Motivational Monday

Mondays are the most dreaded day of the week. The day we all return to our humdrum lives, whether you're a paper pusher, number cruncher, all american soccer mom, or the burger flipper at McDonalds.

Since Sunday is my day of rest, Monday is the day I get back into the swing of things. Sometimes this is more difficult than it sounds and it takes loads of motivation and pushing to get me back into my running shoes. Every time I feel this way, I find some way to bring my goals back into perspective. A while back I came across the before & after images of two women. When I look at these women, I see everything that I want to be. Some people knock this desire, some even laugh when I show them the picture, like "how are you ever gonna look like that."

 

 

Everyone has their own form of motivation. It can be images of yourself at a smaller size, your family, pictures of other women, to run a marathon, or take a trip. Whatever it is, find it and hold on as tight as you can. And when you reach whatever goal you set, make another one.

 

I'm making every Monday, motivational Monday. I will be posting some sort of motivation that hopefully not only motivate me, but you as well. Keep at it and make yourself proud!

The Plan

As you know, I'm working towards my first 5k but it's been a bumpy ride so far. I started an 8 week program that I was going to finish the day before the race, soon after realizing that I did not like the plan at all. Then I started a 12 week plan that I have no way of finishing before the race. Yesterday I tried to jump halfway through the program, but that was not one of my best ideas. I have now come to terms with the fact that I will probably not be fully ready to run the 5k on March 2nd.

Along with the run, I did 30 minutes of insanity and an ab circuit. WHOA! That's all I have to say. My inner thighs and stomach are killing me! And after reading some other peoples regimes, I thought it was about time to rethink mine. I always work best when I have everything laid out. So here it goes...

Monday: 30-45 minute intervals
Tuesday: 45-60 minute walk
Wednesday: 30-45 minute intervals
Thursday: 45-60 minute walk
Friday: 30-45 minute intervals
Saturday:45-60 minute walk
Sunday: REST!

Monday: Chest/Back/Abs
Tuesday: Shoulders/Biceps/Triceps
Wednesday: Quads/Hamstrings/Calves
Thursday: Chest/Back/Abs
Friday: Shoulders/Biceps/Triceps
Saturday: Quads/Hamstrings/Calves
Sunday: Yoga

If you happen to be wondering what my diet consists of, I attached a URL of the insanity nutrition guide. I don’t follow it exactly, but it gives you some idea of meals. Basically, I consume 5 meals a day, each 200-300 calories. I try to keep the meals high protein and low carb, although insanity suggests a 40% protein, 40% carb, 20% fat diet. I don’t consume dairy, including cheese, just because it’s hard on my digestive system and it leaves me feeling less than great. After every workout I drink my protein smoothie, with a cup of almond milk, about a cup of berries, and a scoop of protein powder (I prefer a whey isolate, but I may blog about protein powders another day).

A Little About Me

My name's Melody, I just turned 22 and recently graduated with my BS in Agricultural Economics. I'm currently in the job searching stage of my life, with absolutely no idea of what I want to be when I grow up. I have an amazing boyfriend, my hunky dunky marine :). We've only been together for a short period of time, but I'm pretty sure he's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

 

I have a passion for animals and guns--great combo, right? My aggie doodle is a 5 year old German Shepherd and I love her with everything I have. I also have another two German Shepherds, Binny and Jet (Benny & the Jets? I love the song, what can I say :/). I love interior decorating, enjoying some good music or an attention grabbing movie. Wine and chocolate are my best friends and I love nerdy number and word puzzles.

My whole life I was drastically overweight, until a year ago. I made a decision to change everything I learned and felt throughout my life and be positive. It's no easy feat, and I struggle quite a bit, but I believe it's changed my life in words I can't even express. Through loads of research and investigation, I learned how to fuel my body and turn it into a machine--one that I'm slowly beginning to fall in love with. I've hit rough patches time and time again, currently stuck in one that I'm pushing to get through. This is the reason I wanted to start this blog.

I hope through journaling my life and struggle, I can motivate and/or help at least one person out there. Personally, I had no knowledge of healthy eating or how to exercise before doing the extensive research and maybe I can make the journey for someone else that much easier. It's just so happens that while fulfilling that, I can also motivate and encourage myself. Health and fitness has become my passion, something that I love discussing with people and exploring. I hope someday it can be yours as well.

Wishing you health & Happiness,
Melli =]