1. I can still do butterfly stroke! (Okay, it was only a 25 and my arms kinda felt like they were going to fall off after, but I made it all the way down the pool only doing fly. Not too shabby for a girl who hasn’t seriously swum laps in… a year?!)
2. I absolutely can swim 1000 meters and kick 500 meters when my muscles are feeling a wee bit sore
3. My gym’s hottub becomes a hotspot for 40-something men at 8:00 pm on Sunday nights. Why were they ALL hanging out there?
4. (Not discovered, though definitely reaffirmed) Stretching in the sauna does wonders for achey muscles
5. Vanilla almond milk + rice protein powder = maybethebestproteinshakeI’veeverhad

It’s been a while since I last saw you. I don’t know if you were as sad about our time spent apart as I was, but it was really killing me. Trust me, since you left I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and have been really sorry over our parting. This morning, though, I noticed that you’re returning! Don’t try to hide from me, I saw the tell-tale line inching its way back into the middle of my torso. And— I know I was kinda pushing you here— when I turned to the side in just the right light, I definitely saw a little bit of your definition next to the bottom of my ribs. 

I guess you’re just being shy because we’ve been apart for about half a year, but trust me: I will never leave you again. This is the promise I make to you, abs. I love you, I love you, I love you. I know we’ll make this work, so you don’t need to hide anymore. I’ll take care of you.

Love always,

Me

I haven’t been to a yoga class in about a month, mostly due to lots of traveling and getting out of sync with my daily routine. Today, though, I knew I was going to be too sore to hit the gym, so I opted for a yoga class instead. And let me tell you I am so proud of myself. Despite being so sore the class flew by like a breeze, and I kept up with every single pose. Oh, and not to mention that I was able to do every “advanced” variation that the teacher offered. My yoga practice means so much to me, and so hopping back into it with such ease and in such a beautiful way made me smile so, so much. This girl is strong, even on her off days. 

I have also been trying to up my water intake recently after realizing that despite all of the water I had been drinking, my body still needed more. For the past couple of days, though, I have still been getting those vague headaches that arise from not getting enough water, so this was the signal to me that it might be time for some added electrolytes. I’ve never been into sports drinks, but I did stumble across Nuun tablets that essentially turn water into an amazing tasting sports drink without the unnecessary junk. I’m definitely digging the flavor, so I’m hoping that they are just what I needed!

Just got back from my friend’s bbq, and I would like to take a moment to pat myself on the back for resisting all of the crazy desserts that were there. Literally I brought a bag of cookies for the party, and touched not a one. Usually I won’t obsess over food here (at least I hope I won’t!), but I just wanted to note a good decision this evening.

Otherwise, today was a gym day— tough day in a row #2. I don’t know what it is, but I have been having a tough time with my workouts. I think it was because I overdid it a week or so ago, and am feeling the effects. Not to mention my less than stellar eating habits (just cookies and fruit for two days? not so good) this past weekend…. I guess it all adds up. Which was part of my resolve to start up this blog again, to keep myself in check. 

Also, good protein intake today. Somewhere around 50g? Maybe more, but that’s right in the ballpark of how much I should get in a day. Also I have been drinking tons of water today, too. 

Overall, I’m counting this one in the good book. :)