try it again. So far, it's been working. I've had a couple days where I indulged a little too much, but I wrote it all down. I think it kept me from going even more overboard.

Figuring out what works is definitely a process. Right now it's working.

Lesson Learned

Yesterday I learned a lesson - Never do leg day the day before TKD. Ow.

TKD class was okay. I struggled. I know that it's part of the process, but it's not easy. I was frustrated, but I do feel like I made some progress. That's what matters.

Today, I had to squeeze in a workout. Continuing with lifting and loving it.

Wednesday's Workout:

Bench press 75#  6 reps x 2
One-arm dumbbell row 15#  10 reps/side x 2

Barbell Row 75#  6 reps x 2
Chest Fly 15#db  8 reps x 2

T-bar row 30# + bar  8 reps / 10 reps
Push-ups level 3  10 reps / 15 reps

Short but sweet. Love feeling strong.

Week 2 Begins

Week 2 begins!!

Usually, I like to do longer workouts on the weekend, but my jump back into lifting made my legs incredibly sore. I walked Moon Dog and did yoga this weekend. I caught up on sleep, too. It was an energizing weekend.

Today, I wanted to focus on legs and do some heavy lifting. I also wanted to do abs and some cardio. It turned into an interesting workout.

Monday's Workout:

jump rope - 1 minute
standing cross crunches - 30 reps / side
squats 115# - 8 reps
*all exercises x 2

jump rope - 1 minute
choppers 10# - 12 reps / side
plie squats 115# - 8 reps
*all exercises x 2

jump rope - 1 minute
curtsy - 12 reps / side
squats 125# - 6 reps
*all exercises x 2

jump rope - 1 minute
swings 10# - 12 reps
alternating lunges - 20 reps
plie squats 125# - 6 reps
*all exercises x 2


It was a good workout. Lots of sweat. About halfway through the third set, I hit the point where I felt completely exhausted, and my muscles were shaking. It felt good to finish after hitting that point. It was hard work. I love lifting.

Epic Hike

Yesterday the Artist and I had another "epic adventure." He wanted to hike Jay Peak, and I was up for it. The weather was perfect, and we had a good hike. He set a good pace, and I was working to keep up.

This is what life is about.

My legs were feeling it this morning. My poor calves are destroyed. I took the Moon Dog for a walk, which helped a little. Luckily, today was back and shoulders day.

I focused on Barbell Rows and Dumbbell Shoulder Presses. I started with the bar. I wanted to go easy to start. Rows are not my strongest move. I kept the presses low weight / high rep.

Friday's Workout

Barbell Rows  //  Dumbbell Shoulder Presses
45# 12 reps          #10 15 reps
55# 12 reps          #10 15 reps
65# 10 reps          #10 15 reps
75# 8 reps            #10 15 reps
85# 4 reps            #10 15 reps

Not the hardest workout I've done this week, but I am feel great. I love how strong I feel when I lift. It's been a good week. Looking forward to the weekend and another week of getting strong.

Awesome Workout Week

And, the week of awesome workouts continues...

Yesterday, I had planned on dead lifts, but my legs were super sore from Monday's squats. I decided to go with bench press instead. Since I was so sore, I wanted the second exercise to be something gentle. I decided to work on my TKD patterns in between sets. It was a good choice. Not only did I get a lot of practicing done, but the movements loosened up my legs and made them feel better.

Tuesday's Workout:

Bench Press  //  Patterns
45# 12 reps       Won Hyo (current pattern) x 3
55# 12 reps       Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo x 2 each *
65# 10 reps       Won Hyo x 3
75# 6 reps         Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo x 2 each
85# 4 reps         Won Hyo x 3

*The first time I attempted Dan Gun and Do San, I completely forgot them. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that. Luckily, the Artist remembered Dan Gun and is currently working on Do San. He helped me remember.

With my legs still a little sore but feeling much better, I decided to go for a walk with the Artist. One of our "epic walks." We walked from our house into Enosburg on the Rail Trail. It was hot, but we brought water and snacks and took our time. We walked 6 miles!

I was feeling the walk when I got up this morning, but I really wanted to do dead lifts today. After running some errands, my legs loosened up, and I was ready. I paired them with biceps curls and triceps extensions. Lower weight/more reps.

I started light with the dead lifts. I do not want to hurt my back. I would much rather go a little light to start. I'll get back to where I used to be eventually.

Wednesday's Workout:

Dead Lifts  //  Biceps Curls/Triceps Extension
45# 12 reps *  10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
65# 12 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
75# 10 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
85# 10 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
95# 8 reps       10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
105# 6 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps
115# 4 reps     10# 10 reps / 10# 15 reps

*I used the bar for a warm-up set. I could have done more that 12 reps, but I wanted to save it for the heavier weights.

It was a great workout. I'm feeling really strong. Barbell rows and shoulders tomorrow!

Squats and Push-Ups and Patterns...Oh My!

Last week was a busy one. I got in a walk every day with the Moon Dog, but that was pretty much it. I did make it to TKD class, and that was great. No other major workouts, though.

This week I have a little more time and a little less stress. Yay! The Artist and I had planned on hiking, but the weather did not cooperate. Instead we did some strength training, and he threw in some TKD practice, too. We don't have class this week, so this was a great idea. I was really proud of him. He did a difficult workout and enjoyed himself.

I'm going to focus on lifting right now. I love it. It's my favorite. Why am I not focused on it already?

For now, I am going for consistency and finding a good weight to start from. I need to do heavy lifting, but it's been so long I don't know where my base is. I've been reading articles on this great site called Eat To Perform, and one was discussing the idea of doing a few basic movements and just going until you can't do anymore. Perfect way to start out and very helpful for finding my starting point.

