Go Get Em Out There

We did it.  We're moving back to Oregon.

I'm a different person going back then who I was when I left.  I was a kid.  I  just had a kid.  Me and Bob were struggling.  There was family drama.  And I ran away.

I have done a lot of work on myself, both physically and emotionally.  This isn't to say that I don't have a ways to go; but I am pretty proud of all the steps I have taken.  I continue to grow and push myself out of my comfort zone.

So I'm moving back a stronger, more confident Karen.  I know that I can do whatever I put my mind to.  I'm more prepared for set backs, or conflicts that may come up.  I am re-centered.  I'm ready.

We said good-bye to Mike (my trainer and friend) and Andrea (his wife and my dear friend). As I was hugging him good-bye he whispered "Go get em out there."  It has been playing through my head since.  I'm a fighter.  I fought my way back.  I'm not ever going to give up.  And I'm ready for new challenges. 

But there has been one thing I haven't done; and it needed to be done before I start this next chapter in my life. 

I left my scale.  Gone.  I don't have one.  From now on I don't obsess about that number.  I knew it couldn't come with me.  It was a crutch.  And an unhealthy one.  I was so afraid of that number that I could barely acknowledge any other progress made.  I can't keep doing that.  I'm not afraid of going backwards.  Even if I have set backs now and again.  I know what I need to do to get myself back on track.  I don't need the number to tell me that.

Thank you Mike, well, for everything.  But also for always knowing what to say to me.  No matter how small, it is always the thing I need to hear.  And thanks to all of my friends and family who have supported me along the way.  It has helped me stay accountable and I have felt your love when I was doubting myself.

I'm jumping into a new life over here.  I don't know what it looks like yet.  But I do know I'm gonna rock it.

Baby Got Back!

I have some updated pictures! I've been trying to focus on my back muscles to tone things up back there!  I dare say it's working.  Initially looking at the first pictures I took here, http://thefoodwar.blogspot.com/2014/04/progress.html, I thought it looked like I had more muscle tone in the first set.  But upon obsessively studying them I realized something....I think I've lost some body fat in that area!  It's a bit smoother back there!!

Take a look and tell me what you think.

Assisted Pull Up Machine. It's at 80. But I can actually do 70 now. I just did a lot of other back work tonight. And yes I'm totally bragging!

 

 

 

I even like how my butt is looking! I don't think those words have EVER come out of my mouth before!!

I'm feeling pretty proud of myself at the moment....

Next Challenge- Bend Or Bust Bitches!

They say that you should sign up for a race, or a mud run, or something to keep you going.  Something you are training for, working toward.

I found mine.

I hate races.  Basically because I hate running.  I do it as an added fitness tool; but I have never, nor will I probably ever, enjoy it.  Not even one second of it.  I also have zero desire to trudge around in the mud.  (I would actually love to do an obstacle type race but until they stop adding the mud and electrical wires I'm gonna have to pass).

But I love my spin. The irony is that I am scared of actual bike riding.  Mainly because of the cars.  So looking through my facebook feed today I found this:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152225009293925&set=a.101921808924.92996.45558458924&type=1&theater

A bike scenic tour in Bend, Oregon with NO CARS.  This will be a beast I'm sure.  And my tummy is already rumbling with nerves thinking about it.  Which is how I know it's my next challenge!

I'm going for it.  I think Bend is going to be a great place for me to pursue outdoor recreational activities that push me out of my comfort zone and are athletically challenging.  I can't wait.

As my cousin would say, "Bend or Bust Bitches!"