Today is...

FLEX FRIDAY! 

Flex Friday

I keep telling you all how important progress photos are.  Some weeks the scale just doesn't cut it.  You need to see every bit of progress you have made.  In your journey, seeing where you were is just as important as seeing where you are.

From this point forward, I hereby declare Friday to be known as FLEX FRIDAY.  I saw the idea on Dana Linn Bailey's Facebook page last Friday.  How fun!

I encourage all of you to do it.  If you are bold, post it on Facebook and link it up to us.  You can post it on the private blog.  You can even email them to me and I will post them where ever you want. This is going to be fantastic!  I hope to see lots of guns tomorrow.

Send photos to:  motivatedbymud@gmail.com

Pictured 
Dana & Rob's Flex Friday shot.

Pack your lunch.

People ask me all the time what one piece of advice I can give them to have success in losing weight.  There is no one answer.  It is a formula but obviously that is not the answer that they are looking for.  What I generally do is answer based on what I already know about the person.  I try to guide them in the direction that would be the most effective in their lifestyle.  Some times they listen, most times they don't.  I saw this posted on Facebook today and I felt the need to share it.  No matter who you are, what your lifestyle is and what your goals are... pack your lunch.  Across the board, this is one thing that you can change and like magic, the results will amaze you.

Simply supportive.

For a year and a half, I have crossed paths in the gym with a guy named Brent.  We have never said much more then 2 words at a time. The other day, he stopped me to ask me about my progress.  All the compliments in the world never sound as good as the ones that come from a nice guy that admittedly expected you to fall off of the wagon.  It sounded as if he was proud of me and did not even know me.  Within just a few hours of chatting, he was on this very blog reading and getting to know my journey.  Brent had offered his help in any way that he could to keep me on track.  How about that for jumping on the support bandwagon? 

Last night, I had the pleasure of training with Brent.  For fun, he jumped in on my workout that Xavy has a had me following. The end result of looking "Jacked" is the common goal, but how we get there is apparently a whole different subject.  I always assumed that every beef-cake in the gym was on the same plan but infact they are not. It was neat to see the differences in how we train and I think we both learned to respect eachothers plans on a higher level.  Another good workout buddy found!   Perfect timing too.  I was starting to get a little bored with training alone.  The company and extra push was very welcomed.  It is so much more fun training with someone else.  I know that people have their own things that work for them but since I spend so much of my time in the gym, it is just as much of a social experience as it is about the fitness aspect.  Don't get me wrong, I am not one of "those" girls.  I am however, a very social butterfly.  

Today, I am feeling it!  My chest is killing me.  I got a great workout in and I feel sorta renewed today.  I think it was a needed change in my plan. I guess the moral of the story is to be open minded. You never know who the person next to you is, and what that person can offer you.  

Goal

Coming up with a goal for October was a bit harder then the ones in the past.  I had to take into concideration a lot of things.   One and most importantly, my wrist.  It looks like rest is in order for a few weeks so the Pull Up challenge is out the window. Instead of making an October challenge, I am going to put out an end of year challenge.

I am still holding onto my goal of being down to 160 by Xavy's competition.  I have not failed a goal yet, and I am not about to start.

Ready?  Here we go.  My newest goals  are as follows.

Complete the 100 (unassisted) Pull-Up Challenge by December 31st. These I am not expecting to do unbroken.  I would say within a reasonalble time frame of maybe like a hour.  That is a touch challenge.  Even if I gave myself all day to do it.

Hit the USMC booth at the MMA match that I am going to on the 20th, and bang out 50 mens pushups in great time and form.  I have always seen the guys do it and I have always been impressed.  I have not ever seen a girl. That is about to change!

1 Rope Climb.   This one is just as physically challenging as mentally.  After my "incident" bouldering, I have a bit of a fear of dangling in the air without safety equipment.

There ya go!  It is on paper.  That means it's time to work. 

Another visit to the doctors.

So this morning I went to visit my Orthopedic Specialist.  For nearly 30 years, I managed to skate by without ever setting foot in an office of that nature.  These days, I frequent it more then McDonalds.  I'd like to say that going was a bad thing.  It means that something is wrong with some part of my body.  Instead,  I can not help but to look at it as a great thing.  That means that I did something awesome.  In this case, the diagnosis is pointing towards the handstand push ups and pull ups in a particular position.  You just don't get cool injuries like that sitting on the couch. 

