Despite not having a great night of sleep, I had a great start to the weekend today. I woke up and fed baby B, then did my progress checks (more on those in a minute). After that I downed a banana and quickly filmed this week’s FFF Featured move before heading to the gym. Speaking of which – I really need to at least ACT a bit more awake in those videos. I promise I’m not so dull. You should know from reading I’m typically pretty energetic.

I certainly had energy once I got into my final workout of Couch to 5K’s week two. I always feel so accomplished after every session. Today, the workout called for alternating 90 seconds of running with 2 minutes of walking. I alternated between 4.4 and 7.0 mph and ended up with 2.15 miles covered in 25 minutes.

After my workout, I came home and ate up a bowl of brown oats. PB & Co sent me some new peanut butter and I knew I had to incorporate it into this morning’s breakfast. Oats, greek yogurt, Dark Chocolate Dreams, and some raisins.

It hit the spot. Just like foam rolling out my legs did. I want to be sure I stay on top of keeping my muscles stretched out.

And now what you all likely came to see…1 month progress pictures. The images on the left are from 1 week post-partum. The images on the right are from this morning, just after 1 month post-partum.

And a bit of a closer look at the areas I’m working on….

I’m certainly happy with the results I have achieved in 3.5 weeks.I think progress pictures are the best way to really see and track the results. I can tell by looking at these that things are happening. It’s not huge, but that’s a good thing in my opinion. I much prefer slow and steady losses. Which is what I had on the scale with my first weigh-in.

I plan on doing a post like this once a month (every 4 weeks) to share my progress with all of you, hold me accountable, and have a place to keep record of it all. For that reason, I will share my progress stats in these progress posts only. Hopefully once a month won’t be too much for you all.

For this month, I don’t have much to share in the way of stats. I only had my first weigh-in this morning. I was down 1.4 pounds from this past week, which is great.:)  I also took measurements this morning and I will share changes from those my next progress post. I want to have all the information so I can see the entire picture and not focus too much on one aspect of measuring progress. Progress pictures and the fit of my clothes will always take precedence though in tracking progress. And of course, I will be feeling good taking care of myself every step of the way! I truly feel GREAT already. I plan to keep on like I have been and just seeing where it brings me. Wherever it is, it will surely be a happy place.

So, there you have my first progress post. I promise future ones won’t be so wordy!

Question of the Evening – What is the most painful area to foam roll for you?

Sticking with the plan isn’t the only thing that took up some of my thoughts while at the gym last night. I also found myself in a moment of weakness sucked into that dangerous black hole: comparison.

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I was going about my Couch to 5K workout happily – feeling strong, healthy, and fit. I had a fantastic day earlier, thanks to B sleeping better and over the last week getting into a solid routine that makes juggling two much easier. [Side note: he even slept from 8 to 1 and then from 2 to 6 last night. Heaven!] I had confidence in what I have already accomplished fitness wise oozing from my pores. I love my body and it amazes me in all it can do. Then, it happened. She showed up.

So, there’s this chick at my gym. A lot of her fitness persona reminds me of myself 1.5 years ago when I felt at my personal best physically. Her body is very comparable to the physique I call my “happy place”. The workouts she completes resemble my favorite types of workouts and the way I love to challenge myself. Her energy and vibe appear so natural as she smiles and happily connects with other members over their workouts. And I found myself very bothered by this.

I caught myself saying things of annoyance about her in my head. Critiquing what she was wearing or calling her a flirt for chatting with some of the guys. Then it dawned on me. I was only doing these things out of jealousy caused by comparing myself. I had no need to think such things. She looked good. One of the guys she chatted with is her husband and his friends! They were talking about workouts – not flirting! Evidently my thoughts were completely jealousy related.

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The comparison trap and jealousy caused by it lead me to momentarily lose the satisfaction and appreciation of my body and achievements right now. Once I recognized that, I forced myself to stop. I don’t like to think negatively. I was happy just moments before and shouldn’t forget those great feelings so easily.

Then, I turned that jealousy into a positive. I remember I am working back to that goal and I have full faith that I can achieve those things again with ample time. I have the dedication and the love of fitness to do so. I also remembered that treating myself with respect and being happy with the journey were a key part to that success after Makenzie. I can’t lose that same mindset for this journey. And I won’t. I finished out my workout yet again feeling healthy and confident. Yet again believing in myself and loving my body for the amazing things it has done (creating beautiful children) and that it continues to do (getting back in shape so easily). Black hole averted.

Question of the Day – What do you do when you find yourself in the comparison trap or feeling jealous?