The Sweat and the Tears

It’s been a tough one this week.  From spoilt macros to lacking motivation to train, it’s really been the week that’s tested me the most so far!

If you haven’t already read my first post here, I’d recommend giving it a read for some context as to what I’m trying to achieve in my fitness journey. If you have read it (thanks), read on for this week’s update.

The Calm

I started the week off well, following my weekly check in with Tom (TRHF Coaching).  Everything for the previous week was on point, so just a few adjustments were made; to my calorie intake (which was upped slightly) and the dreaded stair master sessions were increased to 20 minutes each.

Not phased by this, I set my sights on my new targets, starting the next day with my upper body workout and my first 20 minute stair master session, which I managed.  It was hard, but I kept focussed and got through it at the end of my workout.

Friday was another group session, which again went well; pushing hard, focussing on the long term goals – always!

I was actively trying to increase my calorie intake (in particular, protein) and was doing well, so far.  However, the upcoming weekend I had a pre-organised event I was attending.  Our friends were holding a mini festival, which included, great people, music, drinking, camping and bouncy castles!

The Storm

This is all great fun, but posed a challenge whilst I’m trying to stay focussed on my goal.

Firstly, the event was 3.5 hours away from home, and this journey meant I missed my 5k run which I usually do every Saturday – strike 1!

I had taken a protein shake in the morning and my wife Viks had bought some snacks that were more excusable than typical car snacks.  I’d also brought along some protein yoghurts and protein powder for later.

Unfortunately, all my good intentions went to crap.  I knew I was going to have a few beers as I’d taken 4 bottles with me.  I’d stuck to only those 4 drinks all night, but regarding the ‘good’ food I’d taken with me, despite my good intentions, in the midst of the party, whilst fish and chips were being provided, along with an ice cream truck turning up, I didn’t really have a chance.

Now, by the end of it, I hadn’t really gone over my daily calorific target, but my macros were all over the place.  4 Peronis, a portion of fries and ice lolly will do that.

I wasn’t beating myself up about this, this stuff happens and I’ve been disciplined so far, so I wasn’t going to get down about this one occasion, but to compound this, despite the event being awesome and having a brilliant time, we were camping, in a tent!  I was never going to get a great sleep, but then I had to drive 3.5 hours home on the Sunday.

When we got back, I was exhausted (spot the middle age man who can’t hack it anymore) and just not feeling the idea of working out, but Sunday is leg day.

Everything about the day was telling me to skip it, it will be alright missing one session in my first 6 weeks, you’re tired, you need to rest, it’s super hot today!  But I knew more than anything, I would feel much worse mentally for not going, I would feel like I was defeated, so I dragged my sorry self to the gym and gave it everything; including another 20 minute stair master at the end of the session.  It was so hot and not fun.  Sweat was dripping off every part of me!

I was absolutely spent after the workout, but felt so much better having done it.  I felt I achieved something, despite the weekend I had.  I had taken control of how I was feeling and didn’t let the previous day’s disappointments infringe on today’s potential, and this to me is where the real changes happen; right in this headspace.

Monday I was able to play 6-a-side football, indoor, in really hot conditions, so managed to sweat loads and burn a bunch of calories and then Tuesday had another gruelling group session, focussing on upper body.  I left with arms feeling like lead!

Wrapping It Up

All in all, despite the challenges presented this last week, I feel I’ve made progress, physically and mentally.  I’ve proven to myself that I’ve got what’s required to reach my goal and this is now something I can draw from each time I come up against these moments, because there will be a next time, no doubt!

Looking at the pics below, I can see further improvement, so things are moving in the right direction.

So, onto the next week.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a good one.

Zach

P.S. If you want a laugh, muppet here went camping with all the gear, but forgot the tent!  Thankfully our friends knew there was always going to be that one idiot and had a spare, this time, that idiot was me!

** Disclaimer – there was plenty of sweat, but no actual tears **