Another early morning at the gym. Fifteen minutes at level six (up from level five) on the elliptical. Walked a quarter mile before pulling 100m on the rowing machine in six minutes -- my form is getting better and I'm extending back far enough that it is essentially working in 100 sit ups as well as the other awesomeness that is the rowing machine. Walked another quarter mile, then jogged a quarter mile, then hit the glute extension (12 reps each leg at 70 pounds), the inner and outer thigh machines (2 sets of 12 reps at 70 pounds each) and the back extension machine (24 reps at 70 pounds) and 16 inclined sit ups. I simply could not do more than 40 pounds on the tricep machine, so I set the weight at that and did twelve of them. After that, swimming a mile was a respite, and five minutes in the hot tub was golden.

At home, Vivian was a delight as we made breakfast and changed her into her uniform and went to school. I turned the stale bagels into slices and toasted them, and they are delicious, a perfect accompnaiment to some lemon ginger tea.

I'm starting to see definition in the arms and increased firmness in the abs. I can definitely feel the improvement in my back and core. The scale says I've hit 125, and I'm really ok with that. I can feel the weight finally, finally!! coming out of my face, even if only a little. I'm probably going to need new swim shorts by April, since the waist on the ones I have is getting a bit loose. I feel really positive about the way I look for the first time in a decade.

The biggest bonus is the way I feel, which is way better overall from a couple months ago. I definitely have more energy throughout the day, and feel less cranky in general, less discouraged. I am still an emotional wreck about things at times, I grant you, but for actual reasons and not because I didn't have enough energy to feel good. Peace is possible.

Oh, and I just found out about the FitBit Blaze that is coming in March. I totally need one, but that's not important right now.

In other news, today is day nine of not smoking.

Let the Rhythm Take You

This morning was cold, cold cold. Stupid cold. We shivered all the way to the gym.
Once there, the rhythm of this month took over: ten minutes on the elliptical, five minutes (1000m) rowing, glutes, sit ups, back extension; swim two miles in ten minutes; zone out in a meditative state for five minutes in the hot tub, remembering that the Universe loves me and wants me to be happy.

Eggs, cheddar, bacon and horseradish wrap afterwards, with hot tea and a new-to-me mug.

Monday is legs

Coffee happened last night, but I'm at 85 hours nicotine free. I confess that the last twelve hours have been hellish, and the only real relief finally came at the gym this morning, though a great game of Cards with my supportive partner was the best distraction from the cravings.

The gym this morning saw 15 minutes on the elliptical, then on the weights, I took a page from the Warriors - I loaded the weight up until I could barely move it, then did a set of 8. It effectively broke the craving cycle. I might have to go back in half an hour, but the relief is what is important.

I swam for about a quarter mile against the current in the wave lane of the pool. It took ten minutes and tuckered me out thoroughly. Five minutes in the hot tub and a long shower later, I'm ready for some rest and some more cinnamon tea.

Life note: I couldn't sleep worth a darn, so I wrote. I started the backstory and framework to a novel. I didn't even know I had one in there.

An Evening Out

This afternoon after we picked up Vivian, we all went to the gym together. I did a record 13 minutes on the elliptical before hitting the track to run (yes, run. Me!) a quarter mile before doing inclined sit ups, back extension, glute machine and legs workout. Afterwards, we all went into the pool, and Vivian had a ball in the kids area. Dinner at home was ground beef with mushrooms, leeks, rice, garbanzo beans, and cheddar cheese. It was tasty and filling and super comfortable.

Today's life moments included paying on my college tuition, dropping a resume at an office, finding a couple other jobs to apply for (tomorrow), and sorting out the books, knitting supplies, and papers that were stacked in and around the study.

Life is good.