Editor’s Note: Susan McCreath has been selected to participate in the Year of You, a fitness challenge hosted by The Manteca Bulletin and CORE Athletic Performance. McCreath is keeping a weekly journal, highlighting the strides and struggles of her fitness journey. These are her thoughts and feelings shared with you.
Day 112
After the slide last week I have told myself that today is a new day. Funny, but I tell myself that almost everyday! It was definitely warm in the gym tonight, but one thing I like about the gym is the big warehouse-type doors that roll up and let in air. But these doors can also work against you because it is way too easy to have to go and “take a few laps outside.” It’s amazing how fast my attitude and focus change when we have to do just straight out running or sprints. I’m not sure why I am so opposed to these tasks, but they sure do irritate me! Definitely worked up a good sweat tonight and could literally feel all the bad, toxic food I ate last week come dripping out.
Day 113
Two days in a row at the gym. Tuesday nights mean some type of weightlifting is going to be involved, but you just never know what kind until you get there. Tonight we focused on our shoulders, arms, and core. This was perfect with summer right around the corner; I can use all the upper arm/shoulder toning I can get!
Day 114
Why does it seem like this time of year there is always food everywhere you go on campus? End-of-the-year parties and celebrations are starting up and we still have two weeks to go! Teachers and staff are running around stressed to the max and candy wrappers are flying everywhere. Thankfully, I have had enough will power to avoid them! The workout tonight was enjoyable considering how warm it was outside, but maybe that’s because we didn’t have to run outside once tonight! Lots of good old-fashioned calisthenics kept my mind and body busy.
Day 115
Early morning meeting and the first thing you see is muffins, doughnuts, and scones. This is the third morning in a row that has looked like this for me! And....this is the third morning in a row that I had oatmeal with slivered almonds prior to arriving at my meeting and did not indulge.
Day 116
TGIF. This is the stressful time of year for those of us who work in schools. Lots to do and so little time. It is also difficult to find time to eat as I don’t have a set lunch time. I felt like I was grabbing a bite to eat whenever I could find time, but just never felt satisfied like I had eaten. I know it also has to do with not drinking enough water as it honestly is hard to find time to even drink a glass of water at times.
Day 117
I went shopping for some new clothes today and must admit that it is much more enjoyable than it was 100 days ago! Standing in the dressing room I had quite the revelation looking in the mirror. My knees! Yes, I have knees! I could actually see the outline of my kneecap, instead of the roll of fat that used to just indent a bit at the bending point! There is actually a bone under there and I can see the bone part and there is a definitive shape to my knee as well. Yes, progress!
Day 118
If vacuuming was a sport I would have a gold medal! I really want to know how many calories you burn when you vacuum. I was even getting crazy today and alternating which arm I was using because I wanted to make sure that each side got an even workout. When I started trying to figure out how to incorporate a lunge into my push-and-pull cycle I decided that it was time to stop vacuuming!
Connect with Susan McCreath and CORE Athletic Performance trainer Robert Iniguez on the Year of You Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/theyearofyouchallenge.
