Day 17 (30 in 45)

Somedays we are granted somethings that we don't deserve. 

No matter how far you've drifted from God, He always has a way to bring you back. 

I don't have a life changing story or what not, but the little things in life add up. 

I just feel blessed. 

Thankful for the second chances. 

The uncertainty because certain today (yesterday) and I'm truly grateful. 

// 

As far as the "HEALTH" and "FITNESS" aspect of my life. 

I've been eating clean, but haven't had the time or energy to go to the gym. 

First session will be tomorrow (thursday) 

I had the chance to go out w/ my boy ken and just relax at It's a grind. 

Met up w/ people I haven't seen in a minute, but it was just nice to relax. 

Everyone went out to eat afterwards, but we decided to just hit the road. 

We didn't want to be tempted, and we were exhausted from our day. 

// 

I feel great. and I'm not sure if I'm going to go full on RAW FOODS 

But I'm definitely going to eat a lot more of it. 

I just feel better. more energetic. 

But cutting out bread is definitely going to be hard. 

Anyway. 

The weigh in on sunday should be interesting. Let's hope for under 200. 

If not...201 or 202 will do for now :) 

To health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy

Day 16 (30 in 45)

Another WEIRD day. 

The sun is shining and I'm being positive about an uncertain situation. 

I need to refocus and remember the good things in life. 

I have a family who loves me for who I am, no matter what. 

I have a girlfriend who is perfect for me. 

I have health. 

I have my music. 

Most importantly, I have a GOD who never gives up on me. 

The only being that will never fail me or let me down. 

The only reason why we live here on earth today. 

He has a plan, and whatever that plan and road may be...we just have to follow. 

Taking things in our stride, will only cause us to fail. 

& that has been my mistake this year. 

Too many times have I tried to do things on my own. (and many times I fall short) 

Maybe this is an eye opener. Something that I truly need to grow and remember why I am here on earth. 

I live to Love & I love to live. 

I am on a cleanse this week. The diet has gone out the window. 

I need this cleanse in order to clear my mind and help me get ready for what's to come. 

The life we live. is a life that is not certain. 

The life we live has no guarantees and isn't set in stone. 

We can plan all we want and map out our future, but things will change. Plans will fail. 

Our trust must fall on God and Him alone. 

Failing is something that is hard to swallow. But something we all will face. 

This week is all about. What I can do for God and not what I can do for myself or what He can do for me. 

Live to inspire. 

To health & life. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

Day 15 (30 in 45)

Today was very interesting. 

I failed a course in nursing by 1.6% -- I'm waiting around for my professor to give me the heads up on what's next. 

Being that I have my Associate degree. This will maybe allow me to just study for NCLEX and start working. 

Or it can be a huge set back and make it impossible for me to find a job. 

All I can do is hope and pray for the best. Trust the Lord will have the best road for me to take. 

I'm confident that he will bring me out of this. I've gone through so much in school, so many bumps. 

This is just another one I need to get through and face. 

Another situation in life that I will learn and grow from. Taking 16 units was hard for me this quarter. 

A lot of busy work. Something I should've thought about, but didn't. I really thought I could do it. 

It's about picking up from here and doing it. 

// 

As far as the diet. 

I ate a granola bar for breakfast. 

Turkey sandwich for lunch. 

Nuts and a vegetable/fruit homemade smoothie for dinner. 

Not my 30 in 45 diet, but semi healthy. 

I wasn't really in the mood to do much of anything once I found out. 

I'm just ready to hit the gym so I can take out my frustration on the treadmill and bike. 

Well. this week is going to be huge for my weight loss. 

Let's do it. 

To health. (& life)  

BST.TLF

Russy 

Day 14 (30 in 45)

Not a good day. 

Ate semi good, semi horrible. which equals too bad. 

Been studying for my final for tomorrow. 

I need to refocus after tomorrow and hit the gym. 

