Keeping up with it all.

Hello all!

I am 18 weeks out from my show and I've had some pretty busy weeks recently!  We had family visiting for this last week and I had a few days off for their visit BUT I ended up getting sick :(  I had a terrible sore throat that eventually made its way into chest congestion and a cough.  Doing cardio was impossible, I let my coach know about being sick and we rescheduled in order to make sure I was feeling better.  We did some shopping with family, we took them out to eat (which I did not par take in unless it was a "cheat meal") and enjoyed seeing them!

My workouts were very different this past week.  I did only 2 cardio workouts and lifted only 2 times as well.  My body was worn out from the coughing and while I tried to have the "get up and go" it really wasn't happening.  On Friday I had my training session with my coach and it went well!  I  might have been only running at about 70% but I worked out every single bit of it!  My first workout to get back on track with my normal routine was today, Monday!  I made it through my entire cardio and lifted legs today!  I was impressed with some muscle definition that I saw during my workout!  Especially in my legs!  Gives me motivation!

So I have two things weighing heavy on my chest:  I am developing a peanut butter love that I can NOT break!  It started with being able to have a spoonful of PB and cacao nibs in order to curb cravings but right now it is starting to just become a habit I HAVE to break!  I have about two more spoonfuls of PB than I should.  The other thing is I had a moment yesterday I am not proud of.  After the stress of company, being sick and my dad's birthday yesterday (he passed away in November), and not having the best start to my day, I indulged myself in ice cream.  And it's terrible.  I need to get back on the focus track, I know it's only minor set backs compared to all the time I've been on track but it's moments like this that I need to get mentally strong and able to handle the "tough" moments.  But I figured the first step is to admit that I'm struggling.  The next step is to make a plan and get to it!  My workout plans need to be on point as well as my diet!  If I find any certain plans that work better than others then I will share!  I have to keep away from my weaknesses (keep the PB out of sight!  I can't be around junk food or people eating junk or indulging) right now.  I've got 18 weeks to see what happens when I stay on course and stop using it as an excuse that I "have plenty of time" to get with the program.  Thoughts like that are going to lead to me being unprepared and on stage in front of everyone (which is what I don't want!!!!)  I've got to start approaching this challenge with the mind set that I should be aiming for first place rather than thinking that I'm a winner just by being on stage.  I know that will happen no matter what but if I'm not aiming for the top then what's the point!  So my friends, I'm struggling but it's not over.  This journey is only at the beginning.  So get ready because I'm getting my mind right and aiming for being the best!

Cheers!
Ash