When the Log rolls over...

[kfisherx]

Originally Posted by beach_plums

The super serious weight lifting lady at the gym gave me the nod. She doesn't do that to anyone. And she watched my deadlifts and lat pull downs. I've never seen her take any sort of interest in anyone there before. She's a get in, workout, get out kind of person (and yes, I've watched her before because she's just impressive!). That was pretty cool.

Okay now we are all picking up on this I see. This IS really cool.

[beach_plums]

Yesterday was an off day. Didn't do too much of anything except walk the dog.
Good thing of the day for Monday: I went to my doctor because my throat was still sore--I had strep two weeks ago. Good news, strep is gone. Bad news, I have a sinus infection so I'm back on antibiotics. Best news, my doctor, who's seen me through all my weight struggles, told me that I was looking good. That really made my day. He's seen me drastically underweight, overweight, and everywhere between. It really solidified the fact that I was on the right track this time.

[beach_plums]

S4A2 last night:
Chin Up: 1
Negatives: 3-Probably should have gone for 4. Next time...
Front Squat Push Press-3 sets @ 60lbs 8, 7, 5
Bench Press: 1 @ 85lbs-I'm going to start adding these in on my non-chin up days. This was a test to see where I should start. I'm going to start at 75lbs and do sets of 5 I think.
Step Up: 3 sets 8 @ 10e (+2.5)
Dumbbell One Point Row: 3 sets 8 @ 30e
Static lunge: 2 sets 8 @ 30lbs-Didn't get the 3 set in because my knee was bothering me.
Pushups: 3 sets 8
Plank: 75, 70, 60
Horizontal Wood Chop-skipped them. I did 3 point planks instead.

All in all, a pretty decent workout. My bf didn't eat before we worked out, so we went to "dinner" afterwards. I had the veggie plate, which was really just a bunch of veggie sticks to snack on while he ate his overly breaded deep fried chicken strips. Happily, just looking at the chicken strips made me not want them, smelling them put that feeling over the top. A few months ago, I would have been all over them. And probably with a side of onion rings. I was glad to see that bf didn't finish the chicken basket and ate some of my veggies too.
Oh, I did have my pwo shake before the veggies.

[beach_plums]

Good thing for today: In the elevator, my co-worker asked me if I was on some kind of extreme diet (I should mention that I just purchased a snack of almonds and beef jerkey in the store downstairs). I told him no, that I'm eating more than ever, and that I started weight lifting and had actually gained weight--the good kind. He said that I looked more fit.
I guess there are two good things today. I had an interview with a recruiter today at lunch. The position that he has in mind for me sounds interesting, and I will likely interview with the company that the position is for early next week. It's more money, but a longer commute. On most days I'd have to take the bus instead of riding my bike, unless they have a shower. Anyway, I'm hopeful.

I'm doing S4b2 tonight. Will update in the morning.

[Bytsi]

Cool about the compliment! And good luck with the interview... sounds like either way there are pros and cons, so whatever happens, it's all good, right?

[beach_plums]

Yes, either way, it's all good. But it sure would be nice to do something new.

So, last night was interesting. My bf, his son, and I went to dinner (kid's mom was working late, so we actually had time for dinner w/him), my ex and his friend walked into the restaurant shortly after us and were seated right next to us. It's actually really good that they were because we're still great friends and my bf gets along great with my ex. So, dinner was a blast.
Then off to the gym. I had some strange encounters with the squat team...When we got there, both of the squat racks were in use--one by the squat team and the other by some guy using the pad. The guy using the pad walked off, leaving everything on the bar. He disappeared for a while, so I decided to ask the squat team if they knew whether or not he was coming back. They didn't know, but insured me that if he did come back, they'd "have my back." Which, for the squat team is a huge break through! Later, when I was doing the Bulgarian Split Squats, the little guy (by little, I mean the shortest of the group, they're all huge) was talking smack about girls because he and his gf just broke up. They were really close by, and the others guys kept glancing over at me. Finally the little guy turned around, got red, and said Hi. I smiled, said hi, and told him that not all women are that bad. Then, the squat team actually asked to work in with me on the lat pull down, since I was alternating sets. I don't think I've ever seen them work in with anyone before (or do anything but squats for that matter). My bf was laughing the whole time and said that I was their new best friend. (I feel like I'm babbling on and on, but it was odd.)
Then to top things off, bf was super low energy and half-way through my workout, he wanted to go. So, we left. I'll finish up today after work. And maybe throw in some squats.