No excuses. I should of budgeted my time better so I could hit the gym. 

My fault. and only my doing. 

Let's get back on track. 

This is going to be a HUGE week. 

To health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

** No weigh in today ** 

Day 12 & 13 (30 in 45)

Haven't been too good the past few days. 

Been studying & just spending time w/ my lovely girlfriend :) 

But it'll be different this week. 

Found an old blog: 

what DRIVES you? 
Life can be extremely challenging...
we stumble, we fall, we cry...
we even have those moments where we "GIVE UP" 
But we are driven for a reason...
it's the same reason that brings us through to the next day... 
//
I've always been someone who takes pride in PUSHING through. 
I've pushed through some of the most MENTALLY draining obstacles life can throw at you. 
But "SOMETHING" always gets me through the hump. 
//
STRUGGLING is imperatively as important as SUCCEEDING. 
these test our ability to make better decisions in life... 
building experiences that make us wiser individuals... 
which we can subsequently pass on to the next generation... 
//
UTILIZE your motivations in a positive direction... 
always carry a "never quit" mentality... 
because this type of thinking will bring you tremendous success. 
//
if you've EVER lacked the motivation or the lack of confidence in yourself... 
always say this to yourself: 
THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE OUT THERE WORKING HARDER THAN YOU ARE!! 
like Diddy says; 
"There is always someone trying to take your spot". 

whatever it is you're STRUGGLING with...
remember these things: 
1. trust GOD (because phil 4:13 says: we can do all things through him who strengthens us" 
2. always PUSH YOURSELF...utilize the simple math equation +1...whatever you can do...always try to do 1 more...then 1 more...
3. Keep people around you to keep you ACCOUNTABLE!
4. NEVER doubt yourself, always believe that you have the ability. 

WHATEVER it is that made me write this blog, i have no idea. 
complacency is something we as a society have grown accustom to. 
it's truly sad to see that people only do the work "half-heartedly"... 
Strive for Greatness in all you do. 
STRENGTH and HONOR. 
*SouL*

Day 11 (30 in 45)

woke up at 6am today to get ready for school. 

last day teaching @ colton high school. thanks kids for letting me be a part of your lives. 

I shared many of my "fat" past and the abuse (verbal & physical) that i took as a child. 

It was so cold this morning. Just throwing that out there :/ 

Got back home. took a little nap. studied a little bit. had a final from 1-3pm. 

&& now I'm currently studying for my final on monday. 

I'm going to skip the gym today and just study the night away and go in the AM tomorrow. 

I've been so deprived of sleep. I think my body needs time to just CHILL. 

Been good on my diet. EXCEPT I'm SICK OF IT. 

So, I changed it up today. All I wanted was something refreshing. So i decided to make a smoothie .

Ingredients: 

- 4 oranges 

- 3 bananas 

- 2 apples 

- a 2 cups of BROCCOLI

**of course I didn't drink the whole thing, but I intend too** :P 

It surprisingly tasted very delicious. I'm getting accustom to these flavors (bland and natural) 

But, even though this went a little off the diet path...I maintained health. 

I'm truly thankful for my health, and just feel lucky for that. 

I love my life & I want to live it to the fullest! :) 

Well...this may be my day of rest (maybe not relaxation) but truly the rest part. 

Signing off for the evening. 

To health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

Day 10 (30 in 45)

Today was a very busy day. 

Another day FREE from rain...why did I ever want to move to seattle. :X 

I'm a California kid, and will always be a California kid. 

Sunshine is the only thing I know. 

It was pretty chilly today though. 

Got my H1N1 vaccine today. Hope I don't get sick! 

Neway. 

Planning and doing this diet is getting more and more routine. BUT it's not getting any easier. 

The workouts are limited to about an hour and  a half, but my calorie intake is minimal, so i'm still getting that deficit. 

Haven't cheated this week, but I've felt the urges to cheat many times. 