All morning I was imagining what the dialog between my doctor and I was going to be.

Doctor:  Lori, Wow.  You look fantastic. (Probably not.) What brings you in?

Lori: Hello, good seeing you again.  Well, my wrist.  You told me that you wanted me to take it easy on my knees and my ankles so I have been trying out some new workouts. 

Doctor:  That is great.  Finally, you listened to may advice. Do you have an idea of what might be causing this pain?

Lori:  Well, I think it was a combination of a lot of things. It is pretty hard to narrow it down.  Have I told you that I can do a real unassisted pull-up?  Oh, I finished the 100 push up challenge. A few weeks ago I did 90 declined pushups in a pike position.  Only because I couldn't do a real handstand.  Now I can.  I've been practicing and it is looking really good.  I forgot to mention that I can incline bench press 115 lbs. Umm, I've been practicing rope climbing.  You should see my dips, I sets of them seated with 65lbs.  ...............glancing up to see his jaw hanging open...........

Doctor:   Well, like I said last time.  These days, You. Are. An. Animal!  Why don't we head down to radiology.  Do you remember where it is?  It's the same place where we took you when you hurt your knee in karate and sprained your ankle rock climbing. 

Lori:  Gotcha!  Thanks. 

Doctor:  I will call down and tell them that a Beast is coming in. 

Lori:  Wink ;)

Funny, the appointment pretty much went like that.  I am not going to say that I didn't wink.  How convenient would it be to have him around?

The final diagnosis was simply tendonitis.  I have to rest, wrap it, take some anti inflammatories and hopefully I will be as good as new.  In the meantime, I will have to find a new body part to test the limits of. :)

Owning October

Okay, minus the South Carolina damage, I am 4 lbs to goal.  That means that I am going to need a new one really quick.

Over time, here are the guidelines that help me create and meet a realistic goal. 

-It needs to be realistic - medically and physically.

-Be specific.

-Be honest with yourself.  It's a goal because it is a challenge.  Expect to be amazed and disappointed some days.

-Account for off days, bad days and cheat days.  You will and can have them, why torture yourself?  This is for you.

-Give yourself a reward.

-Pick 2 goals if want, go for it.

-Pick your method of accountability.  It could be the blog, a friend or even facebook. 

-Remind yourself daily of how far you have come and how far you are going.

Let's OWN October!  I would love to hear your goals.  I'm working on mine right now :)

Really?

Yesterday, Mom and I went to dinner at Olive Garden. As the check came to the table, I reached for the check.  My mom glanced down at my credit card and asked, "What's that logo on the top?".  I told her that it was a new R.E.I. Visa. After a second, I could see it register in her head what R.E.I. was.  We had been there together shopping for my brother and uncle in the past.  Picking up on her now questioning look, I offered more details.  I told her that I was hoping to use the points for a new winter jacket.  I said that I was close to a size where I could invest in a good jacket.  The last time that I ever bought a winter jacket, not for dress, was 1999. I am sooooo not joking. 13 years ago. My mom asked me what I needed a "good" jacket for and the answer slipped it of my mouth before I even knew what I was going to say. "Ice Climbing".  Really?  That was my reply?  I could see that my mom was thinking the same thing.  Inside I just laughed.  I knew I wanted a new jacket but I had not really thought out why.  I has seen Ice Climbing classes offered at R.E.I. and Earth Treks.  It wasn't unfathomable. 

How strange of a feeling it is knowing now without a doubt that I can do ANYTHING that I can imagine.  There are no limits to my physical ability. Well, all but burpees.

Confidence in the truth

I know myself better now then I ever have.  This blog keeps me honest and accountable. It keeps me real, yet still I manage to hide things from even myself. I'm learning.  It's all a process.

As confident as I can be in some areas, a part of me "took what I could get", in the dating department.  My weight played a huge part in the relationships that I have been in and out of.  They say beauty is skin deep but the sad reality is that the other famous saying trumps that one.  You only get one chance to make a first impression.  Sure, I had the confidence to go up to anyone and flirt but how it was received was out of my hands.  I didn't always get the pick of the litter both physically and in regards to availability.  I settled and justified it.

