Day 19 was on Thursday and it was very humbling.  I invited my 10 year old niece to join me for the workout and she zipped through it with minimal effort.   Oh, to have that kind of energy.

I'm dripping in sweat and huffing and puffing, while my energy-filled niecelet is bouncing around with a smile plastered across her face. 

"This is fun!"  "We do this in school!" and "I do these before bedtime!" were the quirky little quotes that filled the airspace between my hate tirades towards devil Jill and her crew.

When we were done, my super-sporty cohort happily skipped off to new adventures, while I dragged my sore bod to a hot shower.

What is the lesson learned?  Don't work out with an energizer bunny posing as your adorable niece, it will only make you feel old and out of shape.

19 days down, 11 to go!

Happy Holidays to all! 

Although I've been on vacation, I was able to work out three times.  Day 18 was on Tuesday.

The workout was a little more trying than usual.  I hadn't worked out in almost a week, and I had to use 4lb ankle weights as my barbells (usually use 3lbs).

It was a struggle, but I was determined to make it through and workout during the food-laden holidays.   In addition to the workout, I've also been taking long walks everyday in very chilly weather.

The holidays are shaping up to be healthier than expected.

18 days down, 12 to go!

This photo gave me a little giggle.  A perfect symbol of current Americana.  A friggin' escalator up to a gym...too funny!

Day 17 was on Wednesday.  So I have been keeping up with the daily workouts.  If only I was as diligent with the writing.

I was very nervous about my Day 17 workout.  My day had me frazzled and my body fatigue was making me nervous about my form.  I forced myself to jump into the workout, and I'm so glad that I did.  I was able to push through the fatigue, and even felt stronger during a lot of the exercises.  My form had magically returned.

I always feel better after working out.  Even if I'm sore and exhausted, it's still such a source of pride and accomplishment.  This is my new motivation.  Just push through the workout and you're guaranteed to feel better.  How many things can give you that kind of guarantee?

Plus, I've been looking at all of the cute clothes, in my closet, that I haven't been able to wear in a while.  I'm coming for you skinny jeans and fitted sweaters!

17 days down, 13 to go!

How cute is this photo?  This is exactly how I look doing my push-ups (yeah, right)!

I'm trying to use the adorable photo to detract from my lack of writing diligence.  I'm not feeling too guilty, though.  I might not be a diligent writer, but I've been a diligent little exerciser.  Day 16 was on Tuesday, so I have been working out every day.

Day 16 was a tough one.   My body was feeling the fatigue of the daily workouts.  The workout was a struggle and my form was quite-a-bit below perfect.

I'm gonna believe the fatigue is just a sign that the workouts are starting to achieve some real results.   My achy bod and I will carry on.  Mind over matter, baby.  Mind over matter.

16 days down, 14 to go!

Day 15!  I'm half way there. Oh Happy Day!

Got myself a little Majorcan motivation.  A little rah-rah from Rafa.  I'm gonna finish out the remaining 15 days with a new motivational pic each day.

I can't begin to express how much easier it is to work out every day.  Why didn't I figure this out the first time?   Stupidity...laziness...arrogance...years of phoning it in at the gym?

Not that I wasn't huffing and puffing or sweating like a pig, because I definitely was.   I just felt more in control of the movement and less a victim of my body's limitations.

Feeling good and effectively motivated.  Let's keep the momentum rolling.

15 days down, 15 to go!