I can’t believe I haven’t even mentioned one of the other most important changes that I’ve made in the last five weeks. With the hot weather and the extra hard workouts, I am very consciously watching my drinking. I’m not talking about adult beverages, of course. I’m talking about the good stuff… water!
About a year and a half ago, at a family gathering, my aunt gave me an ultimatum. I needed to drink more water, or else I’d end up in the hospital at some point, probably sooner than later. She wasn’t joking with me. Somehow in conversation it was brought up that I wasn’t much of a water drinker, and when I say wasn’t much of a water drinker, I mean that I was maybe getting a 16 oz. bottle of water a day. That’s it. I’d sometimes drink diet pop or just nothing at all. I’d have milk with my cereal, maybe a pop at lunch and then some water or milk with dinner. Not only was this unhealthy and not doing any good for my hopes of getting fit back then, but it’s dangerous!
My aunt would be very proud now to know that as a part of this fitness challenge, my recommended daily amount of water is 120 oz. EVERY DAY! (That’s more water than I’d probably drink in a whole week.) Even though I had been improving my 16 oz. water drinking habits, this is by far the most water I’ve been consuming regularly in my whole life. In the beginning was I was very annoyed that I couldn’t go 45 minutes without a trip to the bathroom. Now I’ve realized by body has gotten so used to being this hydrated that I really feel thirsty and know when I’m not getting enough! It’s good for my skin, my organs, and it definitely helps keep my muscles from cramping up! (It also helps keep you full!) If you’re not drinking even 80 oz of water day, I’d highly recommend you start. I feel so much better each day when I’m drinking enough water and I never thought I’d say that. Find a water bottle that works for you and get to drinking! (I’m currently obsessed with my Tervis tumbler with a lid that I bought at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It goes everywhere with me.)
In just five weeks, I’m feeling good. I have to say that the nutrition is still a big challenge and always probably will be, but I’m hanging in there! The workouts are still very challenging but I think I’m getting the hang of it and starting to enjoy it more and more each time. (I was feeling pretty uncoordinated for the first few weeks!) Saturday is my five-week testing! I’m HALFWAY there. Can you believe it? I hope to improve in all areas: The mile, sit-ups, push-ups and the sit and reach. I’m currently working on putting a very short playlist together to help pump me up through the mile…. I didn’t have my iPod the first time and I always think music helps keep me energized. Do you have any song recommendations for me?! What do you jam out to while you are working up a sweat?