Well. Its time to study now. 

Thursday approaches and I'm ready for another day :D 

Let's have another great week of weight loss!!! 

Goal is to get below 200 this week, but that'd be 6lbs this week, so we'll see. 

Well. G'nite! 

To health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

Day 9 (30 in 45)

Day 9 feels so fine, because of the SUNSHINE!!!!!! :) 

Today's gonna be a good day!! (be back for the evening post!)

// 

ate clean today. 

light workout. 

gonna hit it harder tomorrow. 

Let's go. 

To health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

Day 8 (30 in 45)

And the rain begins to pour. 

I love the fact that the earth is getting it's drank on, but I can't take getting wet :/ 

Being cold, wet, and looking out at the gloom = feeling LAZY!! 

&& that's the LAST THING I NEED. 

BUT, that didn't stop me from having a GREAT day w/ eating & working out. 

I ate cleanly again, and I really wasn't tempted to eat anything else but my diet. 

I did do something different today. A trick I'll probably use in the future. 

Tried my protein shake w/ a little bit a cinnamon. 

It really added great flavor and made it taste interesting. 

This is something I need to do in order to keep me from getting bored. 

Just came back from the gym. Had an amazing cardio session & worked those bi's/tri's. 

Glad the rain didn't keep me from getting a workout in. (even in 44 degree weather) 

I know all the east coaster's or even those from the bay are like "THAT'S NOT COLD" 

Well, I'm from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. where it's pretty much ALWAYS sunny! haha 

Ne-who. 

Excited for what tuesday has in store. It's about getting good STUDYING in & fitting in a workout. 

**also, BIGGEST LOSER (the finale)** 

Well, I gotta get some good sleep tonight so I can wake up energized :) 

Signing off. 

To health. 

BST.TLF

Russy 

p.s. 

It really feels good to put in the work, and hear people say: 

"You can see it in your face that you've lost weight"

This is exactly the motivation I need to keep it going. 

Let's keep this rollin'. :) 

Day 7 (30 in 45)

Weigh in day. 

The much anticipated SUNDAY!! :) 

So, here it is: 

//

June starting weight: 229.9lbs 

Day #1 of 30 in 45 weight November 30: 216.4 lbs

CURRENT WEIGHT dec 6th: 206.2 lbs 

Total weight loss = 10.2 lbs 

//

I know I said I wouldn't do cheat days...but i figured to keep me going, this is much needed. 

The plan is: cheat w/ more, but healthier foods. 

Today I had a tuna sandwhich from subway and some veggie meat at night w/ some bread. 

The rest of my day was the rest of the diet. 

I'm looking forward to this coming week to see how much I can take off. 

It's going to be a little more hectic w/ finals week approaching and presentations today. 

So here we go. 

Week #2. 

To health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

Day 5 & 6 (30 in 45)

Friday and Saturday. The weight loss (weekend curse). 

Not this weekend. 

Friday, I added a few more carbs in my diet, but didn't cheat w/ greasy food, or food that was fatty :) 

Saturday, I didn't eat all my meals, skipped 2! :X -- But it's because I was doing a youtube video w/ Danielle and Ken! 

I didn't really eat much of anything  today. 

Nor did i work out friday and saturday :/ 

But i feel good though, I feel more rested & lighter. 

Gonna make sure i go to the gym tomorrow (sunday) 

I'm also excited what the weigh in is gonna be on monday morning :) 

till then. 

to health. 

BST.TLF 

Russy 

Day 4 (30 in 45)

This is odd to post in the morning. But i will re-update it at the end of the day. 

// 

I find it funny that I set my alarm clock and snooze away. Why set the alarm clock in the first place? 

What if there were an alarm clock that dragged you out of bed & made you get up. 

Until there is one out there on the market...I'm stuck to snoozing!! 

Well, its day four...another LONG ass day at school, and I'm ready for it! 

