I can really tell a difference in how I feel when I can't work out for a couple of days. I was unable to do my workouts and I not only feel down but my body felt restless and cheated! I was excited to take my run today and am looking forward to a tough workout tomorrow!

I feel like I need to work out harder. I would love to have one dedicated hour per day for working out, but then reality steps in....work, kids, home, life's little busy speed bumps. Feel good most of the time, have good intentions, just need to push myself more.....will keep trying......

My daughter made us workout bootcamp style yesterday and boy are my arms feeling it! I was only able to go on a short run this morning since I had to work and by 3pm, I felt exhausted. I'll try to make it up tonight by going to bed earlier than normal. I'll try for a longer workout tomorrow. Just need to catch up on some rest for now!

Want to send big thanks to my kids for supporting me in my workout endeavors. They have really helped me, even when I was too tired, they help give my a little more motivation to complete it.
Thanks guys!

The weight is not dropping but I feel better about myself. I have been going out for my runs and enjoying the time I can skip away from work for a quick run. I don't even mind how hot it is, I am just happy to be getting my workout done. Wish I could spend more time working out but I'll take what I can get!

I let me kids take me on a hike in the trails today. One hour, 15 minutes! Was very good for all of us. Of course, EXTREMELY hot, but it was good for all of us and I got to spend some quality time with my kids. Today is a good day!

I'm feeling stronger and my clothes are feeling looser. Wish the numbers on the scale would cooperate though. Been working out everyday and watching what I eat. I still am thankful that I am seeing results which is what I wanted. Tomorrow is bootcamp day. Will work extra hard. Actually looking forward to it.

I feel so much better after my workouts, I just need to work on getting enough sleep. Seems like I have to rob Peter to pay Paul. My work schedule is so hectic that I have to give up sleep time just to fit in workout time. I still need to find a happy medium. Definitely a goal of mine. I'll keep trying!

I'm glad I worked out early this morning. My legs are still sore from my bootcamp class couple of days ago but I'm not gonna let that stop me from my walks. I have to work tonight but I'll be able to see the fireworks from the window and still plan to enjoy them. Enjoy and have a safe 4th!

began interval training today. Had a great partner help me do our own boot-camp style workout and boy was it tough! Felt good to try something new. Arm sore, legs sore, but feels great at the same time. Will do this again in a couple of days. Looking forward to it!

I need to keep a better log of what I eat. I have been able to keep up my daily workouts but my weight has stayed the same so obviously my calorie count needs to be adjusted. I will try to keep a closer check of all calories taken in. I will also try to jot down all food eaten at the time it is eaten instead of trying to remember later. This may be the key to a change.

felt like 500 degree heat but I had to fit this in, now or never. My walk is done. Yeah me!

I need to try harder. My intentions are high in the morning to get my workout going, but I keep letting my workday take over my day and and now my nights. I know I have it in me to make time for my workout. I need to just trust in myself and do it. I will have to see this as a deeper challenge for myself. I won't give up on myself. I will do it!

I think it's time to try a different strategy. I seem to be in an exercise rut. Maybe I need to try hiking instead of walking. I still enjoy working out, I just feel like a change would help lift my spirits. I think a change in my workout is just what I need......

The days seem too short. Time is still going by too quick and I wish my workouts could be longer, but I think my slow and steady progress is positive progress. Will try to add a quick workout tonight when I finally get finished at work.
Well, back to the old salt mines......

I was able to finally get my walk done early this morning and what a difference it makes. Ideally, I would always do the walk early, but between work and life in general, it doesn't always work out the way I want. However, today, I must say I feel so much better knowing, even if I don't finish all the tasks on my agenda today, THAT was completed and to me, my health needs to be high on my priority list. It also helps that it's not scorching hot @ 7am! Well, wish me luck in walking and accomplishing the same time schedule tomorrow!

Never seems to be enough time in the day. I've been looking at the clock all day while working. Wondering when I could fit in my walk. Deadlines, tasks, to do list that seems to go on forever! Finally, I just had to say enough and just do it. Still have mountains of work stacked in my office, but it's true what they say, it will still be there in 40 minutes. Mondays can be so hard to fit in with a busy work day but I'm glad to say I did it. Wish I could have worked out longer, but I'll take my 40 minutes. I was feeling really grumpy about not having worked out yet and now it's late and I'm tired but I completed the one task I really wanted to do all day. Here's to hoping for an earlier and longer workout tomorrow!

I'm looking forward to a great weekend. Hope I can keep my energy level up. I will be going on my walk in about 30 minutes. Trying to get it done as early in the day as possible but it's hot out, no matter what time of day now! Had to walk yesterday about 5:30pm and I came back beet red but felt so much better with myself after it was done. I have to remember, NO EXCUSES!

Got back in from my walk and thought I was going to melt into the sidewalk, but after sitting all day at my job, I did it and I feel better now. I've also been doing push-ups throughout the day and my triceps are on fire! Wonder what a good number is to do per day to help me with my pull up goal? I'll just keep doing them and adding a few more on a weekly basis.
Well, off to work my next job and hope to add some sit-ups before bed. Wishing everyone a healthy evening!

First blog for the competition. Actually first blog ever! REALLY looking forward to going to the next level with my workouts. I've been working out since last July'08. Took a good hard look at myself back then and didn't like who I'd become. I'm happier now but I still have QUITE a ways to go. I think this competition will get me past this plateau I've been at and keep my motivation at a healthy level. Hope I pick up some great pointers and looking forward to making new friends and learning new ways to keep going and get stronger. I have to say, as far as health, one of my goals to to finally do a pull-up. Sad to say, but I've never been able to do one..... but by the end of this competition, I HOPE TO DO AT LEAST ONE!
Well, off to work on my upper body and do my push-ups.....