Coming Around the Long 'Weigh'...and a Tip for Single Girls

It's easy to get off track in health. Especially at times like these. With My Sailor out Finding Nemo and me laying my father's ashes to rest this Memorial Day weekend, some would say the easiest thing to do would be to curl up with a bunch of chocolate, a bottle of wine, and a box of Kleenex. In some ways, I might agree with that - but that isn't really my style.

Monday, before I left to come down to California, I had another sessions with TrainerGuy. This time, we worked on finding a new Personal Record for my Deadlifts.

Remember when I said I could Deadlift almost 100lbs?

Well, it's true....

VERY true.

And it's every bit the incentive I need to stay on track.

Monday, I deadlifted 205lbs.

In my socks.

Had we not had any further plans for working out (or moving) for the day, I probably could have upped that to 210ish or a little more.

In case you thought that was a typo, let me confirm it. I can lift over 200 pounds.But before I just start tooting my own horn, I've had something of some confirmation today.

I don't have hooves.

Today, a friend of mine signed me into her gym as a guest and I slung some weights around. I'll include the actual work out at the bottom of this email for those interested in a full break down (cough cough... TrainerGuy... cough cough). My work outs when I'm traveling are always a bit more of a challenge, but I got in there and got 'er done.

And that's when AndiGirl confirmed something I've been thinking for a while. I don't have hooves. In fact, I'm far from a gazelle when it comes to my work outs. I'm not a graceful runner - though it's improving, it's yet to come naturally. (Like I've said before, I do it because it's hard.) My dream is to finish a few key races I have on my radar - not necessarily to 'win' or even 'place' in them. My goal is to finish in a way I'm proud of, and to hit that finish line with a smile on my face.

But I may have more in common with my favorite animal than the cheetah or the hoof stock of the world.

My favorite land animal just happens to be...





The African Elephant.

And ya know what? I'm completely okay with that right now.

Running may not be a lifetime goal for me.

But other goals are coming into view.

I really  like lifting. It's hard, but I don't think I like it because it's hard.  I think I just... like it. I seem to pick things up pretty quickly and, well it's fun!

Now, that said, one thing that I'll admit has become a little 'fun' about it, is being underestimated in the gym.

Seriously girls, if you're getting all dolled up, pouring hundreds of dollars into hair, make up, outfits that leave little to the imagination, and shoes that really hurt your feet, you're barking up the wrong tree.

That's just asking for one bad decision after another.

You want attention?

Become 'the girl' in the weight room slinging heavy weights, correctly.

Talk about a conversation starter.

Disclaimer:  I am happily married and don't flirt my way through the gym. I am there to work and, well, here's today's work out:

Warm up: 500m rowing, 30 sit ups, 10 knee to touch lunges, 20 w knee to touch w/8lb ball, 20 body weight squats Work Out- 30lb front squats x20, 30lb rear squats x 20, 40lbs front squats x10, 40lbs rear squats x10, 50lbs front squats x10, 50lbs rear squats x 10, 50lbs front squats x10. Every minute on the minute rear squats w/ 60lbs 3 sets of 5 each. Split jerks 30lbs x1, 40lbs x 10, 50lbs x 8, 60lbs x15, back extension 100lbs x15.

And all of these photos were taken by My Sailor, edited by me. All rights reserved.