Got my oatmeal in hand, chomping away on my banana as well. 

This "diet" or what I like to call a "lifestyle" haha (but forreal)...isn't so bad after all. 

I did it before in the past. (people thought i was crazy) but I did it before didn't I? 

I guess you can say this is the prime example of "Giving up something to Get something else" 

This definitely is giving up a lot. 

// 

Let me break it down for you! 

RULES of the DIET PLAN: 

- I cannot eat anything that is not on this sheet  

- No seasoning on any of the food (Not even ketchup, mustard, etc...) 

- Drink a glass of water w/ every meal 

- No eating past 9pm 

//

meal 1: bowl of (Organic) oatmeal (no sugar or milk) & one medium size banana = 165 calories 

meal 2: protein shake = 120 calories 

meal 3: turkey slices (90 calorie pack) & medium size apple = 150 calories 

meal 4: protein shake = 120 calories 

meal 5: boiled chicken breast & broccoli = 250 

meal 6: 1 cup of soil milk and a teaspoon of peanut butter = 150 

Calorie Count = 955 (approx) 

// 

There you have it. This is what I eat and nothing more. and nothing less. 

It's definitely a challenge...I have 41 more days to go, but it's looking good right now. 

Well, back to school. 

Check back in tonight. :) 

// -- CHECKING BACK IN -- // 

The day is about to conclude once again. 

Just got back from my workout at the gym. 

Now that was the type of workout that I wanted to have all week. 

It wasn't about the QUANTITY but the QUALITY of the work I put in. 

Sure I wasn't there for 2 or 3 hours, but I put in a hard 1 1/2 hour of work and made use of my time. 

I didn't cheat today!! 4th day straight. 

Friday is always there curse. and has been the curse w/ any of my diet plans. 

But, I don't see myself cheating tomorrow. It's been a great feeling to put in a great stretch. 

I'm excited to way myself on sunday. Don't know if i expect a HUGE number, but 5lbs will do :) 

If I average 5lbs/week...the goal of 30 in 45 will happen! 

The hard part is staying motivated and being consistent. 

Well, signing off for the night. 

Friday...I am ready for you! 

To health. 

BST.TLF

Russy

Day 3 (30 in 45)

Day 3 about to conclude. 

Wednesday and Thursday are by FAR the worst days at school. 

8am - 5pm. NOT FUN! 

Today was no different, except it went till 545 and didn't get home till about 6pm. 

I'm not really looking forward to tomorrow, but school happens ya know? 

Was super exhausted from the day, that I only did a few shoulder exercises at home and I was done. 

So, No gym today. Fail. 

BUT, I mean...this is no compromise, but I did a lot of walking to class. 

I purposely parked far to walk today, not because i knew I wouldn't go to the gym. But...just cause. 

Didn't cheat today. Ate VERY clean!! Which I'm very proud of myself for. 

Parents bought some chinese food that smelled delish, but i didn't partake in the action jackson. 

WTF am I blogging. It's really late and I determined to go to the gym early before class tomorrow :) 

42 more days to go. All i need to do is get a couple weeks under my belt and it should be routine. 

Excited to step on the scale on sunday. Pretty tempted to do it today, but it'll drive me to lose it. 

(all I need is 5lbs every week. and i'm GOLDEN) 

Well, signing off for the day. 

Was a SO-SO day, but it's another step to getting where I need to get. 

To health. 

BST.TLF

Russy

Day 2 (30 in 45)

Day number 2. In the books. 

Tuesdays are days off from school. Such a blessing to have. 

Attempted to wake up at 6am. Snoozed my alarm till 830. 

Only because I got home from the gym late and I was SUPER exhausted. 

Got up ate my first meal at 9am. 

Then got ready and ran errands for school till about 12pm. 

Actually went to the gym early today. Went around 2ish. 

Left the gym, w/ a so-so workout at around 415. 

Wish i had more energy...probably because my calories are down & minimizing the carbs. 