Now that I am back out in the dating world, I forget that I don't have to settle. I have options now. I actually get hit on regularly.  Flattering... but every time, I walk away thinking, "Did that just happen or is that just my imagination?".  I am sooooo not used to that kind of attention at all.   Unfortunately, that doesn't exclude the crazies, married, deploying, self absorbed and the emotionally detached.  I've been on several sucky dates.  Most of which I knew were doomed by the first date.  It was the fat girl inside of me that accepted the date anyway.  That fat girl inside told me that I needed to give it a shot because my options are limited. It took countless hours in therapy recently to get of through my head that just because they like me, does not mean I have to try to like them. 

My therapist told me that I have to list my dating criteria and stick to it. 

Physical: My last relationship was after I had started losing weight and confidently allowed my personality to fill the gaps where I was physically insecure.  I can and did get the hottest guy in the room.  My physical confidence has only skyrocketed.  Okay... I got the physical selection part down.  Check!

Personality: That has never been an issue.  That has always been a priority in my criteria.  Personality, Check!

Intellect: Momma ain't raise no fool. check!

Availability:  W.T.F.?!?!  This is still where I am a train wreck. I am working on it and I think I am making some headway. This is like the last piece of the puzzle in my newfound love life, or lack there of. "Oh, you are not emotionally, physically or morally available? Please step this way, Lori will see you now." 

-Emotional unavailable is the hardest I think because you don't see it right away.  By the time emotions should start developing, you are already invested. Uhh.   After 2 years of you not being able to say, " I love you", I finally picked up on the fact that you were emotionally UNavailable?!?!

-Morally unavailable, that's a total sh!t storm.  For various reasons in the past, I was asked to keep my "relationship" a secret. That should have been my first clue that everything from that point forward was bullshit, but I was buying every story they were selling. It ALWAYS bites me in the ass.  The person or people we are keeping it secret from is never the one that gets hurt. It's ALWAYS me.  I'm over it.  I don't care if your my teacher, coach, friends ex husband, getting a divorce, not ready to share it with your family. Whatever! From now on, I'm pulling a Taylor Swift on your ass.  If you want to keep something a secret, keep it (all of it) to yourself and don't bother with me.

-Physically unavailable.  Most of the long term relationships I have had were with people I only saw once every month.  I think I am scared to let anyone in.  When I finally do, I push them away.  For some reason, distance or military relationships are far more comfortable then anyone close.  I actually had one good date once that I completely tanked because he wanted to see me again soon.  I thought...."Every day? Like more then 3 days a month?".  I was afraid that then they would see me for me. Could I keep that person happy is more then 3 days at a time?

Confidence in the truth...
I deserve better then a part time or half hearted partner.  I did then and only now do I have the strength and clarity to settle for no less then what I deserve.  The truth is that I have a lot of work to do learning who I have become.  I can only learn from my mistakes and stay true to what I want and not what I think I should settle for.

Back home & to the meal plan

Last nights CrossFit with my brother never happened.  We didn't account for Rum and Coke's when we planned our night.  So not only did I eat like absolute crap, I didn't workout yesterday.  I know that I am allowed to give in a bit on vacation but this is just insane. 

My choices are no ones fault but my own but it was nothing like a vacation with Kelly or weekend away with Xavy. No one else in my family is on any sort of meal plan. They also don't get the value of eating frequently.  It is a foreign concept for sure but once you do it and you see the results, you will never go back.  They made fun of me for being hungry every 2 hours.  We went out to eat once on Sunday.  That was breakfast, lunch and dinner combined.  Then we stopped for icecream.  By yesterday, I wasn't hungry for hours at a time.  I have completely undone weeks of work on my metabolism.  The big problem was poor planning on my part.  I knew what I was getting into.  Unlike the other trips this last year, I didn't have a plan.  I did take some protein for shakes but that only went so far.  I know better.  I am not successful in my home without a plan, why did I think I would be successful in anyone else's?  Friday I did well but the last few days have been crap.  I need a plan.

Okay... here it is.   I am washing my Apple Jacks cereal bowl along with and my bad habits.  I'm asking...scratch that...telling my mom we need to stop on the way out of town to a grocery store.  When my butt hits the car seat, vacation is OVER. Ill get all of my water in regardless of how many times we will need to stop.  I will eat on time and on plan. I will look at the scale when I get home because I have nothing to hide.  I am guilty, I need to see the damage.  After that, I am hiding my scale for 1 week.  I can't play the whole... well now I am even, I can slack a bit.  When I left, I was 4 freaking pounds from goal.  4!

Off to go pack.  The sooner I am in the car the sooner I can start fresh.

