Positives and Negatives

Greetings Bears! As with any journey, you have to deal with bumps in the road while enjoying the sights. This is something I have faced recently. The last two weeks on my quest have been filled with both positive and negative experiences. But life is filled with frustrations and setbacks, we deal with them and we move on.

My training has suffered some during the last two weeks. Due to short staffing at my job, I was forced to work additional hours each day and voluntary gave up a day off. As a result, I was both physically and mentally exhausted at the end of each day. So tired, in fact, that I could not bring myself to keep my regular gym and boxing schedule. I made it to the gym only 4 times and to my boxing class only once in almost two weeks. This is down from 5 days at the gym and 3 boxing classes each week. I was extremely disappointed in myself, yes, but these things happen sometimes...just going to keep plugging away and resume with a vengeance.

All was not lost, however. Although I engaged in a reduced workout schedule during those two weeks, I did experience some positives. By continuing to follow the diet prescribed to me by my trainer, I have been able to hold my weight in the same place. I haven't lost any more, but I haven't gained any either. I have been able to maintain the 20 lb weight loss. Another stroke of good fortune is that my muscles are continuing their 'growth phase'. I have been able to increase the amount of weight I am lifting each time I work out. The most significant gain I experienced was during my last training session performing squats...I was able to increase my squat weight to 205 lbs. I have also noticed some increased strength and tightness in my upper torso as well. My shoulder and back workouts have helped improve my punching strength and my pushups in my boxing classes.

All in all, I am pleased with the progress I am making and where I am right now in spite of the last two weeks. Everything seems to be working well in conjunction.

The journey continues....

Until next time,

Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)