Didn't cheat, but watching the foodnetwork channel is never a good idea. 

Especially when you're trying to eat clean. 

Well, on the agenda tonight..."the biggest loser" 

This is supposedly the episode where one of the previous "winners" comes back. 

and gains ALL the weight and some extra back. 

Hmmm...Sounds like a familiar story! (MY STORY DAMN IT) 

But, I guess it can happen to anybody. 

Life happens. But no excuse is a good excuse to neglect your health. 

It's takes time to get there. 

and it only takes a blink of an eye to gain it all back. 

I know I say this all the time...BUT starting this plan feels different. 

Let's *CROSS OUR FINGERS* that the plan is different. 

Excited for tomorrow, but tomorrow will be a much busier day at school. 

I'm up for the challenge. 

Time to get some rest :) 

To health. 

BST.TLF. 

Russy 

I am reminded that "MAINTAINING" is the hardest part. 

I was once there and I will get back. 

Here's a story to remind me that we all can fail. But its picking up the pieces and starting over, is what counts the most: 

http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/01/biggest-losers-erik-chopin-gains-it-back/

Day 1 (30 in 45)

First day, officially over. 

Wasn't too tough today. Although, It was a super exhausting day at school. 

Still managed to put 2 hours in at the gym. 

Got in a car accident today, that could've been worse. 

It was a little awkward back in the weight room for the first time in a long time. 

24 hour fitness guys are way more intense than drayson. 

I had a couple of guys look at me like, "what the f*ck are you doing in here" 

My body pretty much is beat up. My mind is also exhausted. 

But, I'm looking forward for what tomorrow holds. 

I'm excited for the week to be over to see how far I have gotten. 

(first week weight loss numbers are always the best) 

Time to hit the sack to get up and eat at 6am and do a light workout. 

Definitely looking forward to these two a days (real soon). 

Well...signing off. 

To health. 

BST.TLF

Russy

Beginning of 30 in 45 (phase 1)

Excited for change. 

After a horrible week during break, I'm ready. 

Day 1 of 30 in 45 starts tomorrow. 

Went grocery shopping today for my meals for the week. 

First step. About to prep my food. to make life a little easier. 

Setting my alarm clock to 445am to hit session 1 of 2 tomorrow morning

and the second at 8pm (after classes). 

Time to do work. 

No excuses. Just results. 

Let's go. 

To health. 

To a new me. 

BST.TLF 

*Russy* 

July 2009 weight: 229.9 

Starting weight November 29, 2009: 216.4 (DAMN!) 

Goal weight (by July 7th, 2009) -- nursing graduation: 165

The only way is going all the way.

The beauty of being able to start fresh is, one of the greatest feelings to have. 

I am blessed w/ health, that many people can wish for. 

I am also stupid enough, to have wasted a "healthy lifestyle", that many might be disgusted with. 

During the last 2 years, I've lived the sedentary lifestyle most people live that lead them to early graves. 

Which is why, the a fresh start is what i need. 

Making this goal happen means. NO SLACKING OFF. 

No cheat days. No missed days at the gym. for 45 days. 

I'm confident in losing this weight. But after the first 30, it doesn't stop there. 

I've been lucky not to have any lingering health problems. and i'm not about to let that happen. 

My family/genetic history is filled with opportunities for these dz's to stem and grow. 

They say when you're 25, you're suppose to be in the BEST shape of your life? 

Well, right now...i'm damn near the worst. 

I'll take this week to cleanse yet again. I will incorporate my diet and start fresh in december. 

The only feeling i feel now...is that of excitment. 

It's about time. 2010 is going to be different. 

//New beginnings. (New Year's resolutions)// 

- I will graduation w/ my BSN in Nursing 

- I will get a Job

- I will get into the BEST shape of my life (which means i will lose 60 pounds) 

Resolutions all reachable. It's a matter of putting my mind to it. 

and DOING IT. 