They say, "Be strong enough to say for help."  This is it... I am asking for it.  I am not kidding. If we had lunch or dinner plans, cancel them. Ill be in touch to reschedule.  No crossfit, no switchups...back to Xavy's plan WITH cardio.  It's on!

SMALL victory

Yesterday, we had silly old time family photos done.  My brother insisted that we do it and included my 9 1/2 week old niece.  For her and my brother, I would endure any pain.  We picked our setting and headed to the dressing room.  The man helping held up 3 sexy western dresses for us to choose from.  Holding one apart from the rest, he said that that particular one would have to be reserved for the "smallest" of us girls.  Mom and Christy both barked that it would not be them.  I gave a questioning look to him and he waved me over.  Weird, I was really excited but I knew that it was not the time to gloat.  We dressed and headed out to the set.  I was loving it.  My boobs were too small for the dress but my ass fit.  Small victories!!!  We all looked fantastic.  Mom looked great and Christy flashed her "bedroom" eyes like a pro.  I suppose that's how little Ellie got here.  They wrapped Ellie up in a child's shirt.  So cute!  Luke, he was a natural cowboy. 

Last night, I made an oopsy that I feel terrible about.  I brought my Ravens jersey to give to my mom.  When I tried it on, it looked like a nightgown.  It was an XXL.  Last year it fit, this year... not so much.  When my brother asked what it was sitting on the bed, I grabbed it and tried it on to show him.  I thought it would give everyone a little giggle.  I was wrong, prefacing that I was giving it to mom, I probably shouldn't have commented that it was from when I was, "super fat".  I really hurt my moms feelings.  I remember people doing that sort of thing all of the time and I can not believe that I had become one of them.  Not at all a small victory but surely a lesson learned!

Today, my mom and I took my niece shopping today.  For the first time ever, I bypassed the Lane Bryant and jetted to the Under Armor store.  My life has taken a complete turn.  Who woulda thunk it? On a quest for new compression pants, I found that some how, some way fit, I fit into a SMALL. In my defense, compression pants are tiny by design and I need them super snug to fit all of the junk in my trunk.  I also found a neat shirt that just screamed "LORI".  If you know me at all, you know that I don't spend more then $4.88 for a workout shirt. Yay, Wal-Mart!!!  This one was an exception.  But for the price, I wanted to make sure it lasted a bit.  I hate to complain but losing weight is expensive.  I grabbed a medium without trying it on. I have finally  gotten it through my head that no matter what I see when I look work or in the mirror, I am indeed a medium sized person now. At the register, I had a last minute thought.  I wondered if I could pull off a size small.  My mom answer was a firm, "no".  That just meant to me that I needed to prove her wrong.  I hate to admit it but I could see the agrivation on her face.  I'm not sure if it was because of how long it was taking me, the fact that I needed to disregard her mothering or that I was now possibly fitting into a size small.  I tossed it on with fingers crossed.  Guess what? It fit.  I respectively got the final approval from my mom and headed to the register. When I got home I immediately took the tags off of my small trophy and put it on.  I got a bit of a scowl from my mom when I came out of the bathroom.  It sits back in the bag right now.  I will prance around in it some other time.

Then, this afternoon, I hit the JackPot!  Christy gave me a heaping pile of pre-baby pants.  They were all a size 10. Perfect.  Well, had I not eaten the fried cheesecake at lunch they would have been perfect.

I've been eating absolutely terrible on this trip but sitting here recalling all of these small victories is making think twice.  It took hard work to get here.  Fried cheesecake was no where in this journey.  I really have no excuse.

If we get a ticket in the mail, let the record show...

MOM was speeding :)

Travelers log. part 1

6 hours down, mom found the Country radio station and is singing along.  Need I say more?

8p.m.: Red Robin, Columbia MD. 
-Grilled chicken and a side salad, water.

11p.m.: Waffle House, The Twilight Zone, NC.
-3 egg white omlet- hold the...everything, 1 slice wheat toast, water.

2a.m.:  Drivers seat, Nowhere'sVille NC
-Jiff To-Go, no spoon.  (I burned more calories licking it out of the mini pack then I ingested.)

If only you could have seen me with my peanut butter.  Delerium set in at about 5 hours in and that ittybitty bit made me the happiest girl in the world.  Mom is holding up well, she played Bejewled Blitz while I drove.  Wow, that was distracting!  Well... I guess so was hearing/watching me lick peanut butter out of a package for 40 miles. (Yes, I made that badboy last that long.)

