Exercise, Goals, Weight loss

Motivation Monday #4

I can’t believe it’s Monday again… especially since last week was a week where all the days blended together and it was hard to keep track of which day was which. I spent the whole week subbing in a first grade classroom where all the kids were sick. I had kids cough right in my face while I was working with them and it wasn’t long before I felt myself fighting against the bug. It finally caught up to me on Friday and by the evening I really wasn’t feeling well. Kind of rough because we were spending the weekend up in Lancaster, PA. It started with my throat and I was extremely fatigued and dizzy whenever I was sitting or standing on Saturday. Sunday had some residual throat discomfort and minor nose stuffiness but it’s been a pretty light cold so far in comparison to what I’m usually hit with. I’m really hoping that this is the extent of it all.

If you need some ideas on how to fight symptoms of a cold, here’s an article with some suggestions – many of which I use whenever I’m feeling yuck.

Because last week was a rough week for my health, I struggled to have any energy to put into working out, but I pushed through a couple anyways including really focusing on getting steps in.

Monday – 15 minute bodyweight exercises, 10K steps
Tuesday – 5.4 mi bike, 35 minutes of Zumba, 12.5K steps
Wednesday – 10K steps
Thursday – 3 mi bike, 2.4 mi run/walk, 11.7K steps
Friday: 7.5K steps (sick)
Saturday: 3.3K steps (sick)
Sunday: 35 minutes Zumba, 10K steps

I’m still working on getting my steps goal for the month of March and I’m hoping that this week I can hit 7/7 days over 10K steps. This week I’m adding in a goal of chewing food – not that I don’t already do this but I really want to slow down while I’m eating food and actually make sure I’m chewing it properly. I think one of the biggest reasons why I have issues with overeating is because I often eat too fast. So here’s to better eating habits for this week!

My sugar/dairy break for last week was pretty good the first half of the week, and not the best on the last few days as we were away from home and also doing a few early birthday celebrations. Since my birthday is this week and I’d like to indulge in a few treats, I’m going to try this out again with more dedication in a few weeks.

When it comes down to it, I’m really proud of how this last week was for me. I didn’t eat as well as I could have, but I mentally pushed through a lot of things, including workouts, in a week where I was exhausted and not feeling 100%. I’m looking forward to this week being another great week!

—–A quick recap of my weekend—–

Brady and I spent Friday and Saturday night up in Lancaster for a family retreat event that my father-in-law’s work was having. My cousin doesn’t live too far away from where we were staying so we got to drop in and spend some time together. We dropped by the fire station where my cousin’s husband is a volunteer and had a little bit of fun…

I noticed this sign while we were in there and I was like, wow… what a great motivational quote to share! I need to print this out and stick it with my other favorite inspirational quotes!

We got to see Jonah at Sight & Sound as the last part of the weekend retreat on Saturday night and I was really impressed! The sets are magnificent, the experience feels immersive, and a giant whale literally floated over the audience. It was an amazing show and I’d highly recommend any of their productions if you live within a few hours of Lancaster.

We went out for brunch with my in-laws on Sunday morning to celebrate mine and my sister-in-law’s birthdays at Miller’s Smorgasboard. The selection wasn’t extensive for vegetarians but it was still delicious though the highlight was definitely the chocolate-pecan pie I had for dessert. Pecan pies are often to sweet for me but this pie was to die for and I managed to remember to snap a quick pic before I ate it all.

We wandered a few of the outlet shops before heading home and I found this scene a little funny —> the restrooms seemed to be in the middle of nowhere.

I also happened to find this adorable plastic mug from the Animator’s Collection at the Disney Store outlet. I love everything from this collection and I really need a kid so I have an excuse to buy these things.

It was a great weekend but now it’s onto making this a great week! Here’s some motivation and inspiration to help you through yours!

We’re expecting a huge snowstorm in Maryland tonight and I’m really bummed about this because it’s probably going to kill all the gorgeous trees and flowers that bloomed this last week and I’ve already mentioned in a previous post how upset I was by the magnolias being killed off due to really low temperatures. I’m praying that they can find a miraculous way to survive. This is crazy considering that we haven’t had any snow this winter and it’s been so beautiful and warm the last month. :'(