Sometimes, it is just about showing up.

I really needed to read this after the last few weeks. March has not been nearly as productive physically and mentally as January and February. Nonetheless, I have still been chipping away at my bricks and should hit 65 by the end of the month. I feel OK about where I am, but know that April is going to have to be a step up.

First, let me say that I can pinpoint exactly where I got tripped up this month. I'm responsible for my actions, yes, but sometimes bigger things come into play. For me, it was the time change. Most people do not thrive during the hours of 5AM-9AM; however, I do. I want light during those hours, not at 7PM when I've lost drive to workout or do any work. As soon as it was pitch dark again in the mornings, I found myself dragging. Despite two months of constant early morning cardio, that time switch threw me off.

Then, I got sloppy with my food choices. Not every day, but more than 20% of the time. A snack here, a chai latte there, and boom 5lbs back + less energy. I know the signs and should be able to stop, but in missing the gym (and those who make me feel more accountable), I faltered. It was not a total failure--just not what I expect or need to maintain my goals.

Next, my little brother came to visit from Wisconsin. It was awesome to have him here and I still got to the gym quite a bit as it was a "staycation" for me. But of course we dined out a lot and I gave myself permission because how often do I get to have week off? When he left, I planned to jump back into a regular routine, and then BAM!--I was pummeled with a virus. I was out four days straight from the gym and survived on soup, OJ, gingerale, popsicles, and crackers. These were not exactly nourishing items, but old habits die hard.

Finally, Friday morning, I woke up being able to breathe a bit and not feeling as lethargic. It was the day I would show up to Crossfit IronBorn. Unfortunately, it was 15.5 workout day. 15.5 consisted of thrusters and rowing--yuck! I did not chicken out--I made a decision to go and just lift lighter weights. It was a pathetic workout. I dropped 10-15lbs off what I should have been doing, but I made it through those doors. I often hear people say why bother showing up if you are not going to give it your all? I say that is garbage. Each day, each week, and each situation is different. I needed to just show up on Friday and give something. I knew it would not be my best (or even close), but I got out of bed, left the house, and surrounded myself with motivating people. And you know what? I showed up again today for my morning spinning class at Storms. After that, I texted someone in town to schedule a run for tomorrow morning...see the pattern? Show up--even if it isn't going to be the race or workout of a lifetime. It will make a difference.

~Laura

Move Nourish Believe

The Pier area of St. Petersburg, FL

After a brief trip to Florida, I am back in the frozen tundra of New Hampshire. I am not sure how it is already March, but I certainly am a bit behind with blogging! I'd feel guiltier if I had not been so busy with eating well, working out, and generally enjoying 2015!

Race updates: My husband and I signed up for the Mini Musselman sprint triathlon in July in Geneva, NY. Also, my friend Colleen from Live Free and Run convinced me to sign up for the BAA 5K which is two days before the Boston Marathon. She will be in town since her husband is running the Boston Marathon this year! I'm looking at the CARS 5K race series and still making a decision on which Aquabike race to enter. I am excited to have some specific goals and look forward to having some new Athlinks entries for 2015.

When I last blogged in January, I mentioned extending the Whole 30. I did that and made it to 50 days! Due to a work trip at the end of February, I was unable to stick to it, but since switching up my diet and incorporating gluten/dairy/sugar, I have been feeling quite icky and not sleeping well for about 5 days. The plan is to stick to paleo/Whole 30 during the weekdays as much as possible in order to feel my best. I'm actually already thinking about doing another Whole 30 from March to April. It just is not worth it to feel gross over some sangria or crackers.

Finally, I made IMPRESSIVE progress with my perfect bricks in 2015--50 to date! Those are days where I do a fasted cardio am workout, frequency push ups and eat clean for the day. I've also been spinning and have nearly completed a Couch to 5K training plan. Yoga has been infused into my week with 2-3 classes at my local gym and some Instagram challenges when I find time. Yoga has helped tremendously with my crossfit lifting and helps with my knee. Hooray for yoga!!!

Lastly, I'm weaving the mission of Move, Nourish, Believe into my weeks throughout the month. Utilizing my super cute journal from Lorna Jane, I track things that I do in each of those categories. For example, my Rotary meetings are all about believing in a greater purpose. I encourage you to check out this philosophy and see if it meshes well with your own goals.

I need to do a shout out to some fabulous friends in my life who are working hard to accomplish their own goals whether it be completing a Whole 30, shedding baby lbs, improving overall lifestyle, or adapting to challenges life throws at them! You girls are amazing! Debra, Amy, Sarah, Melissa, Jen, Alexis, Stacey, Meredith, Tammy, Jenna, Kate, Colleen and Reba.

~Laura