I just checked the CrossFit W.O.D. to get myself mentally prepared for tomorrow. I'm thinking I will stick to my regular routine.  150 double unders and 75 weighted walking lunges on zero sleep...yea, not happening.

So far so good. 3 hours to go. Missin' ya'll already! (Like my southern twang?)

I've got baggage

This weekend, I am driving down to South Carolina with my mom to see my family.  Aside from the obvious obstacle of spending 12 hours in the car with a parent, the other obstacle is going to be my wellness. 

I am at my desk making a list to prepare for packing tonight.  Although the size of my clothes are smaller this trip around, the amount has doubled.  These days, I need to add a set of workout clothes to every day.  Socks, compression pants, sports bra and shoes are no exception.Vacation or not, these are as necessary as my tooth brush. I have google mapped the nearest Anytime Fitness and I have one just over 2 miles away.  I am set!  I also hope that I can drag my brother out with me.  He will be a great influence and motivator.  I have a feeling CrossFit may be in the cards for us.  Here I am thinking that I am bad ass and apparently he has been doing CrossFit for like a decade.  Go figure!  O well, the point is... I am doing it, now.

The whole meal plan part is going to be rough.  My mom has been saying that she is getting into the plan that I made for her.  This will be a test.  Total immersion, so to say.  Now her "Trainer" is traveling with her and spending the next 120 hours next to her.  If nothing else, this might give me the extra nudge to keep on plan.  I have to set an example. 

All of this hard work will pay off again as I hit the boat with my family.  The only swim suit I have is my bikini that I bought this summer.  I have no choice but to wear that one and wear it proud.

Wish me luck!

I'm hungry.

I am in the lobby of LabCorps waiting to do blood work. Prior to this whole meal plan, getting and bot having breakfast wasn't such a big deal.  Today, I feel like I've left my right leg in bed.  Uhh...then I get here and they make me wait. Oh' the insanity!

I have made a habit of treating myself out to lunch on days that I have a doctors appointment.  This week I have had 3 appointments.  Maybe I need to set some limitations. I am feeling a little "fluffy" today.

Biker, I am not.

You know that voice in your head that tells you that you can't physically do something.  The voice that says, "Come on. If you can't run a mile, then a half marathon is probably a bad idea."? Yea, I don't have that voice.  I did at some point but some where along the lines, it disappeared into the abyss.  Much like my boobs.

Black Friday last year, I bought myself a bicycle. I had not ridden since I was 19 years old but I was pretty sure that I could and would soon. After-all, I am an athlete these days. I brought the cart to my car when I realized that it was probably not going to fit.  I should have know then, that this was a bad idea.  It took me nearly a half hour but I squeezed that box into my back seat.  When I got home, pulled the damn box out if my car tearing the handle of the box.  I managed to push the box across the parking lot to the stair case.  Stairs, yet another thing that I had not quite thought out.  There is no particular "method" that I used to get it up the steps.  I remember that there was some pushing, pulling, flipping and sliding.  Once I got the bike to the top and in the house, I collapsed onto the couch.  I was on a roll-ish.  Some how,  I got it into my head that at 2.a.m., I should give putting it together a shot.  Let's just sum that end result up with, "HOT MESS".  Thank you Kelly for helping me right all of my wrongs.

On Sunday, about 8 months later, I thought that is was a beautiful day to finally get on the bike and take a nice evening ride.  Hoping for the best, I packed my running belt.  (I am refusing to call that a fanny pack.).  I packed a bottle of water, cash in case I was out past dinner, my phone for my gps and camera and an energy drink mix.  I was all set up for a nice long ride.  I got my bike down to the side walk, got on, felt the hard seat on my whoo-ha and before my feet hit the pedals, I was already regretting the purchase.  In a bike, the slightest incline seems multiplied by 77.  After one circle around my neighborhood, I wanted to go back home.  It was purely pride that kept me out after that point.  I trecked my way a horrendous 50 yards to the nearest parking lot and spent the next 27 minutes riding in random patterns.  There was no way I was spending less then a half our out on that damn bike.  I made a decision, I had to follow through.  Right before I headed back home, I snapped a photo for proof to my grandchildren that I was once on a bicycle.

Lets add that to the list of things that I tried.  We can also put biking on the list of things that I never intend to do again. It is not what it is chalked up to be.  It is hard, uncomfortable and obnoxious.  That's just the helmet.  Oh, don't let me get started on the helmet.

