Day 50

Weighted burpees and jumping jack squats – yes, they are as awkward as they sound! It’s a toss-up, though, as to which one makes you feel more uncoordinated. Oh, and let’s just jump on a tire, jump rope, wall squat , and do some sit-ups in between to pass the time. Thank goodness he added a couple of sprints at the end of the workout for good measure. It’s amazing how I loathe the workout while it is in progress, but you feel so accomplished once it’s done.

Day 51

I’ve decided that Tuesdays are my favorite day at CORE because that’s the day that I feel I get stronger by lifting weights. But just when you think you are feeling pretty strong you have to end class by doing a combination of over 100 push-ups and 100 dips. So much for feeling strong. It’s amazing how your arms can feel like Jell-O. Had 2 great workout partners tonight that pushed me to lift more than I thought possible.

Day 52

A big shout-out to the 35-plus people that survived boot camp tonight with me. As I looked around the room I could tell that everyone was tired and sweaty, but I also saw people giving it their all. I can honestly say that working out in a group and having (trainer) Tommy (Sandoval) tell the group what to do makes me do things that I would never do if I was just going to the gym by myself. As much as I cuss him out in my mind during the workouts, I do appreciate how he pushes everyone to work hard. 

Day 53

Feeling pretty good after last night’s workout. It’s the right amount of soreness. Not painful, just sore. 

Day 54

Had to take a quick road trip. Spent 18 of the last 28 hours in a car. Now my bottom is sore not from exercise, but from sitting. I also realized how much I used to eat on road trips as it is very tempting to eat out of boredom. I did amazingly well with my eating over these 18 hours and stayed on target. The only thing I really struggled with was my water intake as it is not convenient to stop every hour for the restroom.

Day 55

I have figured out that the more I sleep, the less chance I have of overeating. Maybe that could be a new weight-loss plan. I have discovered that weekends are way harder to stay on track because there is no routine to them. When I am at work, I eat my snacks and meals at certain times, and there is no chance of overeating because I eat what I pack.

Day 56

Between daylight savings and this relaxing Sunday, it’s really making me want to eat. But I tell myself that I have worked hard and I think about how many burpees I have to do to offset calories I eat. That usually tames my appetite.

Connect with Susan McCreath and CORE Athletic Performance trainer Robert Iniguez on the Year of You Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/theyearofyouchallenge.