To health. 

BST.TLF. 

Russy 

Extreme Goal:

This is my challenge. 

I'm gonna lose 30 pounds before January 1st. 

There you have it. 

Whatever it takes. 

Great week.

After weeks of b!tching about being sick and what not. 

It feels good to get a good string of days together. 

I know this is just the beginning, but again I feel the determination reaching another level. 

Definitely been a long time since i've felt like this and felt like I'm getting somewhere. 

The week started out w/ a "fruit/vegetable cleanse" in mind... 

Although I did not ONLY eat fruits and veggies, it did happen 90% of the week. 

The gym has been quite friendly as well, although stamina is not up to par as it use to...

I'm just blessed to have the health and ability to go to the gym. 

From this point on, I'm positive for a change. 

After recently picking up the book "Body for Life", it puts my goals into perspective. 

I know I can do it. 

It's just a matter of doing it. 

Life is too short to just sit around the couch and dwell about the "'past" and...

How fit I "used" to be... 

or how i use to be able to run "x" amount of miles 

I'm tired of making all the excuses and blaming this and that for my own downfall. 

If i really wanted to change, I would've changed something. 

I grew complacent. gave up on myself and my goals. 

This is another crack at it. 

The sickness is over with. & I've gotten past the initial days at the gym and eating clean. 

It's time to bring it back to the level I once was. 

Determine. 

Blessed. 

& Thankful 

To health. 

BST.TLF. 

Russy

when life throws you a lemon.

Grab the effin' lemon and throw it back!! 

Growin' older ain't easy, but we all have to do it. 

I use to be scared of failure. 

BUT not anymore. I mean...failure is something that happens.

It's a part of life we have to accept.

Easier to give up then to try to pick yourself up and keep going. 

No matter what life throws at you. 

Don't be scared to throw it back. 

Impossible is Nothing. 

Brand new week.

So, while i sit here in class...I can only get giddy about what this week has in store.

My mentality going into this week is: 

Sick of Not sick; I'm going to do work. 

Eat right. Sleep right. Workout. & most importantly Focus on my daily devotion w/ God.

// 

I've been battling the flu (cough and cold) for almost a month now.

Along with being sick, i've been experiencing a stomach illness where  i can't keep anything down. 

Maybe i need to just cleanse, and jump into it full heartedly. 

I'm ready. 

Let's GO! 

Do work. 

To health. 

BST.TLF

Russy. 

:)

I Love you Jenny!! 

You make me one of the HAPPIEST people alive!! 

*MUAH* 

still cursed?

And we continue. 

There are times I feel like giving up with this whole weight loss thing. 

You know what sucks even more tho?! -- giving it all you have, getting sick, and losing that energy that kept you going. 

I know this is just a bump in the road, but this bump is pretty lengthy if you ask me? 

*Small steps* lead to *Larger steps* -- which lead to results. 

I'm someone who put their entire worth when fully dedicated. 

I'm definitely an ALL IN, or nothing type of guy, who when he sets his mind to something he can do pretty much anything! 

And i've lost that.

Life has been GREAT besides the whole losing weight thing though. 

&& it seems to be that way every single time. 

I forget to take care of my body, and do other things. I need to find that balance. 

Life will never be easy. 

You'll have to work for what you obtain. Sometimes it may take longer than you anticipate...

Other times it may come easy. 

Nothing has ever come easy for me. I've always had to take that (extra step) to get better or attain something. 

Even with music... 

People might think, I've never worked on it. But as a kid, i was always driven by constructive criticism. 

As much as I did not want to hear it, especially as a child, I took that as motivation to get better. 

I worked and worked on it. 

Sometimes i wanted to give up, because i felt so "unaccomplished". 

It took time for me to be able to play the piano and sing at the same time. 

If you heard me before, and now...you would've never thought i could put out a video. 