I did it, but I didn't like it!

Booty Call

My new gym buddy

A warning would have been nice.  When I agreed to train with a blog member, I should have asked more questions first.  In particularly I blame Kelly.  She created this beast of a woman, she should have given a sista a heads up. 

On Sunday, I trained with the beautiful Heather (a.k.a. Finding New Focus).  Heather has been a huge contributor to many of my stories and has offered several up to us as well.  It was wonderful to have final met her in person.  It was funny how well we already knew each other from simply sharing on the blog.  

Heather wanted to run with one of my workouts.  I ASSUMED that it would be a nice challenge for her.  I was excited to take her through my Back and Biceps workout and thought that if nothing else, she would walk away with something useful to work into her own plan.  I am thinking that it was just as well the other way around. 

So it began, after a quick exchange of pleasantries, we were on the move.   I knew that she was working on a 21 day challenge so I thought we should start there.  The least I could do was to let her get that out of the way before we hit it hard on the weights.  HA!  This girl warms up with one hundred sit-ups and one hundred push-ups.  Yea, thank goodness my plan was biceps and back.  Otherwise I would be doing this blog from the mobile app in the therapy pool.  Every single workout she killed.  I had no idea that she was that physically strong.  Mentally, she was just as strong.  I could see in her eyes the determination to give it her all.  Not a wince, flinch or curse.  Well, I cursed.  She managed to keep her composure.  What a lady! After training with Xavy, I learned that a set wasn’t hard enough unless you manage to grunt out the “F” word somewhere within it.   I would have to say that she stuck with me, (or I stuck with her), nearly pound for pound.  We completed every single workout with zero modifications.  I was so proud of her but at the same time so humbled.   Between sets, I learned more about her journey and her story astounded me.   I appreciated her saying so but I was really the one who was honored.  I think it helped me more then it helped her.  

Afterwards, we had lunch (on plan) and gossiped.  Before we knew it, 4 hours had gone by.  It was really a wonderful time.  I made a new friend and a great new workout buddy yesterday.  I see lots more inspiration and motivation from each other in our future.  That’s what this is all about right?  Support.   I would have to say that the first “Gym Buddy” experience was a success.

Thanks Heather!

Heather and Lori

No tricks, just treat!

Well, another goal met!  Sorta a joke but still, a nice great.

This spring, I saw one of those sleezy Disney costumes online. Instead of saying, "Eww, who would wear that?", I forwarded it to Mr. Xavy and told him that he better make me fit into it by Halloween.  The catch was, that I knew if I planned on wearing something like that, I had to look good.  I have no plans on ending up on PeopleOfWalmart.com..  I said that I refused to put my ass in it if I had to wear a plus-size and even large was pushing it.  Medium! There was no other acceptable size.

This afternoon on the way home from the gym, as I passed the Costume Cabaret, I remembered this silly conversation.  By the time it was my turn at the stop sign, I had decided to give it a shot.  I was all alone and no one knew I was there. If I looked hidious, mum was the word.  No one had to know.

Well...

Here is the size Medium.  It's too big!  I wouldn't quite say that I was a size Small but I am under a Medium. 

Look at me lookin' all sleezy!  I have a month to ROCK a size small. Afterall, you gotta shake whatcha' momma have ya. Sorry Mom!
 

Chips? No, lettuce.

This morning on my mad dash to find meals, I hit the grocery store.  A bag of Dole Salad, a pack of Perdue Chicken Short Cuts and ...that's is! TWO meals (protein/veggie), on the go and under $5.00.  Please...hold the applause.  Not having a salad dressing makes it even more mobile.  Just walking around eating it like a bag of chips! 

Gym buddy for hire

One of our blog members gave me a great idea.  Let's train together!

A few months ago, I found out that my fitness goddess, Dana Linn Bailey,was offering her services as gym buddy. Immediately, I was onboard.  Well, until I saw her prices of .  I never considered that I could offer that to my friends.  Who knew?
So... I'm thinkin' if agree to buy me a post workout Gatorade (G2 please), we got ourselves a deal.  I am always looking for someone to workout with.  By "with", I mean that I can jump in on your plan or you can hop on over to mine.  We can suffer together!  This might also be a great opportunity to get my name out there for clients of my own.

