If you are serious about your goals, drop the conditions.  Go directly to your goal.  Be your goal.

Be your goal! Conditions often disguise strategies for escaping accountability.  Why not just take charge and create the experience you are looking for.

Eric Allenbaugh

By 7:45 this morning, I was well rested and warming up on the treadmill. Coasting along at 3.5 mph I hum and sing along to the music pumping into my ears. Give or take about 15 fellow gym rats ran on the tread, glided on an elliptical, or banged out weights to their maximum ability.

Anticipating today’s work out stirred me. For nearly three months, we’ve yet to repeat a routine, and that’s so cool. The routine is always a surprise–I only know that the routine will be increasingly challenging.

Within 30 minutes, my biceps and triceps “felt like fire running through my veins.”  That’s what my friend and trainer told me my arms would feel like.  She was right!  Some of the sets that flamed my muscles were:

• Scull Crushers, close grip push presses
• Biceps concentration curls on the preacher bench 
• Dumbbell seated overhead tricep extension

The burning, the aching, and the explosive muscle stinging is necessary for muscle growth.  During the lifting phase of strength training, the muscles tear and are broken down.  Proper nutrition and rest allows the muscles to repair and grow.

Hallelujah!  It’s not easy, but I’m finally meeting my daily calorie goals. I forced this plate of food (dinner) down tonight because I cannot skip a meal.  I’ve gotta eat.

6 oz. chicken breast, 1 cup of white sweet potatoes, 1 cup of leafy frozen spinach

The LIVESTRONG application is helpful.

Because of my high metabolism, my daily calorie goal is 2000 – 2400

I got my hands on some fabric samples for my competition suit.  The vivid colors and the soft fabric are beautiful!  I have no idea what color suit I’ll be wearing, but I do know that it will be bright.  I love bright colors and they look stunning against my dark tanned skin.

There’s just so much to think about.  I know that schedule wise, I’m on track, but I’m a planner and will not satisfied until all the pieces are in place.

One day at a time and one rep at a time puts me one step closer to my goal.

Enjoy your weekend!