Today was squats and push ups. I started with a weight I knew I could handle and went up in 10 pound increments from there. I did push ups in between and during my rest times I worked on my pattern. It ended up being a really great workout. Lifting makes me happy. I can tune out the world and just get it done. Love.

Here's my workout for today:

Squats  //  Push Ups (incline at various levels)

95# 8r  // 15r level1
105# 8r  //  15r level 2
115# 10r  // 10r level 3
125# 8r  //  10r level 3
135# 6r  //  12r level 2
145# 6r  //  15r level 1


Obviously, I could have done more, but my legs were wobbly and tired. Rather than push too far, I stopped at 145# and will use that as my jumping off point next time. Not bad for not going heavy in a long time.

Keeping it simple this week. Two exercises and working on my pattern. Hopefully we'll find time for another hike, too. Tomorrow I am thinking Dead Lifts and Chest Press/Flys.

Awesome Hike / Fabulous Run / Shaky Muscle Stage

It's been a long time since I posted. I've been keeping busy and eating better. I've been trying to exercise more regularly.

The Artist and I went on an awesome hike up Elmore Mountain and went swimming after. It was so much fun.

Our hike was following a very difficult TKD class. The kids had a tough class too. Lots of pushups and conditioning. The adult class had circuit training, too. One of my favorites. We were super sore for the hike, but it was awesome.

Yesterday, I went for a run. It was the first one in a while, and it was fantastic. I didn't try to go fast, but I wanted to run the whole time. The road was recently paved, which made for a wonderfully smooth run. The hills didn't seem too bad, and it was a beautiful day. It felt great.

I asked Andy to pick me up after about 45 minutes. It ended up being a little longer, but I ran the whole way and felt good. I covered almost 4 miles. Not bad.

This morning I did an upper body workout. I love lifting. I know I've said it before, but every time I lift I feel happier. I got to the shaky muscle stage today, which is the best feeling.

Not quite done for today. The Artist and I are going for a run. He wants to do the Leaf Peeper 5k again this fall, so we're "in training." Love running with my boy!

Catching Up

It's been quite a while since I posted. Life has been busy. Mostly fun stuff. Dairy Days and the end of the school year. I haven't had a lot of time to write, but I have been getting regular exercise. I'm trying to make it a priority and started planning my workouts a week in advance. This is how I work best. I like having a plan and knowing what is coming, but I also keep it flexible in case something comes up.

My legs took a long time to recover from the half. I didn't rest after it was over. I took one day off and then hiked 5 miles. I followed that with weights and a ton of walking. I ran 5 miles on Sunday.

The run felt good. It was much cooler than it had been during the half, and I actually ran most of it. My goal was to take less walking breaks, and I was surprised at how much further I could go. I definitely want to continue running and try to work on consistency, so this run was important. I did not want to take a lot of time off from running after the race. That's my usual m.o., and it leads to a very long break from running. I didn't want that to happen this time, and I told myself that I could only take a week off from running - not a day longer. I'm really working on setting small, attainable goals.

On Monday I went on a school trip with my kids to the Shelburne Museum. We did a crazy amount of walking. Tuesday was the first day of summer TKD. I have to admit that I struggled during class. My day had been really hectic, and my legs were really tired and sore. We were working on rolls, which is something that makes me really uncomfortable. It was a difficult class.

Wednesday was scheduled from the moment I got up until the time I went to bed. It was an exhausting day, and I had no time to exercise. I felt fine about taking a day off. I ate healthfully, and my legs definitely appreciated it.

Yesterday was the best. The Artist wanted me to train him. I gave him a few exercises and let him choose the rest. We worked on good form, and he lifted some 3 pound weights. He also threw in some TKD practice. It was a lot of fun, and it motivated me to lift. I went a little heavier and did pairs of exercises. I hit all of the major muscle groups. It was a great full-body workout, and I am feeling it today.

This morning started with a walk with the Moon Dog and the Artist. It was a nice, cool morning, and the Artist picked some wildflowers. It was a perfect start to the day. He wants to work out with me again, so I am hoping to get in a TKD HIIT workout today.

Next S.M.A.R.T. goal - blog more

Back To The Barbell

Trying to stick to my healthy goals this week. It's been somewhat challenging. Things at work are ramping up because we open for the season this weekend. Plus, I've been putting in a lot of time on a major revision on my new book. Not enough time in the day.

Tuesday, I squeezed in a couple miles. The weather has been amazing, and I want to spend as much time outside as possible. Running always sets me up for a better day. It wasn't a great run. My legs were tired and heavy from TKD class. Still, I felt good for most of the day.

Tuesday night I started feeling really sick, and that carried into Wednesday. I spent most of the day in bed and didn't get anything done. Unplanned rest day.

Today I am feeling better. Not 100%, but definitely better. I took the Moon Dog for a nice, long walk. It was a pretty morning.

I also started a new lifting program today. I've been considering it for a few weeks. I miss lifting, but I need to keep it moderate while I'm doing my half training. I waited until the TKD tournament was over because I knew starting up again would make me really sore. I set today as my start date and got it done.

I forgot how much I love lifting. It really is my favorite. Today was a chest push/pull day. I got it done and feel great. I can't wait to have muscle definition again. I decided to go with a plan instead of making my own because I know it will help keep me on track until lifting becomes habit again. Then I might branch out and do my own program. For now, it's nice having someone else do the thinking for me. I like this plan, too. It uses simple, basic movements, and I like the way the days are split up.

My eating has been okay. Yesterday was rough, but I did okay. I'm focused on cleaning up my eating and taking things one day at a time. It's nice to have motivation again. I'm already feeling better and sleeping better. Forgot how good it feels to take care of myself.