Here's how the first half of S4B2 went...
Deadlifts: 3 sets 8 @ 95lbs (+5)
Bench Presses: 2 sets 6 @ 65lbs--I've decided to add these just because. I started off at a really low weight because last time my shoulder was hurting afterwards. (Speaking of the number 6, I'm wearing a pair of jeans that are a size 6--it's a long way from the size 16s I was wearing 2 years ago!)
BSS: 3 sets 8 @ 35lbs
Wide Grip Lat Pull Downs: 1 set @ 112/100 (5/3), 1 sets @ 100 (8), 1 set at 112/100 (3/3)
And that's where we stopped. I said good night to the squat team and we were off. With as bad as I had been feeling the last couple of weeks, I totally understood my bf wanting to leave. And I made him leave early 2 weeks ago. So, I'm back in the gym tonight. Maybe I'll even have enough energy to really push my HIIT!

[Bytsi]

(Speaking of the number 6, I'm wearing a pair of jeans that are a size 6--it's a long way from the size 16s I was wearing 2 years ago!)

You snuck that one in!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!

[beach_plums]

I have to admit that they are wide-legged jeans, so they're bigger than regular jeans where I need it, and I'm usually in an 8 right now, but still. The number on the tag says 6!

That said, here's how the second half of s4b2 went...
Chin ups: 2!
Squats: 1 set 8 @ 45-warmup, 1 set 8 @ 85, 1 set 8 @ 90
Reverse Lunge from Box: 3 sets 8 @ 15e
Prone Cuban Snatch: 3 sets 8 @ 10e (+2.5) These killed me!
Swiss Ball Crunch: 2 sets 8 w/15 lb overhead
Reverse Incline Crunch: 2 sets 8
Lateral Flexion: 2 sets 8 on ball
Prone Cobra--same as always--blah
HIIT-box jumps for a while.

A3 is Sunday.

I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I'm grumpy today. I'm going to try to shake it with a cup of coffee. Yum.

Good thing for yesterday: I had a phone interview, which went well. I'm going in for a face-to-face Tuesday afternoon. It sounds like a good opportunity.

[Bytsi]

Good luck on the interview!

I think I'm guilty of having bought a pair of pants (or 2) just because the tag said a smaller size than I normally wear... enjoy the 6's - soon it won't matter how they're cut, you'll be rocking them all!

[beach_plums]

Thanks Bytsi!

All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good weekend. I started out crabby on Saturday, the weather was crappy, so we took the kid to see Speed Racer. Totally predictable, a little too loud, but it was alright. The boy liked it. Later that night by bf and I went out to celebrate what we're now calling Dad's Girlfriend Day. We went to our favorite pizza place and pigged out. I had a sangria. It was delicious! I was bloated and rashy from the cheese all day Sunday, but it was so worth it.

Sunday...S4A3:
Chin Ups: 2, followed by 4 sets of 1 w/60s rest between. I couldn't get the 5th set up at all. I'm pleased with the 4 though. I think I've been under-estimating myself on these. Not any more though. Thursday I'm going for that 5th set of 1 and am going to kick and grunt until I make it up. Ok, probably not kick, but I'm sure I'll be grunting.
Front Squat Puss Press: 1 set 8 @ 60lbs, 1 set 8 @ 65lbs, 1 set 7 @ 65lbs-couldn't get that 8th one up on these. That said, +5 lbs.
Step Up: 3 sets 8 @ 10e
Dumbbell One Pt Row: 3 sets 8 @ 30e
Static Lunge, Rear Ft Elevated: 2 sets 8 @ 30lbs. I don't know what it is about these, but the last two times, they've made my knee hurt. I tried to figure it out, but I couldn't identify anything. I'm not twisting, the weight's not too heavy or too light, I'm pressing through my front foot. Um, I can't think of anything else, but I'd like to figure this out so that I can complete the 3rd set.
Push-Ups: 3 sets 8. The second set I tried them with my feet on the step I used for the lunges (about 3 inches high), I got 4 out before I had to get back on the floor.
Plank: 1 @ 75s, 2 @ 60s. I really gave out on these. My abs were already pretty sore. I'm guessing it had to do with the chin ups and keeping my body in line for them. I was surprised to see how much of your core you really use on them.
Horizontal Wood Chop: 2 sets @ 40lbs (cut the second set out because of previously mentioned core sore-ness, and someone was using the pully.)

