Weekly Wrap Up

Monday 5/19/14

The goal this week is to workout Monday through Friday. Keeping myself accountable and noting how my workouts went keeps me motivated.

I swam for 40 minutes today and felt great. I've progressed a lot and found I no longer need the pull bouy.

I also love how swimming (for some odd reason) makes me feel like I'm on vacation. Lol ;-)

Tuesday 5/20/14

We had some communication issues this morning for our weekly circuit and started  much later than expected. Kiscelle and I skipped the workout, allowed the kids to play, caught up, and hung out with Adria and the kids. 

Later that night we opted to walk to Gigi's school for her open night (my easy workout for the day).

Wednesday 5/21/14

I've tried a small handful of yoga classes and all of them I've walked out on within the first 10 minutes. Impatient a little? Yes, LOL. This was the first class I've taken and I stayed for nearly the whole class.

The instructor was easy to follow and I liked the rhythm and flow of the class. It was a challenging workout. Then she asked us to do hand stands. Whaaat?!? I thought it was a beginner class? For the record, I was not able to do a hand stand. I don't think I have the upper body strength and coordination for that kind of movement. Nevertheless I really liked the class and will definitely go back!

Thursday 5/22/14

I got my butt whooped good at this Boot Camp Class. We started with some high intensity cardio drills then partnered up for circuit training. This is a dynamic cardio/strength training class and a great workout!!

Friday 5/23/14

I met up with Cathy and Diane for a swim at Quarry Lakes this morning. I did some swimming earlier this week and I really thought the open water swim jitters would go away...they didn't, at least not right away. 

The funny thing is that now I don't worry about dying in the open water my mind has fixated on something else: the animal life in the lake. Writing this makes me laugh now but this morning I had little mini panic attacks when I saw fish and algae "coming to get me" LOL.

I am learning that you really have to get used to putting your face in that cold, murky water, and once you do that, you need to stop freaking out at every little thing you see "coming to get you" (your own spit floating towards you, algae getting threateningly close, and that aggressive-looking-catfish).

Side-note:  I didn't have time for coffee or tea this morning so I had a preworkout. BAD IDEA. No wonder I was trippin' LOL. Never again ;-)

Despite the mind games, I enjoyed Cathy and Diane's company and swam farther and longer than last week. I even practiced bi-lateral breathing and was super proud of myself until I realized 

I was going in circles! LOL! More practice!!

Woohoo for meeting my workout goals!

Happy weekend everyone!!

Play!

I was complaining to the hubby about not being able to find inspiration to write anymore.

Turns out my lack of inspiration was due to a boring workout regimen. I changed it up this week and I am re-invigorated once again :)

On Tuesday I met up with Petra for our weekly circuit. We got our circuit done while the kids played, snacked, and intermittently joined us.

On Wednesday I had zero time so I did a circuit at home. Thursday I ran and went swimming with the kids.

On Friday (today) I met up with Vimala and Cathy at Quarry Lakes for an OWS (open water swim.)

I missed seeing these ladies! It felt great to be out there again, tackling the initial anxiety of being in the open water, the claustrophobic feel of the wet suit, the sensory deprivation of swimming in general (goggles, ear plugs, face in the water), warming up to get my breathing regulated, and finally finding that natural rhythm of breath and movement.

Then I realized that I am most inspired when I am "at play." Working out with my  mama friends is enjoyable and positively affects my mood and general outlook in life. Mostly, I love seeing my miscellaneous worries dissipate.

Here are a few pages from Dr. Sheehan's book, The Essential Sheehan, that expresses this idea of play quite nicely:

And another excerpt that talks about two types of physical energy. One that is magical and playful and another that is mundane and obligatory.

With all that said I hope hope you get out there, connect with others, get moving, and find YOUR PLAY!!

Before long, you will find yourself invigorated and inspired once again.

Happy weekend friends!