What a Great Last Morning of the Year

I was wide awake quite early this morning for some reason.  After resting in bed for just a little longer I got up and got busy.  My sister, BIL and SB met me at the gym this morning for a wonderful 1 1/2 hour workout.  I got in 6 miles on the bike again, 1 – 8 min mile on the treadmill and a 30 minute circuit workout.  I’m feeling good at the moment, but I am sure the feel good muscle aches will kick in before too long.  All worth it though.  I am already feeling better about myself.  It is amazing what a little exercise can do.

I also spent some me time in the salon this morning to get my hair trimmed.  The last time I got it cut back in July I got 10 inches cut off.  This time I just got it shaped and thinned out a little so it doesn’t look like such a ragtop. 

I also stocked up on some delicious veggies and fruits to get me back on track with eating right.  Why are groceries so expensive anymore…especially the good for you groceries.  At least I did save over $15.00 with my bonus card.

I’ve been enjoying reading everyone’s year reflections and new goals for 2012.  I am planning on taking some time this afternoon jotting down a few of my own.  It has been a great year and I am looking forward to what 2012 has in store for me. 

Keeping Active

Although I didn't "work out" yesterday or today, I was extremely active.  Being active with walks, hikes, lifting wood and rocks, sweeping and scrubbing the floor kept me busy and gave me that extra boost of energy that I often get from working out.  Plus it is great to look back at everything I accomplished!

Yesterday I started putting together a little project.  I've been wanting a little shelf/organizer that slides between my washer and dryer like this one:

So I dug into our stacks of lumber, Cowboy has laying around, picked out a few pieces and got busy sketching, planning, measuring, cutting, and gluing.  Today I was able to plane down some of the shelves and finish gluing together the ends.  Hopefully by Monday I will have some pictures of my finished project.  With all my supplies I've only spent $14.00 but advertised online the shelf costs around $40.00!  Score for saving money and building something by myself.  Cowboy only had to help me with the biscuit cutter (I'm not sure that is the official name or spelling of the tool we used, but that is what I call it.)

I also went on a four hour hike/adventure through the woods with Cowboy and the 'coon dogs last night.  What an adventure it was.  Needless to say my legs and feet were tuckered out from walking stumbling around the woods in my big ol' insulated boots and dressed like the staypuff marshmallow woman.  We got home at 1:30 and I was tucked in bed by 1:43.  That was WAY past this girl’s bedtime.

Time to go get in a quick Pilates workout, stretch out my muscles and work on these abs a bit before enjoying homemade ruben sandwiches...um, um, um.  Hoping to hit up the gym tomorrow and go for another short run to keep this workout motivation moving right along.

Back to Square One

Well, it isn't the new year yet...but I am trying to get back into a workout routine.  I've been in a workout slump since September and I've tried to pull myself out a few times but it hasn't worked.  The winter months always get me a little down in the dumps.  However, as usual around this time I start to feel squishy and not so comfortable in my own body.  So back to square one I go.

I certainly felt like I was on square one when I was running today. Lesson Learned - I should never stop my running routine.  Building those running muscles back up is not easy, everything grumbles and aches.  I know though that with just a few weeks I will be back on track and it won't feel so difficult to run a few miles. 

Yesterday I made it to gym with Manda and SB and it felt great to do 6 miles on the bike, almost a mile on the stair stepper thingy mabob and then some ab work.  Today I am feeling it and realize just how out of shape I've let myself get.  I'm hoping I'm not stuck on Square One of running and fitness for long with a little determination and focus.  I hope that I can get back into the routine of  working out, running and blogging.  And of course juggling school, crazy dogs and an even crazier husband.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Cowboy, Heather and the furry crew!