Day 37 and counting!

Today marks another milestone for me in the 100 day challenge... I decided today's workout would be about endurance, not about speed... I listened to some music with which I am not all that familiar, the Violent Fems(not a girl band, by the way!) , sent to me from my own personal music guru, Michael, from Oregon.  I am enjoying listening to some music that I don't usually listen to.  I love music, all kinds, but my brain, for whatever reason, does not retain names of songs or names of artists when I hear music I like.  As a result I listen to the same stuff over and over, which I am fine with, but I am really enjoying having some new stuff!

So today I really wanted to do 45 minutes on the elliptical.  Suellen came to the gym with me and told me her goal for the day was 60 minutes on the elliptical... 60? Really? I used to be able to do that... when I was marathon training it was not a big deal...when I had lost a lot of weight it was not a big deal... but I was a bit unsure of whether or not I would be able to do it...well I figured I would be able to do it, but wondered if I would cover a 'decent' distance during that time.  I got on one elliptical machine and did 0.1 miles, but because the tv wasn't working I switched machines.  (Yes I listen to music, but knew if I was going to make it an hour I also needed the tv closed captioning to distract me!)  A mile in I felt pretty good... just over 15 minutes, trying to pace myself... at 30 minutes I had done two miles...and at the end of the hour, I had done 4 miles!!!  I am pleased with that.  And truth be told, I think I could have gone further.  But... was very pleased with that.  Then I went upstairs and did resistance training with my legs.  (I had called the guy who I used to do my physical therapy with... yes the cute guy, and asked if I could have some resistance tubing so that I could return to doing some of my old PT exercises, which I really feel help keep things strong.)  I also did some ab work and some back extensions...and had to do my dips for my arms because yesterday, when I did my arm workout, the benches were all in use so I did not dip yesterday...

The best news? I am noticing differences.  Physically, my clothes are loosening, I feel more toned and have noticed a difference in the shape of my arms.  My arms are NOT, I repeat, NOT toned... not at all, but the other day, in the mirror I saw that there is potential for some definition, and I will get it!  And I have more energy, lots more... my mood is better...

Time timing is great too... as I apply for jobs and hopefully get interviews... I will feel that much more confident going into them...

So tonight there is this little sporting event you may have heard about... the SUPERBOWL!  The Patriots are going to beat the Giants in a close, dramatic game.  I enjoy watching sports, especially the playoffs.  I had some invitations to watch the game with people, but have chosen to stay home.  (As I type that I heard Jill and Michael say, 'Meh,' as I consciously choose to not branch out tonight!) Going to superbowl parties means a lot of temptations with food... instead I am going to make myself some snacks here.. granted perhaps not as healthy as what I have been eating, but healthier than what other choices I could make.  I am going to make pizza, loaded with veggies (plus that will mean leftovers for lunches!)  and I am going to make buffalo chicken dip, the kind with cream cheese, chicken, and buffalo sauce... but I am not going to buy chips.  I will dip celery and red bell peppers into the dip.  This will mean filling up faster and getting some more veggies.  So tonight, my choice is to be in a controlled environment, my environment.

I made another choice the other day, to prioritize being healthy... was to opt out of my steel drum band... Some teachers at my school had gotten together to play the steel drums, wanting to perform at the school's talent show.  We played a modern piece of music, which was not my favorite idea, but wanted the kids to get into it, and it was A LOT of fun.  My understanding was that being in the band was for the talent show.  Well... the others in the group have chosen to continue with the practices and perhaps perform at the local mall and maybe participate in a festival for students and teachers this spring... but that means practicing every Thursday after school.  Which isn't a huge deal.. I could do that AND get to the gym, but... by the time I get to the gym after that, the gym is full.  I prefer to get there as early as I can.

I feel good!