-If you are following plan of either Kelly's or Xavy's, I charge a Gatorade and protein bar :)
-If we scrap the workout to go hit the local sushi bar, my secret is your secret!!!  (Let's at least check-in on Facebook before we go.)

Give it some thought! 
motivatedbymud@gmail.com

Swimmies!

A new personal best!

Not only did I finish the whole top rack of dumbbells, I moved into the second rack.  I got to play with the big boy toys!

Today, I did a set of seated (feet up) weighted dips with a 65lbs dumbbell between my legs! 

I can feel my triceps already!!! My arms feel like I am wearing a pair of swimmies.

Yup.... pretty much how I feel. Haha

Screen Shot- Wow!

52 days to goal

Once upon a time, I thought that getting to 160lbs was just a fairytale.  When Xavy not only told me that it was doable, it was doable this year... I was kind of stunned.  I instantly envisioned me gnawing at a stalk of broccoli on a treadmill.  Admittedly, I will believe pretty much anything that man tells me about fitness or weight loss, but that just seemed unrealistic.

This summer, I changed my goal from the end of the year, to October 27th.  That puts me at 52 days out as of this afternoon.  I have danced all over the 160's for the past few weeks but I have not quite hit it a solid 160 yet.  52 days seems like plenty of time until you see the scale jump 4 lbs in a day. Grant it, I have had a lot going on in the past month.  My meals have been off, I have been doubling up on training, (which is apparently counter productive), I have not been sleeping, my Uncle's passing, my break up, my bad dates, my bag of marshmallows... Uhhh... The list goes on and on.  Don't get me wrong, my body is leaning out and my shape is changing for the good, but the number on the scale is not settling down.  I don't so much mind it not moving, but the jumping is the frightening part.  I know that the number is not the only piece of the puzzle, but it is indeed a piece.

Honestly though, why am I complaining? Xavy is getting on stage and strutting around in his underoo's in 52 days. I think I need to take a page from his book and just buckle down.  He told me last week, "The road to the stage is a lonely one.".  Who knew that he was so pithy?  I can interpret that several convenient ways.  I have a feeling that quote is going to become a very prominent one in this journey, from this point forward.

So I guess I am telling myself that I need to shake off all of that crap.  I need to buck up and get myself together.  No one is going to do the work for me.  No one is going to cook my meals or keep me on track but me.  I have to be accountable for me and with nearly two months to go, I have no excuse. I have not missed a goal yet and I don't intend to start now.

I declare

Tubby Time

Unless you have been over 170lbs., will probably not understand this post.  No matter how much empathize with us "bigger people", this one is flying right over your head.  Lucky you!

I am reflecting on an event that took place last week.  It is only now that I am able to get through the story without belly laughing or crying.

I took a bath and the water was the same depth from head to toe. 

Oh, see... this is where I just separated the big from the slender peeps.  You slender people are saying, "Yea, so? Isn't it always?".  However, most of you just dropped your jaw and said, "Girl, no you Di'int! Go head, Momma Mud!!!".  

For 13 years, I have only taken a bath a hand full of times.  The process is way too complicated and I only passed Physics with a "C".  For those of you still feeling out of the loop, let me give you the run-down.

1: Check and double check all necessities and make sure they are in arms reach.  Once you get in, you know you are not getting out.

2: Grab 3 towels.  Hair, body and blanket. (I'll get to that later.)

3: Clear the tub of all non essentials. Rubber ducks are your enemy. One slip and you may never find those badboys again.

4:  Find the biggest plastic cup that you have in the cabinet, because you might get sud's on your neck.  The water will never touch the front of your neck.  I know it, you know it. Your only going to kink it all up trying to fit your body, plus your head under water.

5: You fill the tub up with scalding hot water because your booty end of the tub always gets cold first. (This may need some explaining too.)

6: Curse yourself for turning the hot water on so high, because now you have to test the depth. You think that 3 inches of water looks like too little but sure enough, after the displacement, you are saying a silent prayer as you lower your self down.

7: Ahh, you have made it to the most relaxing 4 minutes and 30 seconds of your bath. 

8:  *4 minutes 31 seconds* Your neck is stiff, your boobs are cold, your knees are still dry as a bone, your feet are numb and cold from being up on the wall. (How else were you expected to fit in the tub?), there is a pool of water in your belly button but the rest of your tummy is dry. (That always confuses me.), the small of your back has not seen the light of day and the kicker....ohhh the kicker...all of the water has mysteriously gathered from your hips forward.  There is only about a quarter inch of water behind your ass.

