Monday Motivation

Woke up feeling weirdly woozy this morning. I considered skipping boot camp, but knew I would be sad if I did. So I got dressed and grabbed my gear and headed out.

Today's workout was a circuit -- my favorite type of workout. I love the way the variety of exercises makes the time go more quickly.

But when I was done, I worried that I hadn't tried hard enough today -- that I didn't give it my all. I feel like I didn't push myself as hard as I usually do, and that makes me sad. Of course, I know that every day I get to start over, but, still.

Kerry's post-workout motivation email really hit home:

All YOU can do is YOUR BEST at EVERY workout; and that is usually pretty uncomfortable. It's one hour and YOU CAN DO IT!! You've made the commitment to get and stay healthy and this may require a few more changes to your current lifestyle.   

What can hold you back?

That little voice in your head that says "I'm too tired" or "I can't go on." Sometimes the voice says. "If I take it easy I can make it through the rest of this." That little voice, often caused by self-doubt and fear, can rob you of benefits in a bigger way than you can imagine. This is due to the "Overload Principle". This simply means that to get the greatest benefit you must stress yourself beyond demands of previous activity. This is inherently uncomfortable to do. The greatest benefit is gained when you continue when it is most difficult to continue. This is often why some people get great results from working out, and others never seem to make much progress.  The same is true for making wise food choices day in and day out. 

Of course, I'm still worried that I didn't push past my comfort zone today. I know all too well the "If I take it easy I can make it through the rest of this" voice. But Wednesday is another chance to work harder!

In other news, I have changed my stance on not eating anything that has a face. Well, sorta:

While down in the International District on Saturday, we had amazing foot massages at East West Massage, great veggie dumplings at Szechuan Noodle Bowl, and then did a bit of shopping at Uwajimaya, where we picked up some "egg shapers". That's right, egg shapers. You hard-boil eggs, peel them while hot, clamp them in little molds, put them in cold water for 10 minutes, and voila -- friendly eggs!

I bought the set with a bunny and a bear, and am already regretting not also picking up the fish and the car. Who doesn't love a little fun with their food?