I still have a LONG way to go, but it's a process, and sometimes i forget that. 

Being determined is one thing, but staying determined is the deal breaker. 

I need to find that drive. That motivation that drove me before. 

Being sick is a GREAT excuse to have. But it can't ALWAYS be the excuse that keeps me from becoming a better and healthier person. 

This week is going to be a challenge. 

The challenge is: a week long CLEANSE. 

To take the time to eat only fruits, veggies, and nuts. 

Being in the most natural state. 

Taking the time to be as close to the earth as I can. 

Take the time EVERY morning to meditate on something in life. 

Take the time to breath in and be thankful for everything the LORD has given us. 

I want to clear my mind, body, and soul. 

This is yet another chapter I want to open. 

The initial "LET's DO THIS" is over with. 

This is the 2nd phase in the process. Getting back to ground. 

and CONTINUING something i've started, and to keep it going. 

I'm thankful for the health I already have. 

But I need to treat my body, like the temple that God has meant it to be. 

So this week. 

May I grow not only mentally, physically, but most importantly spiritually as well. 

I am no longer cursed, but motivated to become a person I will be proud of and that other people are proud of. 

To health. 

BST.TLF. 

Russy 

the curse.

*sigh* 

Right when I was getting on a GREAT routine w/ my diet and exercise, I GET SICK. 

Maybe I was pushing myself too hard. 

Especially w/ School and everything else picking up...I guess I needed to relax. 

But 2 weeks of not going to the gym!? 

That HAS to be a curse!! 

The one thing that has kept me good, was staying on a somewhat "clean" diet. 

I know I still have a ways to go, but it feels good when my pants start to feel loose. 

Let's get it right this week. 

I'm off to the gym. 

To health. 

BST.TLF. 

Russy 

-- ready to get back to it!!! 

This was the lowest point.

This was definitely one of the lowest points in my life. 

@ over 230 pounds (the heaviest i've ever weighed in) 

The pants I am wearing in this picture is a snug and tight fitting size 44's. 

NEVER again will I wear any size in the 40's. 

These pictures I put up, are constant reminders to NEVER go back. 

&& to also show how far I have gotten on this journey. 

Picture: 

Circa July 2009. 

Lynsey's wedding. 

worst week ever.

Well...

Another week is about to conclude, and I must say...I'm disappointed. 

I mean, what can you do. 

It's not that I wasn't motivated to go to the gym, but being sick just kills it. 

I'm usually not one to give excuses, but this has to be one of the more frustrating ones. 

The eagerness to go workout was there. The drive didn't go away... 

BUT, when your body tells you "NO! STOP!", you have to listen. 

Weird thing was, I've lost more weight this week than I was when i was pushing hard at the gym. 

I'm still on a great diet plan. Eating cleanly. and staying away from a lot of the more unhealthy foods. 

BUT I feel very sluggish, partly because I'm sick...but the other half is because I haven't done anything to really make me sweat. 

My head is pounding while I write this...and i chose to write because these are the types of things you have to keep track of. 

These are the types of things life throws at you. 

The types of things your body goes through when trying to get into shape. 

Not everyone is going to be running at full force EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

There are gonna be days, weeks, and some...even months where you just need to take a breather. 

And this was my week, where I needed to take care of my body and just rest. 

I've been pushing hard w/ school. 

&& I guess the bright side to this is, even w/ the hectic schedule of school...I've managed to get my diet in. 

That's one of the most important things to take into account when you can't go to the gym. 

I'm excited to put the two together. 

- diet 

- gym 

The results can only go up from there!! 

I know the holidays are coming, but It'll be a true test as to where my mind is really at. 

So, even though i'm battling the sickness... 

I gotta keep my head straight and look at the LONG TERM picture...and not just shoot for the short term. 

This is a journey. A marathon (not a sprint). 

It's gonna be one step at a time. 

Let's do work. 

To Health. 

BST.TLF. 

Russy