Asparagus

Today I was feeling a bit off emotionally - realised that I had to write an additional essay I'd forgotten about, and which is due this Friday. Pissed me off! I got it done really quickly because it was just a bunch of waffle and it wasn't even graded, but then I still felt like I hadn't really achieved. BUT the good news is that despite feeling majorly POd, I did NOT hit the biscuit tin / ice cream drawer and stayed faithful to the health-giving foods. Kudos to me!

Thanks! It felt pretty good. So weird - I was hanging and started to pull up, and my body actually *went* up! To get back into strength training after my week of debauchery, I'm going to a body pump class this morning. Just to get back into the habit, and to get the form right. Afterwards I'm going for a country walk with the other half to find some delicious mushrooms for dinner - the weather has been crazy here, wet/sunny/wet/sunny, so there should be loads of fairy-ring champignons around our usual hunting ground! I've been pretty good foodwise - mostly primal so I'm happy with that! I've got to schedule a hill run for tomorrow or Tuesday though - and because I missed a week I'll have to go straight to 8 reps (from 6). That should teach me to skip workouts. :s

I agree with Seabright, I love catching up on your thread. So much optimism and achievement and good vibes. I really recognise your issue with having to psych yourself up for your circuit - I also feel that way sometimes: it's just so hard! But feels incredible afterwards. I've also reached a point where I am struggling to get my upper body stronger without sacrificing form. But it's so important to keep the form right! We'll get there

Hey Coonskee, how did your move go?

It sounds like you're doing really well. Don't beat yourself up about the food thing, like lexphoenix said - take it day by day

So... I JUST DID A PULL-UP! A proper one, chin over the bar, no cheating! WOOOOOOT! Clearly, Ben & Jerry's has some sort of strength building properties - it's weird that I succeeded today, despite the extra pounds from all the junk and the lack of strength training. Maybe it was my determination! GOAL ACHIEVED!

Thanks for the kind words guys! Lexphoenix, I think you're right -I've been taking it a bit slower this week and that's made it easier to stick to it. From Wednesday my food was pretty good. Maybe not superb, but good most of the time. I've also found the time / will to exercise again: Tuesday and Thursday I went canoeing, which was wicked fun. Wednesday I went for a long cycle to Oxford and back (2+ hours), and Friday went for a longish hilly bike ride. Today I went to a Body Attack class. I think I'm also in a position where I can send off my dissertation to the printers Monday or Tuesday (!). So then I can re-evaluate my priorities again (although I've got some holidays coming up, so I'll have to be strong!). Have a great weekend everyone!

What's shark week? And how was Week 2?

Hey Ivy! Just checking in on you, I've been away for a bit (*hangsheadinshame*).

Yikes, that sounds painful. I guess just use the "off" week to highlight to yourself how much you actually want this, that you're doing this for a reason. It will help push you through if there are more hard times ahead.

Hey CaveJen! Your weekend sounds INCREDIBLE. I'm so impressed. I went canoeing yesterday and loved it, so the kayaking sounded particularly great. Your "off-the-wagon" really sounds fine to be honest. But I know what you mean about the sugar, I also find that it creeps in bit by bit even when I'm doing well. Keep up the awesome work!

Don't renege on your goals now! You are actually doing really well. I had more than a week of eating shite and not working out, but I'm back on it now and I'm going to go for the goals that are still achievable. Join me! Let's not get dragged down by bits of suboptimal behaviour

It's really great to see you doing so well. I'm mega impressed by your 7-mile run!!! Way to smash a goal ahead of time!

Hello! I'm back! You are doing so well. I will think of you next time I slack

YES! I won a huge creepy leopard, same design, but BIGGER I gifted it to the friend who is always most creeped out by the original tiger Here's my come-back...it's a late one though! I've had slip ups before since getting fit (about 18 months ago), but they've only ever lasted a week or so. This was the longest yet, oops, and I can see it on my hips. Gross. At least I finished a draft though, so it the grand scheme it was probably worth it. Thanks! It feels like such a long process....now I need to do the abstract, acknowledgements, bibliography (UGH!) etc. while my supervisor reads it. And then I'll have to make a gazillion changes!