EDITOR’S NOTE: Josh Messersmith has been selected to participate in the Year of You, a fitness challenge hosted by The Manteca Bulletin, CalFit Manteca and CORE Athletic Performance. Messersmith is keeping a weekly journal, highlighting the strides and struggles of his fitness journey. These are his thoughts and feelings shared with you.

Day 15 

I woke up early for work and prepared my normal breakfast of eggs and a protein shake. As with every Monday, I was waiting for work to get over so I could get that first workout of the week in, but to my disappointment that did not happen. I ended up being held over at work which left me with no time to workout for that day. I still was able to stick with healthy eating with ground turkey chili and broccoli along with chicken throughout my day.

Day 16

After work I could not wait to workout. Lucky for me I was able to. I stuck to the same foods as the previous day and hit all my goals that Robert (Iniguez) has provided me with. I stuck with cardio for my workout for the day since CORE was in the process of the big move.

Day 17

After a long work week, I got a late start because it was my day off. With no gym to go to when I woke up I had to think of what I should do. I ended up getting a free pass to 24 Hour Fitness and with a workout provided by Robert, I was able to work out my chest, triceps and abs followed up with a 25-minute jog. Today was a struggle when it came to my diet. I was busy all day and failed to eat as much as I was supposed to. I also attended the Warriors game tonight and it was the most difficult time I have had with temptations to get “fast food.” I was able to get through the game without “cheating” on my diet, and learned to eat before going to any sports game.

Day 18

I started my day at the gym once again. Today was a back and bicep day followed by a 15-minute swim for cardio. Seems easy enough but the biggest struggle was to be comfortable enough to go swimming in public like that. I was able to overcome the fear and get into the pool and finish my workout. Again I was attending a basketball game in Sacramento and this time I brought snacks for the game and ate all my meals prior to leaving, making any temptation I had less irresistible. 

Day 19 

The beginning of my work week and end of my workout week. I started my day off preparing my meals for the week. The menu consisted of tilapia, chicken, ground turkey, broccoli, asparagus and quinoa. I made meals for four days in advance so that I was prepared for anything and had easy to go meals. Once I was finished, I still had enough time to get my workout in – leg day followed with 30 minutes on the stair climber. A good workout to end my week. 

Day20-21

I know my weekends have not been exciting to read about because of no workouts and I seem to always work. Well surprise, surprise, another bland weekend of 16-hour shifts, working until 6 a.m. and sleeping during the day. The hardest part about my weekend was trying to eat. I was more tired than hungry and had to find ways to eat my meals throughout the weekend.