So as the spring season is drawing to a close, I have my list of 10 ‘things’ I am looking forward to post-Derby (in random order). Just thought I would share:
1. Trying new recipes with UMP. I see them posted all the time – between Fit4HisGlory, Team Fitbody, and other random recipes found on Pinterest, I cannot wait to try – breads, waffles, french toast…all new versions, and many topped with delicious fruits!
2. A week off from the gym. I will miss it tremendously and there is a chance I will squeeze in some at home yoga or an outdoor run, but I have not had a break in quite some time. I NEED to take this. I HAVE to take this. PLEASE self, take a week off to heal and recover!
3. Vegetables. All the vegetables I want – yep no stopping this zucchini, onion, pepper, green bean eating machine. Thank goodness garden season is right around the corner! Hopeful for a good zucchini crop!
4. Happy Hour. I try so hard to not let training and diet get in the way of life, but sometimes I know myself. It is often easier to avoid these events then go and just have water. Usually I could care less and have a good time, drink or no drink. But everyone always seems to make such a big deal out of what I eat or drink, that sometimes, it is just draining.
5. Trying some new workouts. I cannot wait to experiment with more yoga classes, perhaps try CrossFit (I’m terrified), and kickboxing. I’m waiting on this ankle to heal – nothing is currently stopping me, but I don’t want to push my limits on new workouts this close to a show and dealing with a bit of pain.
6. Saving money. Ok, lets face it. Competitions are expensive and so are a lot of the components that go into them. I am looking forward to throwing some money into savings and planning a fun getaway.
7. A new hobby. I have to be consumed by something or have a hobby that takes over. I know, it’s bad, but I need this. So…first up is a flying lesson. We will see where this takes me! Looking for new things to get into…
8. Mellow Mushroom Pizza, a cake batter flavored frozen yogurt topped with rainbow sprinkles, and a nice tall, cold beer. Yep, oh my gosh, gasp these are all bad for me. And yep, I absolutely positively cannot wait to enjoy them after the Derby. No, not every day. No, not in mass quantities, but as a balanced part of my life. It will be great on a Friday night to go enjoy a slice of pizza and a beer or two, or on a hot summer day go get a frozen yogurt and top it with rainbow sprinkles and perhaps more goodies (these self serve places are amazing)! So, it will be a balance, one I am looking forward to. I now know how to eat, for nutrition, for health, and for life. I also know, that once in a while, it is ok and healthy to have something “not clean.”
9. Traveling and enjoying an active life. It will be wonderful to travel and take advantage of the activities available. It is in my nature to be active, but being able to go a few days without lifting or being able to explore new places without worrying about scheduling the gym will be nice. I know I will struggle with this. I am so used to the gym. It is quite possibly, dare I say it, an addiction.
10. Enjoying the confidence and pride, energy and enthusiasm I have towards leading a healthy lifestyle and sharing it with anyone who wants to listen or learn. I love this life! I also realize that I cannot be in contest prep mode 24/7 and that I need to transition all I have learned into a balanced lifestyle. I cannot wait. I am mentally ready. I am physically ready. Sure there is the extreme lifestyle of getting ready for stage, but there are so many habits that translate into normal day life that I treasure. I cannot wait for the Derby, but I also cannot wait to see what else is right around the corner!
