Slowly, surely

 I've been having a little bit of trouble sticking precisely to my workout schedule, just because... life. Appointments, meetings, and birthday celebrations! But overall, I feel really good about it. I am still getting 5-6 workouts in each week and working on upping my weights at every opportunity. 

Still feeling an overall feeling of frustration with lack of (visible) progress. But TBH I can absolutely tell that that feeling waxes and wanes based on where I am hormonally. I still feel pretty "locked in" and comfortable with my amount of effort.

I got my first ever cute gym set. Of course it doesn't look very cute on me, but I took pictures anyway in hopes of seeing some change over time!

It is very soft and comfy.

For my birthday, I got some new dumbbells and a little rack for them! 

One step forward, two steps (ouch my) back!

I recognize that all human journeys are not linear. Relationships, careers, weight loss, self-improvement of any kind. There is no direct, bumpless route to the finish line. But UGH, is it FRUSTRATING. I've injured my back, a minor muscle sprain, methinks. I haven't gone to a doctor, I don't think I will unless it gets worse. I know that this type of injury can take weeks to heal on its own, but that is the only way. One week. ONE WEEK of my new and improved workout schedule and I'm injured. 

Ok, pity party has concluded. It is what it is. The only way out is through, and so what else is there to do but just... keep going. Cautiously, intelligently - but consistently. 

Making adjustments

 It is clear that what I am doing is not enough to move the needle. I am still feeling like I just need a win. I need to see some sort of progress, the feeling of just spinning wheels is simply frustrating. Its funny and, frankly, quite sad that improving my health and longevity isn't enough motivation to keep going. I want to see progress - visibly in my body, measurements, or in data. 

So, what else is there to do, but... more? I spoke with my trainer and told her all of this and asked for help in making some goals. Here's what we came up with: 

And so here is what my weeks will look like: 

The changes here are -
• Adding a third day of strength training to the week.
• Aiming for 15,000 meters on the rower each week
• Adding a mobility/balance work out

My food hasn't changed, I am continuing to eat:
• <1,700 calories
• 115-120g protein
• 5g creatine per day