On the fitness itinerary for today was Spinning with Nobuko. She was a feisty, 40+ year old Asian dynamo. Nobuko was dressed in the full cycle ensemble and asked, "Are you bringing your best self today?" She kept saying "Can you keep this up for just 5 more minutes? When you said YES, she told you to increase your tension. I didn't realize that she asked that 8 times during the class. My favorite line was, "It is now time to spend your cash/fitness cash. No credit cards accepted!" The time flew and I loved every minute of it.

My goal is to not gain an ounce but better yet, lose a few while visiting Kate in Mexico Beach, FL. Fortunately, Kate is very much into healthy eating and fitness. She has a menu and fitness plan for each day. Last night, we had Thai turkey burgers and chipotle lime mashed sweet potatoes. Tonight is the skinny version of loaded potato chicken casserole. While slaving in the kitchen, we are sipping on Devil's Food vodka and Diet Pepsi. I never said I was perfect. :)

Two weeks have passed since I injured my knee. I am now back to working out daily but I'm avoiding side to side and twisting movements. It feels great to be sweating again. I'm still struggling with the mental willpower aspect of this challenge. My goal this week is to get back to honestly tracking my food. I know that makes a huge difference but I seem to avoid it. Gotta get past that!

A self-imposed week of exercise free existence was my plan after injuring my knee last Sunday. Walking around my school was more than my knee wanted to endure for the first couple of days. Well, I lasted three full days and then started to lightly spin without pain. I felt lost without sweating and was eating more than I care to confess. I started off with 20 minutes and increased it to 45 over several days. I returned to my Saturday morning marathon of kickboxing, weights and step. I engaged in spinning with boxing punches while the rest of the class did step and boxing. Robin adapted the weight lifting for me so that I could participate while avoiding squats and lunges. I have to admit that I looked pretty ridiculous but I'm beyond caring what people think. It felt good to be back. My plan is to return to full sweat-ability within a week.

This was a whirlwind weekend filled with a plethora of eating opportunities. The itinerary started off with a Perogi Fest at St. Bedes. Luckily, the perogis were mediocre at best and we were able to dance away some calories. Next, a Mexican Fiesta with food and Margaritas abounding. To finish off this Food Nightmare was the Rescue Rock Off at Hairy Buffalo for the Lake Humane Society. A buffet of calorie laden snacks kept calling my name. I can't believe that I'm thinking that I'm ready to get back to work where I'm locked in a classroom far from food.

While running today on the treadmill, my knee popped and my workout came to a screeching halt. Not sure what the problem might be but I'm going to take it easy for a few days, in hopes that it is nothing major. Taking it easy is not something that I have experience with because I tend to have an all or nothing attitude about working out. I purchased a knee brace and have been icing it. Could be interesting moving around my classroom and school tomorrow. Maybe my fourth and fifth graders will take pity on me and be angels. Nah! Fat chance of that one.

I just registered to run a 5K in Shaker with my daughter and a Rite Aide 10K run/walk with my friend. I must have had a lapse of common sense when I agreed to partake in these running events. Then I realized that I would be adding two new T shirts to my wardrobe and all is good. I probably should consider jumping on the treadmill today and clocking some miles. Nah! I've got lots of time to prepare,less than 30 days (Yikes!)before the Panama City race.

I just returned home from a two hour marathon of kickboxing, step, weights and boot camp. I'm a total sweaty mess but it was a good time in many ways. I think back three years ago when I first started my weight loss journey. I would never have been able to go nonstop for 120 minutes and enjoy it. I waddled into Robin's bootcamp three plus years ago unaware of how my future would drastically change. She's helped me realize that I was capable of far more than I was willing to give. I actually look forward to my fitness time not only for the physical benefits but also for the comradery of the women in the classes.