9: You recall high school geometry and try to find an angle to lay the rag so that it covers your nips.

10: You realize that it's not a  geometry issue, it's a physics issue.  As soon as you laid flat, your boobs flopped over 2 feet apart. You then reach for the (blanket) towel.

11: You try to get your butt warm with what's left it the hot water.  With all of your might, you unsuction your back from the wall of the tub, brace yourself and lift. WOOOSHHHH..... the levey has been broken. The cold water splashes some how all the way up and around and gets you right in the face.

12:  You say, "F@$k this, I'm getting a shower!"

Pause and regain your composure.

See how that played out?  Now do you get it? It's funny to read but is an unfortunate truth. I had completely forgotten how relaxing and delightful a bath could be.  Don't get me wrong, I still has some of those issues.  Some, but not all.

The water was the same depth from head to toe. That shouldn't be a victory. I wish I knew what I know now.

*shaking my head*. 

You go girls!

I don't want to steal anyone's thunder but I couldn't help myself!

Jen is 1/3rd of the way through to her final goal.
Welcome aboard, Gina! With her sister Jen, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Heather is rounding out Week 1 of her 21 day challenge and has hit ONEderland!
Momma Mud herself  finished 4 W.O.D.'s for CrossFit in a week!

What else ya got? 

Choose to win!

My time and energy is no less valuable then anyone else's.  Every day, I have a hundred chances to make a difference. There has to be a balance and when you stop looking at the process as a whole, it is easier to approach and easier to balance. There is no one single solution.  It's the accumulation of good choices to work towards your goals.

Let me give you an example:
-I wake up early enough so that I can prepare my meals for the day and pack my gym bag.  That single act of getting up with my alarm could make or break my whole day.

-I make a dozen of hard boiled eggs. No, I won't eat them all for breakfast or at work but there is a good chance that tonight when I get home, I won't feel like cooking. I am planning ahead.  I know where my weaknesses are and I try and head them off.

-I take my vitamins and necessary supplements and pack them for the rest of the day.  I am prepared, just in case ny schedule changes and I don't have time to grab them later. I have learned the importance and value that they make in my health and success.  They are a priority.

-I pack my 5 meals for the day in a cooler bag.  Sure, I may be home by meal 3, but maybe not.  I may even go out to eat, but maybe not.  No matter what the day brings, meal wise...I am prepared.  The chances of me buying junk when I have prepared free meals in my bag is slim to none.  That's one way I help myself along making good choices.

These are just 4 choices that I make by 9 a.m. that put me on the fast track to success. 

Easy enough, right?  Literally, no sweat.  A successful day is set in motion and I have not set foot in gym or lifted a fork.

What did you do today?

UHHH

This particular post is sorta fueled by 3 "B!tch, Please!" moments that I have had in the last 24 hours.

·A guy text asked what I was up to that evening. I responded somehow to the effect that I was getting dinner.  Teasing me, he replied telling me that it was only 4p.m.. 

My immediate thought was to school the poor fellow teasing about my dinner habits.  Without a second thought, I replied, "Oh, no.  It's only meal 5.".  When that statement needed clarification, this guy needed to move along. Any future dating prospect has to respects the process enough to follow along and pick me back up when I fall. To me, it's way more valuable then a partner that will shower me in gifts and nights out to dinner.

· A friend of mine, on the fence about losing weight and getting health, tried to use the excuse that she doesn't have time to go to the gym. 

Time to go to the gym?  The gym is only a fraction of my week.  I tend to spend more time in there then the average chick but its because of 15 other reasons combined with getting healthy.  My time in the gym is not the standard.  In fact, you don't even need to go to the gym.  Ever.

· A family member stated that it was ridiculous that I/we/us find gyms on vacation. 

My vacation is exactly that, MY vacation.  I can (could) see where he is coming from but it's what I enjoy.  I also no longer allow myself excuses.  I can't have my cake and eat it too.  If I want to let up on my diet a bit, I have to make up the difference some where and vice versa.  You can't not put in the effort and expect the results.  4 total hours on my vacation might keep me from playing "catch up" when I get back.  Is it worth coming home from vacation stressed out?  To me it's not.  I will tell you that the vacation that I took with Kelly changed my whole thought process.  We switched it up, tried something new, did it together and I came home to a loss on the scale. 

Uhhh!