Afterwards, I called my mom for Mother's day. My parents are camping--like usual. I think they live in their camper more than their house. I can't wait to retire! I mentioned to mom that I had just worked out. She was actually glad to hear that I was sticking to it, and reminded me not to get too big. I laughed and told her not to worry, I was already smaller than when I started. That made her happy.

[beach_plums]

Not much to report.
Good thing of the Day for Monday:
I decided to pamper myself. So, after work, I took the dog to the dog park, let her get tired out, then got a manicure. My hands have been is such bad shape with all the yard work and calluses from weights. But now they're nice and smooth and pretty again--for a day. I'm sure it'll all change by the time I'm done at the gym tonight. Anyway, the place I went to also does a little seated mini-massage while your nails dry. It felt so nice. $25.00 well spent!

In other news, I've got my interview this afternoon, followed by s4b3. My shoulders are a bit sore still. I think from a combination of the chin ups and push ups on Sunday. I think it'll be ok for tonight though.

Crazy Denver weather. It was 80 yesterday, and this morning I woke up to big, wet snowflakes. It's just raining now, but will be considerably colder than yesterday.

[beach_plums]

I almost forgot! Converse has some great deals on Chuck Taylors on their outlet store right now. Will have to get some after payday.
Converse Outlet

[beach_plums]

Ok, so yesterday I ate like crap. I realized it, I felt it, I did it anyway. And, my workout suffered for it. I'm still having some soreness in my left knee, which didn't help either. That said, here's how it went...
S4B3
Bench Presses: 1 set 6 @ 65, 2 sets 5 @ 75 meh.
Wide Grip Deadlift: 1 set 8 @ 95, 2 sets 8 @ 100 (+5). These felt really good. Nothing else did.
Bulgarian Split Squat: 2 sets 8 @ 35. Here's where I started feeling my knee, so I started skipping the 3rd set in everything.
Lat Pull Downs: Well, the lat pull down station was in use with a different bar (the one where your palms face eachother), so I couldn't work in. So, instead I thought, "Hm...I'll do negatives," which went horribly wrong--arms still a little rough after Sunday's chin-up-a-thon. So, I did 5 the first time and only managed to do 3 the second. They were both to failure.
Reverse Lunge from Box: 2 sets 8 @ 15e
Prone Cuban Snatch: 2 sets 8 @ 10e
Crunch: 2 sets 8 overhead w/15lbs
Reverse Crunch 2 sets 8 incline
Lateral Flexion: 2 sets #3.
Cobra-skipped it. Had bad attitude by this point.
HIIT-see above comment about cobra

Went home, ate more crap, and iced my knee. Blah.

Good thing yesterday: interview went great! It didn't feel like an interview at all. No nerves, no nothing. Go in again tomorrow.

[Bytsi]

Good thing yesterday: interview went great! It didn't feel like an interview at all. No nerves, no nothing. Go in again tomorrow.

YAY!!!

Sorry 'bout the icky workout... but you stuck it out and did it. Think about how much better that was than choosing, say... to... oh... I dunno... skip the gym and indulge at Krispy Kreme?

Today will be better. I promise.

[beach_plums]

Nope, no Krispy Kremes for me. If there's one thing I've learned in the last 33 years, me and sugar don't mix well. On the plus side, since starting NROL4W and eating better (cleaner), I've only had one blood-sugar level episode. So that's really good. The other day I was telling my bf that the best thing I could have ever done for myself was read NROL4W and the Eat Clean Diet books. If only I had found something sooner. I think it would have minimized years of weight and health issues. I've found my right balance. Finally!

Food was a lot better yesterday. So was my energy. Funny how that works, isn't it? Got a great night sleep too. I kept the window slighly open, so it was nice a cool. And I got to fall asleep to the sound of rain.

I'm debating on whether or not to workout tonight. My knee was still a little sore last night, so I iced it some more. I'll decide later.

[beach_plums]

Well, didn't workout last night. We had a celebration dinner instead (Vietnamese food-Yum!) and I had a glass of plum wine. I'll make my way to the gym tonight after work.