Sore.

Ah lower body bands. My nemesis. Well, really, step back lunges are my nemesis. I don't know why but I keep my core tight and it NEVER fails, I lose my balance. I am sure it had nothing to do with the fact that I was up at 430am driving to Farrells. Nothing whatsoever. :) Anywhoo, that's what today was. Lower body. I do have to admit I quite enjoy band days, usually upper body more so, but all band days none the less. Band days are where you build your muscle, build your power. If I do bands consistently I definitely feel like I kick and punch the bag much harder. Bands are the whole reason I felt completely comfortable in a tube top in July. That and my sweet tan I had this summer.

So, yesterday was the first day. I love the first day! I love seeing what color wraps the newbies have...they are easier to spot. Plus, I love being a teacher. I love helping people get the right form. It just makes me happy to know that I can help a new person with some tips that had been passed on to me when I was a new person. That is what Farrell's really is about for me- paying what I know forward. Plus it helps me succeed as well. That being said, my partner yesterday was Travis of course. He is one of those newbies, and me, being the FIT member that I am, was ready to help him however he needed it. Let's just say this, his 23 year old butt kicked my almost 31 year old butt. He is quick on that bag! There were times I wanted to just be like "slow down dude!" but I held myself back. I need this push. I need him to make me work quick. Seems like every time I have a guy partner they are just so darn fast!

As far as eating goes, I am doing pretty good really. Usually in the beginning of a challenge I can ignore or not even have cravings. In a couple weeks though I might be crying on my blog because I want that stupid box of hot tamales. Cross that bridge when I get there. :) Both Travis and I have been eating 5-6 times a day, and loading up on the protein. We have cut out a lot of carbs, not all of course because we need that energy, but quite a few anyway. I was quite proud of myself today. There was an amazing looking dessert at work and one of my co-workers said "that dessert looks really good." I replied, "yeah so do my skinny pants!" :) I held back. But, I may or may not have stuck my head in the cupboard where we keep all the candy bars for the residents and inhaled in excess. :)

Overall I am happy. I can't wait for that first confirmation that I am heading in the right direction...that first try on of my old pair of size 10s. It is so worth it. Every soreness I feel, every ache in my body....all worth the final result.

I also must say I am so motivated by my friend's responses to me via facebook. I have received many nice messages saying that my blog is motivation for them, that they really enjoy reading it....THANK YOU. :) Part of why I am blogging my journey is because I want to motivate others. I am being real in every sense of the word on this blog. Totally authentic and transparent. This is hard. Losing weight is hard. It is every bit of a mental battle as it is physical battle. Sometimes I feel that the mental battle is a much harder fight. My body can do the work, but my mind tells me to give up. Writing about it is therapy. Talking to my friends about it is therapy. I want people to see that if I can do it, so can they. I too am struggling day to day. It is really a day by day, meal by meal process. You are not alone.