Hurt So Good

Just like John Mellencamp said. I love feeling some soreness after a good workout, reminds me that I actually DID something!

So WOW. The past few days have be ca-ray-zy! I didn't even blog about last Thursday because my mind was so occupied with my daughter's upcoming 2nd birthday party. I had SOO much prep to do. I actually don't even remember Thursday and Friday......... Wait... just came to me, Thursday at boot camp we had a special guest representing the Special Olympics in for a good motivational pep talk. I photographed that.. more on that later.

Before I get too far, a few of you have been begging me for an updated pic. I promised that since on the 12th we were taking measurements and 'before' pictures, I'd update that day.. well, as above stated, I've been so busy basically last weekend is a blur. I look absolutely freakin' HORRID in my 'before' pics that we took on Saturday, which is another reason I didn't post it. So today I was having another one of those "Skinny Days" and felt pretty good so I had the hubster snap a quick one of me before heading off to camp. Here is my progression thus far since the beginning in June, til now Week 21. I've lost 11 inches around my waist, BOOYA!

Week 21 overall, Week 10 at boot camp.

My husband decided he needed to be sitting down while taking the picture, so looking up at my chin(s) isn't very flattering. But I digress.

So that's that. Moving on.

As I said on Thursday we had a special guest come to camp and give us all a little pep talk. He spoke about teamwork and determination. After watching him complete one of the hardest sessions I've done at camp, I was so impressed and definitely motivated. He was so kind and inspiring, made me want to work so much harder. Here are a few images from that day. Dakota was such a trooper!

I know the stamp say Rock Star BC, but I can use these images, since I am the photographer :)

Friday-- blur. Crazy prepping/cleaning for the party. Nothing exciting here.

Saturday was measurements, pictures and then an INSANE, INSANE Trx session with Rachelle. OMG. I felt that workout for days, actually... I think I felt it up until yesterday. We did these TRX Saws and Pendulums that rocked my world. Rachelle said we'd do 3 cycles, 12 rounds each. Then she said to do some "practice saws/pendulums" before we started so we knew what we were doing. "WHAT THE..?!" Is what I said.. during the PRACTICE round. And she thinks we're doing three rounds of these? psssh.

I lasted 1.5 rounds. Imagine if I could've done the whole three, I'd still be in pain I'm sure!

Here are the pendulums.

The saws:

So yea.. crazy. But SOO good.

I whined like a little baby all day Saturday and Sunday while I prepped the food for the party (Sunday afternoon). I home-made my chicken marinade, it had to be cooked before hand so that was Saturday. Then I made 2 different kinds of salsa, that had to be made Sat. also so the flavors would be right for the next day. I moaned and groaned while chopping, my lats were on FIRE. I even contemplated taking some Tylenol to get through the pain so I could keeping working. I'm not big on OTC pills or medication, so I just complained through the pain instead. :) Betcha would've loved being in my house that day! My poor husband. At least I had a good reason!

Sunday winds around, still haven't rested. I've been preparing for this party for forever mentally. Physically, I prepared by working out enough last week to earn myself a treat. The cake. I planned on having a piece of cake at my daughters party no matter what. I think I deserved it. Curtis says to "earn your cheat day." I worked out 6 times last week! I earned it. I didn't use my cheat for the whole day though. I served all sorts of food, most fresh and healthy, some not like hotdogs and chips.. Proudly though, I didn't have any of that. I snacked on lots of celery and carrots, greek yogurt ranch dip, my grilled chicken, more celery.

When it was finally my turn to sit down and enjoy myself, I also enjoyed my piece of cake. yummmm. Ask Jessica if you don't believe me. It was 'moan out loud' delicious. I had a hard time concentrating on the story she was telling me because I was falling in love with the rare treat in my hands. I savored it like you wouldn't even believe. Probably because I knew it would be a long time until I had another piece. I probably wont have cake again until my Selah's (my 6 month old) birthday in May. So you can bet I was a little involved in my plate. It's a beauty, look at this thing! and No, I didn't make it.

If you're interested in your own cake, obviously doesn't have to be Strawberry Shortcake theme, let me know and I will send you contact information. The lady is a local girl and not only are her cakes GORGEOUS, they taste amazing and PERFECT for any party requiring a cake :)

Here is the birthday girl herself. She hogged all the balloons. It was her party after all :)

Monday, I took the day off. I didn't feel guilty, I needed and deserved the rest. I had major damage control to do after the hurricane of children left my house. Clean up is the worst part of any party. After clean up, I did nothing. I finished up some work on the computer, but when that was done, I just chillaxed. WHEW. FINALLY a chance to breath!

Tonight-- back to the grind again. Boot camp was awesome, got in a great sweat. Why is it so warm out? I was so hot in my long sleeve shirt, I just about had to strip down. I wouldn't do that to the other campers though, no worries!

I'm excited about the week. With the party done and over, I can focus my mind on my weight loss again. Even though the holidays are right around the corner... Story of my life, there's always something 'right around the corner'. Just the way the cookie crumbles I guess. Now I'm off to eat some veggies.