I Am My Own Worst Enemy...

I believe that we are toughest on ourselves... Are we ever truly satisfied with the success we've achieved thus far? I'm guessing no, because even though we've come so far we are always wanting more... Of course I am relating this to fitness and weight loss, but it probably can be used for other aspects of life! I feel that when looking in the mirror at myself I still see the flaws that remain... Nevermind the fact that I've lost 17 pounds and feel incredible when I can still see some love handles or a little jiggle in the belly area... We all have this image engraved in our minds of what perfection should be, and let's be honest, the majority of us "real" folks will never reach that so called perfection... Hello, I'm 5'3... There's no way I will ever be super model thin or have legs a mile high.... But I am ME... And I am designed to be able to reach my own personal perfection... This perfection includes a healthy lifestyle, the ability to exercise and feel good about myself, and of course to do these things without beating myself up about what the measly scale says! I've just gotta keep on keepin' on!! :)

"Selfish isn't a dirty word. It means we take care of ourselves and are able to give back." - Jillian Michaels

While watching the Biggest Loser last night, I realized that I want to be just like Jillian Michaels... I have a LONG way to go of course before that can actually become a reality, but she is just incredible! Lately I have been feeling extremely selfish because I have only been making time for myself and my health... I struggle with this tremendously because my friends are not into fitness and they don't understand why I've become so obsessive with it... I've allowed myself one night of fun a week since this journey began back in January, but some days I feel it isn't enough. Where is the balance? I want to be the best me I can be, but I also want to be social... For now, I will channel all the frustrations this dilemma is causing into my workouts!! Gotta clear the mind of all the daily crud and burn some goo!

Use it or lose it. – Jimmy Connors

Oh, I feel like I am losing it.... My mind included! If this crud does not leave me alone soon I am going to scream.... I have self-diagnosed myself with the flu... Today is day 7 I have felt like complete crap, but day by day it gets a little better! I do think it is in my best interest to keep it low key until I am back to normal, though.... Exercising hard core really weakens the immune system, and mine has definitely taken a hard hit! I suppose I should count my blessings that it didn't happen sooner since I've been full speed ahead since January! Anyway... I haven't lost focus and I am going to give it 110% once I feel that my health won't be compromised! On another note... Did anyone see the cover of this month's Shape magazine?!?! Jillian Michaels is sporting a bikini on the cover! Talk about some motivation! She said she was nervous about posing in a bikini... Ummmm, Jillian.... Most of us ladies would kill for a body like yours, so be proud!!! Happy Tuesday Everyone!



Everything Is Better With Music!

I find myself constantly updating my "Running Playlist" on my iPod... This music is used for obviously running but also for working out or maybe even just getting in the mood to do so! I promise that the right songs can make you push harder than you ever dreamed you could... There is something so fulfilling about hitting the pavement to each beat during a good run! I thought today I would share some of my personal favorites of the moment to hopefully inspire you to get moving... Some of them are cheesy, some of them contain profane language, but all are guaranteed to get you going! I don't have much workout wise since I was sick all weekend and didn't get out of bed, but today starts phase 2 of Insanity! Hopefully I will be up for the challenge!

Ashleigh's Top Current 8 Get Your Booty Moving Jams (in no particular order)

1. S&M - Rihanna

2. On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez

3. Blow - Ke$ha

4. Did It On 'Em - Niki Minaj

5. Run the Word (Girls) - Beyonce

6. Born This Way - Lady GaGa

7. Stereo Love - Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina

8. What the Hell - Avril Lavigne

I think I might make it a habit to post my top jams when they change! It's good to keep things fresh when working out so boredom doesn't sneak up! Anyway- Enjoy the jams and Bring It!! :)



Ughhhh

I am beyond tired of being sick! I've had this crud since Tuesday and it is really interfering with my workouts! Last night I couldn't even move out of the bed to do anything.... I was running a fever of almost 102 and aching all over... I sure hope it isn't the flu! Shaun T please forgive me for skipping the rest of the recovery week, but I have got to get myself well so that I can tackle the more challenging phase 2!

Blahhh

It seems that I have the beginnings of a cold coming... Not ideal timing, but if I'm going to get sick, I'd rather it happen while I'm in the recovery week! Yesterday I popped cold meds and laid in bed all afternoon/night... I felt so guilty but I couldn't muster up the strength to do anything else! I am feeling slightly better today, so I'm going to try to get in a good workout assuming my energy is deflated when I leave work! Monday was a great day workout wise before this crud hit... I walked a mile, did my Insanity workout, and then ran 2 1/2 miles! It feels good to know that my body can be pushed beyond the limits I imagined it had... with the exception of being under the weather of course! :)

Recovery Week!!

Well peeps... I did it! I have officially made it 5 weeks into the program! Woot Woot! I am absolutely going to take a moment to toot my own horn about it because it has NOT been an easy journey... :) I haven't posted anything in a while because I've been working through my frustrations with not losing any pounds... I have dealt with it, and come to the realization that the number on the scale is not the important thing! The important thing is that I can feel my body getting stronger and I can see the hard work paying off in soooo many other ways! With that in mind, I am approaching this recovery week with a positive attitude... Phase 2 will be harder than phase 1, but I am very much looking forward to some new routines... The same ole same ole gets rather boring sometimes... Shaun T knows his stuff, however, and I am putting complete faith into him and the Insanity program! Ready to dig deeper after this week!